Life Course Epidemiology of Hip Osteoarthritis in Japan: A Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in Japanese newborns has reduced drastically following a primary prevention campaign initiated around 1972 to 1973; this perinatal education campaign promoted maintaining the hips of newborns in the naturally flexed-leg position. The purpose of the present study was to describe the life course epidemiology of hip osteoarthritis (OA) in adolescent and adult patients and to assess its association with exposure to the primary prevention campaign for DDH. METHODS: We included new patients with hip OA diagnosed from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, at 12 core hospitals (8 special-function hospitals and 4 regional medical care support hospitals). The trend in the percentage of hips with a history of DDH treatment in childhood was estimated with use of a centered moving average using the birth year of the patient. We compared the prevalence of severe subluxation (Crowe type II, III, or IV) between patients with secondary hip OA due to hip dysplasia who were born in or before 1972 and those who were born in or after 1973. RESULTS: Overall, 1,095 patients (1,381 hips) were included. The mean age at the time of the survey was 63.5 years (range, 15 to 95 years). A total of 795 patients (1,019 hips; 73.8% of hips) were diagnosed with secondary OA due to hip dysplasia. Approximately 13% to 15% of hips among patients born from 1963 to 1972 had a history of DDH treatment in childhood; however, the percentage decreased among patients born in or after 1973. The prevalence of severe subluxation (Crowe type II, III, or IV) among patients born in or after 1973 was 2.4%, which was significantly less than that among patients born in or before 1972 (11.1%; odds ratio, 0.20; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: As of 2022, secondary hip OA due to hip dysplasia is still responsible for most new cases of adolescent and adult hip OA seen in core hospitals in Japan. However, the perinatal education campaign initiated 50 years ago, which utilized a population approach and advocated for maintaining the hips of newborns in the naturally flexed-leg position, may have improved the environmental factors of DDH, as indicated by the apparently reduced need for treatment of DDH in childhood and the associated severe subluxation. This may result in a reduced need for challenging hip surgery later in life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Protocol for the RETHINK study: a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, non-inferiority clinical trial comparing acetaminophen and NSAIDs for treatment of chronic pain in elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with chronic pain, oral analgesics are essential treatment options to manage pain appropriately, improve activities of daily living abilities and achieve a higher quality of life (QOL). It is desirable to select analgesics for elderly patients based on comparative data on analgesic effect and risk of adverse events; however, there are few comparative studies so far. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen are non-inferior to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee in elderly patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a multicentre, randomised controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study to compare the analgesic effect and adverse events between acetaminophen or NSAIDs (loxoprofen or celecoxib). A total of 400 elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee will be recruited from five institutions in Japan. Patients of 65 years or older with osteoarthritis-related pain will be registered and randomly assigned to acetaminophen, loxoprofen or celecoxib with 2:1:1 allocation. The primary endpoint is change in the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) item 3 (worst pain) score from baseline to week 8. The secondary endpoints are BPI item 3 score change from baseline to week 4, health-related QOL measured by Short Form-8 Health Survey, and occurrence of adverse events including gastrointestinal disorders and abnormal liver function. Data will be analysed in accordance with a predefined statistical analysis plan. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study protocol was approved by the Kyushu University Hospital Certified Institutional Review Board for Clinical Trials on 28 January 2021 (KD2020004) and the chief executive of each participating hospital. The results of the study will be submitted to international peer-reviewed journals, and the main findings will be presented at international scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: jRCTs071200112.

