Is kyphoplasty reliable for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with vertebral wall deficiency?

Background

Vertebral compression fractures are a common clinical manifestation of osteoporosis. The introduction of kyphoplasty has allowed minimally invasive treatment of these fractures. However, in patients with loss of vertebral wall integrity, balloon kyphoplasty is contraindicated due to the possibility of extruding wall fragments into the canal and cement extravasation. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of kyphoplasty in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures in patients with compromised vertebral walls using individualised surgical techniques to avoid cement extravasation.

Methods

Symptomatic vertebral fractures (59 fractures in 55 patients) were treated by kyphoplasty. In levels with compromised anterior vertebral walls, two distinct sequential applications of cement were performed to avoid anterior leakage. In levels that demonstrated posterior or lateral wall deficiencies, the cement was injected under live fluoroscopy to monitor lateral or posterior extravasation. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated by comparing pre- and postoperative anterior/middle vertebral body height and local kyphotic angle. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by comparing Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) values preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups.

Results

Symptomatic cement extravasation and complications after kyphoplasty were not observed. Vertebral height was restored and the mean kyphotic angle was improved. The mean VAS decreased significantly from pre-surgery to post-surgery, as did the ODI (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Kyphoplasty is a safe, clinically effective treatment for osteoporotic vertebral fracture with peripheral wall damage when using individualised surgical techniques to prevent bone cement leakage.     

Do the anatomical defects associated with cystocoele affect the outcome of anterior repair? A clinical and radiological study

Introduction and hypothesis  

The purpose of this study was to investigate the defects associated with cystocoele and the outcome of anterior repair.     

Is there a new learning curve with transition to a new resurfacing system?

Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing has been proven to be a successful option for treating hip osteoarthritis in young, active patients. However, compared to a standard primary hip arthroplasty, hip resurfacing has a higher degree of technical difficulty. While all resurfacing systems utilize similar principles, there can be some variation in surgical technique. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a second learning curve when a surgeon transitioned from one hip resurfacing system to another. Materials and Methods: In 2007, the senior investigator (MAM) transitioned from using one resurfacing system for a majority of his patients to a different system. The records of 200 resurfacings were reviewed, including the last 150 patients who underwent this procedure prior to the switch, and who were then compared with the first 50 patients using a newer system. The mean age and mean body mass index (BMI) of the patients in the prior 150-patient group was 53 years and 28 kg/m2, respectively, compared to a mean age of 51 years and a mean BMI of 29 kg/m2 in the newer system group. The mean follow-up for the prior 150 patients was 45 months (range, 40 to 50 months), compared to 31 months (range, 25 to 37 months) for the first 50 receiving the new system. Clinical survivorship and complications were monitored, and clinical outcomes were evaluated using Harris hip scores. Results: The implant survival rate of the last 150 patients regarding the first resurfacing system was 97.3 (146/150), compared to 100% survival with the second system. The mean Harris hip score improved from 61 points (range, 40 to 76 points) to 93 points (range, 50 to 100 points) in the first group and from 52 points (range, 31 to 83 points) to 97 points (range, 86 to 100 points) in the latter group. There were four revisions: three for femoral neck fractures and one for unexplained groin pain; two revisions were in the postoperative period, and one was 1-year postoperative and the other 2-years postoperative. Of these four revisions, all had femoral component sizes smaller than 48 mm and were revised to total hip arthroplasty; all are doing well at the most recent follow-up (Harris hip scores greater than 80 points). Conclusion: This study illustrates that there is no additional learning curve when transitioning from one re-surfacing system to another for an experienced surgeon. It also reinforces the previously established criteria that only well-selected patients should have a hip resurfacing arthroplasty performed in order to minimize the likelihood of postoperative complications such as femoral neck fracture. The learning curve appears to be a phenomenon that only occurs once for resurfacing and is not related to the specific implant manufacturer, but rather to the nature of the operation itself.     

Is there a clinical correlate to the histological and radiological evidence of inflammation in trans-ligamentous extruded and sequestered lumbar disc herniaton?

