Aims

The aim of this study was to compare early functional and health related quality of life outcomes (HRQoL) in patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a bone conserving short stem femoral component and those in whom a conventional length uncemented component was used. Outcome was assessed using a validated performance based outcome instrument as well as patient reported outcome measures (PROMs).

There are a growing number of younger patients with developmental dysplasia of hip, proximal femoral deformity and osteonecrosis seeking surgical intervention to restore quality of life, and the advent of ISTCs has resulted in a greater proportion of such cases being referred to existing NHS departments. Bone-saving hip athroplasty is often advocated for younger active patients, as they are potential candidates for subsequent revision arthroplasty. If resurfacing is contraindicated, short bone-conserving stems may be an option. The rationale for short stems in cementless total hip arthroplasty is proximal load transfer and absence of distal fixation, resulting in preserved femoral bone stock and avoidance of thigh pain. We have carried out 17 short stem hip replacements (Mini-hip, Corin Medical, Cirencester, UK) using ceramic bearings in 16 patients since June 2010. There were 14 females and 2 males, with a mean age of 50.1 years (range 35–63 years) at the time of the surgery. The etiology was osteoarthritis in 11, developmental dysplasia in 4, and osteonecrosis of the femoral head in one patient. All operations were performed through a conservative anterolateral (Bauer) approach. These patients are being followed and evaluated clinically with the Harris and Oxford hip scores, with follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 months, and annually thereafter. Initital results have been encouraging in terms of pain relief, restoration of leg length (one of the objectives in cases of shortening) and rage of movement. Radiological assessment has shown restoration of hip biomechanics. Specific techniques are required to address varus, valgus and femoral deformity with leg length inequality. There are two main groups of short stems, those that are neck-preserving and those that do not preserve the femoral neck. The latter group requires traditional techniques for revision. Another feature that differentiates them is the availability of modularity. The device we employed is neck-preserving and available with different neck lengths and offsets, which help in restoration of hip biomechanics. The advantage of such short stems may be preservation of proximal femoral bone stock, decreased stress shielding and the ease of potential revision. Such devices may be a consideration for patients with malformations of the proximal femur. Long-term follow-up will be of value in determining if perceived benefits are realised in practice

Aims

Although the short stem concept in hip arthroplasty procedure shows acceptable clinical performance, we sometimes get unexplainable radiological findings. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate changes of radiological findings up to three years postoperatively, and to assess any potential contributing factors on such radiological change in a Japanese population.

Aims

There are concerns regarding initial stability and early periprosthetic fractures in cementless hip arthroplasty using short stems. This study aimed to investigate stress on the cortical bone around the stem and micromotions between the stem and cortical bone according to femoral stem length and positioning.