The influence of stem length on perioperative complications following cemented hip arthroplasty in metastatic femoral disease: A systematic review

Introduction

Long stem cemented hip arthroplasty remains a common surgical treatment for metastatic disease to the proximal femur. However, long stems may increase the risk of cardiopulmonary complications due to embolic events. This study presents the first systematic review directly comparing perioperative complication rates between long and short/standard cemented femoral stems in this patient population.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they reported on cemented hip arthroplasty for proximal femoral metastases, defined femoral stem length (short/standard: <250 mm vs. long: ≥250 mm), and described perioperative cardiopulmonary complications.

Results

Seven studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing 379 femurs (160 short/standard stems and 219 long stems). Patients who received long-stem constructs had significantly higher rates of total perioperative cardiopulmonary complications (26.0 % vs. 3.1 %). Total complication rates were also higher in the long-stem group (28.8 % vs. 10.6 %). Only five cases (1.3 %) of new distal metastatic lesions were reported.

Conclusion

Long cemented femoral stems are associated with higher perioperative complication rates than short or standard stems in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty for proximal femoral metastases. Given the low observed incidence of new distal lesions, the rationale for routinely using long stems warrants reconsideration. Future prospective studies should adopt standardized definitions for cardiopulmonary complications and stem length, report BCIS using validated criteria, and evaluate the true incidence of new distal metastases to guide surgical decision-making in this high-risk population.