At the 16th annual meeting of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, several papers were presented comparing the two-incision minimally invasive total hip technique and the mini posterior incision total hip technique. Proponents of the two-incision technique have popularized this procedure stating that it has a faster recovery, better outcomes, and more rapid return to work. A paper presented by physician researchers at the Mayo Clinic compared the results of these two procedures. When evaluating function, pain relief, return to activity, and several other factors, it was found that the mini posterior incision actually performed better then the two-incision technique. This is the latest in a line of studies objectively comparing the two techniques and a similar conclusion has been found in the majority of these studies. This puts to rest much of the enthusiasm and hype in the media about two-incision total hip replacements.
William P. Barrett, M.D.
WPB/mf
