Loss of Anteversion in Left Sided Hemiarthroplasty with the Use of Modular Threaded Inserters

Appropriate restoration of the native femoral anteversion is important for achieving stability of the joint in hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. Anteversion of the femoral component is obtained differently in a right versus a left hip; clockwise torque is required on the right while counterclockwise torque is required on the left. Counterclockwise torque on a threaded inserter of the femoral component on a left sided hemiarthroplasty causes loosening of the inserter into the femoral component and translates to a possible loss of anteversion during insertion. The author suggests an acute awareness of this phenomenon when preparing the femur in a left-sided hemiarthroplasty so that appropriate attention and care can be maintained during this step.