Advancements in minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty.

Orthopedic surgeons have successfully performed total hip arthroplasty (THA) for more than 40 years. During this time it has continued to evolve into a more predictable and refined procedure. Minimally invasive surgery represents one of the most recent techniques to have emerged within THA. In conventional THA, the incision typically measures 20-30 cm depending on the patient. Although conventional THA affords wide exposure of the hip joint, it also leads to a predictably large blood loss and significant rehabilitation time. Minimally invasive approaches, defined as less invasive to the skin, muscles, or bone, may reduce complications and potentially improve recovery time. Minimizing the recovery process is becoming increasingly desirable in a society that demands an individual to return to normal activities after a short recovery. There are a number of potential approaches and methods that may improve the results of THA. Complications of minimally invasive surgery may include sciatic or femoral nerve palsy, component malpositioning, intraoperative fracture, leg length discrepancy, and damage to muscles or skin by excessive retraction.