Is soft tissue repair a right choice to avoid early dislocation after THA in posterior approach?

Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Who Have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an effective surgical treatment for severe osteoarthritis of the hip. While THA is considered a reliable and safe procedure, outcome data on patients who have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is limited. The purpose of this study was to compare rates of postoperative complications after primary THA in patients who have EDS against matched controls.

METHODS

A large national database was searched to identify patients who underwent THA between 2009 and 2020. Patients younger than 18 years, those who have a history of prior THA, and those undergoing THA for a hip fracture were excluded from analysis. Propensity score matching was utilized to match patients who had EDS with patients who did not have EDS at a 1:4 ratio. Rates of medical and surgical complications at 90 days and 2 years were queried and compared between the cohorts using multivariable logistic regression. We identified 118 patients who had EDS and underwent primary THA, who were then matched with 418 controls.

RESULTS

At 90 days, the EDS cohort had greater rates of dislocation (8.5 versus 3.8%, P = 0.038). At 2 years, the EDS cohort had greater odds of dislocation (OR [odds ratio] 2.47, P = 0.018), aseptic loosening (OR 6.91, P = 0.002), and aseptic revision (OR 2.66, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who have EDS possess significantly higher odds of complications after THA compared to matched controls, including dislocation, aseptic loosening, and aseptic revision. Careful surgical planning in these patients should be made to prevent dislocation and potentially minimize the risk of other prosthesis-related complications leading to revision.

Complications and Survivorship After Aseptic Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: Is There a Difference by Surgical Approach?

BACKGROUND

Revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) has traditionally been performed through the posterolateral approach (PA). Anterior approaches (AA) for rTHA are increasingly being utilized. The purpose of this study was to compare complications and survivorship from re-revision and reoperation after aseptic rTHA performed using an AA versus a PA.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent aseptic rTHA either through an AA (direct anterior approach [DAA], anterior-based muscle sparing [ABMS]) or PA from January 2017 to December 2021. There were 116 patients who underwent AA-rTHA (DAA 50, ABMS 66) or PA-rTHA (n = 105). Patient demographics, complications, and postoperative outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

The most common indication in both groups was aseptic loosening (n = 26, 22.4% AA, n = 28, 26.7% PA). Acetabular revision alone was most common in the AA group (n = 33, 28.4%), while both components were most commonly revised in the PA groups (n = 47, 44.8%). In all the AA-rTHA group, the index total hip arthroplasty was performed through a PA in 51% of patients, while the PA-rTHA group had the index procedure performed via AA in 4.8%. There was no statistically significant difference in re-revision rate between the DAA, ABMS, or PA groups (9.55 versus 5.3% versus 11.4%, respectively, P = .11). The most common overall reason for re-revision was persistent instability, with no difference in incidence of postoperative hip dislocation (n = 4, 6.8% DAA, n = 3, 5.3%, n = 10, 9.5% PA; P = .31).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates no difference in complication or re-revision survivorship after aseptic rTHA performed through a DAA, ABMS approach, or PA, nor between anterior or posterior-based approaches.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Surgical Approaches in Total Hip Arthroplasty

The Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) has become one of the most reliable surgical interventions that has improved the quality of life in many patients. THA allows patients to have increased mobility, range of motion, and reduced pain in patients with degenerative hip joints. This surgical procedure has become an effective treatment option for several chronic conditions affecting the hip joint. Although this surgery has been shown to give promising results in patients with hip pathology, selecting the approach for THA is a critical step in pre-operative planning. The best approach for this surgical procedure depends on multiple factors and each present with their own challenges, success rates, and limitations. To further elucidate the advantages and disadvantages associated with different surgical approaches, we critically review each surgical approach along with the different causes of failure of the THA procedure.

