Short Stem Metaphyseal-Engaging Femoral Implants: A Case-Controlled Radiographic and Clinical Evaluation with Eight Year Follow-Up

A prospective comparison of 148 hips in 139 consecutive patients treated with an off-the-shelf uncemented metaphyseal engaging (91–105 mm) stem and 69 hips in 61 patients treated with a custom uncemented metaphyseal engaging short stem was conducted to evaluate the mid-term clinical and radiographic results of an off-the-shelf metaphyseal-engaging short stem implant. All implants were radiographically stable with proximal bony in-growth. There was no significant difference in post-operative HHS (P <. 001) or WOMAC scores (P < .001) between cohorts. An off-the-shelf short femoral stem designed to fit and fill the metaphysis provides reliable fixation up to eight years with equivalent clinical and radiographic results to a customized implant.