Peri-prosthetic bone density after implantation of a custom-made femoral component

Peri-prosthetic bone loss caused by stress shielding may be associated with aseptic loosening of femoral components. In order to increase primary stability and to reduce stress shielding, a three-dimensional, cementless individual femoral (Evolution K) component was manufactured using pre-operative CT scans. Using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, peri-prosthetic bone density was measured in 43 patients, three months, six months, 3.6 and 4.6 years after surgery. At final follow-up there was a significant reduction in mean bone density in the proximal Gruen zones of -30.3% (zone 7) and -22.8% (zone 1). The density in the other zones declined by a mean of between -4% and -16%. We conclude that the manufacture of a three-dimensional, custom-made femoral component could not prevent a reduction in peri-prosthetic bone density.