Bone mineral density changes after total knee arthroplasty: one-year follow-up

J Clin Densitom. 2008 Jul-Sep;11(3):345-50. doi: 10.1016/j.jocd.2008.04.007. Epub 2008 Jul 10.

Abstract

The study involved analysis of differences in bone mineral density (BMD) in the region of knee arthroplasty in 106 female patients. BMD was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in a follow-up time schedule: before surgery and 2 weeks postoperatively (baseline), 5, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after knee joint arthroplasty. Four assessment regions A, B, C, and D were determined in immediate proximity to the arthroplasty site. A year after surgery, a decrease in BMD was observed in all determined regions-(9.9%, 13.8%, 9.9%, and 7.6% respectively) in comparison with the baseline value. The most significant BMD decrease was observed in the period between 5 and 12 weeks after the knee joint arthroplasty. In our opinion, the decrease in BMD at the knee joint arthroplasty site is a result of the postoperative increased bone resorption and decreased patient motor activity.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee*
  • Bone Density / physiology*
  • Bone Remodeling / physiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Postmenopause