Exercise vs Conventional Treatment for Treatment of Primary Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

ObjectivePhysical exercise has obvious effects on bone loss, pain relief, and improvement of bone metabolism indexes in patients with osteoporosis, but currently lacks sufficient evidence. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to synthesize and present the best available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of exercises in the treatment of primary osteoporosis.MethodsPublications pertaining to the effectiveness of exercise on bone mineral density (BMD), visual analog scores (VAS), and biochemical markers of bone metabolism in primary osteoporosis (POP) from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, VIP, CNKI, and Wanfang Database were retrieved from their inception to April 2020.ResultsA total of 20 studies with 1824 participants were included. The results of the meta‐analysis revealed that exercise therapy for lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD is statistically different from conventional therapy (lumbar spine BMD: SMD = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.46, 1.10, P < 0.00001, I ² = 85%; femoral neck BMD (SMD = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.34, 1.27, P = 0.0007, I ² = 88%), exercise therapy can significantly increase the lumbar spine BMD of patients with OP, especially in lumbar spine2‐4 BMD (SMD = 0.47; 95%CI: 0.20, 0.75; P = 0.0008; I ² = 69%). Compared with conventional treatment, kinesitherapy also has significant differences in alleviating the pain of POP patients (SMD = −1.39, 95%CI: −2.47,−0.31, P = 0.01, I ² = 97%). Compared with conventional therapy, kinesitherapy has no significant difference in improving biochemical markers of bone metabolism such as bone glaprotein (BGP) (SMD = 2.59, 95%CI:0.90, 4.28, P = 0.003, I ² = 98%), N‐terminal pro peptide of type I procollagen (PINP) (SMD = 0.77, 95%CI: −0.44 to 1.98, P = 0.21, I ² = 95%), serum phosphorus (SMD = 0.04, 95%CI: −0.13, 0.22, P = 0.61, I ² = 30%), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (SMD = −0.08, 95%CI: −0.44, 0.27, P = 0.64, I ² = 76%), and serum calcium (SMD = 0.12, 95%CI: −0.18, 0.43, P = 0.42, I ² = 63%) in POP patients.ConclusionsKinesitherapy significantly improved lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD, and relieve the pain of patients in the current low‐quality evidence. Additional high‐quality evidence is required to confirm the effect of exercise therapy on the biochemical markers of bone metabolism in POP patients.     

Identifying predictors of resilience at inpatient and 3-month post-spinal cord injury

Objectives

To identify (1) changes in psychosocial factors, (2) relationships between psychosocial factors, and (3) significant predictors of resilience in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) during inpatient rehabilitation and at 3-month post-discharge.

Design

Cross sectional with convenience sample based on inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Setting

Inpatient rehabilitation hospital and community-based follow-up.

Participants

Individuals with a SCI.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Outcome measures

Demographic, resilience, self-efficacy for managing a chronic health issue, depression, social roles/activity limitations, and pain.

Results

The final sample consisted of 44 respondents (16 women and 28 men). Results of repeated measure analyses of variance indicated no significant changes in variables between inpatient and 3-month follow-up. Bivariate correlations revealed associations between resilience and self-efficacy at inpatient (r = 0.54, P < 0.001), and resilience and depression (r = −0.69, P < 0.001) and self-efficacy (r = 0.67, P < 0.001) at 3-month follow-up. Hierarchical regression analyses a significant model predicting resilience at inpatient stay (R = 0.61; adjusted R² = 0.24, P = 0.023), and at 3-month follow-up (R = 0.83; adjusted R² = 0.49, P = 0.022). Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor at inpatient stay (β = 0.46, P  =  0.006) and depression was strongest at 3-month follow-up (β = −0.80, P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Results suggest that although resilience appears to be stable from inpatient to 3-month follow-up, different factors are stronger predictors of resilience across time. Based on current results, an assessment of self-efficacy during inpatient rehabilitation and an identification of depression at 3-month follow-up may be important factors to help identify those at risk of health issues overtime.     

To What Degree Do Pain-coping Strategies Affect Joint Stiffness and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Hand Fractures?

Background

Patients with hand fractures often have pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints of the hand, which may lead them to protect their hands, resulting in more stiffness and in delayed recovery. However, the effects of pain-coping strategies and catastrophization (the tendency to expect the worst to occur when pain is present, an approach that can be thought of as the opposite of “coping”) on functional recovery after hand fractures have not been investigated in depth.

Questions/purposes

Are preoperative catastrophization and anxiety in patients with hand fractures associated with (1) decreased grip strength; (2) decreased range of motion; and (3) increased disability at 3 and 6 months after surgical treatment for a hand fracture? Secondarily, we asked if there are other patient and injury factors that are associated with these outcomes at 3 and 6 months.

Methods

A total of 93 patients with surgically treated hand fractures were enrolled in this prospective study. Preoperative assessments measured coping strategies evaluated by measuring catastrophic thinking with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and pain anxiety with the Pain Anxiety Symptom Scale. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, grip strength, total active range of motion, and disability (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score) were assessed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify patient demographic, injury, and coping skills factors that accounted for outcomes of strength, motion, and disability.

