Sciatic nerve injury in total hip resurfacing: a biomechanical analysis.

The condition of the gluteal sling was a significant factor in determining the pressure experienced by the sciatic nerve during acetabular exposure in total hip resurfacing via a posterior approach. The position of the knee did not play a significant role at this stage of the procedure. Average pressures were not elevated above a predefined injury level during positioning for femoral preparation. During hip reduction, knee positioning seemed to play a significant role in pressures placed on the sciatic nerve. These findings suggest that releasing the gluteal sling during a posterior approach for total hip resurfacing may help to prevent postoperative sciatic nerve palsies. Consideration should also be given to at least partially flexing the knee during hip reduction in this procedure.