Advances in the performance and longevity of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have been enabled by related progress in implant materials, device designs, and surgical techniques. Successful TJA also depends upon adequate bone quality to provide an enduring mechanical foundation. Bone quality can be defined as the ability to repetitively withstand physiologically-relevant loads without excess deformation or fracture. It is now recognized that bone quality encompasses more than just material quantity, i.e. densitometrically-measured bone mass. Bone quality is also determined by: material composition and arrangement, cortical and cancellous structure, and extent of microdamage. These properties, together with the appropriate mass, confer bone with the biomechanical competence needed to meet the repetitive load-bearing demands imposed by total joint implants. The need for TJA continues to increase in the aging global baby-boomer population. Unfortunately, this group is also experiencing increases in related comorbidities including: osteoporosis, kidney dysfunction, and diabetes, among others. Collectively these three comorbidities afflict more than 74 million Americans, and each is increasing at 2–8% annually. More importantly, each of these comorbidities negatively affects bone quality through alterations in bone turnover independent of bone mass changes commonly associated with these diseases. Specifically, alterations in bone turnover result in abnormal mineral-to-matrix ratios as measured by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy (Fig. 1) and altered Young's moduli (shape-independent resistance to deformation) as measured by nanoindentation (Fig. 2). These parameters are related to bones' fracture toughness and load-bearing capabilities, respectively. Also, low bone turnover is associated with mechanically important structural changes, i.e., decreased trabecular thickness (Fig. 3), cortical thickness and cancellous volume. Furthermore, low bone turnover may result in reducing the repair rate of physiologically – induced bone microdamage. This may lead to increases in the number or length of bone cracks, crack coalescence, and ultimately reduced energy needed for fracture. Therefore, patients needing TJA who also have comorbidities associated with abnormal bone quality are at risk for inferior arthroplasty results. Recognition and treatment of the TJA-relevant biomechanical implications of these comorbidities may help improve outcomes

There is an established link between bone quality and fracture risk. It has been suggested that reduced bone quality will also reduce the toughening mechanisms displayed during loading at a high strain rate. We hypothesised that partially decalcified bone will not demonstrate an increase in force required to cause failure when comparing low and high strain rate loading. Mechanical properties were defined by the maximum force at failure. Bone quality was defined by the mineral content. This was altered by subjecting the bones to ultrasonically assisted decalcification in 10M EDTA to achieve an average 18% mineral reduction (A 70 yr old woman has approx 18% of her peak bone mass). 20 pairs of sheep femurs were harvested and split into four equal groups: normal bone quality, fast strain rate (NF); normal bone quality, slow strain rate (NS); low bone quality, fast strain rate (LF) and low bone quality, slow strain rate (LS). All mechanical testing was carried out by means of 3-point bending. Load representing the slow strain rate was applied by a mechanical testing machine (Zwick) at a rate resulting in a deflection of 1mm/s. The dynamic loading was applied by a custom designed pneumatic ram at a mean rate of deflection between the specimens of 2983 mm/s (±SD 1155), this equates to strain rates experienced in a road traffic accident. The following results for force at failure were found (mean ± SD). NF: Force 5503N (± 1012); NS: Force 3969N (± 572); LF: Force 3485N (± 772); LS: Force 3165N (± 605). Groups were compared using a Mann-Whitney U test. Significant results were found between the following groups: Normal bone quality, strain rate compared (NF-NS) p<0.002; Fast strain rate, bone quality compared (NF-LF) p=0.008; Slow strain rate, bone quality compared (NS-LS) p=0.02. No statistical significance was found when comparing low bone quality, strain rate compared (LF-LS) p=0.47. These results show that normal healthy bone has an ability to withstand higher strain rates which protects it against fracture. This ability to withstand high strain rates is lost in decalcified bone making it more susceptible to fracture. The results of this study indicate the importance of strain rate reduction as well as energy absorption in the design of hip protectors and in environmental modifications

