Denosumab might prevent periprosthetic bone loss after total hip and knee arthroplasties: a review

Total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty are extensively used for the treatment of the end-stage degenerative joint diseases. Currently, periprosthetic bone loss is still the major cause of aseptic loosening, resulting in implant failures. Previous literature introduced some widely accepted protocols for the prevention and treatment of periprosthetic bone loss, but no guideline has been proposed. Denosumab, a human monoclonal immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) antibody, can inhibit bone resorption by binding to the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). This article reviews the present findings and evidence concerning the effect of denosumab on the periprosthetic bone loss after total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Overall, the current evidence suggests that denosumab is a promising agent for the treatment of periprosthetic bone loss.