Osseointegration of Fitmore stem in total hip arthroplasty

Currently, an increasing number of younger patients undergo total hip arthroplasty surgery. This has led to a minimal invasive approach and the use of short, bone preserving, femoral stems. In this study, we sought to evaluate osseointegration of the Fitmore stem (Zimmer, Inc; Warsaw, IN) during the first 12 mo after surgery, which reflects the biological phenomenon of osseointegration with radiographic evaluation and bone densitometry (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). We evaluated 33 patients (mean age 62.3) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan around the stem and X-ray. Moreover, we studied functional recovery using the Harris Hip Score, timed up and go test, and a quality of life form (SF-36), during the follow-up period. At 12 mo, we observed an increased periprosthetic bone mineral density in region of interest 1 (1.7%) and region of interest 7 (8.3%), where there is usually a greater amount of bone resorption. Also Harris Hip Score, timed up and go test, and SF-36 showed an improvement of clinical conditions of all patients. We also used a control group with a standard stem implanted. Because this is the first study correlating osseointegration and clinical outcome of the Fitmore stem, further clinical studies will be necessary to confirm good/positive results and a long stable fixation.