A proximal fixed anatomic femoral stem reduces stress shielding.

In 24 patients with total hip replacement using a short anatomic femoral stem, bone mineral density (BMD) was measured after a 7-year follow-up using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The contralateral side was used as a control. The BMD on the side of the prosthesis was lower by a mean of 7% than that on the control side. The difference was greatest in the area of the calcar and laterally and proximally around the stem. BMD at the metaphyseal and diaphyseal areas were the same as on the contralateral side. The bone loss around the proximal aspect of the stem may be related to the proximal porous coating. It is concluded that stress shielding can be diminished by appropriate design of the femoral component.