Long-Term Outcomes of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Tapered and Fluted Modular Stem: A Mean Follow-Up of 16 Years

BACKGROUND:Tapered modular stems are increasingly used in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) with deficient femoral bone stock. This study aimed to report the long-term outcomes of revision THA using a tapered and fluted modular stem. METHODS:Between December 1998 and February 2006, 113 revision THAs (110 patients) were performed with a tapered and fluted modular stem at a single institution. Hip radiographs were used to identify stem subsidence, stability, and femoral radiolucency. Final outcomes were assessed in 72 hips (70 patients), with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. RESULTS:The mean follow-up duration was 16 years (range, 10-23). At the final evaluation, the Harris Hip Score improved from a mean of 41 points (range, 10-72) preoperatively to 83 points (range, 56-100) (P < .001). Six femoral re-revisions were performed for the following reasons: 1 aseptic loosening, 2 stem fractures, and 3 infections. One stem fracture occurred at the modular junction after 14 years, and the other at a more distal location after 15 years. Stem subsidence was >5 mm in 6 hips (9.1%), but secondary stability was achieved in all stems. Osseointegration was observed in 63 (95.5%) hips. Stem survivorship was 91.1% with an end point of any re-revision and 94.6% for aseptic re-revision. CONCLUSION:A tapered and fluted modular stem demonstrated excellent implant survivorship with reliable bony fixation at a mean follow-up of 16 years. This type of stem can be a durable option for revision THA in patients who have femoral defects.