Disparities in Parathyroidectomy: Who Receives Appropriate Treatment for Primary Hyperparathyroidism?

INTRODUCTION: Parathyroidectomy is underperformed despite clear benefits in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). We evaluated disparities in receipt of parathyroidectomy following PHPT diagnosis to explore barriers to care. METHODS: Adults diagnosed with PHPT 2013-2018 at a health system were identified. Recommended indications for parathyroidectomy include age ≤50 y, calcium >11 mg/dL, or the presence of nephrolithiasis, hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, decreased glomerular filtration rate, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or pathological fracture 1 y prior to diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis assessed rates of parathyroidectomy within 12 mo following diagnosis as well as median time to parathyroidectomy, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses assessed factors associated with undergoing parathyroidectomy. RESULTS: Of 2409 patients, 75% were females, 12% aged ≤50 y, and 92% non-Hispanic White, while 52% had Medicaid/Medicare, 36% were commercial/self-pay or uninsured, and 12% unknown. Parathyroidectomy was performed within 1 y in 50% of patients. Within the 68% that met recommendations, parathyroidectomy was performed within 1 y in 54%; median time from diagnosis to surgery was shorter for males, patients aged ≤50 y, commercial/self-pay/no insurance patients (versus Medicaid/Medicare), and those with fewer comorbidities, P < 0.05. Multivariable analysis demonstrated non-Hispanic White patients and those with commercial/self-pay/uninsured were more likely to undergo parathyroidectomy after adjusting for comorbidity, age, and facility site. Among those strongly indicated, patients not on Medicare/Medicaid and aged ≤50 y were more likely to undergo parathyroidectomy after adjusting for race, comorbidity, and facility site. CONCLUSIONS: Disparities in parathyroidectomy for PHPT were observed. Insurance type was associated with undergoing parathyroidectomy; patients on governmental insurance were less likely to undergo surgery and waited longer for surgery despite strong indications. Barriers to referral and access to surgery should be investigated and addressed to optimize all patients' access to care.

Assessment of Metabolic Markers and Osteoporosis in 250 Patients with Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Treated With Middle Fossa Craniotomy.

BACKGROUND: Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is caused by bony defects in the osseous shell of the arcuate eminence separating the labyrinth and the intracranial space. This pathologic third window causes hydroacoustic transmission resulting in debilitating symptoms. We examine the pathophysiologic association between metabolic markers, previous medical history, and SSCD symptoms before and after middle fossa craniotomy (MFC) treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted between March 2011 and September 2020 with patients with SSCD who underwent MFC. We used a Fisher test to compare variables, including bilateral SSCD, second surgery, ear anomaly, osteoporosis, arthritis, vitamin D, and preoperative/postoperative symptoms, and others. Point-biserial correlation analysis was performed to test correlations between continuous variables and categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 250 patients with SSCD underwent MFC repair. There was significant postoperative resolution in all symptoms (P < 0.0001). Laboratory 25-hydroxyvitamin D values correlated with preoperative aural fullness (rpb= 0.29; P = 0.03), and preoperative disequilibrium (rpb= -0.32; P = 0.02). Serum calcium values correlated with preoperative hearing loss (rpb= 0.16; P = 0.02). Osteoporosis history (n = 16; 6%) was more prevalent in female patients (P = 0.0001), associated with higher levels of preoperative hearing loss (odds ratio, 4.56; P = 0.02) and higher postoperative hearing loss resolution (odds ratio, 2.89; P = 0.0509). CONCLUSIONS: Certain metabolic markers may predict SSCD presentation before and after surgery. Previous history of osteoporosis, autoimmune conditions, or arthritis may play a role in SSCD pathophysiology and can help predict clinical outcomes. Future evaluation should take metabolic laboratory values and acquire an exact medical history.

