Calcar resorption after total hip arthroplasty.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Radiology

Background:

• Calcar resorption is a frequent complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA).
• It can complicate revision surgeries for failed hip arthroplasties.
• Understanding factors influencing calcar resorption is crucial for improving THA outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors associated with calcar resorption after primary total hip arthroplasty.
• To identify surgical techniques that may mitigate calcar resorption incidence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of radiographs and patient data from 129 primary THA cases.
• Analysis of factors including calcar-collar contact, cementation, femoral component positioning, and patient demographics.
• Assessment of outcomes at 5 years post-surgery.

Main Results:

• The incidence of calcar resorption was 21% at 5 years.
• Positive calcar-collar contact, sufficient medullary canal cementation, and neutral/valgus femoral component positioning reduced resorption.
• Acetabular component loosening was more frequent in patients with calcar resorption.
• Middle-aged men were more susceptible to calcar resorption.

Conclusions:

• Calcar resorption is significantly influenced by surgical technique in total hip arthroplasty.
• Recommendations include optimizing femoral component positioning (neutral/valgus), ensuring positive calcar-collar contact, and improving cementation techniques.
• Addressing these factors may reduce calcar resorption and improve long-term THA success.