Anti-Osteoporotic Therapy After Fragility Fracture Lowers Rate of Subsequent Fracture: Analysis of a Large Population Sample

Nomogram for predicting cemented vertebral refracture after percutaneous kyphoplasty in postmenopausal women with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to develop a nomogram model for predicting cemented vertebral refractures(CVFs) after percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP) in postmenopausal women, providing guidance for clinical practice to reduce the incidence of such occurrences.

METHODS

The hospitalization records and outpatient follow-up data of patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCFs) who underwent unilateral single-segment PKP at Department of Spine Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, from April 2015 to July 2022, were collected. We utilized univariate analysis and binary logistic regression to identify the risk factors associated with CVF, and developed a nomogram model. The model was internally validated through 1000 resampling iterations using the bootstrap method.

RESULTS

142 patients were involved, with the CVFs incidence rate of 14.08 % (20/142). Binary logistic regression showed that the CT value(OR0.954,95 %CI0.910-0.999), restoration of the Cobb angle(OR1.096,95 %CI1.051-1.143) and lack of postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment(OR0.115,95 %CI0.018-0.755) are closely related to CVFs after PKP in postmenopausal women. The ROC curves indicate that the Nomogram exhibits a high level of accuracy, with the AUC for both the nomogram and the bootstrap-validated nomogram being 0.916 and 0.754, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test, calibration curves, DCA, and CIC demonstrated that the nomogram exhibits favorable predictive capabilities and clinical utility.

CONCLUSION

The low CT value, high restoration of Cobb angle and lack of anti-osteoporosis treatment in postmenopausal women with OVCFs increase the risk of CVFs after PKP. The nomogram model developed in this study serves as an effective instrument for predicting CVFs in postmenopausal women.

Effect assessment of traditional Chinese medicine, Guilu Erxian Jiao, in patients with osteoporosis: A case-control study of the Chang gung memorial hospital

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a chronic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and increased risk of fracture. In Taiwan, Guilu Erxian Jiao (GEJ) is the commonly used formula of Chinese herbal medicines for patients with osteoporosis. However, the effect of GEJ on subsequent fractures in the long term is unclear. This is the first long-term case-control study of the effects of GEJ on the rates of fracture in patients with osteoporosis.

METHODS

We collected data from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2019 from the Chang Gung Research Database. We interpreted from the reports of DXA to confirm whether the patients met the criteria for osteoporosis (T score ≤ -2.5). Eighty-five patients were enrolled in the GEJ group. After two propensity score matchings, 425 patients were identified as the non-GEJ group. We assessed four outcomes to confirm the effects of GEJ in patients with osteoporosis, including the change in the T-score, new occurrences of fractures, cumulative rate of fracture, and how many doses of GEJ need to be administered to effectively reduce fractures RESULTS: There was no significant difference in either the improvement in the T score or the 5-year overall fracture (p = 0.335) between these two groups. At the fracture-prone sites, the fracture in lumbar vertebrae was less in the GEJ group (p = 0.034). A total of 600 GEJ pills are required to effectively reduce the incidence of fractures (p value= 0.0039).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who take at least 600 GEJ pills would have a decreased fracture risk at fracture-prone sites.

The cost-effectiveness of osteoporosis medications for preventing periprosthetic fractures following femoral neck fracture indicated hip arthroplasty: a break-even analysis

Osteoporosis treatment following arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture (FNF) is associated with lower rates of periprosthetic fracture (PPF). Our study evaluated the economic viability of treatment in patients following arthroplasty and demonstrates that treatment with oral bisphosphonates can be cost-effective in preventing PPF.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis treatment following arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture (FNF) is associated with lower rates of periprosthetic fracture (PPF). Although cost-effective in reducing the rate of secondary fragility fracture, the economic viability of osteoporosis treatment in preventing PPF has not been evaluated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to use a break-even analysis to determine whether and which current osteoporosis medications are cost-effective in preventing PPF following arthroplasty for FNFs.

METHODS

Three-year average cost of osteoporosis medication (oral bisphosphonates, estrogen hormonal therapy, intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide, and abaloparatide), costs of PPF care, and PPF rates in patients who underwent hip arthroplasty for FNFs without osteoporosis treatment were used to perform a break-even analysis. The absolute risk reduction (ARR) related to osteoporosis treatment and sensitivity analyses were used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this intervention and break-even PPF rates.

RESULTS

Oral bisphosphonate therapy following arthroplasty for hip fractures would be economically justified if it prevents one out of 56 PPFs (ARR, 1.8%). Given the current cost and incidence of PPF, overall treatment can only be economically viable for PPF prophylaxis if the 3-year costs of these agents are less than $1500.

CONCLUSION

The utilization of lower cost osteoporosis medications such as oral bisphosphonates and estrogen hormonal therapy as PPF prophylaxis in this patient population would be economically viable if they reduce the PPF rate by 1.8% and 1.5%, respectively. For IV bisphosphonates and newer agents to be economically viable as PPF prophylaxis in the USA, their costs need to be significantly reduced.

The incremental risk of fragility fractures in aging men

INTRODUCTION

While the United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends osteoporosis screening for women 65 years and older, there is no definitive recommendation for routine osteoporosis screening in men. The purpose of this study was to determine the age at which the odds of fragility fractures (FFx) increase in men to help guide future policy discussions evaluating an optimal screening strategy in this population.

METHODS

Men older than 49 years were identified in the PearlDiver Patient Records Database. Patients were excluded if they had a prior fragility fracture, if they were at high risk for osteoporosis due to comorbidities, or if they carried a diagnosis of and/or were on treatment for osteoporosis. The prevalence of FFx was trended for each age group. A stratum-specific likelihood ratio (SSLR) analysis was conducted to identify data-driven strata that maximize the incremental FFx risk by age for men. Logistic regression analyses controlling for potential confounders were conducted to test these identified strata.

RESULTS

The incidence of FFx started to increase after the age of 64 years for men. Further, the identified data-driven age strata associated with a significant and incremental difference in fragility fractures were the following: 50-64, 65-69, 70-72, 73-75, 76-78, 79-80, and 81+. When compared to the youngest age stratum (50-64 years), multivariable regression showed the risk of fragility fracture incrementally increased starting in those aged 70-72 (RR, 1.31; 95% CI. 1.21-1.46; p < 0.001) with the highest risk in those aged 81+ (RR, 5.35; 95% CI, 5.10-5.62; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In men without a pre-existing history of osteoporosis, the risk of fragility fractures starts to increase after the age of 70. Further work building upon these data may help to identify a specific age at which routine bone health screening in males can help to minimize fractures and their associated morbidity and mortality.

DO OLDER PATIENTS "WARN" THAT THEY WILL SUFFER A NEW FRACTURE?

Objective

To evaluate whether patients older than 60 years admitted for fracture treatment had a history of previous fracture, a diagnosis of osteoporosis, or were under treatment for bone fragility.

Methods

Retrospective study including 100 patients older than 60 years with fracture. Fracture location, bone densitometry within the past two years, previous diagnosis and osteoporosis treatment, and previous fracture within the past five years were assessed. Using Fisher's test, it was evaluated whether there was an association between previous fracture and osteoporosis treatment.

Results

The most prevalent fracture was in the proximal femur (48%). Of the patients, 18% had fracture in the last five years, with 22% of them diagnosed with osteoporosis, and 22% under treatment. Previous fracture in the last five years was not associated with having a diagnosis of osteoporosis, having had bone densitometry, or being under treatment for osteoporosis.

Conclusion

Among patients with previous fracture, only 22% were aware of their diagnosis of osteoporosis, and less than 25% of them were under bone fragility treatment. Previous fracture in the past five years had no association with having a diagnosis of osteoporosis, having had bone densitometry, or being on osteoporosis treatment. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

Team Approach: Organizing and Empowering Multidisciplinary Teams in Postfragility Fracture Care

» Numerous healthcare roles can be valuable and effective participants in postfracture care programs (PFCPs) and can also serve effectively as program liaisons/champions.» Greatest success seems to have been achieved when a single entity provides cohesive and consistent training, coordination, shared goals, and accountability for program sites and site leaders.» Few PFCPs have solved what seems to be the fundamental challenge of such programs: how to maintain program effectiveness and cohesion when the patient makes the inevitable transition from acute care to primary care? Creating a partnership with shared goals with primary care providers is a challenge for every program in every location.» Programs located in the United States, with its predominantly "open" healthcare system, seem to lag other parts of the world in overcoming this fundamental challenge.» It is hoped that all PFCPs in all systems can learn from the successes of other programs in managing this critical transition from acute to primary care.

