Abstract: Objective To compare the curative effects between minimally invasive and standard direct approach of pri⁃ mary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in elderly patients. Methods One hundred and eighteen geratic patients with hip disease were divided into minimally invasive group (n=61) and standard group (n=57). All the patients were followed up from 15 months to 3 years. The length of incision, surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, number of blood transfusion, hospitalization time and the Harris hip scores were compared between two groups. Results The length of incision, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, number of blood transfusion and hospitalization time were signifi⁃ cantly lower in minimally invasive group than those in standard group, but the Harris hip scores were significantly higher 3 months after the operation in minimally invasive group than those in standard group (P < 0.05). First intention wound healing was found in all patients in two groups. The postoperative complications were significantly lower in minimally invasive group than those in standard group (3.28% vs 15.79%, P < 0.05). Conclusion Compared with standard incision of primary total hip arthroplasty , minimally invasive direct lateral approach has its advantages, including small surgical trauma, less hospitaliza⁃ tion time, fewer complications, and which can help restore joint function quickly, making the curative effect satisfied in elderly patients.

Key words: arthroplasty, replacement, hip；aged, surgical procedures, minimally invasive, treatment outcome, prognosis