Aims. When performing revision total hip arthroplasty using diaphyseal-engaging titanium tapered stems (TTS), the recommended 3 to 4 cm of stem-cortical diaphyseal contact may not be available. In challenging cases such as these with only 2 cm of contact, can sufficient axial stability be achieved and what is the benefit of a prophylactic cable? This study sought to determine, first, whether a prophylactic cable allows for sufficient axial stability when the contact length is 2 cm, and second, if differing TTS taper angles (2° vs 3.5°) impact these results. Methods. A biomechanical matched-pair cadaveric study was designed using six matched pairs of human fresh cadaveric femora prepared so that 2 cm of diaphyseal bone engaged with 2° (right femora) or 3.5° (left femora) TTS. Before impaction, three matched pairs received a single 100 lb-tensioned prophylactic beaded cable; the remaining three matched pairs received no cable adjuncts. Specimens underwent stepwise axial loading to 2600 N or until failure, defined as stem subsidence > 5 mm. Results. All specimens without cable adjuncts (6/6 femora) failed during axial testing, while all specimens with a prophylactic cable (6/6) successfully resisted axial load, regardless of taper angle. In total, four of the failed specimens experienced proximal longitudinal fractures, three of which occurred with the higher 3.5° TTS. One fracture occurred in a 3.5° TTS with a prophylactic cable yet passed axial testing, subsiding < 5 mm. Among specimens with a prophylactic cable, the 3.5° TTS resulted in lower mean subsidence (0.5 mm (SD 0.8)) compared with the 2° TTS (2.4 mm (SD 1.8)). Conclusion. A single prophylactic beaded cable dramatically improved initial axial stability when stem-cortex contact length was 2 cm. All implants failed secondary to fracture or subsidence > 5 mm when a prophylactic cable was not used. A higher taper angle appears to decrease the magnitude of subsidence but increased the fracture risk. The fracture risk was mitigated by the use of a prophylactic cable. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(7):472–477

Aims: The purpose of the study was to obtain long-term results after total hip arthroplasty (THA) with cemented titanium stems typ Mueller-Geradschaft. Methods: 91 patients with a total of 110 THA were clinically and radiologically examined after an average follow-up of 9,5 years (9 to 11). The recruitment was 84%. The Harris score was determined clinically. Radiologically the directly postoperative radiographs were compared to the control radiographs according to the recommendations of Gruen et al. and Johnston et al. Results: In 1 cases (1%) a septical complication appeared after two years which was treated in two-stage surgery. Revisions after aseptic loosening have been carried out in 4 cases (4%). No other cases showed evident signs of loosening and applied revision surgery. Clinically, in all of those 4 cases of aseptic loosening the Harris score remained above 75 points. Altogether in 36 cases more than one RLL was ascertained which were only be observed in zones 1, 7, 8, 14. The body weight was significantly higher (82 kg; d=2.4) in the 4 revisions than in cases without RLL, especially the ratio body weight to surface of the stem was clearly different (1.5 kg/cm2 versus 1 kg/cm2; p< 0.005) in the two patients groups. This did not apply to sex, activity, size or kind of stem, Harris-score, ectopic ossification or body-weight index. Conclusions: Cemented titanium stem protheses showed good long-term results. The biggest possible stem should be implanted. Periodically, radiological controls of THA are necessary because the subjective findings of patients does not correlate to the state of prosthesis loosening

Between January 1990 and October 2000, 108 total hip arthroplasties using a cemented polished titanium stem and a cemented ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWP) cup were performed at our hospital. Because during routine follow-up visits we noted instances of resorption of the calcar, we decided to assess whether this was a problem. We were able to assess 85 of the original 108 hips. Calcar resorption was observed in 43 hips. The extent of calcar resorption varied from 1 mm to over 15 mm. In one patient a biopsy showed typical polyethylene granuloma. Because there is a risk of long-term failure, we concluded that it is inadvisable to use a cemented polished titanium stem when UHMWP is one of the bearing surfaces

