Factors affecting patient satisfaction related to cost and treatment effectiveness in rheumatoid arthritis: results from the multicenter observational cohort study, FRANK Registry.

BACKGROUND: To further improve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment, it is necessary to understand each RA patient's satisfaction and to identify the factors affecting their satisfaction. Despite the rise in medical costs for RA, little is known about the factors that influence patient satisfaction with the cost of treatment in RA patients. METHODS: This is a multicenter observational study of Japanese RA patients from the FRANK Registry with data analyzed from March 2017 to August 2020. We collected data on demographic characteristics, clinical data, quality of life which was evaluated using the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire (EQ5D), and patient satisfaction. The four categories of patient satisfaction were evaluated individually (i.e., cost, treatment efficacy, activities of daily living [ADL], and global treatment satisfaction). We analyzed the factors that affected each patient's satisfaction, such as age, sex, EQ5D, disease duration, disease activity, and treatment. RESULTS: This study included 2235 RA outpatients (406 males, 1829 females). In RA patients, "very satisfied" and "satisfied" were given for nearly half of each satisfaction aspect (cost 49%; efficacy 72%; ADL 58%; global treatment 66%) at the time of the initial registration. To investigate the factors influencing each satisfaction, multivariate analysis has revealed that the use of b/tsDMARDs increased satisfaction of treatment effect (odds ratio [OR] 0.66) and ADL (OR 0.78) but decreased cost satisfaction (OR 2.21). Age (50-64 years; OR 0.91; 65-74 years, 0.55: ≥ 75 years, 0.35), female (OR 0.81), and history of musculoskeletal surgery (OR 0.60) all increased cost satisfaction. Patients with lower disease activity and higher EQ5D scores had higher levels of satisfaction in all areas. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, patient satisfaction in terms of cost, treatment effect, ADL, and overall treatment was generally higher, but some patients were dissatisfied. The cost of satisfaction increased with age and a history of musculoskeletal surgery, while it decreased with a lower EQ5D score and the use of b/tsDMARDs.

Abductor recovery after muscle-sparing periacetabular osteotomy using a lateral approach.

To decrease hip abductor dysfunction after periacetabular osteotomy using a lateral/trochanteric approach, we aimed to modify transposition osteotomy of the acetabulum (TOA) to not cut the greater trochanter and abductor-iliac crest detachment. We subsequently compared abductor muscle strength recovery between TOAs with [conventional TOA (C-TOA)] and without [modified TOA (M-TOA)] trochanteric osteotomy. C-TOA and M-TOA were performed in 27 and 34 hips, respectively. Hip abduction, flexion and knee extension muscle strength were measured preoperatively and at 3, 5, 10, 24 and 52 weeks postoperatively. The muscle strength ratio of the affected and contralateral lower limbs was compared between the C-TOA and M-TOA groups. Neither the mean Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score at the final follow-up nor the postoperative center-edge angle showed significant differences between the M-TOA and C-TOA groups (15.7 versus 16.4 points; P = 0.25 and 38.5° versus P = 0.62 and 39.8°, respectively). The mean muscle strength ratios of hip abduction at 5, 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively were significantly higher in the M-TOA group than in the C-TOA group (0.62 versus 0.39, 0.76 versus 0.59 and 0.94 versus 0.70; P = 0.03, 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). There were no significant differences between groups at Postoperative Week 52 (P = 0.36). Discomfort at the greater trochanter was observed in 18 hips (66.7%) in the C-TOA group but only in 4 hips (11.2%) in the M-TOA group. In conclusion, M-TOA is less invasive than C-TOA and allows an earlier recovery of abductor muscle strength without significant correction loss.

Predictive factors of non-treatment and non-persistence to osteoporosis medication after fragility hip fractures at 3 years after discharge: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in the northern Kyushu district of Japan.

