During the last decades, several research groups have used bisphosphonates for local application to counteract secondary bone resorption after bone grafting, to improve implant fixation or to control bone resorption caused by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). We focused on zoledronate (a bisphosphonate) due to its greater antiresorptive potential over other bisphosphonates. Recently, it has become obvious that the carrier is of importance to modulate the concentration and elution profile of the zoledronic acid locally. Incorporating one fifth of the recommended systemic dose of zoledronate with different apatite matrices and types of bone defects has been shown to enhance bone regeneration significantly
There remains conflicting evidence regarding cortical bone strength
following bisphosphonate therapy. As part of a study to assess the
effects of bisphosphonate treatment on the healing of rat tibial
fractures, the mechanical properties and radiological density of
the uninjured contralateral tibia was assessed. Skeletally mature aged rats were used. A total of 14 rats received
1µg/kg ibandronate (iban) daily and 17 rats received 1 ml 0.9% sodium
chloride (control) daily. Stress at failure and toughness of the
tibial diaphysis were calculated following four-point bending tests.Objectives
Methods
Transient osteoporosis of the hip is a disorder characterised by pain, and associated with temporary osteopaenia. Although osteopaenia is the essence of the condition, data do not exist about the local bone density of the femoral neck if no medication is administered. We describe three patients who were treated with limitation of weight-bearing only. Repeated bone mineral density measurements were obtained, and that at the femoral neck was lowest two months after the onset of the condition. The mean reduction in bone mineral density when compared with an age-matched control group was 13% (3% to 24%). Spontaneous recovery was observed in all patients.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a posterior
malleolar fragment (PMF), with <
25% ankle joint surface, on
pressure distribution and joint-stability. There is still little
scientific evidence available to advise on the size of PMF, which
is essential to provide treatment. To date, studies show inconsistent
results and recommendations for surgical treatment date from 1940. A total of 12 cadaveric ankles were assigned to two study groups.
A trimalleolar fracture was created, followed by open reduction
and internal fixation. PMF was fixed in Group I, but not in Group
II. Intra-articular pressure was measured and cyclic loading was
performed.Aims
Materials and Methods
This study aimed to assess the effect of age and osteoporosis on the proliferative and differentiating capacity of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in female rats. We also discuss the role of these factors on expression and migration of cells along the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR-4) / stromal derived factor 1 (SDF-1) axis. Mesenchymal stem cells were harvested from the femora of young, adult, and osteopenic Wistar rats. Cluster of differentiation (CD) marker and CXCR-4 expression was measured using flow cytometry. Cellular proliferation was measured using Alamar Blue, osteogenic differentiation was measured using alkaline phosphatase expression and alizarin red production, and adipogenic differentiation was measured using Oil red O. Cells were incubated in Boyden chambers to quantify their migration towards SDF-1. Data was analyzed using a Student’s Objectives
Methods
It is becoming increasingly common for a patient
to have ipsilateral hip and knee replacements. The inter-prosthetic (IP)
distance, the distance between the tips of hip and knee prostheses,
has been thought to be associated with an increased risk of IP fracture.
Small gap distances are generally assumed to act as stress risers,
although there is no real biomechanical evidence to support this. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of IP
distance, cortical thickness and bone mineral density on the likelihood
of an IP femoral fracture. A total of 18 human femur specimens were randomised into three
groups by bone density and cortical thickness. For each group, a
defined IP distance of 35 mm, 80 mm or 160 mm was created by choosing
the appropriate lengths of component. The maximum fracture strength
was determined using a four-point bending test. The fracture force of all three groups was similar (p = 0.498).
