Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) around the cemented Exeter stem: a prospective study in 18 women with 5 years...

THA changes the pattern of strain distribution in the proximal femur. We quantified the changes in BMD for 5 years after insertion of the cemented Exeter stem in women.

18 women aged 55-79 years, undergoing unilateral THA with the cemented Exeter stem, were included in the study. The BMD was measured in 7 femoral regions of interest according to Gruen, and the contralateral hip and spine using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry postoperatively, at 18 and at 60 months of follow-up. Results were tested using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test.

During the first 18 months, a significant decrease in BMD was seen in zones 2, 3, 6, and 7. No significant changes were seen in zones 4 and 5, in the contralateral hip, or at the spine. In zone 1, there was a small but significant rise in BMD. From 18 to 60 months, we observed a statistically significant rise in BMD in all zones except 4 and 7. Despite this, the total periprosthetic BMD decreased during the follow-up relative to the immediate postoperative situation. There was no significant reduction in BMD in the contralateral hip. In the spine, we observed a significant rise in BMD.

18 months after THA, BMD had decreased in Gruen zones 2, 3, 6, and 7. The bone loss was similar to that seen after other implants and appears to be related to the changes in stress pattern within the proximal femur. At 5 years, BMD had increased again in these zones. It remained lower than baseline, however.