Minimal Incision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Although debate regarding minimally invasive hip surgery is inconclusive, information published to date on the risks and benefits of small-incision approaches focuses the discussion on quality and outcomes. Small-incision surgical approaches include the posterior, anterolateral, direct anterior, and two-incision approach. Computer navigation assists in mapping hip replacement surgery. Obesity is a risk factor and has been found to increase complications. Patient education, pain management, and rehabilitation are important to recovery after minimal incision hip arthroplasty. Total hip replacement may be successfully achieved via smaller incisions, but functional improvement, discharge to home, patient satisfaction, and analgesic requirement may be similar regardless of the length of the incision.