Advancements in Hip Surgery: Insights from BOA Annual Congress 2024
The recent BOA Annual Congress in September in Birmingham, UK, was a resounding success, uniting professionals from the orthopaedic field and fostering a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing. I found it particularly rewarding to discuss my expertise in hip arthroscopic surgery, minimally invasive total hip replacement, and revision hip replacement. Having performed day case total hip replacements regularly over the last three years, it’s encouraging to see their growing prevalence across the country.
Early results from computer-assisted and robotic hip replacements are promising, although many questions remain. We are increasingly asking the right questions to ensure that computer-assisted surgery becomes a true clinical success. Currently, it plays a significant role in managing complex hip replacements, but its economic viability in broader usage still needs to be established. Are we close to achieving this with robotic hip replacements? Only statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes will justify its widespread adoption. AI is poised to play a crucial role in this evolution.
Additionally, ceramic resurfacing hip replacement is on the horizon, with early results showing promise. As one of the few selected surgeons, I am excited to begin using this technique for select patients next year. While I can offer metal-on-metal resurfacing hip replacements for young men, this approach is not currently used in women. The success of ceramic-on-ceramic hip resurfacing will open opportunities to benefit young women as well. Exciting times lie ahead!