Does a Collar Improve the Immediate Stability of Uncemented Femoral Hip Stems in Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Bilateral Comparative Cadaver Study

The aim of this study was to compare the immediate stability of collared vs collarless uncemented femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty. A bilateral comparative study of 20 cadavers (40 hips: 20 collarless, 20 collared) was performed. Forces in the vertical and horizontal planes required to initiate subsidence of femoral stem and subsequent femoral fracture were measured. In vertical plane, subsidence began at an average force of 3129 +/- 494 N for collarless stems and 6283 +/- 3584 N for collared stems (P = .02). Fracture occurred at a significantly higher force for collared stems (P = <.001). In horizontal plane, subsidence began at an average force of 540 +/- 170 N for collarless stems and 678 +/- 206 N for collared stems (P = .01). Fracture occurred at a significantly higher force for collared stems (P = .005). Collared uncemented stems have significantly greater immediate stability than collarless. They are able to withstand greater vertical and horizontal forces before the initiation of subsidence and subsequent fracture.