Using mesh in capsule anatomical reconstruction to enhance the stability of high-dislocation-risk hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Dislocation is a common complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of mesh reconstruction versus conventional capsular repair in maintaining capsular integrity and preventing dislocation after THA.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized controlled study of consecutive patients. A total of 124 high-dislocation-risk THAs were identified and randomized into two groups, one using mesh reconstruction and the other using the conventional capsular repair method. Perioperative data and radiological data were collected. Patients were followed up regularly. The main indices were the capsular integrity assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hip dislocation rate. The secondary indices included the Harris hip score (HHS), complications, and satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 106 patients completed the follow-up and the average follow-up times were 19 ± 3.1 and 18 ± 3.3 months. The operation time of the mesh group was longer than that of the conventional group (P < 0.001). There were minor differences in acetabular anteversion and abduction angle, and the other data showed no differences. MRI results indicated that the success rate of capsular repair was higher in the mesh group (50 hips, 98%) than in the conventional group (37 hips, 67%) (P < 0.001), and the others failed the repair. Three dislocations occurred in the conventional group, while none occurred in the mesh group. The preoperative HHS (30 points) and postoperative HHS (82 points) of the mesh group were similar to those (35 points, 83 points) of the conventional group (P = 0.164, P = 0.328). Satisfaction had no difference (P = 0.532).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to conventional repair, mesh reconstruction can effectively maintain capsular integrity and decrease dislocation risk after THA without increasing complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, Level IA.

Do Different Approaches Make a Difference in Isokinetic Performance in Elderly Patients With Femoral Neck Fracture Who Underwent Bipolar Endoprosthesis?

Background There are ongoing doubts about the effects of the commonly used anterolateral approach (ALA) and posterolateral approach (PLA) for bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) on hip muscle strength after surgery. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the isokinetic performance of the operated and non-operated hips in patients with femoral neck fractures who underwent BHA with PLA or ALA and to compare the isokinetic performance of the hips and functional results between the two approaches. Materials and methods Forty-one patients who underwent unilateral BHA with PLA or ALA for femoral neck fracture between February 2019 and December 2020 were enrolled. The isokinetic performance of the flexor, extensor, and abductor muscles of the operated and non-operated hips were evaluated by measuring peak torque, total work, and average power. Functional status was assessed using Harris Hip Score and Short Form 36. Results The patients were divided into two groups; those operated with PLA (n=22) and with ALA (n=19). The groups had similar demographic and clinical characteristics. All isokinetic parameters of the operated hips did not differ between the groups (all p>0.05). In both groups, all isokinetic parameters were significantly lower in the operated hips than in the non-operated hips. Conclusion Although there are debates about potential extensor muscle injury with PLA and potential abductor muscle injury with ALA, this study showed that functional results and the isokinetic performance of both approaches were not different.

The incidence of hip dislocation after posterior approach primary total hip arthroplasty: comparison of two different posterior repair techniques

INTRODUCTION

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains one of the most successful orthopedic surgical procedures. The posterior approach is associated with a higher incidence of post-operative dislocations than others. Adequate posterior soft tissue repair techniques, including capsulorrhaphy and transosseous bone sutures in the greater trochanter effectively reduce the dislocation rate. Post-operative "posterior hip precautions" were historically believed to reduce dislocation risks, although not clearly proven. The first protocol consists of capsulorrhaphy with the prescription of post-operative posterior hip precautions (TT) and the second, transosseous bone sutures without precautions (TB). This study aims to determine the optimal protocol to decrease the dislocation rate following posterior approach primary THA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 10-year retrospective case-control chart review analyzed demographic, pre-, intra-, and post-surgical parameters. Primary outcomes were the difference in dislocation and revision surgery rates between protocols. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of recurrent dislocations and the identification of predictors of dislocation.

RESULTS

2,242 THAs were reviewed and 26 (1.2%) resulted in dislocation. Increased age (p = 0.04) ASA score (p = 0.03) and larger acetabular cup size (p < 0.001) were associated with heightened risk. Tendon to tendon (TT) repair saw a 1.62% dislocation rate versus 0.98% for tendon-to-bone (TB) repair, although statistically insignificant (p = 0.2). Transosseous repair resulted in recurrent dislocations for 8/16 (50%) patients compared to 6/10 (60%) in the suture group (p ≤ 0.001). No significance was found for prescription of posterior hip precautions.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to perform a direct comparison of TT repair with posterior precautions to TB repair without posterior precautions. Similarity in dislocation rate, decreased recurrent events and the alleviated patient burden from precautions leads the authors to recommend the TB repair without precautions for a successful THA.

