A method and apparatus for performing a minimally invasive
total hip arthroplasty. An approximately 3.75-5
centimeter (1.5-2 inch) anterior incision is made in line with the
femoral neck. The
femoral neck is severed from the
femoral shaft and removed through the anterior incision. The
acetabulum is prepared for receiving an acetabular cup through the anterior incision and the acetabular cup is placed into the
acetabulum through the anterior incision. A posterior incision of approximately 2-3 centimeters (0.8-1.2 inches) is generally aligned with the axis of the
femoral shaft and provides access to the
femoral shaft. Preparation of the femoral shaft including the reaming and rasping thereof is performed through the posterior incision, and the
femoral stem is inserted through the posterior incision for implantation in the
femur. A variety of novel instruments including an
osteotomy guide an awl for locating a posterior incision aligned with the axis of the femoral shaft, a tubular posterior retracter, a selectively lockable
rasp handle with an engagement guide; and a selectively lockabele provisional neck are utilized to perform the
total hip arthroplasty of the current invention.