Progressive subsidence of a tapered, proximally coated femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to determine if subsidence of a tapered, proximally porous- and hydroxyapatite-coated femoral implant with immediate postoperative weight-bearing differed between men and women. Modified Harris Hip Pain and Function Scores were collected preoperatively, and six weeks and one year postoperatively. Femoral subsidence was determined at six weeks and one year after surgery. Men demonstrated significantly increased Harris Hip Function Scores at six weeks, with slightly inferior Harris Hip Pain Scores at one year. Regardless of sex, subsidence was greater at one year than at six weeks; however, men subsided significantly more at one year than women (1.7±2.0 mm vs 1.0±1.4 mm, p=0.03). While it appears that this stem provided excellent early fixation in women, it is unclear if the increased subsidence in men was more related to patient-related factors of age, weight and activity level or with specific implant characteristics.