Mortality, Morbidity, and Assessment of Fracture Risk in Male Osteoporosis

Several studies show that for most clinical fractures the mortality is higher in men than in women, also compared with the general population. However, there are still uncertainties whether this is true for the vertebral deformities. There are few studies comparing men and women but there does not seem to be any difference in morbidity between men and women even though data here are scarce. Several of the risk factors that have been identified in women are also important in men. However, there are problems comparing men and women, such as recreational activity, where men have more strenuous activities. The same for alcohol intake and for BMD. Larger studies in men are needed. At present there are no diagnosis or intervention thresholds for men. Indication thresholds should be determined for those who have a high risk of fractures and should be based on a combination of risk factors in which bone mineral density (BMD) is the most important. This review of papers has dealt with women and men within the same study to compare differences or similarities.     

骨质疏松脊椎压缩性骨折的特点

目的 分析骨质疏松脊椎压缩性骨折的特点。方法 以264例各种原因的骨质疏松脊椎压缩性骨折为基础,分析其临床表现、放射学和治疗等方面的特点。结果单处骨折122例,2处骨折84例,2处以上骨折58例。201例有外伤史,63例无外伤史。初诊时,局部有疼痛者210例,有明显脊柱后凸畸形者138例,伴有神经功能损伤6例。椎体前后缘呈不同程度压缩,以轴向压缩为主、周围爆裂较轻,且骨质疏松越严重,脊椎爆裂样骨折越不典型,常常无法区分压缩型和爆裂型骨折。骨折早期仅8例进行了开放性手术,7例行椎体成形术;249例行非手术治疗中,50例卧床8周后下地活动,124例卧床4~6周后下地活动,80例卧床时间不足3周。经随访,非手术治疗组有106例因明显腰背痛需经常口服或外用止痛药,有71例发生进展性后凸畸形,其中2例出现神经功能损伤。结论 骨质疏松脊椎压缩性骨折与发生于青壮年患者的非骨质疏松脊椎压缩性骨折在临床表现、放射学和治疗等方面有很大差异。     

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis and Fracture Threshold in Men

This review examines the hypothesis that there are gender differences in the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk. Prospective studies of spine and hip fracture risk drawn from population samples suggest that the fracture risk increases as BMD decreases in men in the same way as that described in women. Moreover, for any given BMD at the spine, heel, or proximal femur the risk in men is similar to that in women. Although data are limited, prior fragility fractures increase subsequent fracture risks in both men and women. These studies suggest that the same BMD criteria used to diagnose osteoporosis in women can be applied to men.     

Improving Osteoporosis Assessment in the Fracture Clinic

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different ways of referring patients to an osteoporosis assessment service at an orthopaedic fracture clinic of a hospital in the UK.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three methods of identifying and referring to an osteoporosis assessment service were evaluated.

RESULTS

Relying on doctors for such a referral gave a catchment rate of only 1.6%. Involving patients themselves, asking them to self-refer, increased the catchment rate to 63% (P < 0.0001). Having a specialist osteoporosis and fracture liaison nurse present in clinic and reviewing the notes of patients checking in, to see if they match criteria for osteoporosis assessment, further increased catchment to 77% (P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Simply having an osteoporosis assessment service and strict criteria to identify which patients should be referred to such a service will not necessarily increase catchment rate for osteoporosis patients. A nurse physically present in the clinic provided the best result, and supports the need of investing in an osteoporosis and fracture liaison nurse.     