Cementless stem fixation is a widely used method of stem revision in North America and elsewhere in the world. There is abundant literature in its support. Most of the reports from 1985 to 2005 related to proximally or extensively porocoated designs, the former falling into disfavor with time because of unpredictable outcomes. With few exceptions (eg S-ROM) the modularity of these designs was limited to the head/neck junction. But this generation of designs was associated with some issues such as insertional fractures, limited control of anteversion (and risk of dislocation), limited applicability in the setting of severe bone loss (Paprosky Type 4 osteolysis or Vancouver Type B3 periprosthetic fracture), as well as ongoing concern relating to severe proximal stress shielding. In the past decade we have seen the mounting use of a new design concept: tapered fluted titanium stems (TFTS), which incorporate the advantages of titanium (for less flexural rigidity), conical taper (for vertical taper-lock stability), longitudinal ribs and flutes (for rotational stability), and surface preparation which attracts bone on growth for long term fixation. Four consecutive reports from our center have documented the superiority of the TFTS in our hands, with encouraging outcomes even when dealing with severe bone loss or periprosthetic fractures. There is an increasing body of other literature which reports a similar experience. Furthermore, with increasing experience and confidence in this design, we now use a monoblock or non-modular design in greater than 95% of cases in which a TFTS is indicated at our center. This circumvents the potential drawbacks of stem modularity, including taper corrosion and taper junction fracture

Background. KAR™ prosthesis was introduced following the success of Corail® femoral stem to tackle difficult revision cases (Paprosky type1, 2a, 2b and 3a). The ARTO group reported a success rate of 94% at 17 years follow-up. Only two independent studies reported similar success rate to date. Purpose. To analyse the short-term performance of the KAR™ prosthesis used in our unit. Methods. This was a retrospective study of all KAR™ prosthesis between 2005 and 2013. Basic demographic, stem size, indications, failures and complications were recorded. X-rays were analysed for evidence of implant failure and distal cortical hypertrophy. Results. A total of 83 cases were analysed. The mean age was 68 (range 38–88 years) with an average follow-up was 3 years (range 1–8 years). The main indications for revision were aseptic loosening (83.7%), and periprosthetic fractures (7%). Kaplan-Meier Survival Rate for ‘all reasons of failure’ and ‘stem loosening’ was 93.83% and 100% respectively at 3 years follow-up. The most common reason for failure following KAR™ revision was periprosthetic fracture (3 cases). All three cases had radiographic evidence of proximal bone loss prior to index revision. Two patients developed deep infection and one patient had stem subsidence requiring revision. One patient sustained dislocation but revision surgery was not required. When comparing the effect of cortical hypertrophy, there were no significant differences in the measured distal canal/cortical diameter over the entire period of follow-up. Discussion. KAR™ prosthesis offers respectable clinical performance over a short-term period. Revision rate for this system was comparable to other ‘independent non-designer’ study. The three patients that sustained periprosthetic fracture may have been better served with a distally locked stem revision system. We believe that this HA coated implant encourages consistent osseointegration around the metaphysis region when there is evidence of a sound distal fixation. Conclusion. This study confirms that this fully coated hydroxyapatite titanium stem offers reliable clinical performance in revision arthroplasty

Introduction: The Gemini stem (DePuy) is a titanium femoral stem with a modular cobalt chrome femoral head. It has a roughened proximal surface finish to enhance cement bonding and a distal centraliser. Purpose of the study: A retrospective assessment of the performance of the titanium cemented Gemini femoral component. Patients and Methods: 196 patients underwent a 204 total hip replacements using a titanium cemented Gemini stem and an uncemented cup. All the operations were performed by a lateral approach using modern cementing technique. Patients were assessed clinically (Harris hip score) and radiologically (standard AP and lateral x-rays). Results: 11 patients with incomplete clinical and radiological follow-up were excluded from the study, leaving 185 patients (193 hips). 36 patients died with their total hip prosthesis in situ. The average age was 71 years and primary diagnosis was OA in the majority. The average follow-up was 70 months (range 35– 121). 29 of the hips have been revised. A further 11 were recognized as radiological failures. In 24, aseptic loosening or a broken stem was an indication for the revision. Mean time to revision was 3.1 years (range 1.5 to 7). Discussion: Our results indicate that there is a high incidence of early failure associated with these titanium cemented stems, a cumulative failure of approximately 20%. The rough surface finish, titanium alloy and a fixed distal centraliser may all contribute to the early failure by increasing the stresses in the cement. Based on our experience, the continued use of this cemented stem is no longer justified

