[Standard wrist arthroscopy: technique and documentation]. / Die standardisierte Arthroskopie des Handgelenks: Technik und Dokumentation.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive approach to the wrist in order to diagnose and treat different wrist pathologies. INDICATIONS: Diagnosis of unclear chronic pain syndromes, cartilage status, intra-articular ligament structures as well as post-traumatic and inflammatory conditions of the wrist. Treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome, dorsal ganglia and also in fracture treatment and various different wrist interventions. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Soft tissue infections around the wrist, severe scarring may impede access to the joint. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Supine position with the forearm upright and in neutral position, the elbow flexed by 90°, axial traction of 3-4 kg. Superficial stab incision, blunt preparation through joint capsule, insertion of optic through 3-4 portal and probe through 4-5 portal, and radial and ulnar midcarpal portals, respectively. Either sodium chloride, CO2 or air is used as arthroscopy medium. Diagnostic round with standardized examination of all parts of the joint. Standardized written and high quality photo and/or video documentation to facilitate understandability of the findings. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Forearm cast for 1 week, limited load for 2 more weeks, then load is increased to normal.

[Pediculated deltoid muscle flap: an alternative for coverage of chronic radionecrotic lesions in the shoulder region]. / Der gestielte Deltoideusmuskellappen: Eine Alternative zur Deckung chronischer Strahlenschäden des Schultergürtels.

Soft tissue lesions in the clavicular region may be the result of trauma, infections or oncological resection and necessitate plastic surgery coverage. A case of an 85-year-old woman is presented with non-union of the mid-portion of the left clavicle with an overlying skin defect and a brachial plexus lesion after radiation therapy for breast cancer. The left arm was functionless so after partial resection of the medial part of the clavicle coverage of the defect was conducted by a proximally pediculated anterior part of the deltoid muscle with a split thickness skin graft.

[The "wide-awake approach" - efficiency and patient safety in carpal tunnel releases]. / Der "Wide-Awake Approach" - Effizienz und Patientensicherheit bei der Karpaldachspaltung.

In order to improve operating room efficiency in our institution, we introduced the wide-wake approach for carpal tunnel releases in 2012. This study examines the effect of this new anaesthetic technique on the work-flow and the duration of operation compared to the previously used axillary plexus anaesthesia.In this retrospective study, we reviewed the surgical case data of all patients in whom carpal tunnel releases had been performed as single procedures. 120 procedures of the year 2011, performed under axillary plexus anaesthesia, were compared to 153 procedures of the year 2012, performed as wide-awake surgery. We hypothesised that an earlier beginning of the first operation of the day with wide-awake surgery. Furthermore, we expected a shorter surgical time as well as a shorter interval between 2 carpal tunnel releases.By introduction of the wide-awake -approach, the first operation began a mean of 11 min earlier (p<0.001). While the surgical time did not change for the hand surgeon himself (10.7 vs. 10.2 min; p=0.478), the surgical time shortened significantly, when residents performed the operation (19.1 vs. 15.9 min, p<0.001). The interval between 2 carpal tunnel releases shortened from 19.8 to 17.7 min (p=0.009). Secure preparation was accomplished by the hypoperfused situs, when the wide-awake approach was applied, even though a tourniquet was not used. In the post-operative control, no complicated wound healings were noted.The wide-awake approach has proven to be reliable for the operating room -efficiency and, likewise, for patient safety. Therefore, we can recommend this technique without restrictions for carpal tunnel releases.

