The Outcomes of Small-Incision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Modifications of Existing Surgical Approaches

Total hip arthroplasty has evolved over the past few decades. Minimally invasive hip arthroplasty has been introduced to the orthopedic community, and it has stirred controversy with respect to the purported benefits over the conventional approaches. Studies done by the pioneers or by exprienced surgeons demonstrate that minimally invasive techniques can improve the immediate outcomes of total hip arthroplasty. Less blood loss, shorter hospitalization, and faster return to normal life are potential benefits of any minimally invasive surgery. However, the majority of those studies implement changes in the intraoperative and postoperative protcols that may independently affect the outcome of THA. The literature lacks proper prospective studies that compare conventional and minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty and the effect of different rehabilitation protocols on the outcome. Also, the results of different approaches for minimally invasive hip arthroplasty remain to be studied. The purpose of this report is to review the results of reported short-term outcomes and complications of small-incision total hip replacements performed with several modifications of existing surgical approaches.