How Has THA Implant Usage Changed Since 2001? (AAOS 2014)
According to a study presented yesterday by Kevin J. Bozic, MD, MBA, data on total hip arthroplasty (THA) from 2001 to 2012 reveal significant trends in THA implant usage in the United States—including a strong preference toward cementless fixation.
In addition, the data show a trend toward the use of metal-on-polyethylene or ceramic-on-polyethylene bearings, modular acetabular cups, and large diameter femoral heads. Metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-ceramic constructs have declined in popularity, as have resurfacing procedures. Dr. Bozic linked these declines to concerns about increased wear debris and subsequent osteolysis.
Because the demand for THA continues to increase, said Dr. Bozic, orthopaedic surgeons must have “a thorough understanding of the comparative effectiveness, including costs and clinical outcomes, associated with various THA implant designs.”
Assessing the data
The investigators evaluated data from the Orthopaedic Research Network (ORN), which contains data on orthopaedic procedures compiled on an ongoing basis from 174 hospitals across the country. For the purposes of this study, 105,291 THA procedures perf...
