The Role of Stem Modularity for THA in a Community Based Practice

• Published in: Reconstructive review Vol. 2; no. 1
• Main Authors: Louis Keppler, MD, Timothy McTighe, Dr. H.S. (hc)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Joint Implant Surgery & Research Foundation 31-08-2012
• ISSN: 2331-2262; 2331-2270
• DOI: 10.15438/rr.v2i2.10

Every few years there are concerns raised regarding modular junctions and related findings as to fatigue failure, pseudo tumors, surface corrosion5,6,7, and metallosis.1,2,3,4 This has not been our experience with the use of modular stems. Modular stem means that the stem has two or more parts that are connected by a mechanical junction. Almost all hip stems today feature a modular head, however that does not meet the current definition of a modular stem. This paper is a review of the senior surgeon’s practice based in two community hospitals and his experience with four different stem styles and three different modular junctions. The S-Rom® Stem8,9,10,15, Apex Modular11 Stem™, Apex K2 Modular32 Stem™ and The Apex ARC™ Modular Stem16.  Since 1986 until May 2012 a total of 1,114 modular stems have been implanted for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty. To-date there has been no failures of any modular junctions. No fatigue failure, no pseudo tumors, no surface corrosion, no metallosis, etc. We have found the use of stem modularity to be safe and effective in the use in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.14 Key Words: Modularity, neck, fatigue failure, pseudo tumors, corrosion, metallosis