Results

Decreased grip strength was associated with catastrophic thinking (beta = −1.29 [95% confidence interval, −1.67 to −0.89], partial R² = 11%, p < 0.001) and anxiety (beta = −0.83 [−1.16 to −0.50], partial R² = 7%, p = 0.007) at 3 months, but by 6 months, only anxiety (beta = −0.74 [−1.04 to −0.44], partial R² = 7%, p = 0.010) remained an important factor. Decreased total active range of motion was associated with pain catastrophizing (beta = −0.63 [−0.90 to −0.36], partial R² = 6 %, p = 0.024) and anxiety (beta = −0.28 [−0.42 to −0.14], partial R² = 3%, p = 0.035) at 3 months but not at 6 months. Similarly, increased disability was associated with pain catastrophizing (beta = 1.09 [1.39–0.79], partial R² = 12%, p < 0.001) and anxiety (beta = 0.93 [1.21–0.65], partial R² = 11%, p = 0.001) at 3 months; these factors failed to be associated for 6-month outcomes.

Conclusions

Preoperative poor coping skills as measured by high catastrophization and anxiety were associated with a weaker grip strength, decreased range of motion, and increased disability after surgical treatment for a hand fracture at 3 months. However, poor coping skills did not show persistent effects beyond 6 months. More research may be needed to show interventions to improve coping skills will enhance treatment outcome in patients after acute hand fractures.

Level of Evidence

Level III, prognostic study.     

Natural Polyphenols Enhance Stability of Crosslinked UHMWPE for Joint Implants

Background

Radiation-crosslinked UHMWPE has been used for joint implants since the 1990s. Postirradiation remelting enhances oxidative stability, but with some loss in strength and toughness. Vitamin E-stabilized crosslinked UHMWPE has shown improved strength and stability as compared with irradiated and remelted UHMWPE. With more active phenolic hydroxyl groups, natural polyphenols are widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries as potent stabilizers and could be useful for oxidative stability in crosslinked UHMWPE.

Questions/purposes

We asked whether UHMWPE blended with polyphenols would (1) show higher oxidation resistance after radiation crosslinking; (2) preserve the mechanical properties of UHMWPE after accelerated aging; and (3) alter the wear resistance of radiation-crosslinked UHMWPE.

Methods

The polyphenols, gallic acid and dodecyl gallate, were blended with medical-grade UHMWPE followed by consolidation and electron beam irradiation at 100 kGy. Radiation-crosslinked virgin and vitamin E-blended UHMWPEs were used as reference materials. The UHMWPEs were aged at 120 °C in air with oxidation levels analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. Tensile (n = 5 per group) and impact (n = 3 per group) properties before and after aging as per ASTM F2003 were evaluated. The wear rates were examined by pin-on-disc testing (n = 3 per group). The data were reported as mean ± SDs. Statistical analysis was performed by using Student’s t-test for a two-tailed distribution with unequal variance for tensile and impact data obtained with n ≥ 3. A significant difference is defined with p < 0.05.

Results

The oxidation induction time of 100 kGy UHMWPE was prolonged to 144 hours with 0.05 wt% dodecyl gallate and 192 hours with 0.05 wt% gallic acid compared with 48 hours for 0.05 wt% vitamin E-blended UHMWPE. Accelerated aging of these polyphenol-blended UHMWPEs resulted in ultimate tensile strength of 50.4 ± 1.4 MPa and impact strength of 53 ± 5 kJ/m² for 100 kGy-irradiated UHMWPE with 0.05 wt% dodecyl gallate, for example, in comparison to 51.2 ± 0.7 MPa (p = 0.75) and 58 ± 5 kJ/m² (p = 0.29) before aging. The pin-on-disc wear rates of 100 kGy-irradiated UHMWPE with 0.05 wt% dodecyl gallate and 0.05 wt% gallic acid were 2.29 ± 0.31 and 1.65 ± 0.32 mg/million cycles, comparable to 1.68 ± 0.25 and 2.05 ± 0.22 mg/million cycles for 100 kGy-irradiated virgin and 0.05 wt% vitamin E-blended UHMWPE.

Conclusions

Based on the sample numbers tested in this study, polyphenols appear to effectively enhance the oxidation stability without altering the mechanical properties or pin-on-disc wear rate of radiation-crosslinked UHMWPE.

Clinical Relevance

Crosslinked UHMWPE with natural polyphenols with improved oxidative stability and low wear may find clinical application in joint implants.     

