Short stem for total hip replacement: An experience from a tertiary level care hospital in Shimla

Abstract

Introduction: Total hip replacement (THR) is a procedure whereby the diseased articular surfaces are replaced with synthetic materials, thus relieving pain and improving joint kinematics and function. We aimed to describe our experience of using a short anatomical metaphyseal loading stem femoral implant for THR at our hospital. Methodology: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, in which 20 hips underwent THR using a short anatomical metaphyseal loading stem femoral implant. Baseline demographic, pre- and intra- and post-operative findings were noted and analysed. Results: Mean age was 40.93 years (standard deviation 11.29), the most common age group of patients was 41 to 50 years (65%) and majority of them were males (80%). Most common indication for undergoing surgery in our patient population was avascular necrosis head of femur with secondary osteoarthritis (70%). Average blood loss during surgery was about 500 ml with average drainage of about 200 ml. Pre-operatively all patients had modified Harris Hip score (HHS) of less than 70, while post-operatively 80% of the patients had an excellent modified HHS and rest had a good modified HHS Conclusions: THR using small anatomical metaphyseal loading stem is an ideal procedure in younger patients, who present late beyond the scope of surface replacement and who will need revision surgeries in future.