Objective:To compare the clinical effect of large-diameter metal-on-metal(L-MoM)total hip arthroplasty(THA)versus conventional metal on poly ethylene(MoPE)THA following posterolateral minimal incision.Methods:22 L-MoM THA in 20 patients were performed with posterolateral minimal incision.A matched group of 22 hips in 20 patients who had undergone a MoPE THA with posterolateral minimal incision were also performed by the same surgeon.The two groups of patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically respectively

including the length of the incision

surgical time

intra-operative blood loss

postoperative drainage volume

postoperative amount of decreasing hemoglobin(Hb)

postoperative pain score

C-reactive rotein(CRP)

erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)

the circumference difference of the operated thighs

length of stay

major complications and component positions.Results:There were no differences between the two groups with regard to the length of the skin incision

operating time

blood loss

postoperative amount of decreasing Hb

the visual analog scale(VAS)pain score at 24 hours after surgery

CRP

ESR

the circumference difference of the operated thighs

length of stay

major complications and component positions.Conclusion:L-MoM THA with posterolateral minimal incision can be effectively performed without increased risk of complications.The key is to master the surgical skills.