The Natural History of High-Grade Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: The Conversion Rate to Full Thickness Tears and Affecting Factors

Background@#Information regarding the progression of high-grade partial thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) is scarce. We aimed to assess the clinical outcome and the conversion rate to full thickness tears in patients with high-grade PTRCTs who underwent nonoperative treatment and to determine the factors associated with tear progression. @*Methods@#A total of 52 patients with high-grade PTRCTs, which were detected by magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography (USG), were treated conservatively between 2010 and 2017. They were followed up with USG at 6- to 12-month intervals for a mean of 34 months (range, 12–105 months). The average patient age was 57 years (range, 34–70 years), and 34 patients were women. Age, sex, body mass index, arm dominance, symptom duration, subscapularis tendon involvement, tear location, and trauma history were compared between patients with and without conversion to full thickness tears. @*Results@#A substantial percentage of high-grade PTRCTs progressed to full thickness tears (16/52, 30.8%). According to KaplanMeier analysis, the full thickness conversion rate was 30.8% at 3 years and 64% at 4 years. The full thickness conversion rate was higher in patients with subscapularis tendon involvement (p = 0.012). @*Conclusions@#A considerably large proportion of high-grade PTRCTs progressed to full thickness tears. Therefore, regular monitoring of tear progression should be considered after conservative treatment of high-grade PTRCTs, particularly in patients with subscapularis tendon involvement.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Septic Arthritis of the Shoulder: Technical Pearls to Reduce the Rate of Reoperation

Background@#The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical experience with arthroscopic debridement for septic arthritis of the shoulder joint and to report on our patient outcomes. @*Methods@#The retrospective analysis included 36 shoulders (male:female, 15:21), contributed by 35 patients (mean age, 63.8 years) treated by arthroscopy for septic arthritis of the shoulder between November 2003 and February 2016. The mean follow-up period was 14.3 months (range, 12–33 months). An additional posterolateral portal and a 70º arthroscope was used to access the posteroinferior glenohumeral (GH) joint and posteroinferior subacromial (SA) space, respectively. Irrigation was performed with a large volume of fluid (25.1±8.1 L). Multiple suction drains (average, 3.3 drains) were inserted into the GH joint and SA space and removed 8.9±4.3 days after surgery. Intravenous antibiotics were administered for 3.9±1.8 weeks after surgery, followed by oral antibiotic treatment for another 3.6±1.9 weeks. @*Results@#Among the 36 shoulders, reoperation was required in two cases (5.6%). The average range of motion achieved was 150.0º for forward flexion and T9 for internal rotation. The mean simple shoulder test score was 7.9±3.6 points. Nineteen shoulders (52.8%) had acupuncture or injection history prior to the infection. Pathogens were identified in 15 shoulders, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most commonly identified pathogen (10/15). Both the GH joint and the SA space were involved in 21 shoulders, while 14 cases involved only the GH joint and one case involved only the SA space. @*Conclusions@#Complete debridement using an additional posterolateral portal and 70º arthroscope, a large volume of irrigation with >20 L of saline, and multiple suction drains may reduce the reoperation rate.

Stress Fracture of the Proximal Clavicle after Parallel Bars Exercise in a Young Male / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Although acute traumatic fractures of the clavicle are relatively common, stress fractures of the proximal clavicle are extremely rare. Stress fractures of the clavicle have often been reported after a radical neck dissection or radiation but rarely occur during excessive repetitive exercise in professional athletes. The authors report a case of a stress fracture of the proximal clavicle during exercise in a young man with no specific preceding factors, which has not been reported in the Korean literature.