Intersecting stigma and HIV testing practices among urban refugee adolescents and youth in Kampala,Uganda: qualitative findings

IntroductionHIV‐related risks may be exacerbated in humanitarian contexts. Uganda hosts 1.3 million refugees, of which 60% are aged under 18. There are knowledge gaps regarding HIV testing facilitators and barriers, including HIV and intersecting stigmas, among urban refugee youth. In response, we explored experiences and perspectives towards HIV testing strategies, including HIV self‐testing, with urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda.MethodsWe implemented a qualitative study with refugee cisgender youth aged 16 to 24 living in Kampala''s informal settlements from February‐April 2019. We conducted five focus groups with refugee youth, including two with adolescent boys and young men, two with adolescent girls and young women and one with female sex workers. We also conducted five key informant (KI) interviews with government, non‐government and community refugee agencies and HIV service providers. We conducted thematic analyses to understand HIV testing experiences, perspectives and recommendations.ResultsParticipants (n = 49) included young men (n = 17) and young women (n = 27) originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] (n = 29), Rwanda (n = 11), Burundi (n = 3) and Sudan (n = 1), in addition to five KI (gender: n = 3 women, n = 2 men; country of origin: n = 2 Rwanda, n = 2 Uganda, n = 1 DRC). Participant narratives revealed stigma drivers included fear of HIV infection; misinformation that HIV is a “Ugandan disease”; and blame and shame for sexual activity. Stigma facilitators included legal precarity regarding sex work, same‐sex practices and immigration status, alongside healthcare mistreatment and confidentiality concerns. Stigma experiences were attributed to the social devaluation of intersecting identities (sex work, youth, refugees, sexual minorities, people living with HIV, women). Participants expressed high interest in HIV self‐testing. They recommended HIV self‐testing implementation strategies to be peer supported and expressed concerns regarding sexual‐ and gender‐based violence with partner testing.ConclusionsIntersecting stigma rooted in fear, misinformation, blame and shame, legal precarity and healthcare mistreatment constrain current HIV testing strategies with urban refugee youth. Findings align with the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework that conceptualizes stigma drivers and facilitators that devalue intersecting health conditions and social identities. Findings can inform multi‐level strategies to foster enabling HIV testing environments with urban refugee youth, including tackling intersecting stigma and leveraging refugee youth peer support.     

A Comparison of the Efficacy of Various Antioxidants on the Oxidative Stability of Irradiated Polyethylene

Background

Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is subjected to radiation crosslinking to form highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE), which has improved wear resistance. First-generation HXLPE was subjected to thermal treatment to reduce or quench free radicals that can induce long-term oxidative degeneration. Most recently, antioxidants have been added to HXLPE to induce oxidative resistance rather than by thermal treatment. However, antioxidants can interfere with the efficiency of radiation crosslinking.

Questions/purposes

We sought to identify (1) which antioxidant from among those tested (vitamin E, β-carotene, butylated hydroxytoluene, or pentaerythritol tetrakis [methylene-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate]) causes the least reduction of crosslinking; (2) which promotes the greatest oxidative stability; and (3) which had the lowest ratio of oxidation index to crosslink density.

Methods

Medical-grade polyethylene (PE) resin was blended with 0.1 weight % of the following stabilizers: alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), β-carotene, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and pentaerythritol tetrakis [methylene-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate] (a hindered phenol antioxidant [HPAO]). These blends were compression-molded into sheets and subjected to electron beam irradiation to a dose of 100 kGy. Equilibrium swelling experiments were conducted to calculate crosslink density. Each PE was subjected to accelerated aging for a period of 2 weeks and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to measure the maximum oxidation. Statistical analysis was conducted using analysis of variance with Fisher’s protected least significant difference in which a p value of < 0.05 was used to define a significant difference.

Results

The least reduction of crosslinking in antioxidant-containing HXLPE was observed with HPAO, which had a crosslink density (n = 6) of 0.167 (effect size [ES] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.162–0.173) mol/dm³ compared with 0.139 (ES = 1.57; 95% CI, 0.132–0.146) mol/dm³ (p = 0.020) for BHT, 0.131 (ES = 1.77; 95% CI, 0.123–0.139) mol/dm³ (p = 0.004) for β-carotene, and 0.130 (ES = 1.79; 95% CI, 0.124–0.136) mol/dm³ (p = 0.003) for vitamin E, whereas pure HXLPE had a crosslink density of 0.203 (95% CI, 0.170–0.235) mol/dm³ (p = 0.005). BHT-PE had an oxidation index of 0.21 (ES = 13.14; 95% CI, 0.19–0.22) followed by HPAO-PE, vitamin E-PE and β-carotene-PE, which had oxidation indices of 0.28 (ES = 9.68; 95% CI, 0.28–0.29), 0.29 (ES = 9.59; 95% CI, 0.27–0.30), and 0.35 (ES = 6.68; 95% CI, 0.34–0.37), respectively (p < 0.001 for all groups). BHT-PE had the lowest ratio of oxidation index to crosslink density of the materials tested (1.49, ES = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.32–1.66) followed by HPAO-PE (1.70, ES = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.61–1.80), vitamin E-PE (2.21, ES = 0.52; 95% CI, 2.05–2.38), and β-carotene-PE (2.69, ES = -0.43; 95% CI, 2.46–2.93) compared with control PE (2.47, 95% CI, 2.07–2.88) with β-carotene (p = 0.208) and vitamin E (p = 0.129) not being different from the control.

Conclusions

BHT-modified HXLPE was found in this study to have the lowest oxidation index as well as the lowest ratio of oxidation index to crosslink density compared with vitamin E, HPAO, and β-carotene-modified HXLPEs. More comprehensive studies are required such as wear testing using joint simulators as well as biocompatibility studies before BHT-modified HXLPE can be considered for clinical use.

