The limited incision, anterolateral, intermuscular technique for total hip arthroplasty.

Limited incision total hip arthroplasty has potential advantages over traditional techniques. Many new approaches have been advocated, however, each new approach has a number of drawbacks. A technique using a single incision with an anterolateral, intermuscular approach offers attractive advantages including the use of the more familiar lateral positioning for the patient and a short learning curve for the surgeon. Also, intraoperative fluoroscopy is not required and the surgeon can perform a trial reduction and can extend the approach if necessary.