Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty through a reduced wound has been popularized in the past decade. Supporters advocate that the minimally invasive approach can have better functional recovery by decreasing tissue trauma as compared with the conventional approach. Accumulated data published recently, however, demonstrated no additional benefits and possible more complications associated with the minimally invasive techniques as compared with conventional approach.No matter how controversy remains about the clinical outcomes and benefits of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty, surgeons nowadays adopt some forms of the minimally invasive approach into their practice and patient care. The advocate of minimally invasive technique has revolutionized the perspectives of patient care in joint replacement surgery. The perception of a successful joint replacement has also shifted from surgeons to patients. An excellent result is no longer excellent radiographic measurements and functional scores. Patient's satisfaction is now prioritized by holistic implementation of multidisciplinary collaborations. Orthopedic surgeons should take the full responsibility and master their most familiar and comfortable technique of minimally invasive approach, in the best interests of the patients, to provide long-lasting clinical outcomes and minimize trauma to the patients.