[Short-stemmed endoprostheses in total hip arthroplasty]

Short-stemmed endoprostheses in total hip arthroplasty are anchored exclusively in the metaphysis and the proximal part of the diaphysis. Therefore, they are much shorter than the classic standard stems. These implants are specially favourable in terms of eventual revision surgery, and also due to the fact that with close diaphyseal bone marrow spaces a sufficient proximal size dimensioning is possible. In this study, the best known short-stemmed systems in clinical use are introduced. Positive long-term results are so far available only with the Pipino and Mayo stems, short and partially medium-term experience with the remaining short stems (C.F.P.(R), Metha, PROXIMA, ESKA) are--with the available learning curve--encouraging. Despite the call for sufficient experience and scientific evaluation, short-stemmed endoprostheses already represent a valuable alternative in endoprosthetics for younger patients.