Implant migration and bone mineral density measured simultaneously by low-dose CT scans: a 2-year study on 17 acetabular revisions with impaction bone grafting

Background and purpose — Early postoperative implant migration predicts failure of joint replacements. Bone mineral density reflects bone quality and bone-graft incorporation. Implant migration and bone densitometry analysis usually require special equipment. We investigated cup migration and bone mineral density changes simultaneously with low-dose CT scans after acetabular revision hip arthroplasty using impaction bone grafting. Patients and methods — We performed a low-dose CT postoperatively, after 6 weeks, and after 2 years in 17 patients, all revised using impaction bone grafting and a graft-compressing titanium shell in the acetabulum. 6 patients had combined segmental and cavitary acetabular defects. Cup migration was analyzed using CT-based micromotion analysis (CTMA). Bone mineral density was determined in the graft and in surrounding native bone using volumetric quantitative computed tomography (QCT). The bone graft volume was calculated from 3D reconstructions. Results — At 2 years, the translations were 1.5 (95% CI 0.4–2.6) mm in proximal direction, -0.6 (CI –1.6 to 0.4) in the medial direction and 0.3 (CI 0.0–0.6) in the anterior direction. The mean volume of impacted bone graft was 40 cm³ (CI 28–52). In the graft bone mineral density increased 14% after 6 weeks and 23% after 2 years. There was 1 mechanical failure. Interpretation — Proximal migration of the acetabular component was low and comparable to previous reports. There was a rapid increase of bone mineral density in the bone graft. Low-dose CT scans make migration analysis and bone densitometry measurements possible in the same setting, offering great diagnostic potential for hip arthroplasty patients.