The effect of femoral stem length on duration of hospital stay.

Length of post-operative stay is an important factor in improving cost-effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Short stem femoral components may reduce soft tissue and bone damage, permitting earlier mobilization and earlier safe discharge from hospital. This study compares the length of stay of patients undergoing THA using a short stem femoral component compared to an age matched group undergoing standard THA. The mean age in the standard stem group was 52.7 years and 50.4 years in the short femoral stem group (p=0.57). Total theatre time, blood loss and post-operative Oxford hip scores in the groups were not statistically different (p=0.11, p=0.91, p=0.16). Mean post-operative stay for the short stem group was shorter (3 vs 5 days, p=0.010), resulting in 10% cost saving per patient episode.