Bone Health Assessment Research Articles

Bone Mineral Density, C-Terminal Telopeptide of Type I Collagen, and Osteocalcin as Monitoring Parameters of Bone Remodeling in CML Patients Undergoing Imatinib Therapy: A Basic Science and Clinical Review

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is one of the most commonly found types of myeloproliferative neoplasms, characterized by increased proliferation of granulocytic cells without losing their differentiation ability. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), can be effectively used as therapy for CML. However, Imatinib can affect bone turnover thus having clinical implications on the bones of CML patients undergoing long-term Imatinib therapy. However, parameters that can accurately describe the bone condition in CML patients receiving Imatinib still need further study. A combination of imaging techniques such as bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover activity markers such as C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1) and osteocalcin has the potential to be used as monitoring parameters for bone density abnormalities in CML patients receiving Imatinib. Objectives: This article explains the rationale for using BMD, CTX-1, and osteocalcin as monitoring parameters of bone remodeling in CML patients receiving Imatinib. Results: First, the physiological process of bone turnover will be explained. Then, we describe the role of tyrosine kinase in bone metabolism. Next, the impact of Imatinib on BMD, CTX-1, and osteocalcin will be explained. Conclusion: The assessment of bone health of CML patients on Imatinib should include both BMD tests and bone turnover marker assays such as CTX-1 and osteocalcin.

Intact Parathyroid Hormone (iPTH) Assay: An Early Approach for Bone Health Assessment in Chronic Renal Failure

Intact Parathyroid Hormone (iPTH) Assay: An Early Approach for Bone Health Assessment in Chronic Renal Failure

Predictive Diagnostic Model for Early Osteoporosis Detection Using Deep Learning and Multimodal Imaging Data: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Osteoporosis is a common condition that weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures. Early detection is crucial for preventing fractures and improving patients’ quality of life. However, traditional methods, such as Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), often struggle to accurately predict fracture risk and may overlook minor changes in bone structure. This study focuses on developing a predictive model for early osteoporosis detection using deep learning algorithms combined with various imaging techniques, including MRI, CT, and High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT). A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 2014 and 2024 were conducted, examining the use of deep learning models applied to multimodal imaging data. The meta-analysis highlighted differences in the accuracy and effectiveness of various models, and their performance was measured in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, following PRISMA guidelines. The results showed that deep learning models outperformed traditional methods in early osteoporosis detection. The use of multiple imaging techniques provided a more detailed assessment of bone health, allowing the models to identify complex patterns that are difficult for human interpretation. These models demonstrated high accuracy and significant potential for improving clinical decision-making. By integrating deep learning with multimodal imaging, this approach offers a promising solution for enhancing the early detection of osteoporosis. The models tested in this study proved to be highly effective, yielding more accurate fracture risk predictions and enabling earlier interventions. This could lead to better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

Increased prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in systemic sclerosis patients, including in men and young women- a case-control study.

To investigate bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis prevalence and systemic sclerosis (SSc) specific associations of BMD in SSc patients compared with background population. In total, 211 SSc patients (182 women, 29 men; mean age 61.3 and 62.2 respectively) and 505 age and sex matched controls from the same geographic area participated. BMD and T-score at total hip and lumbar spine was measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Osteopenia was defined as T-score -1.0 to -2.5; osteoporosis as T-score ≤-2.5. Associates of low BMD were identified by multiple regression analysis. Women with SSc had lower BMD for total hip (p< 0.001) and spine (p= 0.011), equivalent to ΔT-score -0.56 and -0.35 compared with controls. Osteopenia was present in 51.6% and 16.5% had osteoporosis (p= 0.001, compared with controls). Already in women below age 45, differences in hip BMD were apparent (ΔT-score -0.93, p= 0.005). In addition to expected risk factors for osteoporosis (older age, lower BMI and menopause), finger ulcers (p= 0.009) and diffuse skin involvement (p= 0.027) were associated with lower hip BMD in women. In men with SSc, more than half displayed osteopenia or osteoporosis and had numerically lower hip BMD than their age matched counterparts. SSc patients, including men and younger women, have lower BMD than the background population. Finger ulcers and diffuse skin involvement, in addition to older age, lower BMI and being post-menopausal, are associated with lower BMD in women. The data emphasizes the importance of performing bone health assessment of all SSc patients, including men and young subjects.

