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

The Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) is a monoblock unipolar prosthesis currently in use throughout various orthopaedic departments. It can be a useful procedure for specialty trainees in developing modern cementation techniques in hip arthroplasty. We propose that in order for this procedure to be a valid training tool that, as well as having a standardized surgical approach and operative technique, outcomes should be easily assessed and should be similar if performed by either a trainee or consultant. All ETS procedures carried out at our institution from January 2009 until September 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Patient demographics and operative details were recorded from patient notes. Radiographic evaluation involved the Barrack cementation grading system, Dorr's criteria, stem alignment and leg length measurement. There was no significant difference in operative time between ETS performed by consultant or by specialty trainee. On postoperative x-ray, cement mantles were Barrack grade A or B in 55.6% (trainees) versus 61.9% (consultants). Stem alignment was neutral in 50% and varus in 50% of cases for trainees, versus 28.6% and 71.4% of cases for consultants. In total, 69.2 % of patients had lengthening of the operated limb with a mean increase of 10.4mm (2–25) for trainees and 9.3mm (2–18) for consultants. Both trainees and consultants can attain a good cement mantle. However, from our results stem alignment is less accurate by trainees with half being placed in varus. Our results highlight the difficulty of obtaining correct leg length positioning with the ETS with trainees and consultants having similar discrepancies. The ETS is a useful procedure for orthopaedic trainees to attain adequate skills in modern cementation techniques with similar post-operative radiographic outcomes to consultants. The tendency for trainees to be less accurate with stem positioning could be improved with supervision or careful pre-operative templating

Recent NICE guidance recommends use of a well proven cemented femoral stem for hip hemiarthroplasty in management of fractured neck of femur. The Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) has been designed based on the well proven Exeter hip stem. It has a double taper polished stem design, proclaimed to share geometry and surface finish with the Exeter hip. This study investigated the surface finish of the two stems in order to investigate the hypothesis that they were different. Two ETS and two Exeter stems were examined using a profilometer with a sensitivity of one nanometer. Macroscopic visual inspection showed that the two Exeter stems had significantly smoother surface finish than the ETS stems. The roughness average (RA) values on the ETS stems were approximately an order of magnitude higher than those of the Exeter stems, mean of 0.235μm compared with 0.025μm (p<0.0001). This difference in surface finish has implications for the biomechanical functioning of the stem. Previous change of the Exeter stem to a matt surface-finish in 1976 resulted in a significant increase in stem failure rates and an understanding of the importance of the polished surface-finish in order to function within a taper-slip philosophy. By changing the surface finish in the ETS stem, longevity of the implant may similarly be affected. Clinical results have yet to be published demonstrating this. We recommend the manufacturer reconsiders the surface finish of the ETS stem to ensure it functions as well as the Exeter primary stem with which it shares a design philosophy

Implant choice was changed from cemented Thompson to Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) for treatment of displaced intra-capsular neck of femur fractures in University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, United Kingdom (a major trauma center), following the NICE guidelines that advised about the use of a proven femoral stem design rather than Austin Moore or Thompson stems for hemiarthroplasties. The aim of our study was to compare the results of Thompson versus ETS hemiarthroplasty in Aintree. We initially compared 100 Thompson hemiarthroplasties that were performed before the start of ETS use, with 100 ETS hemiarthroplasties. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of patients' demographics (age, sex and ASA grade), intra-operative difficulties/complications, post op medical complications, blood transfusion, in-patient stay and dislocations. The operative time was statistically significantly longer in the ETS group (p= .0067). Worryingly, the 30 days mortality in ETS group was more than three times higher in ETS group (5 in Thompson group versus 16 in ETS group. P= .011). To corroborate our above findings we studied 100 more consecutive patients that had ETS hemiarthroplasty. The results of this group showed 30 day mortality of 8 percent. However the operative time was again significantly longer (p= .003) and there was 18 percent conversion to bipolar hemiarthropalsty. Moreover there was statistically significant increased rate of deep infection (7%, p = .03) and blood transfusion (27%, p = .007). This we feel may be due to longer and more surgically demanding operative technique including pressurised cementation in some patients with significant medical comorbidities. Our results raise the question whether ETS hemiarthoplasty implant is a good implant choice for neck of femur fracture patients. Randomised control trials are needed to prove that ETS implant is any better than Thompson hemiarthroplasty implants in this group of patients

Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) is one of the most common implants used for treating displaced intracapsular hip fractures in the UK. We previously performed a radiographic audit of these implants which showed good placement was difficult. This was in particular relation to leg length discrepancy (LLD). This study reviewed the clinical outcomes of these patients, in particular looking at the relation of leg length discrepancy to outcome. We performed a clinical review of patients at 3 months and 1 year post ETS for hip fracture. Oxford hip score (OHS), Trendelenberg test, Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and walking aids required were recorded. Leg length discrepancy was determined radiographically on initial post op X-ray. This was recorded as Even (+/− 5mm), 6-10mm Long and >10mm long. Seventy-two patients were reviewed at 3 months and 21 at 1 year. Mean VAS was 1.6. At 3 months 66% were Trendelenberg positive. Of those Trendelenberg positive at 3 months only 42% remained positive at 1 year. Mean OHS at 3months and 1 year was 30.8 and 32.1 respectively. On radiographic review 38 implants were Even, 24 were 6-10mm Long and 10 implants were >10mm Long. There was no correlation between leg length discrepancy and either VAS or Trendelenberg test. 45 patients ambulated independently pre-op. Of these only 8 ambulated independently post-op, 18 used a stick and 11 a Zimmer frame. There was no correlation between post operative leg length discrepancy and either Visual Analogue Score, OHS or Trendelenberg test. Mean pain score was very low. There was however almost 10% of patients with a VAS greater than 6. 80% of patients dropped one ambulatory level post-op, this is consistent with previous studies. The ETS provides good pain relief with a low complication rate in the vast majority of patients

Aims. Several different designs of hemiarthroplasty are used to treat intracapsular fractures of the proximal femur, with large variations in costs. No clinical benefit of modular over monoblock designs has been reported in the literature. Long-term data are lacking. The aim of this study was to report the ten-year implant survival of commonly used designs of hemiarthroplasty. Methods. Patients recorded by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) between 1 September 1999 and 31 December 2020 who underwent hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of a hip fracture with the following implants were included: a cemented monoblock Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS), cemented Exeter V40 with a bipolar head, a monoblock Thompsons prosthesis (Cobalt/Chromium or Titanium), and an Exeter V40 with a Unitrax head. Overall and age-defined cumulative revision rates were compared over the ten years following surgery. Results. A total of 41,949 hemiarthroplasties were included. Exeter V40 with a Unitrax head was the most commonly used (n = 20,707, 49.4%). The overall rate of revision was small. A total of 28,201 patients (67.2%) were aged > 80 years. There were no significant differences in revision rates across all designs of hemiarthroplasty in patients of this age at any time. The revision rates for all designs were < 3.5%, three years postoperatively. At subsequent times the ETS and Exeter V40 with a bipolar head performed well in all age groups. The unadjusted ten-year mortality rate for the whole cohort was 82.2%. Conclusion. There was no difference in implant survival between all the designs of hemiarthroplasty in the first three years following surgery, supporting the selection of a cost-effective design of hemiarthroplasty for most patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip, as determined by local availability and costs. Beyond this, the ETS and Exeter bipolar designs performed well in all age groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):864–871

Recent guidance recommends the use of a well-proven cemented femoral stem for hemiarthroplasty in the management of fractures of the femoral neck, and the Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) has been suggested as an example of such an implant. The design of this stem was based on the well-proven Exeter Total Hip Replacement stem (ETHRS). This study assessed the surface finish of the ETS in comparison with the ETHRS. Two ETSs and two ETHRSs were examined using a profilometer with a precision of 1 nm and compared with an explanted Exeter Matt stem. The mean roughness average (RA) of the ETSs was approximately ten times higher than that of the ETHRSs (0.235 μm (0.095 to 0.452) versus 0.025 μm (0.011 to 0.059); p < 0.001). The historical Exeter Matt stem roughness measured a mean RA of 0.973 μm (0.658 to 1.159). The change of the polished Exeter stem to a matt surface finish in 1976 resulted in a high stem failure rate. We do not yet know whether the surface differences between ETS and ETHRS will be clinically significant. We propose the inclusion of hemiarthroplasty stems in national joint registries. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:173–6

