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Mazur CM, Edwards WB, Haider IT, Fang Y, Morse LR, Schnitzer TJ, Simonian N, Troy KL. Bone Mineral Loss at the Distal Femur and Proximal Tibia Following Spinal Cord Injury in Men and Women. J Clin Densitom 2023; 26:101380. [PMID: 37201436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocd.2023.101380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes rapid bone loss and increases risk of fragility fractures in the lower extremities. The majority of individuals with SCI are men, and few studies have investigated sex as a biological variable in SCI-induced osteoporosis. This cross-sectional study aimed to quantify sex-specific differences in bone mineral following SCI. METHODS Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) scans of the distal femur and proximal tibia were obtained at baseline of one of four clinical trials enrolling people who sustained SCI 1 month to 50 years prior to recruitment. Bone volume (BV), bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and bending strength index (BSI) were quantified in the integral, trabecular, and cortical bone in the epiphysis, metaphysis and diaphysis. Scans from 106 men and 31 women were analyzed to measure sex-specific effects on bone loss over time post-SCI. RESULTS BMC and BSI declined exponentially as a function of time post-SCI and were best described by separate decay curves for men and women. Women had BV, BMC, and BSI at 58-77% that of men in the acute and plateau phases, with both sexes showing similar rates of loss as a function of time post-SCI. Trabecular BMD was best described as an exponential decay versus time post-SCI, with no sex-specific differences. CONCLUSIONS Due to consistently lower BV, BMC, and BSI, women may be more susceptible to fractures after SCI than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M Mazur
- Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - W Brent Edwards
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ifaz T Haider
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Leslie R Morse
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Thomas J Schnitzer
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Narina Simonian
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Karen L Troy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA United States.
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Craven BC, Cirnigliaro CM, Carbone LD, Tsang P, Morse LR. The Pathophysiology, Identification and Management of Fracture Risk, Sublesional Osteoporosis and Fracture among Adults with Spinal Cord Injury. J Pers Med 2023; 13:966. [PMID: 37373955 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13060966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevention of lower extremity fractures and fracture-related morbidity and mortality is a critical component of health services for adults living with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS Established best practices and guideline recommendations are articulated in recent international consensus documents from the International Society of Clinical Densitometry, the Paralyzed Veterans of America Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine and the Orthopedic Trauma Association. RESULTS This review is a synthesis of the aforementioned consensus documents, which highlight the pathophysiology of lower extremity bone mineral density (BMD) decline after acute SCI. The role and actions treating clinicians should take to screen, diagnose and initiate the appropriate treatment of established low bone mass/osteoporosis of the hip, distal femur or proximal tibia regions associated with moderate or high fracture risk or diagnose and manage a lower extremity fracture among adults with chronic SCI are articulated. Guidance regarding the prescription of dietary calcium, vitamin D supplements, rehabilitation interventions (passive standing, functional electrical stimulation (FES) or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)) to modify bone mass and/or anti-resorptive drug therapy (Alendronate, Denosumab, or Zoledronic Acid) is provided. In the event of lower extremity fracture, the need for timely orthopedic consultation for fracture diagnosis and interprofessional care following definitive fracture management to prevent health complications (venous thromboembolism, pressure injury, and autonomic dysreflexia) and rehabilitation interventions to return the individual to his/her pre-fracture functional abilities is emphasized. CONCLUSIONS Interprofessional care teams should use recent consensus publications to drive sustained practice change to mitigate fracture incidence and fracture-related morbidity and mortality among adults with chronic SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Catharine Craven
- KITE Research Institute, 520 Sutherland Dr, Toronto, ON M4G 3V9, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Christopher M Cirnigliaro
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation, Research, and Development Service, Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
| | - Laura D Carbone
- Department of Medicine: Rheumatology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Philemon Tsang
- KITE Research Institute, 520 Sutherland Dr, Toronto, ON M4G 3V9, Canada
| | - Leslie R Morse
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, 500 Harvard St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Fibula response to disuse: a longitudinal analysis in people with spinal cord injury. Arch Osteoporos 2022; 17:51. [PMID: 35305185 PMCID: PMC8934326 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-022-01095-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Fibular response to disuse has been described in cross-sectional but not longitudinal studies. This study assessed fibular bone changes in people with spinal cord injury. Fibular bone loss was less than in the tibia and was not correlated together. This might explain low fibular fracture incidents in these patients. PURPOSE Cross-sectional studies suggest that the fibula responds differently to loading and disuse compared to the tibia. Whilst tibial bone changes following spinal cord injury (SCI) have been established in longitudinal studies, fibular changes remain unexplored. METHODS Fibular and tibial bone parameters were assessed in 13 individuals with SCI (aged 16-76 years). Peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans were acquired at 4%, 38% and 66% distal-proximal tibia length at 5 weeks and 12 months post-injury. Changes in 4% site total bone mineral content (BMC), total cross-sectional area (CSA) and bone mineral density (BMD), and 38% and 66% sites total BMC, total CSA, cortical BMD and cortical CSA were assessed using paired T-tests. Relationships between bone loss in the two bones at equivalent sites were assessed using paired T-tests and correlation. RESULTS At the 4% site, fibular total BMC and BMD losses were less than tibial losses (- 6.9 ± 5.1% and - 6.6 ± 6.0% vs - 14.8 ± 12.4% and - 14.4 ± 12.4%, p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). Similarly, at the 66% site, fibular BMC losses were less than those in the tibia (- 2.0 ± 2.6% vs - 4.3 ± 3.6%, p = 0.03), but there was no difference at 38% (- 1.8 ± 3.5% vs - 3.8 ± 2.1%, p = 0.1). No correlation was observed for BMC changes between the two bones (all p > 0.25). CONCLUSION These results support cross-sectional evidence of smaller disuse-related bone loss in the fibula compared to the tibia. These results may in part explain lower incidence of fibula fractures in individuals with chronic SCI. The lack of association between losses in the two bones might point to different underlying mechanisms.
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Dionyssiotis Y, Kalke YB, Frotzler A, Moosburger J, Trovas G, Kaskani E, Erhan B, Foti C, Papathanasiou J, Ferretti JL, Imamura M, Rapidi AC. S1 Guidelines on Bone Impairment in Spinal Cord Injury. J Clin Densitom 2021; 24:490-501. [PMID: 33958259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocd.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
During the acute and chronic phase of spinal cord injury (SCI) bone turnover and structure are affected. Bone mineral density of lower limbs is decreased up to 28%-50% below that of age-matched peers at 12-18 mo post injury. Coexisting secondary etiologies of osteoporosis may be present, and during ageing additional loss of bone occurs. All these compose a complex canvas of bone impairment after spinal cord injury and make the therapeutical approach challenging. The risk of fragility fractures is increased after the 2nd decade post SCI affecting the functionality and quality of life of individuals with SCI. Diagnostic flaws, lack of a ranking system to categorize the degree of bone impairment similar to the one of World Health Organization, and evidence-based clinical guidelines for management in SCI requires interdisciplinary cooperation and appropriate planning of future research and interventions. Spinal Cord Section of Hellenic Society of Physical Rehabilitation Medicine convened an expert panel working group on bone and spinal cord injury at the Pan-Hellenic Congress 2018 of PRM in Athens Greece, to establish an evidence-based position statement for bone loss in individuals with SCI of traumatic or non-traumatic etiology. This was reviewed by an International Task Force and used to create S1 Guidelines. This first version S1 guideline will work towards to provide help with prophylactic basic osteoporosis therapy diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in acute and chronic phase and rehabilitation countermeasures against osteoporosis related with spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannis Dionyssiotis
- 1st Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, National Rehabilitation Center EKA, Athens, Greece; Hellenic Osteoporosis Foundation, Kifissia, Greece.
| | | | - Angela Frotzler
- Clinical Trial Unit, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Moosburger
- Medical Rehabilitation Center for Spinal Cord Injured "Heinrich-Sommer-Klinik", Bad Wildbad, Germany
| | - Georgios Trovas
- Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System, "Th. Garofalidis" Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Kifissia, Greece; Hellenic Osteoporosis Foundation, Kifissia, Greece
| | | | - Belgin Erhan
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, İstanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Instabul, Turkey
| | - Calogero Foti
- Clinical Medicine and Translational Department Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Jannis Papathanasiou
- Department of Medical Imaging, Allergology and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Department of Kinesitherapy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Jose Luis Ferretti
- Center of P-Ca Metabolism Studies (CEMFoC), Natl Univ of Rosario and Arg NRC (CONICET), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Marta Imamura
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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El-Kotob R, Craven BC, Thabane L, Papaioannou A, Adachi JD, Giangregorio LM. Exploring changes in bone mass in individuals with a chronic spinal cord injury. Osteoporos Int 2021; 32:759-767. [PMID: 33089353 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-020-05705-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED People experience rapid bone loss shortly after a spinal cord injury (SCI), but the long-term bone changes are yet to be confirmed. This study showed that trabecular bone may have reached a steady state, whereas cortical bone continued to decline in people with a chronic SCI (mean time post injury: 15.5 ± 10 years). INTRODUCTION (1) To explore changes in bone [primary measure: trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD); secondary measures: cortical vBMD, cortical thickness, cortical cross-sectional area (CSA), and polar moment of inertia] over 2 years in individuals with a chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). (2) To explore whether muscle density changes were potential correlates of the observed bone changes. METHODS This study is a secondary data analysis of a prospective, observational study involving 70 people with a chronic SCI (≥ 2 years post injury). The study included 4 strata of participants with diverse impairments: (1) Paraplegia (T1-T12) motor complete American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A/B (n = 23), (2) Paraplegia motor incomplete AIS C/D (n = 11), (3) Tetraplegia (C2-C8) AIS A/B (n = 22), and (4) Tetraplegia AIS C/D (n = 14). Peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans were taken at the 4% (distal tibia), 38% (diaphyseal tibia), and 66% (muscle cross-sectional area) tibia sites by measuring from the distal to proximal tibia starting at the inferior border of the medial malleolus. The tibia sites were assessed annually over a span of 2 years. Comparisons were made using a paired-samples t test and simple linear regression was used to adjust for sex, time post injury, and bisphosphonate use. RESULTS We observed no changes in trabecular vBMD at the 4% tibia site, but there was a statistically significant decline in cortical vBMD, cortical thickness, and CSA at the 38% tibia site. Changes in muscle density were not associated with the decreases observed in cortical bone. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that individuals with chronic SCI (mean duration of injury: 15.5 ± 10 years) may have reached a plateau in bone loss with respect to trabecular bone, but cortical bone loss can continue well into the chronic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- R El-Kotob
- Deparment of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M4G 3V9, Canada.
