Course Overview
Welcome to Surgical Insights: Total Hip Arthroplasty. This course is part of a series of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons courses that offer a comprehensive, interactive digital learning experience. The course integrates concise lessons written by top experts, current lectures, surgical demonstrations, case studies, and relevant test questions and includes links to additional content for more in-depth study.
In the past 50 years, total hip arthroplasty (THA) has changed the lives of patients with hip arthritis, resulting in outcomes that have become the benchmark in the field of joint arthroplasty. The authors and editors who generously donated their time and expertise to this course are among the top thought leaders in the field. This course includes 25 lessons that are organized into 6 modules and fully covers the breadth of primary and revision THA. Topics include the tribology and basic science of THA, material design principles and biomechanics, and indications and complications. Hot topics, such as the hip-spine relationship, the stiff spine, and current knowledge on hip instability, also are included. After completion of this course, learners will have a better understanding of primary, complex, and revision THA for the management of hip arthritis as well as etiologies and management of failed THA.
Surgical Insights: Total Hip Arthroplasty is meant to be used as a stand-alone, go-to resource for specific questions related to primary and revision THA, such as postoperative rehabilitation protocols or practical considerations for bearing surface and implant selection in patients with hip instability or acetabular and femoral bone loss. Some intentional overlap in subject matter exists between the lessons to present multiple perspectives on a specific topic. We believe this modest overlap is an advantage of the course. The case studies included in the lessons highlight clinical decision-making pearls for primary and revision THA. The lessons and assessment questions will serve as a helpful review tool for in-training or recertification examinations. We extend our sincere appreciation to the editors and authors for their thoughtful and informative contributions. We hope you find this course timely, informative, and a valuable educational resource.
