Cementless Short Stems in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Chances and Limits

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Cementless short stems are increasingly used in total hip arthroplasty (THA).
• They aim to preserve bone stock and soft tissues through minimally invasive approaches.
• The latest generation utilizes a calcar-guided technique for precise alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the expanding indications and early clinical outcomes of short-stem THA.
• To highlight the potential of short stems in complex anatomical variations and specific patient groups.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical data on short-stem THA.
• Focus on the calcar-guided round-the-corner implantation technique.
• Analysis of outcomes in cases with abnormal joint morphology, osteonecrosis, and femoral neck fractures.

Main Results:

• Early clinical results for short-stem THA are promising.
• Individualized stem alignment allows for ideal hip anatomy reconstruction.
• Short stems show potential in managing complex cases, including revision and conversion arthroplasty.

Conclusions:

• Short-stem THA is expanding its indications due to promising early outcomes.
• Individualized positioning and metaphyseal/metadiaphyseal anchorage offer versatility.
• Further scientific data is required for specific indications like revision, conversion, and post-femoral neck fracture THA.