Effects of discontinuation as well as intervention of cyclic therapy with etidronate on bone remodeling after cementless total hip arthroplasty

We previously reported the effects of cyclic therapy with etidronate (CTE) on periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) after cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of withdrawal and intervention of CTE after cementless THA. The control group consisted of 24 patients without osteoactive drugs. Sixteen patients continued on CTE (i.e., 400 mg/day oral etidronate for 2 weeks followed by 12 weeks of 500 mg/day calcium lactate, repeated every 14 weeks) for the first 12 months followed by no treatment for 18 months (early-etidronate group). Fifteen patients received no treatment for the first 18 months followed by CTE for 12 months (late-etidronate group). Periprosthetic BMD in seven regions of interest based on the zones of Gruen et al. was measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at 3 weeks, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months postoperatively. At 12 months after operation (off therapy point in the early-etidronate group), postoperative decreases of BMD in the early-etidronate group were significantly smaller than those in the control group in zones 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 and those in the late-etidronate group in zones 1, 5, 6, and 7 (P < 0.05 for each). In the early-etidronate group, significant decreases in BMD were found during months 12-30 (off therapy period) after withdrawal of CTE in zones 1 and 7 (P < 0.05 for each). In the late-etidronate group, BMD increased significantly in zones 4 and 6 (P < 0.05 for each) during months 18-30 (on therapy period) after intervention trial, while in the controls, BMD decreased significantly in zone 3 (P < 0.05) over this period. At the final follow-up (30 months), BMD loss in zone 7 was significantly less in the early-etidronate group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). BMD changes in the early-etidronate group and late-etidronate group were associated with changes in biochemical bone markers.     

Risedronate reduces postoperative bone resorption after cementless total hip arthroplasty

Summary Forty-three patients who had undergone cementless THA were randomly assigned to receive no osteoactive drug or oral risedronate for 6 months. Postoperative decrease of BMD in the risedronate group was significantly lower than that seen in the control group in zones 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. Introduction Proximal bone resorption around the femoral stem often has been observed after total hip arthroplasty (THA), could lead to late stem loosening. We previously reported the efficacy of etidronate on periprosthetic bone resorption after cementless THA. Recently risedronate is suggested to be effective for the prevention and treatment of for osteoporosis. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of risedronate on periprosthetic bone loss after cementless THA. Methods Forty-three patients who had undergone cementless THA were randomly assigned to receive no osteoactive drug (21 patients) or oral risedronate 2.5 mg/day (22 patients) for 6 months. Three patients were eliminated from the risedronate group because of dyspepsia. Periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) in seven regions of interest based on the zones of Gruen et al. was measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at 3 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Results At 6 months after surgery, postoperative decrease of BMD in the risedronate group was significantly lower than that seen in the control group in zones 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion These outcomes suggested that risedronate might reduce the periprosthetic bone resorption after cementless THA.     

Efficacy of different dosing schedules of etidronate for stress shielding after cementless total hip arthroplasty

Forty-four women who had undergone cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) were selected for determination of the optimum dosage of etidronate in the treatment of stress shielding after surgery. Patients were 55–86 years of age. The patients were randomized into three groups. The control group (n = 17) was not treated with osteoactive drugs. The low-dose group (n = 12) and the high-dose group (n = 15) received 200mg or 400mg etidronate daily for 2 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of calcium supplementation of 500mg/day. These patients received four cycles of therapy over 1 year postoperatively. Periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 3 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. At 12 months, bone loss in the low-dose and high-dose groups was significantly lower compared with the control group in Gruen zones 1 and 7. There were additional significant differences with regard to bone loss between the control group and the high-dose group in zones 2, 4, and 6. Our data suggest that high dosages are more effective in reducing postoperative bone loss after cementless THA.     