Randomized Clinical Study on the Efficacy of Direct Anterior Approach Combined With Tendon Release and Repair After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

To study the effect of reconstruction of the joint capsule and conjoint tendon on the functional recovery of the hip joint during direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty.

Methods

A total of 60 patients who underwent their first total hip arthroplasty surgery were selected. According to the set criteria, the selected patients were divided into observation group A (n = 30) and control group B (n = 30). In group A, the joint capsule and conjoint tendon (superior muscle, internal obturator muscle, and inferior muscle) were repaired in situ, while in group B, only the joint capsule was repaired in situ, and the conjoint tendon was not repaired. The surgical indicators, including hip joint function and clinical efficacy of the two groups, were compared.

Results

After 6 months of follow-up in groups A and B, no dislocation occurred. The Harris Hip scores of group A were higher than those of group B at 1-month post-operation, i.e., p < 0.05, as well as the valid muscle strength and conjoint tendon valid tension, were higher in group A than group B at 1-month postoperative follow-up, i.e., p < 0.05.

Conclusion

DAA for total hip arthroplasty on the premise of reconstructing the joint capsule structure can rebuild the tension of the conjoint tendon, enhance its muscle strength, and significantly improve the joint stability and function of the patient early stage. It is beneficial for the patient's rapid recovery and is worth implementing.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the hip capsule innervation and its clinical implications

Detailed understanding of the innervation of the hip capsule (HC) helps inform surgeons' and anaesthetists' clinical practice. Post-interventional pain following radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFA) and dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) remain poorly understood, highlighting the need for more knowledge on the topic. This systematic review and meta-analysis focuses on gross anatomical studies investigating HC innervation. The main outcomes were defined as the prevalence, course, density and distribution of the nerves innervating the HC and changes according to demographic variables. HC innervation is highly variable; its primary nerve supply seems to be from the nerve to quadratus femoris and obturator nerve. Many articular branches originated from muscular branches of the lumbosacral plexus. It remains unclear whether demographic or anthropometric variables may help predict potential differences in HC innervation. Consequently, primary targets for RFA should be the anterior inferomedial aspect of the HC. For THA performed on non-risk patients, the posterior approach with capsular repair appears to be most appropriate with the lowest risk of articular nerve damage. Care should also be taken to avoid damaging vessels and muscles of the hip joint. Further investigation is required to form a coherent map of HC innervation, utilizing combined gross and histological investigation.

Piriformis: Sparing approach, is it better?

Hip fractures as well as coxarthrosis are conditions that are becoming more common in everyday orthopedic practice. With the aging of the world's population, there is an increasing need for partial (HA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). No elective procedure is as important to quality of life as total hip arthroplasty, and partial hip arthroplasty is a method of treatment in elder population who suffered fracture of the femoral neck. There are several hip approaches that can be used for arthroplasty. Hip dislocation is a serious complication after hip arthroplasty and occurs somewhat more frequently when the posterior hip approach is used. The aim of this study is to show that the piriformis sparing technique gives better results in terms of reducing the frequency of dislocations in the early postoperative period (one year). We operated od 249 patients, and after follow-up that lasted from 13 to 22 months we had four dislocations, three in patient with THA(0.021) and one after HA(0.009). Preservation of the piriformis tendon is a minor modification in the operative technique that can lead to a great benefit in the quality of treatment and a reduced risk of complications.

