[Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty. Anterior approach]

Minimally invasive surgery aims at reducing soft tissue trauma to reduce blood loss and postoperative pain, to shorten the necessary stay in hospital, to accelerate the rehabilitation and to improve the cosmesis of the scar. The article describes the technique of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty via an anterior approach utilizing the interval between the tensor fasciae latae, gluteus medius et minimus muscle laterally and the sartorius and rectus femoris muscle medially. The proposed method is a safe procedure, which allows correct placement of cup and stem. It may be performed within a reasonable time and blood loss is low. The procedure leads to cosmetically pleasing scars. As the patients usually do not suffer from considerable postoperative pain and experience accelerated rehabilitation, they agree to early discharge.