骨矿改变在人工全髋关节置换术的监测

目的：研究人工全髋关节置换术后髋周骨矿含量的改变。方法：对骨水泥型人工全髋关节置换的25例27髋,在术后不同时段用DEXA测定髋周5个区域的骨矿含量,并与其各自合适的对照作配对样本t检验。结果：术后1个月内（平均23d)测定组显示第4区骨矿量显著增加（P＜0．05）;术后4－6月（平均4．4月）和7－12月测定组显示5个区骨矿量无显著增减（P＞0．05）;术后14－49月（平均27．4月）测定组显示第2区和第5区骨矿量显著降低（P＜0．05）;第1区也有明显降低趋势（P＝0．064）。结论：骨水泥型人工全髋置入后髋周承重部位骨矿量在12月内改变不大;术后约2年在髋臼周围和股骨小粗隆部骨矿明显丢失,与置入假体后产生应力遮挡可能有关。     

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.

     

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.     

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.     

全髋关节表面置换术后股骨近端骨密度的变化

目的评价全髋关节表面置换术对股骨近端骨量变化的影响。方法2002年7月至2005年6月,对行全髋关节表面置换术（表面置换组）和人工全髋关节置换术（全髋置换组）各26例患者作为研究对象,均在术前、术后3、6、12和24个月时对股骨近端按Gruen分区设为7个测量感兴趣区,表面置换组加股骨颈外上和内下区,应用双能X线吸收测定仪测定骨密度,比较两组术前和术后股骨近端骨密度变化。结果术后3、6、12和24个月时,表面置换组股骨近端骨密度分别降低5．8％、4．9％、2．6％和0．4％;测量感兴趣区1的骨密度术后6个月时降至89．7％,至24个月时增至103．8％;测量感兴趣区7的骨密度术后6个月时降至95．1％,24个月时增至103．7％;股骨颈部骨密度在术后6个月时即可恢复至术前水平,股骨颈外上区的骨密度术后3个月时降至97．1％,术后24个月时增至107．4％（P〈0．05）;股骨颈内下区的骨密度术后24个月时增至117．9％（P〈0．05）。全髋置换组股骨近端骨密度分别降低7．0％、10．6％、1．0％和4．1％。测量感兴趣区1的骨密度术后6个月降至90．8％,术后24个月时为94．4％;测量感兴趣区7术后3个月降至94．2％,术后24个月时为96．7％。结论全髋关节表面置换术后股骨近端骨量可以得到有效保存和恢复。     

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。     

Intermittent etidronate partially prevents bone loss in hirsute hyperandrogenic women treated with GnRH agonist

Treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist leads to enhanced bone turnover and accelerated bone loss in premenopausal women with endometriosis, uterine leiomyomatomas and hirsutism. Sodium etidronate is a powerful inhibitor of bone resorption which has been proven efficacious in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the skeletal effects of 6 months of therapy with the depot preparation of the GnRH agonist triptorelin (decapeptil 3.75 mg intramuscularly every 4 weeks) in 24 hirsute patients, aged 24–33 years, with hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation. Ten patients also received cyclical etidronate in an oral dose of 400 mg/day for 2 weeks, followed by an 11-week period of 500 mg/day elemental oral calcium (one cycle). The remaining 14 patients received 500 mg/day of elemental calcium continuously. After 6 months all treatments were discontinued for at least a further 6 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine and hip (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, Sophos LXRA, France) and biochemical markers (serum alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, urinary N-telopeptide and hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio) were evaluated at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. In the group given GnRH agonist alone BMD fell significantly at all measured skeletal sites during the first 6 months. In the patients treated with etidronate a significant decrease in BMD was observed at lumbar spine but not in the femoral neck and trochanter, and the changes at lumbar spine and trochanter were significantly smaller than those in the control group. At 6 months bone turnover was also increased in patients treated with GnRH and calcium. Cyclical etidronate prevented the increase in biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption, with the exception of calcium/creatinine excretion, which was significantly increased in both groups. Six months after treatment withdrawal BMD did not recover in either group. Biochemical markers (N-telopeptide, serum alkaline phosphatase) remained increased in those patients previously treated with calcium alone while they remained close to baseline values in the patients treated with cyclical etidronate.Our study indicates that: (1) GnRH agonist therapy causes remarkable bone loss in young individuals with androgen excess who are expected to have increased bone mass; (2) this bone loss can be partially prevented by intermittent cyclical etidronate therapy.     

