Influence of proximal femoral morphology on osteointegration of the AMIS uncemented femoral stem in modern hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND

Indications for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have evolved over recent decades, with a growing trend toward operating on younger and more active patients. With this shift in patient demographics, there has been a change in femoral stem designs and proximal femoral morphology encountered. This study aimed to evaluate the potential correlation between femoral stem osteointegration and proximal femoral morphology using the Dorr and Noble classifications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 122 uncemented femoral stems (AMIstem Medacta, triple tapered). The demographic data analyzed included sex, age, stem size, and surgical indications. Preoperative radiographs were reviewed to determine the Dorr classification as well as the canal-to-calcar isthmus ratio, cortical index, and canal flare index. Postoperative radiographs were carefully reviewed to identify the presence of potential postoperative radiolucencies. Inter- and intra-observer agreements for these parameters were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Significant radiolucencies (> 2 mm) were found in 19.5% of the patients. Of all the variables analyzed, the cortical index was the only parameter significantly associated with the appearance of clinically significant radiolucency, with a threshold value of 0.62.

CONCLUSIONS

The appearance of radiolucencies is multi-factorial. Nevertheless, in this study, a high cortical index (> 0.62), representing the champagne flute morphology, was found to be associated with the development of significant radiolucencies.