Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) changes around a cementless short tapered-wedge stem and determine correlations between BMD changes and various clinical factors, including daily activity, after total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a short tapered-wedge stem. Methods. The study included 65 patients (65 joints) who underwent THA with a TriLock stem. At baseline, and 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively, BMDs of the seven Gruen zones were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Correlations were determined between BMD changes and clinical factors, including the Harris hip score, body mass index, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity rating score, age at surgery, and initial lumbar BMD. Results. Minimal BMD changes were noted in the distal femur (Gruen zones 3, 4, and 5). However, significant BMD loss was noted in zone 7 at each time point. BMD loss was also noted in zone 1 at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, but BMD recovered after 18 months. Significant positive correlations were noted between BMD changes and the UCLA activity rating score in zones 1, 6, and 7. Additionally, negative correlations were noted between BMD changes and initial spine BMD in zones 2 and 3. Table legends. Table 1 Background of the patients. Table 2 Bone mineral density changes (%) at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively in the seven Gruen zones. Columns represent mean ± standard deviation. ※indicates P < 0.05 compared with baseline bone mineral density. Table 3 Correlations between periprosthetic bone mineral density changes and clinical factors (the Harris hip score, body mass index, University of California at Los Angeles activity rating score, age at surgery, and initial lumbar bone mineral density) in the seven Gruen zones at 24 months postoperatively. Correlation coefficients and P-values are presented. Boldface indicates P < 0.05. Conclusion. Periprosthetic BMD was maintained in the proximal femur, especially Gruen zone 1, with a short tapered stem. Daily activity may reflect improvements in periprosthetic bone quality after THA with a short tapered stem; however, this stem is not recommended in patients with low bone quality. To view tables, please contact authors directly

Purpose. The study aim was to assess how the periprosthetic bone density of the MiniHip™ changed in the course of the first year. Is there a correlation between the decrease in bone density with CCD angle or stem size? Are there other variables influencing the changes in bone density?. Material and Methods. 62 patients aged 25–78 years (34 women, 28 men) were implanted with a MiniHip total hip replacement during 2011 and 2012 through an anterolateral minimally invasive (ALMI) approach. Pre-operative diagnosis was osteoarthritis in 49 patients, dysplasia in 7, femoral necrosis in 4 and femoral neck fracture in 2 cases. As a primary variable the periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) was measured postoperatively within the first 2 weeks as a baseline measurement. Follow-up measurements were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was conducted to show any differences. Results. There is an initial post-operative loss of BMD in the first 3 months due to surgery and inactivity, with a significant decrease in the periprosthetic BMD proximally in Gruen Zones 1 (10.05%), 2 (12.37%) and 7 (10.05%) and distally in Gruen Zone 4 (6.9%). The density in the remaining Gruen regions also decreased but was not significant. In the following 3 months, the decrease in this Gruen regions continues without being significant. But after 6 months the bone mineral density shows a regeneration. At 12 months compared with the 6 months results there is an increase in BMD in Gruen Zones 1 (5.09%) and 7 (2.82%), also an increase in Gruen Zone 3 (1.75%) and 4 (1.78%) [Fig. 1]. A significant correlation between stem size and proximally bone loss in Gruen zones 1 & 7 was seen. In Gruen zone 1, there is also a correlation between bone loss and femoral neck angle, whereas this correlation was not significant in Gruen zone 7, but showing the same tendency. The analysis of covariables showed no dependencies of the results to sex, diagnosis or bearing surfaces. Conclusion. The MiniHip shows a loss of bone mineral density immediately post-operatively. After the initial decrease there was an increase especially in the proximal Gruen zones 1 and 7. Compared to other cementless short stems there was a lower bone density decrease [Fig. 2]. MiniHip™ loads the proximal femur in a more physiological way, which may preserve more bone in zones 1 and 7

Purpose. Use of a large femoral head metal-on-metal bearing in total hip arthroplasty may offer an advantage in terms of dislocation rates and more natural joint kinematics. The acetabular component is more rigid however in these prostheses and if not placed accurately can lead to increased levels of metal ion release. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to quantify bone mineral density on the acetabular side, as well as compare metal ion levels from a standard metal-on-polyethylene bearing to a large head metal-on-metal bearing in primary total hip arthroplasty. Method. Fifty patients were randomized to receive total hip arthroplasty with either the CONSERVE A-Class Total Hip with BFH femoral head or the Lineage acetabular component with polyethylene insert and cobalt chrome femoral head. There were 27 females (11 BFH) and 23 males (14 BFH), with a mean overall age of 61.6 (range 47.7–73.2). Serum levels of cobalt, chromium, and titanium were measured at regular intervals up to two years. Harris Hip Score, WOMAC, UCLA, and RAND-36 were completed at these same intervals. Standard radiographs as well as periprosthetic BMD were performed. Results. Bone mineral density in acetabular zones II, III, and IV was greater in the BFH group compared with the metal on poly group (p= 0.030, 0.046, and 0.019 respectively). Serum levels of cobalt (2.31 microg/mL vs 0.23 microg/mL, p=<0.001) and chromium (1.53 microg/mL vs 0.21 microg/mL, p=<0.001) were statistically higher in the BFH group compared with the metal-on-polyethylene group at one year post-op. There was no significant difference in serum titanium levels between groups. Conclusion. At short term follow up the load transfer to the acetabular bony bed differed between the two groups, with the more rigid shells demonstrating increased BMD in certain zones when compared with metal on poly. Serum levels of certain ions were 7–15 fold higher in the metal-on-metal large femoral head design compared with a standard metal-on-polyethylene. We await results on any clinical differences in performance and complications in this group of patients. Systemic implications of these ion levels are not known and further study is warranted