What's New — Hip — April 2026¶
26 new articles published this month.
Themes: Implant Bearings and Components · Complications and Risk Factors · Revision Arthroplasty and Infection · Outcomes, Technology, and Training
Digest generated 2026-05-09 04:07:28+00:00.
Highlights¶
Implant Bearings and Components¶
This theme addresses the long-term performance and design considerations of total hip arthroplasty implants. Long-term follow-up studies evaluate the survivorship of highly cross-linked polyethylene [20] and third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearings [18], as well as alumina-on-alumina versus alumina-on-polyethylene bearings [6]. Wear analysis compares second- and third-generation moderately cross-linked polyethylene liners [26]. Component-specific investigations include the impact of femoral head size (36 mm vs 32 mm) on revision rates [12], the role of stem shape and geometry in complication risks [23], and the use of fourth-generation ceramic heads in younger patients [13]. These studies collectively inform implant selection and longevity.
Complications and Risk Factors¶
Articles in this theme focus on identifying and mitigating risks associated with hip arthroplasty. Preoperative and intraoperative factors are analyzed, including the effect of oral direct factor Xa inhibitors on heterotopic ossification [11], the safety of patients with preoperative venous thromboembolism [24], and the impact of traumatic brain injury on surgical complications [10]. Postoperative risks include periprosthetic fractures in young patients [19] and the influence of preoperative opioid use on social determinants of health [17]. Additionally, the timing of bronchoscopy and colonoscopy relative to arthroplasty is examined for infection risks [8, 15], while perioperative blood loss reduction techniques are explored [1].
Revision Arthroplasty and Infection¶
This theme centers on the management of failed total hip arthroplasties and periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Registry data and retrospective reviews compare one-stage versus two-stage exchange arthroplasty, highlighting high mortality rates in one-stage procedures [16]. Eligibility criteria for one-stage exchange are evaluated to predict survivorship [25]. The theme also includes systematic reviews assessing whether postoperative colonoscopy increases PJI risk [8] and the optimal timing of bronchoscopy after joint arthroplasty to minimize infection and revision rates [15]. These studies provide critical guidance on surgical strategy for revision cases.
Outcomes, Technology, and Training¶
This theme covers patient-reported outcomes, technological advancements, and surgical training. Deep learning tools are proposed for calculating hip minimum joint space width [4]. Robotic-assisted technology's impact on joint awareness is systematically reviewed [14]. Patient satisfaction is defined through the Patient Acceptable Symptom State in a 10-year follow-up study [7]. Sex disparities in postoperative outcomes are analyzed [2], and the impact of fellowship training on surgical outcomes is assessed via propensity score matching [22]. Finally, the current experience of THA residents during orthopaedic training is surveyed [9].
Articles by Theme¶
Implant Bearings and Components (7)¶
6. Kim Y, Park J, Jang Y, et al. Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Third-Generation Alumina-On-Alumina Ceramic or Alumina-On-Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Bearing: 20- to 30-Year Follow-Up. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.018
This long-term follow-up study compared the clinical outcomes of cementless total hip arthroplasty using alumina-on-alumina ceramic bearings versus alumina-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene bearings over 20 to 30 years. The results provide critical data on the durability and performance of these bearing surfaces, guiding implant selection for long-term patient success.
12. Wallace DT, Whitehouse SL, Du P, et al. Does a 36-mm Head Increase Cumulative Revision Rate in Total Hip Arthroplasty When Compared to a 32-mm Head? A Study From the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.014
Using Australian registry data, this study compared the cumulative revision rates of total hip arthroplasty utilizing 36-mm heads versus 32-mm heads. The analysis revealed no significant difference in revision rates between the two head sizes, supporting the safety of larger heads in contemporary implant designs.
13. Adil SA, Gutbrod JT, Shah VP, et al. Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up of Patients 50 Years or less Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty Who Have Fourth-Generation Ceramic 32-mm Femoral Heads on Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.077
This study reported minimum 10-year follow-up outcomes for patients aged 50 or younger undergoing total hip arthroplasty with fourth-generation ceramic 32-mm heads on highly cross-linked polyethylene. The results demonstrate excellent survivorship and low wear rates, validating this combination as a durable option for younger, active patients.
18. Bahk JH, Jo W, Lee K, et al. Results of Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Third-Generation Ceramic-On-Ceramic Bearings: A Minimum 15-Year Follow-Up. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.034
This study evaluated the long-term outcomes of cementless total hip arthroplasty using third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearings with a minimum 15-year follow-up. The findings demonstrate high survivorship and satisfactory clinical results, supporting the durability of this bearing surface for young, active patients.
20. Thandoni A, Andreini DE, Trivedi AH, et al. Survivorship of Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Total Hip Arthroplasty: 20-Year Follow-Up. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.058
Précis unavailable.
23. De C, Tahir M, Kumar RS, et al. The Role of Stem Shape and Geometry in Revision and Complication Risk Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.076
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the role of stem shape and geometry in revision and complication risks following primary total hip arthroplasty. The findings suggest that specific stem designs influence complication rates, guiding surgeons in selecting appropriate implants to minimize adverse events.
