Association between advanced glycation end-products and fall risk in older adults: The Yakumo Study.

AIM: Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are irreversibly and heterogeneously formed compounds during the non-enzymatic modification of macromolecules, such as proteins. Aging and lifestyle habits, such as high-fat and high-protein diets, and smoking, promote AGEs accumulation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fall risk and AGEs in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included patients from the 2022 Yakumo Study who were evaluated for fall risk index 5-items version, locomotive syndrome stage and AGEs. AGEs were evaluated using Skin autofluorescence (SAF) measured by the AGE reader (DiagnOptics Technologies BV, Groningen, the Netherlands). We divided the participants into two groups according to the presence or absence of fall risk (fall risk index 5-items version ≥6 or not), and investigated the factors associated with fall risk. RESULTS: The fall risk group had a higher age and SAF, and a higher proportion of locomotive syndrome stage >2 than the without fall risk group in patients aged ≥65 years (P < 0.01). The multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjustment of age, sex and body mass index showed that locomotive syndrome stage ≥2 and SAF were independent associators of fall risk in older adults (odds ratio 3.26, P < 0.01, odds ratio 2.96, P < 0.05, respectively). The optimal cutoff value of the SAF for fall risk was 2.4 (area under the curve 0.631; 95% CI 0.53-0.733; sensitivity 0.415; specificity 0.814; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The accumulation of AGEs in skin tissues can be used to screen for fall risk comprehensively. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Association of mid-thigh quadriceps muscle quality with postoperative outcomes in patients with hip osteoarthritis undergoing total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Muscle quality is more important than muscle mass for assessing physical function. Computed tomography (CT) is used to evaluate intramuscular fatty infiltration. The mid-thigh quadriceps CT attenuation values (CTV) expressed in Hounsfield units (HU) negatively correlate with physical function. Patients with hip osteoarthritis (HOA) have lower extremity muscle atrophy, including decreased cross-sectional area (CSA), CTV, and muscle strength. Using preoperative CT images, we investigated the association between mid-thigh quadriceps CSA, CTV, and postoperative outcomes in patients with HOA. METHODS: This study included 62 patients who had unilateral HOA (62 hips) and underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). We investigated the association between preoperative and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip scores, 12-item Short Form survey (SF-12), mid-thigh quadriceps CSA, and CTV. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.7 ± 10.1 years, with 15 men (24.2%), and the mean body mass index was 24.3 ± 4.3 kg/m2. Secondary HOA was present in 79.0% of patients. The mean CSA and CTV of the mid-thigh quadriceps on the operative side were 38.8 ± 9.8 cm2 and 40.3 ± 7.8 HU, respectively. Multiple regression analyses adjusted for age and sex showed that preoperative mid-thigh quadriceps CSA was not associated with preoperative and postoperative JOA hip scores or SF-12. The preoperative mid-thigh quadriceps CTV was associated with the postoperative JOA hip score in the gait ability domain and SF-12 in the physical component summary domain. CONCLUSION: Preoperative muscle quality is associated with postoperative outcomes in patients who have HOA regardless of age and sex.

Computer simulation study of cementless cup placement for dysplastic hip osteoarthritis using subluxation percentage of Crowe classification.

It is often difficult to achieve adequate bone coverage of the cup in total hip arthroplasty in cases of severe developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between subluxation percentage of Crowe classification and cup center-edge (cup-CE) angle to investigate whether subluxation percentage according to the Crowe classification is a useful indicator for cementless cup placement. Cementless cup placement was simulated in 77 women with DDH in 91 hips (Crowe I, 35 hips; Crowe II, 35 hips; and Crowe III, 21 hips) using computed tomography-based computer simulation software. The cups were placed at the anatomic hip center (AHC) and 10-mm high hip center (HHC). The relationship between the subluxation percentage and cup-CE angle was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. In addition, the cutoff values for the subluxation percentage that satisfied a cup-CE angle ≥0° were determined using the receiving operating characteristic curve. The cup-CE angle was negatively correlated with the subluxation percentage in both AHC and 10-mm HHC (correlation coefficient ρ = -0.542 [p < 0.01] and -0.704 [p < 0.01], respectively). The cutoff values for subluxation percentage that satisfied a cup-CE angle ≥0° were 56.1% and 73.6% for AHC and 10-mm HHC, respectively. Cementless cup placement in AHC is difficult in cases with the subluxation percentage ≥56.1%, and HHC reconstruction or femoral structural autograft technique should be considered as an alternative. Moreover, placement at 10 mm above AHC is difficult in cases with subluxation percentage ≥73.6%.

