title: Mini-incision direct lateral approach versus anterior mini-invasive approach in total hip replacement: results 1 year after surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  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).
authors: Section of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Parma University-Hospital, Parma, Italy. fpogliacomi@yahoo.com
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Pogliacomi
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: De Filippo
authors: Alessandro
authors: A
authors: Paraskevopoulos
authors: Massimiliano
authors: M
authors: Alesci
authors: Pietro
authors: P
authors: Marenghi
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Ceccarelli
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000601:surgery*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome