Does an Ultra-Short Anatomic Cementless Femoral Stem Improve Long-Term (Up to 17 Years) Results in Patients Younger Than 30 Years?

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this long-term (up to 17 years) follow-up study was to determine: (1) clinical results and evidence of clicking or squeaking sounds; (2) radiographic results, including rates of osseointegration, bone remodeling, and osteolysis; (3) rates of complications including thigh pain, periprosthetic fracture, and ceramic fracture; (4) rates of revision; and (5) survival rates of implants in patients younger than 30 years.

METHODS

We analyzed the results of 240 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasty in 180 patients (118 men and 62 women who had a mean age of 27 years (range, 21 to 30 years)). The mean follow-up was 16 years (range, 14 to 17 years).

RESULTS

Mean Harris hip score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities score, and University of California, Los Angeles activity score were 93 points, 18 points, and 7 points, respectively, at final follow-up. Radiographically, all of the acetabular components and all but two femoral components were well-fixed at the final follow-up. No hip had osteolysis or exhibited Grade 3 stress shielding. All but two patients had no groin or thigh pain. No hip had a periprosthetic or ceramic fracture. Eight hips (3%) exhibited squeaking sounds. Two acetabular components and two femoral stems were revised. The survival of the acetabular and femoral component was 99.2% (95% confidence interval, 94 to 100%).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present long-term study of ultra-short anatomic cementless femoral stems suggest excellent clinical and radiographic results in patients younger than 30 years.