Using a sequential explanatory mixed method to evaluate the therapeutic window of opportunity for initiating osteoporosis treatment following fragility fractures.

Interventions targeting patients with recent fragility fracture and their physician were most successful at initiating osteoporosis treatment during the first 12 months. This window of opportunity had already closed after 1 year. The reasons for declining or accepting the intensive intervention were explored in patients still untreated at 12 months. INTRODUCTION: A fragility fracture (FF) event identifies patients most likely to benefit from osteoporosis treatment. Nonetheless, most FF patients go untreated. Our objective was to determine how long an incident FF remains a strong incentive to initiate osteoporosis treatment. METHODS: A total of 1086 men and women over age 50 with a recent FF event were assigned to either standard care (SC), to minimal (MIN), or intensive (INT) interventions targeting patients and their family physician to initiate osteoporosis treatment. Inpatients with FF (mainly hip) evaluated by rheumatologists were also included in a specialized group (SPE; n = 324). At 1 year, untreated patients in both the SC and the MIN groups were offered an INT intervention. The cohort was followed through 48 months. A qualitative analysis of patient-centered decision-making associated with initiation of treatment was conducted. RESULTS: In MIN and INT groups, osteoporosis treatment was initiated in 41.0 and 54.3% of untreated patients by 12 months, respectively, compared to 68.4% in SPE and 18.9% in SC groups; initiation rates drastically dropped thereafter. Over 4863 patient-years of follow-up, the rates of new FF were 3.4 per 100 patient-years, without significant differences between patients with initial major or minor FF, nor between control or intervention groups. Failure by patients and physicians to recognize FF as a sign of underlying bone disease contributed the most to lack of treatment. CONCLUSION: While incident FFs are an ideal opportunity for starting osteoporosis treatment, 1 year later, the therapeutic window of opportunity has already closed.

Risk of Subsequent Fragility Fractures Observed After Low-Trauma Ankle Fractures.

While fragility fractures (FFs) are one of the strongest predictors of subsequent osteoporotic fractures, it remains unclear whether low-trauma ankle fractures have this ability. The aim of the study was to identify the characteristics of patients with low-trauma ankle FFs who develop subsequent FFs. The OPTIMUS initiative is a strategy to improve osteoporosis treatment post-FF in orthopedic clinics. FRAX scores without BMD (FRAX-BMI) were calculated at time of inclusion. Recurrent FFs were recorded over a 48-month follow-up. All FFs were X-ray-confirmed. A total of 265 patients with initial ankle FF were included (190 women; mean age 62.8 ± 9.6 years), of whom 15 developed new FFs. Patients with ankle FFs had longer time until recurrence and lower 2-year incidence of recurrent FFs (3.2%) compared with those having wrist FFs (9.0%) or other initial FFs (9.6%), and 4-year incidence rates of 6.2, 13.4, and 15.3%, respectively (log-rank test, p = 0.001). With an ankle FF at inclusion, recurrent FFs were more frequent in patients with previous FF (6.2 per 100 patient-years; p < 0.01) or high-risk FRAX-BMI scores pre- or post-FF (2.4 or 2.0 per 100 patient-years, respectively; ns), compared to patients without any of these conditions (0.7 per 100 patient-years). Ankle FFs represent a clinical opportunity for identifying at-risk patients who should be targeted for treatment (previous FFs and/or high-risk FRAX). Because of mechanical factors and other contributors involved, ankle FFs themselves do not predict subsequent FFs overall, and their inclusion in FRAX-BMI risk calculation may thus not be warranted.

Stenosis at the area of transposition - an under-recognized complication of transposed brachiobasilic fistulas.

BACKGROUND: With an increased focus on native AV fistula creation in hemodialysis patients, a transposed brachiobasilic fistula (tBBF) is becoming an increasingly utilized option. This study describes the outcomes of tBBFs in a chronic hemodialysis population. In particular, we focus on the incidence and location of stenosis, and review the impact of angioplasty on these lesions. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using all patients with a tBBF created between January 2001 and December 2004. RESULTS: Of the 543 fistulas created during the study period, 93 were tBBFs. The mean age of patients was 65 years, 56% were male and 55% were diabetic. Stenosis occurred in 54% (46/85) of fistulas; the location of stenosis in the majority (74%) was at or near the area of basilic vein transposition and 50% of fistulas with stenosis in this location required three or more angioplasties. Primary (unassisted) patency was 42% at one year in this cohort. Secondary patency was 68% at 1 year and 58% and 53% at 2 and 3 years respectively. CONCLUSION: In a cohort of hemodialysis patients who received a tBBF, we describe a reasonable primary and secondary patency rate and a high rate of stenosis at the point of transposition of the basilic vein. Such stenosis usually requires multiple percutaneous or surgical interventions to ensure or reestablish conduit patency. Further study is required regarding the optimal surgical technique, monitoring, and treatment of stenosis of this fistula type including the utility of repeat angioplasty.