Architectural changes occurring in the proximal femur after THA continues to be a problem. Stress shielding occurs regardless of fixation method. The resultant bone loss can lead to implant loosening and breakage of the implant. A new novel tissue sparing neck-stabilised stem has been designed to address these concerns. Over 1,200 stems have been implanted since April 2010 and 2012. Patient profile showed two-thirds being female with an age range between 17 to early 90s. 90% were treated for OA. This stem has been used in all Dorr bone classification (A, B, & C). Two surgical approaches were utilised (single anterior incision and standard posterior incision). All were used with a variety of cementless acetabular components and a variety of bearing surfaces (CoC, CoP, MoM, MoP). Complications were track by surgeon Members of the Tissue Sparing Study Group of the Joint Implant Surgery and Research Foundation. Complications include first year of limited clinical release. No surgeon was permitted usage without specific cadaver / surgical training. No head diameters below 32 mm were used.Introduction
Methods
The use of short stems has been growing in THA for the past five years. As a result, a large number of short stem designs are available in the market place. However, fixation points differ for many of the designs resulting in different radiographic modeling creating confusion when trying to collate to clinical findings. We have created a classification system in an attempted to provide clarity in analyzing radiographic and clinical findings. Femoral implants described as “short stems” were evaluated. The range of lengths for stem type and the method of achieving initial implant stability was determined. The optimal radiographic position of each of these implants and type of bone remodeling associated with this placement was evaluated. Stems were defined as “short” if the tip reached or was proximal to the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction. This location on the proximal femur was defined as the place at which the medial-lateral metaphyseal flare became parallel. Stems were then classified as: 1.) Metaphyseal Stabilized; 2.) Neck Stabilized; 3.) Head Stabilized. An analysis of radiographic with a minimum of one year follow up were reviewed and posted as to the classification systemIntroduction
Method
