Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty.

Abstract

Total hip arthroplasty procedures relieve patients' arthritic hip pain. Since the first procedure was performed in the 1960s, surgeons and implant companies have worked to improve prosthesis design, composition of implants, and the mechanisms for holding the implants in place. Recently, surgeons have focused on minimizing the surgical incision. Smaller incisions have resulted in smaller scars and faster recoveries. This article presents a brief historical overview of, as well as current trends in, minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty. All aspects of care for a patient undergoing total hip arthroplasty are discussed.