What's New — Hip — November 2025¶
13 new articles published this month.
Themes: Periprosthetic Joint Infection Diagnosis and Management · Geriatric Hip Fracture Care and Fixation Strategies · Total Hip Arthroplasty Reconstruction and Outcomes · Femoroacetabular Impingement and Patient Experiences · Osteoarthritis Management and Etiology
Digest generated 2026-04-16 00:29:24+00:00.
Highlights¶
Periprosthetic Joint Infection Diagnosis and Management¶
Recent literature addresses the critical challenges of diagnosing and treating periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). New biomarkers, specifically synovial fluid microRNAs, show promise for accurate diagnosis of hip and knee PJIs [2]. Concurrently, studies on the timing of Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention (DAIR) suggest that earlier intervention significantly improves success rates in acute infections [3]. These findings collectively enhance the clinical pathway for managing septic complications following arthroplasty, moving towards more precise diagnostic tools and optimized surgical timing to preserve implants and improve patient outcomes.
Geriatric Hip Fracture Care and Fixation Strategies¶
This cluster focuses on optimizing outcomes for geriatric hip fractures through improved care models and fixation techniques. The orthogeriatric model of care demonstrates superior functional outcomes and discharge dispositions compared to routine care [5]. Regarding surgical fixation, comparative studies evaluate the efficacy of helical blades versus lag screws in cephalomedullary nailing, providing data on failure risks [11]. Furthermore, best practices for cemented femoral stem fixation are reviewed to mitigate cardiopulmonary risks and improve survival rates in this vulnerable population [8]. Finally, the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score is validated for broader prognostic utility beyond femoral neck fractures [12].
Total Hip Arthroplasty Reconstruction and Outcomes¶
Advancements in total hip arthroplasty (THA) are highlighted through investigations into bearing surfaces and complex reconstruction. A randomized trial compares conventional versus modular dual-mobility bearings, assessing metal ion levels and patient-reported outcomes to guide implant selection [7]. In the realm of developmental dysplasia, research defines the optimal center of rotation for Hartofilakidis type B hips, comparing anatomical mirroring against high hip center reconstruction to restore gait [13]. Additionally, the design of patient-specific porous femoral stems is optimized to enhance biological fixation and long-term stability [6].
Femoroacetabular Impingement and Patient Experiences¶
Long-term outcomes for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) are re-evaluated, revealing that patients with global acetabular overcoverage experience inferior results at ten years post-hip arthroscopy compared to those with normal coverage [4]. Complementing these clinical metrics, qualitative research explores the lived experiences of individuals with FAIS, shedding light on the psychosocial impact and barriers to care [9]. Together, these studies emphasize the need for careful patient selection and a holistic understanding of the patient journey in hip preservation surgery.
Osteoarthritis Management and Etiology¶
This theme encompasses non-surgical management and etiological factors in hip pathology. A systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of pain science education combined with exercise interventions for knee and hip osteoarthritis, aiming to overcome pain-related barriers to physical activity [1]. On the etiological front, an association is identified between bone trace metal accumulation and idiopathic aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head in specific mining regions, suggesting environmental contributors to hip necrosis [10].
Articles by Theme¶
Periprosthetic Joint Infection Diagnosis and Management (2)¶
2. Frank BJ, Krammer TL, Pfeiffer-Vogl J, et al. Synovial Fluid MicroRNA Biomarkers Enable Accurate Diagnosis of Hip and Knee Periprosthetic Joint Infections. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 2025. doi:10.2106/jbjs.24.01559
Researchers identified unique cell-free microRNA profiles in synovial fluid that accurately distinguish periprosthetic joint infections from aseptic failures in hip and knee replacements. A diagnostic model using specific miRNA combinations demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in both discovery and validation cohorts. These findings suggest that synovial fluid miRNA analysis could serve as a reliable, non-invasive biomarker for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections.
3. Keemu H, Syystö E, Klén R, et al. Timing of Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention for Early Periprosthetic Joint Infection. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 2025. doi:10.2106/jbjs.25.00946
This large registry study evaluated the success rates of Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention (DAIR) for early periprosthetic joint infections across different time intervals post-arthroplasty. The results indicated that DAIR performed within the first 42 days had significantly lower failure rates compared to procedures delayed beyond 85 days. Early intervention within the first six weeks is therefore critical for maximizing the success of implant retention strategies in acute infections.
Geriatric Hip Fracture Care and Fixation Strategies (4)¶
5. Netzer S, Ruch C, Ivanova S, et al. Difference in discharge disposition, adherence to clinical care standards and functional outcomes of older hip fracture patients receiving an orthogeriatric model of care versus routine care. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2025. doi:10.1186/s13018-025-06335-5
This study compared older hip fracture patients treated with an orthogeriatric model of care against those receiving routine care, focusing on discharge disposition, adherence to standards, and functional outcomes. The orthogeriatric model demonstrated improved adherence to clinical care standards and better functional recovery metrics compared to routine management. Implementing orthogeriatric models appears to enhance the quality of care and recovery trajectories for elderly hip fracture patients.
8. Carender CN, Lewallen DG, Mason JB, et al. Perioperative Best Practices When Using Cemented Femoral Stem Fixation During Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Geriatric Femoral Neck Fractures. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2025. doi:10.5435/jaaos-d-24-00429
This review addresses the underutilization of cemented femoral stems in geriatric femoral neck fractures in the United States by presenting contemporary data on safety and efficacy. It outlines best practices for preoperative planning, intraoperative cementing techniques, and strategies to mitigate risks like bone cement implantation syndrome. Adopting these perioperative protocols can help surgeons safely utilize cemented fixation to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.
