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Hip Replacement Explained

News

Hip replacement news

Recent research, FDA clearances, and technology and policy changes that could matter if you're deciding about hip surgery. Each item says what happened, why it matters, and where to read the original.

Last reviewed November 13, 2026

Latest news

  1. Research

    Robotic hip surgery placed cups more accurately in a new meta-analysis

    A review of 15 studies (2,485 hips) found robotic surgery placed fewer cups outside the target range and had fewer dislocations in the first year than conventional surgery. Most included studies were not randomized.21

    Why it matters for patients. Promising for dislocation risk, but there is still no long-term evidence that robotic hips last longer or feel better.

    Journal of Robotic Surgery

  2. Research

    Dual mobility hips cut dislocation in complex cases

    A meta-analysis of 4,424 hips found much lower dislocation with dual mobility bearings than standard bearings in complex first-time hip replacements, with short- to mid-term follow-up.20

    Why it matters for patients. If you have a higher risk of dislocation, ask whether dual mobility is an option and why.

    Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma

  3. Technology

    DePuy Synthes launches AI-assisted hip navigation in the US

    VELYS Hip Navigation with AI Assistance automates landmark identification on intraoperative X-rays to report leg length, offset and cup position. Company announcement.

    Why it matters for patients. Navigation can help with cup placement and leg length; ask your surgeon what tools they use and why.

    Company announcement

  4. FDA clearance

    Medacta's NextAR Hip navigation platform cleared

    FDA cleared the NextAR Hip Platform (K252847), which provides navigation guidance for Medacta hip implants with CT-based or imageless workflows and optional smart glasses.

    Why it matters for patients. 510(k) clearance means the device is substantially equivalent to an existing one, not that it performs better.

    510(k) record

  5. Policy

    Medicare's TEAM episode payment model begins

    CMS's mandatory Transforming Episode Accountability Model started in selected hospitals. Its episodes include hip and knee replacement and surgical treatment of hip and thigh fractures.51

    Why it matters for patients. Hospitals in TEAM are paid by the episode, which shapes discharge planning and implant purchasing.

    CMS

  6. Research

    Cochrane: no clear best surgical approach for hemiarthroplasty

    A Cochrane review of 27 trials (3,369 people) found no clear difference between front, side and back approaches for hemiarthroplasty after hip fracture; early walking may be slightly better with the front approach.27

    Why it matters for patients. For families of hip fracture patients, the surgeon's experience matters more than the approach.

    Cochrane Library

  7. Technology

    Stryker adds robotic revision hip to Mako

    Stryker announced Mako 4 and expanded Mako Total Hip to include revision hip surgery planning and guidance. Company announcement.

    Why it matters for patients. Robotic tools are reaching revision surgery, where evidence is still very limited.

    MassDevice

How we choose news

Sources

  1. Manohar M, et al. Dual mobility versus fixed bearings in complex primary total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2026;80:103538. doi:10.1016/j.jcot.2026.103538
  2. Arun Kumar G, et al. Robotic-assisted versus conventional manual total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of component position accuracy, Lewinnek zone outliers, and early dislocation rates. J Robot Surg. 2026;20(1). doi:10.1007/s11701-026-03678-x
  3. Morrell AT, et al. Surgical approaches for inserting hemiarthroplasty of the hip in people with hip fractures. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025;6(6):CD016031. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD016031
  4. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM). cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/team-model