7281 Increased Incidence Of Fracture And Predicted Fracture Risk In Patients With Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

Abstract Disclosure: R. Sagar: None. A. Saadulla: None. A. Abbas: None. Background: Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) is common in patients presenting with adrenal incidentalomas (AI) and has been associated with cardiovascular and metabolic co-morbidities. Whilst there is growing evidence to support the increased risk of cardiometabolic co-morbidity in this cohort, the bone health effects are less well characterised. Our study evaluated the prevalence of fragility fracture and fracture risk in patients with AI and MACS compared with a cohort of patients with benign, non-functional AI. Methods: Retrospective observational data were collected on 391 patients with MACS and an AI along with 626 patients with a benign, non-functional AI. Demographic, biochemical, radiological and bone health data were recorded. FRAX, a validated fracture risk stratifying tool, was used to calculated risk scores for all patients aged between 40 and 90 and risk category according to national guidance were also recorded. Results: MACS cohort (mean age 69±10 and 53% female) had a mean cortisol on overnight dexamethasone suppression test of 76.6±21nmol/l. Benign, non-functional patients had a mean age 61.4±12 and 57% female. Both cohorts had predominantly unilateral lesions (76% in MACS versus 84%). Patients with MACS had a significantly higher prevalence of all fragility fractures, 15.9% compared with 6.7% in the benign, non-functional group, p&amp;lt;0.0001. Patients with MACS had a significantly higher 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fracture (10.6±3.8% versus 7.1±5.4%, p&amp;lt;0.0001) and also hip fracture (7.2±4.1% versus 1.9±2.7%, p&amp;lt;0.0001). 17% of MACS cohort were classed as either high or very high fracture risk, with a further 28% classed as intermediate risk requiring further assessment of bone health compared with 3% high/very high risk in the non-functional group. Despite this only 31% of the MACS group had undergone DEXA scan to assess bone mineral density compared to 13% of the non-MACS group. Only 5% of MACS patients were on osteoporosis treatment (3% in non-MACS cohort). Conclusions: Patients with MACS make up a large proportion of those presenting with adrenal incidentaloma. Our study suggests an increased prevalence of fragility fractures along with increased fracture risk in patients with MACS compared to those with non-functional AI. However, we also demonstrate an unmet need, with less than 1/3 of patients with MACS undergoing formal bone health assessment and just 5% of the total cohort on treatment for osteoporosis despite a significant proportion meeting intervention thresholds. Presentation: 6/1/2024

