Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the pattern of initial fixation and changes in periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) between patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a traditional fully hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated stem (T-HA group) and those with a newly introduced fully HA-coated stem (N-HA group). Methods. The study included 36 patients with T-HA stems and 30 with N-HA stems. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure the change in periprosthetic BMD, one and two years postoperatively. The 3D contact between the stem and femoral cortical bone was evaluated using a density-mapping system, and clinical assessment, including patient-reported outcome measurements, was recorded. Results. There were significantly larger contact areas in Gruen zones 3, 5, and 6 in the N-HA group than in the T-HA group. At two years postoperatively, there was a significant decrease in BMD around the proximal-medial femur (zone 6) in the N-HA group and a significant increase in the T-HA group. BMD changes in both groups correlated with BMI or preoperative lumbar BMD rather than with the extent of contact with the femoral cortical bone. Conclusion. The N-HA-coated stem showed a significantly larger contact area, indicating a distal fixation pattern, compared with the traditional fully HA-coated stem. The T-HA-coated stem showed better preservation of periprosthetic BMD, two years postoperatively. Surgeons should consider these patterns of fixation and differences in BMD when selecting fully HA-coated stems for THA, to improve the long-term outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(6):548–554

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival of a collarless, straight, hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a minimum follow-up of 20 years. Methods. We reviewed the results of 165 THAs using the Omnifit HA system in 138 patients, performed between August 1993 and December 1999. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 46 years (20 to 77). Avascular necrosis was the most common indication for THA, followed by ankylosing spondylitis and primary osteoarthritis. The mean follow-up was 22 years (20 to 31). At 20 and 25 years, 113 THAs in 91 patients and 63 THAs in 55 patients were available for review, respectively, while others died or were lost to follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to evaluate the survival of the stem. Radiographs were reviewed regularly, and the stability of the stem was evaluated using the Engh classification. Results. A total of seven stems (4.2%) were revised during the study period: one for aseptic loosening, three for periprosthetic fracture, two for infection, and one for recurrent dislocation. At 20 years, survival with revision of the stem for any indication and for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 96.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 92.6 to 99.5) and 98.4% (95% CI 96.2 to 100), respectively. At 25 years, the corresponding rates of survival were 94.5% (95% CI 89.9 to 99.3) and 98.1% (95% CI 95.7 to 99.6), respectively. There was radiological evidence of stable bony fixation in 86 stems (76.1%) and evidence of loosening in four (3.5%) at 20 years. All patients with radiological evidence of loosening were asymptomatic. Conclusion. The Omnifit HA femoral stem offered promising long-term survival into the third decade. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):110–114

The February 2024 Hip & Pelvis Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Trial of vancomycin and cefazolin as surgical prophylaxis in arthroplasty; Is preoperative posterior femoral neck tilt a risk factor for fixation failure? Cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular fractures of the hip; Periprosthetic fractures in larger hydroxyapatite-coated stems: are collared stems a better alternative for total hip arthroplasty?; Postoperative periprosthetic fracture following hip arthroplasty with a polished taper slip versus composite beam stem; Is oral tranexamic acid as good as intravenous?; Stem design and the risk of early periprosthetic femur fractures following THA in elderly patients; Does powered femoral broaching compromise patient safety in total hip arthroplasty?

Uncemented femoral components have been used in total hip arthroplasties (THAs) for over three decades. Data on long-term performance of hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stems is however limited. This study reports the survivorship of a collarless, straight, hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem (Omnifit HA, Osteonic) with a minimum of 20 years of follow-up. We reviewed the results of 165 THAs using Omnifit HA in 138 patients performed between August 1993 and December 1999. The mean age at surgery was 46 years (range 20 – 77 years). Avascular necrosis was the most common cause of THA, followed by ankylosing spondylitis and primary osteoarthritis. The mean follow-up was 22 years (range 20–31 years). At 20 and 25 years, 113 arthroplasties (91 patients) and 63 arthroplasties (55 patients) were available for follow-up respectively, while others had deceased or were lost to follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed to evaluate the survival of the femoral component. Radiographs were reviewed at regular intervals, and implant stability was evaluated using Engh classification. Seven out of 165 stems were revised upon the latest follow-up; that included one case of aseptic loosening with revision done at 15 years, three peri-prosthetic fractures, two infections, and one recurrent dislocation. At 20 years, survivorship with revision of the femoral stem for any cause and aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 96.0% (95% CI, 92.6 – 99.5%) and 98.4% (95% CI, 96.2 – 100%) respectively. At 25 years, the corresponding survivorship rates were 94.5% (95% CI, 91.9 – 97.3%) and 98.1% (95% CI, 95.7 – 99.6%) respectively. Radiographic findings of stable bony fixation were seen in 86 stems (76.1%) and those of loosening in 4 stems (3.5%) at 20 years. All patients with radiographic signs of loosening were asymptomatic and did not require revision. The Omnifit HA femoral stem offered promising long-term survivorship into the third decade