We matched 78 patients with a loose cemented Charnley Elite Plus total hip replacement (THR) by age, gender, race, prosthesis and time from surgery with 49 patients with a well-fixed stable hip replacement, to determine if poor bone quality predisposes to loosening. Clinical, radiological, biomechanical and bone mineral density indicators of bone quality were assessed. Patients with loose replacements had more pain, were more likely to have presented with atrophic arthritis and to have a history of fragility fracture, narrower femoral cortices and lower peri-prosthetic or lumbar spine bone mineral density (all t-test, p < 0.01). They also tended to be smokers (chi-squared test, p = 0.08). Vitamin-D deficiency was common, but not significantly different between the two groups (t-test, p = 0.31). In this series of cemented hip replacements performed between 1994 and 1998, aseptic loosening was associated with poor bone quality. Patients with a THR should be screened for osteoporosis and have regular radiological surveillance

In cases of poor bone quality intraoperative torque measurement might be an alternative to preoperative dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess bone quality in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). 14 paired fresh frozen human femurs were included for trabecular peak torque measurement. We evaluated an existing intraoperative torque measurement method to assess bone quality and bone strength. We modified the approach to use this method in total hip arthroplasty (THA), which has not been published before. Since there are several approaches used in THA to exposure the hip joint, we decided to prefer the measurement in the femoral head which allows every surgeon to perform this measurement. Here a 6.5 × 23 mm blade was inserted into the proximal femur without harming the lateral cortical bone (figure 1). Further tests of the proximal femur evaluated the results of this new method: DXA, micro-computed tomography (μCT) and biomechanical load tests. Basic statistical analyses and multiple regressions were done. In the femoral head mean trabecular peak torque was 4.38 ± 1.86 Nm. These values showed a strong correlation with the values of the DXA, the μCT and the biomechanical load test. In comparison to the bone mineral density captured by DXA, the results of the intraoperative torque measurement showed a superior correlation with high sensitive bone quality evaluating methods (mechanical load tests and micro-computed tomography). Hence, the use of this intraoperative torque measurement seems to be more accurate in evaluating bone strength and bone quality than DXA during THA. The torque measurement provides sensitive information about the bone strength, which may affect the choice of implant in cases of poor bone stock and osteoporosis. In clinical use the surgeon may alter the prosthesis if the device indicates poor bone quality. Furthermore, we assume that the disadvantages associated with DXA scans like radiation exposure or errors caused by potential extraosteal sclerosis and interindividual soft-tissue artifacts could be excluded

As a part of the European Union BIOMED I study “Assessment of Bone Quality in Osteoporosis,” Sixty-nine second lumbar vertebral body specimens (L2) were obtained post mortem from 32 women and 37 men (age 24–92 years). Our initial remit was to study variations in density of the calcified tissues by quantitative backscattered electron imaging (BSE-SEM). To this end, the para-sagittal bone slices were embedded in PMMA and block surfaces micro-milled and carbon coated. Many samples were re-polished to remove the carbon coat and stained with iodine vapour to permit simultaneous BSE imaging of non-mineralised tissues - especially disc, annulus, cartilage and ligament - uncoated, at 50Pa chamber pressure. We have now studied most of these samples by 30-μm resolution high contrast resolution X-ray microtomography (XMT), typically 72 hours scanning time, thus giving exact correlation between high resolution BSE-SEM and XMT. The 3D XMT data sets were rendered using Drishti software to produce static and movie images for visualisation and edification. We have now selected a set of the female samples for reconstruction by 3D printing - taking as examples the youngest, post-menopausal, oldest, best, worst, and anterior and central compression fractures and anterior collapse with fusion to L3 - which will be attached to the poster display. The most porotic cases were also the most difficult to reconstruct. A surprising proportion of elderly samples showed excellent bone architecture, though with retention of fewer, but more massive, load-bearing trabeculae