[Evaluation of a strategy for the management of accompanying osteoporosis after inpatient treatment of fragility fractures]. / Analyse einer poststationären Behandlungsstrategie nach osteoporose-assoziierter Fraktur.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate a strategy for the management of accompanying osteoporosis after inpatient treatment of fragility fractures. METHOD: A prospective group of patients that was treated for acute fragility fractures between 9/05 and 2/06 was informed about a concomitant osteoporosis according to the national guidelines. Standardised letters with instructions for diagnostics and therapy for osteoporosis were given to patients, members of the family and outpatient care, rehab-clinic and GPs. Between 9/04 and 2/05 a retrospective review of a control group of patients with acute fragility fractures was conducted. This group was not informed about a concomitant osteoporosis. A telephone survey of all patients for analysis of the management of osteoporosis was conducted one year after clinical treatment. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable according to numbers of patients, age, distribution between the sexes and fracture localisation. The prospective group consisted of 144 patients. 29.9 % of these patients had already sustained a fragility fracture before treatment of the current fracture. In 45.8 % (32.6 % DEXA scans, 11.8 % Q CT, 1.4 % ultrasound) of the patients diagnostics were performed. A diagnosis of osteoporosis was documented in 42.4 % of the patients, and 57.1 % of the patients received specific treatments according to the guidelines. In the control group, 28.9 % of the patients had already sustained a fragility fracture before treatment of the current fracture. In 91.1 % of the patients no diagnostics for concomitant osteoporosis after clinical treatment for the acute fracture were performed within one year after fracture treatment. CONCLUSIONS: By use of a multifaceted osteoporosis intervention, more patients received diagnostics and therapy according to the guidelines of osteoporosis after fragility fractures. Without appropriate information, more than 60 % of the high-risk-patients did not receive adequate osteoporosis management. Future research should address barriers to appropriate osteoporosis management. Because of the chronic character of the disease and the necessity of a long-term therapy, continuous medical care and information of patients with osteoporosis is necessary to prevent subsequent fractures.

Treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures with the Bicontact revision stem.

PURPOSE: Periprosthetic fractures in cases without prior loosening of the stem can be treated with open reduction and internal fixation, but cases with preexisting loosening and/or bone defects present specific challenges to the surgeon. The keys to the success of intramedullary stabilization of femoral fractures--reconstruction of length, axis and rotation rather than meticulous reduction of the fragments and minimal impact on fragment vascularization by the surgical approach--can be transferred to the treatment of periprosthetic fractures. METHOD: The Bicontact revision stem can be regarded as a combination of an interlocking nail in its distal part and a proximally coated femoral stem in its proximal part. The transfemoral approach respects the vascularization of the bone, although it is not minimally invasive. Forty-one patients with a mean age of 72.3 years and a periprosthetic fracture were included in this study. According to the Vancouver classification there were 2 type A fractures of the trochanteric region, 14 were B1, 8 were B2 with prior loosening, 13 were B3 with significant bone loss, and 2 fractures were distal to the tip of the prosthesis (type C). RESULTS: In all patients, intramedullary stabilization with a Bicontact revision stem was performed. All but three fractures healed (pathologic fracture with multiple myeloma in one case, impaired bone healing in two cases). In 7 patients, further procedures had to be undertaken (new periprosthetic fracture in 2, loosening and revision with a standard prosthesis in 2, revision with a long stem prosthesis together with bone grafting in 3 cases). At follow-up, after a mean of 4.3 years, all patients were able to walk, and the mean Harris Hip Score was 71.1 points. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, combined application of the principles of intramedullary nailing and of uncemented total hip replacement by use of the distally interlocked Bicontact revision stem enables successful treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures.

Treatment of large femoral bone defects--15-year experiences with the cementless Bicontact revision stem with distal interlocking.

AIM: With the steady growth in the number of hip arthroplasty revision operations, the concept and long-term results of the Bicontact revision stem with distal interlocking for the treatment of extensive femoral bone defects were investigated in this prospective study. METHOD: The first 156 stem revision operations performed between January 1992 and December 2002 were evaluated. The indication for operation was aseptic loosening in 133, stem fracture in 14, recurrent dislocation in 2 and reimplantation following Girdlestone removal of a septic prosthesis in 7. The cup component was revised at the same time in 74 cases. RESULTS: Higher-grade femoral bone defects were found intraoperatively in 66 %. The average age of the patients was 71.4 (34 - 88) years at operation and 76.9 (44 - 94) years at the last follow-up. The average period until follow-up, re-revision or loss to follow-up was 5.54 (0.1 - 14.9) years. The clinical and radiological follow-up rate (with reference to the total number of patients) was 35 % (55 von 156), and 51 % (55 of 107) with reference to patients still living. The median Harris Hip Score was 63.7 points. In the observation period, 12 stems were exchanged for a cemented standard stem, 5 stems were removed because of infection and 2 stems were revised because of periprosthetic fracture. The calculated survival rate for the stems after 14.9 years was 85.9 %. CONCLUSION: The 15-year results confirm the biomechanical concept of the Bicontact revision stem with optional distal interlocking for the treatment of extensive bone defects in stem revision surgery.