The impact of osteoporosis on adult deformity surgery outcomes in Medicare patients.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the impact of osteoporosis (OS) on postoperative outcomes in Medicare patients undergoing ASD surgery. BACKGROUND: Patients with OP and advanced age experience higher than average rates of ASD. However, poor bone density could undermine the durability of a deformity correction. METHODS: We queried the MarketScan Medicare Supplemental database to identify patients Medicare patients who underwent ASD surgery from 2007 to 2016. RESULTS: A total of 2564 patients met the inclusion criteria of this study, of whom n = 971 (61.0%) were diagnosed with osteoporosis. Patients with OP had a similar 90-day postoperative complication rates (OP: 54.6% vs. non-OP: 49.2%, p = 0.0076, not significant after multivariate regression correction). This was primarily driven by posthemorrhagic anemia (37.6% in OP, vs. 33.1% in non-OP). Rates of revision surgery were similar at 90 days (non-OP 15.0%, OP 16.8%), but by 2 years, OP patients had a significantly higher reoperation rate (30.4% vs. 22.9%, p < 0.0001). In multivariate regression analysis, OP increased odds for revision surgery at 1 year (OR 1.4) and 2 years (OR 1.5) following surgery (all p < 0.05). OP was also an independent predictor of readmission at all time points (90 days, OR 1.3, p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Medicare patients with OP had elevated rates of complications, reoperations, and outpatient costs after undergoing primary ASD surgery.

Assessment of the efficacy of teriparatide treatment for osteoporosis on lumbar fusion surgery outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Treatment of osteoporosis with medications like teriparatide, a parathyroid hormone, is known to improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Anecdotal and limited surgical series have described the utility of this treatment for osteoporotic patients prior to spinal fusion surgery, but there is variability in adoption of this strategy as well as consensus regarding optimal treatment duration before and after surgery. In this study, the clinical results of the use of teriparatide for this application are reviewed and critically examined. We conducted a systematic review of electronic databases using different MeSH terms from 1980 to 2020. Pooled and subgroup analyses were performed using fixed and random effect models based upon the heterogeneity (I2). The results were reported as either mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 771 patients from 12 studies were identified. Three hundred seventy-seven patients (90.8% females) were treated with teriparatide. Lumbar spinal fusion rates were significantly higher among patients who received teriparatide compared to the non-teriparatide group (OR 2.15, 95%CI 1.56-2.97, p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients receiving teriparatide demonstrated 2.12-fold and 2.23-fold higher likelihood of fusion compared to those in the bisphosphonate (OR 2.12, 95%CI 1.45-3.11, p = 0.0001) and placebo (OR 2.23, 95%CI 1.22-4.08, p = 0.009) cohorts, respectively. The treatment effect of teriparatide was associated with significantly reduced subsequent vertebral fractures (OR 0.16, 95%CI 0.06-0.41, p = 0.0002), sagittal malalignment (MD - 3.85, 95%CI: -6.49 to - 1.21, p = 0.004), limb visual analogue score (VAS) (MD - 0.36, 95%CI - 0.64 to - 0.09, p = 0.008), and spinal VAS (MD - 0.24, 95%CI - 0.44 to - 0.04, p = 0.02) compared to the non-teriparatide group. Patients using teriparatide had 30% less likelihood of screw loosening at last follow-up compared to the non-teriparatide group; however, this was not statistically significant (OR 0.70, 95%CI 0.43-1.14, p = 0.15). There did not exist any statistically significant difference between the two comparative groups in terms of pseudoarthrosis (OR 0.54, 95%CI 0.24-1.21, p = 0.13), cage subsidence (OR 1.30, 95%CI 0.38-4.52, p = 0.68), and bone mineral density (MD 0.04, 95%CI - 0.19-0.29, p = 0.74) at last follow-up examination. This meta-analysis corroborates the effectiveness of teriparatide resulting in higher fusion rates. Further study is required to determine the optimal duration of treatment and timing of surgery.

Assessment of the Breakaway Torque at the Posterior Pelvic Ring in Human Cadavers.