The pain of lumbar disc herniation is related to direct compression of the nerve root and to the foreign-body inflammatory response to the herniated disc material. In this study, we attempted to identify disc-related inflammation in trans-ligamentous extruded and sequestered lumbar disc herniation using gadolinium-DPTA-enhanced T1-weighted and short-time inversion recovery (STIR) magnetic resonance imaging. We assessed how these results related to each other, and to patients' clinical status, and to immunohistochemistry findings in disc specimens removed at surgery. Forty-one patients with trans-ligamentous extruded or sequestered disc herniation were investigated clinically and radiologically. Twenty-five patients who did not respond to initial medical treatment or who had progressive neurological deficits underwent discectomy. Specimens of disc material removed during surgery were studied immunohistochemically and inflammatory cell types were identified. The other 16 patients showed good response to treatment, and were given further medical therapy and monitored for a mean of 6.3 months of follow-up. All radiological diagnoses in the operated cases were confirmed at surgery. There were no significant differences among the rates of detection of inflammation by contrast MRI, STIR technique, and immunohistochemistry in the surgical treated cases. In the medically treated cases, the frequency of radiological evidence of inflammation on the initial contrast enhanced T1-weighted and STIR images was similar to the frequency observed on the most recent scans done during follow-up. The study showed that the radiological and immunohistochemical evidence of inflammation in these cases does not correspond with patients' clinical pain profiles over time. It also revealed that STIR and contrast T1W are equally reliable for detecting inflammation in trans-ligamentous extruded or sequestered lumbar disc herniation. In future, studies that focus on physical and chemical mechanisms of pain in lumbar disc herniation in larger series of conservatively and surgically treated patients may clarify the link between inflammation and radicular pain in these types of disc herniation.     

Syndesmotic stability: Is there a radiological normal?—A systematic review

Background

Syndesmotic injury and instability poses a diagnostic challenge with unreliable clinical tests and inconsistent radiologic measures. Thus, used widely in clinical practice, there is huge debate pertaining to the reliability and validity of the radiologic parameters used for syndesmotic instability.

Does kyphoplasty affect the global sagittal alignment in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) are common in elderly patients and may cause local kyphosis due to the vertebral collapse and wedging. Balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) with polymethyl methacrylate is widely used to relieve back pain and restore the height and kyphosis of the destroyed vertebra Johnell (Osteoporos Int 17(12):1726–33, 2006); Wasnich (Bone 18: 179S–183S, 1996); Finnern (Osteoporos Int 14:429–436, 2003). However, the influence of BKP on global sagittal alignment (GSA) in patients with OVCF remains unclear.

Objective

To systematically evaluate the relevant literature regarding the influence of BKP on the global spinal sagittal alignment using the following radiological parameters: Pelvic Incidence (PI), Pelvic Tilt (PT), Lumbar Lordosis (LL), Thoracic Kyphosis (TK), Sagittal Vertical Axis (SVA) and Spinosacral Angle (SSA). Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was also recorded.

Methods

A systematic review of the English language literature dating up until August 2022, was undertaken utilising the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Of a total of 548 articles, 4 studies met the inclusion criteria (4 level III evidence) and were analyzed. Overall, 201 patients of mean age 73.8 years (69–77) had acute OVCF of one or more vertebra. The male to female ratio was 51:128. The number of fractured vertebrae was 235 (average of 1.17 fractured vertebrae per patient). Their pre-operative radiological parameters on standing x-rays showed a mean PI of 56°, PT 24.1°, LL 44.4°, TK 42.3°, PI-LL 11.7°, SVA 4.9 cm, LL/TK 1 and SSA 114.8°. The average VAS was 7.6 (2.6–10). All the patients underwent BKP and their radiological parameters on standing x-rays post operatively showed a mean PI of 55.3°, PT 23.1°, LL 45.1°, TK 41.4°, PI-LL 10.3°, SVA 4.29 cm, LL/TK 1.07 and SSA 116.8°. Their average VAS post BPK was 2.36 (0–4.8).A statistical analysis comparing the pre/post-operative GSA (111 patients, 3 studies with standard deviations) showed no statistical difference in PT (24.1° vs. 23.5°, P = 0.93), TK (42.3° vs. 42.4°, P = 0.57), PI-LL (14.4° vs.12.4°, P = 0.4), SVA (6.1 cm vs. 5.5 cm, P = 0.19) SSA (114.8° vs. 116.7° P = 0.36). VAS was significantly reduced post BKP (7.1 vs. 2.5 P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Performing BKP procedures does not significantly affect the global sagittal alignment in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. There was however, a significant improvement in pain scores in patients undergoing BKP at 1 or more levels.