Transosseous versus transmuscular repair of the posterior soft tissue in primary hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis

Background

During the posterior approach, it has been shown that a significant reduction in dislocation rate can be achieved with the repair of the posterior soft tissue. However, no consensus exists about the best way to perform this repair. This review aimed to compare the transosseous with transmuscular repair of the posterior soft tissue in total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis to identify studies involving transosseous versus transmuscular repair of the posterior soft tissue in THA in electronic databases, including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Library, Highwire, CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang database, up to July 2020. Finally, we identified 1417 patients (1481 hips) assessed in seven studies.

Results

Compared with transmuscular repair, transosseous repair resulted in less incidence of dislocation (P = 0.003), less blood loss during operation (P < 0.00001) and lower VAS score within 3 months (P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in terms of trochanteric fracture rate (P = 0.56), Harris hip score at 3 months (P = 0.35) and 6 months (P = 0.89), VAS score within 6 months (P = 0.53), and operation time (P = 0.70) between two groups.

Conclusion

The lower dislocation rate, less blood loss, and lower VAS scores after operation supported transosseous repair's superiority to transmuscular repair. Besides, no additional medical cost and operating time were associated with transosseous repair compared with transmuscular repair. Hence, we recommend that transosseous repair be chosen first by orthopedists when performing reconstruction of the posterior soft tissue in THA via a posterolateral approach. Given the relevant possible biases in our meta-analysis, we required more adequately powered and better-designed RCT studies with long-term follow-up to reach a firmer conclusion.

Direct anterior versus posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty: a multicentre, prospective, randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The ideal approach for a total hip arthroplasty (THA) would be kind to soft tissues, have the lowest complication rates and be easily reproducible. Although there have been several attempts to find the best approach for THA in the last decade, a definitive answer has not been found. We performed a prospective study to compare the direct anterior and posterior approaches for THA in terms of hospital length of stay, functional outcome, pain, implant position, complications and surgical time.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, multicentre clinical study was conducted between February 2011 and July 2013, with an average follow-up of 55 months. Patients undergoing the direct anterior or posterior approach for THA were enrolled. Hospital length of stay, surgical time and complications were documented. The Harris Hip Score and visual analogue scale were used to monitor functional outcome and pain until 5 years postoperatively. Radiologic analysis was used to assess implant position.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients (28 undergoing the direct anterior approach, 27 undergoing the posterior approach) were enrolled in this study. Length of stay, functional outcome, pain, implant position and complications were similar for the 2 approaches. There was a trend toward a better functional outcome for patients who underwent the direct anterior approach in the first 3 months postoperatively, with a peak at 4 weeks (Harris Hip Score 76.7 v. 68.7; p = 0.08). Average surgical time for the direct anterior approach was significantly longer (69.9 v. 45.7 min; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The direct anterior approach for THA appears to be a safe and effective option. However, there is no significant difference in hospital length of stay or postoperative recovery between the 2 approaches.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, no. NCT03673514.

Innervation of the hip joint capsular complex: A systematic review of histological and immunohistochemical studies and their clinical implications for contemporary treatment strategies in total hip arthroplasty

The hip joint capsule contributes to the stability of the hip joint and lower extremity, yet this structure is incised and often removed during total hip arthroplasty (THA). Increasing incidence of osteoarthritis is accompanied by a dramatic rise in THAs over the last few decades. Consequently, to improve this treatment, THA with capsular repair has evolved. This partial restoration of physiological hip stability has resulted in a substantial reduction in post-operative dislocation rates compared to conventional THA without capsular repair. A further reason for the success of this procedure is thought to be the preservation of the innervation of the capsule. A systematic review of studies investigating the innervation of the hip joint capsular complex and pseudocapsule with histological techniques was performed, as this is not well established. The literature was sought from databases Amed, Embase and Medline via OVID, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Web of Science; excluding articles without a histological component and those involving animals. A total of 21 articles on the topic were identified. The literature indicates two primary outcomes and potential clinical implications of the innervation of the capsule. Firstly, a role in the mechanics of the hip joint, as mechanoreceptors may be present in the capsule. However, the nomenclature used to describe the distribution of the innervation is inconsistent. Furthermore, the current literature is unable to reliably confirm the proprioceptive role of the capsule, as no immunohistochemical study to date has reported type I-III mechanoreceptors in the capsule. Secondly, the capsule may play a role in pain perception, as the density of innervation appears to be altered in painful individuals. Also, increasing age may indicate requirements for different strategies to surgically manage the hip capsule. However, this requires further study, as well as the role of innervation according to sex, specific pathology and other morphometric variables. Increased understanding may highlight the requirement for capsular repair following THA, how this technique may be developed and the contribution of the capsule to joint function and stability.

