Comparison between triple-tapered and double-tapered cemented femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty: a prospective study comparing the C-Stem versus the Exeter Universal early results after 5 years of clinical experience.

A prospective study was conducted comparing the early clinical and radiological results between the triple-tapered C-Stem (DePuy International, Leeds, UK) and the double-tapered Exeter Universal (Stryker Howmedica Osteonics, Mahwah, NJ) in cemented total hip arthroplasty. A total of 192 patients (200 hips) received the C-Stem and 189 patients (205 hips) received the Exeter Universal. Average follow-up was 29 and 31 months in the C-Stem and Exeter groups, respectively. From the short-term results, we found similar mean improvements in clinical scores and no difference was noted in the incidence of complications. Average subsidence was comparable (C-Stem, 0.77 mm +/- 0.56; Exeter, 0.82 +/- 0.63). Radiolucencies in the cement-stem and cement-bone interfaces were seen primarily in the proximal zones in both groups. No stems were considered at risk of aseptic loosening and the extent of proximal femoral resorption was comparable.