Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
The Transition to an Anterior-Based Muscle Sparing Approach Improves Early Postoperative Function but is Associated with a Learning Curve
Published on: September 7, 2022
[Anterolateral approach for minimally invasive hip surgery]
J J Morales de Cano1, J M Illobre, C López
1Servei de Cirurgia Ortopedica y Traumatologia Hospital del Vendrell, Carretera de Barcelona s/n. El Vendrell 43700. jmorales@xarxatecla.cat
Introduction:
The approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a mini-incision has been used progressively to decrease morbidity, achieve prompt patient recovery without an increased risk and shorten the hospital stay. However, the advantages and probable complications of these approaches are not clear. The objective of this paper is to compare the preliminary perioperative results of two groups of patients undergoing THA, one using the standard approach and the second one with a mini-incision.
Material And Methods:
170 patients underwent surgery; they were divided into two groups. In group I (GI) patients an anterolateral mini-incision was performed, and in group II (GII) patients a standard Watson-Jones incision was used. Mean incision length was 8 cm in GI and 20 cm in GII.
Results:
No statistically significant differences were found between both groups in the clinical and radiographic results and in the complications; however, a significant difference was found in the need for transfusions, wound size and hospital stay.
Conclusions:
This study showed that primary THA with a mini-incision was a safe procedure that reduced the operative time without increasing the complications.