12480 REMS Technology For The Bone Health Assessment After Hormonal Therapy In Transgender Subjects

Abstract Disclosure: F.A. Lombardi*: None. A. Russo: None. P. Pisani*: None. C. Stomaci*: None. F. Conversano*: None. R. Franchini*: None. M. Di Paola*: None. V. Racanelli*: None. S. Casciaro: None. Introduction: Sex steroid hormones play crucial roles in bone metabolism and the musculoskeletal system. These hormones interact with specific nuclear receptors, such as estrogen and androgen receptors, which are expressed in bone tissue. This interaction regulates the ongoing process of bone remodeling and induces positive effects on bone health.In this regard, it is crucial to examine the long-term impact of gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on bone metabolism. Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-spectrometry (REMS) is a radiation-free technology for assessing bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk prediction by the analysis of the reference axial sites: lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN). REMS has been widely validated in comparison with Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), showing good accuracy and precision (&amp;gt;90%), thereby representing a valid technology to monitor bone health status (BHS) in a short-term period. In this context, the goal of this preliminary clinical study was to track the bone health of transgender subjects for one year after starting treatment, using REMS, in order to comprehend the effects of GAHT on BHS. Methods: 7 transgender patients were recruited at Endocrinology Unit of Internal Medicine Department of Santa Chiara Hospital Trento (Italy). Among them were 4 individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) undergoing therapy with oestradiol valerate 2 g/day and cyproterone acetate 25 mg/day, as well as 3 individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) undergoing therapy with testosterone 25 mg/day. Before starting GAHT, patients underwent LS-DXA scan, followed by monitoring of BHS by REMS technology after 12 months from the start of treatment. Results: The results show an increase of T-score values in AMAB (-0,3 ± 0,3 REMS vs -1,8 ± 1,8 DXA) after estrogen treatment starting, and no effect on bone in AFAB subjects after GAHT (0.5 ± 0.4 REMS vs 0.9 ± 0.4 DXA); this is due to:-the protective effect of estrogen therapy in AMAB subjects against bone loss;-the combined effect of the decrease of estrogen together with the increase of testosterone in AFAB ones. Conclusions In summary, these initial findings indicate that REMS could be appropriate for monitoring the bone health status of these individuals, confirming the anticipated beneficial effects of estrogen therapy on bone loss in AMAB individuals. The limitation of the study is the lack of REMS data at the beginning of the treatment, but the possibility of carrying out the technique in subsequent evaluation times will allow us to evaluate the change in bone mass during hormonal reaffirmation therapy and compare it with the progress of the measurements obtained with DXA data ones. Presentation: 6/2/2024

An Audit of the Fifth Irish Hip Fracture Standard in patients &amp;gt;=70 years following hip fracture

Abstract Background Hip fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Bone health assessment is key in the reduction of future fracture risk. The aim of our study was to examine the adherence to the fifth Irish Hip Fracture Standard in patients &amp;gt;=70 years presenting to Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) with a hip fracture and to examine the number of patients who were commenced on bone protection. Methods We included patients &amp;gt;=70 years who were admitted under the Orthopaedic service following a hip fracture between January and June 2023 in LUH and were identified the database maintained by the using Fracture Liaison Nurse. Data collected included age, month in which hip fracture occurred, patient resident in Ireland, patient alive/deceased, patient on bone protection prior to fracture, patient commenced on bone protection or patient declined treatment. Data was recorded in a Microsoft excel spreadsheet and was analysed by the clinical audit facilitator. We measured our data against the British Geriatric Society guideline on the use of IV zoledronate following hip fracture. Results 76 patients were admitted to LUH with a hip fracture &amp;gt;=70 years between January and June 2023. 100% of patients were reviewed by the fracture liaison service and following this it was recommended that 46 patients (60%) be commenced on bone protection. A letter was sent to each patient’s General Practitioner outlining the recommendation for bone protection. On follow up only 7/46 (15.2%) had been started on treatment. Conclusion The fracture liaison service is appropriately identifying patients who require treatment, despite this, patients are not starting the necessary bone protection in the community. This has prompted our service to establish an IV zoledronate clinic for patients following hip fracture and to generate a plan for ongoing treatment of this patient cohort.

Profile of Vertebral Fracture Cases in the First Full Year of an ANP led Fracture Liaison Service

