Correction to: Comparison of two reinforcement rings for primary total hip arthroplasty addressing displaced acetabular fractures: a biomechanical analysis.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.

Comparison of two reinforcement rings for primary total hip arthroplasty addressing displaced acetabular fractures: a biomechanical analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Aim of this study was to biomechanically compare two different acetabular cup fixation constructs in terms of fracture fixation for displaced acetabular fractures involving the anterior column with hemitransverse fracture under partial and full weight-bearing conditions. METHODS: Two different reinforcement rings designed as cages for primary THA were biomechanically tested in terms of managing a complex acetabular fracture. Single-leg stance cyclic loading was performed to assess fracture gap movement and fragment rotation. Twelve hemi pelvis Sawbones were divided into two groups: primary THA with acetabulum roof reinforcement plate (ARRP) (n = 6) and primary THA with Burch-Schneider reinforcement cage (BSRC) (n = 6). RESULTS: During loading under partial weight-bearing (250 N) fracture gap movement tended to be larger in the BSRC group as compared to the ARRP group. Under full weight-bearing conditions, the ARRP showed 60% significantly less motion (p = 0.035) of the os ilium to os ischii gap compared to BSRC. Fracture gap movements between the os ilium and spina iliaca fragments were significantly reduced by 76% (p = 0.048) for ARRP in contrast to BSRC. The ARRP group also demonstrated significantly less movement in the fracture gaps os ischii to quadrilateral plate (62% reduction, p = 0.009) and quadrilateral plate to spina iliaca (87% reduction, p < 0.001). Significantly less rotational movement of the quadrilateral plate to the os ilium was exhibited by the ARRP group (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The presented acetabulum roof-reinforcement plate (ARRP) provides stable conditions at the acetabular component with adequate stabilization of a displaced acetabular fracture.

Bone microstructure and volumetric bone mineral density in patients with hyperuricemia with and without psoriasis.

We analyzed volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone microstructure using HR-pQCT in subjects with normouricemia (NU) and subjects with hyperuricemia (HU) with and without psoriasis (PSO). HU was associated with higher cortical vBMD and thickness. Differences in average and trabecular vBMD were found between patients with PSO + HU and NU. INTRODUCTION: Hyperuricemia (HU) and gout are co-conditions of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Current data suggest a positive association between HU and areal bone mineral density (BMD) and a negative influence of psoriasis on local bone, even in the absence of arthritis. However, the influence of the combination of HU and psoriasis on bone is still unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of HU with and without psoriasis on bone microstructure and volumetric BMD (vBMD). METHODS: Healthy individuals with uric acid levels within the normal range (NU), with hyperuricemia (HU), patients with hyperuricemia and psoriasis (PSO + HU), and patients with uric acid within the normal range and psoriasis (PSO + NU) were included in our study. Psoriasis patients had no current or past symptoms of arthritis. Average, trabecular, and cortical vBMD (mgHA/cm3); trabecular number (Tb.N, 1/mm) and thickness (Tb.Th, mm); inhomogeneity of the network (1/N.SD, mm); and cortical thickness (Ct.Th., mm) were carried out at the ultradistal radius using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. In addition, bone turnover markers such as DKK-1, sclerostin, and P1NP were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 130 individuals were included (44 NU participants (34% female), 50 HU (24%), 16 PSO + HU (6%), 20 PSO + NU (60%)). Subjects were aged: NU 54.5 (42.8, 62.1), HU 57.5 (18.6, 65.1), PSO + HU 52.0 (42.3, 57.8), and PSO + NU 42.5 (34.8, 56.8), respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and diabetes, patients in the HU group revealed significantly higher values of cortical vBMD (p < 0.001) as well as cortical thickness (p = 0.04) compared to the NU group. PSO + NU showed no differences to NU, but PSO + HU demonstrated both lower average (p = 0.03) and trabecular vBMD (p = 0.02). P1NP was associated with average, cortical, and trabecular vBMD as well as cortical thickness while sclerostin levels were related to trabecular vBMD. CONCLUSION: Hyperuricemia in otherwise healthy subjects was associated with a better cortical vBMD and higher cortical thickness. However, patients with both psoriasis and hyperuricemia revealed a lower vBMD.

