03 Mar 10 years of A2 short stem: Implanting a new product is always something special.
Newsletter March 3, 2026
Welcome!
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, dear customers and interested parties,
With the latest issue of our ARTIQO Newsletter, we are kicking off an anniversary year: January marked the 10th anniversary of the first implantation of the A2 short stem.
Therefore, we begin with an interview: Dr. Harald Dinges from Kusel talks about the first implantation and what has changed in short stem prosthetics since then, from his perspective.
We also discussed other exciting topics with Prof. Dr. Christoph Zilkens from Neuss. These include targeted surgical preparation for endoprosthetic procedures, the perfect combination of anterior approach and short stem, and the consistent standardization of processes.
Then we look back with satisfaction on the EKB 2026 and have another case study to share, this time provided by Prof. Dr. Johannes Zeichen of the Johannes Wesling Clinic in Minden. Those who follow us on LinkedIn are familiar with our regular case presentations from our practice, which showcase the full range of applications for the A2® short shaft. You can also find all the cases on our website.
We hope you enjoy reading them!
Yours sincerely, Ulrich Bücken
ARTIQO GmbH
10 Years of the A2® Short Stem
“Implanting a new product is always something special.”
In January 2016, the A2® Short Stem was implanted for the first time. Ten years later, we look back on this milestone with Dr. Harald Dinges, the first implanting surgeon. In this interview, he talks about his impressions at the time, the development of short-stem prosthetics, and clinical experience with the A2® Short Stem.
In Conversation: Prof. Dr. Zilkens
Prehabilitation, Short Stem, Anterior Approach = One Treatment Pathway
“Better into surgery, better out again”: Under this motto, Prof. Dr. Christoph Zilkens, MVZ OGPaedicum NRW, focuses on prehabilitation, i.e., targeted surgical preparation, for endoprosthetic procedures. In an interview with ARTIQO, he also explains why, for him, anterior approach and short stem are inextricably linked, why he consistently relies on standardization, and why intraoperative flexibility in stem and cup selection is an important factor.
Cases from Practice
Cemented Short Stem Prosthesis for Medial Femoral Neck Fracture Following a Fall at Home
Those who follow us on LinkedIn are familiar with this series. Experienced surgeons regularly present real-life cases in joint replacement surgery. This time, Prof. Dr. Johannes Zeichen, Johannes Wesling Hospital Minden, reports on an 81-year-old patient with a medial femoral neck fracture following a fall at home – treated with a cemented short stem prosthesis. A practical case with a clear surgical strategy.
EKB 2026
Review of the 2026 Endoprosthesis Congress
We look back very positively on this year’s EKB in Berlin. “We had many in-depth discussions and a very well-attended workshop on the A2® short stem,” summarizes Joachim Geßner, Sales Manager at ARTIQO. Prof. Dr. Stefan Budde, Dr. Sebastian Meller, and Mario Frank shared their practical experience and current findings. Many thanks to all the speakers and attendees – we look forward to next year’s congress.
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