Purpose. Stress fractures (SFs) are highly prevalent in female athletes, especially runners (1337%), and result in pain and lost training time. There are numerous risk factors for SFs in athletes; however, the role of bone quality in the etiology of SFs is currently unknown. Therefore, our primary objective was to examine whether there are characteristic differences in bone quality and bone strength in female athletes with lower limb SFs using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). A secondary objective was to compare muscle strength between SF subjects and controls. Method. Female athletes with (n=19) and without (n=19) lower limb SFs were recruited from the local community. All SFs were medically confirmed by a physician and subjects were assessed within 1–47 weeks (12.7 13.7) of diagnosis. Controls were age-, training volume- and sport-matched to SF athletes. Bone density and microarchitectural bone parameters such as cortical thickness and porosity, as well as trabecular thickness, separation and number of all subjects were assessed using HR-pQCT at two distal tibia scanning sites (distal, ultra-distal). Finite element (FE) analysis was employed to estimate bone strength and load sharing of cortical and trabecular bone from the HR-pQCT scans. Regional analysis was applied to the HR-pQCT scans to investigate site-specific bone differences between groups. Muscle torque was measured by a Biodex dynamometer as a surrogate of muscle strength. Independent sample t-tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used for statistical analyses (p < 0.05). Results. Significant differences and trends indicated compromised trabecular bone and slightly thicker cortices with fewer pores in SF subjects compared with controls. This was most pronounced in the posterior region of the distal tibia, which is the site of highest tensile stresses during running and a common SF site. FE analysis indicated significantly higher cortical loads (median 4.2% higher; p=0.03) in the distal tibia site (but not ultra-distal site) of SF subjects compared to controls. The SF group exhibited significantly reduced knee extension strength (median 18.3% lower; p=0.03) and a trend towards reduced plantarflexion (median 17.3% lower; p=0.24) and eversion strength (median 9.6% lower; p=0.49) compared to controls. Conclusion. This is the first study to compare bone microarchitectural quality and lower-limb muscle strength between female athletes with SFs and health controls. A reduced trabecular bone quality in SF subjects may result in an insufficient ability to absorb and distribute tibial loads. This, in turn, may lead to higher stresses in the cortex and a higher risk for SFs. Low muscle strength may increase SF risk by providing insufficient muscular support to counteract shear stresses associated with reaction forces during running. Further study is needed to determine whether a resistance-training program can improve bone quality and in turn, reduce SF risk

Introduction. Atypical femoral fracture focused on relation of bisphosphonate use, frequently. However, the mechanism of atypical femoral fracture was not yet clarified. Atypical femoral fractures have been kept femoral shaft cortical thickness and BMD, practically. We hypothesized that atypical femoral fractures were associated with impaired bone quality and curvature of femoral shaft. Materials & Methods. We experienced four atypical femoral fractures. One was subtrochanteric and three were shaft fracture. Two cases received bisphosphonate therapy for 3–5 years. BMD, bone metabolic markers, and bone quality markers were evaluated. Histomorphometry and collagen cross-link analysis were performed. Curvature of femoral shaft and 3-D finite element analysis in one incomplete fracture case were assessed. Results. BMD values were either maintained or not severely decreased. Deterioration of bone quality were verified by the results of histomorphometry, collagen cross-link analysis, and bone quality maker. Especially, homocystine values, such as one of bone quality markers, were increased in all cases. All atypical femoral shaft fractures showed outward curvature of femoral bone. In one case of incomplete atypical femoral shaft fracture, stress was concentrated at the fracture region according 3-D finite element analysis. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that atypical femoral fractures were estimated associated with deterioration of bone quality and curvature of femoral shaft

