With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, remote working has been ubiquitously implemented to reduce disease transmission via minimization of in-person interactions. Low back pain (LBP) is the first cause of disability worldwide and is frequently reported by workers with sedentary occupations. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the role of remote working in a population of adults affected by LBP through an online questionnaire. We enrolled 136 teleworkers affected by LBP. A total of 101 responses were received and 93 suitable questionnaires were included in the final analysis. Demographic data, remote working features and tasks, and LBP burden were analysed. The psychological burden of remote working was evaluated with the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). LBP severity was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). LBP-related disability was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The effect of LBP on working capacity was examined with the Occupational Role Questionnaire (ORQ). Independent risk factors related to LBP worsening were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model. LBP severity was significantly higher compared to previous in-person working (p<0.0001) as well as average weekly work hours (p<0.001). Furthermore, the risk of LBP deterioration was associated with being divorced (OR: 4.28, 95% CI: 1.27-14.47; p=0.019) or living with others (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07-0.81; p=0.021), higher ill-being (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83-0.99; p=0.035) and depression scores (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.00-1.91; p=0.048), as well as having reported unchanged (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08-0.65; p=0.006) or decreased job satisfaction (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.05-0.54; p=0.003) and increased stress levels (OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.04-8.65; p=0.042). These findings highlight key factors to consider for improving remote workers’ physical and mental wellbeing and decrease their LBP burden

Abstract. Objectives. 1. To describe the epidemiology of metacarpal shaft fractures (MSF) in adults. 2. To evaluate the variation in practice and document complications following usual care. 3. To explore factors associated with treatment modality. 4. To document hospital resource use following MSF. Methods. A multi-centre, retrospective, cross-sectional study of MSF at six centres. The healthcare records, operative notes and imaging of adults presenting within 10 days of a MSF, affecting the second to fifth metacarpal between 1st August 2016 to 31st July 2017, were reviewed. Total number of Emergency Department (ED) attendances were used to calculate prevalence. Data analyses are primarily descriptive with 95% confidence intervals to quantify uncertainty in estimates. Results. Of 837, 212 ED attendances, 793 patients (75% male, 25% female), with 897 MSF were eligible, a prevalence of 0.1%. The median age was 27 years (16–97); the highest incidence was in males aged between 16 and 24 years. The most common fracture pattern was transverse. While 83% were treated non-surgically overall, this varied across centres. Twelve different types of non-surgical and six different types of surgical treatment were used. Multi-fragmentary fracture patterns were most likely to be treated surgically and long oblique least likely. Fracture pattern, complexity, displacement and age were associated with treatment modality. Patients treated surgically required more radiographs, longer radiographic and outpatient follow-up and were more likely to be referred for therapy. 5% (39/793) experienced a complication. 20% (160/783) failed to attend at least one or more clinic appointments. Conclusions. MSF are a common injuries, predominantly affecting young males of working age. There is variation in mode and type of treatment, with the majority treated non-surgically in the selected centres. Despite a low complication rate, they require considerable secondary care resources. Further research into the optimal treatment modality for these injuries is needed. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Higher uric acid levels or hyperuricemia is a product of more uric acid production, dysfunctional renal excretion, or a combination of both leading to deposition of urate crystals in the joints and kidneys and has been strongly linked with the development of gout, that is, acute inflammatory arthritis. Uric acid levels have been suggested to depend on multiple factors including lifestyle, diet, alcohol consumption, etc. As these are risk parameters for hyperuricemia and since lifestyle choices vary amongst different Indian communities, we sought to study the prevalence of hyperuricemia in these communities. Also, large-scale data (in terms of gender, age, lifestyle, community) on the prevalence of hyperuricemia in subjects amongst different community populations, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian was generated.

