Aims: Evaluation of: 1/ early clinical and radiographic results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) made by standard lateral direct approach, 2/ early clinical and radiographic results of THA made by minimal lateral approach, 3/ comparison of results of THA in these two groups.

Material and methods: Prospective study of 120 THAs (60 cementless and 60 cement) done in 120 patients due to degenerative changes was made. 60 THAs made by minimal lateral approach consist study group. 60 THAs made by direct lateral approach consist of control group.

Mean age of 120 patients (98 women and 22 men) was 45 y.o. (range: 32–61 y.o.). Follow-up time in study group was from 6 to 12 months (mean: 8,5 months). Follow-up time in control group was from 10 to 16 months (mean: 10,5 months). Mean preoperative functional status of the study group was 44,5p in Harris hip score. Radiographic evaluation of the results was made according to criteria of Joined Committee of The Hip Society, AAOS and SICOT.

Results: Clinical results in 6 months after THA were: 92p. in study group and 88p. in control group. In all 120 cases in both groups radiographic results were very good – there were no differences between control and study group. Incidence of complications were similar in both groups.

Conclusions: THA with minimal invasive approach has proved its value in the treatment of hip degenerative changes as regarding short-time results. Clinical and radiographic results of THA made by standard or minimal invasive approaches are comparable. Successful THA with minimal invasive approach is a matter of excellent operative technique and experience with standard hip approaches, and not special instruments.