There was a highly significant correlation between the cortical
area and the fracture strength (r = 0.804, p <
0.001), whereas
bone density showed no influence. This study suggests that the IP distance has little influence
on fracture strength in IP femoral fractures: the thickness of the
cortex seems to be the decisive factor. Cite this article:
The major advantage of hip resurfacing is the decreased amount of bone resection compared with a standard total hip replacement. Fracture of the femoral neck is the most common early complication and poor bone quality is a major risk factor. We undertook a prospective consecutive case control study examining the effect of bone mineral density changes in patients undergoing hip resurfacing surgery. A total of 423 patients were recruited with a mean age of 54 years (24 to 87). Recruitment for this study was dependent on pre-operative bilateral femoral bone mineral density results not being osteoporotic. The operated and non-operated hips were assessed. Bone mineral density studies were repeated over a two-year period. The results showed no significant deterioration in the bone mineral density in the superolateral region in the femoral neck, during that period. These findings were in the presence of a markedly increased level of physical activity, as measured by the short-form 36 health survey physical function score.
Bisphosphonates (BP) are the first-line treatment for preventing fragility fractures. However, concern regarding their efficacy is growing because bisphosphonate is associated with over-suppression of remodelling and accumulation of microcracks. While dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning may show a gain in bone density, the impact of this class of drug on mechanical properties remains unclear. We therefore sought to quantify the mechanical strength of bone treated with BP (oral alendronate), and correlate data with the microarchitecture and density of microcracks in comparison with untreated controls. Trabecular bone from hip fracture patients treated with BP (n = 10) was compared with naïve fractured (n = 14) and non-fractured controls (n = 6). Trabecular cores were synchrotron scanned and micro-CT scanned for microstructural analysis, including quantification of bone volume fraction, microarchitecture and microcracks. The specimens were then mechanically tested in compression.Objectives
Methods
Osteoporosis is a chronic disease. The aim of this study was to identify key genes in osteoporosis. Microarray data sets GSE56815 and GSE56814, comprising 67 osteoporosis blood samples and 62 control blood samples, were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in osteoporosis using Limma package (3.2.1) and Meta-MA packages. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed to identify biological functions. Furthermore, the transcriptional regulatory network was established between the top 20 DEGs and transcriptional factors using the UCSC ENCODE Genome Browser. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied to investigate the diagnostic value of several DEGs.Objectives
Methods
The Cambridge Cup has been designed to replace the horseshoe-shaped articular cartilage of the acetabulum and the underlying subchondral bone. It is intended to provide physiological loading with minimal resection of healthy bone. The cup has been used in 50 women with displaced, subcapital fractures of the neck of the femur. In 24 cases, the cup was coated with hydroxyapatite. In 26, the coating was removed before implantation in order to simulate the effect of long-term resorption. The mean Barthel index and the Charnley-modified Merle d’Aubigné scores recovered to their levels before fracture. We reviewed 30 women at two years, 21 were asymptomatic and nine reported minimal pain. The mean scores deteriorated slightly after five years reflecting the comorbidity of advancing age. Patients with the hydroxyapatite-coated components remained asymptomatic, with no wear or loosening. The uncoated components migrated after four years and three required revision. This trial shows good early results using a novel, hydroxyapatite-coated, physiological acetabular component.
Osteosynthesis of anterior pubic ramus fractures using one large-diameter screw can be challenging in terms of both surgical procedure and fixation stability. Small-fragment screws have the advantage of following the pelvic cortex and being more flexible. The aim of the present study was to biomechanically compare retrograde intramedullary fixation of the superior pubic ramus using either one large- or two small-diameter screws. A total of 12 human cadaveric hemipelvises were analysed in a matched pair study design. Bone mineral density of the specimens was 68 mgHA/cm3 (standard deviation (Objectives
Materials and Methods
To quantify and compare peri-acetabular bone mineral density
(BMD) between a monoblock acetabular component using a metal-on-metal
(MoM) bearing and a modular titanium shell with a polyethylene (PE)
insert. The secondary outcome was to measure patient-reported clinical
function. A total of 50 patients (25 per group) were randomised to MoM
or metal-on-polyethlene (MoP). There were 27 women (11 MoM) and
23 men (14 MoM) with a mean age of 61.6 years (47.7 to 73.2). Measurements
of peri-prosthetic acetabular and contralateral hip (covariate)
BMD were performed at baseline and at one and two years’ follow-up.
