What's New — Hip — August 2026¶
13 new articles published this month.
Themes: THA in High-DDH & Osteotomy · Periprosthetic Fracture Revision · Femoral Head Preservation · Obesity & Metabolic Optimization · Outcomes Prediction & Recovery
Digest generated 2026-09-04 19:52:37+00:00.
Highlights¶
THA in High-DDH & Osteotomy¶
Two large series refine femoral shortening osteotomy technique for high-grade developmental dysplasia. Li et al. identified radiographic risk factors for delayed union or nonunion after subtrochanteric transverse osteotomy in Crowe IV hips [7], while Macheras et al. reported 25-year outcomes across five osteotomy techniques in Hartofilakidis type C dysplasia, with all acetabular components placed in the true acetabulum [11]. Together they inform osteotomy level selection and union expectations when substantial limb lengthening is required.
Periprosthetic Fracture Revision¶
Modular fluted tapered stems remain the workhorse for Vancouver B2/B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures. Park et al. found curved distal stems protective against intraoperative fracture extension and postoperative subsidence compared with straight stems over long-term follow-up [8]. Stem choice and canal fit are key technical considerations in this revision population.
Femoral Head Preservation¶
Joint-preserving strategies show durable results. Filan et al. demonstrated excellent PROMs and low reoperation or conversion-to-arthroplasty rates at minimum 5 years after arthroscopic pincer FAI correction in acetabular retroversion [1]. Restrepo et al. reported minimum 10-year survivorship free of collapse and conversion to THA for corticosteroid-induced pre-collapse osteonecrosis treated with hip decompression augmented with BMAC and PRP [4].
Obesity & Metabolic Optimization¶
Metabolic factors increasingly shape arthroplasty candidacy and outcomes. Bauer et al. compared direct anterior versus posterolateral approaches in morbidly obese THA patients with 90-day complication analysis [12]. Avram et al. reviewed GLP-1 receptor agonist implications for obesity, inflammation, infection risk, and surgical candidacy across hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty [6]. Ganz et al. addressed perioperative considerations for the rising number of arthroplasty patients on testosterone replacement therapy [3].
Outcomes Prediction & Recovery¶
Prediction and measurement of recovery after THA advanced on several fronts. Huffman et al. showed preoperative hip abductor strength predicts 12-month HOOS-JR and VR-12 outcomes [5]. Chen et al. integrated sensor-based gait analysis, isokinetic strength, and PROMs to map one-year recovery trajectories in elderly patients [10]. Abul et al. evaluated AI diagnostic accuracy on day-one radiographs for predicting dislocation and aseptic loosening [9]. Kwaczala et al. found robotic assistance not economical versus conventional or navigated THA when patient profiles are controlled [13]. Chen et al. critiqued CMS functional status measures, advocating meaningful outcome assessment over process compliance [2].
Articles by Theme¶
THA in High-DDH & Osteotomy (2)¶
7. Li H, Li M, Zhang B, et al. Risk Factor Analysis of Delayed Union or Nonunion After Total Hip Arthroplasty Combined with Subtrochanteric Transverse Osteotomy in Patients Who have Crowe Type IV Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2026.07.044
This retrospective study of 107 patients (130 hips) with Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the hip analyzed radiographic risk factors for delayed union or nonunion after total hip arthroplasty combined with subtrochanteric transverse osteotomy. Multiple osteotomy and canal fill parameters were compared between patients with uneventful union and those with delayed or failed union. Identifying these risk factors can guide surgical technique refinement to reduce this major complication and improve rehabilitation outcomes.
11. Macheras G, Argyrou C, Tzefronis D, et al. Femoral Shortening Osteotomy Techniques in Total Hip Arthroplasty for Hartofilakidis Type C Developmental Hip Dysplasia: A 25-Year Single-Surgeon Series. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2026.08.003
A single-surgeon 25-year retrospective series of 117 THAs with femoral shortening osteotomy in 89 patients with Hartofilakidis type C developmental dysplasia evaluated five osteotomy techniques, all with acetabular components placed in the true acetabulum. Subtrochanteric osteotomy was the most frequently used technique, with outcomes assessed for union, leg-length restoration, rotational alignment, and neurologic complications. The findings support tailoring the shortening osteotomy level and technique to individual anatomy when reconstructing the true acetabulum in high-grade DDH.