Recent NICE guidelines have suggested abandoning the Thompson hemiarthroplasty (TH) in favour of a ‘proven prosthesis’ such as the Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS). This is controversial because of significant cost implications and limited research assessing outcomes of the ETS. The aim of this study was to assess the treatment of intracapsular neck of femur fractures with the TH. Between 2002 and 2006 (minimum 5 year follow-up), 431 cemented TH's were performed. Death rate at 1 year and 5 years were 26.0% and 67.7% respectively. Dislocation (1.4%) and infection (0.2%) rates were low and revision rate was 1.2%. Comparison was made to Bipolar hemiarthroplasties over the same period (total 194). These had lower rates of dislocation (0.5%) and infection (0.5%) with a significantly higher (3.6%) revision rate. We feel that the TH remains the current gold standard treatment for intracapsular fractures, in appropriate patients, due to low complication and revision rates. Modern implants may provide better function or longevity, but there is no evidence in the literature to support abandoning the TH. Surgeons should assess patients and decide on its use, despite NICE guidelines, as it remains a cost effective treatment method, particularly for older, less mobile and cognitively impaired patients

In 2006 the standard prosthesis for hip hemiarthroplasty in our unit was changed from the traditional Thompson prosthesis used for over 20 years to the monobloc Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS). The principle anticipated advantages were ease of stem implantation, improvement of orientation positioning and a consistency with modern proven femoral THR stem design. All patients selected for hemiarthroplasty replacement for a displaced subcapital fracture of the hip were eligible for inclusion. Failed previous surgical cases were excluded. The last 100 Thompson’s prostheses used before and the first 100 Exeter Trauma Stems undertaken after the changeover date were studied. Outcomes measured included surgical complications including infection, dislocation, fracture, necessity to ream etc. and technical adequacy of implant positioning based upon post-operative radiographs. Surgeon grade was recorded. There were no changes in surgical personnel. 206 consecutive patients were included in the study (age range 76–96); 67 men and 139 women. Data were collected prospectively as part of a comprehensive hip fracture audit. Initial results show that the rate of surgical complications is similar in both prosthesis groups. Radiographs demonstrate the presence of a learning curve in the use of the new prosthesis. On six occasions after December 2006 the Thompson prosthesis was used – this was due to unavailability of ETS prosthesis or where a very large femoral head (56mm) was required. The introduction of the ETS for hip hemiarthroplasty was successful. Initial conversion problems involved maintaining sufficient stock of the most commonly used size of prosthesis. Advantages were a low dislocation rate despite the greater potential for erroneous implant version and a reduction in the amount of femoral preparation required including reaming. Limitations of this study are the lack functional outcome and long term survivorship analysis

Introduction. Following National patient safety alert on cement use in hip fracture surgery, we investigated the incidence and pattern of 72 hours peri-operative mortality after hip fracture surgery in a District General Hospital. Methods. We reviewed all patients who had hip fracture surgery between 2005-April, 2010. We recorded demographic variables, type of fracture, implant used, medical co-morbidity, seniority of operating surgeon and anaesthetist, peri-operative haemodynamic status, time and cause of death. Results. Over a 64 month period 15 cases were identified. Peri-operative death (PAD) was 1% (15/1402). 4/15 patients died intra-operatively. PAD was highest following Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) implantation (5/85, 6%) and nil following Bipolar arthroplasty, Austin-Moore arthroplasty (AMA) or Cannulated screw fixation. PAD following total hip arthroplasty was 4% (1/25), Thompson's hemi-arthroplasty 2% (3/191), and Dynamic Hip Screw fixation 1% (6/695). Overall mortality after cemented implant was 2%. ETS implantation led to significantly increased peri-operative mortality compared to AMA (p=0.004). Operations were performed by both trainees (12) and Consultants (3). Both trainees (9) and Consultants (6) anaesthetised the patients. None of the patients belonged to ASA I or II (ASA III 6 and IV 9). All patients had significant cardio-vascular or pulmonary co-morbidity (Ca Lung 2, pulmonary fibrosis 1, end stage COAD 1, AF 6). Cemented implant insertion was followed by immediate haemodynamic collapse and death in 4/15, intra-operative haemodynamic instability in 1/15 and peri-operative instability in 5/15. Post-mortem was performed in 5/15: 2/5 were Pulmonary Embolism (PE), 2/5 bronchopneumonia and 1/5 Myocardial infarction (MI). 4/15 had suspected MI and 1/15 suspected PE. Conclusion. There was 1% risk of peri-operative death after hip fracture surgery. This risk was increased following cemented hemiarthroplasty and highest after ETS implantation. Risk was exacerbated in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular morbidity and independent of the seniority of the surgeon or the anaesthetist