Anterior superior iliac spine is not always reliable as a pelvic reference axis. -3D study of pelvic axis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the axis connecting both anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS axis) as the absolute pelvic axis. No study has ever verified the accuracy of ASIS axis particularly on the AP pelvic radiograph, which cannot be specified on it. METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty and fifty patients with femoral neck fracture were recruited as subjects without hip deformities and their CT scan data were collected. We defined the line through both center of femoral heads as absolute reference axis of pelvis three-dimensionally. On the coronal plane, the errors between the femoral head axis and the axes through six pelvic landmarks in total, including ASIS were analyzed. On the axial plane, the errors of the lines through four landmarks were analyzed in the same way. Finally, on the coronal images, the mediolateral diameter of the obturator foramen and the mediolateral distance between the midline of the sacrum and the pelvic cavity were measured to evaluate bilateral symmetry of the pelvis. RESULTS: The errors tended to be smaller as the axes were closer to the femoral head axis (axes connecting bilateral superior aspects of the acetabulum and the teardrops) and the ASIS axis errors were moderate. The obturator foramen based on the ASIS axis was more asymmetrical than the femoral head axis. CONCLUSION: Adjusting the pelvic tilt and rotation, surgeons should not always rely on the ASIS and refer to appropriate, close to the hip joint references in each case.

Vitamin D status-associated postoperative complications in patients with hip dysplasia after periacetabular osteotomy: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between vitamin D status and complications after periacetabular osteotomy. METHODS: A total of 46 hips of 39 patients (3 men and 36 women; mean age at surgery, 41.0 years; mean postoperative follow-up duration, 63 months) were reviewed to obtain the following information: patients' serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status, prevalence of postoperative delayed union of osteotomy sites in the greater trochanter (DUGT) and ischiopubic stress fractures (IPSFs), and risk factors. RESULTS: The mean serum 25(OH)D level was 11.9 ng/ml. DUGT and IPSF were found in four (10.3%) and three (7.7%) patients, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D levels ≤ 11 ng/ml were significantly associated with DUGT in female patients (p = .02). Serum 25(OH)D levels ≤ 9 ng/ml and smoking were significantly associated with IPSF (p = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Overall, 21.7% of patients with serum 25(OH)D levels ≤ 11 ng/ml developed at least one complication; no complications occurred when serum 25(OH)D levels were >11 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: Severe vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in relatively young patients. Vitamin D deficiency and smoking were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Proactive supplementation is advisable to reduce postoperative complications, especially in patients with serum 25(OH)D levels ≤ 11 ng/ml.

Improved surgical procedure of primary constrained total knee arthroplasty which enables use of the femoral diaphyseal straight extension stem.

BACKGROUND: In performing primary constrained total knee arthroplasties (TKA) to imbalanced knees, the offset stem is sometimes compelled to use, although this is associated with surgical difficulties. We developed a modified procedure which might be able to fit the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) position of the femoral component simultaneously with the straight stem. Purposes of this study were to evaluate usefulness of the modified procedure both in computer simulations and actual surgeries. METHODS: We included 32 knees that had undergone primary TKA using constrained implants because of the coronal imbalance. In the component-first procedure, the distal femur was prepared to fit the AP and ML position of the femoral component simultaneously at first, as in primary TKA. Finally, the stem hole is created based on the femoral component position (the component-first procedure). The femoral component and extension stem were simulated using the three-dimensional planning software (ZedKnee) following the component-first procedure. We investigated the suitability of the straight stem through computer simulation and evaluation of actual surgeries. Clinical and radiographical outcomes were also evaluated at the latest follow-up. RESULTS: The component-first procedure enabled the AP and ML position of the femoral component to be fitted simultaneously with the straight stem in simulations and actual surgeries in all cases. The stem diameter was not significantly different between simulations and actual surgeries (13.9 and 13.7 mm on average, respectively, p = 0.479) and almost similar from intraclass correlation coefficient analysis (kappa value 0.790). Clinical and radiographical outcomes were almost similar to primary TKA cases and there was no case of component loosening, cortical bone hypertrophy around the stem and stem-tip pain. CONCLUSIONS: Our improved surgical procedure may facilitate use of the constrained implant for more cases of primary TKA in imbalanced knees without the usual surgical difficulties. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

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.

Malrotation of whole-leg radiograph less than 10 degrees does not influence preoperative planning in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy.

