Periprosthetic DXA after total hip arthroplasty with short vs. ultra-short custom-made femoral stems

Background and purpose Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) analysis of the 7 periprosthetic Gruen zones is the most commonly used protocol to evaluate bone remodeling after the implantation of conventional femoral stems. We assessed the value of DXA after cementless primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) by comparing the effect of progressive shortening of the stem of two femoral implants on periprosthetic bone remodeling using a specifically developed protocol of analysis with 5 periprosthetic regions of interest (ROIs).Patients and methods Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated in 37 patients in the plateau stage, 3 years after THA. Two femoral implants featuring conceptually new designs and surgical technique were tested: types 1 and 2, characterized by extremely short stem and virtual absence of distal stem, respectively.Results We found that progressive shortening of the femoral stem produces more proximal loading, which effectively preserves metaphyseal bone stock and increases periprosthetic BMD in the medial ROIs over time. In the type 2 group, higher absolute BMD values were observed in medial ROIs 4 and 5. No differences were found in ROIs 1, 2, and 3.Interpretation This study shows the flexibility of DXA in adapting the protocol of periprosthetic analysis to the specific requirements of new implant designs, and it shows its high sensitivity in evaluation of the biological response of bone to changes in implant shape.     

Periprosthetic bone remodelling of two types of uncemented femoral implant with proximal hydroxyapatite coating: a 3-year follow-up study addressing the influence of prosthesis design and preoperative bone density on periprosthetic bone loss

Periprosthetic bone loss is a major cause of concern in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Further studies are required to identify the factors determining the pattern of bone remodelling following THA and obtain improvements in the design and durability of prostheses. In this study, we monitored periprosthetic bone loss around two different types of hydroxyapatite coated femoral implant over a 3-year period to evaluate their design and investigate the relationship with the preoperative bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine, hip and forearm. Sixty patients (35 F, 25 M, mean age 63 years, range 46–75 years) undergoing THA were randomised to either the Anatomic Benoist Girard (ABG) or Mallory-Head (MH) femoral stem. Preoperative dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were acquired of the posteroanterior (PA) and lateral lumbar spine, the contralateral hip and the non-dominant forearm. Postoperative DXA scans were performed to measure periprosthetic BMD at 10 days (treated as baseline), 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after THA using a standard Gruen zone analysis. Results were expressed as the percentage change from baseline and the data examined for the differences in bone loss between the different Gruen zones, between the ABG and MH stems, and the relationship with preoperative BMD. A total of 50 patients (24 ABG, 26 MH) completed the study. Three months after THA there was a statistically significant BMD decrease in every Gruen zone that varied between 5.6% and 13.8% for the ABG prosthesis and between 3.8% and 8.7% for the MH prosthesis. Subsequently, in most zones BMD reached a plateau or showed a small recovery. However, BMD continued to fall in Gruen zones 1 and 7 in ABG patients and Gruen zone 1 in MH patients. Bone loss was less in every Gruen zone in MH patients compared with ABG with the largest difference (10%, P=0.018) in Gruen zone 7. Highly significant relationships were found between periprosthetic bone loss and preoperative BMD measured at the PA spine (P<0.001), total hip (P=0.004) and total distal radius (P<0.001). This study showed differences between two different designs of hydroxyapatite-coated implant that confirmed that prosthesis design influences periprosthetic bone loss. The study also showed that patients bone density measured at the spine, hip or forearm at the time of operation was a major factor influencing bone loss around the femoral stem.     

Periprosthetic bone loss after cemented total hip arthroplasty

In this prospective 5-year study, we determined the periprosthetic bone loss after cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) in 15 patients using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). A reduction in the periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) of 5-18% occurred in all Gruen regions, or regions of interest (ROI), during the first 3 months after THA. The bone loss continued up to 6 months in almost all ROIs. From 1 to 5 years, we found only minor changes in BMD in periprosthetic bone. After the follow-up, the mean greatest bone loss (26%) was seen in the femoral calcar area. The reduction in mean BMD was 5% in men, and 16% in women. The lower the preoperative BMD, the higher was the postoperative bone loss. We found that after the phase of acute bone loss, further loss was minimal, reflecting merely the normal ageing of bone after uncomplicated THA.     