Anti-sclerostin antibody therapy prevents post-ischemic osteonecrosis bone collapse via interleukin-6 association.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a debilitating condition characterized by subchondral bone necrosis, which frequently culminates in joint destruction. Although total hip arthroplasty is conventionally practiced to remediate ONFH, for patients under the age of 60, the outcomes can be suboptimal. Chronic inflammation, particularly that mediated by interleukin-6 (IL-6), has been conjectured to be a potential mechanism underlying the etiology of ONFH. This study aimed at exploring the interplay between IL-6, the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, and ONFH to provide insights for potential therapeutic interventions. Human ONFH specimens depicted an elevation in ß-catenin expression in the transitional layer, while IL-6 levels were pronounced in the same region. Subsequently, mouse models of ischemic osteonecrosis were treated with an anti-sclerostin antibody to assess its effects on bone metabolism and cellular processes. Histological analysis revealed that the administration of anti-sclerostin antibodies effectuated early recovery from bone necrosis, reduced empty lacunae, and suppressed IL-6 expression. The treatment evidently initiated the activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, presenting a potential mechanism associated with IL-6-mediated inflammation. Furthermore, the antibody upregulated osteoblast formation, downregulated osteoclast formation, and increased bone volume. Micro-CT imaging demonstrated increased bone volume, prevented epiphyseal deformity, and improved compression strength. Therefore, this study yields significant findings, indicating the potency of anti-sclerostin antibodies in effectively modulating the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, associating with IL-6 expression, and preventing post-ONFH bone collapse. Additionally, this preclinical investigation in mouse models offers an avenue for prospective research on potential therapeutic interventions against human ONFH.

Cellular senescence is associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head while mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium inhibits bone collapse.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a type of ischemic osteonecrosis that causes pain, loss of function, and femoral head collapse. Here, we analyzed samples of femoral heads excised from patients with ONFH to clarify the relationship between ischemic osteonecrosis and cellular senescence. X-gal staining was strong and p16INK4a-positive cells were abundant in the transitional region of ONFH. The ß-galactosidase-positive cells in the transitional region were also positive for nestin, periostin, or DMP-1. In contrast, no ß-galactosidase-positive cells were detected in the healthy region. The senescence-associated p16INK4a, p21, and p53 were upregulated in ONFH tissue. We also examined and analyzed a mouse ischemic femoral osteonecrosis model in vivo to verify the association between ONFH and cellular senescence. Human mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) was administered to determine its therapeutic efficacy against cellular senescence and bone collapse. MSC-CM reduced the number of senescent cells and downregulated the aforementioned senescence-related genes. It also decreased the number of empty lacunae 4 weeks after ischemia induction and promoted bone formation. At 6 weeks post-surgery, MSC-CM increased the trabecular bone volume, thereby suppressing bone collapse. We conclude that cellular senescence is associated with ONFH and that MSC-CM suppresses bone collapse in this disorder.

Longitudinal association between muscle and bone loss: Results of US and Japanese cohort studies.

