Aims. The Exeter short stem was designed for patients with Dorr type A femora and short-term results are promising. The aim of this study was to evaluate the minimum five-year stem migration pattern of Exeter short stems in comparison with Exeter standard stems. Methods. In this case-control study, 25 patients (22 female) at mean age of 78 years (70 to 89) received cemented Exeter short stem (case group). Cases were selected based on Dorr type A femora and matched first by Dorr type A and then age to a control cohort of 21 patients (11 female) at mean age of 74 years (70 to 89) who received with cemented Exeter standard stems (control group). Preoperatively, all patients had primary hip osteoarthritis and no osteoporosis as confirmed by dual X-ray absorptiometry scanning. Patients were followed with radiostereometry for evaluation of stem migration (primary endpoint), evaluation of cement quality, and Oxford Hip Score. Measurements were taken preoperatively, and at three, 12, and 24 months and a minimum five-year follow-up. Results. At three months, subsidence of the short stem -0.87 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.07 to -0.67) was lower compared to the standard stem -1.59 mm (95% CI -1.82 to -1.36; p < 0.001). Both stems continued a similar pattern of subsidence until five-year follow-up. At five-year follow-up, the short stem had subsided mean -1.67 mm (95% CI -1.98 to -1.36) compared to mean -2.67 mm (95% CI -3.03 to -2.32) for the standard stem (p < 0.001). Subsidence was not influenced by preoperative bone quality (osteopenia vs normal) or cement mantle thickness. Conclusion. The standard Exeter stem had more early subsidence compared with the short Exeter stem in patients with Dorr type A femora, but thereafter a similar migration pattern of subsidence until minimum five years follow-up. Both the standard and the short Exeter stems subside. The standard stem subsides more compared to the short stem in Dorr type A femurs. Subsidence of the Exeter stems was not affected by cement mantle thickness. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(7):507–515

The Exeter totally collarless, double-tapered femoral component was developed in 1969 jointly at the School of Engineering at the University of Exeter and the old Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Hospital. At the time, in common with a number of implants in contemporary use, the new Exeter stem was manufactured from the rather ductile stainless steel EN58J. The original version of the Exeter stem had a polished surface. This feature was not part of the original design specification, but was demanded by the current British standard governing the use of EN58J in orthopaedic implants. At that time, no thought was given to the possibility that the surface finish of the stem might influence outcome. Used from 1970 to 1975, the original stems rarely came to need replacement because of loosening. The major complication was the incidence of stem fracture, first seen in 1973, which has reached 4% over a 25 to 30 year follow-up. A stronger stem was introduced at the beginning of 1976. This was manufactured from 316L. As there was no standard demanding a polished surface, this stem was manufactured with a surface two orders of magnitude rougher than the surface of the original polished Exeter stems. While the introduction of this stem almost completely solved the problem of stem fracture, with it appeared notable problems of femoral endosteal bone lysis and aseptic stem loosening, hardly seen with the original polished stems. The study of retrieved prostheses showed the matt surface stem to be prone to abrasive wear against the inside of the cement mantle, and that this phenomenon could lead both directly and indirectly to stem loosening. Unfortunately, a decade passed before the polished stem was re-introduced in 1986. A monobloc version was used until the beginning of 1988, when the modular Exeter Universal stem was introduced. With both the monobloc and modular versions of the polished Exeter stem, both aseptic loosening and localised endosteal bone lysis have become rare. Further retrieval studies have shown that in polished and matt Exeter stems the wear processes between stem and cement are fundamentally different. This difference may explain the substantial clinical difference in outcome between these two types of stem. These considerations lead to the view that abrasive stem wear in matt stems is probably a major cause of failure, and more important than failure of cement