Prospective long-term follow-up of the cementless bicontact hip stem with plasmapore coating.

AIM: A prospective long-term study of the first 250 cementless Bicontact stems implanted in the BG Trauma Centre, Tuebingen, Germany. METHOD: All of the patients in this series (treatment period June 1987 to April 1990) who were still contactable were invited for clinical and radiological follow-up. The radiographs were analysed for signs of loosening in the form of Gruen lysis zones, stress shielding, subsidence behaviour, heterotopic ossification and spot welds. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 17.8 (16.7 - 19.5) years. The overall rate of follow-up was 65 % (162 of 250) and 91 % of patients who were still alive (162 of 179). The average patient age was 56.2 years at the time of operation and 74.0 years at follow-up. The average HHS was 81.6 points. In the course of the first 10 years (up to 03/1998), a total of 8 stem revisions had to be performed. In the period from 03/1998 to 01/2007, 2 cases of loosening requiring revision occurred in the patients still alive at the time of follow-up. The survival rate calculated was thus 95.6 %. CONCLUSION: These outstanding results provide enduring support for the philosophy of the cementless and bone-preserving fixation principles underlying the Bicontact hip stem with proximal intertrochanteric transmission of forces and high primary rotational stability.

[Bone tunnel fixation versus suture anchor: mid- and long-term results after distal biceps tendon rupture]. / Transossäre Refixation versus Fadenankerreinsertion, mittel- bis langfristige Ergebnisse nach distaler Bizepssehnenruptur.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the range of movement, isometric and isokinetic postoperative outcome, Morrey score and heterotropic ossifications after refixation of distal biceps tendon rupture with either suture anchor or bone tunnel fixation. METHODS: 48 patients were surgically treated between 1990 and 2005. Elbow function was investigated isometrically and isokinetically with the CYBEX-NORM. The presence and extent of heterotropic ossifications were assessed by A/P and lateral view X-rays. The Morrey score was used to evaluate the clinical outcome. RESULTS: 13 patients received distal biceps refixation with the bone tunnel method and 35 with suture anchors. The range of motion of the elbow was statistically not significantly different except for pronation, which was slightly but significantly reduced after bone tunnel refixation. Isometric and isokinetic results as well as Morrey scores were statistically not different between the two surgical techniques. Both groups showed excellent postoperative results. CONCLUSION: Bone tunnel and suture anchor techniques are both equal and sufficient methods for the refixation of distal biceps tendon ruptures with excellent clinical and functional postoperative results. The slight but significantly reduced pronation after bone tunnel refixation was clinically not relevant.

[T-plate osteosynthesis--an obsolete osteosynthesis procedure for proximal humeral fractures? Middle-term clinical and radiological results]. / Die T-Platten-Osteosynthese - ein überholtes Osteosyntheseverfahren für proximale Humerusfrakturen? Mittelfristige klinisch-radiologische Ergebnisse.

AIM: The present clinical trial was performed to assess the clinical and radiological outcome after operative treatment of proximal humeral fractures using the T-plate. METHODS: All patients who were treated with the T-plate were included into the study. Patient satisfaction,complications and radiological findings were assessed. The clinical results were evaluated using the Constant-Murley score, the UCLA score, and the DASH score. Between December 1996 and October 2003, 74 patients (with 76 fractures)were treated with the T-plate. Surgically treated complications were 2 hematomas and 3 failures of the osteosynthesis under functional physiotherapy. In 19 patients the implants were removed because of persisting complaints. RESULTS: After an average follow-up period of 67 months 52 patients (54 fractures) were examined. According to the Neer classification there were 34 2-part, 15 3-part and 5 4-part fractures.80% of the patients were satisfied with the result. According to the evaluated scores, 74 to 89% of the patients had an excellent to satisfactory outcome. CONCLUSION: The T-plate enables the stable fixation of complex proximal humeral fractures and permits even in the elderly patient an early functional treatment. Anatomical reconstruction and stable fixation followed by early rehabilitation are most important to achieve a good functional outcome in the patient.

