Early Radiographic Fit and Fill Analysis of a New Metaphyseal-Filling Triple Taper Stem Designed Using a Large Computed Tomography Scan Database

Background: Numerous cementless stems are available to maximize implant stability, fit, and survivorship in total hip arthroplasty. Recently, a new metaphyseal-filling triple-taper collared stem was designed using femoral morphology data obtained from over 1300 computed tomography scans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic fit and fill of this new stem in the coronal and sagittal dimensions.

Methods: In this retrospective review, postoperative radiographs of patients receiving this new stem were analyzed in accordance with previously published fit and fill analyses. All radiographs were taken 6 weeks postoperatively. Means and standard deviations were reported for all fit and fill parameters.

Results: Fifty-nine hips were analyzed from 55 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The coronal proximal fill was 85.02 ± 8.06%, and coronal distal fill was 75.21 ± 9.71%. The sagittal proximal fill was 86.51 ± 8.77%, and sagittal distal fill was 59.17 ± 8.66%. Mean calcar collar coverage was 80.64 ± 19.6% and all patients had full seating of the collar. Six cases (10.2%) had a collar length greater than the calcar length, with a mean collar overhang of 0.7 ± 0.4 mm.

Conclusions: This new stem demonstrated significant proximal fill in both the coronal and sagittal planes and validates the design intent of this implant. This is the first study to evaluate sagittal fit and fill of a femoral stem. Long-term follow-up is required to understand the clinical impact these fit and fill characteristics may have on patients' long-term outcomes.