Abstract
To review the results of revision THR performed with a modular titanium tapered uncemented stem in two cohorts of patients to assess whether subsidence of this type of stem is avoidable through improved surgical technique.
The first 70 patients undergoing revision THR with this type of stem were compared with 38 patients who had their revision in the last 24 months and had a minium follow up of 12 months., with particular reference to stem subsidence. All patients were also assessed with the Oxford Hip Score. All radiographs were reviewed to measure subsidence. Identical post-operative management was used in both groups.
The mean subsidence in the first group was 11.7 mm and in the most recent group 4mm. The Oxford Hip Score in both groups was similar (20.9) which compares very favourably with the OHS score from the National joint Register for revision arthroplasty (24.3).
This comparison shows that changes in surgical technique can limit the subsidence seen with tapered stems used in revision total hip replacement. No bone grafts were used in either series, only small changes in bone preparation, and prosthesis selection were used .The outcome as determined by the OHS was similar in both groups.
The abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary Jean-Claude Theis. Correspondence should be addressed to NZOA at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.
