Roth PV. Orthopedics. 2014. doi:10.3928/01477447-20140626-61.
Recently published study data indicated short-stem and straight-stem implants for total hip arthroplasty exhibited no significant differences in functional outcome measures.
Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blinded study of 80 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients were grouped by whether their THA utilized a short-stem or conventional straight-stem implant. Radiological and functional outcomes were evaluated at 6 weeks postoperatively, and quality of life was quantified via Harris Hip Score, SF-36 and WOMAC scores.
No significant changes in offset differences were observed in either group from before surgery to after surgery. At final follow-up, no significant differences between groups were found in Harris Hip Score, SF-36 or WOMAC values, according to the researchers.
Comparison of long-term survival rates among both cohorts will help determine whether short stems are a viable alternative THA solution, the researchers concluded.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