Introduction:. Severe bone loss creates a challenge for fixation in femoral revision. The goal of the study was to assess reproducibility of fixation and clinical outcomes of femoral revision with bone loss using a modular, fluted, tapered distally fixing stem. Methods:. 92 consecutive patients (96 hips) underwent hip revision surgery using the same design of a modular, fluted, tapered titanium stem between 1998 and 2005. Fourteen patients with 16 hips died before a 2-year follow-up. Eighty hips were followed for an average of 11.3 years (range of 8 to 13.5 years). Bone loss was classified as per Paprosky's classification, osseointegration assessed according to a modified system of Engh et al, and Harris Hip Score was used to document pain and function. Serial radiographs were reviewed by an independent observer to assess subsidence, osseointegration and bony reconstitution. Results:. The average patient age was 68 years at the time of surgery (range 40 to 91). 80% hips had at least Paprosky type 3A proximal bone loss and 41% had an associated proximal femoral ostoetomy. Pre-operative Harris Hip scores (HHS) averaged 50.368 (range 22 to 72.775) and improved to an average HHS of 87.432 (range 63.450 to 99.825) at last follow-up. The HHS improved an average of 37.103 points (range 13.750 to 58.950). Radiographically, osseointegration was evident in all hips. No hips had measurable migration beyond 5 mm. 61%) hips had evidence of bone reconstitution and 27% demonstrated diaphyseal stress shielding. One well-fixed distal stem was revised for stem fracture, and two proximal segments were revised for recurrent dislocation. Conclusion:. Reproducible fixation and clinical improvement were consistently achieved with this stem design in the setting of femoral bone loss

Introduction. Studies have documented encouraging results with the use of fluted, tapered, modular, titanium stems in revision hip arthroplasty with bone loss. However, radiographic signs of osseointegration and patterns of reconstitution have not been previously categorized. Materials and Methods. 64 consecutive hips with index femoral revision using a particular stem of this design formed the study cohort. Serial radiographs were retrospectively reviewed by an independent observer. Bone loss was determined by Paprosky's classification. Osseointegration was assessed by a slight modification of the criteria of Engh et al. Femoral restoration was classified according to Kolstad et al. Pain and function was documented using Harris Hip Score (HHS). Results. Mean patient age was 68.3 years and radiographic follow-up 6.2 years. 74% femora had type 3 or 4 bone loss. All distal segments were radiographically osseointegrated. Proximal segment radiolucent lines were frequent (40%). Early minor subsidence occured in 4 (6.2%) hips. Definite bony regeneration was documented in 73% femora and stress-shielding in 26%. HHS improved from a pre-operative mean of 50.1 points to 86.2 at most recent follow-up. Discussion. A consistent pattern of bony remodeling and osseointegration occurred which could be applied for assessment of fixation and stability of this stem. The well established criteria of osseointegration for cylindrical cobalt-chrome stems may have to be altered for application to these stems as the mechanism of load transfer is entirely different. Stems with diameter of 18mm or greater are clearly predisposed to stress shielding, predominantly at the mid-shaft region

Objective: Revision total hip arthroplasty in cases of proximal femoral bone loss due to osteolysis and loosening is challenging for surgeon and implants. The use of tapered fluted modular titanium femoral stem in these situations may offer the advantage of better biomechanical reconstruction with a design that ensure primary stability and promotes bone integration. Method: We studied retrospectively 83 cases of femoral reconstruction with the PFM-R stem. Paprosky classification was used to qualify bone defects on preoperative radiological evaluation. Demographic, clinical and intraoperative data were collected, along with any complications. Clinical (W.O.M.A.C. function score) and radiological follow-up was performed at a minimum of 12 months. Results: The mean follow-up was 44 months (23 to 66 months). Five patients were lost to follow-up. 48% of patients had at least one previous revision. The mean post operative WOMAC score was 83. 91% of patients had no significant limb length discrepancy. Stabilization or regression of osteolytic lesions was observed in 75% of revised femur. Complications were 8 dislocations, 7 fractures and 3 infections. A correlation was found between the risk of dislocation and the number of previous revision surgery. Out of 14 cases revised for infection, one had a recurrence. Discussion: This study confirmed the benefits of the PFM-R stem in difficult femoral revision in term of limb length equalization, stability of fixation, regression of osteolytic lesions and improved clinical function

