Distal Forearm Research Articles

SUN-397 The Osteosee System Measurements, Based on Parametric Electrical Impedance Tomography, Correlate with Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry Results for the Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

Introduction: Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, but it has its pitfalls. The OsteoSee @Clinic is a novel portable and user-friendly system, which uses parametric Electrical Impedance Tomography (pEIT), being developed to allow screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis at the primary care clinic Aim: To test the new system and compare its results to those of the DXA system. Methods and Subjects: This prospective study was conducted between 01/01/2019 and 01/06/2019. Subjects who presented for a routine DXA scan (lumbar spine and proximal femur with Lunar Prodigy GE healthcare system) were enrolled. After signing an informed consent form, they were scanned with the OsteoSee @Clinic system (OsteoSee Ltd., Israel) using 5 electrodes placed around the left distal forearm and around the pelvis. Results: OsteoSee @Clinic data were compared to DXA total hip bone mineral density (BMD). Correlations were examined between pEIT-index of the pelvis versus DXA total hip BMD. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated according to the diagnosis obtained by DXA based on the total hip T-score. An analysis based on 182 subjects (35 healthy, 115 osteopenia, 32 osteoporosis) scanned on the wrist showed an R-value of 0.795 (p-value < 0.001) representing the correlation between the pEIT-wrist index and DXA results. From the ROC plot, we obtained a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 71% to diagnose osteoporotic vs osteopenic & normal subjects, and a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 86% for identifying osteopenic & osteoporotic vs normal subjects. An analysis of 98 subjects (17 healthy, 66 osteopenic, 15 osteoporosis) scanned on the pelvis showed an R-value of 0.740 (p-value < 0.001), representing the correlation between the pEIT-pelvis index and DXA BMD. From the ROC plot, we obtained a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 81% to diagnose osteoporotic vs osteopenic & normal subjects, and a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 76% for identifying osteopenic & osteoporotic Vs normal subjects. Conclusions: The OsteoSee @Clinic system results correlate well with DXA measurements, especially when taking into account clinical interpolations. Sensitivity and specificity values indicate that the OsteoSee @Clinic system can provide screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis. With the DXA system being costly to operate and inaccessible to many patients, the OsteoSee @Clinic system may address the unmet need for diagnosing and treating osteoporosis, and offer an alternative for a broader screening of the population at risk of fractures.Disclosure: The study was funded by OsteoSee Ltd., Israel

Dietary calcium and vitamin K are associated with osteoporotic fracture risk in middle-aged and elderly Japanese women, but not men: the Murakami Cohort Study.

Although dietary Ca, vitamin D and vitamin K are nutritional factors associated with osteoporosis, little is known about their effects on incident osteoporotic fractures in East Asian populations. This study aimed to determine whether intakes of these nutrients predict incident osteoporotic fractures. We adopted a cohort study design with a 5-year follow-up. Subjects were 12 794 community-dwelling individuals (6301 men and 6493 women) aged 40-74 years. Dietary intakes of Ca, vitamin D and vitamin K were assessed with a validated FFQ. Covariates were demographic and lifestyle factors. All incident cases of major osteoporotic limb fractures, including those of the distal forearm, neck of humerus, neck or trochanter of femur and lumbar or thoracic spine were collected. Hazard ratios (HR) for energy-adjusted Ca, vitamin D and vitamin K were calculated with the residual method. Mean age was 58·8 (sd 9·3) years. Lower energy-adjusted intakes of Ca and vitamin K in women were associated with higher adjusted HR of total fractures (Pfor trend = 0·005 and 0·08, respectively). When vertebral fracture was the outcome, Pfor trend values for Ca and vitamin K were 0·03 and 0·006, respectively, and HR of the lowest and highest (reference) intake groups were 2·03 (95 % CI 1·08, 3·82) and 2·26 (95 % CI 1·19, 4·26), respectively. In men, there were null associations between incident fractures and each of the three nutrient intakes. Lower intakes of dietary Ca and vitamin K were independent lifestyle-related risk factors for osteoporotic fracture in women but not men. These associations were robust for vertebral fractures, but not for limb fractures.