We examined osteoporosis medication use and factors affecting persistence in 497 patients with fragility hip fractures. Only 25.5% of patients received continuous medication for 3 years, and 44.1% of patients received no treatment. Low Barthel index at discharge was a risk factor for both non-treatment and non-persistence to osteoporosis medication. PURPOSE: Fragility hip fractures (FHF) caused by osteoporosis decrease the quality of life and worsen life expectancy. Use of osteoporosis medication may be an efficient method in the prevention of secondary FHF. However, previous studies have reported low rates of osteoporosis medication and persistence after FHF. This study aimed to evaluate osteoporosis medication use and factors affecting persistence in patients with FHF in the northern Kyushu area of Japan. METHODS: A total of 497 FHF patients aged ≥ 60 years with a 3-year follow-up were included. We prospectively collected data from questionnaires sent every 6 months regarding compliance with osteoporosis medication. We compared baseline characteristics among three groups: no treatment (NT), no persistence (NP), and persistence (P), and conducted multivariable regression models to determine covariates associated with non-treatment (NT vs. NP/P) and non-persistence (NP vs. P). RESULTS: There were 219 (44.1%), 151 (30.4%), and 127 (25.5%) patients in the NT, NP, and P groups, respectively. Factors associated with non-treatment were male sex, chronic kidney disease, no previous osteoporosis treatment, and low Barthel index (BI) at discharge. The only factor associated with non-persistence was a low BI at discharge. Factors associated with a low BI at discharge were male sex, older age, trochanteric fracture, and surgical delay. CONCLUSION: Low BI at discharge is a risk factor for both non-treatment and non-persistence to osteoporosis medication. Therefore, appropriate interventions to improve BI may result in persistence to osteoporosis medication.

Predictive factors of mortality of patients with fragility hip fractures at 1 year after discharge: A multicenter, retrospective study in the northern Kyushu district of Japan.

PURPOSE: Fragility hip fractures (FHFs) are associated with a high risk of mortality, but the relative contribution of various factors remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate predictive factors of mortality at 1 year after discharge in Japan. METHODS: A total of 497 patients aged 60 years or older who sustained FHFs during follow-up were included in this study. Expected variables were finally assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: The 1-year mortality rate was 9.1% (95% confidence interval: 6.8-12.0%, n = 45). Log-rank test revealed that previous fractures (p = 0.003), Barthel index (BI) at discharge (p = 0.011), and place-to-discharge (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with mortality for male patients. Meanwhile, body mass index (BMI; p = 0.023), total Charlson comorbidity index (TCCI; p = 0.005), smoking (p = 0.007), length of hospital stay (LOS; p = 0.009), and BI (p = 0.004) were the counterparts for females. By multivariate analyses, previous vertebral fractures (hazard ratio (HR) 3.33; p = 0.044), and BI <30 (HR 5.42, p = 0.013) were the predictive variables of mortality for male patients. BMI <18.5 kg/m2 (HR 2.70, p = 0.023), TCCI ≥5 (HR 2.61, p = 0.032), smoking history (HR 3.59, p = 0.018), LOS <14 days (HR 13.9; p = 0.007), and BI <30 (HR 2.76; p = 0.049) were the counterparts for females. CONCLUSIONS: Previous vertebral fractures and BI <30 were the predictive variables of mortality for male patients, and BMI <18.5 kg/m2, TCCI ≥5, smoking history, LOS <14 days, and BI <30 were those for females. Decreased BI is one of the independent and preventable risk factors. A comprehensive therapeutic approach should be considered to prevent deterioration of activities of daily living and a higher risk of mortality.

Tumor-induced osteomalacia caused by a massive phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of the acetabulum: A case report.

We report a case of tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) caused by a massive phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT) of the acetabulum. A 68-year-old woman presented with progressive bone pain of the rib cage, and polyarthralgia and back pain for 3 years. She was diagnosed with hypophosphatemic osteomalacia because laboratory testing was remarkable for low serum phosphorus and a low level of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D. Three years later, her hip radiograph revealed an osteolytic lesion of the acetabulum. Magnetic resonance imaging of the acetabulum showed a massive lesion. Laboratory data showed hypophosphatemia and an elevated serum level of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23). Samples obtained with open biopsy showed a low-grade spindle cell neoplasm with FGF-23 positivity, identified by using immunohistochemical staining, confirming the diagnosis of a PMT mixed connective tissue variant. Curettage of the tumor was performed, and the defects were filled with bone allografts. The hip joint was reconstructed with total hip arthroplasty using a Muller support ring. To our knowledge, this report represents the first documented case of massive PMT of the acetabulum causing TIO.

Methotrexate-Related Lymphoproliferative Disorder Presenting with Severe Swelling of the Elbow Joint: A Case Report.

