Osteonecrosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: Systematic insight from the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management.

Osteonecrosis (ON) is one of the serious and well recognized complicationscausing severe pain and disability in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and its manifestation and pathogenesis are only partially understood. This review provide an update of the recent progress in etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus related osteonecrosis (SLE-ON). Despite the concomitant use of corticosteroids, alcohol and obesity, the dysregulated immune micro-environment and the complex pathogenesis of SLE synergistically play important roles in the development of ON. Osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) is the most often involved joint in SLE. The current classification and staging system of ONFH is based on imaging techniques, particularly relating to MRI and CT, for the identification and quantification of necrotic lesions. For SLE-ONFH patients, both SLE specific clinical symptoms and ONFH imaging findings should be comprehensively evaluated. Even though advances concerning bone grafting and arthroplasty procedures have resulted in improved clinical outcomes, early pharmacological treatment at the pre-collapse stage may prevent joint collapse and reduce the joint arthroplasty rate, and this needs to be accounted. Although some progress has been made, considerably more research is needed before we fully understand SLE-ONFH. Future treatments of SLE-ONFH may involve genetic or cell-based therapies that target potential biomarkers, and this will lead to effective measures for saving thefunction of hip joint and preventing osteonecrosis.

Assessment of jaw osteonecrosis diagnostic criteria in cancer patients with a history of radiation therapy and exposure to bone-modifying agents.

BACKGROUND: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw is currently defined by the development of osteonecrosis in head/neck irradiated patients, regardless of lesion exposure. To diagnose medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), a history of any radiation therapy to the jaw region must be ruled out. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of current osteonecrosis criteria, while introducing new modifications for improved diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: One hundred and forty-one necrotic lesions were analyzed from patients exposed to bone-modifying agents (BMAs) and/or received head and neck regional radiation therapy, where the maximal dose of radiation exposure to the jaw osteonecrosis site was calculated. Modified diagnostic criteria were used to reassess all cases and a comparison of outcomes was performed using Pearson's Chi-Square/Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Only in patients with primary head and neck carcinomas did the maximal mean radiation dose in the necrotic jaw site reach ranges associated with ORN formation (>40 Gy), with individual cases showing exposures as low as 0-2 Gy. Based on the modified diagnostic criteria almost 2/3 of the necrotic cases diagnosed as ORN should be diagnosed as MRONJ. CONCLUSIONS: ORN diagnosis should only be considered in cases of radiation exposure >40 Gy to prevent misdiagnosis and suboptimal treatment. A modified criterion for MRONJ diagnosis is recommended where radiation exposure <40 Gy in the necrotic site is included. In cases with exposure >40 Gy and BMA administration, an additional modification to diagnostic criteria of 'medication- and radiation-related osteonecrosis of the jaw', should be used.

Canadian Rheumatology Association Recommendations for the Assessment and Monitoring of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To develop recommendations for the assessment of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Canada. METHODS: Recommendations were developed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. The Canadian SLE Working Group (panel of Canadian rheumatologists and a patient representative from Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance) was created. Questions for recommendation development were identified based on the results of a previous survey of SLE practice patterns of members of the Canadian Rheumatology Association. Systematic literature reviews of randomized trials and observational studies were conducted. Evidence to Decision tables were prepared and presented to the panel at 2 face-to-face meetings and online. RESULTS: There are 15 recommendations for assessing and monitoring SLE, with varying applicability to adult and pediatric patients. Three recommendations focus on diagnosis, disease activity, and damage assessment, suggesting the use of a validated disease activity score per visit and annual damage score. Strong recommendations were made for cardiovascular risk assessment and measuring anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies in the peripartum period and conditional recommendations for osteoporosis and osteonecrosis. Two conditional recommendations were made for peripartum assessments, 1 for cervical cancer screening and 2 for hepatitis B and C screening. A strong recommendation was made for annual influenza vaccination. CONCLUSION: These are considered the first guidelines using the GRADE method for the monitoring of SLE. Existing evidence is largely of low to moderate quality, resulting in more conditional than strong recommendations. Additional rigorous studies and special attention to pediatric SLE populations and patient preferences are needed.

American Cancer Society Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care Guideline.

