The cemented femoral stem: selecting the ideal patient.

Abstract

A woman who is elderly, lightweight, and low demand has traditionally been considered an ideal candidate for a cemented femoral stem. Patients who are young, heavy, and high demand have been considered higher risk for failure and, therefore, better suited for cementless femoral stems. However, modern cement techniques and implants have improved outcomes in high-risk cohorts, and stress shielding, thigh pain, and osteolysis have emerged as long-term challenges for cementless femoral stems. Recently reported positive bone remodeling around a cemented, triple-tapered, polished, collarless stem behaving according to the taper-slip philosophy of femoral stem fixation may widen the traditional indications for cemented femoral stems. Paradoxically, patients initially thought to be poor candidates for cemented fixation may benefit most from the long-term bone preservation and positive loading characteristics of this new generation of cemented stem technology.