Effect of Sarcopenia on Postoperative Mortality in Osteoporotic Hip Fracture Patients

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the effects of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes including mortality rates following surgery for osteoporotic hip fractures. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and the relationship between sarcopenia and 1- and 5-year mortality rates in a consecutive series of patients with osteoporotic hip fractures. METHODS: Among patients who underwent hip surgery for osteoporotic hip fractures, this study included 91 patients subjected to abdominal computed tomography within 1 year of hip surgery. We defined sarcopenia using sex-specific cut-off points for the skeletal muscle index at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. All patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of sarcopenia and the 1- and 5-year mortality rates were compared. To confirm factors affecting mortality in addition to sarcopenia, we examined patient age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, location of fracture, type of surgery, and bone mineral density. RESULTS: The 1- and 5-year mortality rates were 20.9% and 67.2%, respectively. Among the 45 patients with sarcopenia, the 1- and 5-year mortality rates were 22.2% and 82.7%, respectively. Of the 46 patients without sarcopenia, the 1- and 5-year mortality rates were 19.6% and 52.7%, respectively. Results of the Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that sarcopenia did not affect the 1-year mortality rate (P=0.793), but had a significant effect on the 5-year mortality rate (P=0.028). Both perioperative sarcopenia (P=0.018) and osteoporosis (P=0.000) affected the 5-year mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia increases the risk of 5-year mortality in patients with osteoporotic hip fractures.

Humeral Shaft Fracture Sustained during Arm Wrestling in Young Males / 대한스포츠의학회지

Humeral shaft fracture sustaining arm wrestling is rare, but occurs intermittently. We treated 15 cases of humeral shaft spiral fractures occurred during arm wrestling for fun since 2007. Average age was 22.47±2.69 years, average body mass index was 22.67±2.06 kg/m2. There was no prominent tendency for the fractures to occur at a certain phase of the match. Fractured level and length of each case were measured in the plain radiographs and compared with those of previous reports. Eight cases (53.3%) had an associating medial butterfly fragment, and the time taken until the fracture occurred was longer than that of simple spiral fracture (15.62±9.03 seconds vs. 7.85±2.67 seconds, p=0.048). Fractures were distributed mid to distal one third of humerus, the length of fracture was 7.93±2.69 cm and involved 25.43%±8.24% of humeral length. All cases except one treated surgically using plate and screws and returned their full activities within postoperative 3 months. Although arm wrestling is a simple and joyful sport, participants should be aware of the risks of injury during arm wrestling, especially for the amateur players.

Locating Femoral Insertion of Superficial Medial Collateral Ligament and Posterior Oblique Ligament Using Adjacent Structures: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Anatomical medial knee reconstruction is crucial to the recovery of the knee joint. Our purpose is to determine the location of femoral insertion of the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) and posterior oblique ligament (POL) from the attachment site of the adductor magnus and medial gastrocnemius tendon with MRI results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 knee magnetic resonance imaging results were retrospectively measured. The boundary of femoral insertion of sMCL and POL was marked and measured on the sagittal image. The attachment site of the adductor magnus tendon and medial gastrocnemius tendon was identified. The lineal, anterior-posterior and proximal-distal distances were measured from the attachment site to the center of the femoral insertion of sMCL and POL. RESULTS: The average size of sMCL and POL was as follows—sMCL: length of 13.5±1.7 mm, width of 10.9±0.3 mm and POL: length of 9.4±1.3 mm, width of 6.1±0.5 mm. The lineal distances from the insertion of the adductor magnus tendon and medial gastrocnemius tendon to the center of the sMCL and POL were measured—distances to the sMCL: 17.1±3.8 mm, 15.9±3.2 mm; distances to the POL: 11.9±2.9 mm, 8.2±2.7 mm. CONCLUSION: This study will help determine the location of the femoral attachment site of sMCL and POL by identifying the attachment section of the adductor magnus tendon and medial gastrocnemius tendon. Moreover, this study will guide the reconstruction of sMCL and POL when palpation of the bony structures become difficult.

Early Clinical Outcomes after Subacromial Injection of Ketorolac in Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Comparison with Steroid Injection / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results between the subacromial injection of the ketorolac and that of the corticosteroid in patients with subacromial shoulder impingement syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with shoulder impingement syndrome received an injection of 60 mg ketorolac and were evaluated in terms of visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM) and Constant-Murley score. The outcomes are compared with the data of patients treated by 40 mg triamcinolone injection, retrospectively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the demographics, VAS, ROM, and Constan-Murley score between the two groups before the injection. At the 4 weeks follow-up, pain improvement was significantly greater in the corticosteroid group (2.7±1.53) than in the ketorolac group (4.9±2.08; p=0.001). However 12 weeks after the injection, there was no significant difference in pain improvement between the two groups (ketorolac: 2.9±2.32, corticosteroid: 2.6±1.82; p=0.707). The Constant-Murley score at the final follow-up improved from 33.5 to 52.1 in the corticosteroid group, and from 39.0 to 56.6 in the ketorolac group (p=0.677). ROM was increased in both groups, and external rotation was significantly greater in the ketorolac group than in the corticosteroid group at the final follow-up (ketorolac: 29.3°±9.90°, corticosteroid: 20.8°±7.99°; p=0.005). CONCLUSION: In this study, ketolorac provided an effect equivalent to triamcinolone in the treatment of subacromial shoulder impingement syndrome at 12 weeks after the injection. This result could offer better opportunities to manage patients with diabetes or local and systemic side effects of repetitive use of corticosteroids.

