Extract
Recently, advances in radiographic imaging and surgical
instrumentation have allowed experienced orthopaedic surgeons to perform total
hip and total knee replacement surgery with surgical exposures that are less
extensive than those associated with traditional
techniques1,2.
Commonly referred to as "minimally invasive total hip and total knee
arthroplasty," these techniques are now being touted as important
surgical advancements. The introduction of minimally invasive total hip and
total knee techniques has been accompanied by substantial concomitant changes
in perioperative anesthetic techniques, rapid rehabilitation protocols, and
changes in patient education and expectations. However, the specific
contribution of each of these changes to observed improvements after
contemporary total hip and total knee arthroplasty remains unclear.