Bone microarchitecture and bone turnover in hepatic cirrhosis.

Liver cirrhosis leads to bone loss. To date, information on bone quality (three-dimensional microarchitecture) and, thus, bone strength is scarce. We observed decreased bone quality at both assessed sites, independent of disease severity. Therefore, all patients should undergo early-stage screening for osteoporosis. INTRODUCTION: Recent studies found low bone mineral density in cirrhosis, but data on bone microstructure are scarce. This study assessed weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing bones in patients with cirrhosis and healthy controls. The primary objective was to evaluate trabecular and cortical microarchitecture. METHODS: This was a single-center study in patients with recently diagnosed hepatic cirrhosis. Thirty-two patients and 32 controls participated in this study. After determining the type of cirrhosis, the parameters of bone microarchitecture were assessed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. RESULTS: Both cortical and trabecular microarchitectures showed significant alterations. At the radius, trabecular bone volume fraction was 17% lower (corrected p = 0.028), and, at the tibia, differences were slightly more pronounced. Trabecular bone volume fraction was 19% lower (p = 0.024), cortical bone mineral density 7% (p = 0.007), and cortical thickness 28% (p = 0.001), while cortical porosity was 32% higher (p = 0.023), compared to controls. Areal bone mineral density was lower (lumbar spine - 13%, total hip - 11%, total body - 9%, radius - 17%, and calcaneus - 26%). There was no correlation between disease severity and microarchitecture. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) correlated well with parameters of cortical and trabecular microarchitecture. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic cirrhosis deteriorates both trabecular and cortical microarchitecture, regardless of disease severity. Areal bone mineral density is diminished at all sites as a sign of generalized affection. In patients with hepatic cirrhosis, regardless of its origin or disease severity, aBMD measurements are an appropriate tool for osteologic screening.

Diagnostic guidelines for the histological particle algorithm in the periprosthetic neo-synovial tissue.

BACKGROUND: The identification of implant wear particles and non-implant related particles and the characterization of the inflammatory responses in the periprosthetic neo-synovial membrane, bone, and the synovial-like interface membrane (SLIM) play an important role for the evaluation of clinical outcome, correlation with radiological and implant retrieval studies, and understanding of the biological pathways contributing to implant failures in joint arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive histological particle algorithm (HPA) as a practical guide to particle identification at routine light microscopy examination. METHODS: The cases used for particle analysis were selected retrospectively from the archives of two institutions and were representative of the implant wear and non-implant related particle spectrum. All particle categories were described according to their size, shape, colour and properties observed at light microscopy, under polarized light, and after histochemical stains when necessary. A unified range of particle size, defined as a measure of length only, is proposed for the wear particles with five classes for polyethylene (PE) particles and four classes for conventional and corrosion metallic particles and ceramic particles. RESULTS: All implant wear and non-implant related particles were described and illustrated in detail by category. A particle scoring system for the periprosthetic tissue/SLIM is proposed as follows: 1) Wear particle identification at light microscopy with a two-step analysis at low (× 25, × 40, and × 100) and high magnification (× 200 and × 400); 2) Identification of the predominant wear particle type with size determination; 3) The presence of non-implant related endogenous and/or foreign particles. A guide for a comprehensive pathology report is also provided with sections for macroscopic and microscopic description, and diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The HPA should be considered a standard for the histological analysis of periprosthetic neo-synovial membrane, bone, and SLIM. It provides a basic, standardized tool for the identification of implant wear and non-implant related particles at routine light microscopy examination and aims at reducing intra-observer and inter-observer variability to provide a common platform for multicentric implant retrieval/radiological/histological studies and valuable data for the risk assessment of implant performance for regional and national implant registries and government agencies.

Factors associated with high 24-month persistence with denosumab: results of a real-world, non-interventional study of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis in Germany, Austria, Greece, and Belgium.

