Bone mineral density of the proximal femur after unilateral cementless total hip replacement

It was the aim of this study to examine bone mineral density changes in the non-operated contralateral femur of patients undergoing total hip replacement. Bone density in the contralateral femur of 45 patients with an average age of 54 years was measured with the aid of the DEXA technique at one week, 3 and 6 months after total hip replacement. Within the first 3 months there was an average reduction of bone density of 3.9% (3.0%–5.9%). After a further 3 months the average difference was 2.5%.