The key defining feature of minimally invasive hip surgery compared with traditional hip surgery is the surgical approach taken. In minimally invasive hip surgery the surgeon does not have to cut muscles to access the hip. Therefore it is a minimally invasive, muscle sparing surgery which utilises an alternative approach to traditional Total Hip Replacement.
Traditionally the surgeon makes the hip incision laterally (on the side of the hip) or posteriorly (at the back of the hip). Both of these approaches involve cutting major muscles to access the hip joint. However, with the Anterior Approach Hip Replacement the incision is made in front of the hip enabling the surgeon to access the hip joint without cutting through any muscles.
The benefits of an Anterior Hip Replacement compared to the traditional approaches taken in hip replacement surgery include: