Recent Fracture Research Articles

Effect of denosumab on renal function in women with osteoporosis evaluated using cystatin C

ObjectivesTo investigate renal function during denosumab therapy using the estimated glomerular filtration rate based on cystatin C (eGFRcys) which is more accurate than creatinine (eGFRcr) for renal function. MethodsBone mineral densities (BMDs) of lumbar spine and hip regions, eGFRcys, eGFRcr, creatinine clearance (Ccr), and serum total homocysteine (S-Hcy) were measured during 2-year denosumab therapy in 53 women with osteoporosis naïve to anti-osteoporosis drugs (new group) and 64 women who were switched from long-term bisphosphonate treatment to denosumab therapy (switch group). ResultsThere were no significant differences in age, eGFRcr, Ccr, eGFRcys, and S-Hcy levels at baseline between the groups. BMDs in the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip increased significantly after 2-year denosumab therapy in both groups. eGFRcr decreased in the switch group, and Ccr decreased in both groups; however, eGFRcys and S-Hcy levels did not change significantly in either group. To investigate the causal factors associated with the decrease in eGFRcr and Ccr, multiple regression analysis was performed in all patients. Denosumab initiation within 3 months after fracture and eGFRcr or Ccr at baseline were independent factors for the decrease in eGFRcr or Ccr during the 2-year denosumab therapy. Decline in creatinine-based renal function could be reflected by increased muscle mass during the ongoing recovery from fracture. ConclusionsRenal function was preserved in all patients, including those in the switch group during denosumab therapy. Creatinine-based renal function should be cautiously interpreted during denosumab therapy in patients with recent fractures.

Use of a 3D-printed splint for the treatment of distal radius fractures: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundManagement of distal radius fractures typically includes a period of immobilization with either a cast or a splint. Traditional immobilization methods can have inconveniences such as poor resistance to water and poor ventilation, which can result in skin maceration, skin breakdown, and infection in case of wetting. Hypothesis3D-printed splints could potentially overcome the inconveniences of traditional casts. In this report, we compare a 3D-printed splint (3DPS) with a conventional removable splint (CRS) and a traditional cast in a randomized clinical trial. Patients and methodsThirty-four patients with a recent distal radius fracture were randomized to receive either a 3DPS or a CRS. An additional subset of nine patients benefitted from both splints for a direct comparison. Primary outcomes were measured based on a subjective assessment questionnaire and a clinical outcome. ResultsThere was no statistical difference in the subjective assessment between the 3DPS and the CRS groups. Based on the clinical assessment, patients with the 3DPS experienced more pressure-related pain. Among the sub-sample of nine patients that benefited from both splints, eight preferred the CRS and one chose the 3DPS. The 3DPS was judged better for perspiration, coolness, and water resistance. DiscussionThe 3DPS was successful in solving shortcomings of conventional splints and cast (better ventilation, less perspiration, less warmness, more durability and water resistance). However, the rigid structure and sharp edges made it less comfortable, overall favouring the CRS. Level of evidenceII.

A methodology for the use of alkyd paint in thermally aged easel painting reconstructions for mechanical testing

For the preservation of painted cultural heritage on wooden substrates, it is important to understand the fracture mechanisms in the multilayer system of which they are constructed and how the environment plays a role in the composites’ physical properties. Past research has investigated the material response of each constituent layer but much more needs to be done to represent the heterogeneous composite structure of easel paintings. In recent years fracture mechanics concepts have been applied to glue and glue/chalk multilayers. However, few experiments have been conducted on multilayers that include oil paint, due to its very long, and impractical drying time, which can be a few years up to decades depending on the type of study. The paper presents a methodology for the use of thermally aged alkyd paint in easel painting reconstructions for mechanical testing, specifically as a substitute for naturally aged traditional linseed oil paint. Elastic and failure properties of the paint have been obtained from environmentally-controlled tensile tests on thin free-film samples. To obtain the characteristic properties of increased elastic modulus and reduced ductility, a thermal ageing protocol has been experimentally developed. The results are compared with data from the published literature, theoretical models and with 30-year-old samples of cold-pressed linseed oil lead white paint tested within this research work. The final methodology provides the research community with a viable way to produce samples that can be used to understand the behaviour of a (simplified) but complete multilayer system.

Osteo-enhancement procedures in hip fracture prevention: definition and local interventions

Fragility hip fractures are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in elderly patients and place a large medical and economic burden on affected individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Furthermore, in patients with a recent hip fracture, the risk of a second contralateral hip fracture is doubled at 1 year, and increases to 9–20% after 5 years. Mortality can be up to three times higher following a contralateral hip fracture. Currently available pharmaceutical treatments to improve bone mineral density in fragility fracture of the proximal femur can take up to 18 months to significantly reduce the risk of fracture, and have patient compliance issues. Thus, given the limitations of existing methods, there is a significant need for new approaches to reduce hip fractures through so-called surgical osteo-enhancement. “Osteo-enhancement” might be defined as any procedure in which a new material is surgically introduced with the aim of strengthening the proximal femur, increasing the resistance of the femoral neck to compression and distraction forces acting on it, and thereby preventing fall-related fractures. In the past decade, several groups have presented various prophylactic augmentation approaches for the osteoporotic proximal femur and evaluated them by means of experimental biomechanical testing; however, none of them met the ideal requirements for in vivo application. Ideally, a surgical procedure should be minimally invasive and safe. The intervention must not increase the immediate risk of hip fracture, must provide long-term fracture risk reduction, and, if a subsequent fracture does occur, the intervention should not interfere with a standard approach for fracture repair. More recently, to address local osteoporotic bone loss, a resorbable implant material named AGN1 was introduced as a new device for strengthening the proximal femur. The implant material sets in situ and is designed to be resorbed and replaced with new bone to improve femoral strength and reduce hip fracture risk in osteoporotic patients.

Brown tumours of maxilla and mandible as index presentaion of primary hyperparathyroidism

It is rightly said that oral cavity is a mirror that may reflect and reveal many of the human body's internal secrets. Some of oral manifestations are disease specific and help in raising high degree of suspicion for an alert clinician. Hyperparathyroidism is one of such systemic disorder which can present in craniofacial regions as erosive bony lesions known as brown tumours resulting in a local destructive phenomenon. As histological examination alone is not sufficient for differentially diagnosing it, clinical, radiological correlation and laboratory data are necessary for its definitive diagnosis. It is essential that while dealing with such clinical presentations, the underlying systemic disease is rightly recognized using a high index of suspicion and performing targeted investigations to provide correct diagnosis and referral for proper treatment avoiding unnecessary orthopaedic intervention .Here, we report a case of brown tumors involving maxilla and mandible resulting from primary hyperparathroidism in a young female patient with history of recent femur fracture and orthopaedic treatment.

One-Year Postfracture Mortality Rate in Older Adults With Hip Fractures Relative to Other Lower Extremity Fractures: Retrospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundHip fracture in older adults is tied to increased mortality risk. Deconvolution of the mortality risk specific to hip fracture from that of various other fracture types has not been performed in recent hip fracture studies but is critical to determining current unmet needs for therapeutic intervention.ObjectiveThis study examined whether hip fracture increases the 1-year postfracture mortality rate relative to several other fracture types and determined whether dementia or type 2 diabetes (T2D) exacerbates postfracture mortality risk.MethodsTriNetX Diamond Network data were used to identify patients with a single event of fracture of the hip, the upper humerus, or several regions near and distal to the hip occurring from 60 to 89 years of age from 2010 to 2019. Propensity score matching, Kaplan-Meier, and hazard ratio analyses were performed for all fracture groupings relative to hip fracture. One-year postfracture mortality rates in elderly populations with dementia or T2D were established.ResultsOne-year mortality rates following hip fracture consistently exceeded all other lower extremity fracture groupings as well as the upper humerus. Survival probabilities were significantly lower in the hip fracture groups, even after propensity score matching was performed on cohorts for a variety of broad categories of characteristics. Dementia in younger elderly cohorts acted synergistically with hip fracture to exacerbate the 1-year mortality risk. T2D did not exacerbate the 1-year mortality risk beyond mere additive effects.ConclusionsElderly patients with hip fracture have a significantly decreased survival probability. Greatly increased 1-year mortality rates following hip fracture may arise from differences in bone quality, bone density, trauma, concomitant fractures, postfracture treatments or diagnoses, restoration of prefracture mobility, or a combination thereof. The synergistic effect of dementia may suggest detrimental mechanistic or behavioral combinations for these 2 comorbidities. Renewed efforts should focus on modulating the mechanisms behind this heightened mortality risk, with particular attention to mobility and comorbid dementia.

Long-term results of olecranon fractures treated using the XS nail® system

PurposeOlecranon fractures are particularly vulnerable to distraction and subsequent fracture dislocation due to the high tensile forces. Surgical treatment aims at reducing the fracture and restoring the anatomical joint surface condition, as well as neutralizing the strain inhibiting fracture healing. The XS nail® (Intercus GmbH, Bad Blankenberg, Germany), an intramedullary implant exerting compression across the entire fracture surface, unlike plates, leaves a minimal extra-cortical profile, and can be secured with threaded locking wires, thereby retaining the anatomical reduction without displacement or steps within the articular surface, which was often found in tension band wiring. After encouraging initial results, the long-term outcome was assessed. MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated the long-term outcome of patients surgically treated at our trauma center between January 2002 and December 2005 using the XS nail®. Patients over the age of 18 years eligible for the study must have undergone surgery for isolated, recent (less than 14 days) traumatic olecranon fractures, without concomitant injuries to the ipsilateral elbow and forearm. Further exclusion criteria were pseudarthrosis, re-fractures and osteotomy for distal humerus surgery, as well as polytraumatized patients unable to aid in their own recovery. Data were retrospectively gathered by standardised questionnaire and patient records, as well as surgery and anesthesiology reports. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Office Excel® 2016. ResultsThere were 32 patients, 13 males (mean age 49.0 years) and 19 females (mean age 68.9 years) with 11 Schatzkers type D, 7 each type A and C, 5 type B and 2 type E at an average of 55.2 months, all showing complete consolidation. Of them, 6 patients had a loss of range of motion with more than 10° in the sagittal plane, and only 1 patient exceeded 10° reduction of supination. Twenty-five patients reported being pain-free under all circumstances, and all but 2 patients (93.75%) had returned to their previous activity level. The average disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 21.15 (range 0–88.3), and the overall Mayo elbow performance index was 91.87, without complications, such as wound infection, neurovascular impairment or premature hardware removal. ConclusionUsing the XS nail® system, all fracture types can be successfully treated and the rate of complications was lower than that treated by standard methods published in current literature. An excellent functional outcome, high range of motion as well as good retention of reduction without soft tissue irritation makes this a very suitable implant for fractures subject to tension.

Racial Disparities and Inequalities in the Management of Patients With Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by low bone density and poor bone quality that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. Serious consequences of fractures include disability, loss of independence, and death. Despite the availability of clinical tools to evaluate fracture risk and medications to reduce fracture risk, many or most patients at risk, even those with a recent fracture, are not being treated. This represents a large osteoporosis treatment gap that has reached a crisis level. Importantly, the treatment gap is not evenly distributed among populations of different race/ethnicity. Black women are less likely to have bone density testing when indicated, are less likely to be treated, and have worse outcomes after a fracture than White women. This is a review and update of race-based disparities and inequalities, with suggestions for interventions to optimize patient care.

Lumbo-sacral Junction Instability by Traumatic Sacral Fractures: Isler's Classification Revisited - A Narrative Review.

Study DesignNarrative reviewObjectivesMultiple classifications have been proposed for sacral fractures since the last century. While initial classifications focussed on vertical and transverse fractures, the recent fracture classifications encompass all injury patterns. In 1990, Isler classified unilateral vertical sacral fractures based on its potential influence on lumbo-sacral joint (LSJ) stability.MethodsWe re-visited the original description of Isler’s classification of sacral fractures and subsequent studies that have cited it. We will further describe basic LSJ anatomy, evolution of sacral classification systems and the use of Isler’s classification system as it relates to LSJ instability and chronic low back pain.ResultsIsler described a subset of unilateral vertical sacral fractures where the fracture line exited medial or through the L5-S1 facet joint, based on radiographic review of 193 sacral fractures (incidence -3.5%). He stated that such a fracture should be recognised as it can impede hemi-pelvis reduction and can result in late LSJ instability. The article has been cited in 106 studies and only a few studies have described the incidence of this variant. Nevertheless, the injury is considered as an indication for surgical fixation.ConclusionA review of various classifications indicates that sacral fractures have three important bio-mechanical implications, namely, pelvic ring continuity (vertical fractures), spino-pelvic alignment (high transverse fractures) and lumbo-sacral joint integrity (Isler’s fractures). Though there is a universal recognition of Isler’s fractures and its impact on LSJ integrity, there is a lack of clinical and bio-mechanical evidence regarding the concept of instability caused by a unilateral Isler fracture.

Epidemiological, Lesional, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Aspects of Olecranon Fractures

Introduction: Olecranon fractures are the most frequent articular fractures of the elbow. Objective: The aim of our work is to study the epidemiological, lesional, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of olecranon fractures in the Orthopaedic-Traumatology Department of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective study over a period of 4 years, from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017, including 32 patients operated for a recent olecranon fracture using the pinning-hooking technique. Results: The series included 21 patients, 18 males and 3 females with an average age of 34 years (extremes 21 and 62 years). Road and traffic accidents were the leading cause with 09cases ie 43 percent. According to the Mayo Clinic classification, we observed 04 type I fractures (03 type IA and 01 type IB), 17 type II fractures (13 type IIA and 4 type IIB). The associated lesions were: skin openings with 03 cases (type I of Cauchoix and Duparc); section of the ulnar nerve; osteochondral and tendon fractures and lesions involving the elbow, forearm, radius and humerus. The average delay to consultation surgery was 13 days. Evaluation according to the modified Mayo Clinic criteria showed 80% good and excellent results and 20% fair results. The average follow-up was 3 years. Complications included 1 case of infection, 3 cases of secondary displacement, 2 cases of stiffness and 1 case of mal union. Conclusion: The treatment of olecranon fractures remains surgical and the technique of tension band wiring is the gold standard.

Outcomes after primary ankle arthrodesis in recent fractures of the distal end of the tibia in the elderly: a systematic review.

Management of distal tibia fractures in the elderly is complex. The results of conservative treatments may be disappointing and primary ankle arthrodesis is now regularly offered as an alternative. In this study, we aimed to review the outcomes of primary ankle arthrodesis for distal tibia fracture in the elderly. We conducted a systematic review of the literature, from the Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Embase databases, on studies published in English and in French between 1950 and 2020. Only studies reporting the clinical results, the function, or the complications of primary ankle arthrodesis after ankle fracture in the elderly were included. We included nine studies. The total number of patients was 229: 21% of them (50/229) sustained open fractures and 41% (95/229) had three or more comorbidities. All the patients underwent a tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis with a retrograde transplantar intramedullary nailing (TIMN): short nail in 52% (151/229) and long nail in 48% (78/229) of the cases. At a mean follow-up comprised between six and 21months, 94.5% of patients (190/201) achieved bone union, 87% (123/140) recovered an ankle range of motion close to their pre-operative status, 19% (40/211) had a complication, and 11.3% (24/211) required a revision. The use of a short nail resulted in a higher rate of peri-implant complication (2%) as well as a higher rate of revision (12.4%). Primary ankle arthrodesis in recent fractures of the distal end of the tibia in the elderly frequently results in satisfactory results. The use of a long nail may be associated with a lower rate of implant specific complications.

Factors influencing self-care in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: The Guardian Angel® multicentric longitudinal study

ObjectivesTo investigate the factors influencing self-care in a consecutive sample of postmenopausal osteoporotic Italian women. Study designThis was a multicentric, longitudinal study (Guardian Angel) conducted across several osteoporosis centres throughout Italy. Main outcome measuresSociodemographic and clinical data (age, education, employment status, body mass index (BMI), fracture history) were collected at baseline, while self-care behaviours were assessed at baseline, and at one, three and six months from enrolment with the Self-Care of Osteoporosis Scale (SCOS). The SCOS has a total score ranging from 15 to 75 for women who take osteoporosis drugs, while for those who do not take any osteoporosis drug the score is between 13 and 65. Higher scores indicate better self-care. A three-level general linear mixed model with a random intercept for participants and regions was implemented to investigate the possible associations of the sociodemographic and clinical factors with longitudinal SCOS scores. ResultsThe sample (n= 1525) had a mean age of 72.1 years (standard deviation [SD] = ±10.07), with a high proportion retired (64.2%) and with a low education level (45.8%). Approximately half of the women declared taking multiple medications (70.14%) and osteoporosis pharmacotherapy (69.7%). Average longitudinal SCOS scores ranged between 53.17 and 56.68, indicating a satisfactory level of self-care. There were significant and positive relationships between SCOS scores and time (p < 0.001) and number of medications taken (p < 0.001). Negative relationships were found between SCOS and BMI scores (p= 0.013), smoking status (p < 0.001) and presence of recent fractures (p < 0.001). ConclusionsSeveral modifiable characteristics were associated with self-care behaviours in our sample of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Psychoeducational interventions are promising in this population to counteract unhealthy behaviours and, ultimately, to promote self-care.