Aims

BoneMaster is a thin electrochemically applied hydroxyapatite (HA) coating for orthopaedic implants that is quickly resorbed during osseointegration. Early stabilization is a surrogacy marker of good survival of femoral stems. The hypothesis of this study was that a BoneMaster coating yields a fast early and lasting fixation of stems.

INTRODUCTION. Cementless femoral component designs supplemented with hydroxyapatite (HA) coating have been hypothesised to enhance osseointegration, thereby improving stability and clinical outcomes. We herein offer interim results at 5 years from a prospective, multi-centre study of a femoral stem (SL-PLUS™ Hip Stem Prosthesis), forged from titanium alloy (Ti6Al7Nb) and consisting of a titanium plasma sprayed coating (0.3mm) with an additional 0.05mm layer of HA. METHODS. Investigators at 2 centres enrolled patients between 18–75 years of age who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with this HA-coated stem. The study's primary outcome was the clinical efficacy of the stem, as measured by the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Score calculated out of Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and the EuroQol EQ-5D-3L index score and visual analogue scale (VAS). Its secondary outcomes included a radiographic assessment of implant position and fixation, and overall safety, as measured by intraoperative/early postoperative complications and survivorship calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS. Ninety-three patients (94 hips) were enrolled in the study. At the time of surgery, the study population had a mean age of 60.1 years (standard deviation [SD], 8.4), a mean body mass index of 27.9 kg/m. 2. (SD, 4.75), and 54.8% were female. Indications for surgery include primary osteoarthritis (74.5%), dysplasia (17.5%), femoral head necrosis (6.4%), and other (2.1%). Patients were followed up through 5 years in the ongoing safety and performance analysis. Between preoperative baseline and final follow up, there were notable improvements in the mean scores for all primary clinical outcomes: HHS (51.6 to 91.4, respectively), WOMAC from HOOS (42.6 to 91.0, respectively), mean EQ-5D-3L index score (0.7 to 0.9, respectively), and EQ-5D-3L VAS (54.7 to 80.2, respectively). The majority of patients rated their satisfaction as excellent (84.2% of treated hips), with an additional 14.5% of treated hips being mostly satisfied. Five years after surgery, radiographic findings showed an overall stability of the device, with 100% unchanged stem positions (no movement in varus/valgus or subsidence) and no stem was classified as loose. Intraoperative complications were observed in 3 patients (3.2%), consisting of 2 cases of trochanteric fracture and 1 case of leg lengthening. There were no general early postoperative complications reported in any patient. Two revision surgeries of the study device were reported, both due to infection, resulting in a survivorship of 97.5% (95% confidence interval: 90.3% – 99.4%) at 5 years. CONCLUSION. These results confirm the safety and efficacy of this HA-coated femoral stem at 5 years. All clinical outcomes showed significant improvement between baseline and midterm follow up, with mean HHS in particular meeting the 90-point range considered “excellent.” Additionally, revision rates met the accepted benchmarks for a successful THA device. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Introduction & aims

The magnitude and pattern of acceptable migration in clinically successful cementless stems is not well understood. Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is a well-recognised method of assessing implant migration.

Previous studies have reported long term RSA results for cemented stems. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term migration characteristics of the Corail hydroxyapatite-coated cementless stem at 10 years using RSA.

