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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

The Transition to an Anterior-Based Muscle Sparing Approach Improves Early Postoperative Function but is Associated with a Learning Curve
Published on: September 7, 2022
Long-term outcome of surface replacement with comparison to an age- and time-matched primary total hip arthroplasty
Russell D Meldrum1, G Peter Maiers, Judy R Feinberg
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5111, USA.
Abstract:
Surface replacement (SR) was introduced as a bone-conserving alternative to total hip arthroplasty (THA) 3 decades ago, then was abandoned due to polyethylene wear, stress shielding, and loosening. Improved bearing surfaces have renewed interest in SR. This study examined long-term SR outcome compared to an age- and time-matched THA cohort. Average age was 47 years at index procedure with 16 years follow-up (range, 5-28). Revision rates were 86% and 40% in SR and THA groups, respectively. However, at 20 years, with an end point of either intact SR or primary THA in the SR group, survivorship was 64% +/- 6% versus 39% +/- 7% unrevised in THA cohort. Contemporary and rapidly changing technology may result in longer-term SR success and improved THA longevity in young patients.