In a retrospective study conducted at Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Medicine & Research Centre, Navi Mumbai from April 2018 to May 2021, information was gathered from four major communities on a range of indicators including serum uric acid levels followed by a thorough multilevel logistic analysis. We evaluated uric acid levels in 10,378 patients of four different communities. Outcomes were assessed biochemically as well as clinically based on the levels of serum uric acid.

The mean serum uric acid levels were highest in Sikhs (7.6 mg%, n=732) followed by Christians (7.3 mg%, n=892) and then by Hindus (5.9 mg%, n=6846) and Muslims (5.6 mg%, n=1908). About 83.7% of Christians consumed meat in a non-vegetarian diet followed by 45.7% Muslims. Percentage of Christians who binge drink were highest whereas percentage of Sikh people in the heavy drinkers’ category were 5.2%. Further, 9.5% Hindus were current smokers followed by 7.8% Sikhs who smoked at present.

Overall, our study of 10,378 patients demonstrated that the serum uric acid levels varied from one Indian community to another due to varying external factors like diet, age, lifestyle, and addictions. Thus, lifestyle modification in communities with higher serum uric acid levels is highly advocated and this may reduce the healthcare burden of gouty arthritis in these communities.

Background

The pattern of appearance of secondary ossification centers in the elbow has been based on historical studies and is popularly referred to with the mnemonic CRITOL. However the six secondary ossification centers can be variable in their presentation and pose a challenge in assessment of children with elbow injuries. Furthermore limited studies available in the current literature have reported an aberration to the sequence of appearance especially with the ossification centers of trochlea and olecranon.

Cervical spine facet tropism (CFT) defined as the facets’ joints angles difference between right and left sides of more than 7 degrees. This study aims to investigate the relationship between cervical sagittal alignment parameters and cervical spine facets’ tropism. A retrospective cross-sectional study carried out in a tertiary center where cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiographs of patients in orthopedics/spine clincs were included. They had no history of spine fractures. Images’ reports were reviewed to exclude those with tumors in the c-spine. A total of 96 patients was included with 63% of them were females. The mean of age was 45.53± 12.82. C2-C7 cobb's angle (CA) and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) means were −2.85±10.68 and 1.51± 0.79, respectively. Facet tropism was found in 98% of the sample in at least one level on either axial or sagittal plane. Axial C 2–3 CFT and sagittal C4-5 were correlated with CA (r=0.246, P 0.043, r= −278, P 0.022), respectively. In addition, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was moderately correlated with axial c2-3 FT (r= −0.330, P 0.006) Also, several significant correlations were detected in our model Cervical vertebral slopes and CFT at the related level. Nonetheless, high BMI was associated with multi-level and multiplane CFT with higher odd's ratios at the lower levels. This study shows that CFT at higher levels is correlated with increasing CA and decreasing SVA and at lower levels with decreasing CA. Obesity is a risk factor for CFT

To analyze the dynamics of the thoracic spine during deep breathing in AIS patients and in healthy matched controls. Case-control cross-sectional study. 20 AIS patients (18 girls, Cobb angle, 54.7±7.9°; Risser 1.35±1.2) and 15 healthy volunteers (11 girls) matched in age (12.5 versus 15.8 yr. mean age) were included. In AIS curves, the apex was located in T8 (14) and T9 (6). Conventional sagittal radiographs of the whole spine were performed at maximal inspiration and expiration. The ROM of each spinal thoracic functional segment (T1-T7, T7-T10, T10-T12), the global T1–T12 ROM were measured. Respiratory function was assess by forced vital capacity (FVC), expiratory volume (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, inspiratory vital capacity (IVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). In healthy subjects, the mean T1–T12 ROM during forced breathing was 16.7±3.8. AIS patients showed a T1-T12 ROM of 1.1±1.5 (p<0.05) indicating a sagittal stiffness of thoracic spine. A wide T7–T10 ROM (15.3±3.0) was found in healthy controls (91.6% of the T1–T12 ROM). AIS patients showed only 0.4±1.4 ROM at T7-T10 (36.4% of the T1–T12 ROM) (p<0.001). There was a significant correlation between T7-T10 ROM and IVC. Lenke 1A AIS patients show a restriction of the thoracic spine motion with an almost complete abolition of T7-T10 ROM, a crucial segment participating in the deep breathing. T7-T10 stiffness could explain the ventilatory limitations found in AIS patients