CASE: A patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who was being treated with methotrexate (MTX) therapy presented with severe swelling of the left elbow. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor-like lesion around the elbow joint. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography indicated multiple lesions in the lung and the lymph nodes. An open biopsy of a cervical lymph node was performed, and MTX-related lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD) was diagnosed. After cessation of the MTX therapy, the elbow swelling regressed, and the patient was in remission of MTX-LPD. CONCLUSION: MTX-LPD should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a patient with RA develops severe joint swelling while on MTX therapy.

Delayed diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis in a Japanese population.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the period from symptom onset to diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Japanese patients and to examine possible reasons for delayed diagnosis. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients with AS were studied. Diagnostic delay was defined as the gap between the first spondyloarthropathic symptom and diagnosis of AS according to the modified New York criteria. RESULTS: The mean patient ages at disease onset and diagnosis were 25.6 ± 11.3 and 33.3 ± 13.2 years old, respectively, resulting in diagnostic delay of 6.7 years. The number of medical institutions to which patients were referred before diagnosis was 2.4, and orthopedic surgeons were most commonly visited (62%). Non-specific low back pain or lumbar spondylitis (33%) and degenerative arthritis (28%) were the primary diagnoses preceding that of AS. Absence of articular symptoms significantly correlated with diagnostic delay. The patients with disease onset on year 2000 or later had significantly shorter periods until diagnosis than those before 2000 (3.6 vs. 7.5 years). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed a marked diagnostic delay among Japanese patients with AS. Although it has been improved, continuing medical education focusing on inflammatory back pain in adolescent is required for early diagnosis of AS.

Pelvic tilt and movement during total hip arthroplasty in the lateral decubitus position.

OBJECTIVES: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is often performed in the lateral decubitus (lateral) position. In this position, the pelvis may have various degrees of tilt leading to implant malposition. We sought to quantify the pelvic tilt in lateral position and further pelvic movement during surgery. METHODS: In 95 cases with primary THA, three-dimensional pelvic tilts were quantified by superimposing images reconstructed from CT data onto antero-posterior radiographs taken in lateral position at set-up and after cup placement. Pelvises were fixed with a device compressing anterior superior iliac spines and sacrum. RESULTS: Various degrees of pelvic tilt occurred compared to the supine position; sagittal: -3.1° (-25.5° to 10.2°), axial: 3.9° (-8.4° to 17°), coronal: 0.9° (-11.9° to 13.2°). Absolute changes more than 5° were observed 43%, 47%, and 12% in the sagittal, axial, and coronal planes, respectively. The more preoperative posterior pelvic tilt resulted in the more change in the sagittal plane. Further pelvic movement of about 3° in three planes were observed ranging from -11° to 20° after cup placement. CONCLUSION: This study showed various pelvic tilt and movement during THA. As pelvic tilt directly alters the cup orientation, its changes should be well understood. Improved tools for positioning and holding the pelvis are required.

Outcome of Joint-Preserving Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformities.

BACKGROUND: Along with the recent advances in the pharmacological management of rheumatoid arthritis, there is a trend toward the use of joint-preserving surgery in the treatment of rheumatoid forefoot deformities. However, the clinical outcomes of joint-preserving surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities have not been assessed in comparison to resection arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 23 feet in 17 patients with rheumatoid forefoot deformities who underwent surgery between January 2010 and December 2013. The patients included 1 male (1 foot) and 16 females (22 feet), with a mean age of 62 years. The mean length of follow-up was 28 months. The patients were treated by 3 surgeons. One surgeon performed joint-preserving procedures (JP group) to the feet in which (1) no pain with motion existed, and (2) the range of motion in the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint was greater than 30 degrees (n = 10); otherwise, resection arthroplasty with arthrodesis of the first MTP joint was performed (n = 3). The other surgeons performed resection arthroplasty in all cases (n = 10) (RA group, n = 13 in total). The clinical outcomes of the patients were evaluated using the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) hallux and lesser toe scales. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the preoperative total JSSF scores for either the hallux (54.5 and 61.4 points) or the lesser toe (45.2 and 57.4 points) between the RA and JP groups, respectively. Postoperatively, the total JSSF scores for both the hallux (79.4 and 88.2 points) and lesser toes (73.6 and 87.7 points) showed significant improvement in both the RA and JP groups, respectively; however, the JP group showed a greater postoperative improvement. The scores relating to the function category on the hallux scale and the alignment category on the lesser toe scale were significantly higher in the JP group. CONCLUSION: With regard to the function of the hallux and the alignment of the lesser toes, the joint-preserving procedures for rheumatoid forefoot deformities resulted in better clinical outcomes than resection arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative case series.