Comparison of Outcomes of Conservative Treatment, Early Vertebroplasty, and Delayed Vertebroplasty in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To compare the treatment outcomes of conservative treatment, early vertebroplasty (EVP), and delayed VP (DVP) of patients with osteoporotic compression fractures. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: VP is regarded as an effective treatment for osteoporotic compression fractures. Few studies have compared the outcomes of each of the following treatments: conservative treatment, EVP, and DVP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 202 patients who presented with thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures between January 2008 and December 2013 were divided into three groups: group 1 (conservative treatment), group 2 (VP within three weeks), and group 3 (VP after three weeks). We compared the collapse rate and the visual analog scale (VAS) score immediately after the trauma and at the 1-week, 3-week, 6-week, and 1-year follow-ups. RESULTS: The three abovementioned groups consisted of 89 patients, 60 patients, and 53 patients, respectively. The bone mass density (BMD) score of group 1 was statistically significantly higher than that of the others (p<0.05). In group 2, the average VAS score was high immediately after the trauma and low at the 1-year follow-up. Only group 2 showed a significantly high vertebral compression rate immediately after the trauma (p<0.05). Although there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence between the adjacent and the non-adjacent vertebral compression fractures, more patients underwent additional VP in groups 2 and 3 (p=0.980). CONCLUSION: The treatment method of performing EVP seems to yield the best clinical outcomes for patients with osteoporotic compression fractures who exhibit a relatively low BMD, high collapse rate, and high VAS score. Conservative management is the treatment of choice for osteoporotic compression fracture patients with a relatively high BMD, low collapse rate, and low VAS score.

Assessment of Capsular Insertion Type and of Capsular Elongation in Patients with Anterior Shoulder Instability and It's Correlation with Surgical Outcome: A Quantitative Assessment with Computed Tomography Arthrography

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to determine the type of capsular insertion and the extent of capsular elongation in anterior shoulder instability by quantitatively evaluating their computed tomography arthrographic (CTA) findings, and to investigate the correlation of these parameters with surgical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 71 patients who underwent CTA and arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction for anterior shoulder instability between April 2004 and August 2008. The control group comprised 72 patients diagnosed as isolated type II superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion during the period. Among the 143 patients, 71 were examined with follow-up CTA at an average 13.8 months after surgery. It was measured the capsular length and cross-sectional area at two distinct capsular regions: the 4 and 5 o'clock position of the capsule. RESULTS: With regards to the incidence of the type of anterior capsular insertion, type I was more common in the control group, whereas type III more common than in the instability group. Anterior capsular length and cross-sectional area were significantly greater in the instability group than in the control group. Among patients of the instability group, the number of dislocations and the presence of anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion lesion were significantly associated with anterior capsular redundancy. Postoperatively, recurrence was found in 3 patients (4.2%) and their postoperative capsular length and cross-sectional area were greater than those of patients without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Capsular insertion type and capsular redundancy derived through CTA may serve as important parameters for the management of anterior shoulder instability.

