Short and standard stem prostheses are both viable options for minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty.

Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (MIS THA) has recently increased in popularity. Concurrently, newly developed short femoral components are being used. These short components may make insertion during MIS approaches easier and preserve more bone than traditional femoral stems, while providing a more anatomic stress distribution in the proximal femur. Our purpose was to review the literature concerning MIS THA, to determine if using short stems over standard femoral components is beneficial and if surgical approach affects the ability to use any type of stem. Successful clinical survivorship and functional outcomes have been reported with both short and standard length femoral implant types for all MIS approaches. Therefore, the type of implant should be chosen based on other factors, such as diagnosis, bone type and condition, patient age, and surgeon preference.