Abstract
Periprosthetic femur fracture (PFF) is a major complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA) that carries significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Currently, uncemented stems are highly preferred in primary THA, but have been associated with higher risk of PFF compared to cemented stems. The use of collared stems in uncemented primary THA has shown promise in reducing PFF rates postoperatively.
This retrospective study included 2,294 uncemented primary THAs using the posterior approach performed by two attending surgeons from January 2016 to December 2022. Both surgeons switched from a collarless femoral stem design to a collared design in May 2020. Data was collected regarding stem design, frequency of PFF, and requirement for revision surgery. Periprosthetic fractures were identified and confirmed using medical records and/or radiographic imaging. Fracture rates and percentages between collared and collarless stems were then analyzed. A Fisher's Exact Test was performed to determine if there was a significant association between collared and collarless stem use on PFF rates.
A total of 2,294 uncemented primary THAs performed by 2 surgeons were eligible for analysis. 903 (39.4%) patients received a collared stem, and 1,391 (60.6%) patients received a collarless stem. In total, 14 (0.6%) PFFs occurred over the study period. There was 1 fracture (0.1%) out of 903 collared stems, and 13 fractures (0.9%) out of 1,391 collarless stems (p = 0.012).
Collared stems were associated with a significant decrease in PFF rate when compared to collarless stems in uncemented primary THA. Future studies are encouraged to continue to investigate PFF and other complication rates with the use of a collared stem design.