Persistence with osteoporosis therapy is vital for fracture prevention. This non-interventional study of postmenopausal women receiving denosumab in Germany, Austria, Greece, and Belgium found that persistence with denosumab remains consistently high after 24 months in patients at high risk of fracture. PURPOSE: Continued persistence with osteoporosis therapy is vital for fracture prevention. This non-interventional study of clinical practice evaluated medication-taking behavior of postmenopausal women receiving denosumab in Germany, Austria, Greece, and Belgium and factors influencing persistence. METHODS: Subcutaneous denosumab (60 mg every 6 months) was assigned according to prescribing information and local guidelines before and independently of enrollment; outcomes were recorded during routine practice for up to 24 months. Persistence was defined as receiving the subsequent injection within 6 months + 8 weeks of the previous injection and adherence as administration of subsequent injections within 6 months ± 4 weeks of the previous injection. Medication coverage ratio (MCR) was calculated as the proportion of time a patient was covered by denosumab. Associations between pre-specified baseline covariates and 24-month persistence were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The 24-month analyses included 1479 women (mean age 66.3-72.5 years) from 140 sites; persistence with denosumab was 75.1-86.0%, adherence 62.9-70.1%, and mean MCR 87.4-92.4%. No covariate had a significant effect on persistence across all four countries. For three countries, a recent fall decreased persistence; patients were generally older with chronic medical conditions. In some countries, other covariates (e.g., older age, comorbidity, immobility, and prescribing reasons) decreased persistence. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 2.3-6.9% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-four-month persistence with denosumab is consistently high among postmenopausal women in Europe and may be influenced by patient characteristics. Further studies are needed to identify determinants of low persistence.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty combined with latissimus dorsi transfer: A systemic review.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) combined with latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) is described for patients with cuff arthropathy and a combined loss of abduction and external rotation. The purpose of this systemic review was to present clinical and radiological outcomes following RSA combined with LDT. A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify studies reporting clinical and radiological results of RSA combined with LDT. Seven articles that describe the treatment of 116 patients were selected. Functional scores, range of motion, radiological outcome, complications, rehabilitation regime, surgical technique, patient demographics and indication were analyzed and discussed. All studies reported significant improvement in functional scores and abduction and external rotation. Complications occurred in 26% of patients. Although high-level studies are lacking, this systemic review shows that RSA combined with LDT is a reliable surgical method with which to treat patients with loss of active abduction and loss of external rotation. The available data are insufficient to draw conclusions regarding the long-term outcomes of this procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Treatment of acetabular fractures in older patients-introduction of a new implant for primary total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the acetabulum in younger patients are commonly treated by open reduction and internal fixation. For elderly patients, stable primary total hip arthroplasty with the advantage of immediate postoperative mobilization might be the adequate treatment. For this purpose, a sufficiently stable fixation of the acetabular component is required. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2009 and 2014, 30 cases were reported in which all patients underwent total hip arthroplasty additionally to a customized implant designed as an antiprotrusion cage. Inclusion criteria were an acetabular fracture with or without a previous hemiarthroplasty, age above 65 years, and pre-injury mobility dependent on a walking frame at the most. The median age was 79.9 years (65-92), and of 30 fractures, 25 were primary acetabular fractures (83%), four periprosthetic acetabular fractures (14%), and one non-union after a failed ORIF (3%). RESULTS: The average time from injury to surgery was 9.4 days (3-23) and 295 days for the non-union case. Mean time of surgery was 154.4 min (range 100 to 303). In 21 cases (70%), mobilization with full weight bearing was possible within the first 10 days. Six patients died before the follow-up examination 3 and 6 months after surgery, while 24 patients underwent radiologic examination showing consolidated fractures in bi-plane radiographs. In 9 patients, additional CT scan was performed which confirmed the radiographical results. 13 had regained their pre-injury level of mobility including the non-union case. Only one patient did not regain independent mobility. Four complications were recognized with necessary surgical revision (one prosthetic head dislocation, one pelvic cement leakage, one femoral shaft fracture, and one infected hematoma). CONCLUSION: The presented cage provides the possibility of early mobilization with full weight bearing which represents a valuable addition to the treatment spectrum in this challenging patient group.

