Changes in bone mineral density of the distal femur following uncemented total knee arthroplasty
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Published on: December 7, 2011
M M Petersen1, C Olsen, J B Lauritzen
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery U, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to quantitate changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in the distal femur following uncemented porous-coated total knee arthroplasty. Eight patients with total knee arthroplasties (PCA Primary, Howmedica, Rutherford, NJ) (female:male ratio, 6:2; mean age, 70 years; range, 51-77 years) were scanned by dual-photon absorptiometry within 3 months after surgery and at 2 years. An average decrease of 36% (P = .01) was found in BMD behind the anterior flange of the femoral prosthesis. Proximal to the fixation pegs, BMD increased by 22% (P = .12), but behind the posterior flange of the femoral component, BMD remained unchanged (P = .53). Stress shielding anteriorly in the distal femur occurred in all patients examined 2 years after surgery, and the increase in BMD proximal to the fixation pegs was probably a result of increased and altered mechanical loading.
