Bone density of the femoral neck following Birmingham hip resurfacing.
BACKGROUND
Resurfacing is a popular alternative to a standard hip replacement in young arthritic patients. Despite bone preservation around the femoral component, there is little information regarding the bone quality.


METHODS
32 patients underwent consecutive Birmingham hip resurfacing. The bone density of the femoral neck was measured preoperatively and then at 6 weeks, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years. The femoral neck was divided into regions of interest. Results were available for 27 hips in 26 patients.


RESULTS
The overall femoral neck bone density showed a trend towards a decrease at 6 weeks and 3 months but returned to the preoperative level at 1 year, and was maintained at 2 years. The combined superior regions of the neck showed a statistically significant decrease in bone density at 6 weeks and 3 months. This returned to preoperative levels at 1 year and was maintained at 2 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Bone density appears to decrease at 6 weeks and 3 months, suggesting that care is necessary until bone density begins to recover.
Cooke
Nick J
NJ
North Tees and Hartlepool Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. nickjcooke@hotmail.com
Rodgers
Lauren
L
Rawlings
David
D
McCaskie
Andrew W
AW
Holland
James P
JP
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D015519:Bone Density; D005260:Female; D005272:Femur Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D057234:Preoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013997:Time Factors