Relationship between sacral-abdominal wall distance, movement performance, and spinal alignment in osteoporosis: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with muscle atrophy, as typified by sarcopenia. Loss of abdominal muscle strength can cause abdominal wall laxity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the sacral vertebra-abdominal wall distance (SAD) and movement performance using a simple lateral spine X-ray image for measuring the SAD. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included women aged ≥ 65 years who were attending the outpatient clinic for osteoporosis at our hospital. A total of 287 patients (mean age ± SD, 76.8 ± 7.1 years) with measured SAD were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on SAD cutoff (160 mm) and age (75 years), respectively. The patients were examined using the two-foot 20 cm rise test, 3 m Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, two-step test, open-eyed one-leg standing time, and spinal alignment. Normally distributed data are expressed as means (standard deviations) and non-normally distributed data as medians (interquartile range), depending on the results of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Student's t-test and χ2 test were used for between-group comparisons. Regression analysis was performed with SAD as the objective variable. A two-sided p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The shorter SAD group performed better in the two-step test, TUG test, and open-eyed one-leg standing time (p < 0.001) as well as in the two-foot 20 cm rise test (p < 0.01) compared to the longer SAD group. Spinal alignment was better in the shorter SAD group than in the longer SAD group, with a shorter sagittal vertical axis (p < 0.001), smaller pelvic tilt (p < 0.001), and greater sacral slope (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SAD was associated with posterior pelvic tilt and movement performance parameters. In addition to testing for osteoporosis, movement performance parameters should be evaluated in women with osteoporosis who are aged ≥ 65 and have greater SAD (≥ 160 mm in this study). The SAD is a new assessment method, and further research is required to verify its validity and reproducibility. This is the first attempt to determine how age and SAD affect movement performance in older adults.

Evaluation of the usefulness of non-weight-bearing tunnel view using X-ray in the short term after medial meniscus posterior root tear onset: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine whether the non-weight-bearing tunnel view X-ray is effective for short-term evaluation of medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) by assessing the X-ray characteristics at the initial and follow-up visits. METHODS: This was a retrospective longitudinal study of 26 enrolled knees diagnosed with MMPRT on magnetic resonance imaging. The distance between the medial tibial eminence and medial femoral condyle (MTE-MFC distance) and medial tibiofemoral joint (MTFJ) width were measured by obtaining non-weight-bearing tunnel view and frontal view X-ray radiographs. The initial and follow-up values at a median interval of 17 days were compared. Additionally, the correlations between the MTE-MFC distance increase rate and body mass index (BMI), age, femorotibial angle (FTA), and posterior tibial slope (PTS) were evaluated using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The tunnel view images of the initial and follow-up X-rays showed a significant increase in the MTE-MFC distance and a significant decrease in the MTFJ width. Furthermore, a moderate correlation was observed between the change in the MTE-MFC distance and the time interval between X-rays. However, no substantial correlation was observed for the change in the MTFJ width over time. Moreover, no significant correlation was observed between the change in the MTE-MFC distance in the non-weight-bearing tunnel view and BMI, age, FTA, and PTS. CONCLUSIONS: The non-weight-bearing tunnel view is highly beneficial for evaluating MMPRT progression in the short term.

Long-term outcomes of the mayo conservative hip system in patients aged 30 years or less with osteonecrosis of the femoral head: mean follow-up of more than 10 years.

INTRODUCTION: Historically, total hip arthroplasty (THA) in very young patients has been associated with lower survivorship. However, the long-term outcomes of THA using short stems for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in very young patients remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of the Mayo conservative hip system, a short metaphyseal stabilised stem, in patients with ONFH aged ≦30 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 104 joints in 76 patients with ONFH who underwent THA using the Mayo conservative hip system with a minimum follow-up of 8 years. The mean follow-up period was 12.5 (range, 8-19) years. Patients were categorised into two age groups (≦30 years, n = 21 and > 30 years, n = 83). Radiographic evaluation was used to assess stem sinking, stress shielding, and spot welds. The clinical evaluations were performed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) hip score. Postoperative major complication and revision surgery rates were also assessed. RESULTS: The patient characteristics were similar between the two groups, except for the age. Revision surgeries were performed in five cases, with similar implant survival rates between the groups. Dislocations occurred in the older age group alone (four joints). One case of intra-operative periprosthetic femoral fracture was found in the younger age group. Stem sinking of > 3 mm occurred in one and seven joints in the younger and older age groups, respectively. Spot welds were observed in most joints (93.2%) in modified Gruen zones 2 and 6 without significant differences between the groups. Stress shielding showed no significant differences in the frequency of occurrence or location between the two groups. Furthermore,the JOA score showed no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The use of short stems in patients aged ≤ 30 years with ONFH showed favourable long-term outcomes.