The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index
(WOMAC), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score,
Harris hip score, and RAND-36 were also completed at these intervals.Objectives
Methods
In order to screen the altered gene expression profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with osteoporosis, we performed an integrated analysis of the online microarray studies of osteoporosis. We searched the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for microarray studies of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with osteoporosis. Subsequently, we integrated gene expression data sets from multiple microarray studies to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between patients with osteoporosis and normal controls. Gene function analysis was performed to uncover the functions of identified DEGs.Objectives
Methods
We wished to assess the feasibility of a future randomised controlled
trial of parathyroid hormone (PTH) supplements to aid healing of
trochanteric fractures of the hip, by an open label prospective
feasibility and pilot study with a nested qualitative sub study.
This aimed to inform the design of a future powered study comparing
the functional recovery after trochanteric hip fracture in patients
undergoing standard care, We undertook a pilot study comparing the functional recovery
after trochanteric hip fracture in patients 60 years or older, admitted
with a trochanteric hip fracture, and potentially eligible to be
randomised to either standard care or the administration of subcutaneous
PTH for six weeks. Our desired outcomes were functional testing
and measures to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the
study.Aims
Patients and Methods
Although atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) is a common cause
of torticollis in children, the diagnosis may be delayed. The condition
is characterised by a lack of rotation at the atlantoaxial joint
which becomes fixed in a rotated and subluxed position. The management of
children with a delayed presentation of this condition is controversial.
This is a retrospective study of a group of such children. Children who were admitted to two institutions between 1988 and
2014 with a diagnosis of AARF were included. We identified 12 children
(four boys, eight girls), with a mean age of 7.3 years (1.5 to 13.4),
in whom the duration of symptoms on presentation was at least four weeks
(four to 39). All were treated with halo traction followed by a
period of cervical immobilisation in a halo vest or a Minerva jacket.
We describe a simple modification to the halo traction that allows
the child to move their head whilst maintaining traction. The mean follow-up
was 59.6 weeks (24 to 156).Aims
Patients and Methods
Although vertebroplasty is very effective for relieving acute pain from an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, not all patients who undergo vertebroplasty receive the same degree of benefit from the procedure. In order to identify the ideal candidate for vertebroplasty, pre-operative prognostic demographic or clinico-radiological factors need to be identified. The objective of this study was to identify the pre-operative prognostic factors related to the effect of vertebroplasty on acute pain control using a cohort of surgically and non-surgically managed patients. Patients with single-level acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture at thoracolumbar junction (T10 to L2) were followed. If the patients were not satisfied with acute pain reduction after a three-week conservative treatment, vertebroplasty was recommended. Pain assessment was carried out at the time of diagnosis, as well as three, four, six, and 12 weeks after the diagnosis. The effect of vertebroplasty, compared with conservative treatment, on back pain (visual analogue score, VAS) was analysed with the use of analysis-of-covariance models that adjusted for pre-operative VAS scores.Objectives
Patients and Methods
Recent studies have shown that modulating inflammation-related
lipid signalling after a bone fracture can accelerate healing in
animal models. Specifically, decreasing 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) activity
during fracture healing increases cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression
in the fracture callus, accelerates chondrogenesis and decreases
healing time. In this study, we test the hypothesis that 5-LO inhibition
will increase direct osteogenesis. Bilateral, unicortical femoral defects were used in rats to measure
the effects of local 5-LO inhibition on direct osteogenesis. The
defect sites were filled with a polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold
containing 5-LO inhibitor (A-79175) at three dose levels, scaffold
with drug carrier, or scaffold only. Drug release was assessed Objectives
Methods
As the number of younger and more active patients
treated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) continues to increase,
consideration of better fixation as a means of improving implant
longevity is required. Cemented TKA remains the reference standard
with the largest body of evidence and the longest follow-up to support
its use. However, cementless TKA, may offer the opportunity of a
more bone-sparing procedure with long lasting biological fixation
to the bone. We undertook a review of the literature examining advances
of cementless TKA and the reported results. Cite this article:
