Conversion of failed internal fixation in proximal femur fractures using calcar-guided short-stem total hip arthroplasty

PURPOSE: Reoperations for secondary osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, or hardware failure following failed internal fixation after intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) or femoral neck fracture (FNF) are common. An effective salvage treatment often involves complete removal of the hardware followed by total hip arthroplasty (THA). Almost no data are available regarding conversion to short-stem THA. This study aimed to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes, potential complications, and the survival rate of short-stem THA following revision surgery. METHODS: We investigated 27 patients who underwent conversion THA using a calcar-guided short stem. Patient-reported outcome measurements were obtained, including the Harris hip score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, as well as pain and satisfaction on the visual analogue scale. Radiological follow-up was also performed. RESULTS: We identified 18 (66.7%) patients diagnosed with FNF and 9 (33.3%) patients with ITF. Clinical and radiological outcomes were satisfactory at the last follow-up (30.56 ± 11.62 months). One patient required early revision surgery due to dislocation and greater trochanter fracture. At the last follow-up, none of the short stems required revision. No other major complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Given the low rate of complications and 100% survival, our findings indicate that short stems for conversion THA due to failed internal fixation may be considered an option in a properly selected patient population. However, it should not be considered a standard procedure and should only be performed by experienced surgeons.