PURPOSE: To enhance the diminished screw purchase in cancellous, osteoporotic bone following the fixation of posterior pelvic ring injuries by iliosacral screws an increased bone-implant contact area using modificated screws, techniques or bone cement may become necessary. The aim of the study was to identify sites within the pathway of iliosacral screws requiring modifications of the local bone or the design of instrumentations placed at this site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The breakaway torque was measured mechanically at the iliosacral joint ("ISJ"), the sacral lateral mass ("SLM") and the center of the S1 ("CS1"), at a superior and an inferior site under fluoroscopic control on five human cadaveric specimens (3 female; mean age 87 years, range: 76-99) using the DensiProbe™Spine device. RESULTS: The measured median (range) breakaway torque was 0.63 Nm (0.31-2.52) at the "iliosacral joint", 0.14 Nm (0.05-1.22) at the "sacral lateral mass", 0.57 Nm (0.05-1.42) at the "S1 center." The "sacral lateral mass" breakaway torque was lower than compared to that at the "iliosacral joint" (p < .001) or "S1 center" (p < .001). The median (range) breakaway torque measured at all superior measurement points was 0.52 Nm (0.10-2.52), and 0.48 Nm (0.05-1.18) at all inferior sites. The observed difference was statistically significant (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The lateral mass of the sacrum provides the lowest bone quality for implant anchorage. Iliosacral screws should be placed as superior as safely possible, should bridge the iliosacral joint and may allow for cement application at the lateral mass of the sacrum through perforations.

Fragility fracture programs: are they effective and what is the surgeon's role?

Fragility fractures are occurring at an ever-increasing rate, creating an enormous economic and societal impact. Outpatient-based fragility fracture programs have been developed to identify at-risk patients, initiate effective treatment of metabolic bone disease, and improve coordination between members of the patient's care team with the goal of reducing future fractures. Inpatient programs focus on effective, efficient management of patients presenting with acute fractures. Both have proven successful in reducing the impact of fragility fractures, but many challenges exist. The orthopedic surgeon, as part of an integrated team of providers, is integral in identifying at-risk patients, ensuring appropriate care of acute fractures, and initiating treatment protocols to reduce the risk of further injuries.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: surgery versus non-operative management.

This 12-month retrospective study compared pain relief, quality of life (QoL), treatment cost-effectiveness and complication rates in patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP; n = 58), percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP; n = 55), or conservative medical therapy (CMT; n = 55). After surgery, Cobb angle and vertebral height were significantly improved in the PKP group. PVP and PKP patients had significantly less pain immediately after surgery than CMT patients, but this difference disappeared between weeks 2-8, only to return from months 6-12. QoL was significantly better among the surgical groups after surgery and was lower in the CMT group than in the surgical groups. Treatment times were shorter with PVP and PKP, but costs were lower with CMT. The rate of secondary fractures during follow-up was greater with CMT. Overall, PVP was considered the first choice treatment for OVCF with refractory pain.

Small-animal PET/CT assessment of bone microdamage in ovariectomized rats.

UNLABELLED: Microdamage in bone contributes to bone fragility in postmenopausal women. Therefore, it is important to find a noninvasive method to detect microdamage in living bone. PET with (18)F-fluoride has been used for skeletal imaging in clinical studies. However, few studies are undertaken to investigate bone microdamage associated with osteoporosis in vivo using noninvasive means. The aim of our study was to analyze the impact of osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency on the occurrence of microdamage by observing the change in the uptake of (18)F-fluoride in the tibiae of ovariectomized rats after fatigue loading with small-animal PET/CT. We also explored the feasibility of noninvasive detection of bone microdamage in vivo using a small-animal PET/CT scanner specially designed for rodent study. METHODS: Rats were randomized into 2 groups: ovariectomy and sham surgery. These rats were imaged using a dedicated small-animal PET scanner with (18)F-fluoride after the left tibiae were loaded cyclically under the axial compression. The fluoride uptake values were quantified in the tibial mid shafts, and the tibia was obtained for histomorphometric measurements of bone microdamage and osteocyte density. Bone mineral density at the fourth lumbar vertebra and right femur were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: PET image intensity was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the loaded tibia of the ovariectomy group, compared with that of the sham group. Histomorphometry showed that both crack density and crack length in the loaded tibia were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in ovariectomized rats than in sham rats. The PET image intensity in the loaded tibia was significantly positively correlated with crack length and crack density (which show in histomorphometric measurement) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both small-animal PET/CT and histomorphometric measurement provided evidence that bone microdamage is significantly increased after estrogen depletion. The strong correlation between these 2 measurements suggests that small-animal PET/CT is a useful noninvasive means to detect bone microdamage in vivo.

