Stem anteversion affects periprosthetic bone mineral density after total hip arthroplasty

Bone mineral density around cementless short stems after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: changes over time and its relationship to stem positioning

Background

There are numerous reports of bone adaptation observed on plain radiography studies after the use of cementless short stems in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. However, reports on changes in bone mineral density (BMD) around the stem using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) are prominently absent. In the present study, we measured BMD around the stem using DEXA and investigated changes over time from postoperative year 1 to year 2. Additionally, the relationship between BMD changes, filling ratio, and stem alignment was examined.

Methods

Forty-seven patients with short cementless stems who could be assessed via DEXA at 1-2 years postoperatively were included. After dividing the zones around the stem into 5, the BMD in each zone was measured, in addition to BMD changes and amount of change from postoperative year 1 to year 2. The relationship between filling ratio and stem alignment on postoperative plain radiography was assessed.

Results

A significant decrease in BMD in zone 3 was observed between postoperative year 1 and year 2 (P = .02). Regarding filling ratio and stem alignment, a negative correlation between valgus stem alignment and BMD change observed in zone 1 (r = -0.470, P < .01). In addition, stem valgus greater than 6° correlated with a significant decrease in BMD in zone 1. (P = .01). No significant differences were found in the other zones. Furthermore, there was no correlation between filling ratio and BMD change.

Conclusion

In reverse shoulder arthroplasty cementless short stems, changes that that occurred between postoperative year 1 to year 2 demonstrated a decrease in BMD in zone 3. In addition, a decrease in BMD in zone 1 was observed with a stem alignment of valgus 6° or higher, suggesting that stem alignment within valgus 6° is required to prevent a decrease in BMD.

Stem alignment with short tapered-wedge cementless stems affects bone mineral density continuously for at least 5 years after primary total hip arthroplasty

AIM

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the three-dimensional (3D) alignment of short tapered-wedge cementless stems and bone mineral density (BMD) changes in patients followed up for 5 years after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the hips of 52 patients who underwent THA using short tapered-wedge cementless stems at our institution from 2013 to 2016 with complete 5-year follow-up data. We evaluated the relationship between stem alignment, measured using a 3D-templating software, and BMD changes in the 7 Gruen zones.

RESULTS

After 1 year, significant negative correlations between varus insertion and a decrease in BMD in zone 7 and between flexed insertion and decreases in BMD in zones 3 and 4 were noted. After 5 years, significant negative correlations between varus insertion and a decrease in BMD in zone 7 and between flexed insertion and decreases in BMD zones 2, 3, and 4 were observed. With increased amounts of varus/flexion stem alignment, the amount of BMD loss decreased. There was no correlation between anteverted stem insertion and changes in BMD levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that stem alignment affects BMD based on 5-year follow-up data after surgery. Careful observation is necessary, especially when using short tapered-wedge cementless stems, as stem alignment may affect changes in BMD levels more than 5 years after surgery.

Rectangular tapered short stem excellently preserves proximal bone mineral density preservation than tapered wedge short stem

Fitmore stem is a rectangular, tapered, short, cementless stem. A characteristic feature of this stem is that it provides rotational stability due to the high medullary occupancy achieved by its rectangular cross-section and thick antero- posterior width. We aimed to investigate the differences in periprosthetic bone remodelling between a rectangular- tapered short stem and a short tapered-wedge stem. Eighty patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty using a rectangular-tapered short stem (Fitmore) or a short tapered-wedge stem (Tri-Lock BPS) were enrolled in this study. Bone mineral densities (BMDs) in the seven Gruen zones were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline, and at 6 and 24 months postoperatively. Peri-prosthetic BMD and clinical factors were assessed and compared. In addition, correlations between periprosthetic BMD changes and stem anteversion error were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient in the two groups. A significantly better postoperative periprosthetic BMD change was found in zones 1 and 7 in the rectangular-tapered group. Additionally, no significant correlation was observed between stem anteversion error and periprosthetic BMD changes in the rectangular-tapered groups. However, in the tapered-wedge group, there were significant negative correlations between the stem anteversion error and BMD changes at 6 months and 24 months in zones 1 and 7. In the rectangular-tapered group, a significantly better postoperative periprosthetic BMD change was found particularly in the region proximal to the stem. Rectangular-tapered short stem can be more resistant to rotation due to higher medullary occupancy and may lead to better periprosthetic BMD than the tapered-wedge short stem, especially in the proximal region of the stem.