Vertebral Fracture and Cortical Bone Changes in Corticosteroid-Induced Osteoporosis

Despite an intriguing understanding of trabecular bone dynamics, little is known about corticosteroid-induced cortical bone loss and fractures. Recently, we verified a steroid-induced decrease in cortical bone volume and density using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) in adult asthmatic patients given oral corticosteroids. Subsequently, the pQCT parameters and presence of vertebral fractures were investigated to further clarify the role of cortical bone quality in fractures in 86 postmenopausal (>5 years after menopause) asthmatic patients on high-dose oral steroid (>10 g cumulative oral prednisolone) (steroid group) and 194 age-matched controls (control group). Cortical and trabecular bone was subjected to measurement of various parameters using pQCT (Stratec XCT960). Relative Cortical Volume (RCV) was calculated by dividing the cortical area by the total bone area. Strength Strain Index (SSI) was determined in the radius based on the density distribution around the axis. Spinal fracture was assessed on lateral radiographs. Patients treated with high doses of oral steroid (>10 g cumulative oral prednisolone) were found to have an increased risk of fracture compared with control women receiving no steroid medication (odds ratio, 8.85; 95% CI, 4.21–18.60) after adjustment was made for years since menopause, body mass index and RCV. In both groups, the diagnostic and predictive ability of the pQCT parameters for vertebral fracture was assessed by the areas under their receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. All parameters were found to be significant predictors (p<0.0001) in the control group. In the steroid group, however, the cortical bone mineral density (BMD) (p= 0.001), RCV (p<0.0001) and SSI (p= 0.001) were found to be significant predictors, but not trabecular BMD (p= 0.176). For comparison between the two groups, thresholds of all parameters for vertebral fracture were also calculated by the point of coincidence of sensitivity with specificity in ROC testing and the 90th percentile value. Although a rise in fracture threshold in the steroid group was suggested, considerable difference in the values obtained by the two methods of calculation precluded any conclusion. High-dose oral steroid administration was associated with an increased risk of fracture. Cortical bone parameters obtained by pQCT could play a role as good predictors of future corticosteroid-induced vertebral fractures. Received: 30 November 2001 / Accepted: 28 February 2002     

综合性运动疗法治疗髋部骨折后骨质疏松症

目的探索髋部骨折后骨质疏松症有效的治疗方法。方法选择100例髋部骨折后患有骨质疏松的住院患者,对照组用单纯药物治疗,治疗组用运动疗法、物理治疗与药物相结合的综合治疗。相应检查VAS评分,超声骨密度和ADL评分,并比较两组统计学差异。结果治疗组VAS评分于骨折后6个月和18个月比对照组均有下降;治疗组超声骨密度BQI值于骨折后18个月比对照组均有上升;治疗组ADL评分于骨折后6个月和18个月比对照组均有上升,两组比较有统计学差异。结论康复运动疗法对于髋部骨折后骨质疏松的改善有重要作用,但要注意老年运动疗法的特殊性;以康复运动疗法为主结合理疗,康复宣教和药物等方法的综合治疗是改善髋部骨折后骨质疏松的关键;长期坚持的康复治疗对骨质疏松的最终疗效有重要意义。     

Evaluation of Osteoporosis Treatment in Seniors after Hip Fracture

A retrospective chart review was carried out on all consecutive patients over 65 years of age admitted to a tertiary care teaching hospital with a diagnosis of a new hip fracture. A further chart review occurred after discharge from post-surgery rehabilitation. The primary objective was to evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment in both phases of the study. Secondary objectives included evaluation of the mortality rates, length of stay, prevalence of osteoporosis investigation, and prevalence of osteoporosis diagnosis based on the clinical subspecialty involved. There were 311 patients evaluated in the initial phase, and 226 after rehabilitation. The mortality rate was 5.8% (10% for men, 4% for women; p<0.005) in the acute care hospital and 9.3% (8% men, 10% women) during rehabilitation. Previous hip fracture occurred in 17.4%, and 1.5% were readmitted during the study period with fracture of the opposite hip. Osteoporosis was diagnosed in the acute care hospital on admission in 11.9% and on discharge in 15.4%. In the rehabilitation hospital it was diagnosed in 9.7% on admission and 11.2% on discharge (p = NS). Osteoporosis treatment (including calcium or vitamin D therapy) was instituted in 13% on admission to acute care and in 9.7% at the time of discharge. For the rehabilitation hospital, treatment occurred in 12.8% on admission and 10.2% on discharge. The diagnosis of osteoporosis significantly increased the prevalence of treatment (p<0.001). Use of specific agents (hormone replacement therapy, bisphosphonates or calcitonin) occurred in <6% of all patients. Osteoporosis is under-diagnosed and under-treated in this group of elderly hip fracture patients. It is associated with significant mortality and morbidity and every effort should be made to prevent future fractures. Physicians in the “front line” of hip fracture treatment are missing this key aspect of management in their patients. Education of these physicians, as well as the public, may be the key to addressing this care gap. Received: 12 March 2001 / Accepted: 23 July 2001     

Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing for Distal Femur Fracture with Osteoporosis

Background

The incidence of distal femur fracture in the elderly has been increasing recently, and commonly occurs with osteoporosis. Retrograde intramedullary nailing has been considered a good surgical option for distal femur fracture. The purpose of the present study was to present our surgical results with retrograde intramedullary nailing for distal femur fractures with osteoporosis.

Methods

Thirteen patients diagnosed with extra-articular distal femur fracture and osteoporosis and managed with retrograde intramedullary nailing were retrospectively reviewed. Cement augmentation was used in four patients, shape memory alloy was used in eight patients and both were used in one patient. All patients were followed up for more than 2 years. Radiologic alignments were scored and Tegner and the Lysholm activity score was used for a functional assessment.

Results

The average time to clinical union was 13 weeks (range, 10 to 15 weeks). In 12 of our cases, the total alignment scores were excellent. At the last follow-up, the mean range of motion was 116° (range, 110° to 125°). The average functional score at postoperative 1 year was 2.6 (range, 1 to 5).

Conclusions

Retrograde intramedullary nailing is a good surgical option for distal femur fracture with osteoporosis. Cement augmentation and shape memory alloy can also be used for added mechanical stability. This surgical technique is very useful for distal femur fracture with osteoporosis as it promotes fracture healing and early rehabilitation.     

Fracture healing: a consensus report from the International Osteoporosis Foundation Fracture Working Group

Summary

We used the RAND UCLA appropriateness method to decide appropriateness of use of osteoporosis medication after incident fracture and potential for fracture healing and make suggestions for trial design for clinical and preclinical research.

Purpose

To develop appropriateness criteria to assist in the use and study of osteoporosis medications in patients with recent fracture and in the potential use of osteoporosis medications to enhance delayed fracture healing. To promote further research by suggesting preclinical and clinical trial design for studies where fracture healing is the endpoint.

Methods

Design: RAND/UCLA appropriateness method (RUAM). Participants: A panel of experts, both members and non-members of the International Osteoporosis Foundation Fracture Working Group, were identified consisting of geriatricians, rheumatologists, orthopedists, endocrinologists, and internists. This resulted in a round 1 panel of 15 panelists, round 2 panel of 15 members, and a round 3 panel of 14 members. Main outcome measure: Agreement on statements and scenarios using RUAM. Three rounds of voting by panelists took place. Agreement in a third round was reached for 111 statements and scenarios, measured by median panel ratings and the amount of dispersion of panel ratings, based on the interpercentile range.

Results

An expert panel validated a set of statements and scenarios about the use of osteoporosis medications after incident fracture and use of these medications to enhance delayed fracture healing and made recommendations for study designs to investigate the effect of osteoporosis medications on fracture healing.

Conclusions

The result of this exercise is intended to assist in improving patient care by identifying the appropriateness of use of osteoporosis medications after fracture and in fracture healing and to make suggestions for further preclinical and clinical research.

     

Effects of Bone Matrix Proteins on Fracture and Fragility in Osteoporosis

Bone mineral density alone cannot reliably predict fracture risk in humans and laboratory animals. Therefore, other factors including the quality of organic bone matrix components and their interactions may be of crucial importance to understanding of fragility fractures. Emerging research evidence shows, that in addition to collagen, certain noncollagenous proteins (NCPs) play a significant role in the structural organization of bone and influence its mechanical properties. However, their contribution to bone strength still remains largely undefined. Collagen and NCPs undergo different post-translational modifications, which alter the quality of the extracellular matrix and the response of bone to mechanical load. The primary focus of this overview is on NCPs that, together with collagen, contribute to structural and mechanical properties of bone. Current information on several mechanisms through which some NCPs influence bone's resistance to fracture, including the role of nonenzymatic glycation, is also presented.     

