We have reviewed the intermediate term results of 56 out of 61 consecutive Wagner revision stems implanted without bone graft. After a mean of 5 years (range 4 to 7 years) 49 out of 56 hips were graded as excellent or good based on the Harris Hip Score. The clinical result was not related to the degree of femoral bone defect prior to revision. 49 Out of 56 hips were seen to subside, but this did not affect the hip score at final review. The mean subsidence was 4.8mm (range 0 – 19mm).Only one stem showed continued subsidence after 12 months post-operatively, and this stem achieved a stable position by 24 months. All osteotomies of the femur united with reconstitution of the femoral bone stock. There was a low incidence of complications; one stem showed catastrophic subsidence within 48 hours of surgery, requiring re-revision to a larger Wagner stem. There was one sciatic nerve palsy. 3 hips dislocated on one occasion in the early post-operative period, but were stable at latest follow-up. In conclusion, the Wagner stem can bypass major proximal femoral bony defects and achieve initial axial and rotational stability in intact diaphyseal bone. Subsequent stem subsidence does not affect clinical outcome, and proximal femoral bony reconstitution is achieved without the need for bone grafting

Background: It is difficult to achieve a successfull revision total hip arthroplasty when a patient has severe proximal femoral bone loss. From a biomechanical viewpoint, cementless fixation of a tapered stem has some advantages compared with other techniques to treat severe proximal femoral bone loss in reconstructive hip surgery. Methods: We reviewed 129 consecutive revision arthroplasties of the femoral component in which the tapered Wagner self-locking revision stem was used. The indication for revision was aseptic loosening in 97 hips, periprosthetic feacture in 13 (one of which also had an infection), and septic loosening in 16. In the 3 remaining hips, a Wagner revision stem was inserted during a second stage reimplantation after the performance of a Girdlestone resection arthroplasty to treat chronic deep infection. the prerevision defects were classified with the system described by Pak et al. as well as with our system. A functional evaluation of the patients and a survival analysis of the revision stems were performed. Results: The mean follow-up of patients without rerevision of the stem was 8.1 years (range, 5.1 – 14.1 years). Six revision stems required rerevision (malpositioning, one stem; subsidence, one stem; periprosthetic fracture, one stem; deep infection, three stems) between 0.13 and 4.6 years postoperatively. Using removal of the stem for any cause as end point, the cumulative survival at 14.1 years was 95.2%. The average Merle d‘Aubigné score improved from 7.7 points preoperatively to 14.4 points at the latest follow-up. Because of new bone formation, the most recent radiographs showed clear, good, or excellent restoration of the proximal femur in 88% of patients. Conclusions: Because of the encouraging results of implantation the Wagner revision stem, the principle of tapered revision stems with distal fixation obiously is a successfull technique. Considering possible late complications such as osteolysis of the femur, aseptic loosening, periprosthetic fracture and late infection, the shortest stem that ensures sufficient mechanical stability should be used. It may be easier to achieve high primary stability in short stems with a tapered design than with other short stem designs

Several stems have been used for revision of total hip replacement (THR). Moreover, management of proximal femoral bone loss at the time of revision THR remains one of the challenges for hip surgeons. Recently, impaction bone grafting has been suggested to resolve this problem, but it is a demanding technique that results in frequent complications. We have used the Wagner self-locking stem with cancellous chip allograft for reconstruction of proximal femoral bone defect during revision surgery since 1992. This study evaluated the midterm results of using Wagner revision stem with bone allograft for femoral revision of THR. We could evaluate forty-one femoral revisions performed between 1992 and 2005 using Wagner revision stem with bone allograft. All patients had been followed for a minimum of three years with a mean follow-up of 8.6 years. Preoperative radiological femoral bone defects were assessed and classified by Gustillo’s classification. Subsidence of the stem was measured on radiograms taken immediately after revision surgery and again at the latest follow-up. Femoral component fixation was graded as radiographic ingrowth, fibrous stable, or unstable according to the criteria described by Engh et al. The incidence of surgical complications was examined. Allografts were assessed for incorporation into host bone as evidenced by trabecular bridging of the host-graft interface. A clear reduction in density or breakdown of the allograft was defined as bone resorption. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. The end point was revision because of mechanical loosening of the stem. Bone defects were classified as: 10 hips type I, 20 hips type II, and 7 hips type III and 4 hips were a periprosthetic fracture. Subsidence was measured at the time of last follow-up in six hips (3, 3, 12, 16, 21, 30 mm). At the latest follow-up 37 of 41 stems were stable. Allograft incorporation could clearly be observed in the proximal femoral bone defects of 31 stems. Three stems were defined as showing bone resorption. Surgical complications included 11 intraoperative fractures, two femoral shafts were perforated during reaming, one dislocation postoperatively, and 3 greater trochanter pseudoarthroses. There was one deep infection, and these cases were excluded from survivorship analysis. One unstable stem and one stem with infection had to be revised. Kaplan-Meier survival was 97.1 % at 10 years. Wagner self-locking stem with allograft for reconstruction for proximal femoral bone defect in revision surgery is a beneficial procedure. However, because there is a high incidence of intraoperative fractures, surgery should be performed carefully