Clinical Relevance

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant commonly used in the polymer industry to prevent long-term oxidative degradation and has been approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics and foodstuffs. It may be an attractive potential stabilizer for HXLPE in total joint replacements.     

Long-term impacts of different posterior operations on curvature,neurological recovery and axial symptoms for multilevel cervical degenerative myelopathy

Purpose

To investigate the long-term impacts of different posterior operations on curvature, neurological improvement and axial symptoms for multilevel cervical degenerative myelopathy (CDM), and to study the relationship among loss of cervical lordosis, recovery rate and axial symptom severity.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 98 patients with multilevel CDM who had undergone laminoplasty (Group LP, 36 patients), laminectomy (Group LC, 30 patients), or laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation (Group LCS, 32 patients) between January 2000 and January 2005. Loss of curvature index (CI) was measured according to the preoperative and final follow-up radiographic parameters. The recovery rate was calculated based on the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. Axial symptom severity was quantified by Neck Disability Index (NDI).

Results

Analysis of final follow-up data showed significant differences among the three groups regarding loss of CI (F = 41.46, P < 0.001) between preoperative and final follow-up JOA scores (P < 0.001), final follow-up JOA score (F = 7.81, P < 0.001), recovery rate (F = 12.98, P < 0.001) and axial symptom severity (χ² = 18.04, P < 0.001). Loss of CI showed negative association with neurological recovery (r = −0.555, P < 0.001) and positive correlation with axial symptom severity (r = 0.696, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Excellent neurological improvement was obtained by LP and LCS for patients with multilevel CDM, while loss of CI in groups LP and LC caused a high incidence of axial symptoms. Loss of CI was correlated with poor neurological recovery and axial symptom severity. Lateral mass screw fixation can effectively prevent loss of postoperative cervical curvature and reduce incidence of axial symptoms.     

Titanium elastic nail in femur fractures as an alternative to spica cast in preschoolers

Purpose

Titanium elastic nail (TEN) as an alternative to traction and spica cast in preschool children has not been widely studied for its safety and effectiveness.

Methods

A cohort of 59 children with 59 fractures (non-pathological; not involving condyles or cervicotrochanteric area) were retrospectively examined. Their mean age was 4.5 ± 0.9 years and their mean weight was 14.5 ± 3.7 kg. All but five were closed (21 transverse, 19 oblique and 19 spiral). Thirty-five were caused by motor vehicle accidents and 24 by falls. There were six upper third, 27 upper-middle junction, 14 middle third, seven lower-middle junction, and five lower third fractures.

Results

The mean follow-up was 41.8 ± 4.3 months, the mean hospital stay was 1.3 ± 0.87 days, and the mean time to nail removal was 20.3 ± 10.2 weeks. The mean time to union was 7.6 ± 1.5 weeks. Union was significantly correlated to age (p = 0.000) and fracture shape (p = 0.005), but not to the fracture level, nature, or mechanism. Shortening of ≥1.0 cm occurred in two cases (3.4 %), with an overall mean of 0.06 ± 0.21 cm. Shortening was significantly correlated to the fracture shape (p = 0.020), but not to the level. Overgrowth of ≥1 cm occurred in seven cases (11.9 %), with an overall mean of 0.22 ± 0.41 cm. Overgrowth was insignificantly correlated to the fracture level and shape. Frontal angulation of 5–9º occurred in six cases (10.2 %) and sagittal angulation of 3–7º occurred in seven cases (11.9 %). A rotational deformity of 10º occurred in two cases (3.4 %). Five cases had a painful nail end (8.5 %) and exteriorization with superficial infection occurred in two cases (3.4 %).

Conclusion

TEN is a dependable, safe, and cost-effective alternative to traction and cast in preschool children.     

Validation of Porcine Knee as a Sex-specific Model to Study Human Anterior Cruciate Ligament Disorders

Background

Animal models have long been considered an important modality for studying ACL injuries. However, to our knowledge, the value of these preclinical models to study sex-related phenomena associated with ACL injury and recovery has not been evaluated.

Questions/purposes

We asked whether (1) prominent anatomic and (2) biomechanical factors differ between female and male porcine knees, particularly those known to increase the risk of ACL injury.

Methods

Eighteen intact minipig knees (nine males, nine females) underwent MRI to determine the femoral bicondylar width, intercondylar notch size (width, area and index), medial and lateral tibial slope, ACL size (length, cross-sectional area, and volume), and medial compartment tibiofemoral cartilage thickness. AP knee laxity at 30°, 60°, and 90° flexion and ACL tensile structural properties were measured using custom-designed loading fixtures in a universal tensile testing apparatus. Comparisons between males and females were performed for all anatomic and biomechanical measures. The findings then were compared with published data from human knees.