Coronal whole-leg radiography is generally used for preoperative open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) planning. Nevertheless, malrotational whole-leg radiographs could affect the planning, and the effects could possibly be strengthened by the knee flexed position. Consecutive 51 varus osteoarthritis knees that underwent OWHTO were included. The digitally reconstructed radiography (DRR) images parallel to the surgical epicondylar axis (neutral rotation; NR), 5° and 10° external rotation (ER) or internal rotation (IR), were reconstructed from preoperative CT. Preoperative weight-bearing line percentage (WBL%), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), planned opening angle, and planned postoperative MPTA were measured with OWHTO planning in each DRR image. Correlations among the measured differences relative to NR images and knee flexion angle were investigated. As the DRR image shifted from ER to IR, the differences in preoperative WBL% and MPTA gradually increased, whereas those in the opening angle gradually decreased, although all differences in the opening angle were within 0.5° on an average. Opening angle differences remarkably correlated with knee flexion angle, and knees with >10° flexion contracture had >1° difference in 10° ER or IR images. Planned postoperative MPTA had relatively high consistency regardless of whole-leg malrotation. The opening angle measurement using malrotated radiographs less than 10° would be clinically reliable in cases without knee flexion contracture. Nevertheless, extreme care should be taken in cases with >10° knee flexion contracture. The MPTA after medial opening would be a consistent and reliable parameter in whole-leg alignment evaluation.

Digitalized analyses of intraoperative acetabular component position using image-matching technique in total hip arthroplasty.

AIMS: Appropriate acetabular component placement has been proposed for prevention of postoperative dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Manual placements often cause outliers in spite of attempts to insert the component within the intended safe zone; therefore, some surgeons routinely evaluate intraoperative pelvic radiographs to exclude excessive acetabular component malposition. However, their evaluation is often ambiguous in case of the tilted or rotated pelvic position. The purpose of this study was to develop the computational analysis to digitalize the acetabular component orientation regardless of the pelvic tilt or rotation. METHODS: Intraoperative pelvic radiographs of 50 patients who underwent THA were collected retrospectively. The 3D pelvic bone model and the acetabular component were image-matched to the intraoperative pelvic radiograph. The radiological anteversion (RA) and radiological inclination (RI) of the acetabular component were calculated and those measurement errors from the postoperative CT data were compared relative to those of the 2D measurements. In addition, the intra- and interobserver differences of the image-matching analysis were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean measurement errors of the image-matching analyses were significantly small (2.5° (SD 1.4°) and 0.1° (SD 0.9°) in the RA and RI, respectively) relative to those of the 2D measurements. Intra- and interobserver differences were similarly small from the clinical perspective. CONCLUSION: We have developed a computational analysis of acetabular component orientation using an image-matching technique with small measurement errors compared to visual evaluations regardless of the pelvic tilt or rotation.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(7):360-367.

Assessment of baseline bone turnover marker levels and response to risedronate treatment: Data from a Japanese phase III trial.

BACKGROUND: Risedronate increases bone mineral density (BMD) and reduces fracture risk, but treatment response may depend on the baseline state of bone turnover. Data regarding the selection of therapeutic drugs or the prediction of therapeutic effects with baseline levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs) as a reference are insufficient. We hypothesized that when the baseline levels of BTMs are higher, baseline BMD might be lower, changes in BMD at 12 months after risedronate treatment might be higher, and the reduction of fracture incidence might be greater. This study aimed to analyze the data of a phase III clinical trial of risedronate from Japan to investigate the relationships between baseline BTM levels and (1) baseline BMD, (2) changes in BMD at 12 months after the start of treatment, and (3) the incidence of new vertebral fractures. METHODS: This post-hoc analysis included 788 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis whose baseline BTM levels as well as baseline and endpoint BMDs were measured. Relationships between baseline BTM levels and BMD at baseline and 12 months after risedronate treatment and new vertebral fractures were examined. One-way analysis of variance, two-tailed Student's t-test, and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Baseline BMD showed a significant upward trend when baseline BTM levels were lower in the analysis by tertiles. New vertebral fractures tended to occur in patients with prevalent vertebral fractures, but the relationship between new fractures and BTM levels was not statistically significant. Regardless of BTM types, BMD percentage increments (%) and increments (g/cm2) with the 12-month treatment were high when pretreatment BTM levels were high (P < 0.0001), and a >5.0% increase in BMD was observed even if baseline BTM levels were within the normal range. A new vertebral fracture occurred in only six patients (0.77%), and there was not enough statistical power to clarify the relationship between baseline BTM levels and fracture risk reduction. CONCLUSIONS: When pretreatment BTM levels increased, baseline BMD tended to be lower and the increase in BMD with 12-month risedronate treatment was higher. However, BMD could still be increased even if the baseline BTM levels are within the normal range. Combined with available evidence, baseline BTMs may not have an important role in deciding the optimal therapy. To elucidate the relationship between baseline BTM levels and long-term fracture risk, it will be necessary to conduct more large-scale studies with a longer follow-up period in severe osteoporotic patients with a high fracture risk. MINI ABSTRACT: We evaluated the significance of baseline bone turnover markers in the response to risedronate treatment. The increase in the bone mineral density (BMD) with the 12-month treatment may be higher when the state of bone turnover at baseline is higher, and BMD could still be increased even if the baseline bone turnover is within the normal range.

Spontaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures in a young male adult: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fracture is a very rare condition, even in osteoporotic elderly individuals. We report an atypical case of a young male adult who developed simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures without previous trauma or overuse. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old man presented with discomfort in the bilateral groin, which had started 2 weeks previously. Bilateral femoral neck fractures were observed on a radiograph, and in addition, a fracture line was seen at the right subchondral region of the acetabulum using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although the patient had no obvious risk factors associated with bone fragility, his bone mineral density measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry indicated severe osteoporosis (lumber spine: T score - 3.4 standard deviation [SD]; femoral neck: T score - 2.8 SD). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was deficient (19 ng/mL), which was considered to be partly due to non-sunlight exposure for 3 years owing to social withdrawal. Bilateral osteosynthesis was performed, considering his young age, although more than 2 weeks had passed since the onset of the fracture. Bone union and non-occurrence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head were confirmed via radiography and MRI 8 months after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our case suggests that simultaneous non-traumatic bilateral femoral neck fractures can occur in healthy young men.

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.

The depth of the low-intensity band on the T1-weighted MR image is useful for distinguishing subchondral insufficiency fracture from osteonecrosis of the collapsed femoral head.

PURPOSE: To verify the hypothesis that depth of the low-intensity band on T1-weighted MR image is useful for distinguishing subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF) from osteonecrosis of the collapsed femoral head (ON). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 35 consecutive hips in 35 patients with radiological evidence of subchondral collapse of the femoral head and available MR images and histology between May 2013 and January 2016. Both clinical and radiological appearances were investigated. The ratios of distance from articular surface of the femoral head to the T1 low-intensity band to femoral head diameter (band depth ratio: BDR) on (1) mid-coronal slice of MR images and that on (2) coronal slice of MR images in which the highest BDR was observed, were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age in SIF group was significantly higher than that in ON group (SIF: 68 years, ON: 49 years, P = 0.0017). The rates of history of steroid intake or alcohol consumption in SIF group were significantly lower than those in ON group (P = 0.0022 and P = 0.0408, respectively). The mean BDRs in SIF group were (1) 0.16 and (2) 0.23, which were significantly lower than those in ON group [(1) 0.42 and (2) 0.59] (P < 0.0001 for both). The cut-off BDR values to differentiate SIF from ON were (1) 0.22 and (2) 0.38, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that depth of the low-intensity band on T1-weighted MR image is useful for distinguishing SIF from ON in cases with collapsed femoral heads.

Characteristics of patients with fragility hip fractures in the northern Kyushu district in Japan: a multicenter prospective registry based on an electronic data capture system.