Revision after failed femoral components may be technically demanding due to loss of peri-prosthetic bone. This retrospective study evaluated the long-term results of femoral revision using the cementless Wagner Self-Locking stem. Between 1992 and 1998, 68 consecutive hips in 66 patients underwent femoral revision using this implant. A total of 25 patients died from unrelated causes without further revision; the remaining 41 hips in 41 patients (12 men and 29 women) with a mean age of 61 years (29 to 80) were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 13.9 years (10.4 to 15.8). A transfemoral approach was used in 32 hips. A total of five stems required further revision because of infection in two, progressive subsidence in two and recurrent dislocation in one. Four hips had dislocated and eight stems had subsided ≥ 10 mm. The mean Harris hip score improved from 33 points pre-operatively to 75 points at final follow-up (p < 0.001). In all, 33 stems (91.7%) showed radiological signs of stable bone fixation. The cumulative survival rates at 15.8 years with femoral revision for any reason and for stem failure as the endpoints were 92.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 86.0% to 98.4%) and 96.6% (95% CI 92.2% to 100%), respectively. The survivorship with revision and ≥ 10 mm migration of the stem as the endpoint was 83.6% (95% CI 76.6% to 91.4%). This study shows quite good survival and moderate clinical outcome when using a monoblock tapered titanium stem for supporting the regeneration of bone in complex revision hip surgery.

Failure of the femoral component after a primary or revision THA is commonly associated with some degree of femoral bone loss. Depending on the quantity and quality of the remaining host bone, femoral stem revision can be challenging.

Twenty patients with severe proximal femoral bone loss due to prosthetic loosening were treated by Wagner cementless self-locking revision stems with a mean follow up of 24 months (range 18–36 months). The indication of revision surgery was aseptic loosening in 16 patients and septic loosening in 4 cases.

At the end of the follow up the mean Harris hip score increased from 35 to 86 points. Definite radiographic evidence of bone regeneration in the bony defects was achieved within 3 months in all patients.

Implantation of a Wagner cementless selflocking revision stem provided satisfactory results. The Wagner SL Revision prosthesis, firmly and rotationally stable fixed in the medullary cavity of the healthy bone distal from the original prosthetic bed, with its conical longitudinal ribs and cementless anchorage, bridges the defective prosthetic bed and hereby leads to a condition of relative mechanical stability. With time, there is active ossification in the old prosthetic bed, replacing lost bone.