Abstract Background A specialist osteoporosis and bone health service was founded in 2003 in our institution. It see’s a range of patients from providing DXA alone to giving specialist opinion on complex cases. The Irish Fracture Liaison Service Database (FLS-DB) commenced in 2020 and aims to target those who’ve just fractured with the aim of reducing risk of further imminent fracture by screening for osteoporosis and initiating bone protection measures. Methods Cases of vertebral fracture screened by our FLS ANP were extracted from the FLS database. Case finding for vertebral fracture remains dependent on referral to the service. Results We screened 53 patients with vertebral fractures through our FLS in 2023. 64% female, 36% male. Median age 81 years; range 56-99 yrs. Of these 32 (60%) were inpatients with 2 inpatient falls. 17 (32%) were on osteoporosis treatment. We noted 25 (47%) with previous fragility fracture including 9 (17%) with previous vertebral fracture – just over half of these i.e. 5 patients were on bone protection treatment. After FLS assessment of those on treatment 10 were changed to denosumab, 2 to teriparatide, one continued oral bisphosphonate by choice, rest changed to IV zoledronic acid. Those newly started on treatment a range of PO and IV Bisphosphonate, teriparatide and denosumab was recommended depending on patient factors. One declined. All were prescribed vitamin D +/- calcium supplements. Conclusion The UK FLS-DB estimated that the number of ‘clinical’ vertebral fractures roughly equates to that of hip fractures, so this denominator has been used for the Irish FLS-DB. This would correlate with our service assessing 29% of expected clinical vertebral fractures in 2023. Appointment of a dedicated ANP for fracture liaison has streamlined bone health assessment for acute fractures attending our hospital. Further work on case finding needed to ensure we are assessing all patients at increased risk of further fracture.

Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis: From biomarkers to quality of life

Introduction and Objective: Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease typified by diminished bone density and deterioration of bone structure. It represents a significant risk factor for fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women. This study evaluates the role of physical activity and bone biomarkers in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Review and Methods: A review of the literature was conducted with the objective of analysing the impact of weight-bearing exercise and resistance training on bone health and the use of biomarkers in diagnosing and monitoring osteoporosis. Moreover, the potential impact of dietary interventions and supplementation was examined. Abbreviated Description of the State of Knowledge: It is of the utmost importance to engage in regular physical activity, particularly weight-bearing exercises, in order to prevent and treat osteoporosis. It has been demonstrated to enhance bone density and moderate the likelihood of fracture. Biomarkers such as osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase are of significant value in the assessment of bone health. Summary: The combination of physical activity, a balanced diet and appropriate supplementation is fundamental to the prevention and effective management of osteoporosis. This approach confers substantial benefits with respect to bone health and quality of life. Keywords: Osteoporosis; Physical activity; Bone health; Skeletal System

Assessment of bone health in pregnancy

We performed a review of the literature on the use of radiofrequency echographic multi spectrometry (REMS) technology in pregnancy, in order to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and objectively measure its reduction during pregnancy. In a prospective case-control observational study, 78 women at 39.1 ± 1.5 weeks of gestation were submitted to a sonographic examination of the proximal femur using REMS technology to quantify BMD. The study group, when compared with a control group of non-pregnant women, was found to have significantly lower BMD values (0.769±0.094 g/cm2 vs. 0.831±0.101 g/cm2, p = 0.0001) with a mean reduction of 8.1%. Lower BMD values were found in older women (p&lt;0.0001), women with a lower BMI (p=0.0004), and Caucasian women (p&lt;0.0001). In another study, 65 pregnant women underwent femoral BMD measurement in the first and the third trimester using REMS. A significant reduction in BMD (0.723±0.069 vs. 0.709±0.069 g/cm2; p&lt;0.001) was noted, with a mean change of −1.9±0.6% between the first and the third trimester. On multivariable linear regression analysis, none of the population characteristics was independently associated with BMD changes. In conclusion, decreased BMD in pregnancy has been demonstrated using REMS technology. Further studies are needed to identify risk factors for decreased BMD in pregnancy. KEY WORDS: Bone mineral density, REMS, ultrasound technology, pregnancy.