26. Blackburn CW, Jarrett CM, Sattar A, et al. In Vivo Wear Analysis of Third- versus Second-Generation Moderately Crosslinked Polyethylene Liners in Total Hip Arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.032
This study performed an in vivo wear analysis comparing third- versus second-generation moderately crosslinked polyethylene liners in total hip arthroplasty. The results likely demonstrate differences in wear rates between the generations, highlighting the performance benefits of newer materials. These findings inform clinical choices regarding liner selection to potentially reduce osteolysis and improve long-term implant survivorship.
Complications and Risk Factors (8)¶
1. Guo H, Zhang J, Tang S, et al. Clinical study on the reduction of perioperative blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty by local application of hemocoagulase bothrops atrox for injection: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2026. doi:10.1186/s13018-026-06847-8
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of local application of hemocoagulase Bothrops Atrox in reducing perioperative blood loss during primary total hip arthroplasty. The study aimed to determine if this hemostatic agent significantly decreases blood loss compared to standard care, providing evidence for its potential use in surgical protocols to minimize transfusion requirements.
8. Benaroch LR, Roy V, Alatassi R, et al. Does Postoperative Colonoscopy Increase the Risk for Hip and Knee Periprosthetic Joint Infection? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.026
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed whether postoperative colonoscopy increases the risk of periprosthetic joint infection in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty. The findings inform clinical guidelines regarding the timing and necessity of endoscopic procedures following joint replacement surgery.
10. Young B, Shankar D, Fernando ND, et al. Does Traumatic Brain Injury Increase Surgical and Medical Complications After Total Hip Arthroplasty?. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.025
This investigation analyzed registry data to determine whether traumatic brain injury serves as an independent risk factor for increased surgical and medical complications following total hip arthroplasty. The results indicate that patients with TBI have significantly higher complication rates, necessitating enhanced perioperative monitoring and risk stratification for this population.
11. Chen Z, Xu Y, Liu H, et al. Effect of Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors on the Prevalence of Hip Heterotopic Ossification Following Arthroplasty for Acute Femoral Neck Fracture: A Propensity Score-matched Cohort Study. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.074
This propensity score-matched cohort study assessed the effect of oral direct factor Xa inhibitors on the prevalence of hip heterotopic ossification after arthroplasty for acute femoral neck fractures. The findings suggest that these medications may reduce the incidence of heterotopic ossification, offering a potential pharmacological strategy for prevention.
15. Hoveidaei AH, Esmaeili S, Maleki S, et al. Optimal Timing of Bronchoscopy After Total Joint Arthroplasty: Impact on Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Revision Rates. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.020
This study examined the optimal timing of bronchoscopy after total joint arthroplasty to assess its impact on periprosthetic joint infection and revision rates. The results suggest that delaying bronchoscopy beyond a certain timeframe may increase infection risks, guiding clinicians on safer procedural scheduling.
17. Hohmann AL, Lizcano JD, Meacock SS, et al. Patients Utilizing Opioids Before Total Joint Arthroplasty Have Greater Social Determinants of Health Deficits than Opioid-Naïve Patients. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.033
This study compared social determinants of health between patients utilizing opioids prior to total joint arthroplasty and opioid-naïve controls. It found that preoperative opioid users exhibit significantly greater deficits in social determinants of health, suggesting a need for targeted support for this vulnerable population.
19. Cui E, Durbin JW, Zhao A, et al. Risk Factors for Periprosthetic Fractures Following Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Younger Than 50 Years. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.069
This analysis identified risk factors associated with periprosthetic fractures in patients younger than 50 years undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Key findings highlight specific patient and surgical variables that increase fracture risk, aiding in preoperative planning and risk mitigation for younger cohorts.
24. Qiao L, Wu D, Shen Y, et al. The Safety of Patients Who Have Preoperative Venous Thromboembolism Undergoing Joint Arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.070
This study evaluated the safety of joint arthroplasty procedures in patients with preoperative venous thromboembolism. The key finding is that these patients can undergo surgery with acceptable safety profiles when managed appropriately, challenging previous concerns about contraindications.
Revision Arthroplasty and Infection (4)¶
8. Benaroch LR, Roy V, Alatassi R, et al. Does Postoperative Colonoscopy Increase the Risk for Hip and Knee Periprosthetic Joint Infection? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.026
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed whether postoperative colonoscopy increases the risk of periprosthetic joint infection in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty. The findings inform clinical guidelines regarding the timing and necessity of endoscopic procedures following joint replacement surgery.
15. Hoveidaei AH, Esmaeili S, Maleki S, et al. Optimal Timing of Bronchoscopy After Total Joint Arthroplasty: Impact on Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Revision Rates. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.020
This study examined the optimal timing of bronchoscopy after total joint arthroplasty to assess its impact on periprosthetic joint infection and revision rates. The results suggest that delaying bronchoscopy beyond a certain timeframe may increase infection risks, guiding clinicians on safer procedural scheduling.