Osteoporosis has become a worldwide public health problem, in part due to the fact that it increases the risk of fragility hip fractures (FHFs). The epidemiological assessment of FHFs is critical for their prevention; however, datasets for FHFs in Japan remain scarce. This was a multicenter, prospective, observational study in the northern district of Kyushu Island. Inclusion criteria were age > 60 years with a diagnosis of FHF and acquisition of clinical data by an electronic data capture system. Of 1294 registered patients, 1146 enrolled in the study. Nearly one third of patients (31.8%) had a history of previous fragility fractures. The percentage of patients receiving osteoporosis treatment on admission was 21.5%. Almost all patients underwent surgical treatment (99.1%), though fewer than 30% had surgery within 48 h after hospitalization. Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated during hospitalization in only 50.4% of patients. The rate of osteoporosis treatment increased from 21.5% on admission to 39.3% during hospitalization. The main reasons that prescribers did not administer osteoporosis treatment during hospitalization were forgetfulness (28.4%) and clinical judgment (13.6%). Age and female ratio were significantly higher in patients with previous FHFs than in those without. There was a significant difference in the rate of osteoporosis treatment or L-spine BMD values in patients with or without previous FHFs on admission. In conclusion, this study confirmed that the evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis and FHFs is still suboptimal in Japan, even in urban districts.

Autologous Osteophyte Grafting for Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.

Osteophytes are physiological bony outgrowths that develop at the margins of the articular surfaces during the progression of osteoarthritis; they are associated with active endochondral bone formation processes and expressions of various growth factors. We believe they could be a source of bone grafts as a result of a potentially strong osteoinductive effect. Moreover, osteophytes can be easily harvested by arthroscopy in patients undergoing open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OW-HTO) for medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, we have been using osteophyte autografts for osteotomy gaps in OW-HTO with positive preliminary results indicating rapid bone healing of osteotomy sites. In this technical note, we introduce a technique for harvesting autologous osteophytes by arthroscopy and implanting them into the gap formed after OW-HTO. We expect that autologous osteophyte grafting can be a useful method for accelerating bone union and therefore enabling weight bearing from an early stage after surgery, which will lead to an early return to social activities.

Femoral sizer design can increase anterior notching during total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The anteroposterior (AP) portions of the distal femur are generally resected externally rotated relative to the posterior condylar line (PCL) in non-navigated/measured-resection total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Some femoral sizing devices allow rotational adjustment before sizing (rotation-modified sizing devices), while others do not (rotation-unmodified sizing devices). When rotation-unmodified sizing devices are used, the stylus attached to the sizing device identifies the proximal/anterior flange cut assuming the femoral component is aligned parallel to the PCL. However, if the AP cutting device is externally rotated then unexpected notching of the anterior cortex can occur. METHODS: We simulated TKA surgery in 100 Japanese varus osteoarthritic knees using three-dimensional planning software. The femoral component was aligned parallel to the PCL and the AP component position was determined so proximal anterior flange was just touching the anterior cortex. Next, the femoral component was externally rotated parallel to the surgical epicondylar axis (SEA). If the proximal anterior flange penetrated femoral bone, the length and thickness of anterior notching were measured. RESULTS: The proximal anterior flange rested on the anterior cortex or penetrated the femoral bone in all knees. There was a strong positive correlation between PCA and length of anterior notching. Anterior notching more than 10mm length or one-millimeter thickness occurred in most cases (82.4% and 70.6%, respectively) where the posterior condylar angle (PCA) was more than four degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior femoral notching is influenced by the design of the femoral sizing guide and subsequent rotation of cutting blocks, especially in knees with a large PCA.

Clinical outcomes in relation to locations of bone marrow edema lesions in patients with a subchondral insufficiency fracture of the hip: a review of fifteen cases.

