Objective: To determine the biomechanical characteristics and potential clinical efficacy of a cementless modular femoral prosthesis consisting of a variable head (50 to 80 millimeters) and stem (length 120 to 280 millimeters, diameter 10 to 20 millimeters) component in patients with pertrochanteric femoral fracture.
Design: Finite element analysis (FEA) of different lengths and diameters of prosthesis components and first clinical prospective study in pertrochanteric femoral fracture.
Method: Using a 3D-CAD program, a model of femoral cortical bone with a pertrochanteric fracture was created and combined with a model of the prosthesis. This model was transferred into an FEA program. After applying a torsion-bending load of 2,000 N (25 degrees, 45 degrees) on the prosthesis, stress distribution in the cortical bone was determined for different lengths (160 to 240 millimeters) and diameters (10 and 12 millimeters) of stem.
Patients: Twenty-eight patients with pertrochanteric fractures (very unstable or osteoarthritis) were treated with a modular hip arthroplasty. Complications, fracture healing, and results at first follow-up (average 13 months) were determined.
Results: FEA analysis indicated that reduction in stress was less when a prosthesis with a short stem was used. Shear stress in the interface bone/prosthesis was not affected by stem length. Prostheses with thin stems produced higher sheer stresses than those with thick stems. Results of FEA were used as the basis for clinical application of the device. None of the patients died, and all patients were able to walk, although some needed a cane or walker after surgery. There was no increase in thigh pain compared with reported pretrauma levels. Radiographs showed subsidence of up to 5 millimeters in 20 percent of patients. However, all but one prosthesis was stable at follow-up. Fracture healing was achieved in all patients.
Conclusions: If proximal fixation of a femoral uncemented stem cannot be achieved, stem diameter should provide maximum cortical contact to reduce sheer stress. Longer stems do not necessarily provide additional stability. By using this prosthesis and selection method, a good outcome at first follow-up was observed.