16. Resl M, Becker L, Wu Y, et al. One- or Two-Stage Hip Revision? High Mortality in One-Stage Challenges Its Growing Popularity: A Registry Study. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.015
This registry study compared mortality rates between one- and two-stage hip revision surgeries, challenging the growing popularity of the one-stage approach. The findings reveal significantly higher mortality in one-stage revisions, recommending careful patient selection and consideration of two-stage procedures for higher-risk cases.
25. Elmenawi KA, Mallinger BD, Poilvache H, et al. Eligibility for One-Stage Exchange Arthroplasty for Hip Periprosthetic Joint Infection Predicts Survivorship: A Retrospective Review of 368 Cases. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.066
This retrospective study evaluated 368 cases to determine whether specific eligibility criteria predict survivorship following one-stage exchange arthroplasty for hip periprosthetic joint infection. The findings indicate that patient selection based on these criteria is a significant predictor of long-term implant survival. Clinically, this supports the use of strict eligibility assessments to optimize outcomes and guide decision-making in infection management.
Outcomes, Technology, and Training (6)¶
2. Ruta S, Riedl TL, Orth P, et al. Comparative analysis of postoperative outcomes in men and women following total hip replacement surgery. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2026. doi:10.1186/s13018-026-06811-6
A prospective analysis of 167 patients revealed that women achieved significantly greater total range of motion, hip flexion, and internal rotation than men six months after total hip arthroplasty. These findings suggest that sex-specific differences in postoperative mobility should be considered in rehabilitation planning and outcome assessments.
4. Bukowiec LG, Kanabar A, Girod MM, et al. A Deep Learning Tool for Hip Minimum Joint Space Width Calculation on Antero-posterior Pelvis Radiographs. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.023
This study developed and validated a deep learning tool for automatically calculating hip minimum joint space width on antero-posterior pelvis radiographs. The tool offers a potential solution for standardizing and accelerating the assessment of osteoarthritis severity, improving diagnostic efficiency in clinical practice.
7. Quesada-Jimenez R, Walsh EG, Schab AR, et al. Defining Patient Acceptable Symptom State for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.016
This 10-year follow-up study defined the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) for patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty. Establishing these thresholds helps clinicians set realistic expectations and evaluate the long-term success of the procedure based on patient-reported outcomes.
9. Mazzocco JC, Driscoll A, He KY, et al. Current Total Hip Arthroplasty Resident Experience During Orthopaedic Surgery Training: A Self-Reported Survey. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.12.027
This study utilized a self-reported survey to evaluate the current volume and quality of total hip arthroplasty training experiences for orthopaedic residents. The findings highlight specific gaps in resident exposure to complex cases, suggesting a need for curriculum adjustments to ensure adequate surgical competency development.
14. Zhang Y, Wang Z, Yuan J, et al. Impact of Robotic-Assisted Technology on Joint Awareness Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.024
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of robotic-assisted technology on joint awareness and patient-reported outcomes following total joint arthroplasty. The findings indicate that robotic assistance may improve patient satisfaction and functional outcomes, although further high-quality studies are needed to confirm long-term benefits.
22. Katanbaf R, Hoveidaei AH, Swartz GN, et al. The Impact of Fellowship Training on Surgical Outcomes in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.09.045
This propensity score-matched analysis assessed the impact of fellowship training on surgical outcomes in total hip arthroplasty. The results indicate that fellowship-trained surgeons achieve superior outcomes, reinforcing the value of specialized training in optimizing patient care.
Other articles this month¶
3. Bruneau MM, Grashow R, Gaudette L, et al. Factors Associated With Functional Outcomes in Former Professional American-Style Football Players With Symptomatic Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine 2026. doi:10.1177/23259671261420422
This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between American-style football exposures, previous injuries, and comorbidities with functional outcomes in former professional players suffering from knee and hip osteoarthritis. The results aim to clarify how specific athletic history and health factors contribute to patient-reported outcomes in this high-risk demographic.
5. Wong BW, Oleisky ER, Chandrashekar AS, et al. Body Mass Index > 40 Is Not Correlated With Early Complications in Patients Undergoing Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty at an Ambulatory Surgical Center. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.065
This study examined whether a body mass index greater than 40 is correlated with early complications in patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty at an ambulatory surgical center. The findings likely challenge traditional contraindications for outpatient joint surgery, suggesting that morbid obesity may not independently increase early complication risks in this setting.
21. Ince DC, Shah VP, Kikuchi K, et al. The Femoral Head Edema Zone: A Novel Classification Scheme to Better Predict Osteonecrosis Progression. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.035
This study introduces a novel classification scheme based on the femoral head edema zone to predict the progression of osteonecrosis. The key finding is that this classification effectively stratifies patients by risk, offering a valuable tool for clinical decision-making regarding joint preservation versus replacement.