An arthroplasty is the surgical formulation or reformulation of a joint. Since the 1960s, when Sir John Charnley developed the total hip replacement (THR), there have been drastic changes in managing patients with hip joint disabilities. Indications and contraindications for THR have also evolved. However, the goals of hip arthroplasty are still to relieve pain and deformity and to restore hip joint mobility.

In this Research Update column, discussion is on articles relating to (a) standardized incidence rates of total hip replacement (THR), (b) THR in younger patients with rheumatoid arthritis, (c) antibiotic dosing before THR and total knee replacement (TKR), (d) factors associated with prolonged wound drainage after THR and TKR, and (e) the outcome of THR in obese and nonobese patients.