Trends in total hip arthroplasty.

This article discusses developments in total hip arthroplasty related to the use of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liner material as the new standard of care for acetabular cup articulation surfaces. The pathologic implications of metal-on-metal hip prostheses in asymptomatic patients also are discussed.

Advances in total knee arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the success stories of modern surgery. Primary TKA is commonly used when nonsurgical treatments for osteoarthritis fail. The need for TKA is projected to increase by 673% between 2005 and 2030, creating a tremendous burden on the healthcare system.

Diagnosis and treatment of cuff tear arthropathy.

Rotator cuff tears account for a significant majority of shoulder pain presentations. Without diagnosis and management, advanced cuff tears may progress to cuff tear arthropathy, a degenerative arthritis condition of the shoulder. This article discusses the causes and management of cuff tear arthropathy, including definitive treatment with reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Recognizing and managing infections in total joint arthroplasty.

Periprosthetic joint infections are a devastating complication of joint arthroplasty procedures, affecting 1% to 4% of patients. With the increasing demand for joint replacement, the clinical and financial burden of periprosthetic joint infections is challenging. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic joint infections.

Pathogenesis and management of diabetic foot ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcers are a devastating component of diabetes progression and are caused by loss of glycemic control, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and immunosuppression. An estimated 15% of patients with diabetes have diabetic foot ulcers. This article describes the pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical management, and advances in wound treatment for diabetic foot ulcers.