Posterior skin flap numbness after total hip arthroplasty.

The results of a study into posterior skin flap numbness in 25 scars following primary hip arthroplasty using a straight lateral incision are reported. Nineteen scars (76%) examined were found to have some degree of skin flap numbness. In none of these patients, however, was it considered to be a significant problem. This is believed to be the first description of this neurologic problem following this approach to total hip arthroplasty and that patients should be advised of it before surgery.