Tissue-sparing surgery in total hip arthroplasty: sensible approaches and tested evidence.

Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty was advocated as a surgical procedure resulting in a faster functional recovery when compared with standard-length incision approaches. Currently, the potential benefits of low-surgical dissection are still unproven in well-designed clinical trials. Undoubtedly, smaller incisions and less soft tissue injury than in conventional arthroplasty should be promoted, according to the concept of tissue-sparing surgery. The advantages associated with less invasive surgical procedures must be evaluated carefully against the technical concerns that have the potential to adversely affect primary total hip arthroplasty outcome.