Is Distal Forearm Fracture in Men due to Osteoporosis?

Although widely regarded as a disease of women, osteoporosis does cause considerable morbidity and mortality in men. The lifetime risk of an osteoporortic fracture for a man is 1 in 12 and 30% of all hip fractures occur in men. In women, low-trauma distal forearm fracture is widely regarded as a typical early manifestation of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Traditionally, this has not been thought to be the case for men. We present a case–control study of 147 men with distal forearm fracture compared with 198 age-matched controls. The controls were selected from a pre-existing database of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of healthy volunteers. Both groups were sent questionnaires regarding basic demographics, fracture history and risk factors for osteoporosis, and the fracture group was asked to attend for bone densitometry. There were 103 responses from the fracture group (70%), of whom 67 (47%) underwent densitometry. There were 165 (83%) responses from the control group. Secondary causes of osteoporosis could be identified in 51% of the fracture group and 37% of the control group. The fracture group had significantly lower bone mineral density at all sites measured compared with the controls (0.75 g/cm² vs 0.85 g/cm² at the femoral neck, p<0.0001; 0.95 g/cm² vs 1.03 g/cm² at the total femur, p= 0.001; and 0.99 g/cm² vs 1.06 g/cm² at the lumbar spine, p= 0.001). These differences remained after adjusting for age and body mass index (p<0.0005 at all sites). Overall, 41.8% of the fracture group were osteoporotic in at least one site (T-score <−2.5 SD below the mean for young men) compared with only 10.3% of controls. This study is the first to demonstrate that men with distal forearm fractures have lower bone mineral density than their peers and a higher risk of osteoporosis. Received: 28 November 2001 / Accepted: 19 February 2002     

Osteoporosis in Crisis: It's Time to Focus on Fracture

A crisis in osteoporosis treatment exists; the majority of those who sustain fracture do not receive treatment to reduce future fracture risk. This crisis presents an opportunity to focus the field from osteoporosis to fracture, the outcome of consequence. Proposed here is a change in focus suggesting that 1) attempts to define the level of trauma leading to fracture are counterproductive and that all fractures in older adults merit consideration of evaluation and 2) bone loss is not the entire problem but rather part of a broader syndrome including osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and other factors leading to fracture. With this approach, all fractures in older adults should be evaluated for potential lifestyle, non‐pharmacological, and pharmacological interventions that could be implemented to reduce the risk of fracture recurrence. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Optimizing Screening for Osteoporosis in Patients With Fragility Hip Fracture

Background  

Osteoporosis, the underlying cause of most hip fractures, is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The 2008 Joint Commission report Improving and Measuring Osteoporosis Management showed only an average of 20% of patients with low-impact fracture are ever tested or treated for osteoporosis. We developed an integrated model utilizing hospitalists and orthopaedic surgeons to improve care of osteoporosis in patients with hip fracture.     

微创复位椎体后凸成形治疗重度骨质疏松性脊柱骨折

目的探讨微创复位椎体后凸成形(MIRKP)治疗重度骨质疏松性脊柱骨折的临床疗效。方法11例12个椎体骨质疏松、楔形压缩或爆裂性骨折,经CT、MRI检查后判断椎体后缘骨块突入椎管内的程度及脊髓有无受压后,单侧微创复位恢复椎体高度,另一侧行经皮穿刺,并C型臂X线机定位后注入骨水泥。结果8例Frankel神经分类D级均恢复至E级;Cobb角平均恢复15°;椎管骨块侵占率平均减少21%;平均灌注骨水泥5.2ml。随访平均7.6个月,未发现手术并发症及椎体高度的丢失。结论MIRKP治疗骨质疏松性脊柱骨折安全、有效,对严重骨质疏松性脊柱骨折有很好的疗效。     

Measurement of Bone: Diagnosis of SCI-Induced Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk Prediction

Background:

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with a rapid loss of bone mass, resulting in severe osteoporosis and a 5- to 23-fold increase in fracture risk. Despite the seriousness of fractures in SCI, there are multiple barriers to osteoporosis diagnosis and wide variations in treatment practices for SCI-induced osteoporosis.

