[Minimal-incision total hip arthoplasty: complications]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Context:

• Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) hip arthroplasty aims to reduce tissue trauma compared to conventional methods.
• Reported advantages include decreased blood loss, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and improved cosmetic outcomes.
• However, some literature suggests potential for severe complications with MIS procedures.

Purpose:

• To report intraoperative and early postoperative complications from a retrospective study of 215 patients (230 hips) who underwent minimally invasive hip replacement.
• To evaluate specific complications such as fractures, implant issues, blood loss, dislocations, prolonged bleeding, component malposition, infections, and thromboembolism.
• To present the authors' experience with complications in MIS hip arthroplasty without endorsing or condemning the technique.

Summary:

• A retrospective review of 215 patients (230 hips) undergoing minimally invasive hip arthroplasty using fiber metal coated implants.
• Complications assessed included bone/implant fractures, blood loss, dislocations, prolonged bleeding, component positioning, infections, and thromboembolism.
• The study observed complications that can occur with any surgical technique, emphasizing the need for awareness in MIS hip replacement.

Impact:

• Provides valuable data on the spectrum of complications associated with minimally invasive hip surgery.
• Contributes to the ongoing discussion regarding the safety and risk profile of MIS hip arthroplasty.
• Informs orthopedic surgeons about potential adverse events, aiding in patient counseling and surgical planning for hip replacement procedures.