Modular junctions.

ABSTRACT

A concern about modular stems is that the taper will not provide an adequate seal, causing the stem distal to the taper to become part of the effective joint space. In this study, 380 primary patients and 309 revision patients were treated with a proximally modular stem. Follow-up was between 5 and 17 years (mean 9.4 years). Three patients only had distal osteolysis. All three patients had failure of proximal bone ingrowth. It was concluded that a Morse taper provides an adequate seal or gasket.