An optimal intervention threshold of FRAX in postmenopausal Thai women.

Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) has been widely used as an intervention threshold for initiating osteoporosis treatment. However, there is a lack of data to validate the threshold in Thai population. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2014 to February 2019. Postmenopausal women in the Northeast of Thailand whom has bone mineral density (BMD) measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the study period were recruited. Participants who had previously received anti-osteoporotic treatment were not eligible. FRAX score, both with and without BMD, was calculated using a Thai reference. Prevalent hip fracture was identified by reviewing the ICD-10 diagnosis from the hospital database during the study period. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Youden index were used to determine the FRAX threshold in predicting hip fracture, based on the rationale that women with a prevalent hip fracture would be eligible for treatment. A total of 2872 postmenopausal Thai women were recruited, with 45 sustained a recent hip fracture. In association with hip fracture, the optimal FRAX thresholds for hip fracture without and with BMD were 4.9% and 4%, respectively, with 71.1% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity, and 82.2% sensitivity and 78.6% specificity, while the optimal FRAX thresholds for major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) without and with BMD were 9.8% and 8.9%, respectively, with 75.6% sensitivity and 77.0% specificity, and 86.7% sensitivity and 70.9% specificity. An optimal intervention threshold based on FRAX of hip fracture and MOF in postmenopausal Thai women is slightly different from the standard recommendation, which confirmed the marked variations of thresholds across ethnicities. The proposed threshold should be considered as new cutoff for initiating osteoporosis treatment in postmenopausal Thais.

Patients experience a need for informal care after a fragility fracture.

In individuals with fragility fractures, our objectives were to examine (1) the experience of receiving informal care post-fracture; and (2) how these care experiences influenced post-fracture recovery and subsequent management of bone health. A secondary analysis of six primary qualitative studies was conducted. Individuals in the primary studies were English-speaking women and men, 45years and older, who were living in the community and had sustained a recent fragility fracture or reported a history of previous fragility fractures. Participants who reported at least one instance of needing informal care were categorized as receiving "enough care", "insufficient care", or "no care". Of 145 participants in the primary studies, 109 (75%) described needing informal care after their fracture. Of those needing care, 62 (57%) were categorized as receiving enough care while 47 (43%) were categorized as receiving insufficient or no care. The care needed affected the management of participants' fracture and bone health, including access to health care services. Participants who received insufficient or no care, especially those living alone, devised strategies to care for themselves and often requested help from multiple individuals to minimize the burden to family and friends. Compared with men, women appeared to report needing help with personal daily activities, such as bathing, and transportation to appointments related to bone health. Informal care needs are an additional burden of fragility fractures. Post-fracture interventions should consider the broader context of patients' lives and potentially support the care needs of patients as part of their services.

The impact of acute fracture on interpretation of bone turnover marker measurements for patients starting anti-resorptive therapies.

Bone turnover markers (BTM) are used in evaluating patients' response to anti-resorptive agents (ARA). Fracture and its healing process, however, can influence the measurements, which might make their interpretation difficult in patients with a recent fracture. We aimed to evaluate the effect of oral ARA on changes in BTM levels in patients with a recent distal radius fracture (DRF). In 143 women who had a new DRF and then received oral ARA including selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM, n=101), and bisphosphonate (n=42), we measured serum cross-linked C-telopeptides of type I collagen (CTXI) and osteocalcin, at baseline and six months, as well as lumbar and total hip bone mineral density (BMD) at baseline and one year after fracture. We determined the predictive value of BTM at six months in determining one-year responses in BMD. Both BTM levels decreased significantly at six months, with the average decrease of 27±63% for CTX-I and 11%±37% for osteocalcin. The percent changes of BTM at six months were independent predictors of the BMD change. Cutoff points of 50.0% CTX-I decrease and 23.5% for osteocalcin decrease had the highest sensitivities and specificities for detecting BMD responders for bisphosphonate users, but cutoffs could not be found for SERM users. Although a fresh fracture can influence BTM, ARA therapy significantly reduced their levels and their percent change at six months could predict BMD improvement at one year. However, adjusted cutoff points can be necessary to increase sensitivity for detecting patients responsive to ARA treatment after a new DRF.