The clinical results of the cemented Exeter stem in primary hip surgery have been excellent. The Exeter ‘philosophy’ has also been extended into the treatment of displaced intracapsular hip fractures with ‘cemented bipolars’ and the Exeter Trauma Stem (Howmedica). We have identified an increase in the number of periprosthetic fractures that we see around the Exeter stem. We have also identified a particular group of patients with comminuted fractures around ‘well fixed’ Exeter stems after primary hip surgery that present a particular difficult clinical problem. Prior to fracture, the stems are not loose, the cement mantle remains sound and bone quality surrounding the reconstruction is good, i.e. classifying it as a Vancouver B1. However the comminuted nature of the fracture makes reduction and fixation with traditional methods difficult. Therefore in these particular circumstances it is often better to manage these as B2 or even B3 fractures, with distal bypass and uncemented reconstruction. Over an eleven-year period since 1999, 185 patients have been admitted to Nottingham University Hospitals with a periprosthetic femoral fracture around a hip replacement. These patients were identified from a prospective database of all trauma patients admitted to the institution. Of these patients we have identified a cohort of 21 patients (11%) with a periprosthetic fracture around an Exeter polished stem. Hospital notes were independently reviewed and data retrieved. Outcome data was collected with end points of fracture union, re-revision surgery and death. Data was also collected on immediate and long term post-operative complications. The mean age was 76 years at time of fracture, and 52% were male. The mean duration between primary index surgery and fracture was 18 months (median 11 months). 15 patients were classified as Vancouver B1, and six as B2 fractures. Of the B1 fractures, 14 underwent fixation and one was treated non-operatively. Of the B2 fractures, four were revised, one was revised and fixed using a plate, and one was fixed using a double-plating technique. Prior to fracture, none of the implants were deemed loose although one patient was under review of a stress fracture which subsequently displaced. One patient died prior to fracture union. All the other patients subsequently went onto unite at a mean of 4 months. There were no deep infections, non- or malunions. No patient underwent further surgery. Dislocation occurred in one patient and a superficial wound infection occurred in one patient which responded to antibiotic treatment. Three other patients have subsequently died at seven, twelve and fifty-three months post fracture due to unrelated causes. In our series of patients, in addition to the more standard fracture patterns, we have identified a very much more comminuted fracture. Indeed, we have described the appearance as if the tapered stem behaves like an axe, splitting the proximal femur as a consequence of a direct axial load. As a consequence of the injury, the cement mantle itself is severely disrupted. There is significant comminution and soft tissue stripping, calling into question the viability of the residual fragments. Treatment of this type of fracture using a combination of plates, screws and cables is unlikely to provide a sufficiently sound reconstruction. In our experience we believe these fractures around previously ‘well fixed’ Exeter stems should be treated as B2/B3 injuries

Aims

Despite multiple trials and case series on hip hemiarthroplasty designs, guidance is still lacking on which implant to use. One particularly deficient area is long-term outcomes. We present over 1,000 consecutive cemented Thompson’s hemiarthroplasties over a ten-year period, recording all accessible patient and implant outcomes.

Aims

This aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Unified Classification System (UCS) for postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) around cemented polished taper-slip (PTS) stems.

Aims

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the mortality, morbidity, and functional outcomes of cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of intracapsular hip fractures, analyzing contemporary and non-contemporary implants separately.

Aims

This study describes and compares the operative management and outcomes in a consecutive case series of patients with dislocated hemiarthroplasties of the hip, and compares outcomes with those of patients not sustaining a dislocation.

Aims

Despite few good-quality studies on the subject, total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly being performed for displaced intracapsular fractures of the neck of femur. We compared outcomes of all patients with displacement of these fractures treated surgically over a ten-year period in one institution.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess all evidence comparing the Thompson monoblock hemiarthroplasty with modular unipolar implants for patients requiring hemiarthroplasty of the hip with respect to mortality and complications.

Aims

Hip hemiarthroplasty is a standard treatment for intracapsular proximal femoral fractures in the frail elderly. In this study we have explored the implications of early return to theatre, within 30 days, on patient outcome following hip hemiarthroplasty.