Proximal femoral bone mineral density after resurfacing total hip arthroplasty and after standard stem-type cementless total hip arthroplasty, both having similar neck preservation and the same articulation type

To examine whether the Freeman cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA), with femoral neck preservation and a large metal head, can prevent stress shielding in a manner similar to resurfacing THA, we compared femoral bone mineral density (BMD) change in 10 resurfacing THA patients (group A) and 16 cementless THA patients (group B). Six and twelve months postoperatively, the mean BMD ratio in zone 1 was significantly higher in group A (97% +/- 10%, 95% +/- 11%) than in group B (79% +/- 15%, 77% +/- 20%); at 12 months, the mean BMD ratio in zone 7 was significantly higher in group A (104% +/- 15%) than in group B (84% +/- 21%). The cementless THA might not be a substitute for the resurfacing THA with respect to prevention of proximal femoral bone loss at the femoral neck, although it may prevent some major complications after resurfacing THA such as neck fracture and avascular necrosis of the femoral head.     

Decreased Periprosthetic Bone Loss in Patients Treated with Clodronate: A 1-Year Randomized Controlled Study

The efficacy of clodronate to reduce bone loss around uncemented stems after total hip arthroplasty (THA) was evaluated. Ninety-one patients operated with uncemented THA were randomized to receive either intramuscular clodronate at a dose of 100 mg weekly for 12 months or no treatment. Periprosthetic and contralateral bone mineral density (BMD) scans were performed and biochemical markers of bone turnover measured at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. At month 12, with the exception of Gruen zones 4 and 5, patients treated with clodronate showed less bone loss at all zones, reaching statistical significance (P < 0.05) in Gruen zones 2 and 6 (difference of 6.6 and 5.9%, respectively). Analysis of data according to gender revealed sex-related differences in bone loss and efficacy of treatment. After 12 months, the difference in bone loss between treated and untreated women in five out of seven Gruen zones ranged from 6.2 to 13.3% (SS at zones 2 and 6), whereas comparison between treated and untreated men showed no BMD differences in all zones (P > 0.05). Median percent changes in serum levels of markers of bone metabolism by gender were consistent with BMD changes. A 1-year treatment with intramuscular clodronate determined a significant reduction of bone loss after THA. This was mainly attributed to its greater efficacy in the female population, which is at higher risk for bone loss. This observation suggests the need for the characterization of high-risk subjects as potential candidates for prevention strategies.     

Sequential changes in periprosthetic bone mineral density following total hip arthroplasty: a 3-year follow-up

 We sequentially measured the periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur after cementless total hip arthroplasty, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, over a 3-year period. The periprosthetic bone was divided into three regions (proximo-medial, middle, and distal to the prosthetic stem). After the insertion of a fully porous coated stem in 21 patients, the BMD was measured within 3 weeks, and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery. At 6 months, all zones showed a decrease in BMD relative to the BMD within 3 weeks, but subsequently the BMD was unchanged. The lower the BMD within 3 weeks of surgery, or the lower the body weight, the higher the percent loss of BMD at 6 months. Received: September 9, 2002 / Accepted: December 12, 2002 RID="*" ID="*" Offprint requests to: H. Ohta     

Long-term results of bulk femoral head autograft in cementless THA for developmental hip dysplasia