BACKGROUND: Muscle and bone are physiologically interconnected, but joint changes of muscle and bone with aging, and whether the muscle-bone changes are different by sex and by country has been little studied. We examined longitudinal associations of bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle mass or muscle strength in community-dwelling 65 years or older in the United States and Japan. METHODS: The present analytic sample included 1129 women and men from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) (mean age, 74.5 ± 7.5 years; women, 49.8%) and 1998 women and men from the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging (NILS-LSA) (mean age, 70.0 ± 4.5 years; women, 51.4%). Median follow-up was 4.6 (min-max, 0-15.4) years in the BLSA and 4.0 (min-max, 0-13.4) years in the NILS-LSA. We selected visits at which participants had BMD (whole body, pelvic, femoral neck, trochanter, and Ward's triangle BMDs) and muscle mass [appendicular lean mass, (ALM)] measured by DXA scan. In each bone site, we ran cohort-specific bivariate linear mixed-effects models adjusted for baseline age, sex, body height, body weight, fat mass, education year, and smoking status. Race was an additional adjustment in the BLSA. Additionally, we performed sex-specific analyses. RESULTS: In the BLSA, the rate of change in ALM positively correlated with the rate of change in the whole body (rho = 0.30, P < 0.0001) and pelvic BMD (rho = 0.24, P < 0.0001), but not in trochanter, femoral neck, or Ward's triangle BMD (P > 0.05). In the NILS-LSA, ALM positively correlated with the rate of change in all bone sites (rho ranged from 0.20 to 0.71, P < 0.01). In women, ALM positively correlated with the rate of change in all bone sites in both cohorts (in the NILS-LSA, rho ranged from 0.35 to 0.91, P < 0.01; in the BLSA, rho ranged from 0.26 to 0.56, P < 0.05) except for femoral neck BMD in the BLSA. In men, ALM positively correlated with pelvic, trochanter, and Ward's triangle BMD in the NILS-LSA (rho ranged from 0.45 to 0.68, P < 0.0001), and whole body and trochanter BMD in the BLSA (both, rho = 0.20, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Muscle loss co-occurred with bone loss in both cohorts, but the association in the NILS-LSA tended to be stronger than in the BLSA, and the association was higher in women than in men, implying that the association may differ by sex and country.

Early Recovery of Physical Function After Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Patient With Osteopetrosis: A Case Report.

Osteopetrosis is an uncommon and inherited disorder. Some disease-specific characteristics, such as diffuse osteosclerosis and a high incidence of fractures, may potentially affect postoperative rehabilitation. This report presents a case of successful rehabilitation early after total hip arthroplasty for osteopetrosis. A 56-year-old Japanese man, who was diagnosed with osteopetrosis at the age of 11, underwent total hip arthroplasty in the right hip. Full weight-bearing was allowed on the day after the operation; the postoperative rehabilitation program was proceeded based on a standard program as done after total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. A shoe lift in the left leg was used in supervised walking training to correct the imbalanced alignment due to leg length discrepancy. The patient could walk independently with a cane 17 days after the operation. Three weeks after the operation, the patient demonstrated comfortable and maximal walking speed of 1.11 and 1.34 m/s, respectively, and maximal hip abductor muscle strength of 3.96 kgfï½¥m, both of which were better than those before the operation. There were no adverse events during the postoperative rehabilitation course. These findings suggest the safety and efficacy of standard rehabilitation programs after total hip arthroplasty even in individuals with osteopetrosis. In addition, it may be important to consider the whole-body condition in the rehabilitation of individuals with osteopetrosis.

Risk factors for intraoperative femoral fractures in cementless bipolar hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture in multicenter: The TRON group study.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative femoral fractures are more common in cementless bipolar hip arthroplasty (BHA) for displaced femoral neck fractures than they are in cemented BHA and remain one of the major concerns. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for intraoperative femoral fractures in cementless BHA. METHODS: The study included 1,392 patients who underwent cementless BHA for displaced femoral neck fractures from January 2015 to December 2019 in 14 hospitals of the Trauma Research Group. They were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of intraoperative femoral fractures, and factors associated with intraoperative fractures were statistically examined. RESULTS: Forty (2.9 %) intraoperative and 28 (2.0 %) postoperative, totally 68 (4.9 %) femoral fractures occurred. The mean age of the patients, presence of opposite-side proximal femoral fracture, approach, and cementless stem design were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis model showed that a fully HA-coated stem (odds ratio, 4.12; 95 % confidence interval, 1.43-11.9) was an independent factor associated with intraoperative femoral fractures. CONCLUSION: This study investigated the risk factors associated with intraoperative fractures and showed that fully HA-coated stems were an independent factor associated with intraoperative femoral fractures. Surgeons should be cautious in the early stages of introducing fully HA-coated stems.

Extension of the Antero-Posterior Necrotic Regions Associated With Collapse Cessation in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head.