Introduction: The design philosophy of polished tapered THR stems, such as the Exeter, intend for them to migrate distally within the cement mantle. In addition it is likely that micromotion occurs as a result of functional activity. The pattern of induced stresses will be a function of stem geometry & surface finish, as well as applied loading. Aim: To investigate the stresses induced in the cement mantle of a polished tapered THR stem during functional activity. Method: Using Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA) dynamically induced micro-motion (DIMM) was measured in 21 patients implanted with Exeter stems. DIMM was measured as the difference in stem position in going from double to single leg stance on the operated limb. All subjects were measured 3 months post-operatively. A finite element (FE) model of the femur, including all muscles was used to investigate the stress distribution within the cement; contact was modelled with sliding elements allowing separation. The model was validated by comparison to the DIMM measurements. Results: The Exeter stem demonstrated significant DIMM(p < 0.017), the average motions are given in the table below. The FE model, with sliding contacts was able to predict similar distal migration of the head. The peak minimum principal stress in the mantle was approx 33MPa and occurred in the proximal medial region. Movements occurred at the stem/cement interface. Discussion and Conclusion: It is possible to measure DIMM in the Exeter stem and combining this with FE modelling the mechanism of stress transfer between the stem and mantle can be investigated in a manner that can be validated

The Exeter Stem (Howmedica, UK) has been in use for over 35 years. Over the years it has undergone several modifications with the most recent being a highly polished, tapered stem in 1986. The manufacturers quote a rate of 0.0006%. In the current literature there are 16 (or less) instances of fractures of the Orthinox stem. We present a case of fracture of an Orthinox Exeter Stem 9 years after insertion. Our patient, BB, presented, aged 62, with symptoms & signs consistent with OA right hip. THR was performed through a lateral approach utilising a trochanteric osteotomy. A size 0 37.5 stem was inserted. Radiographs were very satisfactory. She suffered a post operative DVT/PTE from which she recovered uneventfully. She was independently mobile at 6 month review and was discharged at the 2 year stage pain free. Aged 71, BB presented to outpatient clinic with a several month history of generalised groin pain. She had a Trendelenberg gait. Considerable pain was experienced on axial compression of the limb. Radiographs revealed a midstem fracture with cement loosening proximally. No trauma was reported. She underwent revision surgery through a posterior approach. Acetabular component was rigidly fixed. This was revised to a pressfit Trident (Zimmer, UK) cup with screws & polyethylene liner. An extended trochanteric osteotomy was used to remove the broken stem. An uncemented Restoration (Stryker, UK) stem was inserted with a 28mm head. Post-operative recovery was unremarkable and at 6 months osteotomy has healed. The stem was sent to Stryker UK Laboratories for analysis. They reported the stem broke in fatigue with the origin on the antero-lateral surface. No material or manufacturing defects seen. Dimensionally correct. Fracture may be due to abnormal bending stresses secondary to proximal loosening and firm distal fixation. Our case demonstrates a set of circumstances that led to inevitable fatigue and stem fracture. The method of failure should reinforce the radiograph appearances that may cause concern or be acted upon

Purpose. Exeter stem was introduced to Japanese market at 1996. Since then, owing to its excellent clinical results, the number of the stem used has been increased year by year and more than 2000 stems have been implanted during the year 2009. The present study aims to prove its efficacy for Japanese patients by evaluating short term results of four major dedicated hip centers. Method. We present the short-term multi-center results of primary THA with Exeter stem combined with modern cementing technique in 881 patients (1000 hips). The average age of the patients at operation was 62.3years (ranging 23 to 89 years). Mean postoperative follow up period was 4.0 (ranging 2 to 9) years. Results. Intraoperative complications such as femoral fracture were observed in 6 hips. Postoperative cementing grade using Barrack's classification was judged as A for 735 hips, as B for 246 hips, and as C for 4 hips, respectively. Twenty-four patients died with unrelated disease and 52 patients were lost during follow-up period. Follow-up ratio was 94.8%. Thirty postoperative complications which include 9 infections, 14 dislocations, 5 deep vein thrombosis, and 2 sciatic nerve palsies were observed. Symptomatic pulmonary embolization or femoral fracture was not observed. Re-operations for infection and dislocation were performed for 8 and 6 hips, respectively. At the final follow-up, no radiolucent line at bone-cement interface was observed. Cortical hypertrophy was observed in 9.6% at Gruen zone 2 to 6. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis predicted a rate of survival at 5 years of 100% with radiolucent line at bone-cement interface of the femur as the endpoint, and of 98.8% when re-operation for any reason was used. Conclusion. The present study revealed excellent short-term result was obtained using Exeter stem combined with modern cementing technique for primary THAs in Japan