Results

Female pigs had smaller bicondylar widths (2.9 mm, ratio = 0.93, effect size = −1.5) and intercondylar notches (width: 2.0 mm, ratio = 0.79, effect size = −2.8; area: 30.8 mm², ratio = 0.76, effect size = −2.1; index: 0.4, ratio = 0.84, effect size = −2.0), steeper lateral tibial slope (4.3°, ratio = 1.13, effect size = 1.1), smaller ACL (length: 2.7 mm, ratio = 0.91, effect size = −1.1; area: 6.8 mm², ratio = 0.74, effect size = −1.5; volume: 266.2 mm³, ratio = 0.68, effect size = −1.5), thinner medial femoral cartilage (0.4 mm, ratio = 0.8, effect size = −1.1), lower ACL yield load (275 N, ratio = 0.81, effect size = −1.1), and greater AP knee laxity at 30° (0.7 mm, ratio = 1.32, effect size = 1.1) and 90° (0.5 mm, ratio = 1.24, effect size = 1.1) flexion compared with their male counterparts. These differences were significant for all parameters (p ≤ 0.04). Observed sex-related differences were similar to those reported for the human knee.

Conclusions

Significant differences exist between knees of male and female pigs with respect to prominent anatomic and biomechanical factors. Our findings strongly agreed with published data regarding human knees.

Clinical Relevance

The findings highlight the use of the porcine large animal model to study the role of sex on ACL injuries and surgical outcome. This validated preclinical model may facilitate the development of novel, sex-specific interventions to prevent and treat ACL injuries for male and female patients.     

Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in Swiss teenagers with appendicular fractures: a prospective study of 100 cases

Background

The significance of subclinical vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of fractures in children and adolescents currently remains unclear.

Objective

We aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and its effect on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) values in a collective of Swiss Caucasian children with a first episode of appendicular fracture.

Design and methods

One hundred teenagers with a first episode of appendicular fracture [50 upper limb fractures (group 1) and 50 lower limb fractures (group 2)] and 50 healthy controls (group 3) were recruited into a cross-sectional study. The BMC and BMD values were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was assessed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays.

Results

From the 100 injured teenagers in the study, 12 % had deficient vitamin D levels (<20 ng/mL; <50 nmol/L) and 36 % had insufficient levels (≥20 <30 ng/mL; ≥50 <78 nmol/L), whereas 6 and 34 % of healthy controls were, respectively, vitamin D deficient and insufficient. There were no significant differences for serum 25(OH)D levels, L2–L4 BMD Z-score, and L2–L4 BMC Z-score variables (p = 0.216) between the three groups nor for the calcaneal BMD Z-score variables (p = 0.278) between healthy controls and lower limb fracture victims. Investigations on the influences of serum 25(OH)D on BMD and BMC showed no correlation between serum 25(OH)D and L2–L4 BMD Z-scores (r = −0.15; p = 0.135), whereas low but significant inverse correlations were, surprisingly, detected between serum 25(OH)D and calcaneal BMD Z-scores (r = −0.21; p = 0.034) and between serum 25(OH)D and L2–L4 BMC Z-scores (r = −0.22; p = 0.029).

Conclusions

A significant proportion of Swiss Caucasian teenagers were vitamin D insufficient, independent of limb fracture status, in our study. However, this study failed to show an influence of low vitamin D status on BMD and/or BMC of the lumbar spine and heel.     

Spine stabilisation exercises in the treatment of chronic low back pain: a good clinical outcome is not associated with improved abdominal muscle function

Introduction

Various studies have shown that spine stabilisation exercise therapy elicits improvements in symptoms/disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (cLBP). However, few have corroborated the intended mechanism of action by examining whether clinical improvements (1) are greater in patients with functional deficits of the targeted muscles and (2) correlate with post-treatment improvements in abdominal muscle function.

Methods

Pre and directly after 9 weeks’ therapy, 32 cLBP patients (44.0 ± 12.3 years) rated their LBP intensity (0–10) and disability (0–24, Roland–Morris; RM) and completed psychological questionnaires. At the same timepoints, the voluntary activation of transversus abdominis (TrA), obliquus internus and obliquus externus during “abdominal-hollowing” and the anticipatory (“feedforward”) activation of these muscles during rapid arm movements were measured using M-mode ultrasound with tissue Doppler imaging.

Results

Pre-therapy to post-therapy, RM decreased from 8.9 ± 4.7 to 6.7 ± 4.3, and average pain, from 4.7 ± 1.7 to 3.5 ± 2.3 (each P < 0.01). The ability to voluntarily activate TrA increased by 4.5% (P = 0.045) whilst the anticipatory activation of the lateral abdominal muscles showed no significant change (P > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the change in RM scores after therapy and either baseline values for voluntary (r = 0.24, P = 0.20) or anticipatory activation (r = 0.04, P = 0.84), or their changes after therapy (voluntary, r = 0.08, P = 0.66; anticipatory, r = 0.16, P = 0.40). In multiple regression, only a reduction in catastrophising (P = 0.0003) and in fingertip–floor distance (P = 0.0006) made unique contributions to explaining the variance in the reduction in RM scores.

Conclusion

Neither baseline lateral abdominal muscle function nor its improvement after a programme of stabilisation exercises was a statistical predictor of a good clinical outcome. It is hence difficult to attribute the therapeutic result to any specific effects of the exercises on these trunk muscles. The association between changes in catastrophising and outcome serves to encourage further investigation on larger groups of patients to clarify whether stabilisation exercises have some sort of “central” effect, unrelated to abdominal muscle function per se.     

