Minimal-Incision Total Hip Arthroplasty

The concept of minimally invasive total joint arthroplasty has recently received enormous attention from a variety of sources. The interest in this subject was clearly evident at the 2003 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, with numerous technical exhibits, scientific exhibits1, paper presentations2,3, and symposia4,5 making reference to minimally invasive approaches to joint replacement surgery. Whether this represents the future of orthopaedic surgery or is just a fad is unclear, as a true definition of the term minimally invasive has not been established. The purpose of this study is to present our experience with total hip arthroplasty performed through a minimal incision.