Evaluation of the Learning Curves Associated with Uncemented Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Depending on the Experience of the Surgeon

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to prove and to portray the learning curve in total hip arthroplasty. This prospective study included 168 patients who were operated on by three surgeons, all demonstrating different degrees of experience in performing total hip arthroplasty. Perioperative complications and postoperative radiographs were analysed. Patients were re-examined clinically and radiologically five years postoperatively. In addition, a second study with 41 patients was performed, evaluating especially the learning curve of the highly skilled surgeon in using a femoral neck prosthesis. Radiological complications presented by the first 84 operated patients (2 nd study: 25 hips) were significantly higher than those in the following 84 patients (2 nd study: 26 hips). The learning curve of all surgeons was completed after 20 operations regardless of their experience. Clinical results at follow-up were not influenced by the learning curve. Intensive preoperative planning and exchange of experiences will reduce the length of the learning curve within and outside every clinic.