[Total hip arthroplasty - The choice of the femoral component: cemented or uncemented?]

The shape of the femoral canal is variable, much more variable than most contemporary designs of femoral components would suggest or can accomodate. Several studies have demonstrated the clinical importance of a close match between the dimensions of the femur and the implanted prosthesis. The clinical significance ofbone implant proximal fit has been noted for cementless mode fixation. A practical consequence of the variability of the proximal endosteal canal is that different femoral components may be needed for all the patients of the population. For the autors, the choice of the technique (cement or cementless), and the choice of the optimal femoral stem (standard or custom-made implant) depends on two radiologic parameters: I.C.M. and I.E.F.; these parameters are defined and analysed.