To determine if any notable differences between a cemented Thompson stem hemiarthroplasty and a cemented Exeter stem hemiarthroplasty (ETS), 200 patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture were randomised between the two prosthesis. Surviving patients were followed-up for one year by a nurse blinded to the treatment allocation. The mean age of patients was 84 years and 13% were male. There were no differences between groups for the length of surgery, need for blood transfusion or hospital stay. Implant related complications were three minor operative fractures of the femur in each group. Two patients in the Thompson group had dislocation of the prosthesis requiring revision surgery and one further patient in the Thompson group had late acetabular wear requiring conversion to a total hip replacement. One further patient in the Thompson group had cement retained in the acetabulum. In total therefore only three patients, all in the Thompson group, which required revision surgery. Easy of surgery was assessed subjectively by the surgeon and reported to be easier for the ETS group (p=0.0002). During follow-up there was no significant difference in the degree of residual pain between groups. Conclusions are that the cemented Exeter stem hemiarthroplasty has some advantages over the traditional cemented Thompson hemiarthroplasty

Introduction. Despite being from different manufacturers, Exeter stem and Ogee cup are commonly used together as cemented ‘cross breed’ combination in United Kingdom. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of this combination. Materials and methods. The ten years outcome of 131 primary hip replacements using an Exeter stem and an Ogee cup combination were studied retrospectively from clinical audit data and radiographs. Results. The Harris Hip score (HHS) improved significantly from 46 pre-surgery to 88 post-surgery. This had a gradual decrease to 81 over ten years. This effect was associated with a decrease in function score but a sustained pain score. Radiologically, five cups were loose and two stems had failed. One stem had migrated and another had progressive endosteolysis. There were two recurrent dislocations, of which one was revised to a bipolar socket. The ten year survival of the combination implant was 99% (CI 97 to 100) with revision as an end point. The same with impending failure as end point was 93% (CI 87 to 99). Conclusion. It might be preferable to have a multi-centric prospective study to demonstrate the performance of this commonly done combination implant at various settings. In the meantime it is concluded that the Exeter stem-Ogee cup combination arthroplasty has acceptable outcomes at ten years

Introduction. Varus alignment of the femoral component in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is thought to be a risk factor for implant loosening and early revision surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the Exeter stem tolerates varus alignment and assess if this theoretical malalignment has an influence on clinical outcomes. Methods. A total of 4126 consecutive THAs were reviewed for patients between 2006 and 2012 to allow for a minimum five-year follow-up. To determine the effects of the stem alignment on results, the hips were classified into 3 groups on the basis of stem alignment in initial postoperative anteroposterior radiographs. The alignment of the stem was defined as neutral, valgus (≥ 3° of lateral deviation), or varus (≥ 3° of medial deviation). The primary outcome was all cause revision with patient related outcomes assessed with Oxford hip score pre and post-operatively. Results. The mean follow-up period was 8.6 years. 3803 (92.2%), 48 (1.2%), and 275 (6.7%) hips were assessed as neutral, valgus, and varus alignment, respectively. Assessment of outcomes showed that 75 revision surgeries (1.8%) were performed during follow-up for a variety of causes but there was no significant difference in the revision rate among the 3 alignment groups. No stems were revised for aseptic loosening in any of the three groups. Oxford Hip scores were obtained at a mean of 4.6 years post-operatively and no significant difference in patient reported outcome was identified between the different alignment groups. Conclusion. This study suggests that the Exeter stem tolerates varus alignment well with no demonstrable effect on revision rate or patient reported outcome. This tolerance of malposition compared to the negative results reported in the literature with other stem designs can be of reassurance to surgeons using the Exeter system

