Review Article

Advances and innovations in total hip arthroplasty

¹ Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, University College London Hospitals, London NW1 2BU, UK
² Center for Research and Documentation in Arthroplasty, Lille, France
³ Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
⁴ IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Hip Department, Milan 20161, Italy
⁵ Young Adult Hip Service, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Box 37, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK

^* Corresponding author: andreasfontalis@gmail.com

Received: 4 February 2021
Accepted: 20 March 2021

Abstract

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been quoted as one of the most successful and cost-effective procedures in Orthopaedics. The last decade has seen an exponential rise in the number of THAs performed globally and a sharp increase in the percentage of young patients hoping to improve their quality of life and return to physically demanding activities. Hence, it is imperative to review the various applications of technology in total hip arthroplasty for improving outcomes. The development of state-of-the-art robotic technology has enabled more reproducible and accurate acetabular positioning, while long-term data are needed to assess its cost-effectiveness. This opinion piece aims to outline and present the advances and innovations in total hip arthroplasty, from virtual reality and three-dimensional printing to patient-specific instrumentation and dual mobility bearings. This illustrates and reflects the debate that will be at the centre of hip surgery for the next decade.