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of the tapered cone stem in total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with excessive femoral anteversion and after femoral osteotomy. Methods. We included patients who underwent THA using Wagner Cone due to proximal femur anatomical abnormalities between August 2014 and January 2019 at a single institution. We investigated implant survival time using the endpoint of dislocation and revision, and compared the prevalence of prosthetic impingements between the Wagner Cone, a tapered cone stem, and the Taperloc, a tapered wedge stem, through simulation. We also collected Oxford Hip Score (OHS), visual analogue scale (VAS) satisfaction, and VAS pain by postal survey in August 2023 and explored variables associated with those scores. Results. Of the 58 patients (62 hips), two (two hips) presented with dislocation or reoperation, and Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a five-year survival rate of 96.7% (95% CI 92.4 to 100). Mean stem anteversion was 35.2° (SD 18.2°) for the Taperloc stem and 29.8° (SD 7.9°) for the Wagner Cone stem; mean reduction from Taperloc to Wagner Cone was 5.4° (SD 18.8°). Overall, 55 hips (52 patients) were simulated, and the prevalence of prosthetic impingement was lower for the Wagner Cone (5.5%, 3/55) compared with the Taperloc (20.0%, 11/55) stem, with an odds ratio of 0.20 (p = 0.038). Among the 33 respondents to the postal survey (36 hips), the mean scores were VAS pain 10.9, VAS satisfaction 86.9, and OHS 44.7. A multivariable analysis revealed that reduction of stem anteversion from Taperloc to Wagner Cone was more favourable for VAS pain (p = 0.029) and VAS satisfaction (p = 0.002). Conclusion. The mid-term survival rate for THA using the Wagner Cone stem was high, which may be supported by a reduction in prosthetic impingement. The reduction in excessive stem anteversion by using a tapered cone stem was associated with reduced pain and increased patient satisfaction. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):858–867

The femur begins to bow anteriorly at the 200 mm level, but may bow earlier in smaller people. If the stem to be used is less than 200 mm, a straight stem can be used. If the stem is longer than 200 mm, it will perforate the anterior femoral cortex. I know this because I did this on a few occasions more than 20 years ago. To use a long straight stem, there are two techniques. One can either do a diaphyseal osteotomy or one can do a Wagner split (extended trochanteric osteotomy). Both of these will put the knee in some degree of hyperextension, probably insignificant in the elderly, but it may be of significance in the young. In very young people, therefore, it may be preferable to use a bowed stem to avoid this degree of recurvatum. There are two different concepts of loading. Diaphyseal osteotomy implies a proximal loading has been sought. The Wagner split ignores the proximal femur and seeks conical fixation in the diaphysis. There will be very little bone-bone contact between what remains of the attached femur and the detached anterior cortex so that it is important to ensure that the blood supply to the anterior cortex remains intact, preferably by using Wagner's technique, using a quarter-inch osteotome inserted through the vastus to crack the medial cortex. Current modularity is of two types. Distal modularity was attempted many years ago and was never successful. Proximal modularity, as for example, the S-ROM stem, implies various sizes of sleeves fit onto the stem to get a proximal canal fill. In mid-stem modularity, the distal stem wedges into the cone. It has to be driven into where it jams and this can be somewhat unpredictable. For this reason, the solid Wagner stem has been replaced by the mid-stem modular. Once the distal femur is solidly embedded, the proximal body is then selected for height and version. The proximal body is unsupported in the mid-stem modular and initially, few fractures were noted at the taper junction. Cold rolling, shot peening and taper strengthening seem to have solved these problems. There are a variety of types of osteotomy, which can be used for different deformities. With a mid-stem modular system, generally, all that needs to be done is a Wagner-type split and fixation is sought in the mid-diaphysis by conical reaming. No matter what stem is used, distal stability is necessary. This is achieved by flutes, which engage the endosteal cortex. The flutes alone must have sufficient rotational stability to overcome the service loads on the hip of 22 Nm. I divide revision into three categories. In type one, the isthmus is intact, i.e. the bone below the lesser trochanter so that a primary stem can be used. In type two, the isthmus is damaged, i.e. the bone below the lesser trochanter, so a long revision stem is required. In a type three, there is more than 70 mm of missing proximal femur. The Wagner stem may be able to handle this on its own, but most other stems are better supported with a structural allograft cemented to the stem. The reported long term results of mid-stem modular revision implants are good as in most, over 90% survivorship. The introduction of modularity appears to have overcome initial disadvantage of the Wagner stem, i.e. its unpredictability in terms of leg length

The evaluation of the middle term behaviour of the Wagner-type stems in dysplastic femurs and the presentation of the technical and surgical differences with the implantation of a Wagner stem. Between 1997 and 2008 we implanted 64 Wagner stems in 58 patients. Average age at the time of implantation was 64 years. 52 patients was operated because of DDH, and 12 had had previous osteotomy. All patients were prospectively evaluated radiographically and clinically at annual intervals. Functional outcome was assessed with Harris Hip Score and Oxford Score. Mean follow-up of these series was 4 years (11-1)One stem was revised because of fracture of the lesser trochander and two more patients were re-operated for open reduction. With the re-operation as end-point and 95% Confidence Interval survivorship rate was 98, 5%. There were no progressive radiolucent lines. Stem migration was at an average 2mm (1–6) during the first two years and remained stable thereafter. There was no deep infection in these series. After the second year a dense zone is evident in all Gruen zones at the implant –bone interface with a width of 2–3 mm. Dysplasia of the proximal femur may pose significant technical problems during THA due to the distortion of the geometry and the narrowing of the femoral canal. The sort, conical Wagner type stems can offer a very good alternative is such patients. They allow control of the anteversion and they are able get a good press-fit despite the metaphyseal/diaphyseal mismatch and the femoral bowing. Wagner type stems are a reliable alternative when performing THA in patients with dysplastic femurs

Aim: The evaluation of the middle term behaviour of the Wagner-type stems in dysplastic femurs and the presentation of the technical and surgical differences with the implantation of a Wagner stem. Materials and Methods: Between 1997 and 2008 we implanted 64 Wagner stems in 58 patients. Average age at the time of implantation was 64 years. 52 patients was operated because of DDH, and 12 had had previous osteotomy. All patients were prospectively evaluated radiographically and clinically at annual intervals. Functional outcome was assessed with Harris Hip Score and Oxford Score. Results: Mean follow-up of these series was 4 years (11-1)One stem was revised because of fracture of the lesser trochander and two more patients were re-operated for open reduction. With the re-operation as end-point and 95% Confidence Interval survivorship rate was 98, 5%. There were no progressive radiolucent lines. Stem migration was at an average 2mm (1–6) during the first two years and remained stable thereafter. There was no deep infection in these series. After the second year a dense zone is evident in all Gruen zones at the implant –bone interface with a width of 2–3 mm. Discussion: Dysplasia of the proximal femur may pose significant technical problems during THA due to the distortion of the geometry and the narrowing of the femoral canal. The sort, conical Wagner type stems can offer a very good alternative is such patients. They allow control of the anteversion and they are able get a good press-fit despite the metaphyseal/diaphyseal mismatch and the femoral bowing. Conclusions: Wagner type stems are a reliable alternative when performing THA in patients with dysplastic femurs

The aim of this study is the presentation of the results in 48 cases of revision THA with excessive proximal bone loss with the use of the Wagner cementless femoral stem. The bone loss classified with the AAOS system for proximal femoral bone deficiency in type I (17 patients), II (27 patients), and III (4 patients). We used the titanium alloy Wagner stem trying to achieve primary distal stabilisation because of its conical shape and its longitudinal ridges while we expected secondary proximal stabilization due to the osseointegration properties of the material. We didn’t use grafts. The mean follow- up is 9, 6 years. The results are very satisfactory to excellent with marked pain relief, improvement of the walking ability and excessive bone restoration in the proximal part of the femur. 7 of the patients had a symptomless stem subsidence up to 16mm the first year with subsequent stabilization thereafter. One of the patients required a new revision the 7th postoperative year due to stem’s fracture in its distal part. We conclude that the Wagner stem in these difficult THA revisions offers firm primary distal fixation, impressive proximal bone regeneration and satisfactory clinical outcomes without using grafts