Femoral stem varus has been associated with poorer results. We report the incidence of varus/valgus malalignment of the Exeter polished, double taper design in a multicentre prospective study. The surgical outcomes at a minimum of five year and complication rates are also reported. A multicentre prospective study of 987 total hip replacements was undertaken to investigate whether there is an association between surgical outcome and femoral stem malalignment. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Oxford hip score (OHS) at five years. Secondary outcomes included the rate of dislocation and revision. The incidence of varus and valgus malignment were 7.1% and 2.6% respectively. There was no significant difference in OHS between neutral and malaligned femoral stems at 5 years (neutral, mean = 40.2; varus, mean 39.3, p = 0.465; valgus, mean = 40.9, p = 0.605). There was no significant difference in dislocation rate between the groups (p = 0.66). There was also no significant difference in revision rate (p = 0.34). This study provides evidence that the Exeter stem is extremely tolerant of varus and valgus malalignment, both in terms of outcome and complication rate

The Exeter stem is a polished cemented stem that has been associated with an excellent survivorship. However, this wedge shaped stem has also been associated with a relative higher risk for a peri-periprosthetic fracture due to the wedge-shaped configuration that can lead to a Vancouver type B2 fracture when the stem is being driven downwards inside the femoral canal by a traumatic blast. Traditionally, these fractures should be treated with a revision stem because the stem has become loosened in the fractured cement mantle. We present a case series of 5 cases where our treatment algorithm was to first let the non-displaced fracture to consolidate by 6 weeks of limited weight bearing as tolerated in order to conduct a second stage in-cement revision. This would simplify the revision procedure dramatically. However, all patients are currently pain free and do not require revision surgery although they are being monitored very closely. We conclude that non-displaced Vancouver type B2 fractures can be approached by a 2 stage treatment algorithm where the initial step is to let the fracture consolidate with limited weight bearing

Bone impaction grafting of the femur is associated with more complications when segmental defects are present. The effect of segmental defect repair on initial stem stability was studied in an in vitro study with fresh frozen goat femora. A standardized medial segmental defect was reconstructed using a cortical strut or a metal mesh. As controls we used intact femora and femora with a non-reconstructed defect. In all four groups impacted bone grafting was performed in combination with a cemented Exeter stem. Each group contained five femora. Reconstructions were dynamically loaded up to 1500N. Migration was measured with Roentgen Stereo-photogrammetric Analysis. All cases with a non-reconstructed segmental defect failed into excessive varus rotation. None of the femora with a reconstructed defect failed. Cortical struts and metal meshes were equally effective in creating a stable stem construction (varus rotation 2.89±2.27 and 2.27±0.57, respectively). Reconstructions with a metal mesh were more reproducible, although the obtained stability was significantly lower (p< 0.01) when compared to impaction grafting in an intact femur (varus rotation 0.58±0.36). Besides, structural grafts may negatively influence the revascularization of the underlying impacted grafts in contrast to an open wire mesh. So, an in vivo study of 12 goats was done. A standardized medial wall defect was reconstructed with a strut or a mesh in six goats per group. In all femora impaction grafting was performed in combination with a cemented Exeter stem. After six weeks the femora were harvested. A high rate of peri-prosthetic fractures was found (43% and 29% for the strut and mesh groups, respectively). Histological and micro-radiological examination showed different revascularization patterns for both reconstruction techniques. In the strut group revascularized graft was found at the edges of the defect. In the mesh group fibrous tissue and blood vessels penetrated through the mesh and a superficial zone of revascularized grafts was found. Segmental defect reconstruction with a strut reduced the amount of revascularized grafts medially behind the strut (p=0.004). This may interfere with the stability of the stem in the first period after surgery and the incorporation of the impacted grafts on the long-term. We would recommend segmental defect reconstruction with a mesh. A regime of unloading and long-stem prostheses should be used, irrespective of the reconstruction technique

