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Updated: May 14, 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
Mini-incision direct lateral approach versus anterior mini-invasive approach in total hip replacement: results 1 year
Francesco Pogliacomi1, Massimo De Filippo, Alessandro Paraskevopoulos
1Section of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Parma University-Hospital, Parma, Italy. fpogliacomi@yahoo.com
Background And Aim:
Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a subject of much debate in the literature and is claimed to be superior to the standard technique due to the potential reduction of soft tissue damage via a smaller and tissue-sparing approach. The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of THAs which were implanted through a modified "less-invasive/mini-incision" lateral approach performed and through an anterior mini-invasive (MI) approach and to eastablish their safety.
Materials And Methods:
Seventy patients, who underwent THA between January 2011 and September 2011, were divided into two groups according to the surgical approach. Group 1 included 35 patients who were operated through a modified "less-invasive/mini-incision" lateral approach and group 2 included 35 patients operated through an anterior MI approach. Operation and hospitalisation time, blood loss and number of transfusions were analyzed as well as the peri-operative complications and prosthetic component placement. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was recorded before and at 1 year follow-up evaluation. The Pain Visual Analogue Scale (pain VAS) was administered to the patients before, 1 week and 1 month after surgery as well as at the follow-up visit.
Results:
Similar satisfactory results and complication rates between the two approaches were observed. Group 2 patients experienced less pain in the early postoperative period.
Conclusions:
The satisfactory and similar results and the low rate of complications observed suggest that THA can be performed safety through these 2 approaches. (www.actabiomedica.it).