Periprosthetic Fracture Revision (1)¶
8. Park C, Chang Jang M, Jeong S, et al. Modular Fluted Tapered Stems in Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures: Curved Stems are Protective Against Intraoperative Fracture and Postoperative Subsidence. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2026.07.043
This single-institution study reviewed 89 revision hip arthroplasties using modular fluted tapered stems for Vancouver B2/B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures with minimum 2-year follow-up, comparing straight versus curved distal stems. Curved stems were protective against additional intraoperative fracture and postoperative stem subsidence on multivariate analysis. Surgeons managing periprosthetic femoral fractures may consider curved modular fluted tapered stems to reduce intraoperative fracture risk and improve implant stability.
Femoral Head Preservation (2)¶
1. Filan D, Mullins K, Carton P. Arthroscopic Correction of Pincer-Type FAI in the Presence of Acetabular Retroversion Results in Excellent Patient-Reported Outcomes With Low Risk of Reoperation or Conversion to Arthroplasty at Minimum 5 Years. The American Journal of Sports Medicine 2026. doi:10.1177/03635465261464485
This cohort study evaluated 5-year outcomes after arthroscopic correction of pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement in hips with acetabular retroversion using a prospective hip preservation registry. Patients achieved excellent patient-reported outcome measures with low rates of reoperation and conversion to arthroplasty at minimum 5-year follow-up. The findings support hip arthroscopy as a durable treatment option for symptomatic pincer-type FAI associated with acetabular retroversion.
4. Restrepo DJ, Smith JH, Guarin Perez SF, et al. Hip Decompression Augmented With Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate and Platelet-Rich Plasma for Corticosteroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2026.07.055
This prospective cohort study reported minimum 10-year follow-up of 21 patients (34 hips) with pre-collapse corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head treated with hip decompression augmented with bone marrow aspirate concentrate and platelet-rich plasma. Survivorship free from conversion to total hip arthroplasty was 62% at a mean of 11 years, with failures driven by femoral head collapse and persistent pain. The results suggest biologic augmentation provides intermediate-term benefit in only a subset of patients, informing patient selection and counseling for joint-preserving surgery.
Obesity & Metabolic Optimization (3)¶
3. Ganz MP, Mont MA, Scuderi GR. Androgen Awareness: Navigating Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Total Joint Arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2026.06.013
This review addresses the rising prevalence of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) among patients presenting for total joint arthroplasty, driven by longevity medicine, expanded indications, and gender-affirming care. It outlines the clinical considerations orthopaedic surgeons must navigate regarding exogenous androgen use in the perioperative setting. Clinicians should increasingly recognize and manage TRT-related issues as younger, medically optimised patients undergo elective arthroplasty.
6. Avram GM, Indelli PF, Violante B, et al. GLP‐1 receptor agonists in hip, knee and shoulder arthroplasty: Implications for obesity, osteoarthritis, metabolic optimisation and complications. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 2026. doi:10.1002/ksa.70557
This editorial reviews the implications of GLP-1 receptor agonist use for hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty, covering obesity management, metabolic optimization, and perioperative outcomes. Observational data suggest preoperative GLP-1 use may reduce periprosthetic joint infection, readmission, and other adverse outcomes, though evidence is limited by confounding and inconsistent reporting of drug class, dose, and duration. The authors emphasize the need for standardised reporting and higher-quality studies before firm clinical recommendations can be made.
