Minimally invasive hip resurfacing.

Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing is an emerging surgical alternative for younger patients who are expected to outlive a conventional total hip replacement implant. Minimally invasive hip resurfacing uses a smaller surgical incision and new techniques to expose the hip joint. Possible advantages include less damage to soft tissue, muscle and bone; smaller scars; less blood loss; and shorter hospital stays and rehabilitation. Possible disadvantages include damage to soft tissue, femur fracture, neurovascular damage, implant malposition and a longer operating time. The lack of published or unpublished trials or case reports makes it impossible to draw conclusions about the relative effectiveness of minimally invasive procedures for hip resurfacing. Developments in computer navigation systems and fluoroscopic imaging may permit more widespread use of minimally invasive hip resurfacing in the future.