Introduction. Initial large-scale clinical studies of porous tantalum implants have been generally promising with well-fixed implants and few cases of loosening [1–3]. An initial retrieval study suggests increased bone ingrowth in a modular tibial tray design compared to the monoblock design [4]. Since micromotion at the bone-implant interface is known to influence bone ingrowth [5], the goal of this study was to determine the effect of implant design, bone quality and activity type on micromotion at the bone-implant interface, through FE modeling. Patients & Methods. Our case-specific FE model of bone was created from CT data (68 year-old female, right tibia, Fig-1). Isotropic properties of cortical and trabecular bone were derived from the calibrated CT data. Modular and monoblock porous tantalum tibial implants were virtually placed in the tibia following surgical guidelines. All models parts were 3D meshed with 4-noded tetrahedral elements (MSC.MARC-Mentat 2013, MSC Software Corporation, USA). Frictional contact was applied to the bone-tantalum interface (µ=0.88) and UHWMPE-Femoral condyle interface (µ=0.05) with all other interfaces bonded. Loading was applied to simulate walking, standing up and descending stairs. For each activity, a full load cycle [6] was applied to the femoral condyles in incremental steps. The direction and magnitude of micromotions were calculated by tracking the motions of nodes of the bone, projected onto the tibial tray. Micromotions were calculated parallel to the implant surface (shear), and perpendicularly (tensile). We report the maximum (resultant) micromotion that occurred during a cycle of each activity. The bone properties were varied to represent a range in BMD (−30%BMD, Norm, +30%BMD). We compared design type, bone quality and activity type considering micromotion below 40 µm to be favorable for bone ingrowth [5]. Results. The modular tibial tray showed lower shear micromotion than the monoblock design for shear micromotion (Fig-2). Tensile micromotion was similar between the two designs (Fig-2). Lower bone quality resulted in higher shear micromotion for the modular tibial tray design. The effect of lower bone quality on shear micromotion was less apparent for the monoblock tibial tray design. For both designs, change in the bone quality had minimal effect on the tensile micromotion. For both designs, standing up and descending stairs showed lower micromotion than walking for both the tensile and shear micromotion (Fig-3). The monoblock design showed higher micromotion for standing up and descending stairs compared to the modular design (Fig-3). Discussion. In our analysis, activity type had the highest effect on micromotion. Additionally, the modular design showed lower shear micromotion than the monoblock. Although the designs were similar for the the modular and monoblock implants, the difference in micromotion, representing the initial stability of the implant, may partially explain why retrieved modular porous tantalum tibial trays had higher bone ingrowth than the monoblock design

Objective: To examine the relationship between three measurements of bone quality and bone strength of the tibial plateau, and the relationships between these measurements. Methods: The bone quality of sixteen cadaveric tibias was assessed for density and architecture using three methods: DXA, pQCT, and spectral analysis of digitised radiographs. These bone quality measurements were correlated with the þxation strength of a bicondylar plateau fracture, obtained by mechanical testing. Results: All three techniques correlate strongly with the mechanical strength of the þxed tibial plateau, with the highest correlation being with DXA (r=0.81, P< 0.001), and pQCT (r=0.79, P< 0.001); followed by spectral analysis (r= 0.5, P,0.01). DXA correlates strongly with pQCT (r=0.95, P< 0.001); Whereas, spectral analysis has a weaker correlation with both DXA (r=0.65, P< 0.01), and pQCT (r=0.69, P< 0.01). Discussion: This is the þrst study of bone quality assessment in the tibial plateau, and as with studies at other sites, DXA showed that BMD has the best correlation with mechanical failure. Both DXA and pQCT are a reßection of density assessment which explains the strong correlation seen. However, the strength of bone is a function of not just quantity and density but also its structure. This was assessed using spectral analysis which involves image processing and pattern recognition algorithm of the trabecular structure. This measures structure only and this may explain the lower correlation with bone strength. Nevertheless we feel that further analysis may demonstrate a speciþc use of this technique to compliment either DXA or PqCT in providing complete assessment of the bone

Aims. Anchorage of pedicle screw rod instrumentation in the elderly spine with poor bone quality remains challenging. Our study aims to evaluate how the screw bone anchorage is affected by screw design, bone quality, loading conditions, and cementing techniques. Methods. Micro-finite element (µFE) models were created from micro-CT (μCT) scans of vertebrae implanted with two types of pedicle screws (L: Ennovate and R: S. 4. ). Simulations were conducted for a 10 mm radius region of interest (ROI) around each screw and for a full vertebra (FV) where different cementing scenarios were simulated around the screw tips. Stiffness was calculated in pull-out and anterior bending loads. Results. Experimental pull-out strengths were excellently correlated to the µFE pull-out stiffness of the ROI (R. 2. > 0.87) and FV (R. 2. > 0.84) models. No significant difference due to screw design was observed. Cement augmentation increased pull-out stiffness by up to 94% and 48% for L and R screws, respectively, but only increased bending stiffness by up to 6.9% and 1.5%, respectively. Cementing involving only one screw tip resulted in lower stiffness increases in all tested screw designs and loading cases. The stiffening effect of cement augmentation on pull-out and bending stiffness was strongly and negatively correlated to local bone density around the screw (correlation coefficient (R) = -0.95). Conclusion. This combined experimental, µCT and µFE study showed that regional analyses may be sufficient to predict fixation strength in pull-out and that full analyses could show that cement augmentation around pedicle screws increased fixation stiffness in both pull-out and bending, especially for low-density bone. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):797–806

