Total hip replacement (THR) using the minimally invasive (MI) approach is fairly new. It isn't done by every orthopedic surgeon. The first step is to find out who does this type of THR in your area.

he second thing to look for is a surgeon who has taken a course. Ask if he or she has received direct training before doing this operation alone. Third, ask how many THRs the surgeon has done using the MI method. It's best to find someone who does a high volume of these operations.

Studies show there are fewer deaths at hospitals and centers where a large number of surgeries are done. New research suggests this is mostly because the surgeon has done many similar cases.