These questions concern many people facing hip surgery. In OrthoCast, the patient podcast from Orthinform and the Professional Association for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (BVOU), Prof. Dr. med. Karl Philipp Kutzner from the ENDOPROTHETICUM Rhein-Main in Mainz explains the concept behind modern short-stem prostheses and what is important for their application.

The discussion is aimed at patients and anyone who wants to understand how implant design, bone-sparing anchoring, and individual surgical planning complement each other.

Listen to the full interview now on OrthoCast

Episode: “Why short stem prostheses protect hips and make surgeries smarter” · OrthoCast – The Orthoform Podcast · Season 3, Episode 6 · released on December 28, 2025 · Duration approximately 33 minutes.

What you will learn in this interview

The discussion will cover the differences between short-stem and conventional stem prostheses, the importance of bone quality, and the possibilities for individualized hip replacement. Post-operative mobilization and the return to sports will also be discussed.

This article presents key themes from the interview in an edited format. It is not a verbatim transcript. For detailed explanations and Professor Kutzner's personal perspective, please listen to the full episode.

What is a short-stem hip prosthesis?

A short-stem prosthesis is a hip prosthesis with a shortened stem in the femur. The term describes the stem and not the entire artificial hip joint: a total hip replacement also includes an acetabular component and an artificial femoral head.

In the interview, Prof. Kutzner explains why short-stem implant concepts were developed and what role preserving the bone near the hip plays in this process. An important topic is the question of where an implant transmits forces to the bone.

Therefore, it is worthwhile for patients to ask more detailed questions when choosing an implant: Which anchoring concept is best?

intended – and why does it fit one's own hip?

Not all short shafts are created equal

The term encompasses different implant designs and anchoring principles. Therefore, statements about a specific short-stem prosthesis cannot simply be applied to all other models.

One focus of the discussion is on calcific short-stem prostheses. Prof. Kutzner explains how these are oriented to the femur near the hip and why their shape is important for implantation and adaptation to the individual anatomy.

Anyone seeking information about advantages, limitations, or results should therefore also find out which type of prosthesis the respective statement refers to.

How are short stem hip replacement and minimally invasive hip surgery related?

The choice of implant and the choice of surgical approach are two decisions that must be planned together. In the podcast, Prof. Kutzner explains why, based on his surgical experience, certain short-stem designs are well-suited for use with soft-tissue-sparing approaches.

It's about more than just the length of the skin incision. For patients, the most important factors are how the muscles and surrounding tissue are treated and how the chosen implant can be safely inserted.

The conversation makes it clear why surgical technique and experience with a specific implant system are part of the consultation about a short stem prosthesis.

Will a short-stem prosthesis stay securely in the bone?

The question of stability is one of the central points of the interview. A short stem may initially appear less robust than a long one. Professor Kutzner explains in the interview why the anchorage cannot be assessed solely based on the stem length.

He distinguishes between the secure fixation during surgery and the subsequent biological anchoring of a cementless implant. Equally important is his assessment of previous experience: statements regarding durability must refer to the specific model and the actual follow-up periods.

The term "short stem" does not imply lifelong durability. Therefore, the consultation should also include a discussion of the available data on the proposed implant and the patient's individual circumstances.

For whom is a short stem prosthesis a suitable option?

The OrthoCast procedure explicitly addresses age, osteoporosis, and bone quality. Prof. Kutzner explains how he considers these factors in the individual planning process.

This raises an important question for patients during their consultation: Which findings support the planned anchoring procedure in their own case – and which might necessitate a different treatment?

The interview also discusses cemented implants and the limitations of new concepts. This episode helps viewers better understand the different options without replacing a personal examination and surgical planning.

What about everyday life and sports after hip surgery?

When can I get up again? What does the mobilization process involve? And when will exercise be an option again? These practical questions are also part of the discussion.

Professor Kutzner explains his perspective on fast-track concepts and the return to physical activity. Patients should not derive a fixed timeframe for their own treatment from this: Gradual increase in activity, healing, and athletic goals must be coordinated with the treatment team.

Especially before an operation, it is helpful to ask these questions early and to include the aftercare in the planning.

Why Prof. Kutzner talks about short stem prostheses

Professor Dr. Karl Philipp Kutzner has been working clinically and scientifically with calcific short-stem prostheses for many years. At the ENDOPROTHETICUM Rhein-Main in Mainz, individualized hip arthroplasty is a key focus of his work.

In OrthoCast, he combines the explanation of implant concepts with experience from surgical treatment. This clarifies the questions behind an implant decision – from anatomy and anchorage to aftercare.

Further questions and answers about short stem prostheses with Prof. Kutzner

Listen now: Short stem prostheses explained in simple terms

Anyone facing hip surgery wants to understand the proposed treatment. This interview offers an opportunity to learn more about short-stem prostheses and prepare questions for your personal consultation with your doctor.

Click here to access the full OrthoCast episode with Prof. Kutzner



Source and editorial classification

This article is based on the interview with Prof. Dr. med. Karl Philipp Kutzner in OrthoCast – The Orthinform Podcast, published on December 28, 2025. The podcast is published by the German Professional Association for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (BVOU). The content has been thematically summarized for this accompanying article; it does not contain verbatim interview answers.