IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Hip replacement stress shielding

Case contributed by David Pryde
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Total hip replacement surveillance

Patient Data

Gender: Male
x-ray

Osteolysis of the left femoral calcar with total hip replacements - no evidence of loosening.

Case Discussion

Stress shielding occasionally occurs following hip replacement surgery when the entire weight-bearing load is borne by the non-calcar regions of the femur.

No stress on calcar so resorption occurs. Considered a normal finding of no clinical significance.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.