Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Individualized Stem-positioning in Calcar-guided Short-stem Total Hip Arthroplasty
Published on: February 27, 2018
[Characteristics of the learning curve in total hip endoprosthesis exemplified by the BiContact prosthesis]
C H Flamme1, C J Wirth, Stukenborg-Colsmann
1Orthopädische Klinik der MH Hannover im Annastift e.V. flamme@annastift.de
Aim:
Total hip arthroplasty is a common operation but there are few data describing the learning curve of this operation. The aim of the presented study is to prove and describe the learning curve in total hip arthroplasty.
Method:
Between 1991 and 1993, 168 patients were included in this prospective study, operated by three surgeons having different experiences in operating total hip arthroplasty. Perioperative complications and postoperative X-rays were analysed. Patients were re-examined clinically and radiologically and by a questionnaire 5 years after operation.
Results:
Radiological complications of the first 84 operated patients were statistically significantly higher than those of the following 84 patients, except for minimal bone fractures and leg lengthening. The learning curve of all surgeons was finished after 20 operations independent of their experience. Clinical results were not influenced by the learning curve at follow-up.
Conclusions:
Regardless of the experience of the surgeon, the learning curve in total hip arthroplasty is finished after about 20 operations for each surgeon. Intensive preoperative planning and exchange of experience inside and outside every clinic will shorten the length of the learning curve.