12. Bauer JA, Birbara B, Grosso MJ. Comparison of 90-Day Complications Between Direct Anterior and Postero-Lateral Total Hip Arthroplasty in Morbidly Obese Patients. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2026.08.006
This retrospective review of 5,933 primary THAs compared 90-day outcomes between direct anterior (238) and posterolateral (127) approaches in 365 morbidly obese patients, using multivariable and penalized logistic regression with propensity-score sensitivity analyses. Direct anterior approach was associated with shorter operative times (71 vs 92 minutes) and reduced risk of periprosthetic fracture on adjusted analysis. These results suggest the direct anterior approach may offer perioperative advantages in morbidly obese patients, though approach selection should weigh these benefits against other complication risks.
Outcomes Prediction & Recovery (5)¶
2. Chen AF, Della Valle CJ, Bostrom MP, et al. Reconsidering Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Functional Status Measures for Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: From Process Compliance to Meaningful Outcome Assessment. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2026.05.075
This commentary critiques the CMS functional status measures for total hip and knee arthroplasty, arguing they function as process compliance metrics rather than meaningful assessments of patient outcomes. The authors contend that current approaches fall short of the promise shown by validated PROMs and large-scale registry initiatives in Scandinavia and the UK. They call for redesigning these measures to capture genuine patient-centered functional outcomes rather than documentation compliance.
5. Huffman A, Burbelo A, Clark T, et al. Preoperative Hip Abductor Muscle Strength Predicts Patient-Reported Functional Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2026.07.049
This prospective study of 163 primary total hip arthroplasty patients used adjusted linear mixed-effects models to test whether preoperative hip abductor muscle strength predicts 12-month patient-reported outcomes. Greater preoperative ipsilateral hip abductor strength was associated with better 12-month HOOS-JR and VR-12 scores. Preoperative abductor strengthening may represent a modifiable target for prehabilitation to improve postoperative functional recovery.
9. Abul MS, Sevim ÖF, Kılıç NC, et al. Diagnostic Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence Systems in Early Prediction of Dislocation and Aseptic Loosening After Total Hip Arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2026.07.013
Researchers retrospectively applied multiple artificial intelligence systems to first-day postoperative pelvic radiographs from 1,045 primary total hip arthroplasty patients to predict dislocation and aseptic loosening over a mean 11.6-year follow-up. The best-performing system achieved AUCs of 0.91 (dislocation) and 0.90 (aseptic loosening) with reproducible outputs, outperforming the other systems (AUCs 0.77-0.84). AI analysis of early postoperative radiographs may enable risk stratification for late THA complications, though performance varies substantially across systems.
10. Chen W, Wang C, Lee S, et al. Sensor-Based Gait Recovery Analysis After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A One-Year Follow-Up Study Integrating Muscle Strength and Patient-Reported Outcomes. The Journal of Arthroplasty 2026. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2026.05.038
In this prospective cohort of 84 elderly patients (≥70 years) undergoing THA or TKA, foot-mounted inertial sensors tracked spatiotemporal gait parameters alongside isokinetic muscle strength testing and PROMs (HOOS-JR/KOOS-JR) at five timepoints over one year. TKA patients showed significant and persistent gait asymmetry up to three months postoperatively, whereas recovery trajectories differed between the two procedures. Objective sensor-based gait analysis combined with strength and PROM data can identify prolonged recovery phases and guide targeted rehabilitation after lower-limb joint arthroplasty.
13. Kwaczala AT, Strecker SE, Solomito MJ, et al. Implementation of Robotic-Assisted Procedure for Total Hip Arthroplasty Is Not Economical in a High-Volume Orthopaedic Facility. JAAOS: Global Research and Reviews 2026. doi:10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-25-00431
In this retrospective study of 3,799 THA patients matched on age, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and preoperative HOOS-JR, outcomes were compared across conventional (68%), robotic-assisted (10%), and computer-navigated techniques with follow-up to one year. Despite reported clinical benefits of advanced technology, the authors concluded that robotic-assisted THA was not economical in a high-volume facility, with no clear patient-reported outcome advantage over conventional or navigated approaches. Routine robotic assistance may not be cost-justified for primary THA when patient profiles are well controlled.