Metaphyseal, proximally anchored uncemented stems for total hip arthroplasty provide bone preservation and decrease the incidence of proximal stress shielding and thigh pain. Our study investigated the clinical and radiological outcome of the DePuy Proxima™ short stem at a minimum of 7 years.
Eighty-one consecutive patients (86 procedures) under the age of 70 undergoing primary total hip replacement at two arthroplasty centres were enrolled. Follow-up was clinical (Harris Hip Score (HHS), thigh pain and satisfaction) and radiological (subsidence, malalignment and loosening) at 6 months and yearly thereafter.
Average age was 50 (range 32-65) with 79% (68 of 86) being male. Preoperative diagnosis included primary osteoarthritis (OA) 36%, avascular necrosis of femoral head 51%, dysplasia 9% and post-traumatic OA 4%. HHS improved 51 points at latest follow-up (from 40 to 91). We had 3.5% (3 of 86) periprosthetic fractures, one requiring revision. We had one dislocation, no infections and no thigh pain. Malalignment rate (≥5° off neutral) was 12% (10 of 86), not affecting clinical results.
Overall stem survival was over 97% at 7 years. The DePuy Proxima provides excellent clinical results at a minimum of 7 years post-operatively.