11. Okike K, Chang RN, Fang AS, et al. Helical Blade Versus Lag Screw Fixation in the Cephalomedullary Nailing of Geriatric Hip Fractures. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 2025. doi:10.2106/jbjs.25.00294
This retrospective cohort study compared the risk of aseptic revision between helical blade and lag screw fixation in geriatric patients undergoing cephalomedullary nailing for hip fractures. The analysis of over 22,000 cases revealed no significant difference in revision rates between the two fixation methods after adjusting for patient characteristics. Consequently, surgeons may select either device based on preference or cost without expecting a difference in failure risk for this demographic.
12. Borton Z, Firth AM, Arnold SJ, et al. The Nottingham Hip Fracture Score. The Bone & Joint Journal 2025. doi:10.1302/0301-620x.107b11.bjj-2024-1635.r2
This study evaluated the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score's ability to predict 30-day mortality in patients with periprosthetic and other femoral fractures beyond the traditional femoral neck cohort. Results indicated that the NHFS effectively risk-stratifies mortality across this wider range of femoral fracture types. This supports the broader application of the NHFS for prognostication and care planning in diverse geriatric hip fracture populations.
Total Hip Arthroplasty Reconstruction and Outcomes (3)¶
6. Safavi S, Gray HA, Lee PVS. Design and optimisation of patient-specific porous femoral stems. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2025. doi:10.1186/s13018-025-06389-5
This research focused on the design and optimization of patient-specific porous femoral stems to improve fixation and biological integration in total hip arthroplasty. The study utilized computational modeling and material optimization to tailor stem porosity and geometry to individual patient anatomy. These advancements aim to enhance long-term implant stability and reduce complications associated with standard off-the-shelf stems.
7. DeBenedetti A, Weintraub MT, Skipor A, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Conventional Versus Modular Dual-Mobility Bearing. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 2025. doi:10.2106/jbjs.24.01479
A randomized controlled trial compared serum metal ion levels and patient-reported outcomes between patients receiving conventional versus modular dual-mobility bearings in total hip arthroplasty. The study found no significant difference in serum cobalt and chromium levels or functional outcomes between the two bearing types over a five-year period. These results suggest that modular dual-mobility bearings do not increase metal ion release risks compared to conventional bearings in primary THA.
13. Zhang B, Li M, Li H, et al. The optimal centre of rotation for total hip arthroplasty in patients with unilateral Hartofilakidis type B developmental dysplasia of the hip. The Bone & Joint Journal 2025. doi:10.1302/0301-620x.107b11.bjj-2025-0473.r1
This study compared functional outcomes and gait recovery between anatomical mirroring reconstruction and high hip centre reconstruction in patients with unilateral Hartofilakidis type B developmental dysplasia of the hip. The findings suggest that anatomical reconstruction yields superior gait recovery and functional scores compared to high hip centre techniques. Clinically, this supports prioritizing anatomical restoration of the centre of rotation to optimize long-term mobility in these complex cases.
Femoroacetabular Impingement and Patient Experiences (2)¶
4. Gosnell GG, Berzolla E, Mercer NP, et al. Patients With Global Acetabular Overcoverage Have Inferior Outcomes at 10 Years After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome. The American Journal of Sports Medicine 2025. doi:10.1177/03635465251387112
A 10-year retrospective cohort study found that patients with global acetabular overcoverage experienced inferior functional outcomes and higher revision rates after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome compared to those with normal coverage. Patients with lateral overcoverage showed intermediate outcomes, while those with normal coverage had the best long-term survivorship. These findings suggest that global overcoverage is a significant predictor of poor long-term results following hip arthroscopy.
9. Sullivan L, Vriese H, Williams E, et al. Lived experiences of individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a qualitative investigation. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2025. doi:10.1186/s13018-025-06362-2
This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of individuals diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome through in-depth interviews. The research identified key themes regarding physical limitations, psychological distress, and the impact on daily life and social participation. These findings suggest that clinical management should extend beyond surgical intervention to address the holistic psychosocial burden of the condition.
Osteoarthritis Management and Etiology (2)¶
1. Hurley-Wallace AL, Cheng V, Bertram W, et al. Pain science education and exercise interventions for people with knee or hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review, content and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2025. doi:10.1186/s12891-025-09313-4
This systematic review and meta-analysis mapped the content of Pain Science Education (PSE) interventions and evaluated their effectiveness alongside exercise for knee or hip osteoarthritis. The analysis identified specific PSE components that significantly improved pain and function, particularly when combined with exercise. Clinically, integrating targeted PSE into exercise programs may help overcome pain-related barriers to physical activity in osteoarthritis patients.
10. Milindi CS, Lubaba CB, Mokassa JL, et al. Association between bone trace metal accumulation and idiopathic aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head in a mining region of Katanga (DR Congo). Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2025. doi:10.1186/s13018-025-06383-x
This investigation examined the correlation between bone trace metal accumulation and idiopathic aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head in a mining region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study found a significant association between elevated levels of specific trace metals and the development of osteonecrosis in this population. Clinically, this highlights the need for environmental health monitoring and targeted screening for osteonecrosis in communities exposed to mining-related metal contamination.