The relationship between the postprandial lipemic response and lipid composition in persons with spinal cord injury

Objective

To determine the influence of lipid concentration, lipid particle size, and total abdominal fat (TAF) on postprandial lipemic response (PPLr) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Thirty-five persons with SCI (17 paraplegia, 18 tetraplegia) and 18 able-bodied (AB) individuals participated. Following a 10-hour fast, blood was drawn for lipids, apolipoprotein (apo) A1 and B concentrations, and low-density (LSP) and high-density (HSP) lipoprotein particle sizes. A high-fat milkshake was consumed (∼1.3 g fat/kg). Blood was drawn at 2, 4, and 6 hours to determine PPLr, (triglyceride (TG) area under the curve). TAF and visceral (VF) fat were measured by ultrasonography; total body fat (TBF) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Differences between the groups were determined by independent sample t-tests. Pearson correlation coefficients determined the relationship among PPLr and lipids, and TAF.

Results

There were no significant differences in fasting TG, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apoB, TAF, or PPLr values between the groups. In SCI, PPLr significantly correlated with: apoB (r = 0.63, P < 0.01, LSP (r = 0.57, P < 0.01), and TAF (r = 0.36, P < 0.01). After controlling for age and duration of injury, PPLr significantly correlated with apoB (r = 0.66, P = 0.001), TBF (r = 0.45, P = 0.03), VF (r = 0.66, P = 0.02), and TAF (r = 0.56, P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Although concentrations of LDL cholesterol and apoB were not different between SCI and AB groups, LSP, apoB, and TAF correlated with PPLr in persons with SCI. ApoB was associated with a greater PPLr in those with motor complete SCI, after controlling for age and duration of injury.     

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Spine,Shoulder, Hand,Hip, and Knee Osteoarthritis in Community-dwelling Koreans Older Than Age 65 Years

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is common and disabling among older patients around the world. Data exploring the prevalence and risk factors of OA are of paramount importance in establishing healthcare policies. However, few studies have evaluated these topics among Asian populations.

Questions/purposes

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of radiographic OA in the spine, shoulder, hand, hip, and knee in Koreans older than age 65 years.

Methods

A simple random sample (N = 1118) was drawn from a roster of elderly individuals older than age 65 years in Seongnam. Of the 1118 invited subjects, 696 (males = 298, females = 398) participated in this study (a response rate of 62%). The mean age of respondents was 72 ± 5 years (range, 65–91 years). Radiographs of the lumbar spine, shoulder, hand, hip, and knee were taken and afterward evaluated for radiographic OA. The Kellgren-Lawrence grading system was used for all mentioned joints, and radiographic OA was defined as Grade 2 changes or higher. The association of sex, aging, and obesity with OA in each of the mentioned joints was determined with the help of multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The highest prevalence of radiographic OA was seen in the spine (number of subjects with OA/number of whole population = 462 of 696 [66%]) followed by the hand (415 of 692 [60%]), knee (265 of 696 [38%]), shoulder (36 of 696 [5%]), and hip (15 of 686 [2%]). Female sex was associated with knee OA (odds ratio [OR], 5.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9–8.4; p < 0.001) and hand OA (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.6–3.1; p < 0.001), and male sex was associated with spine OA (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–1.0; p = 0.025). Aging was associated with radiographic OA in the spine, knee, and hand (OR per 5-year increments, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.1–1.6; p = 0.001], 1.6 [95% CI, 1.4–1.9; p < 0.001], and 1.4 [95% CI, 1.2–1.7; p < 0.001]), respectively) but not associated with OA in the hip and shoulder. Obesity was associated with knee OA (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.4–5.0; p < 0.001) and spine OA (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.2; p = 0.014) but not with OA in other joints.

Conclusions

OA of the spine, hand, and knee is likely to become a major public health problem rather than shoulder and hip OA in Korea. Associations of demographic factors with radiographic OA differed among each joint, and that would be valuable information to assess the role and influence of risk factors of OA in various joints.

Level of Evidence

Level III, prognostic study.     

Effect of Age on the Patterns of Traumatic Femoral Fractures: Seven Years of Experience at a Regional Tertiary Hospital

