Two-Incision Hip Replacement in the Morbidly Obese Patient

Hip replacement in the morbidly obese patient is fraught with medical, anesthetic, and surgical difficulties. The two-incision technique affords several advantages by providing: 1) a minimally invasive hip replacement in the morbidly obese patient; 2) radiographically controlled orientations for the correct placements of the acetabular and femoral implants; and 3) possibly fewer surgical risk factors via a markedly decreased incision size, allowing rapid return of independent activities. Meticulous medical care and rapid mobilization help to decrease the potential for postoperative complications. We describe total hip replacement in the morbidly obese patient with the use of the two-incision technique.