[Assessment of percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous kyphoplasty for treatment of senile osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effects and safety of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for the senile osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. METHODS: From December 2004 to June 2008, 28 patients (40 vertebrae) with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP group), there were 11 males (14 vertebrae) and 17 females (26 vertebrae), with an average age of 72 years (ranged, 70 to 91 years). The fracture site of vertebral body was from T5 to L5. Other 31 patients (43 vertebrae) were treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP group), there were 13 males (18 vertebrae) and 18 females (25 vertebrae), with an average age of 74 years (ranged, 70 to 92 years). The fracture site of vertebral body was from T4 to L5. Theapeutic effects of all the patients were observed after operation, the item included visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry score, Cobb angle, the height of anterior and middle column vertebra, and the incidence of cement leakage. RESULTS: There was significant decrease in VAS score and Oswestry score after operation in both groups, there was significant difference between preoperative and postoperative (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in VAS score and Oswestry score between two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in Cobb angles and the height of anterior and middle column vertebra between two groups before and after operation (P > 0.05). Among them, there were 3 vertebrae cement leakage in PVP group (7.5%) and 2 in PKP group (4.7%), but no clinical sympton occurred. There was no significant difference in the incidence of cement leakage between two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are safe and effective methods in treating senile osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, which can restore the height of fractured vertebra, relieve pain and improve function as well as minimize the incidence of cement leakage.

Assessment of targeting accuracy of a low-energy stereotactic radiosurgery treatment for age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in the United States, is a neovascular disease that may be controlled with radiation therapy. Early patient outcomes of external beam radiotherapy, however, have been mixed. Recently, a novel multimodality treatment was developed, comprising external beam radiotherapy and concomitant treatment with a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor. The radiotherapy arm is performed by stereotactic radiosurgery, delivering a 16 Gy dose in the macula (clinical target volume, CTV) using three external low-energy x-ray fields while adequately sparing normal tissues. The purpose of our study was to test the sensitivity of the delivery of the prescribed dose in the CTV using this technique and of the adequate sparing of normal tissues to all plausible variations in the position and gaze angle of the eye. Using Monte Carlo simulations of a 16 Gy treatment, we varied the gaze angle by ±5° in the polar and azimuthal directions, the linear displacement of the eye ±1 mm in all orthogonal directions, and observed the union of the three fields on the posterior wall of spheres concentric with the eye that had diameters between 20 and 28 mm. In all cases, the dose in the CTV fluctuated <6%, the maximum dose in the sclera was <20 Gy, the dose in the optic disc, optic nerve, lens and cornea were <0.7 Gy and the three-field junction was adequately preserved. The results of this study provide strong evidence that for plausible variations in the position of the eye during treatment, either by the setup error or intrafraction motion, the prescribed dose will be delivered to the CTV and the dose in structures at risk will be kept far below tolerance doses.

Assessment of bone quality within the tuberosities of the osteoporotic humeral head: relevance for anchor positioning in rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Tears of the rotator cuff are highly prevalent in patients older than 60 years, thereby presenting a population also suffering from osteopenia or osteoporosis. Suture fixation in the bone depends on the holding strength of the anchoring technique, whether a bone tunnel or suture anchor is selected. Because of osteopenic or osteoporotic bone changes, suture anchors in the older patient might pull out, resulting in failure of repair. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of our study was to analyze the bone quality within the tuberosities of the osteoporotic humeral head using high-resolution quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Thirty-six human cadaveric shoulders were analyzed using HR-pQCT. The mean bone volume to total volume (BV/TV) as well as trabecular bone mineral densities (trabBMDs) of the greater tuberosity (GT) and the lesser tuberosity (LT) were determined. Within the GT, 6 volumes of interest (VOIs) within the LT, and 2 VOIs and 1 control volume within the subchondral area beyond the articular surface were set. RESULTS: Comparing BV/TV of the medial and the lateral row, significantly higher values were found medially (P < .001). The highest BV/TV, 0.030% + or - 0.027%, was found in the posteromedial portion of the GT (P < .05). Regarding the analysis of the LT, no difference was found comparing the superior (BV/TV: 0.024% + or - 0.022%) and the inferior (BV/TV: 0.019% + or - 0.016%) portion. Analyzing trabBMD, equal proportions were found. An inverse correlation with a correlation coefficient of -0.68 was found regarding BV/TV of the posterior portion of the GT and age (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Significant regional differences of trabecular microarchitecture were found in our HR-pQCT study. The volume of highest bone quality resulted for the posteromedial aspect of the GT. Moreover, a significant correlation of bone quality within the GT and age was found, while the bone quality within the LT seems to be independent from it. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The shape of the rotator cuff tear largely determines the bony site of tendon reattachment, although the surgeon has distinct options to modify anchor positioning. According to our results, placement of suture anchors in a medialized way at the border to the articular surface might guarantee a better structural bone stock.

