Abstract
Longevity of the implants is the most respected factor in THA. Except from this fact, complications like dislocation, wear and osteolysis are reported in literature most frequently. But there is an underestimation in the orthopedic community in the importance of joint function, which is directly related to accurate restoration of joint geometry. This might be due to a lack of functional parameters for the measurement and availability of adequate implants for accurate restoration of joint geometry.
From our point of view the two problems: stable stem fixation and joint geometry have to be addressed separately: Safe stem fixation on the one hand, adequate joint geometry on the other hand. With the use of standard implants compromises have to be made on either side. To avoid this dilemma, we propose alternative systems: A modular system with interchangeable necks as a standard implant for better fit and adequate joint geometry or a custom implant. In the presentation we address the interference of stem fit and joint geometry and discuss problems and advantages of modularity and custom implants.
The abstracts were prepared by Nico Verdonschot. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
