Abstract
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful surgery. However, patients' expectations have increased over the last two decades in regards to hip function after joint replacement, the patients assume to return their daily and sport activities without major limitations. This presentation will examine the effect of surgical approaches and implant designs as well as rehabilitation protocol on the clinical and biomechanical outcomes after THA. The new implant designs for THA aim to improve joint function whereas the surgical approaches intend to reduce muscle damage to regain muscle strength. One important determinant measured from gait analysis is the hip abduction moment as the abductors play a key role in stabilizing the pelvis in the frontal plane, particularly in phases of transition, such as the single leg stance in walking or stair climbing. This showed that muscle strength needs to be preserved. To minimize the risk of hip joint instability, a strong focus of implant development has been carried out. To illustrate this important concept within the context of gait analysis, I will present two studies that examine the influence of surgical approach and biomechanical reconstruction; and the second, is a prospective RCT comparing a dual mobility implant to a standard total hip replacement.
