This study evaluated the early results of a new and minimally invasive posterior gluteus maximus splitting approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and metal-on-metal (MOM) resurfacing. The approach was used to do 30 THAs through an incision of mean length 7.5 cm and 20 MOM resurfacing procedures through an incision of mean length 8.8 cm. Intraoperative fluoroscopy was not used.

The results were compared retrospectively with a matched control group in which the conventional posterior approach had been used. The mean length of the incision in the control group was 20.5 cm. The groups were not significantly different in respect of body mass index (BMI), preoperative Oxford hip scores, estimated blood loss, or length of hospital stay. BMI was less than 33 in both groups. There was no infection, nerve palsy component malposition or dislocation. Postoperative scores were not significantly different. Patients who underwent minimally invasive hip surgery expressed great satisfaction with the cosmetic appearance of the surgical incision.

THA and MOM resurfacing can be done safely through this approach, with excellent early results and no complications.