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a promising tool to estimate bone structure characteristics and predict fragile fracture. The aim of this pilot cross-sectional study was to evaluate the performance of a multi-channel residual network (MResNet) based on ultrasonic radiofrequency (RF) signal to discriminate fragile fractures retrospectively in postmenopausal women. Methods. RF signal and speed of sound (SOS) were obtained using an axial transmission QUS at one‐third distal radius for 246 postmenopausal women. Based on the involved RF signal, we conducted a MResNet, which combines multi-channel training with original ResNet, to classify the high risk of fragility fractures patients from all subjects. The bone mineral density (BMD) at lumber, hip and femoral neck acquired with DXA was recorded on the same day. The fracture history of all subjects in adulthood were collected. To assess the ability of the different methods in the discrimination of fragile fracture, the odds ratios (OR) calculated using binomial logistic regression analysis and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUC) were analyzed. Results. Among the 246 postmenopausal women, 170 belonged to the non-fracture group, 50 to the vertebral group, and 26 to the non-vertebral fracture group. MResNet was discriminant for all fragile fractures (OR = 2.64; AUC = 0.74), for Vertebral fracture (OR = 3.02; AUC = 0.77), for non-vertebral fracture (OR = 2.01; AUC = 0.69). MResNet showed comparable performance to that of BMD of hip and lumbar with all types of fractures, and significantly better performance than SOS all types of fractures. Conclusions. the MResNet model based on the ultrasonic RF signal can significantly improve the ability of QUS device to recognize previous fragile fractures. Moreover, the performance of the proposed model modified by age, weight, and height is further optimized. These results open perspectives to evaluate the risk of fragile fracture applying a deep learning model to analyze ultrasonic RF signal

Cranio-cervical connection is a well-established biomechanical concept. However, literature of this connection and its impact on cervical alignment is scarce. Chin incidence (CI) is defined as a complementary to the angle between chin tilt (CHT) and C2 slope (C2S) axes. This study aims to investigate the relationship between cervical sagittal alignment parameters and CI with its derivatives. A retrospective cross-sectional study carried out in a tertiary center. CT-neck radiographs of non-orthopedics patients were included. They had no history of spine related symptoms or fractures in cranium or pelvis. Images’ reports were reviewed to exclude those with tumors in the c-spine or anterior triangle of the neck. A total of 80 patients was included with 54% of them were males. The mean of age was 30.96± 6.03. Models of predictability for c2-c7 cobb's angle (CA) and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) using C2S, CHT, and CI were significant and consistent r20.585 (f(df3,76) =35.65, P ≤0.0001, r=0.764), r20.474 (f(df2,77) =32.98, P ≤0.0001, r=-0.550), respectively. In addition, several positive significant correlations were detected in our model in relation to sagittal alignment parameters. Nonetheless, models of predictability for CA and SVA in relation to neck tilt (NT), T1 slope (T1S) and thoracic inlet axis (TIA) were less consistent and had a significant marginally weaker attributable effect on CA, however, no significant effect was found on SVA r20.406 (f(df1,78) =53.39, P ≤0.0001, r=0.620), r20.070 (f(df3,76) =1.904, P 0.19), respectively. Also, this study shows that obesity and aging are linked to decreased CI which will result in increasing SVA and ultimately decreasing CA. CI model has a more valid attributable effect on the sagittal alignment in comparison to TIA model. Future investigations factoring this parameter might enlighten its linkage to many cervical spine diseases or post-op complications (i.e., trismus)

