To evaluate the usefulness of total hip arthroplasty with the mini-incision technique (mini-incision THA) by comparing it with conventional THA.

Two groups were compared; one group received conventional THA, the other group mini-incision THA. All these patients were treated using same prosthesis. We compared the postoperative clinical and radiological results.

Skin incisions ranging from 13 cm to 28 cm were needed for conventional THA and 5.5-9 cm for mini-incision THA. The mean operative time was 53 minutes for the conventional method and 52 minutes for the mini-incision method. Mean blood loss in mini-incisionTHA was less than in conventional THA by about 240 cc, mean length of hospital stay was shortened by 5 days. Using a 5-point scale, pain was reduced in mini-incision THA. No differences were found between the two groups in terms of the opening angle of the acetabularcomponent and the intramedullary status of the femoral stem insertion.

Mini-incision THA produced better clinical results and no differences were observed in the radiological findings versus conventional THA. Mini-incision THA is believed to be a useful method of reducing the skin incision and soft tissue dissection, and permits earlyrehabilitation and increases patient satisfaction.