Use of Short Stems for Total Hip Arthroplasy: Is It a Napoleonic Solution?

The use of short stems is becoming more popular with the increased interest in less invasive approaches for total hip arthroplasty. The curved short stem and broach can be inserted along a curved track, avoiding the abductor attachments. They also have the potential of being more bone conserving, allowing a higher neck retention, maintenance of the medial greater trochanter, and preferential stress transfer to the proximal femur. Experience with the first 300 Fitmore stems used for total hip arthroplasty is reported. No stems have been revised for aseptic loosening.