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common and disabling hip condition. Hypermobility has been suggested as a possible cause of GTPS. The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence of hypermobility and to investigate its impact on hip-related function and awareness in patients with GTPS. This cross-sectional study was based on a cohort of patients diagnosed with GTPS in the 2013–2015 period. Hypermobility was investigated with the Beighton Score and defined by a cut-off score ≥5. Data on patients' current hip function and awareness were collected with the questionnaires the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score and the Forgotten Joint Score. A total of 612 patients with GTPS were identified based on the diagnosis system; out of those, 390 patients were assessed for eligibility, and 145 (37%) were included. The prevalence of hypermobility within this cohort was estimated to be 11% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3–26%) for males and 25% (95% CI: 17–34%) for females. No significant association was found between hypermobility and self- reported hip function and awareness. We recommend that future studies of GTPS will include hypermobility and investigate the consequences of hypermobility among patients with GTPS

Acetabular morphology and orientation differs from ethnic group to another. Thus, investigating the natural history of the parameters that are used to assess both was a matter of essence. Nevertheless, clarification the picture of normal value in our society was the main aim of this study. However, Acetabular head index (AHI) and center edge angle (CEA) were the most sensitive indicative parameters for acetabular dysplasia. Hence, they were the main variables used in evaluation of acetabular development. A cross-sectional retrospective study that had been done in a tertiary center. Computed tomography abdomen scouts’ radiographs of non-orthopedics patients were included. They had no history of pelvic or hips’ related symptoms or fractures in femur or pelvis. Images’ reports were reviewed to exclude those with tumors in the femur or pelvic bones. A total of 81 patients was included with 51% of them were males. The mean of age was 10.38± 3.96. CEA was measured using Wiberg technique, means of CEA were 33.71±6.53 and 36.50±7.39 for males and females, respectively. Nonetheless, AHI means were 83.81±6.10 and 84.66±4.17 for males and females, respectively. On the other hand, CEA was increasing by a factor 0.26 for each year (3-18, range). In addition, positive significant correlation was detected between CEA and age as found by linear regression r 2 0.460 (f(df1,79) =21.232, P ≤0.0001). Also, Body mass index (BMI) was positively correlated with CEA r 0.410, P 0.004). This study shows that obesity and aging are linked to increased CEA. Each ethnic group has its own normal values that must be studied to avoid premature diagnosis

In healthy subjects, respiratory maximal volumes are highly dependent on the sagittal range of motion of the T7-T10 segment. In AIS, the abolition of T7-T10 dynamics related to the stiffness induced by the apex region in Lenke IA curves could harm ventilation during maximal breathing. The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics of the thoracic spine during deep breathing in AIS patients and in healthy matched controls. This is a cross-sectional, case-control study. 20 AIS patients (18 girls, Cobb angle, 54.7±7.9°; Risser 1.35±1.2) and 15 healthy volunteers (11 girls) matched in age (12.5 versus 15.8 yr. mean age) were included. In AIS curves, the apex was located at T8 (14) and T9 (6). Conventional sagittal radiographs of the whole spine were performed at maximal inspiration and exhalation. The ROM of each spinal thoracic functional segment (T1-T7, T7-T10, T10-T12) and the global T1-T12 ROM were measured. In healthy subjects, the mean T1-T12 ROM during forced breathing was 16.7±3.8. AIS patients showed a T1-T12 ROM of 1.1±1.5 (p<0.05), indicating a sagittal stiffness of the thoracic spine. A wide T7-T10 ROM (15.3±3.0) was found in healthy controls (91.6% of the T1–T12 ROM). AIS patients showed only 0.4±1.4 ROM at T7-T10 (36.4% of the T1-T12 ROM) (p<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between the magnitude of T7-T10 kyphosis in maximal exhalation and both FVC (% of predicted FVC) and FEV1. In conclusion, Lenke 1A AIS patients show a restriction of the thoracic spine motion with an almost complete abolition of T7-T10 ROM, a crucial segment for deep breathing. T7-T10 stiffness could explain the ventilatory limitations found in AIS patients

