Advances in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

A Special Issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142) belonging to the section "Functional Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 2112

Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska ulica 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: total hip arthroplasty; total knee arthroplasty; revision arthroplasty; biomaterials; osteoporosis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over recent decades, hip and knee arthroplasty has become one of the most successful and widely performed elective orthopedic procedures worldwide, with its use increasing at an almost exponential rate.

In alignment with the scope of the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, for this Special Issue, we particularly welcome contributions focusing on functional and biomechanical aspects of arthroplasty. We invite original research and review articles addressing functional outcomes following hip and knee arthroplasty, joint biomechanics and movement analysis, muscle function and neuromuscular adaptations, and rehabilitation strategies and the recovery of physical performance. Reaching a deeper understanding of how surgical interventions translate into restored movement, improved function, and enhanced quality of life remains a central challenge and a key research priority.

At the same time, important clinical challenges persist. Aseptic loosening, periprosthetic joint infection associated with biofilm formation, and periprosthetic fractures continue to represent significant concerns. Ongoing research into advanced implant materials, optimization of mechanical and tribological properties, innovative surface modifications, and bioactive coatings or drug delivery systems plays a crucial role in addressing these issues. Contributions that bridge surgical innovation and functional outcomes, biomechanics, and rehabilitation are particularly encouraged. By bringing together clinicians, researchers, and industry partners, this Special Issue will provide a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas while maintaining a strong emphasis on patient safety and clinical relevance.

Dr. Samo Karel Fokter
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • hip and knee arthroplasty
  • joint biomechanics
  • movement analysis
  • muscle function and neuromuscular adaptation
  • rehabilitation and physical performance
  • periprosthetic fractures

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 13222 KB  
Article
Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis Secondary to Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Retrospective Study with Minimum 12-Month Follow-Up
by Francesco Liuzza, Pierfrancesco Pirri, Gianluca Serra, Andrea Aureli, Fernando De Maio, Pasquale Farsetti and Giuseppe Rovere
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(3), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11030251 - 26 Jun 2026
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Abstract
Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the leading causes of secondary hip osteoarthritis and frequently results in severe anatomical alterations that make total hip arthroplasty (THA) technically demanding. Restoration of hip biomechanics, limb length, and joint stability remains challenging, [...] Read more.
Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the leading causes of secondary hip osteoarthritis and frequently results in severe anatomical alterations that make total hip arthroplasty (THA) technically demanding. Restoration of hip biomechanics, limb length, and joint stability remains challenging, particularly in patients with moderate-to-severe dysplasia. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of cementless total hip arthroplasty combined with soft-tissue balancing, with or without acetabular reconstruction using autologous femoral head graft, in patients affected by osteoarthritis secondary to DDH. Methods: A retrospective single-center case series was conducted on eight female patients (mean age 53.9 ± 14.6 years; range 33–80 years) who underwent primary cementless THA for DDH-related osteoarthritis between 2019 and 2025. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Radiographic evaluation included implant positioning, osteolysis, heterotopic ossification, bone graft incorporation, and leg-length discrepancy. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Preoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared using paired Student’s t-test and confirmed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Implant survival and revision-free status were recorded throughout the follow-up period. Results: At a minimum follow-up of 12 months (range 12 months–6 years), significant improvements were observed in all clinical outcome measures. Mean HHS increased from 49.3 ± 2.5 preoperatively to 90.4 ± 2.7 postoperatively (p < 0.001), while mean WOMAC decreased from 53.5 ± 5.6 to 7.4 ± 3.3 (p < 0.001). Mean SF-36 improved from 47.2 ± 3.8 to 89.9 ± 3.2 (p < 0.001). Wilcoxon analysis confirmed the statistical significance of these findings (all p = 0.0078). Radiographic assessment demonstrated satisfactory implant positioning and stable fixation in all patients, with no evidence of osteolysis or implant loosening. Minor complications included one intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture treated successfully with cerclage wiring, two cases of Brooker grade I–II heterotopic ossification, and one case of minimal graft resorption without clinical consequences. No revision procedures were recorded during follow-up, and implant survival was 100%. Conclusions: Cementless THA combined with selective soft-tissue balancing provides excellent clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis secondary to DDH. This approach significantly improves hip function and quality of life while ensuring stable implant fixation, low complication rates, and excellent mid-term implant survival. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty)
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Review

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17 pages, 606 KB  
Review
Timing Matters: Early Versus Delayed Rehabilitation After Total Knee Arthroplasty and Its Impact on Functional Recovery—A Systematic Review
by Félix Menéndez-Vega, Sandra Núñez-Rodríguez, Jerónimo Javier González-Bernal, Jessica Fernández-Solana, Pedro Aparicio de Águeda and Mirian Santamaría-Peláez
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(2), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020233 - 9 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1028
Abstract
Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is widely used to treat advanced knee osteoarthritis, yet the optimal timing for initiating postoperative rehabilitation remains unclear, particularly regarding its impact on short- and long-term functional outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to systematically review and compare earlier [...] Read more.
Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is widely used to treat advanced knee osteoarthritis, yet the optimal timing for initiating postoperative rehabilitation remains unclear, particularly regarding its impact on short- and long-term functional outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to systematically review and compare earlier versus later initiation of structured postoperative rehabilitation following primary TKA according to the timing definitions used in the available literature of structured postoperative rehabilitation after primary TKA and its effects on functional recovery. Methods: Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect between January and February 2025. Studies were limited to human participants, published in English or Spanish from 2010 onwards. Eligible studies compared early versus delayed rehabilitation following primary TKA and reported at least one predefined outcome related to pain, patient-reported functional measures, range of motion, muscle strength, performance-based functional tests, or hospital length of stay. Study selection was performed independently by two reviewers, and methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Results: A total of 662 records were identified, of which five studies (three randomized controlled trials, one prospective observational study, and one retrospective cohort study), including 185 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Early rehabilitation (typically initiated within the first postoperative hours to days) was associated with reductions in hospital length of stay ranging from approximately 1 to 2 days, lower early postoperative pain scores, greater short-term knee flexion gains, and improved early muscle strength compared with delayed rehabilitation protocols. However, no consistent differences were observed in medium- and long-term patient-reported functional outcomes across studies. No increase in postoperative complications was reported. Conclusions: Early initiation of rehabilitation after TKA appears safe and may enhance short-term recovery outcomes. However, no consistent long-term functional differences were observed between earlier and later rehabilitation initiation across the included studies. Further high-quality research with standardized definitions and long-term follow-up is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty)
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