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE The American Cancer Society Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care Guideline was developed to assist primary care clinicians and other health practitioners with the care of head and neck cancer survivors, including monitoring for recurrence, screening for second primary cancers, assessment and management of long-term and late effects, health promotion, and care coordination. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed through April 2015, and a multidisciplinary expert workgroup with expertise in primary care, dentistry, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, clinical psychology, speech-language pathology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, the patient perspective, and nursing was assembled. While the guideline is based on a systematic review of the current literature, most evidence is not sufficient to warrant a strong recommendation. Therefore, recommendations should be viewed as consensus-based management strategies for assisting patients with physical and psychosocial effects of head and neck cancer and its treatment. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:203-239. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

The Validity of Claims-Based Algorithms to Identify Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.

Validation of claims-based algorithms to identify serious hypersensitivity reactions and osteonecrosis of the jaw has not been performed in large osteoporosis populations. The objective of this project is to estimate the positive predictive value of the claims-based algorithms in older women with osteoporosis enrolled in Medicare. Using the 2006-2008 Medicare 5% sample data, we identified potential hypersensitivity and osteonecrosis of the jaw cases based on ICD-9 diagnosis codes. Potential hypersensitivity cases had a 995.0, 995.2, or 995.3 diagnosis code on emergency department or inpatient claims. Potential osteonecrosis of the jaw cases had ≥1 inpatient or outpatient physician claim with a 522.7, 526.4, 526.5, or 733.45 diagnosis code or ≥2 claims of any type with a 526.9 diagnosis code. All retrieved records were redacted and reviewed by experts to determine case status: confirmed, not confirmed, or insufficient information. We calculated the positive predictive value as the number of confirmed cases divided by the total number of retrieved records with sufficient information. We requested 412 potential hypersensitivity and 304 potential osteonecrosis of the jaw records and received 174 (42%) and 84 (28%) records respectively. Of 84 potential osteonecrosis of the jaw cases, 6 were confirmed, resulting in a positive predictive value (95% CI) of 7.1% (2.7, 14.9). Of 174 retrieved potential hypersensitivity records, 95 were confirmed. After exclusion of 25 records with insufficient information for case determination, the overall positive predictive value (95% CI) for hypersensitivity reactions was 76.0% (67.5, 83.2). In a random sample of Medicare data, a claim-based algorithm to identify serious hypersensitivity reactions performed well. An algorithm for osteonecrosis of the jaw did not, partly due to the inclusion of diagnosis codes that are not specific for osteoporosis of the jaw.

The role of imaging modalities in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and clinical assessment of peripheral joint osteoarthritis.

Peripheral joint osteoarthritis (OA) is predominantly a clinical diagnosis, though imaging may provide confirmation and aid with differential diagnosis where there is clinical doubt. Whilst radiographs (X-rays (XR)) are usually the first-line imaging modality selected, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) may all have a valuable role in assessing a person with OA, although each has its particular advantages and disadvantages. MRI is of particular use for diagnosing bone conditions that may cause a rapid increase in symptoms, such as avascular necrosis (AVN) or a subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF), while providing concomitant soft tissue assessment. Ultrasound offers rapid assessment of peripheral joints and can easily assess for features of inflammatory arthritis. CT is faster to perform than MRI and can also image the subchondral bone, but does involve ionising radiation. Selecting the correct imaging modality, in the context of its advantages when visualising a specific joint (e.g., hand vs knee) and with clinical context in mind, will enhance the added value of imaging in clinical practice.

Causes and assessment of subacute and chronic wrist pain.

Wrist pain is a common presentation to the general practitioner and emergency department. Most cases are simple to treat, and pain frequently resolves with conservative treatment. However, there are certain conditions, such as scaphoid nonunion and Kienböck's disease, where delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in long-term deformity or disability. This article covers the various causes of wrist pain, recommendations on how wrist pain should be assessed, as well as details some of the common conditions that warrant specialist referral.