Abstract

Aims. Obtaining solid implant fixation is crucial in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) to avoid aseptic loosening, a major reason for re-revision. This study aims to validate a novel grading system that quantifies implant fixation across three anatomical zones (epiphysis, metaphysis, diaphysis). Methods. Based on pre-, intra-, and postoperative assessments, the novel grading system allocates a quantitative score (0, 0.5, or 1 point) for the quality of fixation achieved in each anatomical zone. The criteria used by the algorithm to assign the score include the bone quality, the size of the bone defect, and the type of fixation used. A consecutive cohort of 245 patients undergoing rTKA from 2012 to 2018 were evaluated using the current novel scoring system and followed prospectively. In addition, 100 first-time revision cases were assessed radiologically from the original cohort and graded by three observers to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the novel radiological grading system. Results. At a mean follow-up of 90 months (64 to 130), only two out of 245 cases failed due to aseptic loosening. Intraoperative grading yielded mean scores of 1.87 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.82 to 1.92) for the femur and 1.96 (95% CI 1.92 to 2.0) for the tibia. Only 3.7% of femoral and 1.7% of tibial reconstructions fell below the 1.5-point threshold, which included the two cases of aseptic loosening. Interobserver reliability for postoperative radiological grading was 0.97 for the femur and 0.85 for the tibia. Conclusion. A minimum score of 1.5 points for each skeletal segment appears to be a reasonable cut-off to define sufficient fixation in rTKA. There were no revisions for aseptic loosening at mid-term follow-up when this fixation threshold was achieved or exceeded. When assessing first-time revisions, this novel grading system has shown excellent intra- and interobserver reliability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5):468–474

Aims. Femoral component anteversion is an important factor in the success of total hip arthroplasty (THA). This retrospective study aimed to investigate the accuracy of femoral component anteversion with the Mako THA system and software using the Exeter cemented femoral component, compared to the Accolade II cementless femoral component. Methods. We reviewed the data of 30 hips from 24 patients who underwent THA using the posterior approach with Exeter femoral components, and 30 hips from 24 patients with Accolade II components. Both groups did not differ significantly in age, sex, BMI, bone quality, or disease. Two weeks postoperatively, CT images were obtained to measure acetabular and femoral component anteversion. Results. The mean difference in femoral component anteversion between intraoperative and postoperative CT measurements (system accuracy of component anteversion) was 0.8° (SD 1.8°) in the Exeter group and 2.1° (SD 2.3°) in the Accolade II group, respectively (p = 0.020). The mean difference in anteversion between the plan and the postoperative CT measurements (clinical accuracy of femoral component anteversion) was 1.2° (SD 3.6°) in the Exeter group, and 4.2° (SD 3.9°) in the Accolade II group (p = 0.003). No significant differences were found in acetabular component inclination and anteversion; however, the clinical accuracy of combined anteversion was significantly better in the Exeter group (0.6° (SD 3.9°)) than the Accolade II group (3.6° (SD 4.1°)). Conclusion. The Mako THA system and software helps surgeons control the femoral component anteversion to achieve the target angle of insertion. The Exeter femoral component, inserted using Mako THA system, showed greater precision for femoral component and combined component anteversion than the Accolade II component. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):104–109