[Bone tunnel fixation versus suture anchor: mid- and long-term results after distal biceps tendon rupture]. / Transossäre Refixation versus Fadenankerreinsertion, mittel- bis langfristige Ergebnisse nach distaler Bizepssehnenruptur.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the range of movement, isometric and is okinetic postoperative outcome, Morrey score and heterotropic ossifications after refixation of distal biceps tendon rupture with either suture anchor or bone tunnel fixation. METHODS: 48 patients were surgically treated between 1990 and 2005. Elbow function was investigated isometrically and isokinetically with the CYBEX-NORM. The presence and extent of heterotopic ossifications were assessed by A/P and lateral view X-rays. The Morrey score was used to evaluate the clinical outcome. RESULTS: 13 patients received distal biceps refixation with the bone tunnel method and 35 with suture anchors. The range of motion of the elbow was statistically not significantly different except for pronation, which was slightly but significantly reduced after bone tunnel refixation. Isometric and isokinetic results as well as Morrey scores were statistically not different between the two surgical techniques. Both groups showed excellent postoperative results. CONCLUSION: Bone tunnel and suture anchor techniques are both equal and sufficient methods for the refixation of distal biceps tendon ruptures with excellent clinical and functional postoperative results. The slight but significantly reduced pronation after bone tunnel refixation was clinically not relevant.

Finite element analysis of a bone-implant system with the proximal femur nail.

Static analysis with finite element of a realistic femur nail bone-implant system in a typical proximal femoral fracture under physiological load bearing situations provides results for stress, displacement and strain. The question to be answered is, if simulation with the finite element analysis is able to explain biomechanically clinical observed patterns of failure. Surface-Reconstruction with CT database of a proximal femur and reconstruction with CT based density data was done. Next steps were to unite the bone structure with the Proximal Femoral Nail and to model two relevant fractures (31-A2.2 and A2.3 according AO). After modelling of geometry, isotropic material behaviour and load application numeric calculation of the femur-nail system with FE-software was performed. FE simulation mainly shows an axial dislocation of the femoral head screw with nearly no dislocation of the antirotation screw. This so-called z-effect therefore means: (1) Tilting of the proximal main fragment around the sagittal axis between the screws and (2) relative movement of both screws in the frontal plane. Relative movement of the two screws against each other could be the reason for implant failure, the so called cut out. Furthermore simulation shows different gliding of the screws explaining the so called z-telescoping. The analyzed stress patterns have to be relativized, because isotropic material behaviour of cancellous bone was assumed. Further examinations for this issue are necessary.

Long-term results of an uncemented straight femoral shaft prosthesis.

The first consecutive series of 250 implantations of an uncemented, proximally anchored straight femoral shaft prosthesis in 236 patients is included in this prospective follow-up study. Average time of follow-up evaluation was 11.8 years (range 10.6-13.7 years). At follow-up, 41 patients with 44 hips had died and three could not be located. Eight hips were revised, two for infection, one for recurrent dislocation, two for rapid subsidence due to component undersizing and one for aseptic loosening of a varus-malaligned stem; two radiologically well-fixed stems were revised during acetabular revision. Survival estimate showed an overall survival of 96.6% after 14 years (confidence limits: 98.4% (upper) and 92.8% (lower)). The median Harris hip score at time of follow-up was 81.4 points; clinical results were compromised by high loosening rates (68.8%) of the threaded cup, which had been used in 165 of the 250 cases. Radiologically, tiny reactive lines (<2 mm) were frequently present in the distal zones of the femoral shaft, but could be found in the proximal anchoring zone in only one case. In conclusion, the long-term follow-up results with this femoral component are encouraging and are comparable to those of modern techniques of cementing in primary total hip arthroplasty.

Primary stability of various forms of osteosynthesis in the treatment of fractures of the proximal tibia.

The treatment of fractures of the proximal tibia is complex and makes great demands on the implants used. Our study aimed to identify what levels of primary stability could be achieved with various forms of osteosynthesis in the treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the proximal tibia. Pairs of human tibiae were investigated. An unstable fracture was simulated by creating a defect at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction. Six implants were tested in a uniaxial testing device (Instron) using the quasi-static and displacement-controlled modes and the force-displacement curve was recorded. The movements of each fragment and of the implant were recorded video-optically (MacReflex, Qualysis). Axial deviations were evaluated at 300 N. The results show that the nailing systems tolerated the highest forces. The lowest axial deviations in varus and valgus were also found for the nailing systems; the highest axial deviations were recorded for the buttress plate and the less invasive stabilising system (LISS). In terms of rotational displacement the LISS was better than the buttress plate. In summary, it was found that higher loads were better tolerated by centrally placed load carriers than by eccentrically placed ones. In the case of the latter, it appears advantageous to use additive procedures for medial buttressing in the early phase.