| | - B C Craven
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M4G 3V9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - L Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - A Papaioannou
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - J D Adachi
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - L M Giangregorio
- Deparment of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, ON, N2J 0E2, Canada
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Bone Loss and the Current Diagnosis of Osteoporosis and Risk of Fragility Fracture in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-020-00268-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Global and site-specific analysis of bone in a rat model of spinal cord injury-induced osteoporosis. Bone Rep 2019; 12:100233. [PMID: 31886322 PMCID: PMC6920718 DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2019.100233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-Computed Tomography bone analysis is the gold standard method for assessing trabecular and cortical bone microarchitecture in small animal bones. This technique reports morphometric parameters as averages over selected volumes of interest (VOIs). This study proposes the introduction of an additional global 2D morphometric step into the analysis process, that provides a survey of the underlying morphometric variation present throughout both trabecular and cortical bone. The visualisation of these morphometric distributions provides a systematic approach to VOI selection that provides rationale and adds confidence to subsequent 3D morphometric analysis. To test the applicability and value of this methodological addition it was applied to the distal femur of a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced osteoporosis. The 2D morphometric variation of both trabecular and cortical bone was quantified as a function of bone length. SCI-induced osteoporosis was localised in i) trabecular bone, where metaphyseal bone was more severely affected than epiphyseal bone, and there was a significant reduction in Distal Femoral Trabecular Extent, a new parameter defined here that quantifies how far trabecular bone penetrates in to the marrow cavity, ii) cortical bone, where diaphyseal bone underwent significant lowering of both cortical area and thickness, while distal-metaphyseal bone did not. Theses site-specific changes were validated, further elucidated and compared with follow-up conventional 3D analysis. The techniques applied here are equally applicable to other long bones (tibia, humerus, radius, ulna), other types of imaging modality and other types of experimental design including the effects of rehabilitation, aging, loading, gene knockout and pharmacological intervention. 2D morphological surveying identifies regions warranting further 3D investigation. Trabecular microarchitecture site-specifically varies in the distal femur. SCI-induced osteoporosis changes metaphyseal more than epiphyseal trabecular bone. SCI-induced osteoporosis reduced the extent of metaphyseal trabecular bone.
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Frotzler A, Krebs J, Göhring A, Hartmann K, Tesini S, Lippuner K. Osteoporosis in the lower extremities in chronic spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2019; 58:441-448. [DOI: 10.1038/s41393-019-0383-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Cirnigliaro CM, Myslinski MJ, Asselin P, Hobson JC, Specht A, La Fountaine MF, Kirshblum SC, Forrest GF, Dyson-Hudson T, Spungen AM, Bauman WA. Progressive Sublesional Bone Loss Extends into the Second Decade After Spinal Cord Injury. J Clin Densitom 2019; 22:185-194. [PMID: 30503961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocd.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The rate of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) loss at the knee (distal femur (DF) and proximal tibia ) and hip (femoral neck (FN) and total hip (TH)) was determined in persons with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) who were stratified into subgroups based on time since injury (TSI). DESIGN Cross-sectional retrospective review. SETTING Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Private Rehabilitation Hospital. PARTICIPANTS Data on 105 individuals with SCI (TSI ≤12 months, n = 19; TSI 1-5 years, n = 35; 6-10 years, n = 19; TSI 11-20 years, n = 16; TSI >20 years, n = 15) and 17 able-bodied reference (ABref) controls. INTERVENTIONS NA Main Outcome Measures: The knee and hip aBMD values were obtained by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar iDXA) using standard clinical software for the proximal femur employed in conjunction with proprietary research orthopedic knee software applications. Young-normal (T-score) and age-matched (Z-scores) standardized scores for the FN and TH were obtained using the combined GE Lunar/National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) combined reference database. RESULTS When groups were stratified and compared as epochs of TSI, significantly lower mean aBMD and reference scores were observed as TSI increased, despite similar mean ages of participants among the majority of TSI epoch subgroups. Loss in aBMD occurred at the distal femur (DF), proximal tibia (PT), FN, and TH with 46%, 49%, 32%, and 43% of the variance in loss, respectively, described by the exponential decay curves with a time to steady state (tss) occurring at 14.6, 11.3, 14, and 6.2 years, respectively, after SCI. CONCLUSIONS Sublesional bone loss after SCI was marked and occurred as an inverse function of TSI. For aBMD at the hip and knee, tss extended into the second decade after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Cirnigliaro
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research & Development Service National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Mary Jane Myslinski
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Pierre Asselin
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research & Development Service National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joshua C Hobson
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research & Development Service National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Adam Specht
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research & Development Service National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Michael F La Fountaine
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research & Development Service National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA; The Institute for Advanced Study of Rehabilitation and Sports Science, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Steven C Kirshblum
- Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, West Orange, NJ, USA; Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Gail F Forrest
- Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Trevor Dyson-Hudson
- Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ann M Spungen
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research & Development Service National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Departments of Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - William A Bauman
