Avoiding Hip Instability and Limb Length Discrepancy After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Two complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA) are hip instability and limb length discrepancy; instability is a common indication for revision THA. The goal of a successful THA is to maximize impingement-free range of motion, recreate appropriate offset, and equalize limb length discrepancies to produce a pain-free and dynamically stable THA. In this article, the patient risk factors for dislocation and limb length discrepancy, key elements of the preoperative template, the anatomic landmarks for accurate component placement, the leg positions for soft tissue stability testing, and the management of postoperative instability are reviewed.