BACKGROUND: We studied the ability of DEXA to detect bony defects around cementless acetabular components in total hip arthroplasty. The aim of our study was to provide a tool for detection and quantification of osteolytic lesions for the planning of revision cases. METHODS: We measured BMC in 10 human pelvis specimens retrieved from post mortem. We created standardized defects behind inserted acetabular components and compared the ash weights of the removed bone to the corresponding BMC measurements. RESULTS: We found a good correlation between the BMC differences measured and the corresponding ash weights. INTERPRETATION: We conclude that DEXA can detect even small defects in the bone adjacent to the cup.
BACKGROUND: We studied the ability of DEXA to detect bony defects around cementless acetabular components in total hip arthroplasty. The aim of our study was to provide a tool for detection and quantification of osteolytic lesions for the planning of revision cases. METHODS: We measured BMC in 10 human pelvis specimens retrieved from post mortem. We created standardized defects behind inserted acetabular components and compared the ash weights of the removed bone to the corresponding BMC measurements. RESULTS: We found a good correlation between the BMC differences measured and the corresponding ash weights. INTERPRETATION: We conclude that DEXA can detect even small defects in the bone adjacent to the cup.