I geodi nell’artrosi dell’anca

Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate the number, location and the real dimension of geodes in the femoral head as a result of hip arthrosis, in order to study their controversial origin and, at the same time, a therapeutic treatment for the prevention of this pathology. Methods. Twenty femoral heads, removed during surgical hip prosthesis replacement, were dissected with EXAKT and strips (3 mm of diameter) were X-rayed at the same magnitude and examined with a semiautomatic images analyser. These data, divided into 4 quadrants (2 superior and 2 inferior), were statistically analysed using 2 tests: ANOVA and t-test. Results. It was possible to observe that this phenomenon involves, at different levels, all the quadrants and that geodes are double the number in females when compared to males. Conclusion. The presence of these cystic cavities in the femoral heads is correlated with the particular biomechanics of the hip and especially with the spatial variation of the femoral head to the cotyle, promoting the progressive migration of the head; moreover, it is linked to the functional alteration of muscles responsible for equilibrium and posture.