Posterior Mini-Incision Total Hip
Traditional surgery involves a 8-10 inch curved incision on the side of the hip. The actual incision length depends on the size of the patient. Although this approach affords wide exposure to the posterior half of the hip joint, it also may lead to a significantly longer recovery period. Specialized techniques and instruments have been developed to allow the same operation to be done with a very limited incision, usually 2-4 inches in length. Advantages of this approach include fewer postoperative dislocations, reduced pain and a faster recovery.

Two-Incision Mini-Total Hip
This procedure enables surgeons to place the same hip implant used in traditional surgery through two incisions of 1 ½ to 2 inches each, rather than the standard 8- to 10-inch incision. It involves generally avoiding or separating muscles, ligaments and tendons rather than cutting through them, as is done in traditional total hip replacement surgery. Potential benefits include less tissue trauma, smaller scars, shorter hospital stay, reduced blood loss and faster, less painful rehabilitation. This procedure may not be an option if a patient is obese, has a recent history of a blood clot, prior replacement of the same hip or other unstable medical conditions.