Femoral stress shielding in cementless THA is a potential complication commonly observed in cementless distally loading press-fit stems. Long-term metaphyseal fixation and proximal load transfer is desired. Is routine autologous metaphyseal bone impaction and proximal primary stability an answer to this goal?

This prospective study describes long-term femoral bone remodeling and load transfer in cementless THA at a mean of 17 years (range: 15 to 20 years) in 208 consecutive fully HA-coated stems (Corail). All primary THA were performed by one group of surgeons between 1986 and 1991. The concept of surgical technique included impaction of autologous metaphyseal bone using bland femoral broaches until primary stability was achieved without distal press-fit.

Radiographic evaluation revealed a total of five (2.4%) stems with periprosthetic osteolysis, which were associated with eccentric polyethylene wear. They were either revised or awaiting revision. The remaining 97.6% stems revealed desired proximal load transfer in the metaphysis (52%) or in both metaphysis and diaphysis (48%). Distal stress shielding was not observed and was considered to be related to: impaction of metaphyseal bone, bland broaches, HA coating, and prosthetic design.

Biological autologous bone impaction of the metaphysis provides both primary stem stability and successful longterm osteointegration with the Corail stem after 20 years. The surgical technique of proximal autologous bone impaction rather than extraction of cancellous bone material and the use of a fully HA coated stem without distal press-fit show encouraging longterm results in THA.