Does ligation of the dorsal branch of the cephalic vein affect the patency of a distal forearm arteriovenous fistula? A randomised study

BackgroundWhether ligation of the dorsal branch of the cephalic vein during the surgical establishment of the radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) favorably or adversely affects the patency rate of the RCAVF remains controversial. We performed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of dorsal branch ligation on the patency rate of RCAVF.MethodsA total of 115 patients who underwent surgical establishment were randomized to two groups treated with or without ligation of the dorsal branch of the cephalic vein during the surgical process. The primary patency rates of the RCAVF at 90, 270, and 360 days after the surgery and the secondary patency rates during a follow-up up to 1 year were compared.ResultsThe patency rate did not differ significantly between the two groups at 3, 9, or 12 months after the procedure (P > 0.05). The combined primary patency rates of the RCAVF in patients from both groups at 3, 9 and 12 months after the procedure were 87.6, 82, and 74.5% respectively, while the combined secondary patency rate was 92.2% at the 1-year follow-up. The Log-rank test indicated that the initial patency rate and secondary patency rate did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = 0.674 and 0.759, respectively).ConclusionThis clinical study indicated that ligation of the dorsal branch of the cephalic vein does not significantly affect the patency of the arteriovenous fistula with a 1-year follow-up.Trial registrationISRCTN ISRCTN12288675, Registered 25 September 2019 in the ISRCTN registry. retrospectively registered.

Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Lipomatosis of Nerve: A Review of Ultrasonographic Finding for 8 Cases

Lipomatosis of nerve (LN) is a rare tumor-like condition with epineural and perineural infiltration by adipose and fibrous tissue. The purpose was to analyze the ultrasonographic findings of LN involving upper limb peripheral nerves. This was a retrospective analysis of a series of 8 patients with LN involving upper-limb peripheral nerves between 2013 and 2019. All patients underwent preoperative ultrasonography for the upper-extremity nerves and were diagnosed as LN by surgery. The clinical manifestations, ultrasonography characteristics, and accuracy were analyzed. In this series, LN was involved in 10 peripheral nerves from 8 patients. The median nerve was the most commonly affected nerve (60%). Four cases presented macrodactyly combined with masses from distal forearm and extending to wrist and palm areas. Among 8 patients, 5 cases were diagnosed with LN by preoperative ultrasonography, an accuracy of 62.5%. Axial ultrasonic imaging showed the punctate hypoechoic fascicles was embedded in hyperechoic adipose tissue in the "lotus root-like" appearance; longitudinal ultrasonic imaging showed the strip hypoechoic fascicles alternates with hyperechoic adipose tissue in the "cable-like" appearance. Meanwhile, ultrasonic imaging showed the thickened of adipose tissue around the affected nerve and the enlargement of flexor tendons in some patients. Ultrasonography has the potential to be a useful tool for the noninvasive examination of LN. The possibility of LN should be considered in patients with a mass in wrist and palm, macrodactyly, or syndactyly. Our finding may benefit the preoperative differential diagnosis with common nerve tumors.

Denosumab and cinacalcet for primary hyperparathyroidism (DENOCINA): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

Medical treatment options for primary hyperparathyroidism are scarce. We aimed to assess the efficacy of denosumab and combined with cinacalcet in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. In this randomised, single-centre, proof-of-concept, double-blind trial, patients aged at least 18 years with primary hyperparathyroidism were recruited from the Department of Endocrinology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. Key eligibility criteria were a T-score between -1·0 and -3·5 at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, or total hip. Patients were assigned (1:1:1) via permuted block randomisation to receive 30 mg cinacalcet per day plus 60 mg denosumab subcutaneously every 6 months (n=14; combination group) for 1 year, denosumab plus placebo (n=16; denosumab group) for 1 year, or placebo plus placebo injection (n=15; placebo group) for 1 year. Primary outcomes were changes in bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and distal forearm after 1 year. Additionally, effects on bone-metabolic biochemistry were explored. Patients and investigators were masked. All enrolled patients were included in efficacy analyses. The trial was done in an outpatient setting and is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03027557, and has been completed. Between March 14, 2017, and March 16, 2018 we recruited 285 participants. 16 patients were randomly allocated to the denosumab group, 15 to the combination group, and 15 to the placebo group. Dropout was limited to one patient in the combination group. Compared with placebo, BMD improved in groups receiving denosumab: lumbar spine (combination group 5·4% [95% CI 2·7-8·1], denosumab group 6·9% [95% CI 4·2-9·6]; p<0·0001), total hip (combination group 5·0% [3·0-6·9], denosumab group 4·1% [2·5-5·8]; p<0·0001), and femoral neck (combination group 4·5% [1·9-7·9]; p=0·0008, denosumab group 3·8% [1·4-6·3]; p=0·0022]). Changes in BMD at the third distal forearm were borderline significant. Six non-fatal serious adverse events occurred (combination group [n=2], denosumab group [n=1], placebo group [n=3]). The overall prevalence of adverse events did not differ between treatment groups, and no fatal adverse events occurred. Evidence suggested denosumab was effective in improving BMD and lowering bone turnover in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism irrespective of cinacalcet treatment and might be a valid option for patients in which surgery is undesirable. Aalborg University Hospital and Aalborg University, Denmark.

