Abstract
Mini-incision total hip arthroplasty seeks to eliminate some complications of traditional extensile exposure and also facilitates more rapid post-operative rehabilitation. Posterior approach has been associated with increased risk of posterior dislocation. Thus, a modified mini-incision lateral approach of Hardinge was described not only to overcome this problem by preserving the posterior capsule, but also allows adequate access for orientation of the implant. The author has modified the Hardinge approach by a V-shaped incision where the apex is centered over the tip of the greater trochanter with the one limb extending proximally along the fibers of the gluteus medius muscle and the distal limb extending across the proximal part of vastus lateralis. This innovative surgical approach is described in this article.
Conclusion
Larger incisions and surgical approaches have been associated with larger blood loss, greater need for perioperative transfusion, use of more postoperative analgesics, a longer hospital stay, and a slower recovery. In this modified approach, the gluteus medius is left intact. The postoperative strength of the abductors of the operated side was the same as that on the non-operated side and functionally, the direct lateral approach was a safe alternative to other approaches in decreasing the trendelenburg gait and incidence of heterotrophic ossification.