Periprosthetic bone loss after cemented total hip arthroplasty: a prospective 5-year dual energy radiographic absorptiometry study of 15 patients

In this prospective 5-year study, we determined the periprosthetic bone loss after cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) in 15 patients using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). A reduction in the periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) of 5-18% occurred in all Gruen regions, or regions of interest (ROI), during the first 3 months after THA. The bone loss continued up to 6 months in almost all ROIs. From 1 to 5 years, we found only minor changes in BMD in periprosthetic bone. After the follow-up, the mean greatest bone loss (26%) was seen in the femoral calcar area. The reduction in mean BMD was 5% in men, and 16% in women. The lower the preoperative BMD, the higher was the postoperative bone loss. We found that after the phase of acute bone loss, further loss was minimal, reflecting merely the normal ageing of bone after uncomplicated THA.     

Bone loss around failed femoral implant measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

Periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) and its changes after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been studied extensively, but quantitative data on BMD around loosened prostheses are still lacking. In this study, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), we determined periprosthetic BMD in 19 patients with failed primary THA. There was a decrease in BMD (8.8%–25.5%) in every Gruen zone as compared with the patient's non-operated (control) side. Although the bone loss was most significant in the proximal femur, as in primary THA, the pattern of bone loss around the failed THA differred from the typical remodeling seen after successful THA. We suggest that quantitation of bone mass around the failed femoral stem is possible. Remarkable generalized bone loss around the stem is associated with a loosened prosthesis. Received: November 12, 1999 / Accepted: December 24, 1999     

Female patients with low systemic BMD are prone to bone loss in Gruen zone 7 after cementless total hip arthroplasty: A 2-year DXA follow-up of 39 patients

Background and purpose Factors that lead to periprosthetic bone loss following total hip arthroplasty (THA) may not only depend on biomechanical implant-related factors, but also on various patient-related factors. We investigated the association between early changes in periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) and patient-related factors.Patients and methods 39 female patients underwent cementless THA (ABG II) with ceramic-ceramic bearing surfaces. Periprosthetic BMD in the proximal femur was determined with DXA after surgery and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. 27 patient-related factors were analyzed for their value in prediction of periprosthetic bone loss.Results Total periprosthetic BMD was temporarily reduced by 3.7% at 3 months (p < 0.001), by 3.8% at 6 months (p < 0.01), and by 2.6% at 12 months (p < 0.01), but recovered thereafter up to 24 months. Preoperative systemic osteopenia and osteoporosis, but not the local BMD of the operated hip, was predictive of bone loss in Gruen zone 7 (p = 0.04), which was the only region with a statistically significant decrease in BMD (23%, p < 0.001) at 24 months. Preoperative serum markers of bone turnover predicted the early temporary changes of periprosthetic BMD. The other patient-related factors failed to show any association with the periprosthetic BMD changes.Interpretation Female patients with low systemic BMD show greater bone loss in Gruen zone 7 after cementless THA than patients with normal BMD. Systemic DXA screening for osteoporosis in postmenopausal patients before THA could be used to identify patients in need of prophylactic anti-resorptive therapy.     

Lower periprosthetic bone loss and good fixation of an ultra-short stem compared to a conventional stem in uncemented total hip arthroplasty: A randomized clinical trial with DXA and RSA in 51 patients

