The role of minimally invasive hip surgery in reducing pain

The purported benefits of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared with conventional approaches has stirred controversy in the orthopaedic community. Some studies performed by the pioneers of the minimally invasive techniques showed improvement in immediate patient outcomes. Less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, lessened immediate postoperative pain, and faster return to normal activities are potential benefits of any type of minimally invasive surgery. Most studies of minimally invasive THA have involved changes in the intraoperative and postoperative protocols that could independently affect patient outcome. Appropriate prospective studies that compare conventional and minimally invasive THA and the effects of different rehabilitation protocols on patient outcome are needed. The results of different approaches for minimally invasive THA also require study. A review of reported short-term outcomes and complications of small-incision THA performed using several modifications of existing surgical approaches and the possible effect on postoperative pain provide needed information on this controversial topic.