Can bone mineral density loss in the non-weight bearing distal forearm predict mortality?

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with increased risk of fractures and mortality. We investigated if rate of BMD loss in the distal forearm over seven years predicted mortality. 1725 postmenopausal women and 1879 men aged 50-74 who participated in the longitudinal Tromsø Study waves 4 (1994-95) and 5 (2001-2002) were included. Cox regression models adjusted for lifestyle- and health related variables were used to assess associations between BMD change over seven years and subsequent mortality during up to 17years of follow-up in participants with normal and low BMD at baseline. Baseline BMD decreased and seven-year bone loss increased with increasing age. Overall, mortality rates were higher among those with low versus normal BMD (38 vs 19 per 1000 py in women, 56 vs 34 in men) and at higher bone loss rates (rate ratio high:low=1.2 in women, 1.7 in men). BMD change was associated with increased mortality only in men with normal baseline BMD. In this group, men with a BMD loss of >4% had significantly higher mortality (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.21, 1.87) than men with increased or unchanged BMD. BMD change was not significantly associated with increased mortality in women or in men with low BMD at baseline. BMD loss in the distal forearm was associated with increased mortality in men with normal BMD at baseline, but not in women. We found no clear association between BMD loss and mortality in those with low BMD at baseline.

Gastric Bypass But Not Sleeve Gastrectomy Increases Risk of Major Osteoporotic Fracture: French Population-Based Cohort Study.

The objective of this work was to investigate the risk of major osteoporotic fracture (MOF; hip, proximal humerus, wrist and distal forearm, and clinical spine) in bariatric surgery patients versus matched controls. Bariatric surgery is associated with an increase in fracture risk. However, it remains unclear whether the same degree of fracture risk is associated with sleeve gastrectomy, which has recently surpassed gastric bypass. Records from the French National Inpatient database were used from 2008 to 2018. Bariatric surgery patients, aged 40 to 65 years, with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 , hospitalized between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014, were matched to one control (1:1) by age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index, year of inclusion, and class of obesity (40 to 49.9 kg/m2 versus ≥50 kg/m2 ). We performed a Cox regression analysis to assess the association between the risk of any MOF and, respectively, (i) bariatric surgery (yes/no) and (ii) type of surgical procedure (gastric bypass, gastric banding, vertical banded gastroplasty, and sleeve gastrectomy) versus no surgery. A total of 81,984 patients were included in the study (40,992 in the bariatric surgery group, and 40,992 matched controls). There were 585 MOFs in the surgical group (2.30 cases per 1000 patient-year [PY]) and 416 MOFs in the matched controls (1.93 cases per 1000 PY). The risk of MOF was significantly higher in the surgical group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08-1.39). We observed an increase in risk of MOF for gastric bypass only (HR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.46-1.98) compared with the matched controls. In patients aged 40 to 65 years, gastric bypass but not sleeve gastrectomy or the other procedures increased risk of major osteoporotic fractures. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Quality of life after fragility fracture in the Russian Federation: results from the Russian arm of the International Cost and Utility Related to Osteoporotic Fractures Study (ICUROS)

