Total hip arthroplasty continues to be an extremely successful procedure, with ever-widening indications and regular improvement in technique, materials, and design. In the past year several studies were published evaluating the results of both cemented and cementless total hip arthroplasty at mid- to long-term follow-up. In addition, careful analysis of basic laboratory studies including finite-element analyses have added to our understanding of materials and design. Specific findings in the past year included poor results with cemented hips in younger patients at long-term follow-up of greater than 16 years. A lower incidence of loosening has been found for cobalt chrome-cemented components compared with titanium-cemented components. No difference was found in the results of metal-backed versus non-metal backed cemented acetabular components, and an increasing incidence of loosening was shown for cemented acetabular components with time. The newer cementless hip arthroplasties showed evidence of learning curve, particularly with regard to innovative design such as acetabular screw rings, whereas porous-coated hemispherical cups appeared to do well. Thigh pain continues to be a problem with cementless designs, and the controversy of titanium versus cobalt chrome for cementless femoral stem designs continues at full tilt.