Cementless total hip arthroplasty for patients previously treated with femoral osteotomy for hip dysplasia: the incidence of periprosthetic fracture.

PURPOSE: Femur deformities can make stem fixation difficult in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We report the clinical results of cementless THA using a press-fit stem in patients who had previously undergone femoral osteotomy for hip dysplasia. METHODS: The subjects included 66 hips in 64 patients, with the mean follow-up period of 7.3 years. THA was performed at a mean period of 17.1 years after intertrochanteric femoral osteotomy. Valgus osteotomy was performed in 42 hips, and varus osteotomy in 24. Clinical results were evaluated by using the Merle d'Aubigne-Postel score. Implant survival was determined with revision as the end point, and any related complications were investigated. RESULTS: The Merle d'Aubigne-Postel score improved from 9.4 to 16.1 at the final follow-up, without any implant loosening. However, periprosthetic femoral fractures were observed in four hips (6.0 %), one intra-operatively and three within three weeks after THA. Among these cases, three hips previously had varus osteotomy (12.5 %) and one hip had valgus osteotomy (2.3 %). Two hips were revised with full porous stems and circumferential wiring. The five and ten year cumulative survivorship rates were 97 % (range, 88.8-99.3 %) and 97 % (88.8-99.3 %), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the use of a press-fit cementless stem yielded acceptable results in most of the patients, perioperative femoral fracture was a major complication especially in the patients previously treated with intertrochanteric varus osteotomy. Careful planning and implant selection could be emphasized for these cases.

Dislocation and its recurrence after revision total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Dislocation is a leading cause of failure after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study was conducted to examine the risk factors for dislocation as well as their recurrence after revision THA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 178 revision THAs in 162 patients between 1998 and 2013. The mean patient age was 65.2 years at operation and the mean follow-up period was 6.7 years. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for dislocation, and further comparison was made between patients with single and recurrent dislocations. RESULTS: Sixteen hips in 15 patients (9.0 %) dislocated at a mean of 9.1 months (range, 0-83 months) after revision THA. Multivariate analysis identified advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.94/10 years) and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (OR = 7.71) as the independent risk factors for any dislocations. Risk factors for recurrent dislocations, which were observed in eight hips (50 %), were later dislocations (≥4 months) and lower BMI. CONCLUSION: Dislocation is a serious problem after revision THA with multiple risk factors. Although our findings were limited to revision THAs done through posterolateral approach, recognition of these factors is helpful in patient education and surgical planning.

Rapidly destructive arthrosis of the hip joint in a young adult with systemic lupus erythematosus.

A 37-year-old female had been treated with corticosteroids for systemic lupus erythematosus clinically diagnosed at age 10. She suddenly had right hip pain without any antecedent trauma. Four months after the onset of pain, she visited her primary care physician. On magnetic resonance imaging, joint space narrowing at the weight-bearing area was already seen with bone marrow edematous lesions in both the femoral head and acetabulum. She was treated non-operatively; however, her pain continued to worsen in severity. Thirteen months after the onset of pain, she was referred to our hospital. A plain radiograph showed subluxation of the collapsed femoral head accompanied by destruction of the acetabular rim. Because of her severe intractable pain, she underwent total hip arthroplasty 1 month after her first visit. Histological examination of the resected femoral head revealed pseudogranulomatous lesions along with prominent callus formation, suggesting rapid destruction of the femoral head.

Brief report: successful in vitro culture of rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue explants at the air-liquid interface.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method to culture synovial tissue explants from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Synovial tissue explants obtained from 10 patients with RA were cultured at the air-liquid interface or were submerged in culture medium. As a control, synovial explants were engrafted subcutaneously into SCID mice. The synovial explants were harvested at different time points, and histologic or flow cytometric analysis was performed. Cytokine levels in the culture supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Infliximab was added to the air-liquid interface culture to evaluate the effect of tumor necrosis factor α blockade on inflammatory cytokine production. RESULTS: The histologic features of RA synovitis, including a hyperplastic lining layer and the presence of cellular infiltrate in the sublining layer, were maintained in synovial tissue explants in air-liquid interface culture. In synovial grafts harvested from SCID-HuRAg mice, the cellular infiltrate was well maintained in the sublining, but the lining layer was lost. Viable CD4+ T cells and macrophages were abundant after air-liquid interface culture but were virtually absent after submerged culture. Furthermore, synovial tissue explants in air-liquid interface culture produced interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 for a prolonged period of time. The addition of infliximab effectively reduced cytokine production. CONCLUSION: RA synovial explants can be maintained for weeks using an air-liquid interface culture. This simple culture system might be useful for analyzing the pathogenesis of RA synovitis and for developing antirheumatic drugs.

