A New Classification System for Cementless Femoral Stems in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: The growing variety of total hip arthroplasty implants necessitates a standardized, simple, and brand-neutral language to precisely classify femoral components. Although previous classifications have been useful, they need updating to include stems that have current surface treatment technologies, modularity, collar features, and other geometric characteristics.

Methods: To accomplish this, we propose a new classification system for stems based on 3 distinguishing stem features: (1) geometry, (2) location of modularity, and (3) length.

Results: Our system allows for the easy classification of all currently used stem types.

Conclusions: One goal of this endeavor is to improve clinical record keeping to facilitate study comparisons as well as literature reviews.

Keywords: cementless THA; classification of femoral components; geometry; length; location of modularity.