Starting in 1977 a new cemented stem made of titanium alloy (with vanadium) was designed regarding some principle: rectangular shape, smooth surface covered with thin layer of titanium oxide, filling the medullar cavity. As a consequence: a thin layer of cement. It was designed with a collar. Initial Cementing technique used dough cement, vent tube and finger packing; then we applied cement retractor low viscosity cement and sometimes Harris Syringe. At the moment we went back to initial technique plus a cement retractor made of polyethylene. Many papers looked at long term follow up results depicting about 98 to 100 percent survivors at 10 years and 95 to 98% at 20 years (Hernigou, Hamadouche, Nizard, El Kaim). Clinical as well as radiological results are available. Radiological results depicted some radiolucent lines that appeared at the very long term. They could be related to friction between the stem and the cement. As advocated by Robin Ling, he called “French paradox” the fact that if a cemented prosthesis is smooth and fills the medullary cavity, long term excellent results could be expected. This was the case with stainless steel Kerboull shape, the Ling design (Exeter)and the Ceraver design. The majority of these stems were implanted with an all alumina bearing system. And in some occasion, when revision had to be performed, the stem was left in place (108 cases over 132 revisions). Our experience over more than 5000 stems implanted is outstanding (see figure 1: aspect after 30 years). Discussion other experience with cemented titanium stem were bad (Sarmiento, Fare). We suspect that this was related either to the small size of this flexible material, or to the roughness of its surface. If one uses titanium cemented stem it must be large enough and extra smooth

This is a retrospective assessment of the performance of the titanium cemented Gemini femoral component. The Gemini stem (DePuy) is a modular titanium femoral stem with a cobalt chrome femoral head. It has a roughened proximal surface finish to enhance cement bonding and a fixed distal centraliser. 205 total hip replacements were performed using a titanium cemented Gemini stem and an uncemented cup. All the operations were performed by a lateral approach using modern cementing technique. Patients were assessed clinically (Harris hip score) and radiologically. Kaplan Meier Survivorship analysis was used to assess survival. 8 patients were lost and 36 patients died with their total hip prosthesis in situ. The average follow-up in the remaining 161 hips was 70 months (range 37–124 months). The average age was 70 years (range 35–91). Osteoarthritis was the commonest diagnosis and majority of the patients was female. Using the Barrack’s criteria for cementing quality, more than 85% of the hips belonged either to grade A or B with an adequate proximal cement mantle. 28 hips have been revised (26 of which for aseptic loosening) and a further ten have been recognized as radiological failures. A small sized stem was used in over 85% of the failures. Mean time to revision was 3.1 years. Survival according to Kaplan-Meier Survivor curves at 6 years was 72%. There is a high incidence of early failure associated with these cemented titanium stems (28%). The possible mechanism of failure is as follows. The rough surface finish and the flexible titanium alloy are likely to produce large amounts of wear debris and the centraliser which is fixed to the stem probably acts as an area of stress concentration causing accelerated destruction of the distal cement mantle. Based on our experience, the continued use of this cemented stem is no longer justified

We reviewed the outcome of prosthesis-to-bone fixation of the rough titanium femoral stem of an Ultraloc prosthesis (Zimmer, USA). Between 1989 and 1991, 41 of 55 patients were traced for long-term review at a mean of 107 months (55 to 139). The primary pathology was avascular necrosis in 18 patients, osteoarthritis in 16, ankylosing spondylitis in two and Perthes’ disease in one, and there were two cases each of trauma and dysplasia. There was an equal number of men and women, whose mean age at operation was 47 years (24 to 66). Radiological assessment of the stems revealed well-fixed stems in 40 patients (97.6%). In 20 stems small granulomata due to polyethylene wear were found in Gruen zones 1 and 7, and in one stem in zones 1, 6 and 7. Only one stem required revision for loosening (done at 59 months), but cups (48.8%) were loose. Three patients required revision owing to polyethylene wear and one for sepsis. In all four cases, removal of the stem was extremely difficult. The remaining 16 hips await revision. Although the results obtained using an Ultraloc prosthesis are poor, from the point of view of fixation the stem has functioned successfully. However, the formation of granulomata causes cup loosening

