Clinical evaluation of the cemented Exeter Short 125 mm stem at a minimum of 3 years: A prospective cohort study

In 2014, Stryker introduced a modified shorter Exeter stem measuring 125 mm. Little is currently known about the functional performance of this implant in vivo. This study reports implant survival, patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), re-operation and complication rates at a minimum of 3 years for the Exeter 125 mm stem.

Prospective cohort study which followed a standardised data collection protocol. PROMs data, including the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), EQ-5D-3L and Harris Hip Score were collected at baseline (peri-operatively), 1-year post-operation and 3 years post-operation. Clinical outcomes, including revision, reoperation and rates of complications in the immediate post-operation period, and at longer term follow up were also documented.

Implant survival was 100% at 3-years with no cases undergoing or planned to undergo revision surgery. At 3-years, the OHS had increased by a mean of 22.7 (S.D 10.9), the EQ-5D-3L Index by a mean of 0.467 (S.D 0.437) and the HHS by a mean of 32 (S.D 22.8) in comparison to their baseline measurements (all p < 0.001). There were no serious implant related complications such as infection, recurrent dislocation or peri-prosthetic fracture.

This study has demonstrated that the Exeter Short 125 mm Stem implants are a safe and effective option for total hip replacements (THR). The PROMs data obtained for the patients who received these implants were comparable to the NJR PROMs data for patients that receive a 'standard' THR of any size stem. With increased use of these types of implants, larger patient pools and longer periods of follow-up can further assess the longevity of the short stem implant.