BACKGROUND: Collapse cessation is of utmost importance following a long period of collapse due to osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This study investigated the relationship between collapse cessation and the extent of the necrotic regions of ONFH. METHODS: Overall, 74 patients who had symptomatic ONFH (collapse < 3 mm) at the first visit with a minimum follow-up of 3 years were included in this study. Patients were categorized based on collapse progression or cessation into the progression and stable groups. The extent of the antero-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral necrotic regions between the groups was assessed using sagittal and coronal sections of T1-magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, the most effective cutoff value was determined from the receiving operating characteristic curve where collapse cessation could be obtained, while the survival rates were determined with collapse progression as the endpoints were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 45 and 29 patients were in the progression and stable groups, respectively. The AP and medio-lateral necrotic regions were significantly different (P < .01 and P < .01, respectively) between the progression and stable groups. A cutoff value of 62.1% of the AP necrotic regions was determined from the receiving operating characteristic curve analysis. The 5-year survival rates with collapse progression as the endpoints were 5.4 and 77.8% in the AP necrotic regions of ≥62.1 and <62.1%, respectively (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Cases with AP necrotic regions of ≤62.1% can be expected to have collapse cessation, which could be a useful index for ONFH treatment strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Fall risk in patient with dysplastic hip osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: Patients with dysplastic hip osteo arthritis (DHOA) often have a spinopelvic imbalance, and they are more likely to experience falls. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for falls in patients with DHOA, including spinopelvic parameters. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 103 patients with DHOA were included from 2019 to 2021. Fall risk was evaluated using the Fall Risk Index 5 items version (FRI-5). Demographics, functional outcomes, and spinopelvic parameters were compared between the high-risk group (FRI-5 ≥ 6) and the low-risk group (FRI-5 < 6). Multivariate analysis was performed using factors with significant differences in univariate analysis. RESULTS: High-risk and low-risk groups comprised 54 and 49 patients, respectively. Females were significantly more common in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group. The Harris Hip Score was significantly lower in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (p = 0.02). Pelvic incidence, tilt, and obliquity were significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 3.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-12.64, p = 0.03), pelvic obliquity (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.09-1.71, p < 0.01), and Harris hip score (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99, p = 0.02) were identified as risk factors. CONCLUSION: Female sex, pelvic obliquity, and low Harris hip score were associated with an increased risk of falls among patients with DHOA.

The survey of bone allograft transplantation in a Japanese regional bone bank.

BACKGROUND: In reconstructive surgery for large bone defects, the demand for bone allografts has increased over the years; however, it is unclear how the supply and demand in Japanese regional bone banks have evolved over time. This study investigated the 15-year supply and demand of bone allografts stored in a regional bone bank, along with assessing the screening process's effectiveness. METHODS: The target period was 15 years from April 2005 to March 2020. The period was subdivided into three 5-year periods: first, second, and third. The study items included the number of bone allografts donated, the number of bone allografts used, donor and user facilities, surgical methods using bone allografts, and the number of bone allografts discarded. We used the Cochran-Armitage test for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1852 bone allografts were donated to the bone bank, and a total of 1721 were used. A total of 677 bone allografts grafts were provided in the first period, 738 in the second period, and 525 in the third period, indicating a decreasing trend. The average number of allografts per surgery was 2.8 in the first, 3.1 in the second, and 1.7 in the third, showing a decreasing trend. Concerning the percentage of each surgery using bone allografts, spine fusion decreased in the third period but not significantly, whereas primary hip arthroplasty increased significantly in the third period. The total number of discarded bone allografts was 4.8% of the total number of donated bone allografts, largely because of a lack of screening tests. CONCLUSION: Although the number of allogeneic bone surgeries has been increasing over time, the number of allogeneic bone donations has shown a decreasing trend, and there is a need to develop a system that can provide surgeons with sufficient bone allografts.

Circulating miRNA-122 is associated with knee osteoarthritis progression: A 6-year longitudinal cohort study in the Yakumo study.

