Cementless Vektor-titan stem in total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Cementless THR is a well established, and a widely accepted optimal procedure for younger patients. The cementless Vektor-Titan stem is made of Ti6AI7Nb, has got the shape of a three-dimensional cone, and an optimal proximal anchoring property. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this prospective study was to scrutinise the outcome of 250 Vektor-Titan stems in cementless THRs with an average follow-up time of 3.0 years (Min: 1, Max: 6). The average age of the patients including 148 women and 102 men was calculated with 54.6 years (Min: 22.5, Max: 77.7). RESULTS: The score according to Merle d'Aubigné improved from preoperative 9.3 (Min: 7, Max: 13) to postoperative 17.0 (Min: 14, Max: 18). Distal cortical hypertrophy and proximal atrophy was detected in 4 cases. Single atrophy of the proximal femur was found in additional 3 cases. Progressive radiolucent lines in zone 1 and 7 according to Gruen were observed in one case. Postoperative local and general complications were seen as two subfascial hematomas, two single dislocations, two recurrent dislocations of the hip prosthesis, 6 lesions of the sciatic nerve (one persisting), two deep venous thrombosis, two pneumonias, and one lethal pulmonary embolism. A stable proximal fixation was achieved in 242 of 250 cases (96.8%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study using the Vektor-Titan stem in cementless total hip arthroplasty showed that the principle of proximal fixation was optimized. Long term follow-up studies are needed to confirm these good results.