Assessment of scaphoid viability with MRI: a reassessment of findings on unenhanced MR images.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the accuracy of unenhanced T1-weighted MR images in predicting the vascular status of the proximal pole of the scaphoid in patients with chronic scaphoid fracture nonunions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database search identified 29 patients with chronic scaphoid nonunions who underwent a preoperative MRI examination and intraoperative assessment of scaphoid viability from 2004 to 2009. T1-weighted MR images were evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists. If the proximal pole demonstrated diffusely decreased T1-weighted signal (less than or equal to that of skeletal muscle), the patient was placed in a moderate-to-high risk for avascular necrosis (AVN) category. Otherwise, the patient was placed in a viable-to-low risk for AVN category. Scaphoid viability or necrosis was diagnosed intraoperatively depending on whether punctate bleeding was present. After the patients were classified according to the T1-weighted appearance, the appearance on STIR images was recorded. RESULTS: There were 29 patients (25 male) with a mean age of 21 years. When we compared the MRI results, using only the T1-weighted images, with the surgical findings, unenhanced MRI had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 55%, 94%, and 79%, respectively, for diagnosing AVN. Increased proximal pole STIR signal was noted with similar frequencies in patients with and without AVN. CONCLUSION: T1-weighted unenhanced MRI is an acceptable alternative to delayed contrast-enhanced MRI in the preoperative assessment of the vascular status of the proximal pole of the scaphoid in patients with chronic fracture nonunions. STIR images were not beneficial in determining proximal pole viability.

Complications of multiple myeloma therapy, part 2: risk reduction and management of venous thromboembolism, osteonecrosis of the jaw, renal complications, and anemia.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), osteonecrosis of the jaw, renal failure, and anemia are all common complications of multiple myeloma therapy. Many of these adverse events have been documented only in the past 5 to 10 years, in conjunction with the introduction of a series of the newer therapies thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide. This article discusses these complications in detail and provides strategies for health care providers to best prevent, identify, and manage them. Preventive measures, such as VTE prophylaxis and appropriate dental hygiene, as well as patient education, dose adjustments, limited duration of drug treatment, and consideration of therapies that are associated with less burdensome adverse-event profiles, can contribute to substantially improved outcomes and quality of life.

A pilot case-control study on the alveolar bone density measurement in risk assessment for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

UNLABELLED: Alveolar bone mineral density (BMD) measured by radiography standardized by aluminum step wedge pasted on the film and digitized by a computer system was significantly higher around osteonecrosis lesions than in control cases in a pilot case-control study. High alveolar bone density appears useful as a local risk factor for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). INTRODUCTION: In an attempt to find a reliable test method predicting the occurrence of BRONJ in addition to various risk factors suggested, an increase of alveolar bone density near the necrotic lesions was found by computerized radiogrammetry using dental films pasted with an aluminum step wedge (Bone Right, Dentalgraphic.Com Company, Himeji) in six cases of BRONJ. METHODS: The bone mineral density surrounding the osteonecrosis lesions showed distinctly higher density in BRONJ cases compared with age-matched controls. In one subject on bisphosphonate treatment in whom two extractions were simultaneously carried out, BRONJ occurred only at the location with extremely high alveolar bone density, but not at the other site with normal density. CONCLUSION: This method may be useful in detecting a rise of alveolar BMD frequently occurring near the necrotic lesion in subjects with impending risk for BRONJ.

Assessment of bone perfusion with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis are common clinical entities with unknown origins. Recently, vascular changes were implicated in the pathogenesis of both conditions. This article discusses the use of novel noninvasive imaging techniques as a means of assessing bone perfusion and quantifying differences seen in osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis. Review of our human data suggests that the MRI contrast dye is retained for longer periods of time, suggesting decreased perfusion out of regions of osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis. Use of such a noninvasive measure of assessing bone perfusion could be useful in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of not only osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis but also other entities that affect the musculoskeletal system.

A population-based study of prevalence and hospital charges in total hip and knee replacement.

The purpose of this study was to explore the increasing prevalence of factors affecting hospital charges for primary total hip replacement/total knee replacement (THR/TKR). This study analysed 37,918 THR and 76,727 TKR procedures performed in Taiwan from 1996 to 2004. Odds ratio (OR) and effect size (ES) were calculated to assess the relative change rate. Multiple regression models were employed to predict hospital charges. The following factors were associated with increased hospital charges: age younger than 65 years old; increased disease severity (Charlson comorbidity index [CCI] = 1 or > or = 2); absence of primary diagnoses of osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), avascular necrosis (AVN); treatment at a hospital or by a surgeon performing a high volume of operations; and longer average length of stay (ALOS). The Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI) should ensure that surgeons take precautionary measures to minimise complications and maximise quality of life after surgery. Use of joint prostheses from different manufacturers can reduce costs without compromising patient satisfaction.

