Minimally invasive hip replacement

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 2 min read
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Small incision total hip replacement; MIS hip surgery Minimally invasive hip replacement is a technique used to perform hip replacement surgeries. It uses a smaller surgical cut. Also, fewer muscles around the hip are cut or detached. Description To perform this surgery: A cut will be made in one of three places -- on the back of the hip (over the buttock), on the front...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Description in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Why the Procedure Is Performed in simple medical language.
  • This article explains After the Procedure in simple medical language.
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Definition

Small incision total hip replacement; MIS hip surgery

Minimally hip replacement is a technique used to perform hip replacement surgeries. It uses a smaller surgical cut. Also, fewer muscles around the hip are cut or detached.

Description

To perform this surgery:

  • A cut will be made in one of three places — on the back of the hip (over the buttock), on the front of the hip (near the ), or on the side of the hip.
  • In most cases, the cut will be 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 centimeters) long. In a regular hip replacement surgery , the cut is 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) long.
  • The surgeon will use special instruments to work through the small cut.
  • Surgery involves cutting and removing bone. The surgeon will remove some muscles and other tissues. Less tissue is removed than in regular surgery. Most of the time, muscles are not cut or detached.

This procedure uses the same type of hip replacement implants as regular surgery.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

As in regular surgery, this procedure is done to replace or repair a diseased or damaged . This technique works better for people who are younger and thinner. Minimally invasive techniques may allow for a quicker recovery and less .

You may not qualify for this procedure if

  • Your is quite .
  • You have medical problems that do not allow you to have this surgery.

Talk with your surgeon about the benefits and risks. Ask if your surgeon has experience with this type of surgery.

After the Procedure

People who have this surgery can have a shorter stay in the hospital and faster recovery. Ask if this procedure is a good choice for you.

 

Harkess JW, Crockarell JR. Arthroplasty of the hip. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds. Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2013:chap 3.

Meneghini RM, Smits SA, Swinford RR, Bahamonde RE. A randomized, prospective study of 3 minimally invasive surgical approaches in total hip arthroplasty: comprehensive gait analysis. J Arthroplasty . 2008;23:68-73. PMID: 18722305 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18722305 .

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Safe first steps

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OTC medicine safety

  • For mild pain or fever, ask a registered pharmacist or doctor before using common over-the-counter pain/fever medicines.
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Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider
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Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
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Care roadmap for: Minimally invasive hip replacement

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
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Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.