CD15 focus score: Infection diagnosis and stratification into low-virulence and high-virulence microbial pathogens in periprosthetic joint infection.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the work was to validate the CD15 focus score for the infection pathology of periprosthetic joint infection in a large group and to clarify whether a stratification into low-virulence and high-virulence microbial pathogens is possible by means of the CD15 focus score (quantification of CD15 positive granulocytes). METHODS: The histopathology of 275 synovial tissue samples taken intraoperatively during revision operations (n=127 hip, n=141 knee, n=2 shoulder, n=5 ankle) was evaluated according to the SLIM consensus classification (SLIM=synovial-like interface membrane). Neutrophilic granulocytes (NG) were quantified by the CD15 focus score on the basis of the principle of focal maximum infiltration (focus) with evaluation of one field of vision (about 0.3mm2). The quantification values were compared with the microbiological diagnoses taking into consideration the virulence groups of low-virulence and high-virulence microbial pathogens and mixed infection. RESULTS: The patients with positive microbiological findings (n=160) had significantly (p<0.001, Mann-Whitney U test) higher CD15 focus score values than patients with negative microbiological findings (n=115), the cut-off value being 39 cells per high power field (HPF). The CD15 focus score values of low-virulence microbial pathogens (n=94) were significantly lower (p<0.001, Mann-Whitney U test) than the values of high-virulence microbial pathogens (n=55), the cut-off value being 106 cells per HPF. Based on the microbiological diagnosis the sensitivity with respect to a microbial infection is 0.91, the specificity 0.92 (PPV=0.94; NPV=0.88; accuracy: 0.92; AUC=0.95). Based on the differentiation of the CD15 focus score values between low-virulence and high-virulence microbes the sensitivity is 0.70 and the specificity 0.77 (PPV=0.63; NPV=0.81; accuracy=0.74; AUC=0.74). CONCLUSION: As a result of the high sensitivity and specificity, the easy to use CD15 focus score is a diagnostically valid score for microbial periprosthetic infection. A differentiation between low-virulence and high-virulence microorganism of sufficiently high diagnostic quality is additionally possible as a result of the defined quantification of CD15 positive granulocytes (the CD15 focus score) histopathological diagnosis of microbial infections is possible, which on the one hand supports the microbiological diagnosis and on the other hand by the stratification into low-virulence and high-virulence microbial pathogens could represent an additional basis for a pathogen-specific antibiotic treatment in the event of unclear constellations of findings.

Impact of Sagittal Balance on Clinical Outcomes in Surgically Treated T12 and L1 Burst Fractures: Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes after Posterior-Only and Combined Posteroanterior Treatment.

Objective. Long-term radiological and clinical outcome retrospective study of surgical treatment for T12 and L1 burst fractures in perspective of sagittal balance measures. Methods. Patients with age of 16-60 years, complete radiographs, early surgical treatment surgery, and follow-up (F/U) > 18 months were included and strict exclusion criteria applied. Regional and thoracolumbar kyphosis angles (RKA and TLA) were measured preoperatively and at final F/U, as were parameters of the spinopelvic sagittal alignment. Clinical outcomes were assessed using validated measures. Results. 36 patients with age mean age of 39 years and F/U of 69 months were included. 61% of patients were treated with bisegmental posterior instrumentation (POST-I) and 39% with combined posteroanterior instrumented fusion (PA-F). At F/U, several indicators for clinical outcomes showed a significant correlation with radiographic measures in the overall cohort with inferior clinical outcomes corresponding with increasing residual deformity and sagittal malalignment. Statistical analysis failed to reach level of significance for the differences between POST-I and PA-F group at final F/U. Only a strong trend towards better restoration of the thoracolumbar alignment was observed for the PA-F group in terms of the RKA and TLA. Conclusions. Results in a surgically treated cohort of T12 and L1 burst fracture patients indicate that superior clinical outcomes depend on restoration of sagittal alignment.

Preceding and subsequent high- and low-trauma fracture patterns-a 13-year epidemiological study in females and males in Austria.

