Differences and Opportunities of THA in the USA, Asia and Europe

Abstract

There are several differences for total hip arthroplasty in USA, Asia and Europe. Primary osteoarthritis is the mean indication for hip replacement in Europe and USA, while in Asia secondary osteoarthritis encounters for most hip diseases and elective THA. Different needs for implant sizes have been solved for Asian countries since many developments of the 90s respected the needs for smaller patients and different bone morphology. However, the challenges with younger patients and an increased number of revision surgeries are the same for all orthopaedic surgeons. Consequent result documentation as it is in European hip registers in Scandinavia, is not yet established in other countries. Differences in implant selection and surgeon’s preference are still obvious and influenced by education and experience. Different approval processes and the economic environment influence the availability of new implants or material and technology developments.