117 patients who were scheduled to undergo total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive either a minimally invasive anterolateral approach with a muscle-sparing technique (modified Watson-Jones approach) or a modified mini-incision direct lateral approach. Results from 6 week follow-up indicated that muscle strength recovery of hip abduction was significantly better in individuals who received the modified Watson-Jones approach. However, at 1 year follow-up it was found that there were no significant differences in regards to pain, function, and quality of life.