OBJECTIVE: The association between knee osteoarthritis (OA) and miRNAs has been widely reported. However, the utility of miRNAs as predictors of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) progression in longitudinal studies has not been reported. We aimed to identify circulating miRNAs (c-miRNAs) associated with KOA progression in the general population and to examine their potential use as predictors of KOA progression. METHODS: In 2012 and 2018, 66 participants (128 knees) took part in a resident health check-up in the Yakumo study. If the KL classification progressed two or more levels, the patient was classified as having progressive OA. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to screen 21 c-miRNAs. The expression levels of those c-miRNAs were compared between the progressive OA group and non-progressive OA group using student-t-test. Logistic analysis was performed in c-miRNAs less than p < 0.10 in univariate analysis. RESULTS: The progressive OA group consisted of 78 knees. The results of the comparison between the progressive OA group and the non-progressive OA group showed that six c-miRNAs as follows; let7d (p = 0.030), c-miRNA-122 (p < 0.001), 150 (p = 0.070), 199 (p = 0.078), 21 (p = 0.016) and 320 (p = 0.093) were extracted as factors related to the progression of knee OA. In addition, logistic regression analysis identified c-miRNA-122 as an independent factor involved in the progression of knee osteoarthritis (odds ratio: 1.510, 95% confidence interval: 1.060-2.140, p = 0.023). The ROC curve showed by c-miRNA-122 for the progression of OA risk had an area under the curve of 0.702 (95% CI: 0.609-0.795). The threshold of c-miRNA-122 was -4.609. CONCLUSION: The expression level of c-miRNA-122 was associated with the risk of KOA progression in community dwelling Japanese people.

Intertrochanteric curved varus osteotomy for subchondral fracture of the femoral head: a case series.

Although favorable results have been reported with total hip arthroplasty, joint-preserving treatment should be the first choice for subchondral fracture of the femoral head (SFF) in young patients. This study reviewed four young male patients with SFF who underwent intertrochanteric curved varus osteotomy (CVO). The patients had a mean age of 32.3 years (range: 18-49 years). Conservative treatment was initially attempted in all cases, but failed to alleviate the pain, leading to surgical intervention at an average time of 6 months (range: 4-10 months) after symptom onset. As the fracture sites were located medial to the lateral edge of the acetabulum in all cases, CVO was performed to achieve a postoperative intact ratio of ≥ 34% in the weight-bearing region of the femoral head. The average follow-up period after surgery lasted 4.3 years (range: 2-7 years). Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed pre- and postoperatively. At the latest follow-up, the mean Harris hip score improved from 67.3 preoperatively to 99.5 postoperatively. The average preoperative intact ratio of the weight-bearing region of the femoral head was 12.3%, which increased to 44.3% postoperatively. No progression to femoral head collapse or joint space narrowing was observed on the plain radiographs. CVO is a simple, less-invasive, and beneficial approach for treating SFF in young patients whose fractures occur medial to the lateral edge of the acetabulum.

Addressing osteoporosis treatment after hemiarthroplasty for a femoral neck fracture: impact on survival rates after a subsequent periprosthetic femoral fracture - a multicenter (TRON group) retrospective study.

This study investigated the impact of osteoporosis treatment on the prognosis of patients with periprosthetic femoral fracture (PPF) following femoral neck fracture (FNF). Our results suggested an association between osteoporosis treatment and potentially improved survival prognosis in patients who underwent surgery for PPF. These results imply that osteoporosis treatment may have a beneficial effect on patient outcomes. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of osteoporosis treatment on the prognosis of periprosthetic femoral fracture (PPF) patients after femoral neck fracture. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study named as TRON was conducted. The study population included 156 PPF patients who had undergone hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture between January 2010 and December 2019. Patients were divided based on whether they had received osteoporosis treatment before PPF injury. A log-rank test was used to compare survival rates. We conducted a Cox proportional hazards analysis to identify factors associated with the survival rate after PFF injury. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of the 156 patients had received osteoporosis treatment prior to PPF injury. The 1-year and 2-year overall survival rates after PPF were 80.9% and 75.3%, respectively. The log-rank test revealed that the 1-year survival rate with and without osteoporosis treatment was 89.5% and 78.1%, respectively (P=0.012). In the Cox proportional hazards analysis, age, BMI, presence or absence of surgery, and presence or absence of osteoporosis treatment showed independent associations with the survival rate after PFF injury. The hazard ratio for the presence of osteoporosis treatment was 0.22 (95% confidence interval 0.07-0.75, P=0.015). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest an association between osteoporosis treatment and potentially improved survival prognosis in patients who underwent surgery for PPF. These results imply that osteoporosis treatment may have a beneficial effect on patient outcomes. It is important to consider that osteoporosis treatment could be significant not only in preventing secondary fractures but also in potentially improving prognosis in the rare event of PPF.

