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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., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Short stems have constantly gained popularity in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) over the last decade. Although cementless short stems are not primarily designed to be used as revision implants, there may be certain indications for which downsizing the femoral component in failed conventional THA is potentially advantageous., Methods: In this single center retrospective case series, six patients who underwent revision using a calcar-guided short stem after failed THA are presented. The mean follow-up was 3.32 years (SD 0.63 years). The health status was evaluated by the EQ-5D-5L score. Patient reported outcome measurements (PROM) were recorded using the Harris hip score (HHS) and The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Pain and satisfaction were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Radiographic analysis was performed by evaluating osteolysis, stress shielding, alignment and signs of aseptic loosening. Complications were documented., Results: At last follow-up the mean EQ-5D-5L index was 0.851 (SD 0.098). Clinical outcome was excellent (HHS ≥ 90) in 4 patients and moderate (HHS 71 and 79) in 2 patients. The mean WOMAC score was 9.20% (SD 12.61%). Pain and satisfaction on VAS were 1.00 (SD 1.15) and 9.17 (SD 0.37), respectively. No major complications occurred. To date, no further revision surgery was needed. Radiologically, no signs of subsidence, aseptic loosening, stress shielding and fractures were obvious., Conclusion: The present case series indicates that in failed conventional THA downsizing may be considered a treatment option, using short stem THA in selected cases., (© 2021. The Author(s).)