The distance of the gluteal nerve in relation to anatomical landmarks: an anatomic study.

The direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty minimizes the risk of injuring the superior gluteal nerve, which may result in a gluteal insufficiency. Special care should be paid on avoiding overstretching the tensor fasciae latea muscle using minimum force on retractors during surgery and by taking care of the entrance point of the superior gluteal nerve to the tensor fasciae latae.