Zoledronic acid for osteoporosis after distal radius fracture surgery: Prospective longitudinal study

Background

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most frequent first-ever osteoporotic fragility fractures. However, most patients are treated only for fractures and not for osteoporosis. Therefore, we investigated early osteoporosis intervention using zoledronic acid.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 30 patients aged 50 years or older who had no history of fragility fractures or osteoporosis treatment and who underwent surgical treatment for DRFs. Patients whose lumbar spine or femur bone mineral density (BMD) values were less than 80% of the young adult mean (YAM) were treated with a 5-mg intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid. Lumbar spine and femur YAM BMD values, TRACP-5b and PINP were statistically evaluated using the paired t-test. The relationship between adverse effects, age, body mass index (BMI), and creatinine clearance (CCr) was statistically examined using Mann-Whitney's U test. The incidence of the bone fusion and secondary fractures within the 60-months postoperative period were assessed.

Results

The mean lumbar spine and femur YAM BMD values before treatment were 76.1 ± 13.1% and 70.7 ± 8.5%. This indicates osteopenia in both locations. These values differed significantly between the pre-treatment period and each subsequent period. Five patients with a target YAM BMD value over 80% within 60 months after treatment were observed. The TRACP-5b and PINP values differed significantly between the pre-treatment period and each subsequent period. Adverse drug reactions were observed in 12 patients (40%). Age, BMI, and CCr did not show statistically significant differences in the occurrence of adverse effects. Bone fusion was confirmed at a mean of 3.6 months postoperatively. Secondary fractures were observed in 3 patients within 60 months after treatment.

Conclusion

DRFs occur at a younger age than other fragility fractures, and it is important to intervene aggressively with osteoporosis treatment to prevent secondary fractures.

Level of evidence

Level V.

Effects of anti-osteoporosis therapy on the risk of secondary fractures and surgical complications following surgical fixation of proximal humerus fracture in older people

BACKGROUND

age-related fragility fractures cause significant burden of disease. Within an ageing society, fracture and complication prevention will be essential to balance health expenditure growth.

OBJECTIVE

to assess the effect of anti-osteoporotic therapy on surgical complications and secondary fractures after treatment of fragility fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

retrospective health insurance data from January 2008 to December 2019 of patients ≥65 years with proximal humeral fracture (PHF) treated using locked plate fixation (LPF) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty were analysed. Cumulative incidences were calculated by Aalen-Johansen estimates. The influence of osteoporosis and pharmaceutical therapy on secondary fractures and surgical complications were analysed using multivariable Fine and Gray Cox regression models.

RESULTS

a total of 43,310 patients (median age 79 years, 84.4% female) with a median follow-up of 40.9 months were included. Five years after PHF, 33.4% of the patients were newly diagnosed with osteoporosis and only 19.8% received anti-osteoporotic therapy. A total of 20.6% (20.1-21.1%) of the patients had at least one secondary fracture with a significant reduction of secondary fracture risk by anti-osteoporotic therapy (P < 0.001). An increased risk for surgical complications (hazard ratio: 1.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-1.47, P < 0.001) after LPF could be reversed by anti-osteoporotic therapy. While anti-osteoporotic therapy was more often used in female patients (35.3 vs 19.1%), male patients showed significantly stronger effects reducing the secondary fracture and surgical complication risk.

CONCLUSIONS

a significant number of secondary fractures and surgical complications could be prevented by consequent osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment particularly in male patients. Health-politics and legislation must enforce guideline-based anti-osteoporotic therapy to mitigate burden of disease.

