Vol. 11, Issue 3 (2025)

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are widely performed procedures for managing advanced joint degeneration. Despite shared objectives of pain relief and function restoration, the two surgeries differ substantially in anatomical, biomechanical, and technical demands.
Objective: To perform a comparative review of THA and TKA with a focus on biomechanical characteristics, materials used, surgical techniques, and functional outcomes, based on a comprehensive analysis of current scientific literature.
Methods: This narrative review included 59 peer-reviewed studies identified through electronic databases and manual screening. Articles addressing biomechanical behavior, implant materials, surgical approaches, and clinical outcomes of THA and TKA were critically evaluated and compared.
Results: THA showed superior biomechanical restoration due to its simpler ball-and-socket configuration, resulting in faster gait normalization and higher patient satisfaction. Materials for THA favored ceramic and titanium for enhanced biocompatibility and wear resistance, while TKA relied on cobalt-chromium alloys and high-performance polyethylene to handle complex loading dynamics. Surgically, THA offered greater flexibility in approaches and earlier functional gains, whereas TKA required meticulous alignment and soft tissue balancing. Robotic-assisted technologies improved precision in both procedures, with a stronger impact observed in TKA.
Conclusion: While both THA and TKA achieve substantial clinical benefits, THA generally provides more predictable biomechanical and functional outcomes. The complexity of TKA underscores the need for technical precision and individualized rehabilitation strategies. Future innovations in biomaterials and surgical navigation may further narrow the gap in outcomes between these two cornerstone procedures in orthopedic surgery.