Fully hydroxyapatite-coated compaction broached and triple-tapered stem may reduce the risk of stress shielding after primary total hip arthroplasty

PURPOSE

Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) around the fully hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated compaction broached and triple-tapered stem, namely, Polarstem, after total hip arthroplasty (THA) are currently unknown. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate clinical outcomes of Polarstem, mainly postoperative temporal changes in BMD around the stem for 2 years, and to compare them with those of HA-coated and non-HA-coated tapered-wedge stems.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study enrolled 100 consecutive patients who underwent THA using Polarstem (n = 38), HA-coated Anthology (n = 31), and non-HA-coated Anthology (n = 31). BMD was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in seven regions according to the Gruen zones. Postoperatively, BMD around the stem was assessed within 2 months (baseline BMD) and at 6, 12, and 24 months. A change in BMD was defined as the value calculated by dividing each postoperative BMD value at 6, 12, and 24 months by the baseline BMD value. Changes in BMD and radiographic parameters such as stress shielding and spot welds were compared among the three stems.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of stress shielding in the Polarstem group was significantly lower than those in the other two groups (p = 0.007). The change in BMD in Zone 7 of Polarstem was significantly more than that of the other two groups at 12 and 24 months postoperatively (p = 0.030 and p = 0.009, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Polarstem, a fully HA-coated compaction broached and triple-tapered stem, maintained BMD around the femoral calcar until 2 years postoperatively and could reduce the risk of stress shielding compared with tapered-wedge stems.

The influence of stem alignment on the bone mineral density around the Polarstem following total hip arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Bone mineral density is important in detecting implant loosening after total hip arthroplasty. The Polarstem can improve postoperative bone mineral density changes, but no information exists on the influence of postoperative stem alignment. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between bone mineral density change and stem alignment following total hip arthroplasty using a cementless Polarstem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 42 patients (50 hips) who underwent total hip arthroplasty using a cementless Polarstem. Bone mineral density around the stem was measured according to the established Gruen zone classification using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Measurements were performed 2 months postoperatively (baseline) and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. Bone mineral density changes at each follow-up were calculated as (bone mineral density at follow-up/at 2 weeks) × 100 (%). The stem varus, anterior tilt, and anteversion angles were measured using computed tomography. The correlation coefficient between bone mineral density changes and stem alignment were investigated.

RESULTS

The 24-month postoperative bone mineral density increased in zones 4 (106.0%) and 5 (107.3%) and decreased in zones 1 (89.6%) and 7 (90.6%). The mean stem varus angle, anterior tilt, and anteversion error were - 0.3° ± 1.8°, 1.9° ± 2.2°, and 6.8° ± 5.4°. Negative correlations were observed between the stem varus angle and 24-month postoperative bone mineral density change in zone 1 (r = - 0.34, p = 0.02), and the stem anteversion error and 24-month postoperative bone mineral density change in zone 1 (r = - 0.48, p < 0.01) and zone 7 (r = - 0.31, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The cementless Polarstem may have a positive effect on postoperative bone mineral density in the distal femur. However, varus malalignment and anteversion error of the stem could have a negative influence on the bone mineral density changes in the proximal femur.

Short-term success of proximal bone stock preservation in short hip stems: a systematic review of the literature

Total hip arthroplasty is performed more frequently in younger patients nowadays, making long-term bone stock preservation an important topic. A mechanism for late implant failure is periprosthetic bone loss, caused by stress shielding around the hip stem due to different load distribution. Short stems are designed to keep the physical loading in the proximal part of the femur to reduce stress shielding. The aim of this review is to give more insight into how short and anatomic stems behave and whether they succeed in preservation of proximal bone stock.

A systematic literature search was performed to find all published studies on bone mineral density in short and anatomic hip stems. Results on periprosthetic femoral bone mineral density, measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), were compiled and analysed per Gruen zone in percentual change.

A total of 29 studies were included. In short stems, Gruen 1 showed bone loss of 5% after one year (n = 855) and 5% after two years (n = 266). Gruen 7 showed bone loss of 10% after one year and –11% after two years. In anatomic stems, Gruen 1 showed bone loss of 8% after one year (n = 731) and 11% after two years (n = 227). Gruen 7 showed bone loss of 14% after one year and 15% after two years.

Short stems are capable of preserving proximal bone stock and have slightly less proximal bone loss in the first years, compared to anatomic stems.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:1040-1051. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210030

Factors Affecting Periprosthetic Bone Loss after Hip Arthroplasty

Periprosthetic bone loss may lead to major complications in hip arthroplasty, including aseptic loosening, implant migration, and even periprosthetic fracture. Such a complication leads to revision surgeries, which are expensive, technically demanding, and result in a low satisfaction rate. Therefore, a study was conducted of the factors affecting the periprosthetic bone loss around the stem that caused these complications. Factors influencing periprosthetic bone loss include demographic factors such as age, sex, obesity, smoking, and comorbidity including diabetes and osteoporosis. The implant design and fixation method are also factors that are determined before surgery. In addition, there are surgical factors, such as surgical approach and surgical technique, and we wish to investigate the factors affecting periprosthetic bone loss around the stem by comparing the effects of postoperative rehabilitation protocols and osteoporosis drugs.

Preoperative factors predicting the severity of BMD loss around the implant after Total hip Arthroplasty

Background

Stress shielding after total hip arthroplasty (THA) leads to loss of bone mineral density (BMD) around the femoral implants, particularly in the proximal area. Loss of BMD around the implant is likely to occur within 1 year after THA; however, its severity depends on patient characteristics. This study evaluated preoperative factors correlated with the severity of zone 7 BMD loss after THA.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 48 patients who underwent primary THA from October 2011 to December 2015. All patients underwent implantation of a Zweymüller-type femoral component without any postoperative osteoporosis medications. The objective variable was a change in zone 7 BMD after 1 year. Factors evaluated included age, body mass index, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, Harris Hip Score, Canal Flare Index (CFI), and lumbar BMD on the frontal and lateral sides. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses identified factors correlated with loss of zone 7 BMD.

Results

Univariate regression analysis identified CFI (P = 0.003) and preoperative lumbar BMD on the anterior-posterior (P = 0.003) and lateral (P < 0.001) sides as being correlated with loss of zone 7 BMD. Multivariate regression analysis identified CFI (P = 0.014) and lumbar BMD on the lateral side (P < 0.001) as being correlated independently with loss of zone 7 BMD.

Conclusion

Lower preoperative lumbar BMD on the lateral side and lower CFI were correlated with zone 7 BMD loss after THA. Patients with these characteristics should be monitored carefully for severe BMD loss after THA.

Influence of different anteversion alignments of a cementless hip stem on primary stability and strain distribution

BACKGROUND

Stem anteversion in total hip arthroplasty is well known to have a high impact on dislocation, but empirical data regarding the clinical and biomechanical influence is lacking. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of different anteversion alignments on the primary stability and strain distribution of a cementless stem.

METHODS

The cementless CLS Spotorno stem was implanted in 3 different groups (each group n = 6, total n = 21) with different anteversion alignments: reference anteversion (8°), +15° torsion in anteversion (+23°), -15° torsion in retroversion (-7°) using composite femurs (Sawbones). Primary stability was determined by 3-dimensional micromotions using a dynamic loading procedure simulating walking on level ground. Additionally, surface strains were registered before and after stem insertion in the 3 different groups, using one composite femur for each group (total n = 3).

