What questions will be asked when scrubbing in for a total hip arthroplasty (THA) as a medical student?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: May 1, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

As a medical student scrubbed in for a total hip replacement, you'll likely be asked about hip anatomy, surgical approaches, implant types, and perioperative management, with a focus on DVT prophylaxis, particularly the use of aspirin, enoxaparin, or dabigatran, as recommended by the most recent study 1. When preparing for a total hip replacement, it's essential to have a solid understanding of the key anatomical structures, including the femoral head, acetabulum, and surrounding neurovascular structures. You should also be familiar with the different surgical approaches, such as anterior, posterior, and lateral, including their advantages and risks. Some of the key questions you may be asked include:

  • Identifying key anatomical structures and their relationships
  • Describing the differences between various surgical approaches and implant types
  • Discussing perioperative considerations, such as DVT prophylaxis, antibiotic protocols, and rehabilitation timelines
  • Understanding potential complications, like dislocation, infection, leg length discrepancy, and neurovascular injury
  • Knowing common indications for total hip replacement, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, and hip fractures It's also important to be prepared to discuss the steps of the procedure, patient positioning, and surgical landmarks. According to the most recent study 1, aspirin, enoxaparin, and dabigatran have an overall satisfactory efficacy and safety profile for VTE prophylaxis following hip and knee arthroplasty, with aspirin < 325 mg daily being a recommended option. Remember that questions are typically tailored to your level of training, so focus on understanding fundamental concepts rather than advanced technical details.

Related Questions

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.