Distal junctional failure after corrective surgery without pelvic fixation for thoracolumbar junctional kyphosis due to osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

BACKGROUND: Thoracolumbar junctional kyphosis (TLJK) due to osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) negatively impacts patients' quality of life. The necessity of pelvic fixation in corrective surgery for TLJK due to OVF remains controversial. This study aimed to: 1) evaluate the surgical outcomes of major corrective surgery for thoracolumbar junctional kyphosis due to osteoporotic vertebral fracture, and 2) identify the risk factors for distal junctional failure to identify potential candidates for pelvic fixation. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgical correction (fixed TLJK>40°, OVF located at T11-L2, the lowermost instrumented vertebra at or above L5) were included. Sagittal vertical axis, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis (L1-S1), local kyphosis, and lower lumbar lordosis (L4-S1) were assessed. Proximal and distal junctional kyphosis (P/DJK) and failures (P/DJF) were evaluated. Pre/postoperative spinopelvic parameters were compared between DJF and non-DJF patients. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (mean age: 72.3 ± 7.9 years) were included. PJK was observed in five patients (16.1%), while DJK in 11 (35.5%). Twelve cases (38.7%) were categorized as failure. Among the patients with PJK, there was only one patient (20%) categorized as PJF and required an additional surgery. Contrary, all of eleven patients with DJK were categorized as DJF, among whom six (54.5%) required additional surgery for pelvic fixation. In comparisons between DJF and non-DJF patients, there was no significant difference in pre/postoperative LK (pre/post, p = 0.725, p = 0.950). However, statistically significant differences were observed in the following preoperative alignment parameters: SVA (p = 0.014), LL (p = 0.001), LLL (p = 0.006), PT (p = 0.003), and PI-LL (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Spinopelvic parameters, which represent the compensatory function of lumbar hyperlordosis and pelvic retroversion, have notable impacts on surgical outcomes in correction surgery for TLJK due to OVF. Surgeons should consider each patient's compensatory function when choosing a surgical approach.

Type V Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fracture with Suspected Complication of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Case Report.

Background and Objectives: Type V tibial tubercle avulsion fractures are extremely rare; therefore, information on them remains limited. Furthermore, although these fractures are intra-articular, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on their assessment via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or arthroscopy. Accordingly, this is the first report to describe the case of a patient undergoing detailed evaluation via MRI and arthroscopy. Case Presentation: A 13-year-old male adolescent athlete jumped while playing basketball, experienced discomfort and pain at the front of his knee, and fell down. He was transported to the emergency room by ambulance after he was unable to walk. The radiographic examination revealed a Type Ⅴ tibial tubercle avulsion fracture that was displaced. In addition, an MRI scan revealed a fracture line extending to the attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL); moreover, high MRI intensity and swelling due to ACL were observed, suggesting an ACL injury. On day 4 of the injury, open reduction and internal fixation were performed. Furthermore, 4 months after surgery, bone fusion was confirmed, and metal removal was performed. Simultaneously, an MRI scan obtained at the time of injury revealed findings suggestive of ACL injury; therefore, an arthroscopy was performed. Notably, no parenchymal ACL injury was observed, and the meniscus was intact. The patient returned to sports 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Type V tibial tubercle avulsion fractures are known to be extremely rare. Based on our report, we suggest that MRI should be performed without hesitation if intra-articular injury is suspected.