Contemporary posterior surgical approach in total hip replacement: still more reoperations due to dislocation compared with direct lateral approach? An observational study of the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register including 156,979 hips

Background and purpose - The direct lateral approach (DLA) and the posterior approach (PA) are the most common surgical approaches in total hip replacement (THR) in Sweden. We investigated how the relationship between surgical approach and risk of reoperation due to dislocation has evolved over time. Patients and methods - Data were extracted from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register from 1999 to 2014. We selected all THRs due to osteoarthritis with head sizes 28, 32, and 36 mm that were performed with either the DLA or the PA. Resurfacing prostheses were excluded. Kaplan-Meier curves for risk of reoperation due to dislocation and all-cause for the 2 surgical approaches were compared for 2 periods (1999-2006 and 2007-2014) up to 2 years postoperatively. We used Cox regression for sex, age, type of fixation, and head size to determine hazard ratios (HR) with DLA set as reference. Results - 156,979 THRs met the selection criteria. In 1999-2006, the PA was associated with increased risk of reoperation due to dislocation (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.7-3.0) but there was no difference in the risk of all-cause reoperation (HR 1.1, CI 0.9-1.2). In 2007-2014 there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of reoperation due to dislocation (HR 1.2, CI 0.9-1.6) but the risk of all-cause reoperation was lower (HR 0.8, CI 0.7-0.9) for the PA. Interpretation - This study confirms historic reports on the increased risk of early reoperations due to dislocations using the PA compared with the DLA. However, in contemporary practice, the higher risk of reoperation due to dislocation associated with PA has declined, now being similar to that after DLA. We believe improved surgical technique for the PA may explain the results. Surprisingly, the PA was associated with lower risk of all-cause reoperation in 2007-2014. This finding warrants further investigation.

Comparison of Two Posterior Soft Tissue Repair Techniques to Prevent Dislocation after Total Hip Arthroplasty via the Posterolateral Approach

BACKGROUND

Although the posterolateral approach is considered to carry a higher early dislocation rate after total hip arthroplasty, posterior soft tissue repair techniques make up for this limitation. Through-bone and through-tendon repair techniques are the two most commonly used techniques. This study aimed to comprehensively compare these techniques and give more evidence-based references for orthopedists. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 87 patients who underwent posterior soft tissue repair with total hip arthroplasty via the posterolateral approach. The posterior capsular and external rotators were reconstructed to the greater trochanter through drill holes (through-bone, n = 46) or gluteus medius tendon (through-tendon, n = 41). Early dislocation rate, repair-related complications, postoperative pain (visual analog scale, VAS), hip joint function (Harris Hip Scale, HHS), patient satisfaction, and operation-related indexes were evaluated. Results: The discrepancy in early dislocation between the two cohorts was not statistically significant. Operation-related indexes were not significantly different between the two cohorts, except for the postoperative drainage volume (229.46 mL vs. 172.07 mL, p=.013). No patient sustained greater trochanteric fracture and sciatic nerve injury. Each group achieved significant improvements in HHS and VAS scores compared with preoperative values. No statistically significant discrepancy was found in HHS scores between the two groups at the same period, while VAS scores were significantly lower in the through-bone group at 1 week (4.93 vs. 5.68, p=.026) and 1 month (1.72 vs. 1.99, p=.038) after surgery. Higher patient satisfaction was observed in the through-bone group. Conclusions: Although no statistical discrepancy in the early dislocation rate between through-bone and through-tendon repair techniques was observed, lower pain scores and higher patient satisfaction supported the former. We recommend that through-bone repair technique should be chosen first by orthopedists when performing reconstruction of the posterior soft tissue in total hip arthroplasty via a posterolateral approach.