Acetabular morphology and orientation differs from ethnic group to another. Thus, investigating the normal range of the parameters that are used to assess both was a matter of essence. Nevertheless, the main aim of this study was clarification the relationship between acetabular inclination (AI) and acetabular and femoral head arcs’ radii (AAR and FHAR). A cross-sectional retrospective study that had been done in a tertiary center where Computed tomography abdomen scouts’ radiographs of non-orthopedics patients were included. They had no history of pelvic or hips’ related symptoms or fractures in femur or pelvis. A total of 84 patients was included with 52% of them were females. The mean of age was 30.38± 5.48. Also, Means of AI were 38.02±3.89 and 40.15±4.40 (P 0.02, significant gender difference) for males and females, respectively. Nonetheless, Head neck shaft angle (HNSA) means were 129.90±5.55 and 130.72±6.62 for males and females, respectively. However, AAR and FHAR means for males and females were 21.3±3.1mm, 19.9±3.1mm, P 0.04 and 19.7±3.1mm, 18.1±2.7mm, P 0.019, respectively. In addition, negative significant correlations were detected between AI against AAR, FHAR, HNSA and body mass index (BMI) (r 0.529, P ≤0.0001, r 0.445, P ≤0.0001, r 0.238, P 0.029, r 0.329, P ≤0.007, respectively). On the other hand, high BMI was associated with AAR and FHAR (r 0.577, P 0.0001 and r 0.266, p 0.031, respectively). This study shows that high AI is correlated with lower AAR, FHAR. Each ethnic group has its own normal values that must be studied to tailor the path for future implications in clinical setting

Glenoid and humeral head bone defects have long been recognized as major determinants in recurrent shoulder instability as well as main predictors of outcomes after surgical stabilization. However, a universally accepted method to quantify them is not available yet. The purpose of the present study is to describe a new CT method to quantify bipolar bone defects volume on a virtually generated 3D model and to evaluate its reproducibility. A cross-sectional observational study has been conducted. Forty CT scans of both shoulders were randomly selected from a series of exams previously acquired on patients affected by anterior shoulder instability. Inclusion criterion was unilateral anterior shoulder instability with at least one episode of dislocation. Exclusion criteria were: bilateral shoulder instability; posterior or multidirectional instability, previous fractures and/or surgery to both shoulders; congenital or acquired inflammatory, neurological, or degenerative diseases. For all patients, CT exams of both shoulders were acquired at the same time following a standardized imaging protocol. The CT data sets were analysed on a standard desktop PC using the software 3D Slicer. Computer-based reconstruction of the Hill-Sachs and glenoid bone defect were performed through Boolean subtraction of the affected side from the contralateral one, resulting in a virtually generated bone fragment accurately fitting the defect. The volume of the bone fragments was then calculated. All measurements were conducted by two fellowship-trained orthopaedic shoulder surgeons. Each measurement was performed twice by one observer to assess intra-observer reliability. Inter and intra-observer reliability were calculated. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were calculated using a two-way random effect model and evaluation of absolute agreement. Confidence intervals (CI) were calculated at 95% confidence level for reliability coefficients. Reliability values range from 0 (no agreement) to 1 (maximum agreement). The study included 34 males and 6 females. Mean age (+ SD) of patients was 36.7 + 10.10 years (range: 25 – 73 years). A bipolar bone defect was observed in all cases. Reliability of humeral head bone fragment measurements showed excellent intra-observer agreement (ICC: 0.92, CI 95%: 0.85 – 0.96) and very good interobserver agreement (ICC: 0.89, CI 95%: 0.80 – 0.94). Similarly, glenoid bone loss measurement resulted in excellent intra-observer reliability (ICC: 0.92, CI 95%: 0.85 – 0.96) and very good inter-observer agreement (ICC: 0.84, CI 95%:0.72 – 0.91). In conclusion, matching affected and intact contralateral humeral head and glenoid by reconstruction on a computer-based virtual model allows identification of bipolar bone defects and enables quantitative determination of bone loss