Atypical femoral fracture mimicking lumbar radiculopathy in two patients taking bisphosphonate long-term: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Atypical femoral fracture (AFF) is a rare complication in patients with osteoporosis undergoing long-term bisphosphonate therapy. The most common symptom of incomplete AFF is nonspecific thigh pain, which is often difficult to distinguish from other causes. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two cases of AFF misdiagnosed as lumbar radiculopathy. Both patients visited our hospital for thigh pain, and in both cases the findings of lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging showed substantial nerve compression. These patients had been treated for lumbar radiculopathy, but localized symptoms became conspicuous and femoral radiographs revealed complete AFF. The initial radiographs were reviewed retrospectively and revealed slight lateral cortical thickening in the affected femur, denoting a missed incomplete AFF. Internal fixation with intramedullary nails was performed. CONCLUSIONS: AFF may mimic lumbar radiculopathy. Therefore, clinicians should consider AFF as a differential diagnosis in older patients with lumbar canal stenosis who are undergoing long-term bisphosphonate therapy and present with thigh pain.

Comparison of pedicle screw placement accuracy between two types of imaging support (Artis Zeego versus two-dimensional fluoroscopy): a cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: The pedicle screw system is widely used in spine surgery, and it provides rigid fixation and leads to successful subsequent deformity correction and bony fusion. The standard imaging technique for pedicle screw insertion is two-dimensional images obtained from C-arm-type X-ray fluoroscopy. Artis Zeego is an emerging intraoperative imaging technique that can provide conventional two-dimensional fluoroscopic images and rapid three-dimensional fluoroscopic computed tomography reconstruction imaging. The aim of this study is to compare the insertion accuracies of PS placement using Artis Zeego and conventional 2D X-ray fluoroscopy. METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the postoperative images of thoracolumbar fusion patients who underwent surgery using pedicle screws between 2013 and 2018. Pedicle screw malplacement was assessed using a four-grade classification by Rao et al. Misplacement rates were compared between pedicle screws assisted with Artis Zeego and two-dimensional fluoroscopy. RESULTS: A total of 1107 pedicle screws in 153 patients were inserted using Artis Zeego, and 427 pedicle screws in 80 patients were inserted using fluoroscopy. The overall perforation rate was 4.2% (46 perforations of 1106 pedicle screws) in the Artis Zeego group and 7.7% (33 perforations of 427 pedicle screws) in the fluoroscopy group. In the Artis Zeego group, 43 (3.9%) screws were classified as grade 1, and three (0.3%) screws were classified as grade 2. In the fluoroscopy group, 21 (4.9%) screws were classified as grade 1, 10 (2.3%) screws were classified as grade 2, and 2 (0.5%) screws were classified as grade 3. The use of Artis Zeego was associated with a significantly lower screw malplacement rate than was the use of fluoroscopy (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that pedicle screw placement with Artis Zeego was associated with a lower malplacement rate than was conventional two-dimensional fluoroscopy. No severe malplacement was observed in the Artis Zeego group. Thus, Artis Zeego could be a good option for improving pedicle screw accuracy.

Radiological features of cervical spine in dropped head syndrome: a matched case-control study.

PURPOSE: Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is presumably caused by focal myopathy in the cervical posterior muscles; however, distinguishable radiological features of the cervical spine in DHS remain unidentified. This study investigated the radiological features of the cervical spine in dropped head syndrome. METHODS: The records of DHS patients and age- and sex-matched cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients were reviewed. Cervical spinal parameters (C2-7, C2-4, and C5-7 angles) were assessed on lateral cervical spine radiographs. Quantitative radiographic evaluation of cervical spine degeneration was performed using the cervical degenerative index (CDI), which consists of four elements: disk space narrowing (DSN), endplate sclerosis, osteophyte formation, and listhesis. RESULTS: Forty-one DHS patients were included. Statistically significant differences were noted between the upper and lower cervical spine in the sagittal angle parameters on the neutral, flexion, and extension radiographs in DHS group, whereas no significant differences were observed in CSM group. CDI comparison showed significantly higher scores of DSN in C3/4, C4/5, C5/6, and C6/7; sclerosis in C5/6 and C6/7; and osteophyte formation in C4/5, C5/6, and C6/7 in DHS group than in CSM group. Comparison of listhesis scores revealed significant differences in the upper levels of the cervical spine (C2/3, C3/4, and C4/5) between two groups. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that the characteristic radiological features in the cervical spine of DHS include lower-level dominant severe degenerative change and upper-level dominant spondylolisthesis. These findings suggest that degenerative changes in the cervical spine may also play a role in the onset and progression of DHS.

