Abstract
Background
Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) is a polished tapered collarless monopolar prosthesis used for cemented hemiarthroplasty for fracture neck of femur. Two modular rasps are available on the instrumentation set. The larger rasp, in practice, rarely fits into the femur making trial reduction impossible. Our hypothesis was that the absence of a trial reduction could affect leg length and stability of the prosthesis.
Aim
To evaluate the leg length discrepancy following use of Exeter Trauma Stem for intracapsular fracture neck of femur.
Methods
All patients who underwent ETS hemiarthroplasty between June 2009 to March 2010 (n = 100) were included in the study. Radiographic assessment of leg length was performed by two independent assessors based on measurements by Woolson et al.
Results
Upto half of the patients had equal leg length measurements. Forty four patients had lengthening of the operated leg with a mean of 10mm (5–25). Further complications included four dislocations. There was no statistical significance between leg lengths and dislocations.
Conclusion
Care is needed with regards to correct positioning of the ETS prosthesis to achieve equal leg lengths. Following this study a new intermediate sized modular rasp has been introduced to the instrumentation set.