Decrease in osteoporotic fracture in the western Kitakyushu region by the STOP-Fx study

INTRODUCTION

The Seamless Treatment of Osteoporosis against Fractures (STOP-Fx) study was initiated to provide and continue therapeutic interventions for registered patients with osteoporotic fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women who visited six hospitals in the western Kitakyushu area for osteoporotic fractures between October 2016 and December 2018 were included in the study. Data collection for primary and secondary outcomes was conducted from October 2018 to December 2020, 2 years after STOP-Fx study enrollment. The primary outcome included the number of surgeries for osteoporotic fractures after the STOP-Fx study intervention, while secondary outcomes were the intervention rate of osteoporosis treatment, incidence and timing of secondary fractures, and factors associated with secondary fractures and loss to follow-up.

RESULTS

Concerning the primary outcome, the number of surgeries for osteoporotic fractures decreased since the STOP-Fx study initiation: 813 in 2017, 786 in 2018, 754 in 2019, 716 in 2020, and 683 in 2021. Regarding the secondary outcome, of the 805 patients enrolled, 445 were available for follow-up at 24 months. Of the 279 patients who were untreated for osteoporosis at enrollment, 255 (91%) were on treatment at 24 months. There were 28 secondary fractures, which were associated with increased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b and decreased lumbar spine bone mineral density during enrollment in the STOP-Fx study.

CONCLUSION

As the demographics and medical area served by six hospitals in the western Kitakyushu region have not changed significantly since the STOP-Fx study initiation, the STOP-Fx study may have contributed in decreasing the number of osteoporotic fractures.

The impact of prior fragility fractures on long-term periprosthetic fracture risk following total knee arthroplasty

The study found that patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty with prior fragility fracture had increased risk of subsequent fragility fracture and periprosthetic fracture within 8 years postoperatively when compared to those without a prior history. However, these patients were not at increased risk for all-cause revision within this period.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to characterize the association of prior FFs on long-term risk of secondary fragility fracture (FF), periprosthetic fracture (PPF), and revision TKA.

METHODS

Patients at least 50 years of age who underwent elective TKA were identified in the PearlDiver Database. Patients were stratified based on whether they sustained a FF within 3 years prior to TKA (7410 patients) or not (712,954 patients). Demographics and comorbidities were collected. Kaplan Meier analysis was used to observe the cumulative incidence of all-cause revision, PPF, and secondary FF within 8 years of TKA. Cox Proportional hazard ratio analysis was used to statistically compare the risk.

RESULTS

In total, 1.0% of patients had a FF within three years of TKA. Of these patients, only 22.6% and 10.9% had a coded diagnosis of osteoporosis and osteopenia, respectively, at time of TKA. The 8-year cumulative incidence of secondary FF and periprosthetic fracture was significantly higher in those with a prior FF (27.5% secondary FF and 1.9% PPF) when compared to those without (9.1% secondary FF and 0.7% PPF). After adjusting for covariates, patients with a recent FF had significantly higher risks of secondary FF (HR 2.73; p < 0.001) and periprosthetic fracture (HR 1.86; p < 0.001) than those without a recent FF.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent FF before TKA is associated with increased risk for additional FF and PPF within 8 years following TKA. Surgeons should ensure appropriate management of fragility fracture is undertaken prior to TKA to minimize fracture risk, and if not, be vigilant to identify patients with prior FF or other bone health risk factors who may have undocumented osteoporosis.

The Association of Postoperative Osteoporosis Therapy With Periprosthetic Fracture Risk in Patients Undergoing Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures

BACKGROUND

Displaced femoral neck fractures in older adults are generally treated with hip arthroplasty. One concern following hip arthroplasty is the risk for periprosthetic fractures (PPFs). Most patients who have hip fractures are candidates for antiosteoporotic therapy, but the impact of this treatment on PPFs is unknown. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate whether patients treated with antiosteoporotic medical therapy had lower odds of PPFs following arthroplasty for hip fracture.