Impact of Spinopelvic sagittal alignment on the surgical outcomes of dropped head syndrome: a multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: Most of the previous studies about the surgical treatment of dropped head syndrome (DHS) are small case series, and their primary outcome measures were cervical alignment parameters. Therefore, little is known about the associations between pre- and postoperative global sagittal alignment in the whole spine and the clinical outcomes of the surgical treatment of DHS. In this study, we investigated the surgical outcomes of DHS, including correction of cervical and global spinal sagittal alignment. METHODS: This study was a retrospective observational study. Fifteen patients with DHS who had undergone correction surgery were enrolled. Surgical outcomes, including complications and implant failures, were investigated. We assessed cervical alignment parameters as well as spinopelvic global alignment parameters, including pelvic incidence (PI), lumbar lordosis (LL), and C7-sacral sagittal vertical axis (SVA). We examined the changes in these parameters using pre- and posoperative whole spine lateral radiographs. The parameters were compared between the failure and nonfailure groups. RESULTS: Recurrence of sagittal imbalance and horizontal gaze difficulty was observed in 6 cases (40%). In all, 3 cases (20%) exhibited a distal junctional failure and required multiple surgeries with extension of fusion. Of all the radiographic parameters compared between the failure and nonfailure groups, significant differences were only observed in pre and postoperative SVA and PI-LL. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the global sagittal alignment parameters, including PI-LL and SVA, were different between the patients with failure and non failure, and these parameters might have notable impacts on surgical outcomes. Surgeons should consider PI-LL and SVA while determining the surgical course for patients with DHS.

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion in revision surgery for restenosis after posterior decompression.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results of revision interbody fusion surgery between lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with propensity score (PS) adjustments and to investigate the efficacy of indirect decompression with LLIF in previously decompressed segments on the basis of radiological assessment. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients who underwent revision surgery for recurrence of neurological symptoms after posterior decompression surgery was performed. Postoperative complications and operative factors were evaluated and compared between LLIF and PLIF/TLIF. Moreover, postoperative improvement in cross-sectional areas (CSAs) in the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen was evaluated in LLIF cases. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients (21 and 35 cases of LLIF and PLIF/TLIF, respectively) were included. In the univariate analysis, the LLIF group had significantly more endplate injuries (p = 0.03) and neurological deficits (p = 0.042), whereas the PLIF/TLIF group demonstrated significantly more dural tears (p < 0.001), surgical site infections (SSIs) (p = 0.02), and estimated blood loss (EBL) (p < 0.001). After PS adjustments, the LLIF group still showed significantly more endplate injuries (p = 0.03), and the PLIF/TLIF group demonstrated significantly more dural tears (p < 0.001), EBL (p < 0.001), and operating time (p = 0.04). The PLIF/TLIF group showed a trend toward a higher incidence of SSI (p = 0.10). There was no statistically significant difference regarding improvement in the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores between the 2 surgical procedures (p = 0.77). The CSAs in the spinal canal and foramen were both significantly improved (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LLIF is a safe, effective, and less invasive procedure with acceptable complication rates for revision surgery for previously decompressed segments. Therefore, LLIF can be an alternative to PLIF/TLIF for restenosis after posterior decompression surgery.

Overview of dropped head syndrome (Combined survey report of three facilities).

