Minimal-invasive posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty versus standard lateral approach.

In this prospective study we compared clinical and radiological results and rehabilitation progress of 64 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty using the standard lateral approach with 64 patients operated with a minimal-invasive (MIS) posterior approach. The outcome of our study did not show any significant differences with regard to patient's safety such as complication rate and radiological assessment of the cup position. There was no difference in the duration of surgery, blood loss, hospital stay and postoperative leg length discrepancy. Rehabilitation milestones were achieved earlier by MIS patients and three and six months postoperatively, the Harris Hip Score of the MIS group was significantly higher.