What is the greatest risk associated with the posterolateral approach in hip surgery?

The risk associated with the posterolateral approach in hip surgery primarily involves the positioning of the hip following the procedure. When using this surgical approach, there is a significant concern about dislocation of the hip joint, especially related to certain movements that can compromise the stability of the hip.

Hip flexion greater than 90 degrees, as well as internal rotation and adduction, are movements that can place undue stress on the newly repaired joint. In this context, the combination of hip flexion beyond 90 degrees along with internal rotation can lead to improper alignment and increased tension on the hip's soft tissue and joint structures, raising the likelihood of dislocation.

Choosing both hip flexion greater than 90 degrees and internal rotation as the correct answer highlights the synergistic risk posed by these specific movements when they occur together. This understanding is crucial for rehabilitation post-operatively, as it guides clinicians in setting safe movement patterns and activity limitations for patients recovering from hip surgery performed via a posterolateral approach.