The long-term success of modular proximal fixation stems in revision total hip arthroplasty.

A prospective study was carried out on the use of a proximally modular, proximal ingrowth noncemented stem in hip revision surgery. There were 109 short stems and 211 long stems. The mean follow-up was 7 years (range, 2-12 years). No revisions were required in the short-stem group for aseptic loosening; 3 (1.4%) revisions were required in the long-stem group. Lucency was absent in 91.7% of short-stem cases, was low grade in 7.2%, and was high grade in 1.1%. In the long-stem group, lucency was absent in 72.9% of cases, was low grade in 24.5%, and was high grade in 2.6%. No measurable subsidence occurred in the short-stem group, and 5 mm of subsidence occurred early in 2 of the long-stem group. This subsidence stabilized subsequently. Osteolysis distal to the sleeve was not observed. A proximal ingrowth, proximally modular stem can be used in revision hip surgery. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA).