Changes of the bone mineral density in proximal femur following total hip resurfacing arthroplasty in osteonecrosis of femoral head

Total hip resurfacing arthroplasty (THRA) is being performed with increasing frequency for osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH). To evaluate femoral bone remodeling in ONFH after THRA and determine the impact of stem-neck angle (SNA) of inserted femoral component on bone remodeling, we monitored the changes in BMD in proximal femur in 23 patients with ONFH after surgery. Patients were divided into group A (SNA ≥ 5°) and group B (SNA < 5°). The BMD was measured in seven Gruen zones and two neck zones using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry preoperatively, then at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. At all ROIs, the BMD decreased significantly by 3 months postoperatively. The BMD ceased to decrease and reversed by 6 months. The BMD in neck increased significantly in group A, compared with group B at 24 months. The BMD increased 2% at ROI1 at 24 months in both groups, and at ROI7, the BMD in group A reversed to baseline value by 6 months and increased 5.81% at 24 months. These findings implied that the bone stock of proximal femur in ONFH can be well reserved after total hip resurfacing arthroplasty with valgus positioning of the femoral component. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:453–459, 2008