FRACTURE OF THE EXETER STEM - A CASE REPORT?

The Exeter Stem (Howmedica, UK) has been in use for over 35 years. Over the years it has undergone several modifications with the most recent being a highly polished, tapered stem in 1986. The manufacturers quote a rate of 0.0006%. In the current literature there are 16 (or less) instances of fractures of the Orthinox stem.We present a case of fracture of an Orthinox Exeter Stem 9 years after insertion.Our patient, BB, presented, aged 62, with symptoms & signs consistent with OA right hip. THR was performed through a lateral approach utilising a trochanteric osteotomy. A size 0 37.5 stem was inserted. Radiographs were very satisfactory. She suffered a post operative DVT/PTE from which she recovered uneventfully. She was independently mobile at 6 month review and was discharged at the 2 year stage pain free.Aged 71, BB presented to outpatient clinic with a several month history of generalised groin pain. She had a Trendelenberg gait. Considerable pain was experienced on axial compression of the limb. Radio...