Background and purpose — We hypothesized that an ultra-short stem would load the proximal femur in a more physiological way and could therefore reduce the adaptive periprosthetic bone loss known as stress shielding.Patients and methods — 51 patients with primary hip osteoarthritis were randomized to total hip arthroplasty (THA) with either an ultra-short stem or a conventional tapered stem. The primary endpoint was change in periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD), measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), in Gruen zones 1 and 7, two years after surgery. Secondary endpoints were change in periprosthetic BMD in the entire periprosthetic region, i.e. Gruen zones 1 through 7, stem migration measured with radiostereometric analysis (RSA), and function measured with self-administered functional scores.Results — The periprosthetic decrease in BMD was statistically significantly lower with the ultra-short stem. In Gruen zone 1, the mean difference was 18% (95% CI: −27% to −10%). In zone 7, the difference was 5% (CI: −12% to −3%) and for Gruen zones 1–7 the difference was also 5% (CI: −9% to −2%). During the first 6 weeks postoperatively, the ultra-short stems migrated 0.77 mm more on average than the conventional stems. 3 months after surgery, no further migration was seen. The functional scores improved during the study and were similar in the 2 groups.Interpretation — Up to 2 years after total hip arthroplasty, compared to the conventional tapered stem the ultra-short uncemented anatomical stem induced lower periprosthetic bone loss and had equally excellent stem fixation and clinical outcome.Periprosthetic bone loss in uncemented femoral stems can contribute to late-occurring periprosthetic fractures (Lindahl 2007, Streit et al. 2011). This is partly mediated by adaptive bone resorption. This disuse atrophy, known as stress shielding, is mainly a consequence of the mismatch in modulus of elasticity between the implant and the periprosthetic bone. In time, the increasingly more fragile periprosthetic bone may break—even after minor trauma. Shorter femoral stems, aimed at giving a more physiological load pattern in the proximal femur, have become popular lately because of expectations of reducing stress shielding. Absence of a diaphyseal engaging stem is a key factor to prevent off-loading of the proximal femoral bone, but at the same time it will challenge the primary stability necessary for bone osseointegration of the femoral implant (Søballe et al. 1992).In this study, we hypothesized that an ultra-short uncemented stem would give less periprosthetic bone loss in the proximal femur than a conventional tapered uncemented stem, and that the ultra-short stem would achieve good fixation and be safe to use from a clinical standpoint.     

Bone mineral density and biochemical markers of bone turnover in aseptic loosening after total hip arthroplasty.

The aims of this study were to determine whether subjects with aseptic loosening after total hip arthroplasty (THA) have regional differences in periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) and systemic biochemical markers of bone turnover compared to subjects with successful implants.Proximal femoral and pelvic BMD were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and bone turnover markers were assayed in 49 subjects 12.6+/-4.3 (mean+/-SD) years after cemented THA. Femoral BMD was lower in Gruen zones 2, 5, 6, and 7 in subjects with a loose femoral implant (n=17) compared to those (n=32) with fixed femoral implants (P<0.05 all comparisons). This BMD difference was greatest (-31%, P=0.02) in the proximal and medial region of the femur. Subjects with femoral loosening had higher levels of the bone resorption marker N-telopeptides of type-I collagen (P=0.02) than those with a fixed femoral implant. No differences in pelvic BMD or bone turnover markers were found between subjects with loose (n=18) versus fixed (n=31) pelvic implants.This study suggests that failure of femoral components after cemented THA is associated with region-specific decreases in BMD and an increase in urinary excretion of N-telopeptide cross-links of type-I collagen. These surrogate outcome markers may be of value in monitoring response to antiresorptive therapies used to treat periprosthetic osteolysis, although the diagnosis of aseptic loosening remains clinical and radiological.     

Dual X-ray absorptiometry for the evaluation of bone density from the proximal femur after total hip arthroplasty: Analysis protocols and reproducibility

Summary Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) instruments are now able to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) of bone surrounding metal implants. The assessment of BMD around prosthetic components could provide additional information for the follow-up of total hip arthroplasty (THA). In this study, we evaluated the potential application of DXA in the field of THA. BMD was measured in the proximal femur of both THA and THA-free sides in 14 postmenopausal women 6–18 months after THA. The explored segment was divided into seven zones as proposed by Gruen et al. [18]. The precision error of BMD measurements ranged from 1.8 to 6.8% on the THA side and from 1.1 to 2% to the THA-free side. The reduction of BMD of the THA versus the THA-free side was significant in all seven zones (P < 0.01, t-test for paired data). These results showed significant differences in BMD around femoral components of THA with respect to contralateral healthy side, and demonstrate the sensitivity of DXA for detecting these changes.     

