Total hip arthroplasty: the mini-posterior approach.

A successful surgical exposure during total hip arthroplasty must not only provide adequate visualization of both the acetabulum and the proximal femur but also avoid injury to critical neurovascular structures and minimize dissection of soft-tissue hip stabilizers. Numerous surgical approaches to the hip have been described and subsequently modified since the advent of modern total hip arthroplasty. Descendent from the standard posterolateral approach, the mini-posterior approach not only satisfies the prerequisites for a successful total hip arthroplasty exposure but also exemplifies a utilitarian approach to the hip, which is applicable to the entire spectrum of reconstructive cases.