METHODS

Patients at least 65 years old who underwent hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures from 2010 to 2020 were identified in a national database. Patients were stratified based on whether they initiated antiosteoporotic therapy within 1 year of hip arthroplasty. Minimum follow-up was 1 year, and maximum follow-up was 10.6 years. The primary endpoint was cumulative incidence of PPF as determined using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Overall, 2,026 patients who underwent arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture received antiosteoporotic medications within 1 year following surgery (mean follow up 4.8 years; range 1.0 to 10.6 years) and 33,639 patients did not (mean follow up 4.1 years; range 1.1 to 10.3 years).

RESULTS

The 10-year cumulative incidence of PPF for patients treated for osteoporosis was 3.88% compared to 5.92% for those who were untreated (P < .001). Adjusting for covariates, patients who received osteoporosis treatment had a significantly lower risk for PPF than those who were untreated (hazard ratio (HR): 0.663; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.465-0.861; P = .038).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that osteoporosis treatment is associated with lower incidence of PPF following hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures. Treatment of osteoporosis should be initiated in eligible patients who sustain a femoral neck fracture, especially those who undergo hip arthroplasty.

Trends in anti-osteoporotic medication utilization following fragility fracture in the USA from 2011 to 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there has been any change in osteoporosis treatment following primary fragility fractures and what agents were being given. The study found an overall low utilization rate with no difference in treatment utilization from 2011 to 2019.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to describe trends in the utilization of anti-osteoporotic medication after fragility fracture, including changes in the specific types of medications prescribed.

METHODS

Patients older than 65 with fragility fractures sustained from 2011 to 2019 were identified in the PearlDiver Patient Records Database. Osteoporosis treatment rate was defined as the rate at which patients were prescribed any of the fourteen most used anti-osteoporotic medications within 1 year of fragility fracture. Fragility fractures were subcategorized by type. Treatment of fragility fractures was further stratified by patient demographics (age and gender) and medication type.

RESULTS

This study showed an overall osteoporosis treatment rate of 8.01%, with treatment rates of 6.87% following hip fractures, 6.71% following upper extremity fractures, and 14.38% following vertebral compression fractures (VCF). From 2011 to 2018, there was no change in the overall fragility fracture treatment rate (p = 0.32). Of the three fracture categories analyzed, only the treatment rate for VCFs increased (p = 0.048). Osteoporosis treatment in patients with VCF increased among patients 65-74 years old (p < 0.05) and male patients (p = 0.013). Treatment in patients with upper extremity fractures increased among patients 70-74 years old (p = 0.038). Bisphosphonates were the most frequently prescribed class of medications. Bisphosphonates and denosumab increased in utilization (p = 0.049 and p < 0.001 respectively) while calcitonin utilization decreased (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Besides the overall low utilization rate of osteoporosis treatment in patients following fragility fractures, there has been no change in the treatment utilization rate within the past decade. More resources and interventions need to be enforced for all providers managing these patients if we are ever to address the osteoporosis epidemic.

Risk of osteoporotic fracture and refracture: the importance of index fracture site

The current study shows that patients aged 50 or more who have sustained an osteoporotic fracture have a significant risk of suffering a new fracture. Refracture risk is also increased when anatomic site of both index and subsequent fracture are the same.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to describe the profile of a patient sustaining a fragility fracture, the influence of the initial or index fracture on subsequent fracture risk and the role that anatomic site of index and subsequent fracture play on fracture risk.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational cohort study, individuals aged ≥ 50 years who sustained at least one clinical fragility fracture were identified from the public health service register between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015. Two separate analysis cohorts were identified. Group 1 (index FF) included patients that sustained at least one clinical fragility fracture during the study period. Group 2 (subsequent FF) included those patients from group 1 who sustained at least one clinical subsequent fracture during the following 2 years after index fracture.

RESULTS

A total of 11,986 fractures constituted group 1 (index FF), and 792 constituted group 2 (subsequent FF). The incidence of subsequent fractures was 6.61%, with a major percentage of them (36.99%) identified within the first 6 months following index FF. Hip was the most frequent site for index (30.09%) and subsequent fracture (34.85%). We found an increased risk mainly when anatomic site of index and subsequent FF are the same.