BACKGROUND: Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is a low prevalence and the clinical features remain unclear. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the general overview of DHS. METHODS: The subjects were 67 consecutive DHS patients (17 men and 50 women; average age 72.9 ± 10.2 years) presenting difficulty of horizontal gaze in up-right position. The patients' background, global spinal alignment, clinical findings and treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: The peak population of DHS was 75-79-year-old females. The comorbidities included Parkinson's disease in 9 cases, minor trauma in 9 cases, post-cervical operation in 3 cases, mental depression in 3 cases, malignant tumor in 3 cases, diabetes mellitus in 2 cases and rheumatoid arthritis in 2 cases. The C2-C7 cervical coronal vertical axis was distributed more to the right side (2.6 ± 12.8 mm). Regarding sagittal alignment, 24 cases (35.8%) showed negative balanced DHS (N-DHS) and 43 cases (64.2%) showed positive balanced DHS (P-DHS). There were significant differences in C2-C7 angle, T1S, LL and PI-LL between the two groups. Cervical or back pain was present in 62 cases (92.5%), and average numerical rating scale was 3.0 ± 2.6. Fourteen cases (20.9%) recovered (average 11.3 months), but 29 cases (43.3%) did not recover without surgery. Twenty-four cases (35.8%) underwent surgery, 20 for cervical spine and 4 for thoraco-lumbar spine, and horizontal gaze difficulty was improved in all patients post-surgery. CONCLUSION: DHS was mainly observed in elderly women. About 20% of DHS patients recovered without surgical treatment. DHS was accompanied by scoliosis in 37.3% of the cases.

[Fracture management and current concepts related to pregnancy-associated osteoporosis.]

Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis is a rare condition characterized by a transient but significant reduction in bone mineral density. To date, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. Related symptoms include severe back or hip pain secondary to vertebral fractures and/or transient osteoporosis of the hip, which typically occur during the third trimester or during lactation. Although most women are managed conservatively, a few women need surgery. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment is important not only for pain control, but also to improve the woman's future quality of life.

Quantitative Assessment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Using the Disc Signal Intensity Index in Patients With Spine-Related Pain.

Objective This is a retrospective observational study that aims to investigate the association between disc signal intensity index (DSI2) scores and patient-reported outcome measures in patients with lumbar spine disorders. Methods We introduced DSI2 to quantitatively assess disc degeneration. MRI records of patients with lumbar spine-related pain between 2019 and 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Patient demographics and outcomes were collected, including the Numerical Rating Scale of Pain and EuroQol Group 5 Dimension 5-Level Quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L) scores. The DSI2 was calculated by dividing the mean signal intensity of the L1-S1 discs by that of the CSF on midsagittal T2-weighted MRI images. Results Each DSI2 level corresponded to a Pfirrmann grade score at the respective lumbar level. Multivariable linear regression analysis using the EQ-5D-5L as the objective variable identified BMI (p = 0.007) and average DSI2 (p = 0.018) as independent risk factors for EQ-5D-5L deterioration. However, the mean Pfirrmann grade score was not an independent risk factor (p = 0.58). Conclusion Our study using DSI2 showed the relationship between disc degeneration and EQ-5D-5L deterioration. Distinct from the Pfirrmann grading system, the DSI2 method is a promising alternative for future disc research that excellently detects the subtle progression of degeneration.

Residual deformity after femoral neck fracture affects the location of osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Aims: The localization of necrotic areas has been reported to impact the prognosis and treatment strategy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Anteroposterior localization of the necrotic area after a femoral neck fracture (FNF) has not been properly investigated. We hypothesize that the change of the weight loading direction on the femoral head due to residual posterior tilt caused by malunited FNF may affect the location of ONFH. We investigate the relationship between the posterior tilt angle (PTA) and anteroposterior localization of osteonecrosis using lateral hip radiographs. Methods: Patients aged younger than 55 years diagnosed with ONFH after FNF were retrospectively reviewed. Overall, 65 hips (38 males and 27 females; mean age 32.6 years (SD 12.2)) met the inclusion criteria. Patients with stage 1 or 4 ONFH, as per the Association Research Circulation Osseous classification, were excluded. The ratios of anterior and posterior viable areas and necrotic areas of the femoral head to the articular surface were calculated by setting the femoral head centre as the reference point. The PTA was measured using Palm's method. The association between the PTA and viable or necrotic areas of the femoral head was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation analysis (median PTA 6.0° (interquartile range 3 to 11.5)). Results: We identified a negative correlation between PTA and anterior viable areas (rho -0.477; p = 0.001), and no correlation between PTA and necrotic (rho 0.229; p = 0.067) or posterior viable areas (rho 0.204; p = 0.132). Conclusion: Our results suggest that residual posterior tilt after FNF could affect the anteroposterior localization of necrosis.

Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Reconstruction and Open-Wedge High-Tibial Osteotomy for Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear With Varus Knee Alignment: A Retrospective Study on Short-Term Outcomes.

PURPOSE: We describe 13 cases of medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) with varus knee alignment treated with medial meniscus posterior root reconstruction (MMPR-R) and open-wedge high-tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) to identify an optimal MMPRT treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 13 patients (mean age: 66.3 ± 8.0 years) who underwent MMPR-R and OWHTO. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), femorotibial angle (FTA), percentage mechanical axis (%MA) on radiography, and medial meniscus extrusion (MME) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between the preoperative period and last follow-up were compared. Moreover, meniscus healing status and the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification of the medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau on arthroscopy between the initial surgery and second-look arthroscopy were compared. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 12.8 ± 2.2 months. At the last follow-up, the KOOS significantly improved (P < 0.01). Based on the FTA and %MA, the varus alignment was predominantly corrected at the last follow-up (P < 0.01). The MME was increased in nine (62.9%) patients, and the mean MME significantly increased at the last follow-up (P = 0.04). Second-look arthroscopy revealed improvements in the ICRS grade for the medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau in six (46.2%) patients. However, the results did not significantly differ. Regarding meniscus healing, four (30.8%) patients presented with complete healing, eight (57.1%) with partial healing, and one (7.7%) with failed healing. CONCLUSIONS: The MMPRT with varus knee alignment significantly improved with MMPR-R and OWHTO. However, the MME and meniscus healing were unsatisfactory.

Successful treatment of atypical femoral fracture with autogenous bone grafting in a patient on denosumab for bone metastasis from breast cancer: A case report.

Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) occur with minor trauma and are believed to be a potential complication of the prolonged use of antiresorptive agents, such as bisphosphonate and denosumab, for the treatment of bone metastasis. In comparison with typical femoral fractures, AFFs have a higher incidence of complications, including implant failure and delayed union or nonunion. This report describes the case of a 42-year-old woman who developed denosumab-associated AFF after denosumab therapy for bone metastasis from breast cancer. Surgical treatment with IMN was performed after open anatomical reduction. To reduce the risk of delayed union and nonunion, the autogenous bone graft obtained from the iliac crest was conducted. The radiograph taken 5 weeks after surgery showed callus formation. Full weight bearing was allowed 3 months after surgery. Six months postoperatively, radiographs and computed tomography images demonstrated bone union. Twelve months after surgery, the patient was able to walk easily without pain. For cancer patients with bone metastasis whose life expectancy may be limited, a decline in physical activity can be fatal. Consequently, it is crucial to avoid a decrease in activities of daily living brought about by delayed union or nonunion. In this regard, autogenous bone grafting is a viable and effective technique for the treatment of AFFs in patients with bone metastases.

Postoperative decrease in Hounsfield unit values at adjacent vertebrae after thoraco-pelvic fusion as a risk factor of proximal junctional kyphosis.

