Avoiding Hip Instability and Limb Length Discrepancy After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Instability and limb length discrepancy are two common complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the most common cause for revision surgery. Maximizing impingement-free range of motion, recreating appropriate offset, and equalizing limb lengths and producing a pain-free and dynamically stable THA is the ultimate goal of a successful THA. In this article, patient risk factors for hip instability and limb length discrepancy are reviewed along with, key elements of the preoperative template, the anatomic landmarks for accurate component placement, device options, the leg positions for soft tissue stability testing, and the management of postoperative instability.