CONCLUSIONS

Sustaining a subsequent fracture after an index fracture is a common event in the population over age 50, more commonly occurring within 6 months of index fracture. Analysis of fracture site correlation shows that refracture risk is increased mainly when index and subsequent fracture site are the same.

Comparison of the effectiveness of different machine learning algorithms in predicting new fractures after PKP for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

BACKGROUND

The use of machine learning has the potential to estimate the probability of a second classification event more accurately than traditional statistical methods, and few previous studies on predicting new fractures after osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) have focussed on this point. The aim of this study was to explore whether several different machine learning models could produce better predictions than logistic regression models and to select an optimal model.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 529 patients who underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for OVCFs at our institution between June 2017 and June 2020 was performed. The patient data were used to create machine learning (including decision trees (DT), random forests (RF), support vector machines (SVM), gradient boosting machines (GBM), neural networks (NNET), and regularized discriminant analysis (RDA)) and logistic regression models (LR) to estimate the probability of new fractures occurring after surgery. The dataset was divided into a training set (75%) and a test set (25%), and machine learning models were built in the training set after ten cross-validations, after which each model was evaluated in the test set, and model performance was assessed by comparing the area under the curve (AUC) of each model.

RESULTS

Among the six machine learning algorithms, except that the AUC of DT [0.775 (95% CI 0.728-0.822)] was lower than that of LR [0.831 (95% CI 0.783-0.878)], RA [0.953 (95% CI 0.927-0.980)], GBM [0.941 (95% CI 0.911-0.971)], SVM [0.869 (95% CI 0.827-0.910), NNET [0.869 (95% CI 0.826-0.912)], and RDA [0.890 (95% CI 0.851-0.929)] were all better than LR.

CONCLUSIONS

For prediction of the probability of new fracture after PKP, machine learning algorithms outperformed logistic regression, with random forest having the strongest predictive power.

Fractures reduction with osteoporotic treatments in patients over 75-year-old: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Osteoporosis consists in the reduction of bone mineral density and increased risk of fracture. Age is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Although many treatments are available for osteoporosis, there is limited data regarding their efficacy in older people. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of osteoporosis treatments in patients over 75 years old. Methods: We reviewed all published studies in MEDLINE, Cochrane and EMBASE including patients over 75 years old, treated by osteoporosis drugs, and focused on vertebral fractures or hip fractures. Results: We identified 4,393 records for review; 4,216 were excluded after title/abstract review. After full text review, 19 records were included in the systematic review. Most studies showed a reduction in vertebral fracture with osteoporosis treatments, but non-significant results were observed for hip fractures. Meta-analysis of 10 studies showed that lack of treatment was significantly associated with an increased risk of vertebral fractures at one (OR = 3.67; 95%CI = 2.50-5.38) and 3 years (OR = 2.19; 95%CI = 1.44-3.34), and for hip fractures at one (OR = 2.14; 95%CI = 1.09-4.22) and 3 years (OR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.12-1.53). Conclusion: A reduction in the risk of vertebral fractures with osteoporosis treatments was observed in most of the studies included and meta-analysis showed that lack of treatment was significantly associated with an increased risk of vertebral fractures. Concerning hip fractures, majority of included studies did not show a significant reduction in the occurrence of hip fractures with osteoporotic treatments, but meta-analysis showed an increased risk of hip fractures without osteoporotic treatment. However, most of the data derived from post hoc and preplanned analyses or observational studies.

Clinical efficacy of bisphosphonates and monoclonal antibodies on bone mineral density following skeletal fractures

Background

Bisphosphonates and monoclonal antibodies are drugs primarily developed to inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and are used to treat an array of skeletal pathologies. Their use is aimed at increasing bone health and therefore reducing fracture risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bone protection therapy on improving bone mineral density (BMD) in patients following a fracture.

Methods

Inclusion criteria consisted of patients who sustained a skeletal fracture and were subsequently commenced on bone protection therapy. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans were performed at baseline and following a consented period of drug therapy. Bone health data included T-Scores, Z-Scores, FRAX Major, FRAX Hip and BMD. The clinical effectiveness of four bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate, pamidronate and zoledronate) and one monoclonal antibody (denosumab) were evaluated.