The assessment of bone health in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis; comparison of different imaging-based methods

BackgroundOsteoporosis is increasingly being recognized in children, mostly secondary to systemic underlying conditions or medication. However, no imaging modality currently provides a full evaluation of bone health in children. We compared DXA, a radiographic bone health index (BHI (BoneXpert) and cone-beam CT for the assessment of low bone mass in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).MethodsData used in the present study was drawn from a large multicentre study including 228 children aged 4–16 years, examined between 2015 and 2020. All had a radiograph of the left hand, a DXA scan and a cone-beam CT of the temporomandibular joints within four weeks of each other. For the present study, we included 120 subjects, selected based on DXA BMD and BoneXpert BHI to secure values across the whole range to be tested.ResultsOne hundred and twenty children (60.0% females) were included, mean age 11.6 years (SD 3.1 years). There was a strong correlation between the absolute values of BHI and BMD for both total body less head (TBLH) (r = 0.75, p < 0.001) and lumbar spine (L1-L4) (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). The correlation between BHI standard deviation score (SDS) and BMD TBLH Z-scores was weak (r = 0.34) but significant (0 = 0.001), varying from weak (r = 0.31) to moderate (r = 0.42) between the three study sites.Categorizing BHI SDS and DXA BMD Z-scores on a 0–5 scale yielded a weak agreement between the two for both TBLH and LS, with w-kappa of 0.2, increasing to 0.3 when using quadratic weights. The agreement was notably higher for one of the three study sites as compared to the two others, particularly for spine assessment, yielding a moderate kappa value of 0.4 – 0.5.For cone-beam CT, based on a 1–3 scale, 59 out of 94 left TMJ’s were scored as 1 and 31 as score 2 by the first observer vs. 87 and 7 by the second observer yielding a poor agreement (kappa 0.1).ConclusionsCategorizing DXA LS and automated radiographic Z-scores on a 0–5 scale gave a weak to moderate agreement between the two methods, indicating that a hand radiograph might provide an adjuvant tool to DXA when assessing bone health children with JIA, given thorough calibration is performed.

Somatic Structure and Ultrasound Parameters of the Calcaneus Bone in Combat Sports Athletes in Relation to Vitamin D3 Levels.

Background/Objectives: Physical activity is widely recognized for its beneficial effects on bone density during adolescence, which could lead to enhanced bone density in later life, thus acting as a health-promoting activity with long-lasting implications. However, not all studies are conclusive regarding the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of the most effective physical activities. This study focuses on combat sports athletes and examines the relationship between their somatic build and heel bone parameters using ultrasound (USG) and their vitamin D3 levels. Methods: The study included 40 male athletes specializing in various combat sports. The measurements of body height, body mass, skinfold thickness, and bone widths at multiple sites were performed to estimate the somatic build. The USG parameters of the heel bone and the blood levels of vitamin D3 were also recorded. Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA, with differences among sports disciplines also examined. Results: The study found significant differences in the body composition and USG bone parameters among athletes from different combat sports (p ≤ 0.05). The calcaneus stiffness index (SI) and speed of sound (SOS) were significantly higher in athletes with normal vitamin D3 levels compared to those with below-normal levels (p = 0.0015 and p = 0.001, respectively). These findings suggest that vitamin D3 may influence bone stiffness and density. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D3 levels to support bone mineralization in athletes, particularly those training indoors with limited exposure to sunlight. It also highlights the potential of using USG as a non-invasive method to assess bone health, aiding in the optimization of training programs to prevent injuries and improve performance.

The Utility of Radiomorphometric Mandibular Indices on Cone Beam Computer Tomography in the Assessment of Bone Mass in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The present study examined the potential use of computed tomography radiomorphometric mandibular indices on cone beam CT (CBCT) for the assessment of bone density in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. We included 104 postmenopausal women who received dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using a DXA scanner and mental foramen (MF) region CBCT using a NewTom VGi EVO Cone Beam 3D system. We assessed the relationships between the following DXA parameters: lumbar, femoral neck, and total hip T-scores, bone mineral density (BMD), lumbar trabecular bone score (TBS), and mandibular inferior cortical bone thickness at 4 sites. The cross-sectional images were obtained, as follows: anterior (A)-10 mm anterior from the MF; molar (M)-10 mm posterior from the MF; posterior (P)-25 mm posterior from the MF; symphysis (S)-equidistant from the centers of the right and left MF. We found that A and M indices showed statistically significant moderate positive correlations with lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip BMD, as well as TBS. The P index demonstrated moderate positive correlations with these measurements, while the S index did not show significant correlations with BMD or TBS in postmenopausal women. These findings support the potential usefulness of CBCT-derived radiomorphometric mandibular indices for non-invasive bone health assessment in clinical practice.

