Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
09:51
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
Hip replacement in the athlete: is there a role?
1Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 5DW, UK. mattwilson@doctors.org.uk
Summary
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly performed to enable return to sport. Advances in hip replacement surgery and technology are making THA more suitable for active individuals seeking to resume sporting activities.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Historically, sport and total hip arthroplasty (THA) were considered incompatible.
- Pain relief has been the primary goal of hip replacement surgery.
- Growing patient demand exists for THA aimed at returning to sport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in hip replacement surgery for athletes.
- To summarize current literature on post-THA return to sport.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on hip arthroplasty and sports participation.
- Analysis of technological innovations in THA.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding outcomes of returning to sport after THA.
Main Results:
- Technological and surgical improvements enhance suitability of THA for athletes.
- Evidence suggests a positive trend for athletes returning to sport post-THA.
- Patient expectations regarding sporting activity after THA are increasing.
Conclusions:
- Modern total hip arthroplasty is increasingly viable for the athletic population.
- Further research is needed to optimize outcomes for athletes undergoing THA.
- Hip replacement surgery is evolving to meet the demands of active individuals.