Results

A total of 100 patients were included in the study. Overall, bone protection therapy significantly improved Z-score Hip, Z-score Spine, T-score Spine and BMD Spine (p < 0.05). There was a marked difference between drug therapies. Denosumab and zoledronate were associated with the greatest treatment effect size. Alendronate only improved Z-score Spine and Z-score Hip (p < 0.05). Pamidronate and risedronate did not demonstrate any statistically significant improvement across any DEXA parameter.

Conclusion

Overall, bisphosphonates/monoclonal antibodies confer beneficial effects on bone health as measured by DEXA scans in patients following skeletal fractures. However, the magnitude of improvement varies among the commonly used drugs. Alendronate, zoledronate and denosumab were associated with greatest therapeutic benefit. Bone protection therapy did not improve fracture risk of patients (FRAX scores).

Osteoporosis Diagnosis, Management, and Referral Practice After Fragility Fractures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this manuscript is to review the current diagnosis, management, and referral practices of patients with osteoporosis after a fragility fracture from the orthopedic surgeon's perspective.

RECENT FINDINGS

Effective treatments are available for osteoporosis that significantly decrease the risk of additional fractures. Despite recommendations for improved post-fragility fracture osteoporosis management, the rate of diagnosis and treatment is still unacceptably low. Patients sustaining a low-energy fracture should be evaluated for osteoporosis with discussion of beginning pharmacological treatment. Antiresorptive and anabolic agents are available treatment options. Fracture Liaison Services can help to coordinate the care of these patients and improve the rate of diagnosis and initiation of therapy. Dartmouth-Hitchcock is working to improve the bone health for our patients utilizing a multidisciplinary team-based approach. This process is intended to lead to increased recognition of osteoporosis within our institution and close the capture gap between hospital discharge and initiation of osteoporosis pharmacotherapy.

Impact of bisphosphonates and comorbidities on initial hip fracture prognosis

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of bisphosphonate treatment on the prognosis of patients with initial hip fracture. Patients aged fifty years and older with initial hip fracture were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 2002 and 2011. A multi-state model was established to evaluate the transition between "first to second hip fracture", "first hip fracture to death", and "second hip fracture to death". Transition probability and cumulative hazards were used to compare the prognosis of initial hip fracture in a bisphosphonate treated cohort versus non-treated cohort. In addition, Deyo-Charlson comorbidities, both vertebral and non-vertebral fractures, and cataracts were also included for analysis. After 10-year follow-up, there is decreased cumulative transition probability for both second hip fracture and mortality after both first and second hip fracture in the bisphosphonate treated cohort. Multivariable, transition-specific time-dependent Cox model revealed that bisphosphonate treatment significantly reduced risk for second hip fracture in the first 5 years of the treatment (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.79-0.99; P: 0.034), first hip fracture mortality (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.83-0.93; P < 0.001), and second hip fracture mortality in the first 2 years of the treatment (HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.65-0.95; P = 0.011). Female sex, both vertebral and non-vertebral fractures, cataracts, dementia in the first 2 years, and DM with complication were all significantly associated with risk of a second hip fracture. Cerebrovascular disease and hemiplegia comorbidities had less risk of a second hip fracture. The risk of mortality after both first and second hip fracture was significantly associated with congestive heart failure, renal disease, myocardial infarction, and moderate to severe liver disease. Our study demonstrated that bisphosphonate treatment and strict management of comorbidities after the initial hip fracture significantly decrease the risk for a second hip fracture and mortality.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting the probability of new vertebral compression fractures after vertebral augmentation of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

INTRODUCTION

New vertebral compression fractures (NVCFs) are adverse events after vertebral augmentation of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Predicting the risk of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) accurately after surgery is still a significant challenge for spinal surgeons. The aim of our study was to identify risk factors of NCVFs after vertebral augmentation of OVCFs and develop a nomogram.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with OVCFs who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). Patients were divided into the NVCFs group and control group, base on the patients with or without NVCFs within 2 years follow-up period after surgery. A training cohort of 403 patients diagnosed in our hospital from June 2014 to December 2016 was used for model development. The independent predictive factors of postoperative VCFs were determined by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. We provided a nomogram for predicting the risk of NVCFs based on independent predictive factors and used the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analyses (DCA) to evaluated the prognostic performance. After internal validation, the nomogram was further evaluated in a validation cohort of 159 patients included between January 2017 and June 2018.