Assessment of Capsular Insertion Type and of Capsular Elongation in Patients with Anterior Shoulder Instability and It's Correlation with Surgical Outcome: A Quantitative Assessment with Computed Tomography Arthrography

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to determine the type of capsular insertion and the extent of capsular elongation in anterior shoulder instability by quantitatively evaluating their computed tomography arthrographic (CTA) findings, and to investigate the correlation of these parameters with surgical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 71 patients who underwent CTA and arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction for anterior shoulder instability between April 2004 and August 2008. The control group comprised 72 patients diagnosed as isolated type II superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion during the period. Among the 143 patients, 71 were examined with follow-up CTA at an average 13.8 months after surgery. It was measured the capsular length and cross-sectional area at two distinct capsular regions: the 4 and 5 o'clock position of the capsule. RESULTS: With regards to the incidence of the type of anterior capsular insertion, type I was more common in the control group, whereas type III more common than in the instability group. Anterior capsular length and cross-sectional area were significantly greater in the instability group than in the control group. Among patients of the instability group, the number of dislocations and the presence of anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion lesion were significantly associated with anterior capsular redundancy. Postoperatively, recurrence was found in 3 patients (4.2%) and their postoperative capsular length and cross-sectional area were greater than those of patients without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Capsular insertion type and capsular redundancy derived through CTA may serve as important parameters for the management of anterior shoulder instability.

Motor Weakness of Right Ankle Dorsiflexion Caused by Increasing Size of Sacroiliac Joint Cyst after Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in a Patient with Spinal Stenosis: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report OBJECTIVES: To report a case of motor weakness caused by the increasing size of a sacroiliac joint cyst after spinal fusion. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There have been no reports on the increased size of a sacroiliac joint cyst and motor weakness after spinal fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 63-year-old female was admitted with low back pain and right sciatica. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings showed the spinal canal narrowing at L4-5 and a cystic lesion on the right sacroiliac joint. After surgery, the symptoms were relieved. RESULTS: One month after the operation, motor function had worsened to grade 4. Follow-up MRI revealed an increase in the size of the cystic lesion. Selective nerve root blocks were performed. There was gradual improvement, and the motor grade reached grade 5 seven months after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that surgeons evaluate the adjacent segmental lesion by MRI before performing spinal fusion.

An Intratendinous Tophaceous Gout Mistaken for Cellulitis in the Patellar Tendon / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Gout is characterized by recurrent attacks of arthralgia, and deposition of monosodium urate crystals in and around the joints of the extremities and soft tissues. Monosodium urate crystals are observed most frequently at the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint and usually presented in the ankle and wrist joint. However, no case of an intratendinous tophus in the patellar tendon has been reported in Korean literature. In this report, we found monosodium urate crystals in the patellar tendon on magnetic resonance imaging images and intratendinous tophus were visible to the naked eye by excision. We reported on the case of a patient who experienced an unusual intratendinous tophus in the patellar tendon.

Characterizing the Progression of Varying Types of Calcific Tendinitis around Hip / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: To assess the progression of clinical symptoms and disease course of calcific tendinitis in the hip region according to types of calcification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among patients with the hip pain, 28 patients (21 males and 7 females; mean age 51 years, range 32-74 years) showing calcified lesions in simple radiography without other possible sources of pain were analyzed retrospectively. Twelve patients displayed a symptom duration of less than three weeks (acute; average=1+/-0.9 week) and 16 displayed greater than three weeks (chronic; average=21.0+/-19.5 weeks). Lesions were classified as nodular (11, 39.3%), nodular-fragmented (13, 46.4%), or amorphous (4, 14.3%). Initial symptoms, progression of clinical features, radiological findings and prognosis were investigated and analyzed according to calcification type. RESULTS: In 15 patients (53.6%), lesions were located superior to the great trochanter. On average, the acute group was younger (44.58 vs. 55.44 years, P=0.006), suffered more (mean pain Numeric Rating Scale [NRS], 6.3 vs. 3.8; P<0.001), and recovered more (difference between initial and follow-up NRS, 5.1 vs. 2.63; <<0.001) than the chronic group. The mean length of initial lesions was longer in the acute group than the chronic group (15.8 vs. 9.1 mm, P=0.008). When compared to patients with distinctive margins (15, 53.6%), those with nondistinctive margins showed better improvement (difference between initial and follow-up NRS, 4.7 vs. 2.8; P=0.01) and more significant decrease in lesion size (difference between initial and follow-up length, 10.8 vs. 2.6 mm; P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Calcific tendinitis occurring in the hip area displayed a variety of characteristics. Although complaining of more severe pain in the initial phase, patients with acute pain or calcific lesions with nondistinctive margins showed better symptom improvement when compared to their counterparts.