     

Latarjet procedure: evolution of the bone block and correspondent clinical relevance—a clinical and radiological study

Introduction

Valgus deformity in knees is a common concern in Morquio-A patients, preceding premature arthrosis and pain leading to walking disability and loss of ambulatory status. Treatment alternative is the guided growth, but this is sometimes not applied on time. Due to short height reached on these patients, not all will benefit from guided growth surgery.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe early results of physeal osteotomy for acute valgus correction in adolescent patients and those almost at height peak to achieve alignment.

Methods

We perform the osteotomy in four knees of 10- and 14-year-old patients, fixed with Kirschner wires, and allow early weight bearing. This is compared with one patient who was managed by guided growth.

Results

The average acute correction osteotomy was 39 degrees with intermalleolar distance of 350 and 240 mm. At final follow-up, this measure was reduced to 70 and 20 mm, respectively, with clinical valgus of 4° and 2°. For the patient with guided growth, she was operated at 10.2 years old and 36 months in follow-up; preoperative valgus was 28/24° with intermalleolar distance of 140 mm. At the end of follow-up, this distance was increased to 150 mm with clinical valgus of 18/22°. During this follow-up, none of the patients lost ambulatory status. As a part of multi-organic disease progression, none of the three patients completed the 6-min walking test at final follow-up.

Conclusions

This physeal osteotomy is a feasible and optimal option to achieve acute valgus correction on severe deformity when there is not enough remaining growth on adolescent Morquio-A patients, and may help reduce arthritis progression in adjacent joints.

     

Is there a relationship between forefoot alignment and ingrown toenail? A case-control study

Biomechanical imbalance between the hallux and the second toe and external compression of the lateral nail fold are proposed as the main reasons for ingrown toenail. Therefore, any anatomical predisposition facilitating this compression may play a role in the occurrence of ingrown toenail. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between forefoot alignment and ingrown toenail. The authors retrospectively reviewed radiographs of 81 patients with ingrown toenails and compared them with 100 healthy subjects regarding forefoot alignment. Hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and interphalangeal angle (IPA) were measured, and feet were classified according to digital formula as Egyptian, Greek, and square. The mean HVA was 14.5° ± 5.0° in the case group and 13.2° ± 5.9° in the control group. The mean IMA was 9.1° ± 2.5° in the case group and 8.6° ± 3.1° in the control group. The mean IPA was 11.9° ± 4.1° in the case group and 12.0° ± 5.1° in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding HVA, IMA, or IPA (P = .123, P = .198, and P = .925, respectively). The distribution of foot types between groups was also similar (P = .967). This study has failed to demonstrate any abnormality in forefoot alignment in patients with symptomatic ingrowing toenails, and it is suggested that treatment should not be based on the correction of the anatomy if no abnormality exists.     

Safety and clinical performance of kyphoplasty and SpineJack® procedures in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a pilot,monocentric, investigator-initiated study

Summary

Clinical performance and safety of two percutaneous vertebral cement augmentation (VA) procedures (SpineJack® and Kyphx Xpander® balloon) were compared in patients with osteoporotic compression fractures. Both techniques were safe, efficient, and led to a rapid and marked improvement in clinical signs; nevertheless, SpineJack showed better restoration of vertebral heights and angles, maintained over time.

Introduction

In patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), both SpineJack® (SJ) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) led to a rapid and marked improvement in clinical signs. This pilot, monocentric, investigator-initiated, prospective study aimed to compare two percutaneous vertebral augmentation procedures in the painful osteoporotic VCF treatment.