Proximal junctional kyphosis and failure is a common complication of adult spinal deformity surgery, with osteoporosis as a risk factor. This retrospective study investigated the influence of long thoracolumbar fusion with pelvic fixation on regional bone density of adjacent vertebrae (Hounsfield units on computed tomography) and evaluated the association between bone loss and the incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis and failure. Patients who underwent long thoracolumbar fusion (pelvis to T10 or above) or single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (control group) between 2016 and 2022 were recruited. Routine computed tomography preoperatively and within 1-2 weeks postoperatively was performed. Postoperative changes in Hounsfield unit values in the vertebrae at one and two levels above the uppermost instrumented vertebrae (UIV + 1 and UIV + 2) were evaluated. Overall, 127 patients were recruited: 45 long fusion (age, 73.9 ± 5.6 years) and 82 proximal junctional kyphosis and failure (age, 72.5 ± 9.3 years). Postoperative computed tomography was performed at a median [interquartile range] of 3.0 [1.0-7.0] and 4.0 [1.0-7.0] days, respectively. In both groups, Hounsfield unit values at UIV + 2 were significantly decreased postoperatively. In the long-fusion group, Hounsfield unit values at UIV + 1 and UIV + 2 were significantly lower in patients with proximal junctional kyphosis and failure (within 18 months postoperatively) than in those without proximal junctional kyphosis and failure. Proximal junctional kyphosis and failure and long thoraco-pelvic fusion negatively affect regional Hounsfield unit values at adjacent levels immediately after surgery. Patients with subsequent proximal junctional kyphosis and failure show greater postoperative bone loss at adjacent levels than those without.

Long-Term Outcomes of Cementless Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty in Young Patients With Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: The Impact of Implant Improvements and Preoperative Stage.

Introduction Advancements in bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) implants in the mid-1990s contributed to favorable short-term outcomes for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), particularly in cases without acetabular cartilage lesions. Nevertheless, long-term results remain unclear. In this study, we investigated (i) the impact of new-generation BHA implants and (ii) the effect of the preoperative stage on long-term outcomes in young patients with ONFH. Methods The records of consecutive patients with ONFH who underwent cementless BHA were retrospectively reviewed. Patients aged ≥60 years, with <10 years of follow-up, or who underwent acetabular reaming during surgery were excluded. Radiographical and clinical outcomes of patients who received first-generation BHAs and new-generation BHAs (developed after 1998) were compared by stratifying based on preoperative stage 2/3A and 3B/4, according to the Japanese Investigation Committee classification. Results Overall, 50 hips from 39 patients (mean age: 44.6 years; 64% male) with an average follow-up of 18.6 years were included. The frequency of advanced-stage patients was significantly higher in the first-generation BHA group than in the new-generation group. Regarding postoperative outcomes, the first-generation BHA group had higher acetabular erosion grades (p<0.001) and more femoral component loosening than those in the new-generation group (p<0.001). Revisions were performed in eight hips (seven in the first-generation and one in the new-generation BHA groups, p<0.001). In the new-generation BHA group, there were no significant differences in patient background between stage 2/3A and 3B/4 groups, and only one case in the stage 3B/4 group required revision. In the new-generation group, the grade of acetabular erosion was significantly higher for stage 3B/4 than stage 2/3A (p<0.001); other radiographical and clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between stages. Conclusion New-generation BHAs have significantly better implant survival rates for early-stage ONFH than those of first-generation BHAs. These findings indicate that BHA is an acceptable treatment option for early-stage ONFH in young patients.

Changes in Testing and Treatment Methods in Osteoporosis Care.

Osteoporosis treatment plays a crucial role in preventing fractures, particularly in bedridden patients. We conducted a questionnaire survey presenting hypothetical clinical cases in 2015 and 2020 to investigate trends over a 5-year period. The target population included physicians working in clinics and hospitals within our neighbourhood. The cases were presented, and the questionnaire was administered in a confidential format. The orthopaedic surgeons were matched for age and practice, resulting in 74 cases being included in the analysis. Comparing the 2015 and 2020 results, we observed a notable increase in physicians who would perform "bone mineral density measurements of the lumbar spine and hip." Furthermore, there was a significant rise in the percentage of respondents willing to test for bone metabolic markers, such as serum type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX), procollagen I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b). Regarding therapeutic agents, bisphosphonates decreased in usage, whereas parathyroid hormone and romosozumab witnessed an increase. In conclusion, the percentage of physicians requesting bone mineral density measurements of the lumbar spine and hip increased over the five-year period. In addition, more physicians chose to utilise bone metabolic markers due to their ease of measurement through blood tests and reduced diurnal variation. Finally, there was a marked trend towards the administration of drugs capable of rapidly and effectively increasing bone mineral density at an early stage of treatment.