Abstract
Cementless stem designs in total hip arthroplasty differ in relation to geometry and area of fixation. We utilised radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to evaluate the 2-year migration of a novel, short, proximally coated femoral stem.
30 participants undergoing primary total hip replacement for any cause (rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis) were prospectively recruited in this study. Osteoporotic patients and cases of suspected infection were excluded. All patients received a short blade stem, proximally coated with a reduced lateral shoulder and narrow triple taper geometry to minimise bone removal. RSA radiographs were performed post-operatively and at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1- and 2 years. The Harris Hip Score (HHS), Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and EQ-5D were collected at baseline and at 2 years post-operatively. The stability of implants and complications were captured during each follow-up visit.
A total of 14 female and 16 male patients were recruited with a mean age of 64.8 (range 47 to 75). At two years the mean subsidence of the stem was 0.34 mm (SD 0.62) and the total migration 0.74 mm (SD 0.60). The mean medial translation at two years was 0.059 (0.24) and the mean anterior translation 0.12 (0.59) respectively. Baseline PROM scores improved significantly at 2-years from pre-operatively (median and interquartile range): HHS from 33 (18.25) to 92 (19), EQ5D from 0.5 (0.35) to 0.94 (0.17), OHS from 21 (18.25) to 42 (4.25). P-value for all comparisons was <0.001. 2-year follow up data revealed no complications. There were no stem revisions in study participants and no heterotopic ossifications were identified on radiographs.
2-year migration results of a cementless, short blade, proximally coated tapered femoral stem using RSA, showed the stem exhibits a predictable migration pattern and achieves initial stability. This is highly likely to translate to mid and long-term stability, which needs to be corroborated by long-term outcome studies. Furthermore, participants demonstrated excellent clinical, patient reported and radiological outcomes after 2 years of follow up to support expansion in the use of this prosthesis.
