Method

A pilot study was carried out to assess the efficacy of the MI approach. Primary total hip replacements meeting the inclusion criteria were randomised to either the MI approach or the standard posterior approach. Patients were blinded to allocation. Patients were scored by a blinded physiotherapist pre-operatively, at Day 2, 2 weeks and 6 weeks.

The primary outcome measure was function, assessed using the Oxford hip score, SF-12 questionnaire, Iowa score, 6-minute walk test and the number of walking aids required after 2 and 6 weeks post-operatively. Secondary outcomes were complication rates, patient satisfaction, soft tissue trauma and radiographic analysis.