Risk factors for lateralization or superiorization of the center of the femoral head in eccentric rotational acetabular osteotomy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the factors that cause the lateralization and superiorization of the femoral head after eccentric rotational acetabular osteotomy (ERAO) by examining the three-dimensional morphology of the osteotomy site using computed tomography (CT). METHODS: This study included 52 patients who underwent ERAO for hip dysplasia. Postoperatively, the center of the femoral head was measured for lateralization and superiorization. We defined the iliac and sciatic osteotomy angles in the coronal and axial CT planes, respectively. The surgical factors for lateralization and superiorization were analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis. We also analysed the relationship between the femoral head relocation and clinical outcomes (as assessed using Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores). RESULTS: Thirty-five patients had hips with lateralized femoral heads, and 25 patients' femoral heads were superiorized. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher osteotomy angle of the ilium in the coronal plane served as a significant predictor of superiorization of the femoral head. Similarly, a larger osteotomy angle of the ischium in the axial plane and the amount of change in the lateral centre edge angle were identified as predictors of lateralization. A weak negative correlation was observed between the amount of lateralization and the JOA score. CONCLUSION: Large osteotomy angles in the superior and posterior aspects of the acetabulum carry a risk of superiorization and lateralization of the center of the femoral head. Surgeons should be aware of the need to chisel through the internal plate to achieve the results described in the ERAO theory. STUDY DESIGN: A single-center, retrospective study.

Sacroiliac joint fusion in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is associated with hip involvement.

OBJECTIVE: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a progressive inflammatory disease that affects the axial skeleton, and often associated with hip involvement. However, the causative factors for radiological hip involvement in patients with AS are not well characterized. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with hip involvement in patients with AS. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients (134 hips) diagnosed with AS who qualified the modified New York criteria at our institution between January 2005 and June 2022 were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: the hip involvement group (BASRI-hip score ≥2 points) and the normal group (BASRI-hip score <2 points). Demographic, clinical and radiographic characteristics were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (38.8%) had radiological hip involvement, of which 23 (88.5%) patients were male. There were significant between-group differences with respect to sacroiliac joint fusion, crossover sign, high centre edge angle and low sharp angle (P < 0.05). On logistic regression analysis, older age, sacroiliac joint fusion and pincer type were identified as independent risk factors for hip involvement. CONCLUSION: AS with hip involvement was significantly more likely to involve sacroiliac joint fusion, which suggested that mechanical stress in adjacent joints and reduced spinopelvic range of motion may influence hip involvement.

Plasma amino acid signature for sarcopenic phenotypes in community-dwelling octogenarians: Results from the Kawasaki Aging Wellbeing Project.

Sarcopenia is one of the primary risk factors for various adverse health events in later life. However, its pathophysiology in the very old population remains unclear. Hence, this study aimed to examine whether plasma free amino acids (PFAAs) correlate with major sarcopenic phenotypes (i.e., muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance) in community-dwelling adults aged 85-89 years living in Japan. Cross-sectional data from the Kawasaki Aging Well-being Project were used. We included 133 adults aged 85-89 years. In this study, fasting blood was collected to measure 20 plasma PFAAs. Measures for the three major sarcopenic phenotypes included appendicular lean mass assessed by multifrequency bioimpedance, isometric handgrip strength, and gait speed from a 5 m walk at a usual pace. Furthermore, we used phenotype-specific elastic net regression models adjusted for age centered at 85 years, sex, body mass index, education level, smoking status, and drinking habit to identify significant PFAAs for each sarcopenic phenotype. Higher histidine and lower alanine levels were associated with poor gait speed, but no PFAAs correlated with muscle strength or mass. In conclusion, PFAAs such as plasma histidine and alanine are novel blood biomarkers associated with physical performance in community-dwelling adults aged 85 years or older.

