Anterior-supine minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty: defining the learning curve.

The anterior-supine intermuscular approach is a truly muscle-sparing approach to total hip arthroplasty with a low complication rate. The advantages include improved early recovery and return to everyday activities. The authors found the learning curve to be around 40 cases and 6 months in a high-volume joint surgeon's practice. This article provides a detailed description of the surgical approach, including the use of a standard operating room table and fluoroscopy. Cadaver dissections and one-on-one mentoring are recommended when implementing this approach in one's practice.