Background: One of the modern treatments of degenerative joint disease in young patients is hip replacement with the use of short stems. Possible advantages of stem application, in comparison to traditional procedures, include: a more physiological distribution of forces transferred through the proximal femur, prevention of stress shielding, saving more bone mass in the femoral neck and, possibly, minimally invasive surgery. The aim of the study was an analysis of early results and our own experiences with implantation of short stems.
Material and methods: Thirty hip joints in 28 patients aged between 27 and 59 years were treated with short Metha stems. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 16 months.
Results: According to the Harris hip score, clinical status improved from 54 preoperatively to 97 among the patients evaluated 12 months after the operation. Radiological imaging revealed very good and rapid integration between implant and bone. No cases of stem loosening were observed. One patient had some osteolysis in the middle part of the femoral neck at 12 months post-operatively without any symptoms of loosening.
Conclusions: 1. Short Metha stems are worth recommending for young patients with advanced hip osteoarthritis because of their very good primary stabilization, allowing for early full weight bearing. 2. The operative technique is fairly complex and the support of intraoperative radiological imaging is recommended.