A method and apparatus for performing minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty are disclosed. Through an anterior incision (44), the femoral neck (60) is severed using an osteotomy guide (78), the acetabulum (54) is prepared, and an acetabular cup is inserted. An awl (106) is provided to locate a posterior incision (46) aligned with the axis of the femoral shaft (62) through which the femur is prepared using a tubular posterior retractor (122), a reamer (151) and a rasp (204) with a lockable handle (212), to which a provisional femoral head and a selectively lockable provisional neck (222) are attached. The rasp is then removed and the femoral inplant (238) is inserted in a bag (242) to keep it clean. Procedures performed through one incision may be observed through the other