ObjectiveFemoral fractures are a common cause of mortality and functional loss, mainly among older people, and there are few studies about the age in relation to traumatic femoral fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age on the patterns of traumatic femoral fractures in patients presenting to our regional tertiary hospital.MethodsThe records of 2020 patients who presented with traumatic femoral fractures between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients'' clinical and radiographic records were reviewed. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify independent risk factors for associated injuries and complications.ResultsThe patients were divided into a child group (CH group, n = 342) aged under 18 years, a young adult group (YA group, n = 484) aged 18–60 years, and an older people group (OP group, n = 1194) aged 60 years and over. There were significant differences among the three groups in several indexes, such as sex ratio (χ ² = 301.699, p < 0.001), osteoporosis (χ ² = 375.463, p < 0.001), injury time of day (χ ² = 114.913, p < 0.001), injury cause (χ ² = 748.187, p < 0.001), injury location (χ ² = 490.153, p < 0.001), fracture side (χ ² = 57.000, p < 0.001), fracture site (χ ² = 806.650, p < 0.001), associated injuries (χ ² = 322.921, p < 0.001), coma after injury (χ ² = 147.814, p < 0.001), non‐surgery‐related complications (χ ² = 7.895, p = 0.019), and surgery‐related complications (χ ² = 82.186, p < 0.001). The YA group had a significantly higher percentage of patients with surgery‐related complications than the OP group. The OP group had a higher frequency of non‐surgery‐related complications than the YA group and CH group. The most common non‐surgery‐related complications were pneumonia (7.1%) in the OP group and deep venous thrombosis (6.4%) in the YA group. Multivariable logistic regression showed that young adults, high‐energy injury, outdoors, coma after injury, and fracture sites except for the proximal region were independent risk factors for associated injuries. Older age, male, and fracture site except for the proximal region were independent risk factors for complications.ConclusionsTraumatic femoral fractures are mostly the result of low‐energy trauma and predominantly affect the proximal site of the femur among older people. A higher rate of shaft fractures, fractures occurring outdoors, and associated injuries were observed among young adults and children than among older people.     

Denosumab Can Prevent Collapse in Patients with Early‐Stage Steroid‐Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head by Inhibiting Osteoclasts and Autophagy

ObjectiveThe osteoclastic bone resorption inhibitors might have positive effect in preventing femoral head collapse in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, as a novel osteoclastic inhibitor, whether denosumab can prevent collapse in steroid‐induced ONFH remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the treatment effect of denosumab and the potential protective mechanism.MethodsThis was a retrospective study. A total of 161 patients with steroid‐induced ONFH who underwent denosumab treatment were reviewed, and 209 untreated patients were selected as controls. Their clinical characteristics and radiological exam results were obtained. Patients were treated with 60 mg denosumab every 6 months for 2 years. The primary outcome was the incidence of femoral head collapse at 2 years after the initial diagnosis of ONFH. Secondary outcomes included the Harris hip score, progression of osteosclerosis, increase in necrotic area, bone marrow oedema relief, and bone mineral density increase in the femoral head. The Mann–Whitney U test and chi‐square tests were performed to identify the differences between the continuous and categorical variables, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression model was built to identify the factors associated with the treatment effect of denosumab.ResultsThe incidence of femoral head collapse was 42.24% (68/161) in the denosumab group and 54.07% (113/209) in the control group (χ ² = 5.094, p = 0.024; relative risk = 0.787, 95% CI = 0.627–0.973). The excellent‐good rates of the Harris hip score were 63.98% (103/161) in the denosumab group and 44.98% (94/209) in the control group (χ ² = 13.186, p < 0.001). The incidence of osteosclerosis progression in the denosumab group was 55.28% (89/161), which was significantly higher than that in the control group (43.54%, 91/209, χ ² = 5.016, p = 0.025). Meanwhile, a significant increase in bone mineral density was identified in 29.19% (47/161) and 7.18% (15/209) of patients in the denosumab and control groups, respectively (χ ² = 31.600, p < 0.001). The osteoclastic cytoplasm expression of LC3‐II was more positive in the control group than in the denosumab group (immunohistochemistry scoring: 3.58 ± 2.27 vs 6.33 ± 2.64, Z = −2.684, p = 0.007). A total of three independent factors were considered to be associated with the positive treatment effect of denosumab, the time of first denosumab administration (OR = 2.010, 95% CI = 1.272–3.177), osteosclerosis (OR = 1.583, 95% CI = 1.024–2.445), and the necrotic area before denosumab administration (medium necrotic area: OR = 2.084, 95% CI = 1.245–3.487; large necrotic area: OR = 2.211, 95% CI = 1.255–3.893).ConclusionsThe current study demonstrated that denosumab had a positive effect on preventing femoral head collapse in patients with steroid ONFH. This effect might be closely associated with the inhibition of osteoclasts and their autophagy.     

Biomechanical Study of Intramedullary Versus Extramedullary Implants for Four Types of Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture

ObjectivesTo compare the biomechanical performance of proximal femoral nail anti‐rotation (PFNA), the “upside‐down” less invasive plating system (LISS), and proximal femoral locking plate (PFLP) in fixing different fracture models of subtrochanteric fractures.MethodsThirty composite femurs were divided into three equal groups (PFNA, PFLP, and reverse LISS). The implant‐femur constructs were tested under axial compression load (0–1400 N) from models I to IV, which represented the Seinsheimer type I subtrochanteric fracture, type IIIa subtrochanteric fracture with the posteromedial fragment reduced; type IIIa subtrochanteric fracture with the posteromedial fragment lost; and type IV subtrochanteric fracture, respectively. Axial stiffness was analyzed for each group. Each group was then divided into two subgroups, one of which underwent torsional and axial compression failure testing, while the other subgroup underwent axial compression fatigue testing. The torsional stiffness, failure load, and cycles to failure were analyzed.ResultsPFNA had the highest axial stiffness (F = 761.265, p < 0.0001) and failure load (F = 48.801, p < 0.0001) in model IV. The axial stiffness and failure load of the PFLP were significantly higher than those of the LISS (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001). However, no significant difference in axial stiffness was found between models I to III (model I: F = 2.439, p = 0.106; model II: F = 2.745, p = 0.082; model III: F = 0.852, p = 0.438) or torsional stiffness in model IV (F = 1.784, p = 0.187). In fatigue testing, PFNA did not suffer from construct failure after 90,000 cycles of axial compression. PFLP and LISS were damaged within 14,000 cycles, although LISS withstood more cycles than PFLP (t = 3.328, p = 0.01).ConclusionThe axial stiffness of the three implants was similar in models I to III. The biomechanical properties of PFNA were the best of the three implants in terms of axial stiffness, failure load, and fatigue testing cycles in model IV. The axial stiffness and failure load of the PFLP were better than those of the reverse LISS, but PFLP had fewer cycles in the fatigue tests than the reverse LISS.     

