[Minimally invasive approach to implantation of a hip endoprosthesis]

Early experiences with the two-incision approach at the hip joint are reported. We started in July 2002 and until now 272 procedures have been performed. Blood loss (292 ml) and the need for rehabilitation are reduced, the patients will achieve a Harris Hip Score of more than 90 points within 6 or 8 weeks. Complications related to the approach primarily include irritation of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. During the learning curve when the initial shaft model was used, shaft fractures or fissures occurred in 4% of the cases. This complication was no longer observed with the ML Taper shaft model now employed (n=102). The development and establishment of minimally invasive approaches constitute a valuable and seminal option for implantation of hip endoprostheses. In the medium term, the time spent in rehabilitation could conceivably be reduced. Conventional approaches still represent the gold standard.