An increasing demand for less traumatic THA combined with a faster recovery time has led to minimal invasive surgical approaches and to bone and soft tissue preserving short stem prostheses. Short stem prosthesis should have metaphyseal fixation, primary stability and lesser changes in femoral elasticity which would lead to less stress shielding. The need for a good joint stability and a higher mobility after THA has led to navigated hip surgery together with the use of modular necks to restore the biomechanics.

From November 2004 to July 2008 we implanted 154 Metha prostheses by a modified less invasive Watson-Jones approach. 104 THA were navigated. The indication was primary (32%) or dysplastic coxarthritis (50%) or femoral head necrosis (18%) without affection of the femoral neck, patients age under 50 years and above with good bone density.

Evaluation was done with regard to primary stability, ease of minimal invasive implantation and restoration of the biomechanics. The cup position was aimed at 45° of inclination and 15° of anteversion. The most used modular neck adapter in the non navigated group was standard (135°CCD, 0° antetorsion). In the navigated group more often different variations of neck adapters were used (mainly 135°CCD, 7.5° retrotorsion). Reliable length (+7mm overall) and offset (−3.5mm) measurements could be achieved in the navigated group. The average antetorsion of the stem was 20°.

Bone loss is low with short stem and it is suitable for minimal invasive procedures. A good primary stability seems to be achievable. Modularity leads to a better restoration of the hip biomechanics. In the navigation of the short stem prosthesis the placement of the stem is separated from the restoration of the biomechanics of the hip. The criteria offset, leg length antetorsion, and center of rotation of the head and implant range of motion can be controlled for restoration by navigation. No dislocation was seen in the intraoperative test and in the postoperative follow up.

The short term results show good functional result and a low complication rate without any dislocation. The use of a lesser invasive approach without detaching muscle led to a subjectively faster recovery. The navigation system helps to be precise in cup positioning and to restore biomechanics in term of center of rotation, leg length and offset by advising the best fitting modular neck and reliably predicting the safe range of motion. In our experience the navigated short stem prosthesis offered a good intraoperative handling and good preliminary results.