Changes in Femoral Version During Implantation of Anatomic Stems: Implications on Stem Design

Background: Component positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is among the primary indicators for longevity and success. Acetabular component positioning has been discussed in literature at length; however, femoral component positioning is also important as it contributes to combined anteversion.

Methods: In this study, we examined the changes in femoral anteversion after the implantation of anatomic stem ABG II. A cadaveric study, a computed tomography-based computer modeling study, and a clinical study using a navigation system were conducted to document these changes.

Results: These studies demonstrated that the anatomic stem ABG II increased the postimplantation femoral version by approximately 7°. The postimplantation versions followed a bimodal distribution. The computed tomography and navigation data also highlighted that the patient population may roughly be divided into 2 groups: the first group that needs anteverted stem and the second group that needs little or no anteversion in the stem to recreate the desired version and offset.

Conclusion: Based upon our data, we propose a new anatomic stem design that is offered in 2 version angles of 0° and 7° to help create the desired version and offset.