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research & Development Service National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Departments of Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Cervinka T, Giangregorio L, Sievanen H, Cheung AM, Craven BC. Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography: Review of Evidence and Recommendations for Image Acquisition, Analysis, and Reporting, Among Individuals With Neurological Impairment. J Clin Densitom 2018; 21:563-582. [PMID: 30196052 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocd.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In 2015, the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) position statement regarding peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) did not recommend routine use of pQCT, in clinical settings until consistency in image acquisition and analysis protocols are reached, normative studies conducted, and treatment thresholds identified. To date, the lack of consensus-derived recommendations regarding pQCT implementation remains a barrier to implementation of pQCT technology. Thus, based on description of available evidence and literature synthesis, this review recommends the most appropriate pQCT acquisition and analysis protocols for clinical care and research purposes, and recommends specific measures for diagnosis of osteoporosis, assigning fracture risk, and monitoring osteoporosis treatment effectiveness, among patients with neurological impairment. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE©, CINAHL, and PubMed for available pQCT studies assessing bone health was carried out from inception to August 8th, 2017. The search was limited to individuals with neurological impairment (spinal cord injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis) as these groups have rapid and severe regional declines in bone mass. Of 923 references, we identified 69 that met review inclusion criteria. The majority of studies (n = 60) used the Stratec XCT 2000/3000 pQCT scanners as reflected in our evaluation of acquisition and analysis protocols. Overall congruence with the ISCD Official Positions was poor. Only 11% (n = 6) studies met quality reporting criteria for image acquisition and 32% (n = 19) reported their data analysis in a format suitable for reproduction. Therefore, based on current literature synthesis, ISCD position statement standards and the authors' expertise, we propose acquisition and analysis protocols at the radius, tibia, and femur sites using Stratec XCT 2000/3000 pQCT scanners among patients with neurological impairment for clinical and research purposes in order to drive practice change, develop normative datasets and complete future meta-analysis to inform fracture risk and treatment efficacy evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Cervinka
- Neural Engineering and Therapeutics Team, Toronto Rehabilitation Research Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - L Giangregorio
- Neural Engineering and Therapeutics Team, Toronto Rehabilitation Research Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - H Sievanen
- Bone Research Group, UKK Institute, Tampere, Finland
| | - A M Cheung
- Centre of Excellence in Skeletal Health Assessment, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - B C Craven
- Neural Engineering and Therapeutics Team, Toronto Rehabilitation Research Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; Centre of Excellence in Skeletal Health Assessment, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Brain and Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Program, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Coupaud S, Gislason MK, Purcell M, Sasagawa K, Tanner KE. Patient-specific bone mineral density distribution in the tibia of individuals with chronic spinal cord injury, derived from multi-slice peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT) - A cross-sectional study. Bone 2017; 97:29-37. [PMID: 28034635 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2016.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high risk of fracture associated with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) is attributed to extensive disuse-related bone loss in previously weight-bearing long bones. Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) after SCI have been documented extensively for the epiphyses of the tibia and femur, fracture-prone sites in this patient group. Less attention has been given to patterns of cortical bone loss in the diaphyses, but variability in BMD distributions throughout the long bones may contribute to some patients' increased susceptibility to shaft fractures in chronic SCI. AIM A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine whether BMD distributions along the tibia differ between individuals with chronic SCI and healthy able-bodied (AB) controls, in both the trabecular and cortical bone compartments. The effects of time post-injury and gender on BMD distribution were also explored. METHODS Individuals with chronic (≥6months post-injury) motor-complete SCI were recruited from the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit (Glasgow, UK). AB control subjects were recruited to achieve similar age and gender profiles for the SCI and control groups. Multi-slice pQCT (XCT3000, Stratec) was performed along the length of the tibia (2mm thickness, 0.5mm voxel size), at 1% intervals in the epiphyses and 5% intervals in the diaphysis (34 slices in total). These were used to reconstruct full 3-D subject-specific models (Mimics, Materialise) of BMD distribution, by interpolating between slices. Subjects with chronic SCI were subdivided into 'early' (<4years post-injury) and 'established' SCI (≥4years post-injury). Subject-specific BMD distribution was described according to new parameters determined from the 3-D patient-specific models, quantifying descriptors of the trabecular and cortical BMD regions separately (volume, peak BMD, half-peak width, area under the curve). These were compared between sub-groups (using independent-samples t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests, significance level of 5%). RESULTS 11 men (age range 17-59years old; mean 35.7±10.6) and 3 post-menopausal women (age range 56-58years old; mean 56.7±1.2years) with motor-complete SCI (ranging from 6months to 27years post-injury) were recruited; 6 men (age range 20-56years old; 33.0±12.7years) and 1 post-menopausal woman (56years) formed the AB control group. Overall, SCI resulted in lower BMD at both trabecular and cortical regions of the tibia. In men, longer time since injury resulted in greater BMD differences when compared to AB, throughout the tibia. For the post-menopausal women, differences in BMD between SCI and AB were greater in cortical bone than in trabecular bone. From the models, individual BMD distribution curves showed healthy double-peaks in AB subjects: one trabecular peak (around 200-300mg/cm3) and the other cortical (around 1000-1100mg/cm3). In most subjects with established SCI, trabecular peaks were exaggerated whilst the cortical peaks were barely discernible, with crucially some individuals already exhibiting a diminishing cortical BMD peak even <4years post-injury. CONCLUSIONS These findings may have implications for determining the fracture susceptibility of the long bones in individual patients with SCI. Epiphyseal fractures associated with low trabecular BMD are well characterised, but our data show that some individuals with SCI may also be at higher risk of shaft fractures. The proposed BMD distribution description parameters, determined from patient-specific models, could be used to identify patients with a weakened diaphysis who may be susceptible to fractures of the tibial shaft, but this requires validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Coupaud
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0NW, UK; Scottish Centre for Innovation in Spinal Cord Injury, Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK.
