Design features of the rotating head total hip arthroplasty by Weber-Huggler– a forgotten technical solution to reduce wear

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a very successful operation. Once the problem of implant fixation was solved with the use of bone cement, the next development steps focused on improving the bearing. Weber, a Swiss surgeon, introduced the first modular heads in THA. His design improved reconstruction of the patients’ anatomy using various neck lengths, eased revision as well-fixed stems could be preserved, and also reduced wear due to a cylindrical, rotating connection between the head and neck. The features and results of this exceptional design are reviewed. However, as newer material combinations greatly mitigated the problem of wear and as the dimensions of the cylindrical connection limit range of motion, it was supplanted by the nowadays well-established Morse taper connection, which also is less complex to manufacture. As Weber’s design was associated with good long-term results, the technical features of this technical solution should not be forgotten.