Introduction: The Wagner SL Stem is a well established implant to bridge proximal femoral defects in hip revision surgery. The tapered shape offers the possibility of press-fit anchorage distal to the bone defect. There are missing long term results with absolute follow-up over ten years. The goal of the study was to observe the subsidence and the restoration of the proximal bony stock within ten years. Patients and Methods: From 1988 until 2005 198 Wagner Stems were implanted in our hospital. 50% of the indications were due to aseptic loosening, 25 % due to septic loosening and 10% due to periprosthetic fracture and 15% other indications. Clinical function was measured with an adapted Harris Hip Score; subsidence was measured in the way that was previously described by Callaghan. The bony restoration was controlled with Böhm’s technique. The length and the thickness of the area of integration were measured in mm on the ap radiographs of the femur. Results: The over all survival of the 198 Wagner stems after 17 years was 87%, for aseptic loosening. There were 57 implanted stems with ≥10 years follow-up. 31 of the patients died before the ten year control, four stems had to be exchanged because of aseptic loosening, three patients referred the clinical control so that a total number of 19 stems could be followed for at least 10 years. In two of those 19 stems there was significant subsidence (12 and 33mm), the subsidence occurred within the first year after implantation. The area of integration showed no change of length or thickness. The bony restoration was good or excellent in 70%. The adapted Harris Hip Score declined only little from 80 postoperatively to 75 after ten years. Conclusion: No significant subsidence after Osteointegration occurred. The principle of the tapered stem is as good that the Wagner SL Stem can be widely indicated

The aim of this study is the comparative assessment of long term clinical (subjective and objective), functional and quality of life outcome data between primary and revision THA. 122 patients (130 hips) who underwent cementless revision THA of both components (TMT cup, Wagner SL stem, Zimmer Biomet) for aseptic loosening only (Group A) were compared to a matched group of 100 patients (100 hips) who underwent cementless primary THA for osteoarthritis (Synergy stem, R3 cup, Smith & Nephew) (Group B). Outcomes were evaluated with survival analysis curves, Harris hip score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oxford hip score (OHS), Short form-12 health survey (SF-12) and EQ-5D-5L scales. Mobility was assessed with walking speed, timed up and go test (TUG), Parker mobility, Lower extremity function score (LEFS) and UCLA scores. At a mean follow up of 14.4 years (10 to 20) a cumulative success rate of 96% (95% CI 96 to 99%) in Group A and 98% (95% CI 97 to 99%) in Group B with operation for any reason as an end point was recorded. Statistically significant differences between groups were developed for WOMAC (Mann-Whitney U test, p= 0.014), OHS (Mann-Whitney U test, p= 0.020) and physical component of SF-12 scores (Mann-Whitney U test, p= 0.029) only. In Group A, in multiple regression analysis, patients’ cognition (p=0.001), BMI (p=0.007) and pain (p=0.022) were found to be independent factors influencing functional recovery (WOMAC). Similarly, pain (p=0.03) was found to influence quality of life (EQ-5D-5). In the long term, revision THA shows satisfactory but inferior clinical, functional, and quality of life outcomes when compared to primary THA. Residual pain, BMI and cognitive impairment independently affect functional outcomes

Introduction. There have been increased concerns with trunnion fretting and corrosion and adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) in total hip arthroplasty. We report on 11 catastrophic trunnion failures associated with severe ALTR requiring urgent revision arthroplasty. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients with gross trunnion failure (n=11) and an additional 3 patients with impending trunnion failure. Results. All patients presented to the emergency department with severe pain, an inability to bear weight, and dramatic radiographs demonstrating implant failure. Patients were an average of 7.8 years from the initial index procedure. Implants were a cementless component with metal on polyethylene bearing from a single manufacturer with a 36mm femoral head size and a range of extended offset of 2.5 to 5.5 and neck length of +0 (n=1), +5 (n=5), and +10 (n=5). The implant was used during a limited time (2.5 years) by single surgeon in our practice using a posterior approach, with the last implant placed 7 years ago. Prior to revision, serum cobalt levels were elevated, typically more than chromium levels. Radiographs demonstrated failure of the implant with a dissociation of the head from the taper and large radiolucent fluid collections from the metal debris (Fig 1). Intraoperative findings and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a diagnosis of ALTR with loss of abductors, and severe material loss from the taper (Fig 2). We estimate a conservative incidence of catastrophic trunnion failure in our series to be 2.2% (n = 636 total implanted). A femoral revision with a modular Wagner stem was performed, and when necessary the acetabulum was revised secondary to destruction of the locking mechanism from mechanical wear. Discussion and Conclusion. ALTR can occur in patients with catastrophic failure of their trunnion. Radiographs are dramatic. Serum metal ion levels and magnetic resonance imaging is comparable to adverse local tissue reaction in metal on metal bearing surfaces, corrosion at the head neck taper, and corrosion of dual modular taper stems. The initiating events leading to this mechanism of trunnion failure is unknown. We observed trunnion failure at large head sizes and at increased femoral head offsets. Other groups have reported an association of trunnion failure at increased neck length and head size with a variety of manufacturers. Based on our experience, we have been able to identify impending failure based on subtle radiographic criteria and elevated metal ion levels. A failure rate of 2% at 7.8 years is non-trivial. Impending trunnion failure should be considered as a possible diagnosis in a painful total hip arthroplasty with unknown etiology. Serum metal ion levels and magnetic resonance imaging should be obtained as part of the initial evaluation