Efficacy and Safety of Infliximab for Ankylosing Spondylitis in Japanese Patients: A Retrospective Study of 11 Cases.

PURPOSE: Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) such as infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab have been shown to be efficacious not only for rheumatoid arthritis but also for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). However, only a limited number of reports regarding the effect of TNFi on AS in Japanese population have been published. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all 11 patients (8 males and 3 females) with AS who were treated with IFX. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up period of 19 months, the mean BASDAI decreased from 4.7 ± 2.2 to 1.7 ± 1.2 and the serum CRP level decreased from 1.62 ± 1.94 mg/dl to 0.23 ± 0.45 mg/dl. There was no case of serious infection or anaphylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that IFX is efficacious and safe for AS in Japanese patients.

Subchondral fracture of the femoral head after acetabular fracture: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Preventing post-traumatic osteoarthritis is a challenging problem following acetabular fracture. Progressive osteoarthritis is considered to be caused by an irregular articular surface of the acetabular roof or cartilage injury, but little is known about the pathogenesis of collapse of the femoral head after acetabular fracture. We report a case of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after acetabular fracture in which subchondral fracture of the femoral head contributed to the progressive collapse of the femoral head and osteoarthritis. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no previous report of subchondral fracture of the femoral head after acetabular fracture. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old Japanese man fell from a ladder. He was diagnosed with a left acetabular fracture, which was managed conservatively. He developed left coxalgia six months after injury and was seen at our institution one year after the onset of pain. The left acetabular fracture had fused, but his left femoral head had collapsed. The images at the time of injury showed a fracture of the acetabular roof, and an approximately 2mm step-off existed in the articular surface. Retrospective evaluation of the plain radiographs and computed tomography images showed that his femoral head had progressively collapsed. Our patient underwent total hip arthroplasty. Histopathologic findings demonstrated that the collapse of his femoral head was caused by a subchondral fracture of his femoral head. CONCLUSION: Our experience with this case indicates that in addition to post-traumatic osteonecrosis, subchondral fracture may need to be considered in cases with progressive collapse of the femoral head after acetabular fracture.

Scintigraphic assessments of the reparative process in osteonecrosis of the femoral head using SPECT/CT with 99mTc hydroxymethylene diphosphonate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the degree and location of the reparative process in early osteonecrosis of the femoral head on the basis of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) with technetium-99m hydroxymethylene diphosphonate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by the institutional review board. We retrospectively evaluated SPECT/CT scans of 23 consecutive hips. On the basis of the classification system used, 12 hips were classified as stage 1 (no radiographic abnormality), six hips as stage 2 (demarcating sclerosis without femoral head collapse), and five hips as stage 3A (<3 mm femoral head collapse). In each femoral head, the area with the maximum uptake count was defined as the region of maximum uptake. The degree of maximum uptake was assessed by the count ratio, which was defined as the maximum count within the femoral head divided by the mean uptake count of the cross-sectional region of the ipsilateral femur at the level of the distal end of the lesser trochanter. RESULTS: In stage 1, the maximum uptake count tended to occur in the anterior region of the femoral head. Meanwhile, in both stage 2 and stage 3A, the maximum uptake count was more likely to be observed in the lateral region. The mean count ratio of stage 2 was significantly higher than that of stage 1. CONCLUSION: We speculate that osteoblastic activity in the precollapsed stage may gradually increase around the necrotic lesion, with a tendency to advance toward the lateral region of the femoral head.

Ischio-pubic stress fracture after peri-acetabular osteotomy in patients with hip dysplasia.