Changes of femoral periprosthetic bone mineral density 6 years after treatment with alendronate following total hip arthroplasty

Earlier osteodensitometric results of femoral periprosthetic bone showed that postoperative antiresorptive treatment with alendronate following total hip arthroplasty (THA) reduces the periprosthetic bone loss that commonly occurs in the first months after surgery. However, whether alendronate can prevent periprosthetic bone loss over the long term, or if bone loss occurs after discontinuing alendronate is unknown. Femoral periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed in 49 patients 6 years after cementless total hip arthroplasty using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Twenty‐nine patients were treated postoperatively with alendronate and 20 control patients received no treatment. All patients were followed up at 12 months after surgery in a prospective randomized study. The bone mineral density was evaluated in 7 regions of interest according to the Gruen protocol. Six years after total hip arthroplasty, no significant changes were detected in femoral periprosthetic BMD when compared with results at 1 year, and the bone loss in patients with postoperative alendronate treatment was still significantly less than those without treatment. These results suggest that the prevention of femoral periprosthetic bone loss following THA achieved by postoperative antiresorptive treatment with alendronate is of long‐standing effect, and further bone loss does not occur after the first postoperative year. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:183–188, 2009     

Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) around the cemented Exeter stem: A prospective study in 18 women with 5 years follow‐up

Background and purpose?THA changes the pattern of strain distribution in the proximal femur. We quantified the changes in BMD for 5 years after insertion of the cemented Exeter stem in women.

Methods?18 women aged 55–79 years, undergoing unilateral THA with the cemented Exeter stem, were included in the study. The BMD was measured in 7 femoral regions of interest according to Gruen, and the contralateral hip and spine using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry postoperatively, at 18 and at 60 months of follow‐up. Results were tested using Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank test.

Results?During the first 18 months, a significant decrease in BMD was seen in zones 2, 3, 6, and 7. No significant changes were seen in zones 4 and 5, in the contralateral hip, or at the spine. In zone 1, there was a small but significant rise in BMD. From 18 to 60 months, we observed a statistically significant rise in BMD in all zones except 4 and 7. Despite this, the total periprosthetic BMD decreased during the follow‐up relative to the immediate postoperative situation. There was no significant reduction in BMD in the contralateral hip. In the spine, we observed a significant rise in BMD.

Interpretation?18 months after THA, BMD had decreased in Gruen zones 2, 3, 6, and 7. The bone loss was similar to that seen after other implants and appears to be related to the changes in stress pattern within the proximal femur. At 5 years, BMD had increased again in these zones. It remained lower than baseline, however.     

地舒单抗对绝经后骨质疏松性股骨颈骨折全髋关节置换术后股骨近端假体周围骨密度的影响

目的:研究地舒单抗对绝经后骨质疏松性股骨颈骨折患者全髋关节置换术后(total hip arthroplasty,THA)股骨近端假体周围骨密度的影响。方法:选取2020年10月至2021年10月绝经后女性骨质疏松性股骨颈骨折行THA术后54例,治疗组25例接受地舒单抗治疗,年龄(74.3±6.2)岁;对照组29例未接受地舒单抗治疗,年龄(75.2±4.8)岁。术后1周及3、6及12个月各个时间点,通过双能X线骨密度仪(DEXA型)测定股骨近端假体周围骨密度,并在不同时间点测量骨转换各项指标。结果:术后3、6及12个月对照组的抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(tartrate resistant acid phosphatase,TRACP-5b)高于治疗组(P<0.05);对照组术后12个月骨特异性碱性磷酸酶(bone-specific alkaline phosphatase,BALP)高于治疗组(P<0.05)。两组患者Gruen 1、7区的骨密度在术后3、6及12个月较术后1周(基线)均下降(P<0.05);对照组Gruen 7区术后各时间点比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗组各时间点比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组术后3个月Gruen 1、7区比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);术后6个月Gruen 1、7区和术后12个月Gruen 1、7区,治疗组骨密度均明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。两组术后3个月Gruen 1、7区骨密度下降百分比比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。对照组术后6个月Gruen 1、7区,术后12个月Gruen 1、7区骨密度下降百分比明显高于治疗组(P<0.05)。提示在使用地舒单抗6个月后,即可降低骨密度丢失幅度,并且该效应可达至术后12个月。结论:绝经后骨质疏松性股骨颈骨折患者在THA术后,使用地舒单抗可减少股骨近端假体周围骨密度丢失,有效抑制骨吸收。     

Periprosthetic proximal bone loss after uncemented hip arthroplasty is related to stem size: DXA measurements in 138 patients followed for 2-7 years

Background Periprosthetic bone loss occurs around uncemented femoral stems and may be influenced by the stem size.