Background: Hydroxyapatite (HA) coating is widely used for total hip arthroplasty as it has been suggested to improve implant ingrowth and long-term stability. However, the evidence behind the use of HA in femoral stems is ambiguous. Methods: We investigated a non-cemented, tapered titanium femoral stem that was available either with or without HA coating. This stem had been used in 3,116 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in 2,608 patients registered in the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register (1992–2007). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and a Cox regression model including type of coating, age, sex, primary diagnosis, and the type of cup fixation were used to calculate adjusted risk ratios (RR) of the risk for revision for various reasons. Results: 63.7% of the stems were coated with HA, 36.3% were uncoated. It was found that the investigated HA-coated stem had an excellent 10-year survivorship of 97.7% (95% CI 96.5–98.9), and that the stem without HA coating had a 10-year survivorship of 97.6% (95% CI 96.2–99.0) when revision due to any reason was defined as the endpoint. There was no significant difference between these two groups (p> 0.05, log rank Mantel-Cox). A Cox regression model showed that the presence of HA coating did not significantly influence the risk of stem revision due to any reason (RR 1.3; 95% CI 0.7–2.4), or due to aseptic loosening (RR 1.0; 95% CI 0.3–3.4). The risk for revision due to infection, dislocation, or fracture was also not affected by the presence of HA coating. Interpretation: Our results show HA coating of this non-cemented tapered stem with excellent 10-year survivorship does not affect the risk for revision. The assumed beneficial effect of HA coating of femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty is thus questionable

We present our results of cementless total hip arthroplasty with a tapered, rectangular stem made of titanium-aluminum-niobium alloy. This implant is used since 1979 with only minor modifications. The design of the femoral component achieves primary stability through precision rasping and press-fit implantation.

Between October 1986 and November 1987, two hundred consecutive patients (208 hips) underwent total hip arthroplasty with this tapered, rectangular stem. In all cases the acetabular component was a threaded cup made of titanium.

At a minimum follow-up of twenty years eighty-seven patients were still alive. Sixty-seven patients (69 hips) were available for clinical and radiographic follow-up. The probability of survival of the stem was 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.91 to 0.98) and that of the cup was 0.72 (0.62 to 0.80). The probability of survival of both the stem and the acetabular component with revision for any reason as the end point was 0.71 (0.61 to 0.78).

Two stems have been revised due to aseptic loosening. We found various degrees of osteolysis around the acetabular and femoral component (61,7%). At the time of the 20-year follow-up no stem was deemed at risk for loosening.

The key findings of our twenty-year follow-up are the very low rate of revisions of the femoral component and the low rate of distal femoral osteolysis associated with this stem. Our data show that femoral fixation of the stem continues to be secure at a follow-up of twenty years.

Aims. United Classification System (UCS) B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures in total hip arthroplasties (THAs) have been commonly managed with modular tapered stems. No study has evaluated the use of monoblock fluted tapered titanium stems for this indication. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a monoblock stems on implant survivorship, postoperative outcomes, radiological outcomes, and osseointegration following treatment of THA UCS B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures. Methods. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent revision THA (rTHA) for periprosthetic UCS B2 and B3 periprosthetic fracture who received a single design monoblock fluted tapered titanium stem at two large, tertiary care, academic hospitals. A total of 72 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria (68 UCS B2, and four UCS B3 fractures). Primary outcomes of interest were radiological stem subsidence (> 5 mm), radiological osseointegration, and fracture union. Sub-analysis was also done for 46 patients with minimum one-year follow-up. Results. For the total cohort, stem osseointegration, fracture union, and stem subsidence were 98.6%, 98.6%, and 6.9%, respectively, at latest follow-up (mean follow-up 27.0 months (SD 22.4)). For patients with minimum one-year of follow-up, stem osseointegration, fracture union, and stem subsidence were 97.8%, 97.8%, and 6.5%, respectively. Conclusion. Monoblock fluted stems can be an acceptable modality for the management of UCS B2 periprosthetic fractures in rTHAs due to high rates of stem osseointegration and survival, and the low rates of stem subsidence, and revision. Further research on the use of this stem for UCS B3 periprosthetic fractures is warranted to determine if the same conclusion can be made for this fracture pattern. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):551–558

To review the results of revision THR performed with a modular titanium tapered uncemented stem in two cohorts of patients to assess whether subsidence of this type of stem is avoidable through improved surgical technique.

