Changes in bone mineral density around a stable uncemented total hip arthroplasty

Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) around the components of the Zweymueller total hip arthroplasty were measured, using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, in 36 women who were operated on for primary osteoarthritis. Seven regions of interest were studied. No changes occurred around the screw socket and the greater trochanter: but there was a significant reduction of BMD, only when measured immediately after the operation at the lesser trochanter and at the distal femoral cortex lateral and medial to the tip of the stem. These changes were not related to the age of the patients. The reduction of BMD in the femur was mostly associated with areas where bone had been removed at operation. The press-fit fixation of the Zweymueller stem and the maintenance of its fixation with time did not induce further bone turnover around it. The absence of changes in bone mineral density was due to the relatively small amount of subchondral removed and to the continued stable fixation of the socket.