The cementless Vektor stem used in total hip arthroplasty

The cementless Vektor hip prosthesis stem is made of a special titanium alloy (TiAI6Nb7), and has a three-dimensional conus and an optimal proximal anchoring property. The aim of this prospective study was to scrutinise the first clinical and radiographical experiences of this stem used in 206 total hip replacements. The mean age of the patients including 126 women and 80 men was 54.6 years (range, 22.5-77.7 years). The mean follow-up time was 2.8 years (range, 1-5 years). The Merle d'Aubigné score improved from 9.3 to 17.1. A distal cortical hypertrophy was found twice, an atrophy of the proximal femur in 6 cases, and progressive radiolucent lines in one case. Two subfascial hematomas, two single dislocations, and two recurrent dislocations of the hip prosthesis, four lesions of the sciatic nerve (one persisting), two deep venous thrombosis, two pneumonias, and one lethal pulmonary embolism were detected. A stable proximal fixation was achieved in 95.6 % of the cases. Compared with other THA stems with a proximal anchorage, the outcome was improved with the Vektor stem.