Abstract
Survivorship of the standard Exeter Universal cemented stem with revision of the femoral component for aseptic loosening as the endpoint has been reported as 100% at 12 years. A version for use in smaller femora, the Exeter 35.5 mm stem, was introduced in 1988. Although also a collarless polished taper, the stem is slimmer and 25 mm shorter than a standard stem.
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Between August 1988 and August 2003 192 primary hip arthroplasties were performed in 165 patients using the Exeter 35.5 mm stem. Clinical and operative data were collected prospectively. Clinical evaluation was by the Charnley, Harris and Oxford hip scores and radiographs were analysed post-operatively and at latest follow up.
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The mean age at time of operation was 53 (18 to 86) years with 73 patients under the age of 50 years. The diagnosis was osteoarthritis 91, hip dysplasia in 77, inflammatory arthritis in 18, septic arthritis of the hip in 3, secondary to Perthes disease in 2 and avascular necrosis of the hip in 1 patient. The fate of every implant is known.
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At a median follow-up of 8 (5 to 19) years survivorship with revision of the femoral stem for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 100%. 15 cases (7.8%) underwent further surgery – 11 for acetabular revision, 1 for stem fracture and 3 others.
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Although smaller than a standard Exeter Universal polished tapered cemented stem, with a shorter, slimmer taper, the performance of the Exeter 35.5 mm stem was equally good even in this young, diverse group of patients.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr D J Bracey, Editorial Secretary. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Cornwall TR1 3LJ, England.
