Primary total hip arthroplasty.

TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY (THA) has been proven to decrease a patient's pain and improve function and quality of life. This procedure has been performed in the United States since 1960. Follow-up data suggest long-term success with a decreasing rate of complications and low rate of revision. MORE THAN 168,000 THA procedures are performed in the United States every year. There is an 80% chance these hip replacements will last at least 20 years. CURRENT IMPROVEMENTS in hip designs, surgical techniques, fixation methods, prophylactic therapies, preadmission education, and rehabilitation have contributed to improved patient outcomes.