Methods

Thirty patients were randomized to receive SJ (n?=?15) or BKP (n?=?15). Analgesic consumption, back pain intensity (visual analog scale (VAS)), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were recorded preoperatively, at 5 days and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. Quality of life (EQ-VAS score) was evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Spine X-rays were taken 48 h prior to procedure and 5 days and 6 and 12 months after.

Results

SpineJack® led to a significantly shorter intervention period (23 vs 32 min; p?<?0.001), a strong, rapid, and long-lasting decline in pain (94 vs 82 % at 12 months) and in functional disability (94 vs 90 % at 12 months), a greater and sustainable mean correction of anterior (12?±?13 vs 0?±?7 % for BKP, p?=?0.003) and central height (12?±?10 vs 2?±?6 % for BKP, p?=?0.001) at 12 months, and a larger restoration of the vertebral body angle still evident 12 months after implantation (?4.4°?±?5.8° vs 0.2°?±?3.0° for BKP; p?=?0.012).

Conclusions

This pilot study showed that both techniques were safe and efficient for the osteoporotic VCF treatment. Radiological results indicate that the SpineJack® procedure has a higher potential for vertebral body height restoration and maintenance over time.

     

Is there a relationship between whiplash-associated disorders and concussion in hockey? A preliminary study

Primary objective: To examine the relationship between the occurrence of whiplash-associated disorders and concussion symptoms in hockey players.

Research design: Prospective cohort observational study to examine the relationship between whiplash associated disorders and concussion in actual hockey play.

Methods and procedures: Twenty hockey teams were followed prospectively for one season. Team therapists completed acute and 7-10 day follow-up evaluation questionnaires for all of the players who received either a whiplash mechanism or a concussion.

Main outcomes and results: 183 players were registered for this study; 13 received either a whiplash mechanistic injury or a concussion injury. Initial injuries ranged from WAD I to WAD III and all subjects reported concussion symptoms. Only three subjects reported full resolution of both WAD and concussion symptoms at the 7-10 day follow-up evaluation.

Conclusions: There is a strong association between whiplash induced neck injuries and the symptoms of concussion in hockey injuries. Both should be evaluated when dealing with athletes/patients suffering from either injury.     

Is there a safe area for the axillary nerve in the deltoid muscle? A cadaveric study

BACKGROUND: Several authors have defined a variety of so-called safe zones for deltoid-splitting incisions. The first aim of the present study was to investigate the distance of the axillary nerve from the acromion and its relation to arm length. The second aim was to identify a safe area for the axillary nerve during surgical dissection of the deltoid muscle. METHODS: Twenty-four shoulders of embalmed adult cadavers were included in the study. The distance from the anterior edge of the acromion to the course of the axillary nerve was measured and was recorded as the anterior distance. The same measurement from the posterior edge of the acromion to the course of the axillary nerve was made and was recorded as the posterior distance for each limb. Correlation analysis was performed between the arm length and the anterior distance and the posterior distance for each limb. The ratios between arm length and the anterior and posterior distances were calculated for each case and were recorded as an anterior index and a posterior index. RESULTS: The average arm length was 30.40 cm. The average anterior distance was 6.08 cm, and the average posterior distance was 4.87 cm. There was a significant correlation between arm length and both anterior distance (r = 0.79, p < 0.001) and posterior distance (r = 0.61, p = 0.001). The axillary nerve was not found to lie at a constant distance from the acromion at every point along its course. The average anterior index was 0.20, and the average posterior index was 0.16. CONCLUSIONS: The present study describes a safe area above the axillary nerve that is quadrangular in shape, with the length of the lateral edges being dependent on the individual's arm length. Using this safe area should provide a safe exposure for the axillary nerve during shoulder operations.     

