Nerve injuries associated with total hip arthroplasty

Nerve injury is a relatively rare, yet potentially devastating complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Incidence of this ranges from 0.6 to 3.7%, and is highest in patients with developmental hip dysplasia and previous hip surgery. Apart from patient and surgeon dissatisfaction, this complication can have medico-legal consequences. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to review the risk factors, etiology, diagnostic options, management strategies, prognosis, and prevention measures of nerve injuries associated with THA. We specifically evaluated the: 1) sciatic nerve; 2) femoral nerve; 3) obturator nerve; 4) superior gluteal nerve; and 5) the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.