This study investigated the implication of a preceding high-trauma fracture on subsequent high- and low-trauma fractures at different skeletal sites in postmenopausal women and similarly aged men at an age range of 54 to 70 years. A preceding high-trauma fracture increases the risk of future low-trauma non-vertebral fractures including hip. INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the impact of the skeletal fracture site in conjunction with the severity of a past fracture (high- or low-trauma preceding fracture) and its effect on future fracture risk. METHODS: Patients with de novo high- and low-trauma fractures admitted to seven large trauma centers across Austria between 2000 and 2012 were stratified into sex and different age groups. Kaplan-Meier estimates, Cox proportional hazards regression models (HR), and likelihood calculations estimated effects of age, sex, and the anatomic region on the probability of a subsequent fracture in the same patient. RESULTS: Included in the study were 433,499 female and male patients at an age range of 0 to 100 years with 575,772 de novo high- and low-trauma fractures. In the age range of 54-70 years, subsequent fractures were observed in 16% of females and 12.1% of males. A preceding high-trauma fracture was associated with 12.9% of subsequent fractures, thereof 6.5% of high- and 6.4% of low-trauma in origin, usually at the hip, humerus, or pelvis. The highest effect sizes were observed for femur, humerus, and thorax fractures with hazard ratios (HR) of 1.26, 1.18, and 1.14. After splitting into high-trauma preceding and subsequent low-trauma fractures, the femoral neck (HR = 1.59), the female sex (HR = 2.02), and age (HR = 1.03) were discriminators for increased future fracture risk. CONCLUSIONS: Preceding high-trauma fractures increase the risk of future low-trauma non-vertebral fractures including hip. For each patient with a fracture, regardless of the severity of the trauma, osteoporosis should be taken into clinical consideration.

Biomechanical analysis of the effect of congruence, depth and radius on the stability ratio of a simplistic 'ball-and-socket' joint model.

OBJECTIVES: The bony shoulder stability ratio (BSSR) allows for quantification of the bony stabilisers in vivo. We aimed to biomechanically validate the BSSR, determine whether joint incongruence affects the stability ratio (SR) of a shoulder model, and determine the correct parameters (glenoid concavity versus humeral head radius) for calculation of the BSSR in vivo. METHODS: Four polyethylene balls (radii: 19.1 mm to 38.1 mm) were used to mould four fitting sockets in four different depths (3.2 mm to 19.1mm). The SR was measured in biomechanical congruent and incongruent experimental series. The experimental SR of a congruent system was compared with the calculated SR based on the BSSR approach. Differences in SR between congruent and incongruent experimental conditions were quantified. Finally, the experimental SR was compared with either calculated SR based on the socket concavity or plastic ball radius. RESULTS: The experimental SR is comparable with the calculated SR (mean difference 10%, sd 8%; relative values). The experimental incongruence study observed almost no differences (2%, sd 2%). The calculated SR on the basis of the socket concavity radius is superior in predicting the experimental SR (mean difference 10%, sd 9%) compared with the calculated SR based on the plastic ball radius (mean difference 42%, sd 55%). CONCLUSION: The present biomechanical investigation confirmed the validity of the BSSR. Incongruence has no significant effect on the SR of a shoulder model. In the event of an incongruent system, the calculation of the BSSR on the basis of the glenoid concavity radius is recommended.Cite this article: L. Ernstbrunner, J-D. Werthel, T. Hatta, A. R. Thoreson, H. Resch, K-N. An, P. Moroder. Biomechanical analysis of the effect of congruence, depth and radius on the stability ratio of a simplistic 'ball-and-socket' joint model. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:453-460. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.510.BJR-2016-0078.R1.