The first 70 patients undergoing revision THR with this type of stem were compared with 38 patients who had their revision in the last 24 months and had a minium follow up of 12 months., with particular reference to stem subsidence. All patients were also assessed with the Oxford Hip Score. All radiographs were reviewed to measure subsidence. Identical post-operative management was used in both groups.

The mean subsidence in the first group was 11.7 mm and in the most recent group 4mm. The Oxford Hip Score in both groups was similar (20.9) which compares very favourably with the OHS score from the National joint Register for revision arthroplasty (24.3).

This comparison shows that changes in surgical technique can limit the subsidence seen with tapered stems used in revision total hip replacement. No bone grafts were used in either series, only small changes in bone preparation, and prosthesis selection were used .The outcome as determined by the OHS was similar in both groups.

We report the results of a cementless modular revision component which has been used in our hospital since 1993. There were 103 patients, in which the aforementioned cementless femoral revision component was used. Patients were evaluated, using both a modiþed HHS and serial radiographs performed preoperatively, at 2 weeks, 3 months and annually postoperatively. The patients were followed for a minimum of 4 years. Pre-operatively, bony defects were classiþed on radiographs according to the classiþcation of Mallory. Three hips were excluded from the evaluation: 1 was lost to follow-up and 2 were deceased. 100 hips with an average follow-up of 75 months were retrospectively reviewed. Indication for revision was aseptic loosening in 96 cases and infection in 4. Average number of previous hip surgeries in this patient group was 2.3. Average pre-operative hip score was 48,8 compared to an average postoperative hip score of 74,4. Postoperative complications included 2 infections and 2 cases of DVT with occurrence of PE in 1 case, 4 postoperative dislocations, 2 cases with radiographic subsidence of the femoral component and 1 case with sciatic nerve lesion. Intraoperative complications included femoral fractures upon dislocation of the hip or impaction of the new stem in 37 cases. At time of latest review there were no clinical or radiographic signs of component loosening. The incidence of postoperative and intraoperative complications are comparable to the literature. Clinical and radiographic results of the cementless, modular titanium revision component are promising and support its continued use.

The goals of revision total hip on the femoral side are to achieve long term stable fixation, improve quality of life and minimise complications such as intra-operative fracture or dislocation. Ideally these stems will preserve or restore bone stock. Modular titanium stems were first introduced in North America around 2000. They gained popularity as an option for treating Paprosky 3B and 4 defects. Several studies at our institution have compared modular titanium stems with monoblock cobalt chromium stems. The main outcomes of interest were quality of life. We also looked at complications such as intra-operative fracture and post-operative dislocation. We also compared these 2 stems with respect to restoration or preservation of bone stock. In 2 studies we showed that modular titanium stems gave superior functional outcomes as well as decreased complications compared to a match cohort of monoblock cobalt chromium stems. As mentioned, one of the initial reasons for introduction of these stems was to address larger femoral defects where failure rates with monoblock cobalt chromium stems were unacceptably high. We followed a group of 65 patients at 5–10 years post revision with a modular fluted titanium stem. Excellent fixation was obtained with no cases of aseptic loosening. However, there were 5 cases of fracture of the modular junction. Due to concerns of fracture of the modular junction, more recently, at our institution, we have switched to almost 100% monoblock fluted titanium stems. We recently reviewed our first 100 cases of femoral revision with a monoblock stem. Excellent fixation was achieved with no cases of aseptic loosening. Quality of life outcomes were similar to our previous reported series on modular tapered titanium stems. Both monoblock and modular fluted titanium stems can give excellent fixation and excellent functional outcomes. This leaves a choice for the surgeon. For the low volume revision surgeon modular tapered stems are probably the right choice. Higher volume surgeons or surgeons very comfortable with performing femoral revision may want to consider monoblock stems. If one is making the switch it would be easiest to start with a simple case. Such a case would be one that can be done with a endofemoral approach. In this approach the greater trochanter is available as the key landmark for reaming. After the surgeon is comfortable with this stem more complex cases can easily be handled with the monoblock stem. In summary, both modular and monoblock titanium stems are excellent options for femoral revision. As one becomes more familiar with the monoblock stem it can easily become your workhorse for femoral revision. At our institution we introduced a monoblock titanium stem in 2011. It started out at 50% of cases and now it is virtually used in almost 100% of revision cases