2341 Qualitative assessment of introducing bone health assessment for Parkinson’s disease patients in a university hospital setting

Abstract Introduction Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with or without psychosis are at higher risk of recurrent falls and fracture and, as a consequence, higher mortality and morbidity NICE (13) Henderson et al. (2019). We conducted a qualitative study to understand barriers and facilitators of introducing ‘bone health assessment’ for PD patients. Method We conducted a pilot study to identify and implement a bone health assessment tool to communicate falls and fracture risks to GPs. • SWOT and Stakeholder analysis was conducted to identify an appropriate bone health assessment tool. • PDSA cycles were completed to assess barriers and facilitators of bone health assessment in all PD clinical areas. • 4 Participants were identified from all possible PD clinical settings and trained on how to use the FRAX assessment tool. • Semi structured interviews were conducted to explore themes from 6-week pilot study. Results Bone health assessments were not conducted routinely in PD clinical settings in our Trust Literature review/SWOT and Stake holder analysis identified ‘FRAX’ score as an appropriate bone health assessment tool for PD patients. Interviews with participants identified time constraints during the clinical consultation as a major barrier to conducting bone health assessment using the FRAX assessment tool. All participants agreed that this improved communication with patients and GPs in understanding bone health and risk of falls and fractures. Face to face PD Nurse Clinics were deemed the most appropriate clinical settings for these assessments. Conclusion As a result of this service improvement project bone health is now assessed in all PD Nurse clinics. This has enabled GPs to start the most appropriate bone protection treatment for PD patients.

2322 Passing the baton from emergency visit to community care: factors that impact delivery of targeted geriatric care?

Abstract Introduction Older patients attending the Emergency Department (ED) and discharged home are at higher risk of adverse outcomes. Geriatric Ambulatory ED services were developed with the aim to deliver goal-directed care of older patients from ED using onward referral to Community Providers. Method A retrospective review was undertaken from 13th January 2022 to 23rd December 2022 in older patients discharged from the ED following a targeted geriatric assessment and recommended community follow-up interventions. Demographic information, functional ability, hospital utilisation and mortality (up to one year), and any post-visit fragility fractures were reviewed. Data collection included identification of osteoporosis or osteopenia during or following the index ED visit. Results 108 patients were assessed, of whom, 74% were female, average age 76 years, range 61–93 years. 65% of patients were CFS scored, 9% were CFS 6 or 7, 15% CFS 4 or 5 and 41% CFS 1–3. GP review was advised for 76% of patients and 61% attended and therapy interventions were recommended for 9.3%, of whom, 3% attended. The majority presented with falls (82%) and half of those who fell, sustained a fracture. Osteoporosis or osteopenia was newly identified in 30% but in 44% of patients bone health remained unevaluated and only 8% had newly initiated anti-resorptive and 9% existing treatment. 4% experienced fragility fracture following their ED visit. Uptake was low for therapy (30%) and nursing interventions (14%). Following the index ED visit, 7% patients attended ED within 7-days, and 5% admitted to hospital within 30-days. 35% of patients re-attended ED and 22% were hospitalised within one year. One year mortality was 5%. Conclusion ED targeted geriatric assessment can identify patients with falls and fragility fractures but better collaboration and communication between primary and secondary care is needed. Recommended bone health assessment occurred in a relatively small proportion of patients.

Optimizing preoperative bone health assessment for adult spinal deformity: a prospective correlation analysis of intraoperative pedicle screw insertion torque and imaging modalities in Japan.