Bilateral Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome of the Femoral Head with a Unique Onset: A Case Report / 대한고관절학회지

Bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) is a rare condition which mainly affects the hip area. The etiology and pathogenesis of BMES is still unclear. Pain near the affected area, regional osteoporosis, bone marrow edema (identified using magnetic resonance imaging) and spontaneous regression within 6-12 months are the main characteristics of BMES. In this case, a 52-year-old male was diagnosed with BMES of the right hip followed by spontaneous subsiding of symptoms. After 3 years, and under nearly the same social and physical conditions, he was admitted again with newly developed left hip pain and again diagnosed with BMES. We report this rare case since a similar one has not been previously reported in the domestic literature and may be considered valuable for basic research relating to the pathogenesis of BMES.

Cement Leakage after Vertebroplasty; Correlation with Patterns of Compression Fractures and Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the influence of fracture patterns and the result of bone mineral density on cement leakage after percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Leakage of bone cement after vertebroplasty has known to be related with the direction of cortical disruption of fractured vertebral body and low bone mineral density (BMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-two patients with osteoporotic vertebral compressions were studied from January 2009 to August 2013. The patients' fracture levels and patterns were compared. Among them, the cement leakage patterns were analyzed in 105 patients who had undergone vertebroplasty. The findings were compared with fracture patterns including cortical disruption and BMD. RESULTS: Seventy-five cases of cement leakage were observed. Among them, intradiscal leakage was the most common type of leakage. In the patient group with low BMD, there was a high incidence of lower and posterior cortical disruption in the fractures. Patients with posterior cortical disruption demonstrated a higher incidence of leakage into the spinal canal and anterior cortex. No significant correlation was observed between fracture patterns and leakage. CONCLUSIONS: A surgeon should use caution in performing vertebroplasty in patients with low BMD and posterior disruption of the vertebral cortex.

Influence of Insurance Benefit Criteria on the Administration Rate of Osteoporosis Drugs in Postmenopausal Females

BACKGROUND: Preventive measures need to be implemented to lower the incidence of osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporotic fractures increase morbidity and mortality as well as impose a socioeconomic burden; however, current research is limited to the administration rates of osteoporosis drugs for Korean postmenopausal females. METHODS: This study represents a nationwide, observational, and cross-sectional survey that investigates the administration rates of osteoporosis drugs based upon a bone mineral density (BMD) test performed on Korean postmenopausal patients who visited outpatient orthopedic clinics. BMD test results were examined in postmenopausal female patients (50 to 80 years of age); subsequently, the patients were classified into an osteoporosis group, osteopenia group, and normal group. The administration rates of osteoporosis drugs and bisphosphonates were then analyzed. The osteoporosis group was subdivided into a T-score less than -3.0 group and a T-score between -3.0 and -2.5 group that were separately analyzed. RESULTS: Based on the lumbar spine BMD, the rate of administration of osteoporosis drugs in the osteoporosis group was 42.1%, which was significantly higher compared to the osteopenia group or normal group. A significantly low bone mineral density was observed in patients who were administered bisphosphonates. Based on the lumbar spine BMD, the administration rate of osteoporosis drugs in the group with a T-score between -3.0 and -2.5 (34.2%) was significantly lower than the group with a T-score less that -3.0 (46.2%). The bisphosphonate administration rate was also significantly low; however, the administration rate for osteoporosis drugs was significantly lower than that of the osteopenia group. CONCLUSIONS: Only about 40% of Korean postmenopausal female patients with osteoporosis were administered osteoporosis drugs. The administration rate in patients with a T-score between -3.0 and -2.5 was particularly low and active treatment to prevent osteoporotic fractures is required in this group.

Bilateral Necrotizing Fasciitis around the Hips Differentiated from Fournier Gangrene: A Case Report / 대한고관절학회지

As an emergency encountered in orthopedic practice requiring prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment, necrotizing fasciitis around the hip must be discriminated from Fournier gangrene. The current case report describes a patient who suffered from bilateral type I necrotizing fasciitis around the hips, which was alleviated by prompt surgical debridement and intensive postoperative care.

