Since 1997, I have worked to develop a technique for total hip replacement that minimizes soft tissue trauma and dissection, reduces complications, and hastens patient recovery. Through much trial and error, the minimally invasive posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty was developed. To date, I have performed over 1,000 MIS total hip replacements using this technique. The method is effective and reproducible. It minimizes soft tissue trauma and dissection, reduces operating time and blood loss, lessens postoperative pain, lowers complication rates, decreases hospital stay, and diminishes recovery times. Component placement and fixation are not compromised. Critical to the technique is correct placement of the incision. Specialized retractors allow excellent visualization through incisions that measure 10 centimeters or less in all but the most obese patients. Unique instruments developed by a team of distinguished surgeons in conjunction with Smith & Nephew allow precise preparation of bone and positioning of implants. Through a combination of proper instrumentation and technique, this procedure has proven to be accurate, reproducible, and advantageous to both patient and surgeon.
Todd V. Swanson, M.D.

Nota Bene: The technique description herein is made available to the healthcare professional to illustrate the authors’ suggested treatment for the uncomplicated procedure. In the final analysis, the preferred treatment is that which addresses the needs of the patient.