Posterior-lateral approach to minimal incision total hip arthroplasty

The mini incision total hip (MITH) arthroplasty procedure requires proper orientation of implants, meticulous handling of soft tissues, careful hemostasis, and efficient use of surgical time. To insure this, the MITH surgeon must have sound experience with hip arthroplasty and must be able to identify visual landmarks and anatomic references. Hastening hospital discharge and reducing postoperative monitoring of these patients should be avoided, as the underlying surgical insult and alteration of physiology remain the same. Current short-term outcome studies show some benefits of this approach, but long-term studies will eventually confirm whether there is definitive value to the smaller incision approach, or if the results are merely cosmetic.