Operation of the century

The operation of the century: total hip replacement.

Learmonth ID, Young C, Rorabeck C. Lancet (London, England) 2007 · PMID 17964352 · doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(07)60457-7

Question

What is the history, current practice and outcome of total hip replacement?

Design

Narrative review in the Lancet.

Patients

Patients with end-stage hip arthritis.

Intervention

Total hip replacement

Comparison

Not applicable

Primary outcome

Not applicable (review)

Key result

Describes how THR transformed care of elderly arthritic patients, that both cemented and uncemented fixation can be durable, and how newer bearings, less invasive surgery and computer navigation aim to meet younger patients' demands, with cost-effectiveness governing future developments.

Limitations

Narrative rather than systematic review, and predates the metal-on-metal problems and newer evidence on bearings and fixation.

Impact on practice

A widely cited overview that frames THR principles for students and trainees.