PURPOSE: Ischio-pubic stress fracture is one of the potential complications after peri-acetabular osteotomy (PAO) in patients with hip dysplasia. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of and risk factors for ischio-pubic fractures following PAO. METHODS: A total of 296 hips in 275 patients who underwent transposition osteotomy of the acetabulum between 2001 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics and radiographic parameters were compared between patients with and without fracture. RESULTS: Fourteen ipsilateral hips (4.7%) in 14 female patients had fracture of the inferior pubic ramus (11 hips) or the ischial ramus (three hips) on the same side as the surgery at an average of 4.6 weeks after PAO. Multivariate analysis indicated that younger age at operation (odds ratio of 1.43 per five years, p = 0.0169) and greater degree of correction (odds ratio of 1.98 per five degrees, p = 0.0005) were significantly associated with ischio-pubic fracture as independent risk factors. All fractures healed conservatively with partial weight-bearing. CONCLUSIONS: Younger female patients and greater deformity corrections increased the risk of ischio-pubic stress fracture after PAO.

Characteristics of lumbar scoliosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Although a substantial percentage of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience low back pain, the characteristics of lumbar spine pathology in RA patients has been poorly investigated. In our institutions, lumbar spine radiographs indicated scoliosis in 26 patients. The present study aimed to clarify the characteristics of lumbar scoliosis in RA patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 26 RA patients with lumbar scoliosis. Patient characteristics such as disease duration, disease stage and class according to Steinbrocker's classification, and medication for RA and osteoporosis were reviewed. Radiologic evaluation of scoliosis was performed at two different time points by measuring Cobb angles. The progression of scoliosis per year was calculated by dividing the change in Cobb angles by the number of years. Apical vertebral rotation, lateral listhesis, and the level of the intercrestal line at the first observation were also measured. The correlation between different factors and changes in the Cobb angles per year was analyzed. RESULTS: Majority of the patients had a long disease duration and were classified as stage 3 or 4 according to Steinbrocker's classification. During the observation period, most patients were treated with glucocorticoids. Unlike the previous studies on degenerative scoliosis, apical vertebral rotation, lateral listhesis, and the level of the intercrestal line at initial observation were not significantly related to the progression of scoliosis. Initial Cobb angles were inversely related to the progression of scoliosis. Patients who were treated with bisphosphonates showed slower progression of scoliosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the characteristics of lumbar scoliosis in RA patients differ from those of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Bone fragility due to the long disease duration, poor control of disease activity, and osteoporosis is possibly related to its progression.

Influencing factors for the increased stem version compared to the native femur in cementless total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Stem version is not always equivalent to femoral neck version (native version) in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). We therefore examined the discrepancy of version between the native femoral neck and stem using pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT), the level of the femur where the canal version most closely fit the stem version, and the factors influencing version discrepancy between the native femoral neck and stem. METHODS: A total of 122 hips in 122 patients who underwent primary THA using a metaphyseal-fit stem through the postero-lateral approach were included. Pre- and postoperative CT images were utilized to measure native and stem version, and the version of the femoral canal at four levels relative to the lesser trochanter. RESULTS: The mean native and stem versions were 28.1 ± 11.0° and 38.0 ± 11.2°, respectively, revealing increased stem version with a mean difference of 9.8° (p < 0.0001). A total of 84 hips (68.9 %) revealed an increase in version greater than 5°. Femoral canal version at the level of the lesser trochanter most closely approximated that of stem version. Among the factors analysed, both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that greater degrees of native version and anterior stem tilt significantly reduced the version discrepancy between the native femoral neck and stem version. CONCLUSIONS: Since a cementless stem has little version adjustability in the femoral canal, these findings are useful for surgeons in preoperative planning and to achieve proper component placement in THA.

Subclinical bilateral involvement of the hip in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a multicentre study.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the posterior inclination of the contralateral femoral epiphysis in patients with unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). METHODS: The posterior sloping angle (PSA) was measured using lateral radiographs in 67 patients with a unilateral SCFE and in 41 age-matched normal controls. A symptomatic epiphyseal slip was defined as the development of SCFE. RESULTS: The contralateral PSA in SCFE patients was more widely distributed and significantly larger compared to controls (15.0° vs. 9.0°, p < 0.0001). Forty-seven hips (70.1%) had a PSA of greater than 12.8°, which was +2SD of the control hips. Of the 65 hips excluding the two cases with prophylactic pinning, 11 hips (16.9%) eventually developed a contralateral SCFE during adolescence and their PSA at the initial visit was significantly larger compared to patients without a contralateral SCFE (18.0° vs. 14.3°, p < 0.005) with a cutoff value of 19°. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested the possibility of bilateral hip involvement in SCFE patients. Hips with greater degrees of PSA (> 19°) are likely to become symptomatic.