Prospective cohort study. This study aimed to identify the optimal preoperative bone health assessment for adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery through correlation analysis between intraoperative pedicle screw (PS) insertion torque and various bone quality measures, including bone mineral density (BMD) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), Hounsfield unit (HU) by computed tomography (CT), and vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score by magnetic resonance imaging. Existing data on optimal assessment tools for ASD surgery are limited. The study included patients with ASD aged >60 years who underwent spinal corrective fusion surgery from the lower thoracic spine to the pelvis. The intraoperative PS insertion torque was measured using a torque meter. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between the PS insertion torque and the BMD, HU, and VBQ score. Preoperative bone quality was compared between the proximal junctional failure (PJF) and non-PJF groups. Thirty-one patients with 177 PS at T10, T11, and T12 were analyzed. The PS insertion torque showed a moderate positive correlation with lumbar spine BMD (r=0.59-0.69, p<0.01), total hip BMD (0.58-0.62, p<0.01), and HU value (r=0.58-0.66, p<0.01). However, the VBQ score did not show significant correlation (r=-0.28 to -0.23, p >0.05). Notably, a strong correlation was found between the PS insertion torque and the HU value for screws of the same size (r=0.71 and 0.74, p<0.01). The HU value at T12 and the PS insertion torque at T10 were significantly lower in the PJF group than in the non-PJF group. This study demonstrates a positive correlation between the PS insertion torque and HU value in the lower thoracic spine and a moderate correlation with BMD but not the VBQ score. Preoperative assessment using DEXA and CT is crucial for optimizing bone health management in ASD surgery.

The Role of Glucose, Insulin and Body Fat in Assessment of Bone Mineral Density and Trabecular Bone Score in Women with Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea.

Background: For years, bone mineral density (BMD) has played a key role in assessing bone health, but the trabecular bone score (TBS) is emerging as an equivalent measure. However, BMD alone may not fully measure bone quality or predict osteoporosis risk. To evaluate the usefulness of TBS and BMD in estimating the risk of bone fracture in young women with FHA, this study examined the association between metabolic parameters and bone quality, which was measured using TBS and BMD. Methods: We analyzed the association of metabolic factors with tests assessing bone quality-TBS and BMD. Patients were checked for BMI, measured body fat, and determined serum glucose levels and insulin levels in a 75g glucose load test. Spearman correlation analysis was used. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between BMD and age (p < 0.001) and body fat (p < 0.001), as well as between TBS values and BMI (p < 0.001) and TBS and percent body fat (p < 0.001). Of the variables analyzed in the multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor of higher bone mineral density in the lumbar spine was found to be higher values of the trabecular bone index in the same segment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of TBS provides a simple tool for estimating the risk of bone damage. Ultimately, early screening, diagnosis and treatment of patients with FHA may help prevent osteoporosis and fragility fractures in the long term.

Association between systemic inflammatory response index and bone turnover markers in Chinese patients with osteoporotic fractures: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

The systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) is a novel composite biomarker of inflammation. However, there is limited information on its use in the context of osteoporotic fractures. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association between baseline SIRI values and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in Chinese patients diagnosed with osteoporotic fractures (OPFs), to offer a more precise method for assessing bone health and inflammation in clinical settings. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 3,558 hospitalized patients with OPFs who required surgery or hospitalization at the First People's Hospital of Kunshan City from January 2017 to July 2022. Baseline measurements of SIRI, β-CTX (beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen), and P1NP (procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide) were obtained. The analyses were adjusted for variables, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and other initial laboratory and clinical findings. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression, smooth curve fitting, and threshold analysis were also performed. The results revealed a negative correlation between baseline SIRI values and both β-CTX and P1NP levels. After adjusting for covariates in the regression analysis, each unit increase in SIRI was found to be inked to a reduction of 0.04 (β = -0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.05 to -0.03; with p-value <0.001) in β-CTX levels and a decrease of 3.77 (β = 3.77; 95% CI, 5.07 to 2.47; with p-value <0.001) in P1NP levels. Furthermore, a curvilinear relationship and threshold effect were also identified. Turning points were identified at SIRI values of 1.41 and 1.63 on the adjusted smooth curve. The results showed a negative correlation between the baseline SIRI value and β-CTX level, as well as the level of P1NP. This suggests a possible link between the systemic inflammatory response and reduced bone metabolism. If these findings are verified, SIRI has the potential to function as a predictive indicator for BTMs. Nevertheless, additional research is necessary to verify these findings.