| | - Magnus K Gislason
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0NW, UK; Institute for Biomedical and Neural Engineering, School of Science & Engineering, University of Reykjavik, Menntavegi 1, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Mariel Purcell
- Scottish Centre for Innovation in Spinal Cord Injury, Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
| | - Keisuke Sasagawa
- Department of Engineering, Niigata Institute of Technology, 1719 Fujihashi, Kashiwazaki City, Niigata 945-1195, Japan
| | - K Elizabeth Tanner
- Biomedical Engineering Division, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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Cirnigliaro CM, Myslinski MJ, La Fountaine MF, Kirshblum SC, Forrest GF, Bauman WA. Bone loss at the distal femur and proximal tibia in persons with spinal cord injury: imaging approaches, risk of fracture, and potential treatment options. Osteoporos Int 2017; 28:747-765. [PMID: 27921146 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-016-3798-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) undergo immediate unloading of the skeleton and, as a result, have severe bone loss below the level of lesion associated with increased risk of long-bone fractures. The pattern of bone loss in individuals with SCI differs from other forms of secondary osteoporosis because the skeleton above the level of lesion remains unaffected, while marked bone loss occurs in the regions of neurological impairment. Striking demineralization of the trabecular epiphyses of the distal femur (supracondylar) and proximal tibia occurs, with the knee region being highly vulnerable to fracture because many accidents occur while sitting in a wheelchair, making the knee region the first point of contact to any applied force. To quantify bone mineral density (BMD) at the knee, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and/or computed tomography (CT) bone densitometry are routinely employed in the clinical and research settings. A detailed review of imaging methods to acquire and quantify BMD at the distal femur and proximal tibia has not been performed to date but, if available, would serve as a reference for clinicians and researchers. This article will discuss the risk of fracture at the knee in persons with SCI, imaging methods to acquire and quantify BMD at the distal femur and proximal tibia, and treatment options available for prophylaxis against or reversal of osteoporosis in individuals with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Cirnigliaro
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research & Development Service National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - M J Myslinski
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Related Professions, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - M F La Fountaine
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research & Development Service National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA
- The Institute for Advanced Study of Rehabilitation and Sports Science, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - S C Kirshblum
- Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, West Orange, NJ, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - G F Forrest
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
- Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA
| | - W A Bauman
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research & Development Service National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Departments of Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Hughes JM, Charkoudian N, Barnes JN, Morgan BJ. Revisiting the Debate: Does Exercise Build Strong Bones in the Mature and Senescent Skeleton? Front Physiol 2016; 7:369. [PMID: 27679578 PMCID: PMC5020082 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional exercise programs seem to be less osteogenic in the mature and post-mature skeleton compared to the young skeleton. This is likely because of the decline in sensitivity of bone to mechanical loading that occurs with advancing age. Another factor contributing to the apparently diminished benefit of exercise in older adults is failure of widely used measurement techniques (i.e., DXA) to identify changes in 3-dimensional bone structure, which are important determinants of bone strength. Moreover, although hormonal contributors to bone loss in the elderly are well-recognized, the influence of age-related increases in sympathetic nervous system activity, which impacts bone metabolism, is rarely considered. In this Perspective, we cite evidence from animal and human studies demonstrating anabolic effects of exercise on bone across the lifespan and we discuss theoretical considerations for designing exercise regimens to optimize bone health. We conclude with suggestions for future research that should help define the osteogenic potential of exercise in older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Hughes
- Military Performance Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine Natick, MA, USA
| | - Nisha Charkoudian
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine Natick, MA, USA
| | - Jill N Barnes
- Bruno Balke Biodynamics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI, USA
| | - Barbara J Morgan
- John Rankin Laboratory of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI, USA
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Lerebours C, Buenzli PR. Towards a cell-based mechanostat theory of bone: the need to account for osteocyte desensitisation and osteocyte replacement. J Biomech 2016; 49:2600-2606. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Giangregorio LM, Gibbs JC, Craven BC. Measuring muscle and bone in individuals with neurologic impairment; lessons learned about participant selection and pQCT scan acquisition and analysis. Osteoporos Int 2016; 27:2433-46. [PMID: 27026329 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-016-3572-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) can be used to examine bone strength outcomes and muscle size and fatty infiltration. Our research team and others have used it to examine bone loss after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the high prevalence of restricted lower extremity range of motion, spasticity, edema, excessive muscle atrophy, or severe osteoporosis necessitates changes to standard protocols for screening, positioning during scan acquisition, and analysis methods. This manuscript outlines the challenges that we experienced using pQCT in individuals with SCI, and provides solutions, ones that may also be applicable when using pQCT in individuals with other chronic conditions or in older adults. Suggestions for participant screening, positioning individuals for scanning while in a wheelchair, scan site selection, need for attendant assistance, and considerations in the presence of secondary complications, such as contracture, spasticity, and paralysis, are presented. In the presence of very low bone mineral density or severe muscle atrophy, the default analysis modes provided by the manufacturer may not provide valid estimates of bone or muscle indices; we propose alternates. We have used watershed segmentation methods to determine muscle size and density based on lower precision error compared to threshold-based edge-detection segmentation, particularly for adults with SCI, where more fatty infiltration was present. By presenting our "lessons learned," we hope to reduce the learning curve for researchers using pQCT in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Giangregorio