We evaluated the fate of bulk femoral head autograft in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) for developmental hip dysplasia. Of 87 hips (80 patients) studied, 37 hips (32 patients) were available for follow-up at a mean of 18.5 years (range, 15-24 years) postoperatively. The mean age of these 32 patients at the index procedure was 53.8 years (range, 40-65 years). The initial diagnosis was osteoarthritis in all 32 patients. The degree of acetabular dysplasia according to Crowe classification was type I in 18 hips (48.6%), type II in 14 (37.8%), type III in 5 (13.5%). The mean percentage of horizontal coverage of the acetabular components with graft bone was 34% (range, 25%-45%). Trabecular bridging across the graft-host interface was seen at a mean of 4 months (range, 2-6 months) postoperatively. Trabecular reorientation of the grafted bone was seen in all hips at a mean of 27 months (range, 12-36 months) postoperatively. There was no evidence of collapse and bony resorption of the grafted bone in the weight-bearing portion. Acetabular component fixation was stable in all hips at final follow-up. Of the 37 hips (32 patients), 2 acetabular components required revision: 1 for a late postoperative deep infection and 1 for dissociation of the polyethylene liner. The survival rate was 94.5% (95% confidence interval, 91.3-96.5) for the acetabular component at 18.5 years of follow-up. This study found that bulk femoral head autograft in cementless THA for developmental hip dysplasia produces excellent long-term results.     

Changes in tibial bone mass after primary cementless and revision cementless total hip arthroplasty in canine models

The purpose of this study was to examine right-left differences in tibial bone mass after unilateral (left) cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). Of 39 dogs with THAs, 9 had primary cementless porous-coated femoral stems for 6 months and 15 had similar stems for 2 years. Five dogs had aseptically failed cemented hips, and 10 had aseptically failed cemented hips that were revised with cementless porous-coated femoral stems (5 without bone graft and 5 with autogenous bone graft). These animals were sacrificed 6 months after the revision surgery. The primary cementless dogs showed no right-left difference in tibial bone mineral content (BMC) or cortical bone cross-sectional geometry after 6 months, but after 2 years there was a distal right-left difference in BMC of 6% caused by expansion of the medullary canal in the tibia of the operated limb. Tibial BMC was more than 20% lower in the operated limb of the failed cemented dogs, approximately 15% lower in the nongrafted group, and 7% lower in the grafted group. The right-left tibial difference in BMC in the 2-year primary cementless group is most probably because of subclinical disuse of the operated limb. Among the dogs with failed cemented stems, the lower right-left difference in the two revised groups compared with the non-revised group suggests that improved limb function after cementless revision THA may cause gain of previously lost bone.     

Preservation of the bone mineral density of the femur after surface replacement of the hip

We investigated the effect of the Birmingham hip resurfacing (BHR) arthroplasty on the bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur. A comparative study was carried out on 26 hips in 25 patients. Group A consisted of 13 patients (13 hips) who had undergone resurfacing hip arthroplasty with the BHR system and group B of 12 patients (13 hips) who had had cementless total hip arthroplasty with a proximal circumferential plasma-spray titanium-coated anatomic Ti6A14V stem. Patients were matched for gender, state of disease and age at the time of surgery. The periprosthetic BMD of the femur was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiomentry of the Gruen zones at two years in patients in groups A and B. The median values of the BMD in zones 1 and 7 were 99% and 111%, respectively. The post-operative loss of the BMD in the proximal femur was significantly greater in group B than in group A. These findings show that the BHR system preserves the bone stock of the proximal femur after surgery.     

Measurement of periprosthetic bone mineral density by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is useful for estimating fixation between the bone and the prosthesis in an early stage.

Periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in 37 hips after cementless hip arthroplasty. Changes in BMD were evaluated longitudinally from 1 to 36 months. Stem fixation was evaluated at 5 years after surgery and was classified into a stable fixation group (30 hips) and an unstable fixation group (7 hips). On plain radiographs, distinct reactive lines around the proximal stem were detected at an average of 35 months after surgery in the unstable fixation group. In the unstable fixation group, the BMD decrease in the calcar region peaked 6 months after surgery, and BMD increased thereafter. In the stable fixation group, BMD continued to decrease until 36 months after surgery; a significant difference was observed between the 2 groups 24 months after surgery. Measurement of periprosthetic BMD is useful for estimating fixation between the bone and the prosthesis in an early stage.     