Physical exercise is associated with better fat mass distribution and lower insulin resistance in spinal cord injured individuals

Objectives

The aim of the study was to compare total and regional body composition and their relationship with glucose homeostasis in physically active and non-active individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (c-SCI).

Methods

Individuals with lesion level between C5–C7 were divided into two groups: physically active (PA; n = 14; who practiced physical exercise for at least 3 months, three times per week or more, minimum of 150 minutes/week): and non-physically active (N-PA n = 8). Total fat mass (t-FM) and regional fat mass (r-FM) were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasting plasma insulin (FPI) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

PA group present lower (P < 0.01) total fat mass (t-FM), % and kg, regional fat mass (r-FM), % and kg, FPI levels and HOMA index, while they had higher (P < 0.001) total free fat mass (t-FFM), %, and regional free fat mass (r-FFM), %, compared to the N-PA group. In the N-PA group, FPI and HOMA index were negatively (P < 0.05) correlated with FFM% (r = −0.71, −0.69, respectively) and positively correlated to trunk-FM (r = 0.71, 0.69, respectively) and trunk-FM:t-FM (kg) ratio (r = 0.83, 0.79, respectively).

Conclusion

Physical exercise is associated with lower t-FM, r-FM, and insulin resistance, which could contribute to the decrease of the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions in individuals with c-SCI.     

Are There Sex-dependent Differences in Acetabular Dysplasia Characteristics?

BackgroundMany patients who undergo periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia experience decreased pain and improved function, yet some experience inadequate clinical improvement. The etiologies of treatment failure have not been completely defined, and sex-dependent disease characteristics that may be associated with less pain relief are not understood.Question/purposesWe sought to determine whether there were clinically important sex-specific differences between male and female patients undergoing PAO for acetabular dysplasia in terms of (1) clinical parameters (anthropomorphic traits and hip scores), (2) radiographic findings, and (3) intraoperative findings at the time of PAO, in particular findings potentially associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) such as chondromalacia at the head-neck junction, impingement trough, or reduced head-neck offset.MethodsBetween 2007 and 2012 we treated 245 patients (270 hips) with a PAO for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia. Of those, 16 patients (16 hips; 6%) had insufficient documentation for review in the medical record and another 49 patients (51 hips; 19%) met prespecified exclusion criteria, leaving 180 patients (203 hips; 75%) for analysis in this retrospective study. One hundred thirty-nine patients were females and 41 were males. Clinical data including patient demographics, physical examination, patient self-reported outcome scores, radiographic morphologic features, and intraoperative findings were collected prospectively as part of an institutional registry. Statistical analysis was performed with univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsMean age was similar among sexes; however, BMI was greater in males compared with females (26 versus 24 kg/m²; p = 0.002). Males had less hip ROM including internal rotation at 90° flexion (14° ± 13.8° versus 25° ± 16.2°; p = 0.001). Males had higher preoperative UCLA (7 ± 2, versus 6 ± 2; p = 0.02) and Harris hip scores (63 ± 15 versus 58 ± 16; p = 0.04). Radiographically, a crossover sign (88% versus 39%; p < 0.001) and posterior wall sign (92% versus 63%; p < 0.001) were more common in males. Males had greater alpha angles on the frog lateral (63° ± 15.3° versus 58° ± 16°; p = 0.04) and Dunn radiograph views (64° ± 15.5° versus 56° ± 14.8°; p = 0.02). The incidence of femoral head-neck chondromalacia (62% versus 82%; p = 0.03) and an impingement trough observed at surgery was greater in males (35% versus 17%; p = 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed differences between the sexes for reduced internal rotation in flexion, a higher Dunn alpha angle, increased incidence of a crossover sign, and a lower anterior center-edge angle.ConclusionsThere are sex-dependent, disease characteristic differences in patients with symptomatic acetabular dysplasia. Most notably, male patients have a greater prevalence of clinical, radiographic, and intraarticular findings consistent with concurrent FAI and instability and potentially a heightened risk of secondary FAI after PAO, however postoperative and long-term followup are needed to confirm these findings and it remains unclear which patients need surgical correction of the impingement and instability. Preoperative evaluation of acetabular dysplasia in males should at least include careful attention to factors associated with symptomatic FAI; however, further studies are needed to determine when surgical correction is needed.

Level of Evidence

Level III, therapeutic study.