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue W-BMH 1109, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Research Scientist, Schlegel-UW Research Institute of Aging, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
| | - J C Gibbs
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue W-BMH 1109, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - B C Craven
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Troy KL, Morse LR. Measurement of Bone: Diagnosis of SCI-Induced Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk Prediction. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2015; 21:267-74. [PMID: 26689691 PMCID: PMC4750811 DOI: 10.1310/sci2104-267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with a rapid loss of bone mass, resulting in severe osteoporosis and a 5- to 23-fold increase in fracture risk. Despite the seriousness of fractures in SCI, there are multiple barriers to osteoporosis diagnosis and wide variations in treatment practices for SCI-induced osteoporosis. METHODS We review the biological and structural changes that are known to occur in bone after SCI in the context of promoting future research to prevent or reduce risk of fracture in this population. We also review the most commonly used methods for assessing bone after SCI and discuss the strengths, limitations, and clinical applications of each method. CONCLUSIONS Although dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessments of bone mineral density may be used clinically to detect changes in bone after SCI, 3-dimensional methods such as quantitative CT analysis are recommended for research applications and are explained in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Troy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Leslie R. Morse
- Spaulding-Harvard SCI Model System, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by marked bone loss and an increased risk of fracture with high complication rate. Recent research based on advanced imaging analysis, including quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and patient-specific finite element (FE) modeling, has provided new and important insights into the magnitude and temporal pattern of bone loss, as well as the associated changes to bone structure and strength, following SCI. This work has illustrated the importance of early therapeutic treatment to prevent bone loss after SCI and may someday serve as the basis for a clinical fracture risk assessment tool for the SCI population. This review provides an update on the epidemiology of fracture after SCI and discusses new findings and significant developments related to bone loss and fracture risk assessment in the SCI population based on QCT analysis and patient-specific FE modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Brent Edwards
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, and Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada,
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18
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Long-bone fractures in persons with spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2015; 53:701-4. [PMID: 25987003 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2015.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective data analysis. OBJECTIVES To document fracture characteristics, management and related complications in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING Rehabilitation centre for SCI individuals. METHOD Patients' records were reviewed. Patients with traumatic SCI and extremity fractures that had occurred after SCI were included. Patient characteristics, fractured bone, fracture localisation, severity and management (operative/conservative), and fracture-related complications were extracted. RESULTS A total of 156 long-bone fractures in 107 SCI patients (34 women and 73 men) were identified. The majority of patients were paraplegics (77.6%) and classified as American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A (86.0%). Only the lower extremities were affected, whereby the femur (60.9% of all fractures) was fractured more frequently than the lower leg (39.1%). A total of 70 patients (65.4%) had one fracture, whereas 37 patients (34.6%) had two or more fractures. Simple or extraarticular fractures were most common (75.0%). Overall, 130 (83.3%) fractures were managed operatively. Approximately half of the femur fractures (48.2%) were treated with locking compression plates. In the lower leg, fractures were mainly managed with external fixation (48.8%). Conservative fracture management was applied in 16.7% of the cases and consisted of braces or a well-padded soft cast. Fracture-associated complications were present in 13.5% of the cases but did not differ significantly between operative (13.1%) and conservative (15.4%) fracture management. CONCLUSION SCI was associated with simple or extraarticular fractures of the distal femur and the lower leg. Fractures were mainly managed operatively with a low complication rate.
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Coupaud S, McLean AN, Purcell M, Fraser MH, Allan DB. Decreases in bone mineral density at cortical and trabecular sites in the tibia and femur during the first year of spinal cord injury. Bone 2015; 74:69-75. [PMID: 25596521 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disuse osteoporosis occurs in response to long-term immobilization. Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to a form of disuse osteoporosis that only affects the paralyzed limbs. High rates of bone resorption after injury are evident from decreases in bone mineral content (BMC), which in the past have been attributed in the main to loss of trabecular bone in the epiphyses and cortical thinning in the shaft through endocortical resorption. METHODS Patients with motor-complete SCI recruited from the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit (Glasgow, UK) were scanned within 5weeks of injury (baseline) using peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT). Unilateral scans of the tibia, femur and radius provided separate estimates of trabecular and cortical bone parameters in the epiphyses and diaphyses, respectively. Using repeat pQCT scans at 4, 8 and 12months post-injury, changes in BMC, bone mineral density (BMD) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the bone were quantified. RESULTS Twenty-six subjects (5 female, 21 male) with SCI (12 paraplegic, 14 tetraplegic), ranging from 16 to 76years old, were enrolled onto the study. Repeated-measures analyses showed a significant effect of time since injury on key bone parameters at the epiphyses of the tibia and femur (BMC, total BMD, trabecular BMD) and their diaphyses (BMC, cortical BMD, cortical CSA). There was no significant effect of gender or age on key outcome measures, but there was a tendency for the female subjects to experience greater decreases in cortical BMD. The decreases in cortical BMD in the tibia and femur were found to be statistically significant in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS By carrying out repeat pQCT scans at four-monthly intervals, this study provides a uniquely detailed description of the cortical bone changes that occur alongside trabecular bone changes in the first year of complete SCI. Significant decreases in BMD were recorded in both the cortical and trabecular bone compartments of the tibia and femur throughout the first year of injury. This study provides evidence for the need for targeted early intervention to preserve bone mass within this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Coupaud
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom; Scottish Centre for Innovation in Spinal Cord Injury, Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, United Kingdom.