Diagnostic Utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Patients with Problems Confined to Cross-Legged Posture / 대한스포츠의학회지

This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the patients having problems confined to cross-legged posture. The study subjects were 128 cases (male 87.5%) and 120 patients from October 2008 to June 2013. Average age of male patients was 50 years old (range, 21-72 years old), and female 45 years old (range, 18-76 years old). The rate of positive MRI findings was compared according to abnormal physical findings. The average duration of symptoms was 11.7 months. The most frequent complains was on the back (41.9% at rest, 57% when taking the posture). Patrick test was positive for 33.6% of cases, simple radiography was abnormal only for 20% of cases. Bone scan was normal for all 98 cases. Only 21.9% of 128 cases showed abnormal MRI findings which were managed with conservative treatment. Limitation in the range of hip joint motion was not statistically associated with abnormal findings of MRI (p=0.148). Normal Patrick test was associated with normal MRI finding (p=0.001). Among normal cases on both physical and simple bone X-ray film, 88.6% were normal at MRI. In conclusion, for patients with physical complaints from the cross-legged posture, diagnostic utility of MRI is relatively low when they show normal on both physical examination and simple radiography.

Association between Bone Mineral Density and Clinical Consequences: Cross-Sectional Study of Korean Postmenopausal Women in an Orthopaedic Outpatient Clinic

This study is to identify the characteristics of BMD and the related clinical consequences through a nationwide, consecutive, cross-sectional study. A total of 1,281 postmenopausal women was enrolled nationwide and underwent measurement for BMD using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Following the T-spine and L-spine plane radiography, they were evaluated for vertebral fracture by a semi-quantitative method using the Genant's method. Relationship between BMD and osteoporotic fracture and a degree of deformity in vertebral fracture, treatment history in osteoporosis and the EQ-5D was analyzed. The distribution of the normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis group was 25.9%, 37.0%, and 37.2% in lumbar spine, and 31.4%, 45.3%, and 23.3% in femur neck, respectively. BMD in subjects with symptomatic or asymptomatic vertebral fracture was significantly lower than those without fracture. The femur neck and total hip BMDs were significantly lower in hip fracture group (0.646 g/cm2 and 0.643 g/cm2, respectively) and wrist fracture group (0.661 g/cm2 and 0.712 g/cm2, respectively) than in subjects without fracture (0.721 g/cm2 and 0.712 g/cm2, respectively). The BMD was significantly lower with more severe degree of deformity in vertebral fracture and lower scores in mobility, usual activities and pain/discomfort of the EQ-5D. In Korean postmenopausal women, the prevalence of osteoporosis and vertebral, hip and wrist fracture increase and quality of life decreases with lower BMD.

Association between Bone Mineral Density and Clinical Consequences: Cross-Sectional Study of Korean Postmenopausal Women in an Orthopaedic Outpatient Clinic

This study is to identify the characteristics of BMD and the related clinical consequences through a nationwide, consecutive, cross-sectional study. A total of 1,281 postmenopausal women was enrolled nationwide and underwent measurement for BMD using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Following the T-spine and L-spine plane radiography, they were evaluated for vertebral fracture by a semi-quantitative method using the Genant's method. Relationship between BMD and osteoporotic fracture and a degree of deformity in vertebral fracture, treatment history in osteoporosis and the EQ-5D was analyzed. The distribution of the normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis group was 25.9%, 37.0%, and 37.2% in lumbar spine, and 31.4%, 45.3%, and 23.3% in femur neck, respectively. BMD in subjects with symptomatic or asymptomatic vertebral fracture was significantly lower than those without fracture. The femur neck and total hip BMDs were significantly lower in hip fracture group (0.646 g/cm2 and 0.643 g/cm2, respectively) and wrist fracture group (0.661 g/cm2 and 0.712 g/cm2, respectively) than in subjects without fracture (0.721 g/cm2 and 0.712 g/cm2, respectively). The BMD was significantly lower with more severe degree of deformity in vertebral fracture and lower scores in mobility, usual activities and pain/discomfort of the EQ-5D. In Korean postmenopausal women, the prevalence of osteoporosis and vertebral, hip and wrist fracture increase and quality of life decreases with lower BMD.