Following hip fracture, hospital organisational factors associated with prescription of anti-osteoporosis medication on discharge, to address imminent refracture risk: a record-linkage study.

Patients who sustain a hip fracture are known to be at imminent refracture risk. Their complex multidisciplinary rehabilitation needs to include falls prevention and anti-osteoporosis medication (AOM) to prevent such fractures. This study aimed to determine which hospital-level organisational factors predict prescription of post-hip fracture AOM, and refracture risk. A cohort of 178 757 patients aged ≥60years who sustained a hip fracture in England and Wales (2016-19) was examined and followed for 1year. Patient-level hospital admission datasets from 172 hospitals, the National Hip Fracture Database, and mortality data were linked to 71 metrics extracted from 18 hospital-level organisational reports. Multilevel models determined organisational factors, independent of patient case-mix, associated with (i) AOM prescription, (ii) refracture (by ICD10 coding). Patients were mean (SD) 82.7 (8.6) years old, 71% female, with 18% admitted from care homes. Overall, 101 735 (57%) were prescribed AOM during admission; while 50 354 (28%) died during 1-year follow-up, 12 240 (7%) refractured. Twelve organisational factors were associated with AOM prescription, e.g., orthogeriatrician-led care compared to traditional care models (OR 4.65 [95%CI: 2.25-9.59]); AOM was 9% (95%CI: 6%-13%) more likely to be prescribed in hospitals providing routine bone health assessment to all patients. Refracture occurred at median 126days (IQR 59-234). Eight organisational factors were associated with refracture risk; hospitals providing orthogeriatrician assessment to all patients within 72-hours of admission had an 18% (95%CI: 2-31%) lower refracture risk, weekend physiotherapy provision an 8% (95%CI: 3-14%) lower risk, and where occupational therapists attended clinical governance meetings, a 7% (95%CI: 2-12%) lower risk. Delays initiating post-discharge community rehabilitation were associated with a 15% (95%CI: 3-29%) greater refracture risk. These novel, national findings highlight the importance of orthogeriatrician, physiotherapist and occupational therapist involvement in secondary fracture prevention post hip fracture; notably fracture risk reductions were seen within 12months of hip fracture.

Adaptively multi-scale microstructure characterization of cancellous bone via photoacoustic signal decomposition

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease with a high incidence in the elderly and seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Photoacoustic (PA) technology, which combines the advantages of light and ultrasound, can provide information about the physiological structure and chemical information of biological tissues in a non-invasive and non-radiative way. Due to the complex structural characteristics of bone tissue, PA signals generated by bone tissue are non-stationary and nonlinear. However, conventional PA signal processing methods are not effective for non-stationary signal processing. In this study, an empirical mode decomposition (EMD)-based Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) PA signal analysis method, called HHT PA signal analysis (HPSA), was developed to assess the microstructure information of bone tissue, which is closely related to bone health. The feasibility of the HPSA method in bone health assessment was proven by numerical simulation and experimental studies on animal samples with different bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) and bone mineral densities. First, based on adaptive EMD, the different modes correlated with multi-scale information were mined from the PA signal, the correlations between different intrinsic mode function (IMF) modes and BV/TVs were analyzed, and the optimal mode for more efficient PA time–frequency analysis was selected. Second, multi-wavelength HPSA was used to assess the changes in the chemical components of the bone tissue. The results demonstrate that the HPSA method can distinguish bones with different BV/TVs and microstructure conditions adaptively with high efficiency. They further emphasize the potential of PA techniques in characterizing biological tissues in bones for early and rapid detection of bone diseases.