The goal of this study is to investigate the relation between indicators of osteoporosis (i.e., bone mineral density (BMD), and Cortical Index (CI)) and the complexity of a fracture of the proximal humerus as a result of a low-energy trauma. A retrospective chart review of 168 patients (mean age 67.2 years, range 51 to 88.7) with a fracture of the proximal humerus between 2007 and 2011, whose BMD was assessed at the Fracture Liaison Service with Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) measurements of the hip, femoral neck (FN) and/or lumbar spine (LS), and whose CI and complexity of fracture were assessed on plain anteroposterior radiographs of the proximal humerus.Objectives
Methods
This investigation sought to advance the work published in our prior biomechanical study ( A total of 33 adult humeri were used from a previous study where we quantified bone mineral density of the proximal humerus using radiographs and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and regional mean cortical thickness and cortical index using radiographs. The bones were fractured in a simulated backwards fall with the humeral head loaded at 2 mm/second via a frustum angled at 30° from the long axis of the bone. Correlations were assessed with ultimate fracture load and these new parameters: cortical index expressed in areas (“areal cortical index”) of larger regions of the diaphysis; the canal-to-calcar ratio used analogous to its application in proximal femurs; and the recently described medial cortical ratio.Objectives
Materials and Methods
Favourable short-term outcomes have been reported following latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for patients with an irreparable subscapularis (SSC) tendon tear. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of this transfer in these patients. This was a retrospective study involving 30 patients with an irreparable SSC tear and those with a SSC tear combined with a reparable supraspinatus tear, who underwent a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Clinical scores and active range of motion (aROM), SSC-specific physical examination and the rate of return to work were assessed. Radiological assessment included recording the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), the Hamada grade of cuff tear arthropathy and the integrity of the transferred tendon. Statistical analysis compared preoperative, short-term (two years), and final follow-up at a mean of 8.7 years (7 to 10).Aims
Methods
Conservative treatment of moderately displaced proximal humeral head fractures yields good clinical results, but secondary fragment displacement may occur. Identification of those fractures at risk of displacement may influence initial decision-making. A total of 163 shoulders in 162 patients with conservatively treated isolated proximal humeral fractures were included. The fractures occurred between January 2015 and May 2018. The mean age of the patients was 69 years (26 to 100) and the mean follow-up was 144 days (42 to 779). The fractures were classified according to Neer. Scores for osteoporosis (Tingart, Deltoid Tuberosity Index (DTI)) and osteoarthritis (OA) of the glenohumeral joint were assessed. Translation of the head on follow-up radiographs of more than 10 mm was defined as displacement. Eccentric head index (EHI) describes the offset of the humeral head centre in relation to the diaphyseal axis. The ratio was estimated on anteroposterior (AP) and Neer views. Medial hinge was considered intact if the medial cortex proximal and distal to the fracture was in line on AP view.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of different treatment options for glenoid loosening following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) at a minimum follow-up of two years. We retrospectively studied the records of 79 patients (19 men, 60 women; 84 shoulders) aged 70.4 years (21 to 87) treated for aseptic loosening of the glenosphere following RSA. Clinical evaluation included pre- and post-treatment active anterior elevation (AAE), external rotation, and Constant score.Aims
Patients and Methods
To compare complication-related reoperation rates following primary arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) We identified patients aged 50 years and over, who sustained a PHF between 2004 and 2015, from linkable datasets. We used intervention codes to identify patients treated with initial ORIF or arthroplasty, and those treated with ORIF who returned for revision arthroplasty within two years. We used multilevel logistic regression to compare reoperations between groups.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preoperative bisphosphonate treatment on the intra- and postoperative outcomes of arthroplasty of the shoulder. The hypothesis was that previous bisphosphonate treatment would adversely affect both intra- and postoperative outcomes. A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving patients undergoing arthroplasty of the shoulder, at a single institution. Two patients with no previous bisphosphonate treatment were matched to each patient who had received this treatment preoperatively by gender, age, race, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and type of arthroplasty. Previous bisphosphonate treatment was defined as treatment occurring during the three-year period before the arthroplasty. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of intraoperative complications and those occurring at one and two years postoperatively. A total of 87 patients were included: 29 in the bisphosphonates-exposed (BP+) group and 58 in the non-exposed (BP-) group. In the BP+ group, there were 26 female and three male patients, with a mean age of 71.4 years (51 to 87). In the BP- group, there were 52 female and six male patients, with a mean age of 72.1 years (53 to 88).Aims
Patients and Methods
We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and
radiological outcomes of a consecutive cohort of patients aged >
70 years with a displaced fracture of the olecranon, which was treated
non-operatively with early mobilisation. We identified 28 such patients
(27 women) with a mean age of 82 years (71 to 91). The elbow was
initially immobilised in an above elbow cast in 90° of flexion of
the elbow for a mean of five days. The cast was then replaced by
a sling. Active mobilisation was encouraged as tolerated. No formal
rehabilitation was undertaken. At a mean follow-up of 16 months
(12 to 26), the mean ranges of flexion and extension were 140° and
15° respectively. On a visual analogue scale of 1 (no pain) to 10,
the mean pain score was 1 (0 to 8). Of the original 28 patients
22 developed nonunion, but no patients required surgical treatment. We conclude that non-operative functional treatment of displaced
olecranon fractures in the elderly gives good results and a high
rate of satisfaction. Cite this article:
The ageing population and an increase in both
the incidence and prevalence of cancer pose a healthcare challenge, some
of which is borne by the orthopaedic community in the form of osteoporotic
fractures and metastatic bone disease. In recent years there has
been an increasing understanding of the pathways involved in bone
metabolism relevant to osteoporosis and metastases in bone. Newer
therapies may aid the management of these problems. One group of
drugs, the antibody mediated anti-resorptive therapies (AMARTs)
use antibodies to block bone resorption pathways. This review seeks
to present a synopsis of the guidelines, pharmacology and potential pathophysiology
of AMARTs and other new anti-resorptive drugs. We evaluate the literature relating to AMARTs and new anti-resorptives
with special attention on those approved for use in clinical practice. Denosumab, a monoclonal antibody against Receptor Activator for
Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand. It is the first AMART approved by
the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the
US Food and Drug Administration. Other novel anti-resorptives awaiting
approval for clinical use include Odanacatib. Denosumab is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis and
prevention of the complications of bone metastases. Recent evidence
suggests, however, that denosumab may have an adverse event profile
similar to bisphosphonates, including atypical femoral fractures.
It is, therefore, essential that orthopaedic surgeons are conversant
with these medications and their safe usage. Take home message: Denosumab has important orthopaedic indications
and has been shown to significantly reduce patient morbidity in
osteoporosis and metastatic bone disease. Cite this article:
