Mini-Posterior Approach

Mini-Posterolateral Total Hip Replacement

The most common approach today is referred to as the “posterior approach,” which is done from the back of the hip. Approximately 60% of surgeons in the United States use the posterior approach for hip replacement. Recent improvements to this approach allow a smaller incision and less tissue trauma, enabling a more rapid post-operative recovery. This modification of the posterior approach has been called the “mini posterior approach.” The mini-posterior approach allows our surgeons to perform total hip replacement through a relatively small incision without cutting the important abductor muscles that are critical to hip stability and gait.

Since this is the most commonly used approach, it is very safe with minimal risk of nerve damage, femur fracture, and less blood loss in comparison to other approaches. In addition, if needed, this approach can be quickly expanded to access the pelvis or femur in more complex cases such as hip revision surgery. Not every patient is a candidate for every surgical approach, and excellent outcomes can be obtained with any approach. As a result, we work with our patients to ensure the surgical approach is customized to meet the patient’s needs and provide the safest, most successful hip replacement possible.