Effects of cyclical etidronate with alfacalcidol on lumbar bone mineral density,bone resorption,and back pain in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

The purpose of the present open-labeled, randomized, prospective study was to compare the effects of cyclical etidronate combined with alfacalcidol with those of cyclical etidronate alone on lumbar bone mineral density (BMD), bone resorption, and back pain in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Forty postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, 60–86 years of age, without any vertebral fractures in the lumbar spine, were randomly divided into two groups with 20 patients in each group. One group was treated with cyclical etidronate (oral etidronate 200mg daily for 2 weeks every 3 months) and the other was given cyclical etidronate combined with alfacalcidol (cyclical etidronate plus alfacalcidol 1Ìg daily continuously). The BMD of the lumbar spine (L1–L4) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, urinary crosslinked N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX) measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and back pain evaluated by the face scale score were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics including age, body mass index, years since menopause, lumbar BMD, urinary NTX level, and face scale score between the two treatment groups. Both treatments significantly reduced the urinary NTX level and back pain. Cyclical etidronate combined with alfacalcidol significantly increased the lumbar BMD with a more significant reduction in the urinary NTX level than cyclical etidronate alone, but cyclical etidronate alone did not significantly increase the lumbar BMD. Alleviation of back pain was similar in the two groups. These results suggest that cyclical etidronate combined with alfacalcidol appears to be more useful than cyclical etidronate alone for increasing the lumbar BMD by more markedly suppressing bone resorption in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.     

Preparation of the femoral bone cavity in cementless stems: broaching versus compaction

Background and purpose — Short-term experimental studies have confirmed that there is superior fixation of cementless implants inserted with compaction compared to broaching of the cancellous bone.

Patients and methods — 1-stage, bilateral primary THA was performed in 28 patients between May 2001 and September 2007. The patients were randomized to femoral bone preparation with broaching on 1 side and compaction on the other side. 8 patients declined to attend the postoperative follow-up, leaving 20 patients (13 male) with a mean age of 58 (36–70) years for evaluation. The patients were followed with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) at baseline, at 6 and 12 weeks, and at 1, 2, and 5 years, and measurements of periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) at baseline and at 1, 2, and 5 years. The subjective part of the Harris hip score (HHS) and details of complications throughout the observation period were obtained at a mean interval of 6.3 (3.0–9.5) years after surgery.

Results — Femoral stems in the compaction group had a higher degree of medio-lateral migration (0.21?mm, 95% CI: 0.03–0.40) than femoral stems in the broaching group at 5 years (p = 0.02). No other significant differences in translations or rotations were found between the 2 surgical techniques at 2 years (p > 0.4) and 5 years (p > 0.7) postoperatively. There were no individual stems with continuous migration. Periprosthetic BMD in the 7 Gruen zones was similar at 2 years and at 5 years. Intraoperative femoral fractures occurred in 2 of 20 compacted hips, but there were none in the 20 broached hips. The HHS and dislocations were similar in the 2 groups at 6.3 (3.0–9.5) years after surgery.

Interpretation — Bone compaction as a surgical technique with the Bi-Metric stem did not show the superior outcomes expected compared to conventional broaching. Furthermore, 2 periprosthetic fractures occurred using the compaction technique, so we cannot recommend compaction for insertion of the cementless Bi-Metric stem.     

Periprosthetic bone mineral density changes with femoral components of differing design philosophy

We measured the bone mineral density in 22 patients with the cylindrical stemmed cobalt-chrome AML prosthesis (collared) and in 22 patients with the tapered stem titanium CLS prosthesis (collarless). DEXA scanning was undertaken at a mean of 40 months in the AML and 52 months in the CLS group from the time of implant insertion. In both groups the greatest mean loss of BMD was found in Gruen zone 7 and the least change in Gruen zone 5. In all zones the BMD loss was greater in the AML group but only statistically significant in zones 6 (P<0.05) and 7 (P<0.01). Although numerous factors affect BMD changes around cementless implants, this study suggests that less bone loss can be associated with the titanium CLS stem.