The optimal skin incision for minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty performed via the anterolateral approach.

Twelve total hip arthroplasty procedures were performed in fresh cadaveric specimens via the anterolateral approach using straight 9-cm incisions placed in 2 different locations with respect to anatomical landmarks. During each procedure, the forces applied to the wound edges by each of the hip instruments and the pressures and strains generated along the wound edges were measured. Pressures ranging from 40 to 190 kPa were developed between the retractors and the wound edges during acetabular reaming and femoral rasping.