(vii) Current developments in short stem femoral implants for hip replacement surgery

Bone-saving hip arthroplasty using metaphyseal stems is gaining importance because the number of young patients is on the increase and hip resurfacing is not always indicated. This article outlines the recent developments in short stem hip replacement following the concept of conservative hip implants. The individual decision for use of a particular type of implant remains crucial because a stem for all indications does not exist. Every patient requires thorough pre-operative planning. Short metaphyseal stems attempt to bridge the gap between straight stem implant design and hip resurfacing. A modern femoral implant should spare healthy femoral bone during implantation, load the neck and metaphysis in a near physiological way, construct a biomechanically favourable offset without unduly lengthening the leg and favour less invasive soft tissue handling during implantation.