Fractures of the distal tibia treated with closed reduction and minimally invasive plating.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of fractures of the distal tibia can be problematical because of the thin soft-tissue covering. Bridging slide-insertion plate osteosynthesis is performed by indirect, axially correct reduction of the fracture and stabilization without opening the soft tissue at the fracture site. Stripping of the periosteum is thus avoided, the fragments remain integrated into the soft tissue, and healing occurs spontaneously by way of callus formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients treated by slide-insertion plate osteosynthesis were followed up over at least 2 years. As would be expected in this anatomical region, the proportion of C fractures and fractures with concomitant soft-tissue damage was high. The majority of patients were treated by application of an external fixator on the day of the accident; the definitive osteosynthesis with the slide-insertion plate was performed at a later date after healing of the soft tissues. RESULTS: In 68 patients, fracture healing was achieved within 2 years. In 80% of the cases, the final X-ray follow-up showed no or tolerable axis deviations (<5 degrees) in the varus/valgus plane or in the recurvation/antecurvation plane. A deviation >10 degrees requiring a correcting osteotomy was found in only 1 patient. Postoperative complications were rare occurrences. Five patients required an additional cancellous bone graft to deal with inadequate bone healing. System-related complications (instability, malalignment) due to intraoperative technical errors only had to be corrected in revision operations in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and minimally invasive plating offers the combined advantages of minimal soft-tissue damage with stable fracture fixation.

Subsidence pattern of a cementless straight titanium alloy femoral stem - A radiographic study with EBRA-FCA.

EBRA (Ein Bild Roentgen Analyse) is a computer-aided algorithm to assess migration of endoprosthetic components. Stem subsidence is measured in comparable radiographs, as defined by the software. Recent studies showed an improved accuracy of EBRA-FCA as compared to standard methods. For the BiCONTACT cementless femoral component, a prospective follow-up study of 250 cases has provided excellent results, with a survival rate of 97.1% after 11 years. For this migration study 93 hips with a complete radiographic follow-up (> 10 x-rays) over 120 months were included. Seventy-one stems were be measured; in 22 stems the measurement was impossible due to heterotopic ossification. Thirty-two hips (45.1%) showed initial subsidence within the first 24 months but no later, and 11 hips (15.5%) had a late onset of subsidence. In nine hips (12.7%) continuous sinking could be found. Nineteen hips (26.8%) had irregular patterns of migration. In 31.0% the overall migration was between 0.5-1mm after 120 months. Six stems (8.5%) had an absolute amount of subsidence exceeding 2mm after 120 months (one more than 3 mm). The mean subsidence was 0.2mm after three months and six months, 0.3mm after 12 months and reached 0.5mm after 10 years. EBRA-FCA is a practicable method to assess migration of the femoral component. There seems to be initial subsidence for about one half of the stems but further movements are rare, which might be a sign for osseo-integration. The radiographic findings correspond to the excellent clinical performance of this stem in long-term follow-up. (Hip International 2005; 15: 85-91).

Long-term results with the BiCONTACT system--aspects to investigate and to learn from.

