Total hip replacement: Unique challenges in the obese and geriatric populations

Purpose of review: Total hip replacement is one of the safest and most clinically efficacious operations in orthopedic surgery. It has been extended to more and more patient populations over the past four decades. The purpose of this review is to present the contemporary data of total hip replacement in two unique patient populations: obese patients and geriatric patients older than 75 years of age. Recent findings: There are unique clinical challenges in these patients. In addition, the clinical outcome and complications are different from more routine total hip replacement populations. Summary: The recent research has shown that total hip replacement in the obese and elderly populations can be successful, and should not be denied solely based on these two criteria. There is a need for more research to investigate postoperative instability in the obese patient population, and perioperative mental confusion and cognitive function deterioration in the elderly patient population.