To report mid-term results of PJI treated with uncemented stems. : 80 hips of PJI after THA were treated with uncemented stems from 01/1993 to 12/2012 and followed prospectively. Selection occurred for one- (n=27) or two-stage (n=53) exchange according to the Liestal algorithm. Surgical approaches were transfemoral (n=58), transgluteal (n=9) or transtrochanteric (n=13). A monoblock (Wagner SL, n=58) or modular (Revitan, n=22) revision stem was implanted. On the acetabular side 44 Müller rings, 33 Burch-Schneider cages (combined with a cemented PE-cup) and 3 press-fit cups were used. Kaplan-Meier survival was calculated for endpoints (a) persistence of infection, (b) septic/aseptic stem loosening. Radiographs were analysed for (a) subsidence, (b) distal stem integration, (c) changes in cortical thickness, (d) proximal femur restoration, (e) radiolucency around stem/cup. Mean FU was 5.2 (2–15) years. PJI was eradicated in 77 of 80 hips (96%). 3 patients (all two-stage) had a treatment failure. 2 were treated successfully with an additional two-stage exchange. In the 3rd patient we were not able to control infection and exarticulation was performed. Furthermore, one stem was revised for aseptic loosening (5 years), 1 for a broken Wagner stem (7 years) and 1 for subsidence (8 months). Stem survival after 5 years was 93% (SD ±2.5 years). 2 cups were revised for aseptic loosening and 1 for recurrent dislocations. Subsidence ≥5mm was found in 6 hips and occurred always within 3 months after surgery independent of stem type (p=0.947) and approach (p=0.691). Proximal femoral remodelling after transfemoral approach was excellent or good in 71% (32 excellent, 9 good) with no difference between one-/two-stage exchanges (p=0.288). Initial distal stem integration was 65mm medial and 66mm lateral and increased to 8mm medial (p=0.716) and 10mm lateral (p<0.001). Cortical thickness was unchanged over the entire FU period (p=0.493). Radiolucencies were seen around 26 stems, only the stem revised after 5years was rated loose. Eradication of PJI was high using our established protocol even with uncemented revision stems. Mid-term survival was independent from one-/two-stage revision and comparable to results for aseptic loosening revision

