Abstract
Aim
In the last years, many short hip stem variants were developed, almost always sharing the principle of metaphyseal and proximal diaphyseal anchorage. In this study, we analyzed the midterm results after implanting short cementless hip stem of ESKA.
Methods
A total of 380 total hip replacements using the ESKA-short cementless stems were performed in a series of 340 patients between November 2002 till May 2008. The clinical and radiological evaluation of the patients was done in September 2008. The mean follow up was 37 months (3–54 months).
Results
The mean age of the patients was 65 years (35–85 years). The indications varied between osteoarthritis (n=342), avascular necrosis (n=23) and aseptic loosening of stem (n=15). Good clinical and radiological outcome without complications was observed in 361 cases. However, complications were recorded in 19 cases. Aseptic loosening was noted in 4 cases and was treated with stem exchange. Deep infection occurred in 5 cases, 3 of which had direct exchange and 2 had two-stage delayed reconstruction. Dislocation was noted in 2 cases, which were revisions after aseptic loosening. 8 patients suffered intraoperative femur fissures, 7 of which healed completely after prolonged partial weight bearing postoperatively (n=4 without osteosynthesis, n=3 needed adjunctive cerclage around the proximal femur). Only 1 spiral fracture was recorded and needed a periprosthetic NCB-plate.
Conclusion
Our own experience with cementless short hip stems is, in accordance with other studies, also encouraging. Based on the metaphyseal and proximal diaphyseal anchorage, short stems established themselves as a surgical option in the hip replacement surgery. There was no increase in the postoperative complication rate compared with standard total hip arthoplasty. It is also an option for elderly population. However, long-term outcome is still to be investigated.