OBJECTIVE: The prognosis of patients with a subchondral insufficiency fracture remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between locations of bone marrow edema (BME) lesions and clinical outcome in patients with a subchondral insufficiency fracture of the hip. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 15 consecutive hips in 14 patients who were diagnosed with subchondral insufficiency fracture of the hip at our institution between April 2013 and September 2014. This study included five males (six hips) and nine females (nine hips), ranging from 36 to 83 years of age (mean age: 66 years). The mean duration from the onset of hip pain to MRI examination was 1.8 months (range 0.5-5 months). Both clinical and imaging findings were investigated. RESULTS: Based on the findings of MR images, BME lesion in the femoral head alone was observed in six patients (six hips), BME lesion in the acetabulum alone was observed in one patient (two hips) and BME lesions in both the femoral head and acetabulum were observed in seven patients (seven hips). 3 of 15 hips resulted in rapidly destructive arthrosis and their BME lesions were observed in both the femoral head and acetabulum. 8 of 15 hips successfully healed by conservative treatment and BME lesions in 7 of these 8 hips were observed in only the femoral head or acetabulum. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the locations of BME lesions (femoral side alone, acetabular side alone or both) may be related to the clinical outcome in patients with a subchondral insufficiency fracture of the hip. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Patients with subchondral insufficiency fracture of the hip in whom BME lesions were observed in both the femoral head and acetabulum may have a higher risk to need to undergo total hip arthroplasty.

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.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis and effects of atorvastatin treatment.

Few studies have examined dyslipidemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially in Japanese cohorts. The aims of this study were to investigate the lipid profiles of RA patients, to assess the relationships between lipid profiles and RA activity and treatment, and to elucidate the effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) in Japanese patients with RA. A multicenter observational study was conducted in 488 patients with RA. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, and RA activity as assessed by disease activity score 28 (DAS28), and treatment for RA were analyzed retrospectively. In statin-treated patients, drug efficacy was also analyzed. The prevalence of hyper LDL-C, hyper TG, and hypo HDL-C were 29.3, 24.2, and 10.2%, respectively, and the overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 56.5%. The level of HDL-C was inversely correlated with DAS28. Patients treated with low-dose glucocorticoids showed significantly higher levels of HDL-C and lower TC/HDL-C ratios compared with patients not receiving glucocorticoid treatment. Conversely, patients treated with biologic agents showed significantly higher levels of LDL-C, lower levels of HDL-C, and higher TC/HDL-C ratios. Atorvastatin significantly improved lipid profiles after a few months of treatment. The prevalence of dyslipidemia in Japanese patients with RA is higher than that in the non-RA population. Our result suggests that controlling RA disease activity might improve lipid profiles and eventually lower cardiovascular risk. Low-dose atorvastatin was effective for treatment of dyslipidemia in RA patients but had no apparent effect on RA disease activity.

Neck fracture of femoral stems with a sharp slot at the neck: biomechanical analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a rare complication. We have encountered 2 cases of neck fractures of the femoral stem occurring 9 and 12 years after THA. Morphological and biomechanical analysis were performed to investigate the mechanism of these fractures. METHOD: A titanium alloy femoral stem having a slot with sharp corners (R = 0.2 mm) at the neck had been implanted in both cases. Fracture surfaces were examined by use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Stress concentration was simulated by using a finite element method (FEM) to compare slots with sharp (R = 0.2 mm) and smooth (R = 2 mm) corners. RESULTS: Study of the retrieved stems revealed that neck fractures had occurred at the distal end of the slot in both cases. SEM revealed numerous fine fissures extending from the anterolateral edge, striations on the middle of the fracture surface, and dimples on the posteromedial surface, suggesting that the fractures had occurred from the anterolateral aspect toward the posteromedial aspect because of metallic fatigue. FEM analysis showed that mechanical stress was concentrated at the distal and anterolateral corners of the slot. Under 3500-N loading force, the stress at the sharp corner was 556 MPa, which was approximately twofold that at the smooth corner and exceeded the fatigue strength of titanium alloy. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that the sharp corner of slot increased stress concentrations at the anterolateral aspect and led to the neck fractures.

Brown tumor of the patella caused by primary hyperparathyroidism: a case report.

It has been reported that the common sites of brown tumors are the jaw, pelvis, ribs, femurs and clavicles. We report our experience in a case of brown tumor of the patella caused by primary hyperparathyroidism. An initial radiograph and CT showed an osteolytic lesion and MR images showed a mixed solid and multiloculated cystic tumor in the right patella. One month after the parathyroidectomy, rapid bone formation was observed on both radiographs and CT images.