[Primary total hip arthroplasty: what about the new techniques?].

Primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become a routine procedure with a high level of reproductibility, enabling improved function in the great majority of patients. Main modern concepts in THA have been established for more than forty years ago. An effort has been made to improve prosthetic stability and to reduce aseptic loosening, due to particle wear. Thus, several ways have been explored, including minimizing the surgical approach, improving wear resistance of the bearing surface, new methods of fixation, and innovative mechanical concepts. However, the clinical benefits of some of these techniques are still to be established. These technical advances are detailed in this article through a review of the recent literature, indicating the pros and cons for each concept.