Mild Coronal Stem Malalignment Does Not Negatively Impact Survivorship or Clinical Results in Uncemented Primary Total Hip Arthroplasties With Dual-Tapered Implants

Proper component positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is crucial for implant fixation and hip stability. The purpose of this study is to assess if neutral coronal stem alignment (0° ± 3°) improved long-term survivorship in uncemented femoral components.

Between 2005 and 2010, 1028 primary THAs were performed with 2 contemporary dual-tapered, proximally coated uncemented stem types. Alignment was measured immediately postoperatively and at most recent follow-up. In total, 978 femoral stems (95%) were within 0° ± 3° of the neutral anatomic coronal axis, and the 50 stems (5%) outside that range were considered outliers (3.1° of valgus to 4.8° of varus). Outcomes analyzed included implant survivorship, Harris Hip Scores, and incidence of dislocation. Mean follow-up was 5 years.

Survivorship free of aseptic femoral component loosening was 99.3% and 98.2% at 5 and 8 years in the neutral group vs 100% at 5 and 8 years in the outlier group ( P = .98). Survivorship free of femoral component revision for any reason was 99.1% and 97.3% at 5 and 8 years vs 100% at 5 and 8 years, respectively (P = .80). Harris Hip Scores were similar (89 in both groups; P = .84) at most recent follow-up. The incidence of mild to moderate thigh pain was also similar in both groups (6.1% vs 6%, P = .85). The incidence of dislocation was 1.5% at 8 years, and similar between both groups ( P = .77).

Slight malalignment of contemporary dual-tapered uncemented THA femoral components does not appear to negatively impact survivorship or clinical outcomes, which is in contrast to cemented femoral components.

Case-control study.