Patients and methods We studied 138 consecutive patients, 3 (2-7) years on average after a total hip arthroplasty operation (THA) for unilateral osteoarthritis with the Bi-Metric uncemented femoral stem. We analyzed Harris hip score and bone mineral density.

Results The mean Harris hip score was 97 at follow-up. Bone mineral density decreased proximally by 19% in both Gruen zones 1 and 7. Bone loss in zones 1, 2, 6, and 7 was significantly associated with stem size. Distally, a small gain in bone mass was found in zones 3 and 5 for medium femoral sizes.

Interpretation We found a marked proximal BMD loss, especially for the larger stems, which may be specific for this particular implant. Long-term studies should reveal whether this proximal bone loss will affect the longevity of the THA.     

Periprosthetic bone mineral density with a cementless triple tapered stem is dependent on daily activity

Purpose

Periprosthetic bone loss around the femoral stem is frequently found after total hip arthroplasty. We have shown that periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) loss using the triple tapered stem is consistently much less in comparison with the straight type component. In this study, we compared periprosthetic BMD change with clinical factors.

Methods

Postoperative dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was evaluated at follow-up. BMD was determined based on seven Gruen zones. We further compared BMD with clinical examination: body mass index (BMI), age, Harris hip score (HHS) or University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity rating score.

Results

Periprosthetic BMD loss of the triple tapered stem was maintained. Especially, BMD in Gruen zone 1 which was maintained at 96% in comparison with the straight tapered stem. We compared the BMD change with clinical factors. There is no correlation between BMD and BMI, age or HHS. However, we found significant correlation between BMD and UCLA activity rating score in Gruen zones 1 and 2 of the triple tapered stem. Further, the correlation coefficient was increased at 48 months in comparison with 24 months.

Conclusion

The cementless triple tapered stem maintains periprosthetic bone mineral density. Activity may reflect improving periprosthetic bone quality after THA using a triple tapered stem.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00264-011-1407-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Cyclic therapy with etidronate has a therapeutic effect against local osteoporosis after cementless total hip arthroplasty

Proximal bone resorption around the femoral stem is one of the major complications of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). The potential complications resulting from proximal bone resorption include femoral fracture and late stem loosening. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cyclic therapy with etidronate on periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) after cementless THA. Fifty-two patients who had undergone cementless THA were randomized for this study. Group A consisted of 30 hips in 29 patients without osteoactive drugs. Group B consisted of 23 hips in 23 patients with cyclic therapy with etidronate (i.e., 400 mg/day of oral etidronate for 2 weeks followed by 12 weeks of 500 mg/day of calcium lactate and repeated every 14 weeks), one of whom was excluded from the study because of side effects attributed to the drug. Periprosthetic BMD in seven regions of interest based on the zones of Gruen et al. (Clin. Orthop. 141 (1979), 17-27) was measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at 3 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. The postoperative decreases of BMD in group B were significantly lower than those in group A in zones 1 and 7 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively) at 6 months and in zones 1, 2, 6, and 7 (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001, respectively) at 12 months. The BMD change appeared to be stabilized at 6 months in all zones in group B, while in group A there was a progressive decrease of average BMD (6.1%) in zone 7 between 6 months and 12 months. These findings suggested that cyclic therapy with etidronate may help to reduce the resorptive changes in the proximal part of the femur after cementless THA. Further follow-up study with larger populations will be required to define the potential efficacy of intermittent cyclic etidronate therapy on postoperative bone loss.     

Pattern of Periprosthetic Bone Remodeling Around Stable Uncemented Tapered Hip Stems: A prospective 84-month follow-up study and a Median 156-month Cross-Sectional Study with DXA

