Posterolateral minimal incision for total hip replacement: technique and early results

A minimally invasive posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty has been developed with modified instrumentation to facilitate exposure. The technique is based on limited soft tissue dissection rather than simply a shortened incision. Results of a series of 100 consecutive arthroplasties are presented. Patients have demonstrated multiple benefits, including rapid rehabilitation, shortened length of hospital stay, and decreased rate of transfusion.