Hospital Course and Early Clinical Outcomes of Two-incision

Background: Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty has been reported to have a better functional recovery by minimizing soft tissue trauma as compared with the conventional approach. This study analyzed the hospital course and early clinical outcomes of a series of 63 two-incision total hip arthroplasties. Methods: Sixty patients (63 hips) were enrolled between September 2003 and July 2004 and followed for two years. Preoperatively, demographic data, body mass index, and diagnosis were recorded. Hip function and quality of life were assessed using the Harris hip score and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results: The mean operating time, blood loss, wound length, and hospital stay were 151 minutes, 700 ml, 9.9 cm, and 5 days, respectively. The mean cup abduc-tion angles were 42.9 ° and the mean cup anteversion angles were 17.9°. Transient lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injuries occurred in 15.9 % of cases. Intraoperative femoral fracture occurred in 2 cases and superficial wound infection occurred in 1 case. Despite these incidents, overall result