[Kyphoplasty in osteoporotic spinal fractures]. / Kyphoplastie bei osteoporotischen Wirbelfrakturen.

Kyphoplasty has been the standard procedure for osteoporotic fractures for more than 5 years but the material costs are still very high. The aim of this study was to clarify whether pain reduction could be achieved without increasing the rate of new fractures and also in what areas costs could possibly be reduced. From 15.01.2007 until 15.01.2008, a total of 100 patients with 126 recent osteoporotic spinal fractures were treated by kyphoplasty with an average operation time of 38 min and follow-up times up to 12 months. During this follow-up period 15 lateral and 2 dorsal cement leakages remained asymptomatic and 1 dorsal leakage caused an incomplete paraparesis, which was finally cured completely. All patients were very content and pain measured on the visual analogous scale could be lowered from 8.0 before the operation to 2.7 points after the operation. With material costs of 3,056 Euro, there were additional operation costs of 247 Euro per case. The average effective weight was 2.84. On average 7,810 Euro returns could be achieved, deducting material and operation costs left 4,507 Euro per case. More than 40% of gains were reinvested in operation and material costs. Within 12 months 6 new fractures occurred despite medicinal prophylactic treatment which could also be successfully treated by kyphoplasty. The average visual analogous scale after 12 months was 2.1 points.Kyphoplasty still causes financial deficits due to high material costs, however, patients benefit from a reduction of pain.

[Operative treatment of instable osteoporotic spine fractures. A good guide in coding of diagnosis]. / Operative Versorgung instabiler osteoporotischer Wirbelsäulenfrakturen. Eine wichtige Kodierhilfe.

The combination of kyphoplasty and fixateur interne is an essential therapy with osteoporotic unstable fractures. Material costs of 5500 Euro are not sufficiently covered by returns through DRG I09. Thus operations are often performed in 2 stages, an initial one and a second 30 days later. This means more strain for the patient and partly also loss of correction. Therefore in 2008 we requested the InEK that codes for one-and two-segmental implantation of material in a vertebrae with preceding restoration of vertebral height (5-839.a0 and 5-839.a1) combined with a percutaneous dorsal operation with a screw-rod system in the future would be represented by I19B in G-DRG system with returns of 11,110,40 Euro. Prerequirement is coding of kyphoplastiy as main procedure and percutaneous implantation of a fixateur with procedure 5-835.5. Some procedures in orthopedic surgery implying technical improvements and rising implant costs are not sufficiently rewarded. Thus is make sense to inform InEK by corresponding proposals.

Assessment of different screw augmentation techniques and screw designs in osteoporotic spines.