Causes of and treatment options for dislocation following total hip arthroplasty

The second most common complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is dislocation. The majority of dislocations occur early in the post-operative period and are due to either patient-associated or surgical factors. The patient-associated factors that have been implicated as causes of post-operative dislocation include previous surgery, lumbar spine fusion surgery and/or neurological impairment. The surgical factors include surgical approach, component orientation and prosthetic and/or bony impingement. In order to delineate the cause of the hip instability a thorough history and physical and a radiographic assessment (possibly including advanced imaging) needs to be performed. Approximately two thirds of cases are successfully treated; one third of cases will require surgical treatment (e.g., revision arthroplasty (including constrained liners, the use of elevated rim liners and dual mobility implants or trochanteric advancement). In this review, we discuss the causes leading to dislocation following THA and evaluate the different treatment options available.

Capsular Ligament Function After Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The hip joint capsule passively restrains extreme range of motion, protecting the native hip against impingement, dislocation, and edge-loading. We hypothesized that following total hip arthroplasty (THA), the reduced femoral head size impairs this protective biomechanical function.

METHODS

In cadavers, THA was performed through the acetabular medial wall, preserving the entire capsule, and avoiding the targeting of a particular surgical approach. Eight hips were examined. Capsular function was measured by rotating the hip in 5 positions. Three head sizes (28, 32, and 36 mm) with 3 neck lengths (anatomical 0, +5, and +10 mm) were compared.

RESULTS

Internal and external rotation range of motion increased following THA, indicating late engagement of the capsule and reduced biomechanical function (p < 0.05). Internal rotation was affected more than external. Increasing neck length reduced this hypermobility, while too much lengthening caused nonphysiological restriction of external rotation. Larger head sizes only slightly reduced hypermobility.

CONCLUSIONS

Following THA, the capsular ligaments were unable to wrap around the reduced-diameter femoral head to restrain extreme range of motion. The posterior capsule was the most affected, indicating that native posterior capsule preservation is not advantageous, at least in the short term. Insufficient neck length could cause capsular dysfunction even if native ligament anatomy is preserved, while increased neck length could overtighten the anterior capsule.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Increased understanding of soft-tissue balancing following THA could help to prevent instability and improve early function. This study illustrates how head size and neck length influence the biomechanical function of the hip capsule in the early postoperative period.

The impact of low-dose glucocorticoids on disease activity, bone mineral density, fragility fractures, and 10-year probability of fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

This study aimed to investigate the effect of low-dose glucocorticoids (LDGs) on disease activity, bone density, and fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This was an interim analysis of the RA Registry. Demographic data and clinical characteristics, including fracture risk assessment tool, were collected. 25(OH) Vitamin D, bone mineral density (BMD), and intact parathyroid hormone were measured at enrollment. The study group were those who took LDGs (2.5–7.5 mg/day prednisolone or equivalent dose), and the others were included as the control group. A total of 425 participants were enrolled, including 85 (20%) in the control group and 340 (80%) in the study group. The demographics and clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Compared with the control group, the LDGs group had a significantly lower vertebral BMD (L 1–4) (g/cm²), (0.854 vs 0.896, p=0.046), significantly higher rate of previous fractures (103 (30.3%) vs 13 (15.3%), p=0.006), higher 10-year probability of major fractures (14 (15.5) vs 8 (8.6), p<0.0001), and higher 10-year probability of hip fractures (4.4 (8.4) vs 2 (3.9), p<0.0001). Disease activity appeared to be similar in the patients with RA regardless of whether or not they received LDG treatment. However, the patients with RA who received LDG treatment had a lower BMD at the spine (L1–4) and a higher rate of previous fractures that was associated with a significantly higher 10-year probability of fractures than those who did not receive LDG treatment.