Comparing femoral head visualisation of modified medial hip approach versus Smith-Petersen approach: a cadaveric anatomical study.

Background: Femoral head fractures are a specific type of hip fracture that typically result from high-energy trauma. Surgical intervention is generally required for most displaced femoral head fractures. The anterior-based approach, particularly the Smith-Petersen approach (SPA), is a commonly recommended surgical approach for fixation in these cases. However, the fracture fragments of the femoral head usually occur at the anteromedial region. As a result, the medial hip approach (MHA) might serve as an alternative and suitable option for femoral head fractures and intra-articular pathology.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine and compare the visualisation area of the femoral head between the modified-medial hip approach (MHA) and the Smith-Petersen approach (SPA).

Methods: 14 fresh frozen cadavers were included in the study, with each hip being approached using both the modified MHA and SPA techniques. Measurements of area and localisation were performed to ideally simulate the intraoperative visualisation perspective of the surgeon for each approach.

Results: The findings demonstrated that the modified-MHA approach provided superior exposure of the medial and posterior aspects of the femoral head compared to the SPA.

Conclusions: The MHA may be considered as a viable alternative for the treatment of femoral head fractures and intra-articular pathologies.