Treatment of periprosthetic acetabular fractures after previous hemi- or total hip arthroplasty: Introduction of a new implant.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of displaced periprosthetic acetabular fractures in elderly patients. The goal is to stabilize an acetabular fracture independent of the fracture pattern, by inserting the custom-made roof-reinforcement plate and starting early postoperative full weight-bearing mobilization. INDICATIONS: Acetabular fracture with or without previous hemi- or total hip arthroplasty. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Non-displaced acetabular fractures. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Watson-Jones approach to provide accessibility to the anterior and supraacetabular part of the iliac bone. Angle-stable positioning of the roof-reinforcement plate without any fracture reduction. Cementing a polyethylene cup into the metal plate and restoring prosthetic femoral components. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Full weight-bearing mobilization within the first 10 days after surgery. In cases of two column fractures, partial weight-bearing is recommended. RESULTS: Of 7 patients with periprosthetic acetabular fracture, 5 were available for follow-up at 3, 6, 6, 15, and 24 months postoperatively. No complications were recognized and all fractures showed bony consolidation. Early postoperative mobilization was started within the first 10 days. All patients except one reached their preinjury mobility level. This individual and novel implant is custom made for displaced acetabular and periprosthetic fractures in patients with osteopenic bone. It provides a hopeful benefit due to early full weight-bearing mobilization within the first 10 days after surgery. LIMITATIONS: In case of largely destroyed supraacetabular bone or two-column fractures according to Letournel additional synthesis via an anterior approach might be necessary. In these cases partial weight bearing is recommended.

[Injuries in Freestyle Motocross (FMX): A Retrospective Study]. / Verletzungsmuster im Freestyle Motocross (FMX): Eine retrospektive Studie.

INTRODUCTION: Freestyle Motocross (FMX) is an emerging extreme sport in which motocross riders perform risky jumps and tricks, which are graded by judges for their degree of difficulty, originality, and style. To this date, injury, patterns and causes in Freestyle Motocross have not been determined. METHODS: Over the time period from January 2006 to December 2012, 19 professional FMX riders of an internationally active FMX team were retrospectively surveyed by means of a questionnaire and questionnaire-based interviews regarding injuries sustained during training, shows, or competition. The questionnaire collected information regarding injury type, circumstances, causes, and treatment. In addition, general information was obtained on body dimensions, experience, training, and equipment used. RESULTS: A total of 54 accidents resulting in 78 severe injuries were registered. The most common types of injuries were fractures (66.6 %), ligament ruptures (7.7 %), and contusions (6.4 %). Most frequently affected body regions were foot/ankle (20.5 %), shoulder (12.8 %), and back (10.3 %). The Backflip was the trick during which most of the injuries occurred (35.2 %). Incorrect execution of jumps (25.9 %) was the leading cause of accidents. CONCLUSION: Based on our data, FMX is a high-risk sport. To avoid injuries, ramps, motorcycles, and equipment should be in the best possible shape and the athletes themselves in good physical and mental condition. Attendance of medical staff during FMX activity is advised at all time.

Treatment with denosumab reduces secondary fracture risk in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES: A history of prior fracture is one of the strongest predictors of a future fragility fracture. In FREEDOM, denosumab significantly reduced the risk of new vertebral, non-vertebral, and hip fractures. We carried out a post-hoc analysis of FREEDOM to characterize the efficacy of denosumab in preventing secondary fragility fractures in subjects with a prior fracture. METHODS: A total of 7808 women aged 60-90 years with a bone mineral density T-score of less than - 2.5 but not less than - 4.0 at either the lumbar spine or total hip were randomized to subcutaneous denosumab 60 mg or placebo every 6 months for 36 months. The anti-fracture efficacy of denosumab was analyzed by prior fracture status, to assess secondary fragility fracture, and by subject age, prior fracture site and history of prior osteoporosis medication use. RESULTS: A prior fragility fracture was reported for 45% of the overall study population. Compared with placebo, denosumab significantly reduced the risk of a secondary fragility fracture by 39% (incidence, 17.3% vs. 10.5%; p < 0.0001). Similar results were observed regardless of age or prior fracture site. In the overall population, denosumab significantly reduced the risk of a fragility fracture by 40% (13.3% vs. 8.0%; p < 0.0001), with similar results observed regardless of history of prior osteoporotic medication use. CONCLUSIONS: Denosumab reduced the risk of fragility fractures to a similar degree in all risk subgroups examined, including those with prior fragility fractures. Identifying and treating high-risk individuals could help to close the current care gap in secondary fracture prevention.

Bone structure assessed by HR-pQCT, TBS and DXL in adult patients with different types of osteogenesis imperfecta.

