Comparison of the Outcome in Bilateral Staged Total Hip Arthroplasty: Modified Two-Incision Minimally Invasive Technique versus the Conventional Posterolateral Approach

This retrospective study was undertaken to compare the outcomes of staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) by the conventional approach with those of two-incision minimally invasive (MIS-2) THA in terms of clinical and radiological results, complications, and patient preferences. Twenty-two patients aged 30 to 80 years underwent staged bilateral THA. The conventional posterolateral approach was used on the first hips treated and a modified MIS-2 approach on the second hips. The mean time between the first and second procedures was 73.8 months, and the patients were followed up for at least 12 months after both procedures. At the last follow-up visits, THA via the MIS-2 approach was found to provide significantly earlier partial-weight-bearing ambulation, better postoperative Harris hip scores, and better ability to sit cross-legged and was found to be more preferred by patients than conventional THA. There were no significant differences in the complication rates for the two approaches. The present results show that MIS-2 THA is as safe as the conventional posterolateral approach in experienced hands and presents no additional complication risks.