Methods:

We review the biological and structural changes that are known to occur in bone after SCI in the context of promoting future research to prevent or reduce risk of fracture in this population. We also review the most commonly used methods for assessing bone after SCI and discuss the strengths, limitations, and clinical applications of each method.

Conclusions:

Although dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessments of bone mineral density may be used clinically to detect changes in bone after SCI, 3-dimensional methods such as quantitative CT analysis are recommended for research applications and are explained in detail.Key words: bone density, finite element analysis, fracture, osteoporosis, QCT, rehabilitation medicine, spinal cord injuryAcute spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with rapid loss of bone mass, resulting in severe osteoporosis and eventual fracture in up to 50% of all affected individuals. Fractures after SCI are associated with high rates of complications, prolonged hospital stay, and diminished quality of life. Given the already high rate of secondary conditions in this population, preventing fractures is an important clinical goal. However, there is currently no standard of care for preventing or treating bone loss after SCI, and there are no validated fracture prediction tools available for assessing risk. This article will review the biological and structural changes that are known to occur in bone after SCI in the context of promoting future research to prevent or reduce risk of fracture in this population. We will also review the most commonly used methods for assessing bone after SCI and discuss the strengths, limitations, and clinical applications of each method.     

骨质疏松症骨折愈合的电子显微镜观察

本文对骨质疏松症患者股骨粗隆间骨折愈合前后,骨折部位的标本作电子显微镜观察,看到在其愈合过程中,早期的组织细胞学变化与普通的骨折愈合无明显差异。在后期,骨质疏松症患者的巨噬细胞破骨活动明显较强,吸收与破坏已形成的胶原纤维,使钙盐沉积受阻,愈合骨的强度下降。这一现象提示,对骨质疏松症骨折愈合缺陷的治疗,也许主要应集中在骨折愈合后期,设法抑制巨噬细胞破骨细胞的活性,保护已形成纤维结构,促进钙盐沉积,顺利完成模造。     

Family History of Appendicular Fracture and Risk of Osteoporosis: A Population-Based Study

Family and twin studies demonstrate a strong genetic component to osteoporosis, suggesting that a positive family history for this disease may be an important clinical risk factor. We have therefore explored the extent to which a history of wrist fracture in a female first-degree relative was associated with an increased risk of prevalent fracture at both appendicular and vertebral sites in a cross-sectional study design. One thousand and three Caucasian women (age range 45–64 years) were studied from a UK population cohort. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Appendicular fractures (wrist and hip) were recorded by questionnaire and validated from radiographs and hospital records. Vertebral fractures were assessed using radiologic survey of the thoracolumbar spine and semi-automated morphometric analysis. A positive family history of osteoporotic fracture (hip and/or wrist) in either a mother and/or sister was reported in 138 of the 1003 women. When compared with those with a negative family history of fracture, BMD was significantly reduced in those with a positive history at both the spine (p = 0.02) and the hip (p = 0.02). In total, there were 63 validated fragility fractures found in the 1003 women (16 wrist, 6 hip and 41 vertebral). Family history of osteoporotic fracture was associated with an increased total risk for osteoporotic fracture, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.02 (1.02, 3.78). Site-specific analysis showed that a positive family history of wrist fracture was associated with a considerably elevated risk of wrist fracture, with an odds ratio of 4.24 (1.44, 12.67). These increases in risk remained after adjustment for BMD, suggesting that other genetic factors account for the familial risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Received: 20 August 1998 / Accepted: 25 January 1999