FINDINGS

The micromotion measurements did not show a significant difference between the 3 evaluated alignments. Moreover, determination of the strain distribution did also not reveal an obvious difference.

INTERPRETATION

This biomechanical study simulating walking on level ground indicates that there is no considerable influence of stem ante-/retroversion variation (±15°) on the initial stability and strain distribution when evaluating the cementless CLS Spotorno in composite femora.

Adaptive Bone Remodeling With New Design of the ABG Stem. Densitometric Study

To establish the pattern of bone remodeling caused by a cementless, anatomic implant, we intend to evaluate the changes in bone mineral density observed after surgery in the Gruen zones. A controlled, prospective study was carried out, in which a group of 37 patients with primary coxarthrosis were densitrometrically analyzed over the 1 year period following the implant of an ANATO stem (Stryker). The patient's healthy hip was taken as the control. Any differences in the remodeling pattern were compared according to age, body mass index, and implant size. Decreases in bone mineral density were observed after 3 months in all of the zones studied. However, this bone mineral density loss was recovered in all zones by the end of the study, except in zone 7 where a decrease of 7.2% in bone mass was observed. In zones 2 and 6, where more loads are transmitted, bone mass preservation, in accordance with Wolff's law, can be seen. No differences were found in the remodeling pattern in relation to age and body mass index. There were also no differences related to stem size except in zones 1 and 7. The ANATO stem achieves an efficient transmission of loads between the stem and the proximal femur, providing enough mechanical loads for bone preservation. It is only in zone 7 where significant bone atrophy can be observed, attributable to the damage that this area suffers during the surgical process and the subsequent stress-shielding caused by the implant design.

The effect of flexion alignment in total hip arthroplasty with a cementless tapered-wedge femoral stem

INTRODUCTION

The influence of stem sagittal alignment on clinical outcomes is unclear in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between stem sagittal alignment and clinical and radiographic outcomes using 3D-CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed 370 consecutive primary THAs between 2009 and 2013. After exclusion, 102 hips in 89 patients using single tapered-wedge stem were included. Mean follow-up was 4.7 years. Stem sagittal alignment was measured using CT, and patients were divided into flexion and neutral alignment groups. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared between two groups. Furthermore, we evaluated the anterior femoral offset and initial contact state.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in clinical or radiographic outcomes between two groups. CT data analysis and multiple regression analysis showed flexion alignment increased anterior femoral offset (AFO) and Gruen zone 4 contact area.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in clinical or radiographic outcomes between flexion and neutral alignment of the tapered-wedge stem at an average of 4.7 years of follow-up. The increase of AFO and distal contact area in flexion alignment could affect the improvement of impingement-free range of flexion and intraoperative fracture.

Stem anteversion mismatch to the anatomical anteversion causes loss of periprosthetic bone density after THA

The short tapered-wedge stem is popular worldwide because it potentially preserves more bone stock during total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, stem version mismatch may affect physiological stress distribution. In this study, we analyzed the correlations between periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) changes and anteversion mismatch in patients who underwent THA using a short tapered-wedge stem. The study included 44 patients (44 joints) who underwent THA with a Tri-Lock stem. At baseline and at 6 and 24 months postoperatively, the BMDs in the seven Gruen zones were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. BMD changes and stem alignment, that is, anteversion and stem anteversion mismatch to the anatomical canal anteversion, were analyzed. Significant negative correlations were found between BMD changes and absolute anteversion error in Gruen zones 1 and 7 at 6 and 24 months postoperatively (zone 1, 6M; RR= -0.48, p < 0.001) (zone 7, 6M; RR= -0.46, p = 0.002) (zone 1, 24M; RR= -0.47, p = 0.001) (zone 7, 24M; RR= -0.40, p = 0.007). We further demonstrated that excessive stem anteversion mismatch to the anatomical canal anteversion causes stem point contact with the cortical bone in the distal portion and affected proximal periprosthetic BMD loss after THA. We recommend that the native anatomical anteversion angle should be used as a reference for inserting the tapered-wedge stems.