# Denosumab for treating periprosthetic osteolysis: a feasibility study

## TL;DR

This study tested if Denosumab, a drug that inhibits bone breakdown, is feasible for treating bone loss around hip implants, but found no significant effect.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the feasibility of a larger trial on Denosumab for periprosthetic osteolysis despite no significant treatment effect.

## Key findings

- No significant difference in lesion volume change between Denosumab and placebo groups.
- The trial protocol was feasible, though slow enrollment limited statistical power.
- Secondary clinical outcomes showed no notable differences between groups.

## Abstract

Wear-induced osteolysis is a leading cause of late failure in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Denosumab, a RANKL inhibitor, suppresses osteoclast activity and may slow osteolytic progression. This feasibility study aimed to assess the practicality of conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating Denosumab’s effect on periprosthetic osteolysis in asymptomatic THA patients.

Twelve patients were enrolled; ten completed follow-up. No significant difference in lesion volume change was observed between groups (Denosumab: +1.53 cm³; Placebo: +0.49 cm³). Secondary clinical outcomes also showed no notable differences. The trial protocol, recruitment, treatment, and follow-up were feasible, though slow enrollment limited statistical power. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a larger trial investigating Denosumab for osteolysis prevention.

Clinicaltrails.gov, NCT02299817. Registered 20 November 2014. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02299817?term=Denosumab%20for%20Treating%20Periprosthetic%20Osteolysis.%26;rank=1

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-025-07216-0.