The goals of revision total hip on the femoral side are to achieve long term stable fixation, improve quality of life and minimise complications such as intra-operative fracture or dislocation. Ideally these stems will preserve or restore bone stock. Modular titanium stems were first introduced in North America around 2000. They gained popularity as an option for treating Paprosky 3B and 4 defects. Several studies at our institution have compared the modular titanium stems with monoblock cobalt chromium stems. The main outcomes of interest were quality of life. We also looked at complications such as intra-operative fracture and post-operative dislocation. We also compared these 2 stems with respect to restoration or preservation of bone stock. In 2 studies we showed that modular titanium stems gave superior functional outcomes as well as decreased complications compared to a match cohort of monoblock cobalt chromium stems. As mentioned one of the initial reasons for introduction of these stems was to address larger femoral defects where failure rates with monoblock cobalt chromium stems were unacceptably high. We followed a group of 65 patients at 5–10 years post-revision with a modular fluted titanium stem. Excellent fixation was obtained with no cases of aseptic loosening. However, there were 5 cases of fracture of the modular junction. Due to concerns of fracture of the modular junction more recently at our institution we have switched to almost 100% monoblock fluted titanium stems. We recently reviewed our first 100 cases of femoral revision with monoblock stem. Excellent fixation was achieved with no cases of aseptic loosening. Quality of life outcomes were similar to our previous reported series on modular tapered titanium stems. Both monoblock and modular fluted titanium stems can give excellent fixation and excellent functional outcomes. This leaves a choice for the surgeon. For the low volume revision surgeon modular tapered stems are probably the right choice. Higher volume surgeons or surgeons very comfortable with performing femoral revision may want to consider monoblock stems. If one is making the switch it would be easiest to start with a simple case. Such a case would be one that can be done with an endofemoral approach. In this the greater trochanter is available as the key landmark for reaming. After the surgeon is comfortable with this stem more complex cases can easily be handled with the monoblock stem. In summary, both modular and monoblock titanium stems are excellent options for femoral revision. As one becomes more familiar with the monoblock stem it can easily become your workhorse for femoral revision. At our institution we introduced a monoblock titanium stem in 2011. It started out at 50% of cases and now it is virtually used in almost 100% of revision cases

The goals of revision total hip on the femoral side are to achieve long term stable fixation, improve quality of life and minimise complications such as intra-operative fracture or dislocation. Ideally these stems will preserve or restore bone stock. Modular titanium stems were first introduced in North America around 2000. They gained popularity as an option for treating Paprosky 3B and 4 defects. Several studies at our institution have compared the modular titanium stems with monoblock cobalt chromium stems. The main outcomes of interest were quality of life. We also looked at complications such as intra-operative fracture and post-operative dislocation. We also compared these 2 stems with respect to restoration or preservation of bone stock. In two studies we showed that modular titanium stems gave superior functional outcomes as well as decreased complications compared to a matched cohort of monoblock cobalt chromium stems. As mentioned one of the initial reasons for introduction of these stems was to address larger femoral defects where failure rates with monoblock cobalt chromium stems were unacceptably high. We followed a group of 65 patients at 5–10 years post-revision with a modular fluted titanium stem. Excellent fixation was obtained with no cases of aseptic loosening. However, there were 5 cases of fracture of the modular junction. Due to concerns of fracture of the modular junction more recently, at our institution we have switched to almost 100% monoblock fluted titanium stems. We recently reviewed our first 100 cases of femoral revision with monoblock stem. Excellent fixation was achieved with no cases of aseptic loosening. Quality of life outcomes were similar to our previous reported series on modular tapered titanium stems. Both monoblock and modular fluted titanium stems can give excellent fixation and excellent functional outcomes. This leaves a choice for the surgeon. For the low volume revision surgeon modular tapered stems are probably the right choice. Higher volume surgeons or surgeons very comfortable with performing femoral revision may want to consider monoblock stems. If one is making the switch it would be easiest to start with a simple case. Such a case would be one that can be done through an endofemoral approach. In this the greater trochanter is available as the key landmark for reaming. After the surgeon is comfortable with this system more complex cases can easily be handled with the monoblock stem. In summary, both modular and monoblock titanium stems are excellent options for femoral revision. As one becomes more familiar with the monoblock stem it can easily become your workhorse for femoral revision. At our institution, we introduced a monoblock titanium stem in 2011. It started out at 50% of cases and now it is virtually used in almost 100% of revision cases