SummaryChanges in health-related quality of life (QoL) due to hip, humeral, ankle, spine, and distal forearm fracture were measured in Russian adults age 50 years or more over the first 18 months after fracture. The accumulated mean QoL loss after hip fracture was 0.5 and significantly greater than after fracture of the distal forearm (0.13), spine (0.21), proximal humerus (0.26), and ankle (0.27).IntroductionData on QoL following osteoporotic fractures in Russia are scarce. The present study evaluated the impact of hip, vertebral, proximal humerus, distal forearm, and ankle fracture up to 18 months after fracture from the Russian arm of the International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic Fractures Study.MethodsIndividuals age ≥ 50 years with low-energy-induced humeral, hip, clinical vertebral, ankle, or distal forearm fracture were enrolled. After a recall of pre-fracture status, HRQoL was prospectively collected over 18 months of follow-up using EQ-5D-3L. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify determinants of QALYs loss.ResultsAt 2 weeks, patients with hip fracture (n = 223) reported the lowest mean health state utility value (HSUV) compared with other fracture sites. Thereafter, utility values increased but remained significantly lower than before fracture. For spine (n = 183), humerus (n = 166), and ankle fractures (n = 214), there was a similar pattern of disutility with a nadir within 2 weeks and a progressive recovery thereafter. The accumulated mean QoL loss after hip fracture was 0.5 and significantly greater than after fracture of the distal forearm (0.13), spine (0.21), proximal humerus (0.26), and ankle (0.27). Substantial impairment in self-care and usual activities immediately after fracture were important predictors of recovery across at all fracture sites.ConclusionsFractures of the hip, vertebral, distal forearm, ankle, and proximal humerus incur substantial loss of QoL in Russia. The utility values derived from this study can be used in future economic evaluations.

Plaster cast treatment for distal forearm fractures in children: which index best predicts the loss of reduction?

Several radiological indices were introduced to evaluate cast adequacy for paediatric distal forearm fractures: cast, gap, padding, Canterbury (reflecting the cast shape and the amount of padding) and three-point indices, and second metacarpal-radius angle (measuring cast ulnar-moulding). The aim of this study is to define which index is most reliable in assessing cast adequacy and predicting redisplacements. Hundred twenty-four consecutive patients (age 5-18) affected by distal both-bone forearm or radius fractures treated with casting were included. These indices and the displacement angles were calculated on the initial radiograph after reduction. Radiographs at 7 and 30 days were taken to assess if the loss of reduction occurred, and measure the displacement deltas (displacement angle at day 30 - displacement angle at day 0). Student's t-test, Chi-square test and Pearson's correlation were used for the statistical analysis. High padding (P = 0.034), Canterbury (P = 0.002) and Cast (P < 0.001) indices showed an association with redisplacements in distal forearm fractures. Both-bone forearm fractures have a higher risk of loss of reduction than radius fractures [odds ratio (OR = 4.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.21-11.3, P < 0.001]. A higher displacement delta in antero-posterior (Pearson's r = 0.418, P = 0.037) and lateral (P = 0.045) views for both-bone fractures showed an association with a high gap Index. Regarding radius fractures, a high cast index is associated with a higher displacement delta in antero-posterior (P = 0.035). The three-point index and the second metacarpal-radius angle did not show any association with the redisplacement risk. Cast oval moulding without excessive padding may prevent redisplacements in paediatric distal forearm fractures, while casts ulnar-moulding does not.

A Bilobed Pedicled Groin Flap for Reconstruction of Forearm Skin Defects following Replantation.

The versatility of a pedicled groin flap can be further increased by raising it in a bilobed fashion. This allows the flap to cover both the volar and dorsal surfaces of a hand or forearm defect. A 48-year-old man sustained an avulsion amputation of his right forearm by a rolling machine in a workplace accident. Replantation of the right forearm was performed, and the postoperative course was uneventful. Unfortunately, the wound healing was complicated by circumferential marginal skin necrosis, which was confined to the distal forearm. A bilobed pedicled groin flap was performed for the wound coverage because reconstruction with a free flap would be very risky as the vessels were avulsed from the proximal part of the forearm. A good functional recovery of the hand and fingers was noted at 12 months' follow-up. The advantages of a bilobed pedicle groin flap are that it allows coverage of both the volar and dorsal surfaces at one setting and primary closure of the donor site is possible. Furthermore, a long tube-shaped pedicle in this flap can reduce the patient discomfort and prevent finger stiffness by allowing a range of motion exercise. In conclusion, the bilobed pedicled groin flap is a useful option to cover soft tissue defects involving both the volar and dorsal surfaces over the mid- to distal forearm, especially when the free flap is contraindicated.

