Less invasive total hip arthroplasty: description of a new technique.

We describe a new technique and aim to justify its use in total hip arthroplasty. The incision is short and there is minimal soft tissue dissection: piriformis and most of quadratus femoris remain intact. A meticulous capsular repair is performed. Patients are mobilized without restrictions. One hundred total hip arthroplasties by the standard posterior approach (group 1) were compared with 100 by the less invasive approach (group 2). Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Mean blood loss in group 1 was higher (P < .0001) and inpatient stay longer (P < .0001). There was greater improvement in WOMAC scores for up to 1 year in the less invasive group (P = .027). In conclusion, the less invasive approach is safe and the functional benefits last up to 1 year.