Objective. Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) and Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) bring relief of pain and functional disability to patients with end stage osteoarthritis, however the literature on their impact on patients’ level of physical activity (PA) is scarce. Methods. Cross-sectional study, performed in 2012, in 515 patients who underwent THA/TKA surgery in 2010–2011 and a random sample of persons aged >40 years from the Dutch general population participating in a national survey in the same period. PA in minutes per week (min/week) and adherence to the Dutch recommendation for health enhancing PA was measured by means of the Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health enhancing PA (SQUASH) Additional assessments included socio-demographic characteristics, the presence of comorbidities, BMI and Short Form-12. Multivariable linear (total min/week) and logistic regression analyses (meeting PA recommendation), adjusting for confounders, were performed for THA and TKA separately. Results. 258 THA patients (64% female, mean age 70.0 (SD9.2)), 221 TKA patients (67% female, mean age 70.2 (SD8.9)) and 4373 persons from the general population sample (52% female, age 59.0 (SD12.0)) were included. In both regression analyses, the presence of joint arthroplasty was statistically significantly associated with more total min/week spent on PA (THA 7.0% increase, 95%-CI (2.0%–12.6%); TKA 7.4% increase, 95%-CI (1.6%–13.4%)) and a higher chance of adherence with PA recommendations (THA OR 1.90, 95%-CI (1.12–3.03); TKA OR 1.94, 95%-CI (1.19–3.15)). Conclusion. 6-18 months after surgery, THA/TKA patients were more physically active than a random sample of persons >40 years from the Dutch general population

Background. After surgical correction of thoracic scoliosis, an improvement in the cardio-respiratory adaptation to exercise would be expected because of the correction of the rib cage associated with the spinal deformity. This work intended to evaluate the physiologic responses to incremental exercise in patients undergoing surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The hypothesis of this study was that the exercise limitations described in patients with AIS could be related with the physical deconditioning instead of being linked to the severity of the vertebral deformity. Methods. Cross-sectional study of the exercise tolerance in a series of patients with AIS type Lenke 1A, before and 2 years after surgical correction. Twenty patients with AIS and 10 healthy adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years old were evaluated. The average magnitude of the curves was 60.3±12.9 Cobb. Cardio-respiratory function was assessed before surgery and at 2-year follow-up by maximal exercise tolerance test on treadmill following a Bruce standard protocol. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2), VCO2, expiratory volume (VE), and VE/VO2 ratio were registered. Results. Before surgery, AIS patients showed lower values than healthy controls in all cardio-respiratory parameters. The most important restrictions were the VO2max in ml/kg/min. (30.3±5.4 vs 49.9±7.5), VE (43.2±10.3 vs 82.3±10.7) and VE/CO2 ratio (25.0±3.9 vs 29.6±4.2). Contrary to expectations, two years after surgery most of these parameters decreased but differences with preoperative data were no statistically significant. Besides the great correction of the deformity (coronal plane, 71.5%; axial rotation, 49.3%), the cardio-respiratory tolerance to the exercise was not modified by surgery. Conclusions. Patients with moderate-severe AIS showed a limited tolerance to maximal exercise that does not change 2 years after surgery. This findings suggests that the reduced cardio-pulmonary function during exercise is not strictly associated to the spinal deformity, since great corrections of the spinal curves does not improve functional ventilatory parameters. In addition, the results point out a severe exercise deconditioning in AIS patients. Level of evidence. Level IV