| | - Alan N McLean
- Scottish Centre for Innovation in Spinal Cord Injury, Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, United Kingdom
| | - Mariel Purcell
- Scottish Centre for Innovation in Spinal Cord Injury, Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew H Fraser
- Scottish Centre for Innovation in Spinal Cord Injury, Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, United Kingdom
| | - David B Allan
- Scottish Centre for Innovation in Spinal Cord Injury, Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, United Kingdom
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Gislason MK, Ingvarsson P, Gargiulo P, Yngvason S, Guðmundsdóttir V, Knútsdóttir S, Helgason Þ. Finite Element Modelling of the Femur Bone of a Subject Suffering from Motor Neuron Lesion Subjected to Electrical Stimulation. Eur J Transl Myol 2015; 24:2187. [PMID: 26913140 PMCID: PMC4756738 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2014.2187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone loss and a decrease in bone mineral density is frequently seen in patients with motor neuron lesion due to lack of mechanical stimulation. This causes weakening of the bones and a greater risk of fracture. By using functional electrical stimulation it is possible to activate muscles in the body to produce the necessary muscle force to stimulate muscle growth and potentially decrease the rate of bone loss. A longitudinal study was carried out on a single patient undergoing electrical stimulation over a 6 year period. The patient underwent a CT scan each year and a full three dimensional finite element model for each year was created using Mimics (Materialise) and Abaqus (Simulia) to calculate the risk of fracture under physiologically relevant loading conditions. Using empirical formulas connecting the bone mineral density to the stiffness and ultimate tensile stress of the bone, each element was assigned a unique material property, based on its density. The risk of fracture was estimated by calculating the ratio between the predicted stress and the ultimate tensile stress, should it exceed unity, failure was assumed. The results showed that the number of elements that were predicted to be at risk of failure varied between years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus K Gislason
- (1) Institute of Biomedical and Neural Engineering (BNE), Reykjavik University , Iceland
| | - Páll Ingvarsson
- (2) Department of Rehabilitation, Landspitali , Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Paolo Gargiulo
- (1) Institute of Biomedical and Neural Engineering (BNE), Reykjavik University, Iceland; (3) Research Department, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Stefán Yngvason
- (2) Department of Rehabilitation, Landspitali , Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | - Þórður Helgason
- (1) Institute of Biomedical and Neural Engineering (BNE), Reykjavik University, Iceland; (3) Research Department, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Bone mass in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury: associations with activity-based therapy, neurologic and functional status, a retrospective study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2014; 95:2342-9. [PMID: 25083557 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2014.07.395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of osteoporosis and its association with functional electrical stimulation (FES) use in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI)-related paralysis. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional evaluation. SETTING Clinic. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive persons with SCI (N=364; 115 women, 249 men) aged between 18 and 80 years who underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) examinations. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Prevalence of osteoporosis defined as DXA T score ≤-2.5. RESULTS The prevalence of osteoporosis was 34.9% (n=127). Use of FES was associated with 31.2% prevalence of osteoporosis compared with 39.5% among persons not using FES. In multivariate adjusted logistic regression analysis, FES use was associated with 42% decreased odds of osteoporosis after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, type and duration of injury, Lower Extremity Motor Scores, ambulation, previous bone fractures, and use of calcium, vitamin D, and anticonvulsant; (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], .35-.99; P=.039). Duration of injury >1 year was associated with a 3-fold increase in odds of osteoporosis compared with individuals with injury <1 year; (adjusted OR=3.02; 95% CI, 1.60-5.68; P=.001). CONCLUSIONS FES cycling ergometry may be associated with a decreased loss of bone mass after paralysis. Further prospective examination of the role of FES in preserving bone mass will improve our understanding of this association.
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Gislason MK, Coupaud S, Sasagawa K, Tanabe Y, Purcell M, Allan DB, Tanner KE. Prediction of risk of fracture in the tibia due to altered bone mineral density distribution resulting from disuse: a finite element study. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2014; 228:165-74. [PMID: 24503510 DOI: 10.1177/0954411914522438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The disuse-related bone loss that results from immobilisation following injury shares characteristics with osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and the aged, with decreases in bone mineral density leading to weakening of the bone and increased risk of fracture. The aim of this study was to use the finite element method to: (i) calculate the mechanical response of the tibia under mechanical load and (ii) estimate of the risk of fracture; comparing between two groups, an able-bodied group and spinal cord injury patients group suffering from varying degrees of bone loss. The tibiae of eight male subjects with chronic spinal cord injury and those of four able-bodied age-matched controls were scanned using multi-slice peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Images were used to develop full three-dimensional models of the tibiae in Mimics (Materialise) and exported into Abaqus (Simulia) for calculation of stress distribution and fracture risk in response to specified loading conditions - compression, bending and torsion. The percentage of elements that exceeded a calculated value of the ultimate stress provided an estimate of the risk of fracture for each subject, which differed between spinal cord injury subjects and their controls. The differences in bone mineral density distribution along the tibia in different subjects resulted in different regions of the bone being at high risk of fracture under set loading conditions, illustrating the benefit of creating individual material distribution models. A predictive tool can be developed based on these models, to enable clinicians to estimate the amount of loading that can be safely allowed onto the skeletal frame of individual patients who suffer from extensive musculoskeletal degeneration (including spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and the ageing population). The ultimate aim is to reduce fracture occurrence in these vulnerable groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus K Gislason