Introduction: Implantation of a THA changes the strain distribution pattern in the proximal femur, with a massive loss of stress in the proximal part of the femur and an increase in stress at the distal part of the femoral component. Aim: The purpose of this study was to quantify the changes in BMD during long-term follow-up, i.e. five years, after insertion of the collarless, two-side conical, cemented Exeter stem. Material & Methods: Eighteen patients (all women), aged 55 to 80 years, undergoing THA were included in the study after informed consent. BMD was measured in 7 regions of interest according to Gruen et al., using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry postoperatively, after 18 and 60 months of follow-up. At the same time, the contra lateral hip and spine were scanned. Results were tested using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. P values below 0.05 were considered significant. Results: During the first 18 months, a significant decrease in BMD was present in Gruen zones 2, 3, 6, and 7. No significant changes were seen in BMD of the zones 4, and 5 in the contra lateral hip, nor at the spine. In zone 1 there was a small but significant rise in BMD. From 18 to 60 months of follow up we observed a significant rise in BMD in all Gruen zones but zone 4 and 7. Despite this the total periprostetic BMD decreased during the study periode. There was no significant decrease in BMD in the contra lateral hip. In the spine, we observed a significant rise in BMD. Conclusion: During short-term follow-up (i.e. 18 months) after THA, BMD decreased in Gruen zones 2, 3, 6 and 7. The bone loss is similar to findings in other implants and seems to be related to the changes in stress pattern within the proximal femur. During long-term follow-up (i.e. 5 years) BMD increased again in these zones, however, BMD remained lower than baseline

Recent NICE guidance recommends use of a well proven cemented femoral stem for hip hemiarthroplasty in management of fractured neck of femur. The Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) has been designed based on the well proven Exeter hip stem. It has a double taper polished stem design, proclaimed to share geometry and surface finish with the Exeter hip. This study investigated the surface finish of the two stems in order to investigate the hypothesis that they were different. Two ETS and two Exeter stems were examined using a profilometer with a sensitivity of one nanometer. Macroscopic visual inspection showed that the two Exeter stems had significantly smoother surface finish than the ETS stems. The roughness average (RA) values on the ETS stems were approximately an order of magnitude higher than those of the Exeter stems, mean of 0.235μm compared with 0.025μm (p<0.0001). This difference in surface finish has implications for the biomechanical functioning of the stem. Previous change of the Exeter stem to a matt surface-finish in 1976 resulted in a significant increase in stem failure rates and an understanding of the importance of the polished surface-finish in order to function within a taper-slip philosophy. By changing the surface finish in the ETS stem, longevity of the implant may similarly be affected. Clinical results have yet to be published demonstrating this. We recommend the manufacturer reconsiders the surface finish of the ETS stem to ensure it functions as well as the Exeter primary stem with which it shares a design philosophy

Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA) can predict long-term outcome of prostheses by measuring migration over time. The Exeter femoral stem is a double-tapered highly polished implant and has been shown to subside within the cement mantle in 2 year RSA studies. It has a proven track record in terms of long-term survivorship and low revision rates. Several studies have demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes following its implantation but this is the first study to assess stem migration at 10 years, using RSA. This is a single-centre study involving 20 patients (mean age: 63 years, SD=7) undergoing primary total hip replacement for degenerative osteoarthritis using the lateral (Hardinge) approach. RSA radiographs were taken with the patient bearing full weight post-operatively, at 3, 6, 12 months and at 2, 5 and 10 years follow-up. The three-dimensional migration of the Exeter femoral stem was determined. The mean Oxford Hip Score at 10 years was 43.4 (SD=4.6) and there were no revisions. The stems subsided and rotated internally during a 10-year period. The mean migrations of the head and tip of the femoral stem in all three anatomic directions (antero-posterior, medio-lateral & supero-distal) were 0.69 mm posterior, 0.04 mm lateral and 1.67 mm distal for the head and 0.20 mm anterior, 0.02 mm lateral and 1.23 mm distal for the tip. The total migration at 10 years was 1.81 mm for the head and 1.25 mm for the tip. The Exeter femoral stem exhibits migration which is a complex combination of translation and rotation in three dimensions. Comparing our 10 year with our previous 2 year migration results, the Exeter stems show continued, but slow distal migration and internal rotation. The subsidence continues to compress the cement and bone-cement interface which maintains secure fixation in the long term

