Short-stem THR, newer implant designs and a focus on their safety assessments

You may remember the serious discussion of small incisions for total hip replacement and their advantages began among orthopaedic surgeons.

In approximately 2006, this method of placing hip components was introduced in the media as one that minimized soft tissue damage and improved functional outcome. Just a few months later, younger patients who came to our clinic knew about the technique and asked that it be used on them.

We know now about the complications encountered when surgeons tried this new surgical approach that involved a shorter incision, and we are familiar with the later problems associated with metal-on-metal hip bearings developed to reduce dislocation risk, improve hip range of motion and help patients perform unrestricted activities soon after surgery. In fact, these implants were sometimes called the “sports hip” and the media helped promote its hip concepts more widely.

But still, we have not learned the needed lessons.

Click here to read the full story in the November/December Issue of Orthopaedics Today Europe.