Bariatric surgery and skeletal health: A narrative review and position statement for management by the European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS).

Numerous studies have demonstrated detrimental skeletal consequences following bariatric surgery. A working group of the European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) performed an updated review of existing literature on changes of bone turnover markers (BTMs), bone mineral density (BMD), and fracture risk following bariatric surgery and provided advice on management based on expert opinion. Based on observational studies, bariatric surgery is associated with a 21-44% higher risk of all fractures. Fracture risk is time-dependent and increases approximately 3years after bariatric surgery. The bariatric procedures that have a malabsorptive component (including Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass (RYGB) and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD)) have clearly been associated with the highest risk of fracture. The extent of high-turnover bone loss suggests a severe skeletal insult. This is associated with diminished bone strength and compromised microarchitecture. RYGB was the most performed bariatric procedure worldwide until very recently, when sleeve gastrectomy (SG) became more prominent. There is growing evidence that RYGB is associated with greater reduction in BMD, greater increase in BTMs, and higher risk of fractures compared with SG but RCTs on optimal management are still lacking. In all patients, it is mandatory to treat vitamin D deficiency, to achieve adequate daily calcium and protein intake and to promote physical activity before and following bariatric surgery. In post-menopausal women and men older than 50years, osteoporosis treatment would be reasonable in the presence of any of the following criteria: i) history of recent fragility fracture after 40years of age, ii) BMD T-score≤-2 at hip or spine, iii) FRAX score with femoral neck BMD exceeding 20% for the 10-year major osteoporotic fracture probability or exceeding 3% for hip fracture. Zoledronate as first choice should be preferred due to intolerance of oral formulations and malabsorption. Zoledronate should be used with caution due to hypocemia risk. It is recommended to ensure adequate 25-OH vitamin D level and calcium supplementation before administering zoledronate. The bariatric procedures that have a malabsorptive component have been associated with the highest turnover bone loss and risk of fracture. There is a knowledge gap on osteoporosis treatment in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. More research is necessary to direct and support guidelines.

The Risk Factors for Developing Clustered Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Single-Center Study

ObjectiveVertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are common among elderly individuals, but clustered VCFs (C-VCFs) are rare and more severe. The risk factors for C-VCFs remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the clinical characteristics of C-VCFs to identify the imminent fracture risk and improve the treatment for such patients. MethodsWe reviewed the records of patients with VCF at a single medical center between January 2011 and September 2020. Patients who had 4 or more VCFs within 1 year were categorized into the C-VCF group, and the remaining patients were paired into the control group at a ratio of 2:1. We collected demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiologic information regarding these patients. Univariate analyses, stratified analyses, and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify the risk factors for C-VCFs. ResultsA total of 156 patients were enrolled, of whom 52 were patients with C-VCF. Patients with C-VCF had more severe fractures and pain, with fractures occurring at uncommon sites of the spine. The independent risk factors for C-VCFs included glucocorticoid (GC) treatment (P < .001; hazard ratio [HR], 12.7), recent fracture history (P = .021; HR, 5.5), and lower trabecular bone score (TBS) (P = .044; HR, 1.6). TBS and bone mineral density had greater predictive values in patients without GC treatment (P < .001). Sex, age, and bone turnover biomarkers were not independent risk factors for C-VCFs. ConclusionC-VCFs are rare adverse consequences of severe osteoporosis, for which GC treatment, recent fracture history, and lower TBS are unique risk factors that are valuable for the early identification and prevention of C-VCFs.

Diabetes, Obesity, and Osteoporosis in an Ethnically Diverse Population of Women Receiving Osteoporosis Screening

