Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty: an overview of the results.

Small-incision total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been shown to be safe and effective in achieving early postoperative improvements in pain and function. The comparative published reports of the two-incision, anterior, and mini-posterior techniques have defined indications for small-incision THAs. The mini-posterior approach appears to be better than the traditional posterior approach for THA in terms of early patient function and acceptance. There may be little difference among the mini-incision techniques when preoperative patient education and postoperative rehabilitation are equivalent. Correct component positioning has been consistently achieved with small-incision procedures, and short-term results are the same as those of traditional THA. The mini-posterior approach also has been shown to have psychological advantages because it allows patients to be more confident about their outcomes. New anesthesia and pain management techniques have also improved early functional results. With time and technical advances such as computer navigation, the use of minimally invasive THA will become more prevalent.