International orthopaedics
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The aim of this prospective study was to measure bone density changes and to assess adaptive bone remodelling after uncemented total hip arthroplasty with a taper-design femoral component using quantitative computer-tomography-assisted osteodensitometry. This method is able to differentiate cortical and cancellous bone structures. Twenty-seven consecutive patients (29 hips) with degenerative joint disease were enrolled in the study. ⋯ We observed small changes of cortical bone density in the diaphyseal regions; in contrast, cancellous bone density increased (range 6% to 27%) in the diaphyseal regions. Overall, a trend of bone density recovery was observed throughout the follow-up period. Periprosthetic bone density changes at the 2-year follow-up are suggestive of stable osteointegration with proximal femoral diaphysis load transfer and moderate metaphyseal stress-shielding.