This is an experimental study on human cadaver spines. The objective of this study is to compare the pullout forces between three screw augmentation methods and two different screw designs. Surgical interventions of patients with osteoporosis increase following the epidemiological development. Biomechanically the pedicle provides the strongest screw fixation in healthy bone, whereas in osteoporosis all areas of the vertebra are affected by the disease. This explains the high screw failure rates in those patients. Therefore PMMA augmentation of screws is often mandatory. This study involved investigation of the pullout forces of augmented transpedicular screws in five human lumbar spines (L1-L4). Each spine was treated with four different methods: non-augmented unperforated (solid) screw, perforated screw with vertebroplasty augmentation, solid screw with vertebroplasty augmentation and solid screw with balloon kyphoplasty augmentation. Screws were augmented with Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The pullout forces were measured for each treatment with an Instron testing device. The bone mineral density was measured for each vertebra with Micro-CT. The statistical analysis was performed with a two-sided independent student t test. Forty screws (10 per group and level) were inserted. The vertebroplasty-augmented screws showed a significant higher pullout force (mean 918.5 N, P = 0.001) than control (mean 51 N), the balloon kyphoplasty group did not improve the pullout force significantly (mean 781 N, P > 0.05). However, leakage occurred in some cases treated with perforated screws. All spines showed osteoporosis on Micro-CT. Vertebroplasty-augmented screws, augmentation of perforated screws and balloon kyphoplasty augmented screws show higher pullout resistance than non-augmented screws. Significant higher pullout forces were only reached in the vertebroplasty augmented vertebra. The perforated screw design led to epidural leakage due to the position of the perforation in the screw. The position of the most proximal perforation is critical, depending on screw design and proper insertion depth. Nevertheless, using a properly designed perforated screw will facilitate augmentation and instrumentation in osteoporotic spines.

Proximal junctional acute collapse cranial to multi-level lumbar fusion: a cost analysis of prophylactic vertebral augmentation.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Limited data are available regarding incidence of proximal junctional acute collapse after multilevel lumbar spine fusion. There are no data regarding the cost of prophylactic vertebral augmentation adjacent to long lumbar fusions compared with the costs of performing revision fusion surgery for patients suffering with this complication. PURPOSE: To perform a cost analysis of prophylactic vertebral augmentation for prevention of proximal junctional acute collapse after multilevel lumbar fusion. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review and cost analysis. PATIENT SAMPLE: All female patients older than 60 years undergoing extended lumbar fusions were reviewed to establish the incidence of proximal junctional acute collapse. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost estimates for two-level vertebroplasty, two-level kyphoplasty, and revision instrumented fusion were calculated using billing data and cost-to-charge ratios. METHODS: Cost comparisons of prophylactic vertebral augmentation versus extension of fusion for patients suffering from proximal junctional acute collapse were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight female patients older than 60 years underwent lumbar fusions from L5 or S1 extending to the thoracolumbar junction (T9-L2). Fifteen of the 28 patients had prophylactic vertebroplasty cranial to the fused segment. Proximal junctional acute collapse requiring revision surgery occurred in 2 of the 13 patients (15.3%) treated without prophylactic vertebroplasty. None of the 15 patients undergoing cement augmentation experienced this complication. Assuming a 15% decrease in the incidence of proximal junctional acute collapse, the estimated cost to prevent a single proximal junctional acute collapse was $46,240 using vertebroplasty and $82,172 using kyphoplasty. Inpatient costs associated with a revision instrumented fusion averaged $77,432. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic vertebral augmentation for the prevention of proximal junctional acute collapse may be a cost effective intervention in elderly female patients undergoing extended lumbar fusions. Further efforts are needed to determine more precisely the incidence of proximal junctional acute collapse and the effects of various risk factors on increasing this incidence, as well as methods of prevention.

Gender differences in epidemiology and outcome after hip fracture: evidence from the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit.

We report gender differences in the epidemiology and outcome after hip fracture from the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit, with data on admission and at 120 days follow-up from 22 orthopaedic units across the country between 1998 and 2005. Outcome measures included early mortality, length of hospital stay, 120-day residence and mobility. A multivariate logistic regression model compared outcomes between genders. The study comprised 25 649 patients of whom 5674 (22%) were men and 19 975 (78%) were women. The men were in poorer pre-operative health, despite being younger at presentation (mean 77 years (60 to 101) vs 81 years (50 to 106)). Pre-fracture residence and mobility were similar between genders. Multivariate analysis indicated that the men were less likely to return to their home or mobilise independently at the 120-day follow-up. Mortality at 30 and 120 days was higher for men, even after differences in case-mix variables between genders were considered.

Kyphoplasty: an assessment of a new technology.

Kyphoplasty is a new procedure for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures that is being performed with increasing frequency. Representing the Technology Assessment Committee of the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, we present a review of the available information regarding this new technology.