We carried out a cross-sectional study with analysis of the demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with metal-on-metal hip resurfacing, ceramic-on-ceramic and metal-on-polyethylene hip replacements. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between metal-on-metal replacements, the levels of cobalt and chromium ions in whole blood and the absolute numbers of circulating lymphocytes. We recruited 164 patients (101 men and 63 women) with hip replacements, 106 with metal-on-metal hips and 58 with non-metal-on-metal hips, aged < 65 years, with a pre-operative diagnosis of osteoarthritis and no pre-existing immunological disorders. Laboratory-defined T-cell lymphopenia was present in13 patients (15%) (CD8. +. lymphopenia) and 11 patients (13%) (CD3. +. lymphopenia) with unilateral metal-on-metal hips. There were significant differences in the absolute CD8. +. lymphocyte subset counts for the metal-on-metal groups compared with each control group (p-values ranging between 0.024 and 0.046). Statistical modelling with analysis of covariance using age, gender, type of hip replacement, smoking and circulating metal ion levels, showed that circulating levels of metal ions, especially cobalt, explained the variation in absolute lymphocyte counts for almost all lymphocyte subsets

Summary. Anatomical variations in hip joint anatomy are associated with both the presence and location of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA). Introduction. Variations in hip joint anatomy can alter the moment-generating capacity of the hip abductor muscles, possibly leading to changes in the magnitude and direction of ground reaction force and altered loading at the knee. Through analysis of full-limb anteroposterior radiographs, this study explored the hypothesis that knees with lateral and medial knee OA demonstrate hip geometry that differs from that of control knees without OA. Patients and Methods. This cross-sectional study is an ancillary to the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST), an observational cohort study of incident and progressive knee OA in community-dwelling men and women, ages 50–79 years. We report on 160 knees with lateral OA (LOA), 168 knees with medial OA (MOA), and 336 controls. All participants with LOA at the baseline MOST visit were included. An equal number of knees with MOA, and twice the number of control knees were then randomly selected. In participants with bilateral eligibility, a single knee was randomly selected so that all participants contributed only one case or one control knee to the analysis. Case knees were identified as having Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) ≥ 2 with joint space narrowing (JSN) ≥ 1 in the specified compartment with no JSN in the adjoining compartment. Controls had no radiographic OA (K/L=0 or 1 and JSN=0) in either compartment. Hip joint anatomy parameters were assessed from full-limb standing radiographs using custom OsiriX software by an author (AB) blinded to knee OA status, and unreadable radiographs (N = 8) were discarded prior to unblinding. We measured parameters that influence the abductor moment arm of the hip, including: abductor lever arm, femoral offset, femoral neck length, femoral neck-shaft angle, height of hip centre, body weight lever arm, acetabular version, and abductor angle. All hip measurements were taken from the ipsilateral side of the knee in interest. Each variable was then compared independently among the three groups via analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), and followed up with a post-hoc Bonferroni analysis to distinguish pairwise group differences. Results. The ANCOVA analysis showed a significant difference in height of hip centre (p=0.001), femoral neck-shaft angle (p=0.009), and abductor angle (p=0.001). Compared to controls, knees with LOA had an increased height of hip centre (p=0.001) and knees with MOA had a decreased abductor angle (p=0.046). Compared to knees with MOA, those with LOA had a more valgus neck-shaft angle (p=0.007) and increased abductor angle (p=0.001). Conclusion. Our study demonstrates that variations in hip geometry that affect the moment-generating capacity of the hip abductors are associated with the presence and compartmental distribution of tibiofemoral OA in the ipsilateral knee. Anatomical arrangements that reduce the hip abductor moment arm are more strongly associated with LOA than with MOA