Bone resorption in the proximal femur is commonly seen after total hip arthroplasty (THA). With dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the amount of bone mass (BMD) after implantation of a total hip stem can be precisely determined. However, prospective evaluation of the change of bone mass around the stem is only available for selected stems and short-term follow-up (up to 36 months). We analyzed BMD in patients who had undergone uncemented THA by DXA. Only patients with good clinical outcome (Merle d Aubigné score > 12) were included to obtain normative data for regular bone response. Two separate studies were performed: a prospective longitudinal study over 84 months with baseline values acquired within the first postoperative week (group A) (n = 26 patients) and a separate cross-sectional study, median follow-up 156 (124-178) months (group B) (n = 35 patients). Regions of interest were defined according to Gruen (ROI 1-7) and as net average ROI (net avg) for the periprosthetic femoral bone. After the initial remodeling process (12 months), BMD was compared to the 84-month (longitudinal) and the 156-month (cross-sectional) follow-up values to determine long-term periprosthetic changes of bone mineral density. The longitudinal study (group A), after the initial bone remodeling, showed no relevant further bone loss for women and men with BMD values 1.19 ± 0.15 and 1.40 ± 0.19, respectively, 12 months (women 89.8%, men 93.6%), and 1.19 ± 0.13 and 1.36 ± 0.18, respectively, after 84 months (women 90.0%, men 91.3%) (P = 0.98, P = 0.08,) respectively. The distribution of the BMD around the stem changed during the first 12 months. The ROIs around the proximal stem (ROI 1 and 7) showed the lowest absolute values at the 12-month follow-up and BMD in ROI 7 decreased most during the further follow-up until 84 months. The cross-sectional study (group B) showed no significant difference in BMD (net avg) values at a median of 156 months follow-up compared to the 12-month values (group A) (women: P = 0.77, men: P = 0.44). Initial BMD, implant diameter, and body mass index did not influence BMD loss (net avg) in this study, whereas age showed a weak correlation with BMD loss. The results show that after the initial remodeling process, no relevant further bone loss (net avg) occurs up to 84 months postsurgery, and values after a median of 156 months are similar. Normative long-term changes in the periprosthetic bone can be demonstrated in defined ROIs after implantation of a tapered corundum-blasted titanium stem with a good clinical result.     

Changes in Bone Mineral Density of the Acetabulum and Proximal Femur After Total Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty

Our aim was to investigate the changes in bone mineral density (BMD) of acetabulum and proximal femur after total hip resurfacing arthroplasty. A comparative study was carried out on 51 hips in 48 patients. Group A consisted of 25 patients (26 hips) who had undergone total hip resurfacing and group B consisted of 23 patients (25 hips) who had had large-diameter metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (THA). BMDs around the acetabulum and proximal femur were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at 2 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and annually thereafter during the 3 years after surgery. At final follow-up, the acetabular net mean BMD decreased by 11% in group A and 10% in group B with no differences between two groups (P = .35). For the femoral side, in Gruen zone 1, the mean BMD increased by 4% in group A, whereas it decreased by 11% in group B (P = .029). In Gruen zone 7, the mean BMD increased by 8% at the final follow-up in group A, whereas it decreased by 13% in group B (P = .02). In both groups the mean BMD increased by 3% in Gruen zones 3, 4, 5, and 6. Stress-related bone loss of the acetabulum was comparable for MOM THA and resurfacing devices, but proximal femoral bone density increased in the resurfacing group and decreased in the THA group.     

Periprosthetic bone mineral density and fixation of the uncemented CLS stem related to different weight bearing regimes: A randomized study using DXA and RSA in 38 patients followed for 5 years

Background and purpose

There is no consensus on the best rehabilitation regime after uncemented total hip arthroplasty. Theoretically, bone ingrowth into the implant should benefit from initial partial weight bearing. We investigated whether the degree of postoperative weight bearing influences the periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) and/or the stability of the CLS stem.

Patients and methods

38 patients received an uncemented CLS stem and were randomized to either unrestricted postoperative weight bearing or to partial weight bearing for 3 months. Periprosthetic BMD was measured in the 7 Gruen zones with DXA and the stability of the femoral stem was assessed by radiostereometric analysis (RSA) after surgery and at 3, 12, 24, and 60 months.

Results

Periprosthetic BMD was not influenced by the type of postoperative weight bearing. BMD was reduced by 8–15% in all Gruen zones at 3 months. Restoration toward initial BMD was observed in all zones except in zone 7 (calcar region), where BMD was reduced by 22% at 5 years. Immediate weight bearing after surgery had no influence on the stability of the CLS stem, as assessed by RSA.

