Objective To evaluate the clinical effects and experiences of short stem ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of young and middle-aged patients with femoral head necrosis.Methods From December 2009 to March 2011,40 patients with femoral head necrosis were treated primarily with short stem ceramic-on-ceramic hip arthroplasty (43 hips) through posterior-lateral or anterior-lateral approach.There were 23 males,17 females; with the mean age of 40.5 years (range,27-55 years).All cases were stage Ⅳ or more according Steinberg stage.The patients were followed up at the 3,6,12 months after operation,and then once each year.Standard X-ray films were taken at the follow-ups.Femoral prosthesis subsidence was assessed through X-ray films.Harris scores system and WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index were recorded before and after operation to evaluate clinical effects of surgery.Results Thirty-eight patients (41 hips) were followed up for 21-36 months,with an average of 31.3 months.The femoral stem subsided 0.68±2.90 mm at the last follow-up.After operation,hip pain of patients was relieved obviously.The Harris score improved from 38.7±12.1 (15-66) preoperatively to 95.2±4.49 (83-100) postoperatively,WOMAC Index from 66.7±12.0 (49-94) to 12.8±5.6 (0-24).During follow-up period,there was no serious complication such as femoral neck fracture,infection of wound,pulmonary embolism,et al.No dislocation,implant prosthesis failure and infection were observed.Conclusion The short stem hip arthroplasty preserves bone stock to a great extent.The short stem implant showed a good stability and osseous integration.The wear rate of ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surface is extremely low.Short stem hip arthroplasty plus ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surface might be a good option for the young and middle-aged patients with femoral head necrosis. Key words: Arthroplasty, replacement, hip; Femur head necrosis; Treatmemt outcome