RESUMEN
Objective To investigate the feasibility of hip replacement through a minimal incision via modified Hardinge approach.Methods Hip replacement was performed in 21 cases(22 hip joints) from July 2005 to March 2006.The operation was completed through a minimal incision via modified Hardinge approach,with the greater trochanter as the center.There were 12 cases of total hip replacement(13 hip joints) and 9 cases of bipolar femoral head replacement.A biological prosthesis was used in all the cases. Results The mean length of incision was 7.6 cm(range,6.0~9.0 cm),the mean operation time was 76 min(range,(45~)150 min),and the mean blood loss,370 ml(range,190~580 ml).No severe complications occurred.All the cases were followed for a mean of 38 weeks(range,22~53 weeks).Evaluation with the Harris hip score system showed excellent outcomes in 18 cases(19 hips) and good in 3 cases,with a rate of excellent or good results of 100%.Conclusions Minimal incision hip replacement through the modified Hardinge approach has advantages of minimal trauma,little blood loss,low complication rate,and quick recovery.