There is no mathematical relationship between the internal diameter of the femoral metaphysis and diaphysis. Unless an infinite number of monolithic stems are available with variable metaphyseal and diaphyseal diameters, which is not economically possible, even in virgin cases, the surgeon has to decide if the stem is going to fit in the metaphysis or the diaphysis. It is not possible to match both. In revision cases with a hollowed out metaphysis, the situation is much worse. As it is obviously easier to fit the diaphysis, this is what stems such as the AML and Wagner stem have done. They completely ignore the metaphysis and obtain fixation in the diaphysis. This is all well and good, but it means that the proximal femur is unloaded, like an astronaut in space. While, there will be some recovery due to removal of the toxins and local muscle pull, it will be incomplete. Furthermore, should sepsis occur, one is faced with the horror of removing a distally fixed implant. Clearly, if proximal fixation, i.e. above the level of lesser trochanter could reliably be achieved, this would be preferable in terms of proximal loading leading to bone recovery and ease of removal should it be required. The only way that proximal loading can be achieved is if the metaphyseal and diaphyseal parts of the component can be varied infinitely. This clearly can only be achieved by using a modular stem. The concern with modularity always has been fretting at the sleeve-stem locking mechanism with release of metal ions. The stem, which I have been using for the last 25 years, is the SROM stem. Fretting and ion release had never been an issue. As the components are made of a relatively soft titanium alloy, it is likely that the sleeve and the stem cold weld, thus, eliminating any movement and eliminating friction. I have a follow-up of roughly 120 revision cases with a minimum follow-up of 5 years and a maximum follow-up of 22 years. I have no loosening in easy revision cases where a primary stem was used. I have had some loosenings in extremely difficult revision situations where a long bowed stem was required, but even then, the loosening rate is less than 3%. I use this stem in primary situations, i.e. in about 80% of all the primaries I have done. This means I have done roughly 1500 cases or more. Other than some late infections, I have never, ever had any stem loosening in a simple case. Obviously, I have had loosenings in some cases, where we have been doing fancy shortening or de-rotation osteotomies, but none in simple primary cases. I would, therefore, suggest that the surgeon, if he wishes to use this stem, please try it out on some simple primary cases. The ability to vary distal and proximal internal diameters and proximal geometry makes for easy surgery. I have been using this stem for 25 years and continue to use it in all my primary noncemented cases. I believe in the adage of “train hard and fight easy.” I think that surgeons should not get themselves into a situation where they are forced in a difficult case to use something they have never seen before

One hundred twenty eight revision hip arthroplasties performed before Dec. 1995 using the Wagner self locking prosthesis were followed for five to ten years. Obviously, the shape of this revision prosthesis complements optimal primary stability; however, one must pay attention not to undersize the stem. Hence, the most significant feature contributing to this self-locking type is the accomplishment of appropriate canal filling when revision with optimum anchorage length of prosthetic component. According to the clinical and radiological data obtained from our midterm results, we confirm the excellent validity of this system for treating the advanced cases of bone resorption for revision. Obviously the classification based on the femoral bone deficiency by the AAOS and DGOT are well documented. Even though we agree with the recent concept of Bourne-Rorabeck that is worthwhile tending to revert to a simple, but practical classification based on the cancellous bone’s quality and the intactness of the cortical tube, we believe that four of Bourne-Rorabeck had better be five in order to be clearer. Furthermore, additional seven various cases series of recent for subsidence of the femoral components were included in this study. We beieve that the only contraindication is conversion from arthrodesis when the patient has long standing history of heavy plate and screws because of undue discrepancy of the stress shielding. Lastly, it is very unusual, however, we describe the operative technique which Wagner stem is inevitably removed

The fixation concept of a fluted, conical, tapered grit-blasted titanium stem has been employed successfully in Europe, but the experience in North America with implants of this design is more limited. The most commonly studied stem of this design, the Wagner stem has been reported to provide good pain relief function and implant stability in several aeries, although large series with long-term follow-up are lacking. Implants with a similar distal geometry but modular proximal features were introduced in an attempt to solve one of the practical difficulties of using a stem of this design: determining where the implant would seat was difficult, trialing options were limited, and accurate leg length and soft tissue balancing were difficult. Modular implants are more user-friendly but have the theoretical disadvantage of introducing the potential for modular junction failure (failure due to fatigue or fretting). To date, there are only limited (but favourable) short-term reported results on the efficacy of this form of revision. Implants of this design can be used when rotational stability, axial stability, and long-term implant fixation must be gained primarily from the distal diaphysis of the femur. Examples include patients with periprosthetic femur fractures and patients with marked proximal bone thinning but good diaphyseal bone. From the practical viewpoint, the fluted section of these implants must be straight (to allow milling of a cone-shaped diaphysis) and thus anterior cortical perforation is a potential complication. Anterior extended osteotomy as described by Wagner accomplishes the goal of femoral exposure and helps prevent distal anterior femoral perforation