Epidemiology of osteoporotic fracture in Kazakhstan and development of a country specific FRAX model

SummaryRetrospective and prospective population-based survey in a region of the Republic of Kazakhstan determined the incidence of fractures at the hip, proximal humerus and distal forearm. The hip fracture rates were used to create a FRAX® model to enhance fracture risk assessment in Kazakhstan.ObjectiveThis paper describes the epidemiology of osteoporotic fractures in the Republic of Kazakhstan that was used to develop a country specific FRAX® tool for fracture prediction.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective population-based survey in Taldykorgan in the Republic of Kazakhstan representing approximately 1% of the country’s population. Hip, forearm and humerus fractures were identified retrospectively in 2015 and 2016 from hospital registers and the trauma centre. Hip fractures were prospectively identified in 2017 from the same sources and additionally from primary care data. Age- and sex-specific incidence of hip fracture and national mortality rates were incorporated into a FRAX model for Kazakhstan. Fracture probabilities were compared with those from neighbouring countries having FRAX models.ResultsThe difference in hip fracture incidence between the retrospective and prospective survey indicated that approximately 25% of hip fracture cases did not come to hospital attention. The incidence of hip fracture applied nationally suggested that the estimated number of hip fractures nationwide in persons over the age of 50 years for 2015 was 11,690 and is predicted to increase by 140% to 28,000 in 2050. Hip fracture incidence was a good predictor of forearm and humeral fractures in men but not in women.ConclusionThe FRAX model should enhance accuracy of determining fracture probability among the Kazakh population and help guide decisions about treatment.

A decade of FRAX: how has it changed the management of osteoporosis?

The fracture risk assessment tool, FRAX®, was released in 2008 and provides country-specific algorithms for estimating individualized 10-year probability of hip and major osteoporotic fracture (hip, clinical spine, distal forearm, and proximal humerus). Since its release, 71 models have been made available for 66 countries covering more than 80% of the world population. The website receives approximately 3 million visits annually. Following independent validation, FRAX has been incorporated into more than 80 guidelines worldwide. The application of FRAX in assessment guidelines has been heterogeneous with the adoption of several different approaches in setting intervention thresholds. Whereas most guidelines adopt a case-finding strategy, the case for FRAX-based community screening in the elderly is increasing. The relationship between FRAX and efficacy of intervention has been explored and is expected to influence treatment guidelines in the future.

Epidemiology of osteoporotic fracture in Moldova and development of a country-specific FRAX model

SummaryRetrospective population-based survey in 2 regions of the Republic of Moldova determined the incidence of fractures at the hip, proximal humerus and distal forearm. The estimated number of such fractures nationwide for 2015 was 11,271 and is predicted to increase to 15,863 in 2050. The hip fracture rates were used to create a FRAX model to help guide decisions about treatment.ObjectiveThis paper describes the epidemiology of osteoporotic fractures in Republic of Moldova that was used to develop the country-specific fracture prediction FRAX® tool.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective population-based survey in 2 regions of the Republic of Moldova (Anenii Noi district and Orhei district) representing approximately 6% of the country’s population. We identified hip, forearm and humerus fractures in 2011 and 2012 from hospital registers and primary care sources. Age- and sex-specific incidence of hip fracture and national mortality rates were incorporated into a FRAX model for Moldova. Fracture probabilities were compared with those from neighbouring countries having FRAX models.ResultsThe incidence of hip fracture applied nationally suggested that the estimated number of hip fractures nationwide in persons over the age of 50 years for 2015 was 3911 and is predicted to increase by 60% to 6492 in 2050. Hip fracture incidence was a good predictor of forearm and humeral fractures. FRAX-based probabilities were higher in Moldova than neighbouring countries (Ukraine and Romania).ConclusionThe FRAX model should enhance accuracy of determining fracture probability among the Moldavan population and help guide decisions about treatment.