Interpretation

Immediate full weight bearing after uncemented total hip arthroplasty is safe. There is no difference in the periprosthetic BMD or in stability of the stem as measured by RSA compared to partial weight bearing for 3 months. BMD is reduced by more than 20% in the calcar region around a CLS stem after 5 years.The postoperative regime for uncemented hip implants has shifted towards early mobilization with full weight bearing, despite the fact that there have been discussions that early weight bearing might jeopardize the bone ingrowth that is considered necessary for stability (Soballe et al. 1993, Jasty et al. 1997). In addition, early full weight bearing might theoretically impair not only the stability of the femoral stem but also the bone mineral density (BMD) around it, but only a few studies have addressed this issue. A 2-year follow-up after total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the Bi-metric implant (Biomet Inc., Warsaw, IN) showed less bone loss proximal and lateral to the implant in a group with full weight bearing than in a group with partial weight bearing (Boden and Adolphson 2004). In 2 studies in which different uncemented femoral stems were examined, postoperative full weight bearing did not lead to any differences in micromotion over 1–2 years compared to partial weight bearing (Ström et al. 2007a, Thien et al. 2007). The roles of implant design, method of primary fixation, type of material, surface geometry, and finish are factors that may be of importance for BMD and implant stability. Thus, results for different implants should be compared with caution.We investigated whether the amount of weight bearing immediately after implantation of an uncemented total hip arthroplasty would affect (1) the periprosthetic BMD and (2) the stability of the implant over 5 years of follow-up.     

Restoration of proximal periprosthetic bone loss by denosumab in cementless total hip arthroplasty

Summary

Denosumab contributed to the restoration of proximal periprosthetic bone loss around the femoral stem that were measured using a DEXA, especially in zone 7, at 1 year after cementless THA in elderly osteoporotic patients.

Introduction

Although bone quality is an important issue in elderly osteoporotic patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a cementless stem, periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) in the proximal femur has been reported to be decreased by 15–40% postoperatively. Some authors have examined the use of several types of bisphosphonates to prevent decreases in BMD in the proximal femur after cementless THA; however, few reports have demonstrated success in restoring BMD in the proximal medial femoral bone, such as zone 7.

Methods

We conducted prospective study comparing patients who underwent cementless THA administered with denosumab (10 patients) and without denosumab (10 patients). BMD around the femoral stem were measured using a DEXA immediately after surgery, and at 6 months and at 1 year after surgery. No difference was found between the two groups referred to the patient’s demographic data.

Results

We found that denosumab displayed definitive effects in increasing the % change in periprosthetic BMD at zone 7 by an average of 7.3% in patients with cementless THA, compared to control group who were given only vitamin D.

Conclusion

Denosumab is one of a number of anti-osteoporotic agents to have a definitive effect on the restoration of proximal periprosthetic bone loss, especially in zone 7, after cementless THA. Denosumab contributed to the restoration of decreased periprosthetic BMD to normal levels. As the decrease in BMD in the proximal femur after THA is considered to be apparent at 6–12 months after surgery, it is believed that prevention of the deterioration of bone quality is important in the proximal femur immediately after cementless THA for elderly female patients with osteoporosis.

     

Dose-dependent prevention of early periprosthetic bone loss by alendronate

AIM: Periprosthetic bone loss occurs in the first six months after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and is felt to be largely the result of initial operative irritation, immobilization, and stress shielding. This study (a prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint evaluation) aims at preventing bone loss around the stem with an oral bisphosphonate. METHOD: 66 healthy subjects with uncemented THA and low lumbar bone mass density (BMD) (negative T score) were treated post-operatively with alendronate as follows: n = 21 with 10 mg/d for 10 weeks (A), n = 21 20 mg/d for 5 weeks (B), n = 24 no treatment for controls (C). The periprosthetic BMD in the Gruen zones (ROI) was measured after the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 12th month by DEXA as a percentage of the value measured one week after surgery. RESULTS: In C, there was significant bone loss in all ROI during the first months and a deficit of 29 % in ROI 7 following one year. In B, bone loss was completely prevented up to the second month, in ROI 7, a significant difference in comparison to C was registered for the entire year. In A, significant bone loss reduction during 12 months was seen. CONCLUSION: Alendronate, therefore, is capable of preventing initial periprosthetic bone loss. A dosage of 20 mg/d is required initially with daily treatment lasting at least 10 weeks.