Osteoarthritis Changes Hip Geometry and Biomechanics Regardless of Bone Mineral DensityA Quantitative Computed Tomography Study

We aimed to compare proximal femur geometry and biomechanics in postmenopausal women with osteoarthritis (OA) and/or osteoporosis (OP), using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). A retrospective analysis of QCT scans of the proximal femur of 175 postmenopausal women was performed. Morphometric and densitometric data of the proximal femur were used to evaluate its biomechanics. We found, 21 had a normal bone mineral density (BMD), 72 had osteopenia, and 81 were diagnosed with OP. Radiographic findings of hip OA were seen in 43.8%, 52.8%, and 39.5% of the normal BMD, osteopenic, and OP groups, respectively (p < 0.05). OA was significantly correlated with total hip volume (r = 0.21), intertrochanteric cortical volume (r = 0.25), and trochanteric trabecular volume (r = 0.20). In each densitometric group, significant differences in hip geometry and BMD were found between the OA and non-OA subgroups. Hip OA and OP often coexist. In postmenopausal women, these diseases coexist in 40% of cases. Both OA and OP affect hip geometry and biomechanics. OA does so regardless of densitometric status. Changes are mostly reflected in the cortical bone. OA leads to significant changes in buckling ratio (BR) in both OP and non-OP women.