Introduction: We describe our experience with the Exeter femoral component in a District General Hospital. We implanted 230 Exeter Universal stems in 215 patients between 1994 and 1996, which were reviewed at a mean of 11.2 years. Unlike previous studies we have used one acetabular implant, the Elite Ogee Cup in the majority of patients (218/230 patients). Methods: 76 patients (79 hips) had died, and 121 patients were alive and well enough to attend for radiographic analysis at a minimum of 10 years. One patient was lost to follow up. Results: No stems were revised for aseptic loosening. Three hips were revised for deep infection. Six acetabular components were revised: 4 for loosening, and 2 for recurrent dislocations. Taking the worst-case scenario including the one patient lost to follow up, the overall survival rate was 94.2%. Discussion: Our results confirm excellent medium term results of the Exeter Universal femoral component, implanted outside of a specialist centre (either originating centre or teaching hospital). The excellent survival of the Exeter stem, in mix and match combination with the Ogee cup would indicate that this is a successful pairing

Background. Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) is a polished tapered collarless monopolar prosthesis used for cemented hemiarthroplasty for fracture neck of femur. Two modular rasps are available on the instrumentation set. The larger rasp, in practice, rarely fits into the femur making trial reduction impossible. Our hypothesis was that the absence of a trial reduction could affect leg length and stability of the prosthesis. Aim. To evaluate the leg length discrepancy following use of Exeter Trauma Stem for intracapsular fracture neck of femur. Methods. All patients who underwent ETS hemiarthroplasty between June 2009 to March 2010 (n = 100) were included in the study. Radiographic assessment of leg length was performed by two independent assessors based on measurements by Woolson et al. Results. Upto half of the patients had equal leg length measurements. Forty four patients had lengthening of the operated leg with a mean of 10mm (5–25). Further complications included four dislocations. There was no statistical significance between leg lengths and dislocations. Conclusion. Care is needed with regards to correct positioning of the ETS prosthesis to achieve equal leg lengths. Following this study a new intermediate sized modular rasp has been introduced to the instrumentation set

Introduction: Between 1988 and 1993 we performed 154 primary hip arthroplasties with the Exeter Universal femoral stem and a variety of acetabular components and describe our experience after a minimum follow up of 10.5 years (mean 12.6 years). 65 hips were assessed clinically and radiologically. Our aim was to establish whether results from the inventing centre for the Exeter Universal stem were reproducible and to identify the features of cementing technique associated with survival of this prosthesis. Results: At follow up the mean Oxford hip score was 24. Our stem revision rate was 1.7% and cup revision 13%. The majority of the cup failures occurred between 8 and 15 years and were the non flanged cemented metal backed Exeters which tended to both wear and migrate. We intend to revise 11 hips in 10 patients. 10 of these are for migration and or wear of the metal backed Exeter cup and one for distal stem-cement dissociation of the stem in a patient with thigh pain. Radiologically this stem showed migration and lucent lines at the cement-stem interface. 6% of stems had cement mantle defects, which were associated with endosteal lysis. Stem subsidence was related to Barrack’s grading for cementing technique. The worse the Barrack grade the more the prosthesis subsided within the cement mantle. Conclusion: A complete cement mantle rather than 3rd generation cement compression is important for long term fixation of the femoral component. The Exeter universal stem is relatively forgiving of surgical technique. The cemented, collarless polished tapered device is suitable for general use and represents the reference standard for cemented femoral components

The Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) is a monoblock unipolar prosthesis currently in use throughout various orthopaedic departments. It can be a useful procedure for specialty trainees in developing modern cementation techniques in hip arthroplasty. We propose that in order for this procedure to be a valid training tool that, as well as having a standardized surgical approach and operative technique, outcomes should be easily assessed and should be similar if performed by either a trainee or consultant. All ETS procedures carried out at our institution from January 2009 until September 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Patient demographics and operative details were recorded from patient notes. Radiographic evaluation involved the Barrack cementation grading system, Dorr's criteria, stem alignment and leg length measurement. There was no significant difference in operative time between ETS performed by consultant or by specialty trainee. On postoperative x-ray, cement mantles were Barrack grade A or B in 55.6% (trainees) versus 61.9% (consultants). Stem alignment was neutral in 50% and varus in 50% of cases for trainees, versus 28.6% and 71.4% of cases for consultants. In total, 69.2 % of patients had lengthening of the operated limb with a mean increase of 10.4mm (2–25) for trainees and 9.3mm (2–18) for consultants. Both trainees and consultants can attain a good cement mantle. However, from our results stem alignment is less accurate by trainees with half being placed in varus. Our results highlight the difficulty of obtaining correct leg length positioning with the ETS with trainees and consultants having similar discrepancies. The ETS is a useful procedure for orthopaedic trainees to attain adequate skills in modern cementation techniques with similar post-operative radiographic outcomes to consultants. The tendency for trainees to be less accurate with stem positioning could be improved with supervision or careful pre-operative templating

Introduction and aims: To study the survivorship and subsidence patterns of the first 433 Exeter stems inserted between 1970 and 1975 by 16 different surgeons utilising first generation cementing techniques. Method: A survivorship study up to the 33rd year of follow-up was performed, the end-point being revision for aseptic stem loosening. Stem subsidence was measured in all survivors, as well as assessing the grade of cementing, ‘calcar’ resorption, visible cement fractures, focal lysis and radiolucent lines at the interfaces. Results: Of the 433 hips, 21 were revisions of previously failed hips. 21.7% of patients have had a re-operation of some sort including 3.69% for stem fracture, 3.46% for neck fracture (all from a group of 95 stems with excessively machined necks), 9% for aseptic cup loosening, 3.46% for aseptic stem loosening, 1.84% for infection and 0.23% for recurrent dislocation). For the overall series, with revision for aseptic stem loosening as the end-point, the survivorship is 91.42% (95%CI: 70.82 to 100%). The average age at operation of the survivors was 57.6 years. No significant bone-cement subsidence was found. Mean stem-cement subsidence was 2.15mm, most occurring in the first 5 years and in all but 1 being less than 4mm. Cementing grades were B in 65%, C in 27%, D in 8%. Resorption of the neck (13%) was associated with excessive socket wear or cement left over the cut surface of the neck (the ‘pseudocollar’). Visible cement fractures were found in 14%, none associated with focal lysis, which was seen in 11%. Conclusions: Although 21.7% of patients in this series of the first 433 Exeter hips to be inserted in Exeter needed a re-operation of some sort, the stem rarely required surgery for aseptic loosening and was associated with benign long-term X-Ray appearances in spite of 1st generation cementing

Implant choice was changed from cemented Thompson to Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) for treatment of displaced intra-capsular neck of femur fractures in University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, United Kingdom (a major trauma center), following the NICE guidelines that advised about the use of a proven femoral stem design rather than Austin Moore or Thompson stems for hemiarthroplasties. The aim of our study was to compare the results of Thompson versus ETS hemiarthroplasty in Aintree. We initially compared 100 Thompson hemiarthroplasties that were performed before the start of ETS use, with 100 ETS hemiarthroplasties. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of patients' demographics (age, sex and ASA grade), intra-operative difficulties/complications, post op medical complications, blood transfusion, in-patient stay and dislocations. The operative time was statistically significantly longer in the ETS group (p= .0067). Worryingly, the 30 days mortality in ETS group was more than three times higher in ETS group (5 in Thompson group versus 16 in ETS group. P= .011). To corroborate our above findings we studied 100 more consecutive patients that had ETS hemiarthroplasty. The results of this group showed 30 day mortality of 8 percent. However the operative time was again significantly longer (p= .003) and there was 18 percent conversion to bipolar hemiarthropalsty. Moreover there was statistically significant increased rate of deep infection (7%, p = .03) and blood transfusion (27%, p = .007). This we feel may be due to longer and more surgically demanding operative technique including pressurised cementation in some patients with significant medical comorbidities. Our results raise the question whether ETS hemiarthoplasty implant is a good implant choice for neck of femur fracture patients. Randomised control trials are needed to prove that ETS implant is any better than Thompson hemiarthroplasty implants in this group of patients