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Presenter highlights benefits of tapered titanium stems for hip replacement
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LAHAINA, Hawaii — When it comes to selecting a femoral component, use of a tapered titanium stem has been shown to be most popular option for surgeons who perform hip replacement, according to a presenter here at Orthopedics Today Hawaii 2017.
“The tapered titanium stem, no matter which manufacturer, is what sold the most,” Thomas P. Schmalzried, MD, medical director of the Joint Replacement Institute at St. Vincent Medical Center, said in his presentation.
Schmalzried noted the tapered stem has better biocompatibility, lower stiffness, an intrinsic stable wedge fit, increased proximal fixation and broad applicability compared with other stem types. He highlighted that tapers can have different stem lengths, shoulder shapes — which may be important for direct anterior approaches — and surface finishes.
“There are many permutations,” Schmalzried said. “The good news is most of them work well.”
He added it is important for surgeons to consider the part of the stem outside of the bone, which influences function and determines biomechanics, limb length and offset. He noted it is important for surgeons to have a go-to stem they are familiar with and can use in any patient.
“Have a go-to stem,” Schmalzried said. “Get experience with that stem. Template every case and look at the part inside the bone — which is what most everybody does — but more importantly, look at the part outside of the bone.” – by Casey Tingle
Reference:
Schmalzried TP. Selecting a femoral component. Presented at: Orthopedics Today Hawaii 2017; Jan. 8-12, 2017; Lahaina, Hawaii.
Disclosure: Schmalzried reports he receives royalties from DePuy.