A, Fascial incision (green line) is positioned over the tensor fascia latae (TFL) muscle and lateral to the interval between TFL and sartorius (dashed white line). B, Blunt dissection medially beneath fascia leads to interval between TFL and sartorius. C, Within the fat layer at distal extent of interval are branches of the lateral femoral circumflex vessels that must be identified and carefully cauterized. D, Extracapsular placement of retractors superiorly and inferiorly before capsulotomy. An additional retractor may be placed medially beneath rectus femoris. (A from Post ZD, Orozco F, Diaz-Ledezma C, et al: Direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty: indications, technique, and results, J Am Acad Orthop Surg 22:595-603, 2014. B-D redrawn from Depuy.) SEE TECHNIQUE 3.7.