Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled prospective trial.
BACKGROUND
Advantages of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA) are controversially discussed.


METHODS
In this prospective study 51 patients (52 hips) were randomly allocated to a classical lateral or a minimally invasive approach (modification of the Hardinge-approach). Operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin, muscle enzymes CK and myoglobin were recorded. Radiologically the positioning of the prosthesis was analyzed. WOMAC- and Harris Hip Score (HHS) were assessed preoperatively, at discharge, at 6 weeks and 3 months.


RESULTS
In the minimally invasive group there was a shorter length of surgery, the scores in the WOMAC and HHS were slightly better at discharge and at the 3 months- examination, myoglobin-rise was slightly less. The positioning of the prosthesis was good in both groups. Minimally invasive THA led to a quicker recovery, at 3 months postoperative there was still a slight difference to the standard group.


CONCLUSIONS
If these slight differences subside has to be examined in studies with a longer follow-up.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig Maximilian University, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
Farhad
F
Mazoochian
Patrick
P
Weber
Sara
S
Schramm
Sandra
S
Utzschneider
Andreas
A
Fottner
Volkmar
V
Jansson
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography
D006454:Hemoglobins