Introduction: The ‘gold standard’ currently used to assess bone quality is bone mineral density (BMD) measured by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). However BMD accounts for no more than 60 – 70% of bone strength. X-rays are affected primarily by the mineral phase of bone; the organic phase remains essentially invisible. Yet it is known that the material strength and toughness of bone is critically dependent on its organic phase. A Raman spectroscopic technique was used that permitted visualisation of both phases of bone deep to unbroken skin by successfully removing spectral information from the overlying tissues. Hypothesis: Spectral features of both the mineral and organic phases of bone from different murine genotypes can be measured objectively through the unbroken skin using time-resolved Raman spectroscopy. Methods: We used an 800 nm probe laser (1 kHz, 1 ps pulses, focussed to 1 mm diameter) with a synchronised 4 ps optical Kerr gate that had a variable picosecond delay that effectively shuttered out photons from the overlying tissues. We measured bone spectra at a point 2mm above the carpus from two mouse genotypes: wildtype and oim/oim (matched for age, sex and weight) at a typical depth 1.1mm. We then repeated the measurements once the overlying tissues had been carefully removed to expose the bones directly. Oim/oim mice produce only homotrimeric collagen I, (á1(I)3), associated with this change in collagen is a poor mineralisation of the bone tissue, making it an ideal model for a this study. Results: We recorded the main spectral features in both phases of bone and showed that the ratios of spectral bands from the two phases were similar within each genotype, whether measured through the skin or directly from exposed bone. However, there was a significant difference in the same ratios between genotypes associated with a reduced mineralisation in the oim/oim mice; a significant difference that was apparent both directly from bone and through skin. The band associated with CH2 wag of collagen (organic phase) showed a frequency shift between the genotypes. Discussion: Measurements of the spectra and their analysis were similar whether made directly on bone or transcutaneously. We were able to detect changes in mineralisation between genotypes and, unlike measurements of BMD, we showed also changes in collagen. Since the material strength of bone is critically dependent on collagen, this indicates an appreciable advantage of this technique over DEXA. Conclusions: This novel technique allowed objective transcutaneous spectral measurements of bone tissue and was able to distinguish between normal and unhealthy bone tissue. With a laser focussed to 1 mm diameter that was readily moveable, these measurements were specific to that site (2 mm proximal to the carpus). After further optimisation, this technology is likely to improve fracture risk assessments in comparison to the use of DEXA alone, opening opportunities for screening in anticipation of the predicted increase in fragility fractures

Aims. The Exeter short stem was designed for patients with Dorr type A femora and short-term results are promising. The aim of this study was to evaluate the minimum five-year stem migration pattern of Exeter short stems in comparison with Exeter standard stems. Methods. In this case-control study, 25 patients (22 female) at mean age of 78 years (70 to 89) received cemented Exeter short stem (case group). Cases were selected based on Dorr type A femora and matched first by Dorr type A and then age to a control cohort of 21 patients (11 female) at mean age of 74 years (70 to 89) who received with cemented Exeter standard stems (control group). Preoperatively, all patients had primary hip osteoarthritis and no osteoporosis as confirmed by dual X-ray absorptiometry scanning. Patients were followed with radiostereometry for evaluation of stem migration (primary endpoint), evaluation of cement quality, and Oxford Hip Score. Measurements were taken preoperatively, and at three, 12, and 24 months and a minimum five-year follow-up. Results. At three months, subsidence of the short stem -0.87 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.07 to -0.67) was lower compared to the standard stem -1.59 mm (95% CI -1.82 to -1.36; p < 0.001). Both stems continued a similar pattern of subsidence until five-year follow-up. At five-year follow-up, the short stem had subsided mean -1.67 mm (95% CI -1.98 to -1.36) compared to mean -2.67 mm (95% CI -3.03 to -2.32) for the standard stem (p < 0.001). Subsidence was not influenced by preoperative bone quality (osteopenia vs normal) or cement mantle thickness. Conclusion. The standard Exeter stem had more early subsidence compared with the short Exeter stem in patients with Dorr type A femora, but thereafter a similar migration pattern of subsidence until minimum five years follow-up. Both the standard and the short Exeter stems subside. The standard stem subsides more compared to the short stem in Dorr type A femurs. Subsidence of the Exeter stems was not affected by cement mantle thickness. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(7):507–515