Duration of Bisphosphonate Drug Holidays and Associated Fracture Risk.

Discontinuation of bisphosphonates (BP) or a "drug holiday" after several years of treatment is increasingly common. However, the association of drug holiday duration with future fracture risk is unclear. We evaluated the rate of fracture in relation to various lengths of drug holidays among women receiving long-term BP therapy. Observational cohort study using US Medicare data 2006-2016. Incidence rates (IRs) and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the rate and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) controlling for potential confounders. Women aged 65 years and above enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare who had been adherent (≥80%) to alendronate, risedronate, or zoledronate for ≥3 years. Hip, humerus, distal forearm, and clinical vertebral fracture. Among 81,427 eligible women observed for a median (interquartile range) of 4.0 (2.5, 5.3) years, 28% of women underwent a drug holiday. In the alendronate cohort (73% overall), the IR of hip fracture among women who discontinued BP for >2 years was 13.2 per 1000 person-years. Risk was increased (aHR=1.3, 1.1-1.4) versus continuing therapy (IR=8.8, referent). Rates were elevated for humerus fracture with discontinuation >2 years (aHR=1.3, 1.1-1.66) and for clinical vertebral fracture with discontinuation >2 years (aHR=1.2, 1.1-1.4). Results were similar for risedronate, zoledronate, and ibandronate for hip and clinical vertebral fracture. Discontinuing alendronate beyond 2 years was associated with increased risk of hip, humerus, and clinical vertebral fractures.

Nerve transfers in distal forearm and in the hand

Nerve transfers were used, originally, to restore shoulder and elbow function in brachial plexus lesions. This concept has been developed over the years and applied to distal nerve injuries in which lower functionality was expected because of the gap between the injury site and the target muscle. The aim of this review is to describe nerve transfers in the distal forearm and hand for isolated lesions of the median, ulnar and radial nerves. The different advantages achieved by transposition of a functional nerve stump near the effector muscle have opened up new options for the management of nerve lesions. Some of these alternatives have only been recently reported and a few are exclusively case reports.

The utility of venous bifurcation for anastomosis with small-caliber veins in distal forearm radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula: Retrospective analysis of 52 fistula cases

Context: Distal forearm radiocephalic (RC) arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the gold standard for vascular access for hemodialysis. The use of venous bifurcation to facilitate anastomoses in small-caliber vessels is well known in microvascular surgery. Small-caliber cephalic vein (CV) is frequently encountered during AVF creation in the distal forearm. We present here the utility of this technique for the creation of distal RC AVF in small-caliber CVs. Objective: The objective was to assess the utility of venous bifurcation for distal forearm RC AVF creation in small-caliber CV. Methodology: Fifty-two cases with CV diameter

Utility of Distal Forearm DXA as a Screening Tool for Primary Osteoporotic Fragility Fractures of the Distal Radius: A Case-Control Study.

Background:Osteoporotic fragility fractures frequently occur at the distal part of the radius. This suggests that initial osteoporosis evaluation at this site may inform screening and treatment to prevent additional fractures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of distal forearm dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a screening tool to assess the risk of fragility fractures at the distal part of the radius.Methods:This retrospective, case-control study included postmenopausal women who had sustained a distal radial fracture (fracture group, n = 110) and postmenopausal women with no history of fracture (control group, n = 95). DXA measurements at the spine, hip, and distal part of the forearm (ultra-distal, mid-distal, and one-third distal sections) were compared between the groups on the basis of bone mineral density (BMD), T-score, and the proportion of patients with a T-score of ≤–2.5 standard deviations (SD). We also investigated the regional differences on the basis of T-score among the skeletal sites. Furthermore, the reliability of distal forearm DXA measurements was validated by assessing the statistical correlation (r) with volumetric BMD by computed tomography (CT).Results:Compared with the control group, the fracture group showed significantly lower BMD and T-scores and higher proportions of patients with a T-score of ≤–2.5 SD at the ultra-distal, mid-distal, and one-third distal forearm; however, the spine and hip measurements did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. With respect to regional differences, in the fracture group, T-scores were significantly lower and the proportions of patients with a T-score of ≤–2.5 SD were significantly higher for the 3 distal forearm sites compared with the spine and hip. DXA measurements at all 3 of the distal forearm regions exhibited high correlation with volumetric BMD by CT (r = 0.83 to 0.92).Conclusions:Some postmenopausal women were found to exhibit bone loss preferentially at the distal part of the radius, which may render them vulnerable to fragility fractures. Forearm DXA for the assessment of local bone loss may demonstrate benefit in screening for those at risk for distal radial fractures and facilitate the early identification of patients who require intervention for osteoporosis.Level of Evidence:Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Distal Radial and Ulnar Arteries: the Alternative Forearm Access.

