Comparison of Short Curved Stems and Standard-length Single Wedged Stems for Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes with use of short-curved stems versus standard-length single wedged stems over a minimum follow-up period of five years.

A retrospective study of primary total hip arthroplasties performed using the Fitmore^® stem (127 hips, 122 patients) and the M/L taper^® stem (195 hips, 187 patients) between October 2012 and June 2014 was conducted. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were obtained for evaluation over a minimum follow-up period of five years.

In both the Fitmore^® and M/L taper^® groups, the mean Harris hip score improved from 52.4 and 48.9 preoperatively to 93.3 and 94.5 at the final follow-up, respectively (P=0.980). The mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores also improved from 73.3 and 76.8 preoperatively to 22.9 and 25.6 at the final follow-up, respectively (P=0.465). Fifteen hips (Fitmore^®: 14 hips; M/L taper^®: one hip, P<0.001) developed intraoperative cracks and were treated simultaneously with cerclage wiring. Radiography showed a radiolucent line in 24 hips in the Fitmore^® group and 12 hips in the M/L taper^® group (P=0.125). Cortical hypertrophy was detected in 29 hips (Fitmore^® group: 28 hips; M/L taper^® group: one hip, P<0.001).

Similarly favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes were achieved with use of both short-curved stems and standard-length single wedged stems. However, higher cortical hypertrophy and a higher rate of femoral crack were observed with use of Fitmore^® stems.