- Departments of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Edwards WB, Schnitzer TJ, Troy KL. Bone mineral loss at the proximal femur in acute spinal cord injury. Osteoporos Int 2013; 24:2461-9. [PMID: 23468075 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-013-2323-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study used quantitative computed tomography to assess changes in bone mineral at the proximal femur after acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Individuals with acute SCI experienced a marked loss of bone mineral from a combination of trabecular and endocortical resorption. Targeted therapeutic interventions are thus warranted in this population. INTRODUCTION SCI is associated with a rapid loss of bone mineral and an increased rate of fragility fracture. Some 10 to 20% of these fractures occur at the proximal femur. The purpose of this study was to quantify changes to bone mineral, geometry, and measures of strength at the proximal femur in acute SCI. METHODS Quantitative computed tomography analysis was performed on 13 subjects with acute SCI at serial time points separated by a mean of 3.5 months (range, 2.6-4.8 months). Changes in bone mineral content (BMC) and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) were quantified for integral, trabecular, and cortical bone at the femoral neck, trochanteric, and total proximal femur regions. Changes in bone volumes, cross-sectional areas, and surrogate measures of compressive and bending strength were also determined. RESULTS During the acute period of SCI, subjects experienced a 2.7-3.3%/month reduction in integral BMC (p < 0.001) and a 2.5-3.1 %/month reduction in integral vBMD (p < 0.001). Trabecular BMC decreased by 3.1-4.7 %/month (p < 0.001) and trabecular vBMD by 2.8-4.4 %/month (p < 0.001). A 3.9-4.0 %/month reduction was observed for cortical BMC (p < 0.001), while the reduction in cortical vBMD was noticeably lower (0.8-1.0 %/month; p ≤ 0.01). Changes in bone volume and cross-sectional area suggested that cortical bone loss occurred primarily through endosteal resorption. Declines in bone mineral were associated with a 4.9-5.9 %/month reduction in surrogate measures of strength. CONCLUSIONS These data highlight the need for therapeutic interventions in this population that target both trabecular and endocortical bone mineral preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- W B Edwards
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1919 W. Taylor Street, 650 AHSB, M/C 517, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Coupaud S, McLean AN, Lloyd S, Allan DB. Predicting patient-specific rates of bone loss at fracture-prone sites after spinal cord injury. Disabil Rehabil 2012; 34:2242-50. [PMID: 22553944 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2012.681831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience bone loss and have an elevated rate of fracture in the paralysed limbs. The literature suggests an exponential time course of bone loss after SCI, but true rates may vary between patients. We propose systematic evaluation of bone status in the early stages of SCI to identify fast bone losers. METHOD A case series of six patients with complete SCI were scanned using peripheral quantitative computed tomography within 5 weeks and at 4, 8 and 12 months post-injury. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured at fracture-prone sites in the tibia and femur. Patient-specific-predictions (PSP) of expected rates of bone loss were produced by individualising published model equations according to each patient's measured values at baseline. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests were used to identify changes between time-points; chi-squared tests for differences between measured and PSP values. RESULTS In the lower limbs, mean values decreased significantly between baseline and 8 months post-injury, by 19-31% for trabecular BMD, 21-32% for total BMD, and 9-29% for BMC. Most subjects showed no significant differences between PSP and measured values, but individuals with significantly faster rates of bone loss than predicted should be investigated further. CONCLUSIONS There was considerable intersubject variability in rates of bone loss after SCI. Patients showing the fastest bone loss could benefit from continued follow-up and possibly treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Coupaud
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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McCarthy ID, Bloomer Z, Gall A, Keen R, Ferguson-Pell M. Changes in the structural and material properties of the tibia in patients with spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2011; 50:333-7. [PMID: 22124349 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2011.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES To measure the change of structural and material properties at different sites of the tibia in spinal cord-injured patients using peripheral quantitative computerised tomography (pQCT). SETTING Orthopaedic research centre (UK). METHODS Thirty-one subjects were measured--eight with acute spinal cord injury (SCI), nine with chronic SCI and fourteen able-bodied controls. pQCT scans were performed at 2% (proximal), 34% (diaphyseal) and 96% (distal) along the tibia from the tibial plateau. Structural measures of bone were calculated, and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) was also measured at all three levels. Muscle cross-sectional area was measured at the diaphyseal level. RESULTS Structurally, there were changes in the cortical bone; in the diaphysis, the shape of the cross-section changed to offer less resistance to AP bending, and the cross-sectional area of the cortical shell decreased both proximally and distally. There were corresponding changes in vBMD in the anterior aspect of the cortical diaphysis, as well as proximal and distal trabecular bone. Changes in muscle occurred more rapidly than changes in bone. CONCLUSION There were clear changes of both structure and material at all three levels of the tibia in chronic SCI patients. These changes were consistent with specific adaptations to reduced local mechanical loading conditions. To assess fracture risk in SCI and also to monitor the effect of therapeutic interventions, the structure of the bone should be considered in addition to trabecular bone mineral density.
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Affiliation(s)
- I D McCarthy
- UCL Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, Stanmore, UK.
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Diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in spinal cord injury patients: A literature review. Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2010; 53:655-68. [PMID: 21094110 DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Accepted: 09/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present an up-to-date literature review of osteoporosis in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, in view of the seriousness of this complication (with a high risk of fractures) and the complexity of its diagnosis, evaluation and treatment. METHODS A Medline search with the following keywords: immobilization osteoporosis, spinal cord injury, bone loss, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), bisphosphonate. RESULTS Our analysis of the literature noted a bone metabolism imbalance in SCI patients, with accelerated early bone resorption (particularly during the first 6 months post-injury). Although dual energy X-ray absorptiometry constitutes the "gold standard" diagnostic method, the decrease in bone mineral density only becomes significant 12 months after the injury. Bisphosphonate therapy has proven efficacy. Despite the frequent use of various physical therapies, these methods have not been found to be effective. CONCLUSION Although our literature review did not identify any guidelines on the strategy for diagnosing and treating osteoporosis in SCI patients, several findings provide guidance on procedures for early diagnosis and preventive treatment.
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