Introduction. Appropriate prosthetic alignment is an important factor in maintaining stability and maximising the performance of the bearing after total hip replacement (THR). With a cementless component, the anteversion of the native femur has been shown to influence the anteversion of the prosthetic stem. However, the extent to which anteversion of a cementless stem can be adjusted from the native anteversion has seldom been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference between native and stem anteversion with two different cementless stem designs. Method. 116 patients had 3-dimensional templating as part of their routine planning for THR (Optimized Ortho, Sydney). 96 patients from 3 surgeons (AS, JB, SM) received a blade stem (TriFit TS, Corin, UK) through a posterior approach. 18 patients received a fully HA-coated stem (MetaFix, Corin, UK) through a posterior approach by a single surgeon (WB). The anteversion of the native femoral neck was measured from a 3D reconstruction of the proximal femur. All patients received a post-operative CT scan which was superimposed onto the pre-op CT scan. The difference between native and achieved stem anteversion was then measured. As surgeons had differing philosophies around target stem anteversion, the differences amongst surgeons were also investigated. Results. On average, stems were implanted in less anteversion than native. The mean deviation between native and stem anteversion of the blade stems was −3.5° (−34.8° to 13.8°). The mean deviations of the three surgeons using the blade stem were −7.9° (−34.8° to 10.4°), −3.1° (−18.1° to 12.0°) and 2.7° (−8.9° to 13.8°). These were statistically significant, and represented a difference in philosophy around target anteversion amongst surgeons. The mean deviation between native and stem anteversion of the fully HA-coated stems was −6.5° (−24.6° to 9.2°). Conclusions. Cementless stem anteversion is not dictated by the native femoral anteversion. There were differences in target anteversion philosophies amongst surgeons and this was seen in the results. Surgical approach, proximal entry point, osteotomy angle, stem design and patient anatomy will all influence the ability to dictate cementless stem anteversion. The effect of these variables are the subject of on-going work

Introduction

Achieving primary and long-term stability of femoral implant is critical for THA. This can be influenced by the shape and location of surface preparation as well as geometry. The Corail® stem has developed in 1986 in France, which is a straight quadrangular, and full HA coated standard titanium alloy stem featuring a metaphyseal tulip flare in combination with horizontal and vertical grooves. We have performed 75 THAs using it since May 2013. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic changes of femur over time in Japanese patients after THA using this HA coated stem.

Background. Safety and efficacy of novel prostheses relies on the determination of early implant migration and subsequent risk of loosening. Radiostereometric Analysis (RSA) has been used to evaluate the clinical failure risks of femoral stems by reporting distal migration, a measure of stem subsidence, when examining early migration characteristics. The migratory patterns of femoral stems, 24 months postoperatively, have provided a surrogate outcome measure to determine implant stabilisation and predict long-term performance and survivorship. RSA assessed femoral stem migration and provided comparison of the early migration characteristics with published data of a clinically established counterpart. Methods. Twenty five patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty were implanted with a hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem. The median age was 65 years (range, 43–75 years). During surgery tantalum markers were attached onto the distal tip and shoulder of the stem. Eight tantalum markers were inserted into the femur, four placed in each of the greater and lesser trochanter. RSA examinations were performed postoperatively at 4 to 5 days, 6, 12 and 24 months. Eleven patients who had complete RSA follow-up as well as the valid data from five patients were analysed to determine the movement of the femoral stem relative to the femur and were compared to the published data of a clinically established counterpart. Results. At 24 months the magnitude of migration of the femoral stem translations for the y axis of movement was 0.32 mm (range, 0.00 to 2.04 mm) (Figure 1). The data demonstrates that this migration of the femoral stem occurred primarily in the first 6 months postoperatively and that the migration characteristics exhibit a pattern of implant stabilisation between 6 and 24 months. At 24 months the magnitude of migration of the femoral stem rotations for the longitudinal y axis of movement was 0.60. o. (range, 0.08 to 2.08. o. ). The data demonstrates continuing migration of the femoral stem at 12 months postoperatively with early indications of implant stabilisation between 12 and 24 months. At 24 months the mean subsidence/distal migration of the femoral stem was 0.20 mm (range, −2.04 to 0.32 mm) (Figure 2). At 6 months, two patients (12.5%) exhibited subsidence greater than 0.50 mm with one demonstrating a mean subsidence of 2.00 mm. Between 6 and 24 months these two patients exhibited no more than 0.04 mm of subsidence (Figure 3). The mean retroversion rotation of the stem was 0.10. o. (range, −0.99 to 2.08. o. ). One patient rotated more than 2.00. o. into retroversion at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Conclusions. In comparison the data demonstrates less stem subsidence and retroversion rotation than published data for a cementless hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem when observing early migration characteristics. The magnitude and pattern of migration exhibited is indicative of good clinical outcomes and is comparable with a clinically established counterpart after short-term follow-up with RSA. These findings and comparisons highlight the early migration characteristics of a hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem, however the analysis and comparison of the migratory pattern and characteristics over the mid-term follow-up will confirm implant stabilisation