Background and objectives. Local bone-related adverse events occur more frequently following metal-on metal hip resurfacing (MOMHR) versus convention total hip arthroplasty (THA). High local tissue levels of cobalt and chromium may contribute to impaired bone health, however the systemic effects on bone of exposure to elevated metal levels after MOMHR are unknown. Methods. In this cross-sectional study we compared whole body bone mineral density (WB-BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in 31 healthy male subjects at a mean of 8 years after MOMHR versus 31 individually age and time since surgery matched male subjects after conventional THA. All subjects had well-functioning prostheses and were in good self-reported health as assessed by Oxford Hip Score and EQ-5D questionnaire. WB-BMD was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and adjusted for pre-morbid osteoporosis risk factors using the FRAX tool, and for the presence of the metal prostheses using identical exclusion regions. Bone turnover markers were measured on fasting morning serum or 24hr urine collection by electro-chemiluminescent assay. Cobalt and chromium were measured by ICP-MS. Results. The subject pairs were similar for all matching criteria (P>0.05, all comparisons). Cobalt and chromium were elevated in the MOMHR versus THA group (P<0.05, all comparisons). WB-BMD was 7% higher in the MOMHR versus THA subjects (1.05 versus 0.98 g/cm2, P= 0.002). Bone formation, measured by serum osteocalcin, was 17% lower in the MOMHR versus THA subjects (18.2 versus 21.1ng/mL, P= 0.02) and osteoclast number measured by TRAP 5b, was 23% lower (3.4 versus 3.9U/L, P= 0.008). Systemic levels of bone formation and resorption markers were inversely correlated with systemic cobalt, but not chromium levels (Spearman, P<0.05). Conclusion. Subjects 8 years after MOMHR versus THA have higher WB-BMD and lower bone turnover measured by some markers, and marker activity inversely correlate to systemic cobalt levels. These data suggest that this metal has a systemic suppressive effect on bone turnover. The difference in BMD may be due to a reduction in age-related bone loss since surgery, although the measured BMD might also be due, in part, to diffuse metal deposition within the skeleton

Purpose. Even though various factors have been associated with neck pain, skeletal muscle mechanical properties have been cited among the leading causes of neck pain. Changes in skeletal muscle stiffness may be related to chronic neck pain and these changes may be associated with the severity of pain and disability in patients with chronic neck pain. The purpose of the present study was to investigate differences in neck muscle stiffness between patients with chronic neck pain and asymptomatic control group. Another purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship of muscle stiffness with the severity of physical disability and pain in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods. A cross-sectional case-control study with 86 participants (43 patients with chronic neck pain and 43 age-matched asymptomatic controls) was designed. The present study included patients with a pain intensity level of 20 or more based on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and a total disability level of 10 or more based on the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Ultrasonic evaluation of upper trapezius, splenius capitis, and sternocleidomastoid muscle performed with the ACUSON S3000 Ultrasonography Device using Siemens 9L4 (4–9 MHz) linear-array ultrasound probe. Shear Wave Velocity (SWV) of selected muscles was obtained using customized software, Virtual Touch Imaging and Quantification® (Siemens Medical Solution, Mountain View, CA, USA). Results. SWV of splenius capitis was similar in both groups (p=0.979); however, SWV of upper trapezius (p<0.001) and sternocleidomastoid (p=0.003) of the patients with chronic neck pain were higher compared to the asymptomatic controls groups. NRS score did not correlate with SWV of upper trapezius (r=−0.27, p=0.085), sternocleidomastoid (r=−0.02, p=0.879) and splenius capitis (r=0.01, p= 0.990). Similarly, NDI score did not correlate with SWV of upper trapezius (r=−0,09 p=0.567), sternocleidomastoid (r=0.15, p=0.345) and splenius capitis (r=0.18, p= 0.274). Conclusions. SWV of splenius capitis muscle stiffness was found similar in both groups, but SWV of upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscle were found increased in patients with neck pain compared to asymptomatic controls groups. In addition, severity of pain and disability did not relate to stiffness of these muscles in patient with chronic neck pain

Objectives

Surgeons face a substantial risk of infection because of the occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens (BBPs) from patients undergoing high-risk orthopaedic procedures. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of four BBPs among patients undergoing joint arthroplasty in Shanghai, China. In addition, we evaluated the significance of pre-operative screening by calculating a cost-to-benefit ratio.