Cemented total hip replacements (THR) are widely used and are still recognized as the gold standard by which all other methods of hip replacements are compared. [. 1. ]. Long-term results of cemented total hip replacements show that the revision rate due to aseptic loosening could be as high as 75.4% [. 2. ]. Moreover, high stresses developed in the cement mantle of reconstructed hips can lead to premature failure of the constructs [. 3. ]. Surgical fixation techniques vary considerably [. 4. ]. The aim of this study was to investigate the performances of different surgical fixation techniques of hip implants for patients with different body mass indices, bone morphology and bone quality, using finite element (FE) methods. Anatomically correct reconstructed hemi-pelves were created, using CT-Scan data of the Visible Human Data set, downloaded to Mimics V8.1 software, where poly-lines of cancellous and cortical bones were created, and exported to I-Deas 11.0 FE package, where the econstructed hemi-pelvis was simulated. Accurate 3D model of the hemi-pelvis was scaled up and down to create hemi-pelves of acetabular sizes of the following diameters: 46 mm, 52 mm, and 58 mm. Following sensitivity analyses, element sizes ranging from 1–3 mm were used. Material properties of the bones, implants and cement were taken from literature [. 5. –. 7. ]. Bones of poor quality were simulated by a reduction in the elastic modulii of the cortical bone by 50%, the cancellous bone by 10 % and the subchondral bone by 50% [. 5. ]. The nodes at the sacro-iliac joint areas and the pubic support areas were fixed. A compressive force of 3 times body weight was simulated at the hip joint. The nodes between the cancellous and subchondral bones were merged. Contact elements were used at the subchondral bone and cement mantle interface and between the femoral head implant and acetabular component. Dynamic in vitro tests, simulating forces acting on a hip joint during a gait cycle, were carried out on reconstructed synthetic bones, positioned on an Instron 8874 hydraulic machine, to verify the FE models. The volume of cement stressed at different levels in groups of 0–1 MPa, 1–2 MPa and up to 11 and above MPa were calculated. Results of FE analyses showed that. an increase in the body mass index from 20 to 30 generated an increase in the tensile stress level in the cement mantle;. lower tensile and shear stresses developed in thicker cement mantles. For a 46mm acetabular size, peak tensile stresses decreased from 10.32MPa to 8.14MPa and peak shear stresses decreased from 5.36MPa to 3.67MPa when cement mantle thickness increased from 1mm to 4mm. A reduction in the bone quality would result in an increase of approximately 45% in the cement mantle stresses. Results of in-vitro tests show that an increase in the cement mantle thickness improved fixation, corroborating with the FE results. Performances of fixation techniques depend on the patient’s bone mass index, bone quality, bone morphology

The quality of bone in the skeleton depends on the amount of bone, geometry, microarchitecture and material properties, and the molecular and cellular regulation of bone turnover and repair. This study aimed to identify material and structural factors that alter in fragility hip fracture patients treated with antiresorption therapies (FxAr) compared to fragility hip fracture patients not on treatment (Fx). Bone from the intertrochanteric site, femoral head (FH: FxAr = 5, Fx = 8), compression screw cores and box chisel were obtained from patients undergoing hemi-arthroplasty surgery, FxAr (6f, 2m, mean 79 and range [64–89] years), and Fx (7f, 1m, age 85 [75–93] years). Control bone was obtained at autopsy (9f, 4m, 77 [65–88] years). Treated patients were on various bisphosphonates. Samples were resin-embedded, for quantitative backscattered electron imaging of the degree of mineralisation and assessment of bone architecture. Trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and architectural parameters were not significantly different between FxAr and Fx groups. Both groups showed normal distributions of weight (wt) % Ca; however, the FxAr was less mineralised than the Fx and the control group (mean wt % Ca: FxAr = 24.3%, Fx = 24.8%, Control = 24.9%). When comparing the FH specimens only, we found that BV/TV in the FxAr was greater than the Fx group (18% vs 15%). All other parameters were not significantly different. In addition, the mineralisation was greater in the FxAr group compared to the Fx group (25.5 % vs 25.0%) but was not significantly different. Collectively, these data suggest the effect on bone of antiresorptives may be different for patients on antiresorptive treatment that do not subsequently fracture. Assessment of bone material property data together with other bone quality measures may hold the key to better understanding of antiresorptive treatment efficacy

