Revision total hip arthroplasty using a modular tapered stem with distal fixation: good short-term results in 125 revisions.

After 2 to 7 years we reviewed 125 prosthetic hip arthroplasty stem revisions using a modular tapered stem with distal fixation. Median age of these patients was 68 (33-92) years. Baseline and follow-up data were registered prospectively according to the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Registry. Survival, free of any rerevision, was 94%. Harris Hip Score improved from average 44 to 85. Bony regeneration was an early and significant finding in most cases. Complications included 4 (3%) fractures intraoperatively and 8 (6%) dislocations, 4 (3%) deep infections, and 1 (1%) stem fracture. This modular taper system is very versatile, can be used in most femoral revision cases, and allows rapid bone remodeling. We did not find an increased number of complications compared to the literature. Further long-term follow-up, however, is essential. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.