Is there a higher risk of dislocation of hip hemiarthroplasty in patients with neuromuscular conditions? A clinical study of 3827 patients

Aim of the studyThe aim of this study is to identify if there is any association between neuromuscular disorders and prosthetic dislocation in patients treated with hip hemiarthroplasty for neck of femur fractures.Patients and methodsOur study is a retrospective analysis of data collected over 34 years for patients with intracapsular neck of femur fracture who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty. Pathological fractures and patients treated with other treatment modalities were excluded. The study population is composed of four groups; patients with no neuromuscular disorders, patients with Parkinson's disease, patients with previous stroke, and patients with mental impairment.ResultsA total of 3827 patients were treated with hip hemiarthroplasty. For the 3371 patients with no neuromuscular condition (Group I) the dislocation rate was 1.1%. 219 patients had Parkinsonism (Group II) with a dislocation rate of 3.2%, 104 patients had a previous stroke with weakness on the fracture side with a dislocation rate of 1.0% (Group III), and 984 patients had severe mental impairment with a dislocation rate of 1.8% (Group IV). The increased dislocation rate for those with Parkinson's disease was statistically significant (p = 0.02) while none of the other neuromuscular conditions were statistically significant.ConclusionOur study demonstrates an increased risk of dislocation after hemiarthroplasty for patients with Parkinson's disease in comparison to other groups. No increase was apparent for those with mental impairment or weakness from a previous stroke.     

Is the development of Modic changes associated with clinical symptoms? A 14-month cohort study with MRI

Purpose

Modic changes (MCs) have been suggested to be a diagnostic subgroup of low back pain (LBP). However, the clinical implications of MCs remain unclear. For this reason, the aims of this study were to investigate how MCs developed over a 14-month period and if changes in the size and/or the pathological type of MCs were associated with changes in clinical symptoms in a cohort of patients with persistent LBP and MCs.

Methods

Information on LBP intensity and detailed information from MRI on the presence, type and size of MCs was collected at baseline and follow-up. Changes in type (Type I, II, III and mixed types) and size of MCs were quantified at both time points according to a standardised evaluation protocol. The associations between change in type, change in size and change in LBP intensity were calculated using odds ratios (ORs).

Results

Approximately 40 % of the MCs followed the expected developmental path from Type I (here Type I or I/II) to Type II (here Type II or II/III) or Type I to Type I/II. In general, the bigger the size of the MC at baseline, the more likely it was that it remained unchanged in size after 14 months. Patients who had MC Type I at both baseline and 14-month follow-up were less likely to experience an improvement in their LBP intensity as compared to patients who did not have Type I changes at both time points (OR 7.2, CI 1.3–37). There was no association between change in size of MCs Type I and change in LBP intensity.

Conclusions

The presence of MCs Type I at both baseline and follow-up is associated with a poor outcome in patients with persistent LBP and MCs.     

Is there a link between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and venous thromboembolic events after knee arthroplasty? A pilot study

Background

This study aimed to identify (1) if the postoperative increase in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is different between contrasting knee arthroplasty procedures, and (2) if the NLR predicts venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Materials and methods

To address the first objective, we retrospectively studied patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA (n = 111) or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA; n = 74) between 2009 and 2012. Patients who required a blood transfusion, underwent autologous blood salvage, experienced any postoperative complication (such as VTE), or were re-admitted >90 days were excluded from analysis. For the second objective, we retrospectively identified patients (cases, n = 10) who underwent primary unilateral TKA between 2010 and 2012 and developed postoperative VTE (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or both) during inpatient care (postoperative day 1 or day 2). Cases were matched to surgeon, gender, body mass index, age, and date of surgery controls (n = 20) who underwent primary unilateral TKA without developing VTE before patient discharge. The NLR was calculated from the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts extracted from pre- and postoperative (day 1 and day 2) blood chemistry records.

Results

On postoperative day 1, the NLR increase was exacerbated (p = 0.02) following TKA compared to UKA and predicted (p = 0.02) the occurrence of VTE in TKA patients prior to hospital discharge.

Conclusion

We conclude that the NLR increase is greater following TKA compared to UKA and could serve as a matrix to predict or identify a patient susceptible of sustaining VTE after TKA.

Level of evidence

3.

     

Are there risk factors for the clinical and radiological results after arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy?