The BiCONTACT femoral stem for cementless fixation is being used without any technical modification after 15 years. The long-term results should be evaluated in this study. A consecutive series was continuously monitored in a prospective follow-up study. A survival analysis was performed, clinical results were rated according to the Harris score. There were 236 patients with 250 total hip replacements (THR); mean age at time of implantation was 58.2 years. Indications for THR included osteoarthritis (62.4%), dysplasia (16.8%), trauma (8.4%) and femoral-head necrosis (16.8%). Average time of follow-up evaluation was 8.9 years (range 7.4-10.7 years). At follow-up, 27 patients had died and two could not be located. Seven patients were revised--two for infection, one for recurrent dislocation, two for component undersizing with rapid subsidence, and one for aseptic loosening of a varus-malaligned stem; one radiologically well-fixed stem had been revised during acetabular revision. Survival estimate showed an overall survival rate of 97.1% after 11 years (confidence limits: 98.7% upper and 93.6% lower). Radiologically, tiny reactive lines (< 2 mm) were present in the distal zones of the femoral shaft, but no radiolucencies could be found in the proximal anchoring zone. Migration analysis with Ein-Bild-Röntgen-analyse/femoral component analysis (EBRA/FCA) demonstrated a very small amount of migration: in 31.0%, the overall migration was between 0.5 and 1 mm after 120 months; 8.5% had an absolute amount of subsidence exceeding 2 mm after 120 months (one case more than 3 mm). Mean subsidence was 0.2 mm after 3 months and 6 months, 0.3 mm after 12 months, and reached 0.5 mm after 10 years. An initial small amount of subsidence could be detected in 45.1%, and 15.5% had a late onset of subsidence. Continuous sinking could be found in 12.7%, while 26.8% had irregular patterns of migration. Clinical results were somewhat compromised by a higher-than-average rate of cup loosening (uncoated threaded cup). The average Harris hip score at follow-up was 84.3 points. Interestingly, no femoral osteolysis could be detected, even in cases with severe acetabular osteolyses, indicating sealing of the stem interface by tight osseointegration of the proximally-coated stem.

[Cemented versus uncemented hip replacement--rational decision making using the BiCONTACT total hip system]. / Behandlungsprinzipien zementierte versus zementfreie Endoprothesen am Hüftgelenk--demonstriert am Beispiel der BiCONTACT-Hüftendoprothese.

The BiCONTACT femoral stem has been developed as a modular system which is suitable for both cemented and uncemented implantation. A highly standardized procedure using an identical set of instruments for both modes of fixation ensures bone preservation. Primary stability is achieved by special design parameters. The cementless implants are coated proximally, thus facilitating osteointegration and proximal load transfer. Cemented stems provide an identical design but a smooth surface and are anchored by a homogenous cement mantle. The BiCONTACT stem is in use in the BG Trauma Center Tuebingen since 14 years and a consecutive series of 250 cases (series A) with uncemented implantation and of 250 cases (series B) with cemented implantation has been analyzed in two different prospective follow-up studies. Long-term survival after 11 years was 97.1 % (95 % confidence limits: 93.8 %-98.7 %) for series A, the follow-up rate was 99.2 %. For series B, the follow up-rate was also 99.2 %, survival estimate after 11 years was 97.5 % (95 % CI: 94.2 %-99.0 %).

[Good long term results with a cemented straight femoral shaft prosthesis made of titanium]. / Gute langfristige Nachuntersuchungsergebnisse einer zementierten Titan-Geradschaftprothese.

A higher-than-average rate of aseptic loosening has been postulated to be associated with the combination of a titanium stem and bone cement. In this prospective follow-up study we therefore investigated our first consecutive series of 250 implantations of a cemented femoral shaft prosthesis made of titanium alloy (BiCONTACT((R)), Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany). Average time of follow-up evaluation was 9.7 years (range 8.7-10.3 years). At follow-up, mean patient age was 81 years; 89 patients with 93 hips have deceased and two could not be located. Follow-up rate was 98.7% for the patients still alive at time of follow-up evaluation. Five patients have been revised, two for infection and one for aseptic loosening of a varus-malaligned stem; two radiologically well-fixed stems had been revised during acetabular revision. Survival estimate showed a calculated cumulative survival rate of 97.5% after 11 years [confidence limits: 99.0% (upper) and 94.1% (lower)]. The average Harris hip score at time of follow-up was 82.25 points.Radiologically, signs of loosening could be detected in 3 stems: in one case varus malalignement deteriorated with time and in 2 cases osteolyses developed together with significant polyethylene wear. All 3 patients experienced only mild pain and revision had not been indicated so far. In conclusion, the long-term follow-up results with this cemented titanium femoral component are encouraging and are comparable to other successful cemented femoral components in primary total hip arthroplasty. No increased risk for aseptical loosening was associated to the combination of titanium and cement in this specific stem. Design parameters seem to play an important role in the development of aseptic loosening in cemented titanium stems.