Modified minimally invasive two-incision total hip arthroplasty using large diameter femoral head

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive (MI) total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an alternative to standard THA, but has created much controversy among orthopedic surgeons. The authors modified the original minimally invasive two-incision THA technique and used large-diameter (32 mm, 36 mm) ceramic-on-ceramic articulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy patients that underwent unilateral MI two-incision THA were retrospectively reviewed, and surgical morbidity, functional recovery, radiological properties, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: Mean Harris hip score (HHS) improved from 41.8 to 96.1 at last followup, and mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score from 66.2 to 26.9. The mean lateral opening angle of the acetabular component was 38.2° and the mean stem position was valgus 1.9°. There was an intraoperative femur fracture and one revision surgery due to stem subsidence. No patient had dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that this modified technique combined with large ceramic femoral head is safe and reproducible in terms of achieving proper implant positioning and early functional recovery.