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CATALYSTEM Primary Hip System

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CATALYSTEM◊ Primary Hip System For Hip Replacement

The CATALYSTEM Primary Hip System is an implant system for total hip replacement. It’s available with OXINIUM◊ Technology, an award-winning1 implant material offered only by Smith+Nephew.

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Overview

The CATALYSTEM Primary Hip System is designed to restore your hip function by replacing the damaged parts of your joint. It’s available with OXINIUM Technology and may preserve more of your natural bone than larger hip stems.2

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What is the CATALYSTEM System?

During hip replacement surgery, the CATALYSTEM System is used to replace the damaged parts of your hip joint. Although the name highlights the “stem,” a primary hip system actually has several components:


These components work together to replace the ball-and-socket construction of your hip.

The stem in the CATALYSTEM System is somewhat shorter than our other hip stems. This means when it’s placed in your thigh bone, less of your natural bone is removed.2 The goal is to preserve your bone and soft tissue.

The CATALYSTEM System is often used with a direct anterior approach to surgery – that is, an incision along the front (anterior) of your hip. The system may also be used with a back (posterior) or side (lateral) approach. Talk to your surgeon to learn more about surgical approaches for hip replacement.


Talk to your surgeon to learn more about the importance of implant materials in hip replacement surgery.

Learn more about the procedure and recovery process
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Is the CATALYSTEM System right for me?

To find out if hip replacement with the CATALYSTEM System is a treatment option, make an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon. The surgeon will examine your hip and review your health situation to determine if hip replacement is recommended. Here are other things to know:

What are the risks involved?

All surgery has risks and the potential for complications. Talk to your surgeon about any concerns you may have before you decide on treatment. Some of the possible risks and complications for hip replacement include:

  • Blood clotting
    Blood clotting problems – such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) – may occur after surgery and interrupt normal blood flow. Your medical team may recommend medications and exercises to reduce the risk.


  • Infection
    Infection may occur at the surgical site or elsewhere in the body. If a serious infection occurs, additional surgery or removal of the implant may be needed.


  • Pneumonia
    After surgery, pneumonia or other breathing problems may develop. Your medical team may recommend measures to reduce the risk.


  • Nerve problems
    Nerves or blood vessels in the hip area may be damaged during surgery.


  • Fracture
    It is possible for the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) to break after the stem is inserted. This may be caused by putting too much weight on the joint too quickly, or by small movements of the stem that can weaken the bone over time.

  • Hip dislocation
    Hip dislocation may happen after surgery. The new ball and socket components are smaller than your natural hip, so the ball may pop out of the socket if the hip moves in certain positions. Your medical team will give you tips for avoiding this issue.

  • Implant wear or failure
    The hip implant may become worn, loose, or damaged. It may not perform as expected. In some cases, another surgery may be needed to correct or replace the implant.


This is not a complete list of risks. In some cases, you may need additional surgery to address a complication. Talk to your surgeon about the possible risks for your specific health situation.

Disclaimers

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not meant as medical advice. Not everyone is a candidate for total hip replacement using the CATALYSTEM Primary Hip System, and individual results of joint replacement will vary. Implants are intended to relieve hip pain and improve function but may not produce the same feel or function as your original hip. Every patient's case is unique, and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Potential risks include loosening, wear, and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Discuss your implant options with your surgeon. Please discuss nutrition, medication, and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

◊Trademark of Smith+Nephew. 40710 3/2025

Citations

1. 2005 ASM International Engineering Materials Achievement Award.
2. Smith+Nephew 2024. CATALYSTEM Accubroach femur to bone interaction design rationale. Internal Report. 10142827.
3. Sheth NP, Lementowski P, Hunter G, Garino JP. Clinical applications of oxidized zirconium. J Surg Orthop Adv. 2008;17(1):17-26.
4. Long M, Riester L, Hunter G. Nano-hardness Measurements of Oxidized Zr-2.5Nb and Various Orthopaedic Materials. 24th Annual Meeting of the Society for Biomaterials. April 22-26, 1998.
5. Good V, Ries M, Barrack RL, et al. Reduced wear with oxidized zirconium femoral heads. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85:105-110.
6. Parikh A, Hill P, Pawar V, Sprague J. Long-Term Simulator Wear Performance of an Advanced Bearing Technology for THA. Poster presented at: ORS 2013 Annual Meeting.
7. Hunter G, Long M. Abrasive wear of oxidized Zr-2. 5 Nb, CoCrMo, and Ti-6 Al-4 V against bone cement. Abstract presented at: Sixth World Biomaterials Congress, 2000.
8. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon website. Accessed 27 Jan 2025. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-hip-replacement.

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