Arthroscopic assessment and classification of Kienbock's disease.

The authors have utilised arthroscopy to assess and classify Kienbock's avascular necrosis of the lunate. The classification is based on the number of articular surfaces of the lunate and adjacent articulation, which are non-functional. Kienbock's disease usually affects the proximal surface of the lunate first with subsequent secondary changes to the lunate facet of the radius. Advanced cases and those with a coronal fracture of the lunate will cause involvement of the mid carpal joint. Surgery is aimed to debride the joint, classify the level of disease and direct the definitive procedure to be performed. If the articular surfaces are intact, a synovectomy or radial shortening would be indicated. If there is involvement of the lunate but an intact lunate facet a proximal row carpectomy would be indicated. If there is involvement of the proximal lunate and lunate facet then a radio-scapholunate fusion could be utilised. More extensive involvement of the joint would require a wrist fusion. Arthroscopy provides a valuable assessment and subsequent classification of Kienbock's disease.

[Magnetic resonance in osteoarticular exploration]. / Résonance magnétique en pathologie ostéo-articulaire.

A major role in imaging of the locomotor apparatus. Today, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has replaced invasive explorations such as arthrography or saccoradiculography. However, x-rays and scans must often be performed beforehand. Indisputable indications. MRI is crucial in affections of the spongy bone (tumours, osteonecrosis, algodystrophy, fatigue fractures.) and the soft parts (tumours, myositis, fasciitis.). Depending on the situation. The indications for MRI must be weighed versus a scan or arthro-scan in many situations. In the case of strong suspicion of an internal articular disorder, the arthro-scan currently more precise must be preferred. In cases in which there is little clinical orientation, the MRI is justified because of its capacity for global articular and abarticular exploration.

Osteonecrosis in HIV disease: epidemiology, etiologies, and clinical management.

Osteonecrosis has been increasingly associated with HIV disease throughout the 1990s, and the incidence appears to be rising. The hip is most commonly involved and often bilaterally. Although anecodotal reports suggest an association between osteonecrosis and highly active antiretroviral therapy, controlled epidemiologic studies do not support a direct link. Many patients with osteonecrosis have established risk factors, some of which may be related to HIV disease or its therapy, including corticosteroid use and hyperlipidemia. Alcoholism, hypercoagulability, megesterol acetate use, immune reconstitution, and other factors may also contribute. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging are the cornerstones of diagnosis. Management is dependent on the stage of bone disease and ranges from observation to total joint arthroplasty. Clinicians may help to prevent HIV-associated osteonecrosis by encouraging patients to limit their exposure to the established risk factors for the disease.

MR imaging assessment of clinical problems in rheumatoid arthritis.

Although MR imaging has been increasingly recognized as a useful tool in the diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in the assessment of disease activity, these applications have not yet been usually included in the routine management of this condition. Our goal is to review the current role of MRI in the everyday clinical management of patients with RA. The usefulness of MRI in the evaluation of articular and para-articular changes in specific locations, mainly the craniocervical region and the temporomandibular joint, are reviewed. Clinical problems derived from local extra-articular involvement, such as tenosynovitis, "rice-bodies" bursitis, and Baker's cyst rupture, are also described. Finally, we also review the value of MRI in evaluation of some complications of RA such as tendinous rupture, osteonecrosis, stress fracture, and septic arthritis/osteomyelitis.

Prognostic value of histologic tumor necrosis assessment in osteogenic sarcoma of bone.

To assess the prognostic value of tumor necrosis in osteogenic sarcoma of bone, we designed a retrospective study of 18 patients with classic osteogenic sarcoma (OGS) in which several factors were considered as the common criteria of inclusion. Forty percent of patients with > or = 95% necrosis related to chemotherapy of their primary tumor experienced metastatic disease and/or tumor recurrence during their follow-up, while 50% of those with < 95% necrosis had a disease-free period of > or = 5 years. Tumor necrosis related to chemotherapy in OGS does not seem to represent, as a single predictor of disease-free survival, an accurate clinical prognostic indicator. Further clinical and epidemiologic studies are needed on larger series of patients with strict criteria of inclusion to confirm our results.