Minimally Invasive Means Less Tissue Trauma With Hip Replacement

Is it reasonable to switch to the newer, minimally invasive (MI) method of total hip replacement (THR)? That's the question asked by the authors of this article.

Sure it's nice to have a smaller incision. But it's not worth taking the risk of a poor result just for a smaller scar. The authors suggest taking a common sense approach to MI joint replacements.

Most important is the reduced tissue trauma with this surgery. The muscles around the joint are protected. The patient has much less pain. Recovery is faster when pain is controlled after surgery.

On the other hand the authors point out that tissues can be less traumatized without a MI approach. Local injection of a numbing agent can be used. Better pain control after surgery is advised.

The results of this study involving 35 patients showed that MI THR isn't advised for most patients. Instead reduced tissue trauma THR is recommended. Patients get the same high-quality joint replacement that will last a long time.