Introduction and Objectives: Severe proximal femoral defects are a major problem in femoral stem revision surgery. Various surgical techniques have been described that aim to resolve the deficit of bone stock: the Exeter technique or impacted allograft bone, long porous surface distal fitting stems, stems coated with hydroxyapa-tite, and modular stems with metaphyseal fixation. In 1987, Wagner presented a revision technique using a long distal fitting conical stem with excellent proximal bone regeneration. However, the Wagner stem presents two fundamental problems: subsidence and dislocation. Furthermore, it is a demanding technique that requires preoperative planning. Conical fixation makes adjustment of length and anteversion more difficult, as it is dif-ficult to change these parameters after impaction. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of the first 86 Wagner prostheses implanted at our centre. Results: The reason for revision was aseptic loosening in 81.8% of cases. A morselised bone graft was used in the femur in 22% of cases. Average follow-up period was 6.5 years. Complications occurred in 33% of cases. Half of these complications were perioperative fractures of the femur, which for the most part required no additional treatment besides intervention during the operation. Of the 6.8% of implants that were loose, only 3 cases required surgical treatment. Subsidence occurred in 40.9% of implants, with a median of 13.5mm. Of the 40.9% of implants that sank, two-thirds sank more than 0.5cm. Average metal-bone contact was 27.57mm postoperatively, 39.9mm at one year postoperatively, and 50.38mm at final evaluation. Discussion and Conclusions: The Wagner prosthesis has yielded good results in revisions with proximal bone defects. However, it presents a high rate of dislocation and subsidence, in relation to the technical demands of the procedure

Evaluation of the anatomical features, details of surgical technique and results of the THA in patients with CDH (type C1 and C2 by G. Hartofilakidis). From 2001 to 2016 years one surgical team performed 683 THA in patients with CDH. We retrospectively studied 561 total hip arthroplasties in 349 patients, follow-up rate was 82.1%, from 12 to 188 months (mean 69.4). The results were evaluated by clinical examination, X-rays analysis, Harris Hip Score. Unilateral high hip dislocation was observed in 175 patients (31.2%), in these cases often have underdeveloped half of the pelvis on the side of the dislocation. Type C1 was observed in 326 cases and type C2 – in 235 cases. Type C1 in comparison with C2 has less leg length discrepancy, developed shape of proximal femur, presence of supraacetabular osteophyte. The mean displacement of femoral head was 47.6 mm (from 29 to 55) for C1 and 63.4 mm (from 41 to 78) for C2. Average offset in C1 was 50.1 mm (37–63) and in C2 − 44.3 mm (34–52). Shortening osteotomy by T. Paavilainen performed in 165 cases (50.6%) with C1 dysplasia and in 235 cases (100%) with C2. The features of surgical technique were small size of the cups with obligatory additional screw fixation of the cup and small offset of the stems. The cup was positioned into the true acetabulum in 99.1% cases of C2 type, for C1 – only 69.0%). The cups size 44 mm were used in 97.3% cases for type C2 and in 78.6% cases for type C1. For shortening osteotomy in 76.3% cases Wagner Cone stems were used. Early complications included 9 dislocations (1.6%), 8 femoral nerve neuropathies (1.4%) and 3 infections (0.5%). There is no sciatic nerve palsy. Late complications included dislocation in two hips (1.1%), nonunion of the greater trochanter (8.4%), aseptic loosening of the femoral component − 2 (0.8 %), aseptic loosening of the cup − 11 (1.6%). Average Harris Hip score improved from 39.5 to 83.6 with unsignificant diffence between types C1 and C2 (from 37.3 to 81.4 and from 40.4 to 85.1 consequently). Revision rate was 2.1% for type C1 and 5.5% for type C2. Hip replacement surgery in patients with high hip dislocation is very challenging. Type C2 dysplasia has only one surgical option with good long-term results – placement of the cup into the true acetabulum and shortening osteotomy. Its advantages include leg length alignment and decreased risk of sciatic nerve injury. Type C1 dysplasia presents more heterogenic group of patients and allows to use several surgical options – different placement of the cup and surgical approach without shortening osteotomy. Functional results in patients with type C1 are a little bit worse in comparison with type C2, but C1 had less risk of complications. The main problem of shortening osteotomy by Paavilainen is delayed union and non-union of great trochanter

D. Regis, A. Sandri, I. Bonetti, M. Braggion, P. Bartolozzi. Femoral revision with the Wagner tapered stem: A ten- to 15-year follow-up study. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2011 93-B: 1320-1326