Radial artery access for catheter-based procedures has demonstrated improved margins of safety and patient comfort without a loss of efficacy compared with femoral access. Unfortunately, radial access is not always available, so a review of the alternatives such as the ulnar artery and distal radial artery has been completed to understand alternative access sites that may preserve the benefits of distal forearm access without losing the efficacy of traditional transradial access. Several different trials have demonstrated the utility of ulnar access as a possible workhorse access point. These suggest efficacy and safety, but inferior ease-of-access and more crossover than traditional radial access exists. Distal (dorsal) radial access has also been shown to have reasonable efficacy and offer some ergonomic advantages, but this comes at the price that 20-30% of all comers may not have a sufficiently large artery to use. Understanding the anatomy and techniques required to access the non-traditional, distal forearm arteries increases the skill set of operators. While neither the ulnar nor distal radial appears to substitute completely for radial access, both have potential applications that should be considered, and their utility should not be ignored.

The epidemiology of adult fractures according to the AO/OTA fracture classification.

The epidemiology of adult fractures has been changing timely, in a multifactorial fashion. The aim of this study was to put forward a recent 5-year epidemiological analysis of adult fractures, according to the current AO/OTA fracture classification, in the current decade of action for road safety. 5324 adult patients who were diagnosed with at least one fracture related with orthopedics and traumatology in a level-one trauma center were included in this retrospective, epidemiological descriptive study. The patients were grouped according to their ages as; 18-35, 36-55, 56-69, and ≥70. The fractures were examined according to the AO/OTA classification. 5865 fractures were present in 5324 patients. The mean age of the patients was 48.6±21.5. The number of patients according to the age groups was as follows; 1947 (36.6%), 1636 (30.7%), 881 (16.5%), and 860 (16.2%), respectively. The most frequent three fractures according to the AO/OTA fracture classification were; 7 (hand 19.6%), 23 (distal forearm, 12.1%), and 8 (foot, 11.8%). About 54.4% and 45.4% of the patients were treated non-surgically and surgically, respectively. About 0.2% of the patients preferred an alternative treatment. Overall mortality rate was 0.4%. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first analysis of adult fractures according to the AO/OTA classification, over a 5-year period. As a future prospect, further multi-centric epidemiological studies are warranted to constitute a sustainable action plan for the prevention of major traumas.

Idiopathic true saccular aneurysm of the right radial artery

Aneurysms of the radial artery are fairly common considering the rise in radial artery catheterization and other forms of trauma. The majority of these are, however, pseudoaneurysms. True aneurysms involving the radial artery are, however, very rare. Here, we report a true saccular aneurysm involving the distal right radial artery in a female with ulnar artery dominance managed by ligation and excision. A 35-year-old woman who presented with a right distal forearm swelling of 6-year duration and 8-month history of pain, with no prior history of trauma to the forearm, and no comorbidities. She was found to have a 2 cm × 2 cm mass in her right lateral distal forearm, 8 cm from the wrist joint. It was nontender with expansile pulsation. Allen's test revealed ulnar artery dominance. A duplex ultrasound scan revealed aneurysm of the right radial artery. The patient subsequently had ligation of the radial artery and excision of the aneurysm sac under local anesthesia. Histology revealed true aneurysm of the radial artery. Idiopathic true aneurysm of the radial artery is rare and can remain asymptomatic for a long time, and arterial ligation and aneurysm excision are safe in the presence of ulnar artery dominance.