Activated FGFR3 suppresses bone regeneration and bone mineralization in an ovariectomized mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a widespread health concern due to its prevalence among older adults and an associated high risk of fracture. The downregulation of bone regeneration delays fracture healing. Activated fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) accelerates bone regeneration at juvenile age and downregulates bone mineralization at all ages. However, the impact of FGFR3 signaling on bone regeneration and bone mineralization post-menopause is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of FGFR3 signaling on bone regeneration and bone mineralization during menopause by developing a distraction osteogenesis (DO) mouse model after ovariectomy (OVX) using transgenic mice with activated FGFR3 driven by Col2a1 promoter (Fgfr3 mice). METHODS: The OVX or sham operations were performed in 8-week-old female Fgfr3 and wild-type mice. After 8 weeks of OVX surgery, DO surgery in the lower limb was performed. The 5-day-latency period followed by performing distraction for 9 days. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone regeneration was assessed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scan and soft X-ray. Bone volume in the distraction area was also evaluated by histological analysis after 7 days at the end of distraction. Osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) derived from each mouse after 8 weeks of the OVX or sham operations were also evaluated with and without an inhibitor for FGFR3 signaling (meclozine). RESULTS: BMD decreased after OVX in both groups, and it further deteriorated in Fgfr3 mice. Poor callus formation after DO was also observed in both groups with OVX, and the amount of regenerated bone was further decreased in Fgfr3 mice. Similarly, histological analysis revealed that Fgfr3 OVX mice showed lower bone volume. Osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of BMSCs were also deteriorated in Fgfr3 OVX mice. An inhibitor for FGFR3 signaling dramatically reversed the inhibitory effect of OVX and FGFR3 signaling on BMSC mineralization. CONCLUSION: Upregulated FGFR3 decreased newly regenerated bone after DO and BMD in OVX mice. FGFR3 signaling can be a potential therapeutic target in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Pelvic morphologies of developmental dysplasia and primary osteoarthritis on range of motion after total hip arthroplasty.

Bony impingement, especially in the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) after total hip arthroplasty (THA), may cause dislocation. However, the influence of AIIS characteristics on bony impingement after THA is not fully understood. Thus, we aimed to determine the morphological characteristics of AIIS with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and primary osteoarthritis (pOA) and to evaluate its effect on range of motion (ROM) after THA. Hips from 130 patients who underwent THA, including pOA were analyzed. In total, we had 27 male and 27 female participants with pOA, and 38 male and 38 female participants with DDH. The horizontal distances of AIIS from teardrop (TD) were compared. In the computed tomography simulation, flexion ROM was measured, and its relationship to the distance between TD and AIIS was investigated. DDH had a more medial (male: DDH, 36.9 ± 5.8; pOA, 45.5 ± 6.1; p < 0.001) (female: DDH, 31.5 ± 10.0; pOA, 36.2 ± 4.7; p < 0.001) position of AIIS than pOA. In the male with pOA group, flexion ROM was significantly smaller than that in the other groups, and there was a correlation between flexion ROM and horizontal distances (r = -0.543; 95% confidence interval = -0.765 to -0.206; p = 0.003). AIIS position is a factor that limits ROM during flexion after THA, particularly in males. Further studies are required to develop surgical strategies for cases of impingement at the AIIS site after THA. Level of evidence: Ð¨, retrospective comparative study.

Factors affecting sports participation after total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the rate of return to sports after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients who regularly participate in sports and evaluate the factors that can affect the return to sports. METHODS: In total, 165 patients who had been continuously participating in sports prior to surgery were included from a total of 401 patients who underwent THA from 2015 to 2018. The mean follow-up was 3.3 (range, 2-6) years. Demographics, medical history, surgical parameters, functional outcomes, and anxiety about complications at the final follow-up were compared between the patients who participated in the same sports as before surgery (S group) and those who could not (N group). RESULTS: The overall return to sports rate was 79% for 68 (41%) and 97 (59%) patients in the S and N groups, respectively. The most common sports that patients participated in post-operatively were walking (76 patients, 46%) and swimming (37 patients, 22%), followed by muscle training (25 patients, 15%). There were significant differences between the groups in the following patient factors: sex, primary disease, post-operative Japanese Orthopedic Association Hip-Disease Evaluation Questionnaire outcome, and anxiety about falls and dislocation. In the evaluation of factors affecting return to sports using logistic regression analysis, male sex (odds ratio 3.66, 95% confidence interval 1.13-11.19, p = 0.029) and anxiety of dislocation (odds ratio 3.42, 95% confidence interval 1.58-7.42, p < 0.01) were extracted as independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: Careful patient guidance and rehabilitation, in addition to accurate surgical procedures, will improve patient participation in sports.