We performed a case–control study to compare the rates of further surgery, revision and complications, operating time and survival in patients who were treated with either an uncemented hydroxyapatite-coated Corail bipolar femoral stem or a cemented Exeter stem for a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip. The mean age of the patients in the uncemented group was 82.5 years (53 to 97) and in the cemented group was 82.7 years (51 to 99) We used propensity score matching, adjusting for age, gender and the presence or absence of dementia and comorbidities, to produce a matched cohort receiving an Exeter stem (n = 69) with which to compare the outcome of patients receiving a Corail stem (n = 69). The Corail had a significantly lower all-cause rate of further surgery (p = 0.016; odds ratio (OR) 0.18, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.84) and number of hips undergoing major further surgery (p = 0.029; OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.09). The mean operating time was significantly less for the Corail group than for the cemented Exeter group (59 min [12 to 136] vs 70 min [40 to 175], p = 0.001). The Corail group also had a lower risk of a peri-prosthetic fracture (p = 0.042; OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.42) . There was no difference in the mortality rate between the groups. There were significantly fewer complications in the uncemented group, suggesting that the use of this stem would result in a decreased rate of morbidity in these frail patients. Whether this relates to an improved functional outcome remains unknown.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:299–305.

We report a multicentre prospective consecutive study assessing the long-term outcome of the proximally hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated ABG II monobloc femoral component in a series of 1148 hips in 1053 patients with a mean age at surgery of 64.77 years (22 to 80) at a mean follow-up of 10.84 years (10 to 15.25). At latest follow-up, the mean total Harris hip score was 94.7 points (sd; 6.87; 49 to 100), and the mean Merle d’Aubigné–Postel score was 17.6 points (sd 1.12; 7 to 18). The mean total Engh radiological score score was 21.54 (sd 5.77; 3.5 to 27), with 95.81% of ‘confirmed ingrowth’, according to Engh’s classification. With aseptic loosening or pain as endpoints, three AGB II stems (0.26%) failed, giving a 99.7% survival rate (se 0.002; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.994 to 1) at 14 years’ follow-up. The survival of patients ≤ 50 years of age (99.0% (se 0.011; 95% CI 0.969 to 1)) did not differ significantly from those of patients aged > 50 years (99.8% (se 0.002; 95% CI 0.994 to 1)). This study confirmed the excellent long-term results currently achieved with the ABG II proximally HA-coated monobloc stem.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1610–16.

Femoral stress shielding in cementless THA is a potential complication commonly observed in cementless distally loading press-fit stems. Long-term metaphyseal fixation and proximal load transfer is desired. Is routine autologous metaphyseal bone impaction and proximal primary stability an answer to this goal?. This prospective study describes long-term femoral bone remodeling and load transfer in cementless THA at a mean of 17 years (range: 15 to 20 years) in 208 consecutive fully HA-coated stems (Corail). All primary THA were performed by one group of surgeons between 1986 and 1991. The concept of surgical technique included impaction of autologous metaphyseal bone using bland femoral broaches until primary stability was achieved without distal press-fit. Radiographic evaluation revealed a total of five (2.4%) stems with periprosthetic osteolysis, which were associated with eccentric polyethylene wear. They were either revised or awaiting revision. The remaining 97.6% stems revealed desired proximal load transfer in the metaphysis (52%) or in both metaphysis and diaphysis (48%). Distal stress shielding was not observed and was considered to be related to: impaction of metaphyseal bone, bland broaches, HA coating, and prosthetic design. Biological autologous bone impaction of the metaphysis provides both primary stem stability and successful longterm osteointegration with the Corail stem after 20 years. The surgical technique of proximal autologous bone impaction rather than extraction of cancellous bone material and the use of a fully HA coated stem without distal press-fit show encouraging longterm results in THA

Introduction. Metal-on-polycarbonate urethane (MPU) is a cutting-edge new bearing technology for hip arthroplasty. The acetabular component consists of a 2.7mm-thick polycarbonate-urethane liner inserted into a specially manufactured uncemented titanium shell coated with hydroxyapatite [(HA) Fig. 1]. The liner is pliable and biomechanically mimics human cartilage. In vitro studies have shown minimal wear, fluid film lubrication, physiological load transmission and shock absorption capacity equal to the normal hip. This system includes prosthetic heads of a diameter 12mm less than the socket diameter. The aim of this study was to clinically assess patients treated with this novel technology in a retrospective single centre study. Methods. Twenty-seven patients with osteoarthritis treated with MPU bearing arthroplasty were included. Mean patient age was 67.9±10.35 years (44–84). Sixteen patients were female and 11 were male. Twenty-four of these had an uncemented HA-coated stem while 3 had a hip resurfacing metal femoral component. All patients were operated on by a single surgeon using a postero-lateral approach. Results. No patients were lost to follow-up. Mean follow-up time was 29 months (minimum 24 months). There were no major complications. At follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was 98 points (80–99). X-rays showed good bone-implant contact without any osteolysis or bone rarefaction. Discussion and conclusion. Our promising short-term results confirm the in vitro findings. Advantages of this new bearing technology include the possibility to use large diameter metal heads without exposing the patients to elevated levels of metal ions as is the case with metal-on-metal bearings, the minimal wear and the superior biomechanical characteristics