In a retrospective study 100 patients underwent a clinical and radiological follow-up 7 years and 7 months after an arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy. None of these patients had associated intraarticular lesions apart a minor chondral damage of the medial compartment. The follow-up showed excellent clinical results in 96% of patients according to the modified Marshall Score. The radiological results demonstrated a deterioration or development of osteoarthritis of the operated knee joint in 33% of patients, with a statistical significance between radiological and clinical results (p < 0.05). The age of the patients at time of operation and any angular deformity of the knee joint had no statistical significant influence on the radiological results. Women had a statistically significant higher risk to deteriorate or develop gonarthrosis after partial medial meniscectomy than men (p < 0.05). The arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy leads to excellent subjective and functional results, but it could not totally prevent the increase or development of degenerative changes in the medial knee compartment.     

Is there a learning curve associated with the use of remifentanil?

This study prospectively determined whether there was a learning curve with the use of remifentanil, as indicated by decreased hemodynamic variability, improved recovery profile, and decreased incidence of opioid-related adverse events with increasing experience. Patients undergoing diverse surgical procedures (outpatient [n = 1340] and inpatient [n = 560]) were enrolled by investigators (n = 190) who had no previous experience with remifentanil use. Each investigator enrolled 10 patients. A standardized protocol for administration of remifentanil was used. Data were analyzed to determine differences between the first three patients and the last three patients enrolled for each anesthesiologist in the study. There were no differences in hemodynamic variables between the first triad and the last triad in either outpatients or inpatients. Requirements for hypnotic drugs and the doses of remifentanil used were also similar between groups. Analgesic medications administered at the end of surgery and in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) were similar between groups, except that the last triad in the outpatient group received smaller doses of fentanyl compared with the first triad. Times to response to verbal command, tracheal extubation, and operating room discharge did not differ between groups. However, patients in the last triad undergoing outpatient surgery had shorter times to eligibility for PACU discharge, but times to eligibility for discharge home did not differ. The overall incidence of all adverse events (i.e., hypotension, hypertension, muscle rigidity, respiratory depression, apnea, nausea, and vomiting) was less in the last triad as compared with the first triad. When analyzed separately, only the incidence of vomiting (in the outpatient group) was decreased in the last triad as compared with the first triad. This study suggests that there is a learning curve that aids reduction of minor adverse effects associated with the use of analgesic medications administered at the end of surgery in outpatients, which might have reduced the incidence of postoperative vomiting and the duration of PACU stay. Implications: This study demonstrated that anesthesiologists rapidly acquire the ability to use remifentanil with limited experience. However, there is a learning curve that aids reduction of minor adverse effects associated with the use of analgesic medications administered at the end of surgery in outpatients, which might have reduced the incidence of postoperative vomiting and the duration of postanesthesia care unit stay.     

Is there a clinical relevance of partial androgen deficiency of the aging male?

PURPOSE: Aging in men is characterized by a progressive, generally moderate decrease in plasma testosterone (T) levels and T substitution is increasingly prescribed. However, the association of partial androgen deficiency of the aging male with clinical symptoms and the ideal screening test are controversial. We investigate the association between various T measures and clinical and biochemical parameters of the aging male. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the association between total (TT), calculated free (FTcalc) and bioavailable (BT) testosterone, and various clinical and biochemical parameters in 51 healthy community living male volunteers, 55 and 75 years old. The parameters included serum levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, estradiol and lipid profile after an overnight fast; questionnaires assessing clinical symptoms, erectile function and mood; bone mineral density and body composition. RESULTS: TT correlated with FTcalc (r2 = 0.71, p <0.001) but not with BT (r2 = 0.04, p not significant) and FTcalc correlated moderately with BT (r2 = 0.23, p <0.001). Testicular volume correlated with TT levels (r2 = 0.17, p <0.001) and FTcalc (r2 = 0.17, p <0.001) but not with BT. There was neither a correlation of TT, FTcalc nor BT values with clinical symptoms nor with biochemical and radiological parameters, ie affective symptoms and sexual interest, circulating estradiol, lipid levels, bone mineral density or lean body mass. CONCLUSIONS: T values in our study sample did not correlate with clinical signs and symptoms of hypogonadism. Thus, according to our data, symptoms of the aging male could be rather multifactorial and should not be indiscriminately assigned to the age associated decrease in T levels.