Osteoporosis screening by bone density (BMD) testing is recommended for women aged 65-75 years. However, patients with diabetes, a risk factor for fracture, often have higher body mass index (BMI) which contributes to higher BMD. These factors may vary by race/ethnicity. The relationship of diabetes (≥2 diagnoses and treatment), obesity (BMI ≥30), and BMD-defined osteoporosis (femoral neck BMD T-score ≤ -2.5) was examined in a diverse primary care population of 44,313 non-Hispanic White, 6,103 Black, 7,777 Hispanic, and 12,634 Asian women aged 65-75 years who underwent BMD screening. Those with recent fracture, osteoporosis treatment, bone disorders, and metastatic cancer were excluded. Modified log-Poisson regression was used to examine the association of diabetes and BMD-osteoporosis. Among 70,827 women, 18% had diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes was 2-fold higher in Black, Hispanic and Asian women compared to White women. Overall, women with diabetes (versus no diabetes) were more likely to be obese and, except for Hispanic women, less likely to have BMD-osteoporosis. In unadjusted analyses, diabetes was associated with lower risk of BMD-defined osteoporosis in White, Black, and Asian women, but not Hispanic women. However, the association was attenuated or no longer evident after adjusting for BMI, suggesting that the lower burden of BMD-osteoporosis in women with diabetes is mediated in part by higher BMI. These findings support consideration of diabetes when assessing fracture risk in women undergoing osteoporosis screening. However, more studies in non-White populations with a high burden of diabetes are important since these relationships appear to differ by race/ethnicity.

The first reported fracture liaison service (FLS) for vertebral fractures in China: is muscle the missing gap?

Fracture liaison services (FLS) have been implemented worldwide but we present one of the first reported experiences in China. Vertebral fragility fracture is one of the earliest fracture to occur. The objective of this study was to implement a dedicated fracture service to decrease imminent fractures for future use nationwide in China. Patients 50years or older with a recent vertebral compression fracture were recruited. All patients were offered investigation with DXA scan and blood taking. Treatment was provided with calcium and vitamin D supplements and denosumab injections. The primary outcome was the imminent fracture rate or the re-fracture rate occurring within 2years of the initial one. Secondary outcomes were bone mineral density (BMD), treatment initiation, adherence to drug, compliance to follow-up, falls, mortality, pain, quality of life, pain-related disability with Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Two hundred twenty-six patients (n = 226) were analyzed. 0.4% (n = 1) had an imminent fracture within 2years. 11.1% (n = 25) had a fall within 2years, in which 1 resulted in a major osteoporotic fracture. 7.1% died (n = 16) within the 2-year time period. 97.8% (n = 221) underwent BMD investigation with an initial DXA scan. One hundred percent (n = 226) had treatment initiation and were prescribed with Denosumab injections. 89.8% (n = 203) were compliant and showed complete adherence to drug therapy over the 2years. Pain, quality of life, and disability were significantly improved. This is the first reported fracture liaison service for vertebral fracture patients reported in China. Future FLS should incorporate muscle and sarcopenic assessments as a routine, and also research on novel interventions in this area would significantly improve patient outcomes.

Predicting Imminent Fractures in Patients With a Recent Fracture or Starting Oral Bisphosphonate Therapy: Development and International Validation of Prognostic Models.

The availability of anti-osteoporosis medications with rapid onset and high potency requires tools to identify patients at high imminent fracture risk (IFR). There are few tools that predict a patient's IFR. We aimed to develop and validate tools for patients with a recent fracture and for patients initiating oral bisphosphonate therapy. Models for two separate cohorts, those with incident fragility fracture (IFx) and with incident oral bisphosphonate prescription (OBP), were developed in primary care records from Spain (SIDIAP database), UK (Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD), and Denmark (Danish Health Registries). Separate models were developed for hip, major, and any fracture outcomes. Only variables present in all databases were included in Lasso regression models for the development and logistic regression models for external validation. Discrimination was tested using area under curve (AUC) and calibration was assessed using observed versus predicted risk plots stratified by age, sex, and previous fracture history. The development analyses included 35,526 individuals in the IFx and 41,401 in the OBP cohorts, with 671,094 in IFx and 330,256 in OBP for the validation analyses. Both the IFx and OBP models demonstrated similarly good performance for hip fracture at 1 year (with AUCs of 0.79 [95% CI 0.75 to 0.82] and 0.87 [0.83 to 0.91] in Spain, 0.71 [0.71 to 0.72] and 0.73 [0.72 to 0.74] in the UK, and 0.70 [0.70 to 0.70] and 0.69 [0.68 to 0.70] in Denmark), and lower discrimination for major osteoporotic and any fracture sites. Calibration was good across all three countries. Discrimination and calibration for the 2-year models was similar. The proposed IFR prediction models could be used to identify more precisely patients at high imminent risk of fracture and inform anti-osteoporosis treatment selection. The freely available model parameters permit local validation and implementation. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).