Aims. The distal radius is a major site of osteoporotic bone loss resulting in a high risk of fragility fracture. This study evaluated the capability of a cortical index (CI) at the distal radius to predict the local bone mineral density (BMD). Methods. A total of 54 human cadaver forearms (ten singles, 22 pairs) (19 to 90 years) were systematically assessed by clinical radiograph (XR), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), CT, as well as high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT). Cortical bone thickness (CBT) of the distal radius was measured on XR and CT scans, and two cortical indices mean average (CBTavg) and gauge (CBTg) were determined. These cortical indices were compared to the BMD of the distal radius determined by DXA (areal BMD (aBMD)) and HR-pQCT (volumetric BMD (vBMD)). Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to compare the results and degree of reliability. Results. The CBT could accurately be determined on XRs and highly correlated to those determined on CT scans (r = 0.87 to 0.93). The CBTavg index of the XRs significantly correlated with the BMD measured by DXA (r = 0.78) and HR-pQCT (r = 0.63), as did the CBTg index with the DXA (r = 0.55) and HR-pQCT (r = 0.64) (all p < 0.001). A high correlation of the BMD and CBT was observed between paired specimens (r = 0.79 to 0.96). The intra- and inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC 0.79 to 0.92). Conclusion. The cortical index (CBTavg) at the distal radius shows a close correlation to the local BMD. It thus can serve as an initial screening tool to estimate the local bone quality if quantitative BMD measurements are unavailable, and enhance decision-making in acute settings on fracture management or further osteoporosis screening. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):820–829

Dorr bone type is both a qualitative and quantitative classification. Qualitatively on x-rays the cortical thickness determines the ABC type. The cortical thickness is best judged on a lateral x-ray and the focus is on the posterior cortex. In Type A bone it is a thick convex structure (posterior fin of bone) that can force the tip of the tapered implant anteriorly – which then displaces the femoral head posteriorly into relative retroversion. Fractures in DAA hips have had increased fractures in Type A bone because of the metaphyseal-diaphyseal mismatch (metaphysis is bigger than diaphysis in relation to stem size). Quantitatively, Type B bone has osteoclastic erosion of the posterior fin which proceeds from proximal to distal and is characterised by flattening of the fin, and erosive cysts in it from osteoclasts. A tapered stem works well in this bone type, and the bone cells respond positively. Type C bone has loss of the entire posterior fin (stove pipe bone), and the osteoblast function at a low level with dominance of osteoclasts. Type C is also progressive and is worse when both the lateral and AP views show a stove pipe shape. If just the lateral x-ray has thin cortices, and the AP has a tapered thickness of the cortex a non-cemented stem will work, but there is a higher risk for fracture because of weak bone. At surgery Type C bone has “mushy” cancellous bone compared to the hard structure of type A. Tapered stems have high risk for loosening because the diaphysis is bigger than the metaphysis (opposite of Type A). Fully coated rod type stems fix well, but have a high incidence of stress shielding. Cemented fixation is done by surgeons for Type C bone to avoid fracture, and insure a comfortable hip. The large size stem often required to fit Type C bone causes an adverse-stem-bone ratio which can cause chronic thigh pain. I cement patients over age 70 with Type C bone which is most common in women over that age.

Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty is a conservative procedure that is becoming an increasingly popular option for young arthritic patients most likely to undergo a secondary procedure in their lifetime. The stability of the acetabular component is of particular concern in these patients who show an increased risk of failure of the cemented acetabular cups in conventional total hip replacements. The purpose of this study was to examine the initial stability of a cementless interference press-fit acetabular cup used in hip resurfacing arthroplasty and implanted into ‘normal’ versus poor quality bone. Also examined was the effect of the press-fit procedure on the contact mechanics at the cup-bone interface and between the cup and femoral head. A finite element (FE) model of the DUROM resurfacing (Zimmer GmbH) was created and implanted anatomically into the hip joint, which was loaded physiologically through muscle and subtrochanteric forces. The FE models included: a line-to-line, 1mm and 2mm interference press-fit cup. Also considered were two FE models based on the 1mm press-fit cups, in which the material properties of the cancellous and cortical bone tissues were reduced by 2 and 4 times, to represent a reduction in bone quality as seen with age or disease. Increasing the cup-bone interference resulted in a sig-nificant reduction in implant micromotion. All the pressfit models showed predicted cup-bone micromotion below 50 micrometers. This would ensure adequate initial stability and encourage secondary fixation through bone in-growth. The predicted acetabular stresses were found to increase with the amount of press-fit, however, there was no suggestion of a fracture. These stresses would further contribute to securing the cup. Reducing the bone quality showed an increase in the predicted micromotion and increased bone strain. Micromotion was below 50 micrometers, but the predicted compressive bone stresses, necessary for additional implant fixation, was reduced. This implied that poor quality bone would provide unsuitable support medium for the implant. The bearing surface contact mechanics were little affected by the amount of pressfitting