This document describes the posterior approach for hip surgery. It is the most common approach as it allows easy access to the hip joint through a curved incision over the posterior aspect of the greater trochanter. It avoids weakness of the abductors compared to anterior approaches. Landmarks include palpating the greater trochanter. The gluteus maximus fibers are split to expose the short external rotator muscles and hip capsule. The sciatic nerve lies deep and must be protected. The posterior capsule is incised to dislocate the hip for visualization. Potential dangers include injury to the sciatic nerve or inferior gluteal vessels.