Introduction. Bio-active fixation has increasingly gained acceptance over the last two decades. However extent of the coating is still a subject of debate. We introduced in 1986, the concept of total osteointegration of a tapered stem with the hope that we could achieve durable biological fixation while preserving normal periprosthetic bone trophicity. Material and methods. Patients from our first clinical series using this stem are now eligible for 18-year follow up. Between July 1986 and December 1990, we performed 615 THA using the Corail stem (DePuy). Corail is a straight tapered stem totally coated with a 150 μ thick layer of HA following an atmospheric plasma-spray process. The mean age at surgery was 64.5 (range 16 to 95). 242 patients are now deceased (39%), 62 patients (10%) are lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up for 243 living patients on file is 17.7 years. Results. 89 THAs required component revisions: 72 cups, 9 stems, 8 “cups and stems”. 8 cups and 4 stems have been revised for aseptic loosening. Owing to the high incidence of wear-related revision, Kaplan-Meïer survivorship at 18-year follow-up, using component revision for any reason as an endpoint, was 80.7 ± 3.3 (95% confidence intervals). In contrast, Corail stem survivorship, using stem removal for any reason as an endpoint, was 95.0% ± 3.0 at 18-year follow-up, and considering aseptic loosening only, the survival probability of the stem is 98.9% ± 1.1 at 18 years. Discussion and conclusions. Therefore, despite wear and proximal osteolysis, the fixation achieved with this totally HA-coated stem remained durable through 18-year follow-up. Regarding the periprosthetic remodelling during this period, modifications of the bone pattern have been strictly limited: slight resorption at the calcar level, absence of cortical hypertrophy, anecdotic significant stress-shielding. The radiological silence is one of the paramount facts demonstrated by this prospective study

Four uncemented Symax hip stems were extracted at three weeks and nine, 13 and 32 months, respectively, for reasons other than loosening. The reasons for implant removal were infection in two cases, recurrent dislocation in one and acetabular fracture in one. They were analysed to assess the effect and behaviour of an electrochemically deposited, completely resorbable biomimetic BONIT-hydroxyapatite (HA) coating (proximal part) and a DOTIZE surface treatment (distal part) using qualitative histology, quantitative histomorphometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Early and direct bone-implant bonding with signs of active remodelling of bone and the HA coating were demonstrated by histology and SEM. No loose BONIT-HA particles or delamination of the coating were observed, and there was no inflammation or fibrous interposition at the interface.

Histomorphometry showed bone-implant contact varying between 26.5% at three weeks and 83.5% at 13 months at the HA-coated implant surface. The bone density in the area of investigation was between 24.6% at three weeks and 41.1% at 32 months. The DOTIZE surface treatment of the distal part of the stem completely prevented tissue and bone apposition in all cases, thereby optimising proximal stress transfer.

The overall features of this implant, in terms of geometry and surface texture, suggest a mechanically stable design with a highly active biomimetic coating, resulting in rapid and extensive osseo-integration, exclusively in the metaphyseal part of the stem. Early remodelling of the HA coating does not seem to have a detrimental effect on short-term bone-implant coupling. There were no adverse effects identified from either the BONIT-HA coating or the DOTIZE surface treatment.

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

Femoral stress shielding in cementless THA is a potential complication commonly observed in distally loading press-fit stems. This prospective study describes long-term femoral bone remodeling in cementless THA at a mean of 17 years (range: 15 to 20) in 208 consecutive fully HA-coated stems (Corail, DePuy Int. Ltd, Leeds, UK). All THA were performed by one group of surgeons between 1986 and 1991. The concept of surgical technique included impaction of metaphyseal bone utilizing bland femoral broaches until primary stability was achieved without distal press-fit. Radiographic evaluation revealed a total of five (2.4%) stems with periprosthetic osteolysis, which were associated with eccentric polyethylene wear. They were either revised or awaiting revision surgery. The remaining 97.6% stems revealed biologic load transfer in the metaphysis alone (52%) or in both metaphysis and diaphysis (48%). Stem survival of 97.6% after 15 to 20 years without stress shielding were considered to be related to: impaction of metaphyseal bone, bland broaches, HA coating, and unique prosthetic design