Subsidence of the Corail femoral component in the elderly. A retrospective radiological review.

206 patients age 70 years or older who underwent uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the Corail stem were studied. Radiographs taken post operatively and at one year were measured for subsidence of the stem. 13 patients had subsidence of the femoral stem of more than 2 mm. 5 of these were associated with fractures (mean age 78.06 years--average subsidence 14.52 mm), while 8 did not have associated fractures (mean age 77.43 years--average subsidence 4.99 mm). These 13 patients were then followed up for an average of 25 months (with fractures) and 26.88 months (without fractures). Radiographs were taken and measured for further subsidence using a VIDAR scanner. There was no evidence of further subsidence in any of the 13 patients, and all the stems had stabilised at one year with good evidence of osteointegration. None of the patients required revision. Uncemented THA using the Corail stem can be employed in this age group and poor bone quality is not a contraindication.