UNLABELLED: Bone microarchitecture by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) was assessed in adult patients with mild, moderate, and severe osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). The trabecular bone score (TBS), bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and dual X-ray and laser (DXL) at the calcaneus were likewise assessed in patients with OI. Trabecular microstructure and BMD in particular were severely altered in patients with OI. INTRODUCTION: OI is characterized by high fracture risk but not necessarily by low BMD. The main purpose of this study was to assess bone microarchitecture and BMD at different skeletal sites in different types of OI. METHODS: HR-pQCT was performed in 30 patients with OI (mild OI-I, n = 18 (41.8 [34.7, 55.7] years) and moderate to severe OI-III-IV, n = 12 (47.6 [35.3, 58.4] years)) and 30 healthy age-matched controls. TBS, BMD by DXA at the lumbar spine and hip, as well as BMD by DXL at the calcaneus were likewise assessed in patients with OI only. RESULTS: At the radius, significantly lower trabecular parameters including BV/TV (p = 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and trabecular number (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) as well as an increased inhomogeneity of the trabecular network (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) were observed in OI-I and OI-III-IV in comparison to the control group. Similar results for trabecular parameters were found at the tibia. Microstructural parameters were worse in OI-III-IV than in OI-I. No significant differences were found in cortical thickness and cortical porosity between the three subgroups at the radius. The cortical thickness of the tibia was thinner in OI-I (p < 0.001), but not OI-III-IV, when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Trabecular BMD and trabecular bone microstructure in particular are severely altered in patients with clinical OI-I and OI-III-IV. Low TBS and DXL and their significant associations to HR-pQCT parameters of trabecular bone support this conclusion.

[Posttraumatic arthrosis of the glenohumeral joint. From partial resurfacing to reverse shoulder arthroplasty]. / Posttraumatische Arthrose des Glenohumeralgelenks. Von der Teil- bis zur inversen Prothese.

BACKGROUND: Arthroplasty of symptomatic sequelae after fractures of the proximal humerus is a demanding procedure for surgeons. Exact preoperative planning is crucial in order to achieve acceptable functional results. OBJECTIVE: Discussion of preoperative considerations in planning the procedure and choosing the appropriate implant taking the osseous anatomy and surrounding soft tissue situation into consideration. METHODS: Selective literature review and description of personal experience. RESULTS: The geometry and consolidation status of bone fragments as well as the conditions of the surrounding soft tissue have to be taken into account and influence the choice of implant used. Insufficient planning will not only cause intraoperative technical problems but can also greatly influence the subjective patient assessment of the postoperative outcome. Unequal strain distribution can cause early loosening of components resulting in malfunctioning of the implant. In this respect, knowledge of the position and consolidation status of fractured tuberosities with respect to the humeral shaft is essential and allows an approximate estimation of the achievable outcome. This is taken into account by the classification of Boileau which can also help to decide on which type of implant to use. Because such cases are scarce, reported results in the literature are heterogeneous, which is discussed in this article. CONCLUSION: Each case needs a thorough and individualized preoperative assessment along with exact planning and should therefore be reserved for experienced shoulder surgeons only.

Persistence, adherence, and medication-taking behavior in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis receiving denosumab in routine practice in Germany, Austria, Greece, and Belgium: 12-month results from a European non-interventional study.

UNLABELLED: Persistence with and adherence to osteoporosis therapy are critical for fracture reduction. This non-interventional study is evaluating medication-taking behavior of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) receiving denosumab in Germany, Austria, Greece, and Belgium. Patients were representative of the PMO population and highly persistent with and adherent to denosumab at 12 months. INTRODUCTION: Persistence with and adherence to osteoporosis therapy are important for optimal treatment efficacy, namely fracture reduction. This ongoing, non-interventional study will evaluate medication-taking behavior of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) receiving denosumab in routine practice in four European countries. METHODS: The study enrolled women who had been prescribed subcutaneous denosumab (60 mg every 6 months) in accordance with prescribing information and local guidelines. Persistence was defined as receiving the subsequent injection within 6 months + 8 weeks of the previous injection. Adherence was defined as receiving two consecutive injections within 6 months ± 4 weeks of each other. Medication coverage ratio (MCR) was calculated using the time a patient was covered with denosumab, as assessed from prescription records. Treatment was assigned prior to and independently of enrollment; outcomes are recorded during routine practice. RESULTS: These planned 12-month interim analyses included data from 1500 patients from 141 sites. Mean age was 66.4-72.4 years, mean baseline total hip T-scores ranged from -2.0 to -2.1 and femoral neck T-scores from -2.2 to -2.6, and 30.7-62.1% of patients had prior osteoporotic fracture. Persistence was 87.0-95.3%, adherence 82.7-89.3%, and MCR 91.3-95.4%. In a univariate analysis, increased age, decreased mobility, and increased distance to the clinic were associated with significantly decreased persistence; parental history of hip fracture was associated with significantly increased persistence. CONCLUSIONS: These data extend the real-world evidence regarding persistence with and adherence to denosumab, both of which are critical for favorable clinical outcomes, including fracture risk reduction.

Relationship Between Medial Meniscal Extrusion and Cartilage Loss in Specific Femorotibial Subregions: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

OBJECTIVE: Medial meniscal extrusion is known to be related to structural progression of knee osteoarthritis. However, it is unclear whether medial meniscal extrusion is more strongly associated with cartilage loss in certain medial femorotibial subregions than in others. METHODS: Segmentation of the medial tibial and femoral cartilage (baseline; 1-year followup) and the medial meniscus (baseline) was performed in 60 participants with frequent knee pain (mean ± SD ages 61.3 ± 9.2 years, body mass index 31.3 ± 3.9 kg/m(2) ) and with unilateral medial radiographic joint space narrowing (JSN) grades 1-3, using double-echo steady-state magnetic resonance images. Medial meniscal extrusion distance and extrusion area (percentage) between the external meniscal and tibial margin at baseline, and longitudinal medial cartilage loss in 8 anatomic subregions were determined. RESULTS: A significant association (Pearson's correlation coefficient) was seen between medial meniscal extrusion area in JSN knees and cartilage loss over 1 year throughout the entire medial femorotibial compartment. The strongest correlation was with cartilage loss in the external medial tibia (r =-0.34, P < 0.01 in JSN; r =-0.30, P = 0.02 in knees without JSN). CONCLUSION: Medial meniscal extrusion was associated with subsequent medial cartilage loss. The external medial tibial cartilage may be particularly vulnerable to thinning once the meniscus extrudes and its surface is exposed to direct, nonphysiological, cartilage-to-cartilage contact.

Epidemiology of distal forearm fractures in Austria between 1989 and 2010.

UNLABELLED: Only few studies have been published hitherto on country-specific incidence of distal forearm fracture. In the prevailing study, incidences were estimated, and trend analyses were performed for the entire Austrian population aged ≥50á. Incidence decreased significantly in women, but not in men, over the past 12 years of observation. INTRODUCTION: To estimate incidence of distal forearm fracture and assess incidence trends in the entire Austrian population aged ≥50á from 1989-2010 for inpatient fractures and from 1999 to 2010 for all fractures. METHODS: The number of inpatient forearm fractures was obtained from the Austrian Hospital Discharge Register (AHDR) for the entire population aged ≥50á from 1989 to 2010. Total number of distal forearm fractures was modeled using patient-level data on 36,327 patients with distal forearm fractures. Crude and age-standardized incidence rates (cases per 100,000) were estimated in 5-year age intervals. To analyze the change in incidence over time, average annual changes expressed as incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated. RESULTS: For all distal forearm fractures, age-standardized incidence in women in 1999 and 2009 were estimated at 709 (95 % CI 675-743) and 607 (578-637), respectively. The age-standardized incidences in men the same years were estimated at 171 (156-185) and 162 (151-174), respectively. IRR analyses showed a significant decrease in women (-1.1 %, p < 0.01) but not in men (-0.8 %, p > 0.05) over the last 12 years (1999-2010). CONCLUSION: Incidence of distal forearm fracture in the entire Austrian population is comparable to hip fracture incidence which is known to be among the highest worldwide. However, trend analyses reveal a significant decrease for all distal forearm fractures in women, but not in men, over the last 12 years.