Problem & Research Question
Standards of care for knee and hip arthroscopy and/or total joint replacement are based on physiological norms for a particular joint. However, as bone and tissue surrounding the joint is highly dependent on mechanical loading, individual physiologic characteristics may be predictive of long-term success or failure of total joint implants. Because of this, our team in the OBRL and the orthopedic surgeons in the Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital have posed the following question: Is limb alignment and mechanical loading predictive of bone health above and below the knee? Is limb alignment predictive of long-term changes in bone mineralization following total knee arthroscopy or replacement?
Study Design
To answer these questions, we will utilize our partnership with Houston Methodist to evaluate orthopedic patients before and after total joint arthroscopy and replacement for a period of one year using dual-energy-xray-absorptiometry (DEXA). This technology will allow us to track site-specific changes in bone mineral density and bone mineral content above and below the affected joint. Physical characteristics such as limb alignment, regional body composition, gender, and age will be measured to determine if any are predictive of long-term outcomes or baseline bone health prior to surgery.