RESULTS

Of the 403 patients in the training cohort, 49(12.16%) were NVCFs at an average of 16.7 (1 to 23) months within the 2 years follow-up period. Of the 159 patients in the validation cohort, 17(10.69%) were NVCFs at an average of 8.7 (1 to 15) months within the 2 years follow-up period. In the training cohort, the proportions of elderly patients older than 80 years were 32.65 and 13.56% in the NVCFs and control group, respectively (p = 0.003). The percentages of patients with previous fracture history were 26.53 and 12.71% in the NVCFs and control group, respectively (p = 0.010). The volume of bone cement were 4.43 ± 0.88 mL and 4.02 ± 1.13 mL in the NVCFs and Control group, respectively (p = 0.014). The differences have statistical significance in the bone cement leakage, bone cement dispersion, contact with endplate, anti-osteoporotic treatment, post-op Cobb angle and Cobb angle restoration characteristics between the two groups. The model was established by multivariate logistic regression analysis to obtain independent predictors. In the training and validation cohort, the AUC of the nomogram were 0.882 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.824-0.940) and 0.869 (95% CI: 0.811-0.927), respectively. The C index of the nomogram was 0.886 in the training cohort and 0.893 in the validation cohort, demonstrating good discrimination. In the training and validation cohort, the optimal calibration curves demonstrated the coincidence between prediction and actual status, and the decision curve analysis demonstrated that the full model had the highest clinical net benefit across the entire range of threshold probabilities.

CONCLUSION

A nomogram for predicting NVCFs after vertebral augmentation was established and validated. For patients evaluated by this model with predictive high risk of developing postoperative VCFs, postoperative management strategies such as enhance osteoporosis-related health education and management should be considered.

Osteoporosis and Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures: Breaking the Chain of Osteoporotic Fractures to Increase Healthy Life Expectancy

Osteoporosis is an important issue related to life expectancy and healthy life expectancy in Japan, where the super-aging population is growing. Currently, in Japan, some kind of assistance is needed for an average of 10 years at the end of life. In many cases the reason assistance is needed is loss of mobility due to a fracture caused by a fall. When people suffer one fracture due to osteoporosis, they are also more likely to have another fracture, which is called a secondary fracture. Breaking the negative chain of fractures is very important in osteoporosis. In addition, if patients suffer a loss of mobility due to a compression fracture of the spine, this activity cannot be regained even if the fracture is healed. To prevent this from happening, it is also important to heal fractures rapidly, so that patients can quickly return to normal life, thus extending healthy life expectancy.

Perspectives of patients with depression and chronic pain about bone health after a fragility fracture: A qualitative study

Background

Compromised bone health is often associated with depression and chronic pain.

Objective

To examine: (1) the experience of existing depression and chronic nonfracture pain in patients with a fragility fracture; and (2) the effects of the fracture on depression and pain.

Design

A phenomenological study guided by Giorgi's analytical procedures.

Setting and Participants

Fracture patients who reported taking prescription medication for one or more comorbidities, excluding compromised bone health.

Main Variables Studied

Patients were interviewed within 6 weeks of their fracture, and 1 year later. Interview questions addressed the recent fracture and patients' experience with bone health and their other health conditions, such as depression and chronic pain, including the medications taken for these conditions.

Results

Twenty‐six patients (5 men, 21 women) aged 45–84 years old with hip (n = 5) and nonhip (n = 21) fractures were recruited. Twenty‐one participants reported depression and/or chronic nonfracture pain, of which seven reported having both depression and chronic pain. Two themes were consistent, based on our analysis: (1) depression and chronic pain overshadowed attention to bone health; and (2) the fracture exacerbated reported experiences of existing depression and chronic pain.

Conclusion

Experiences with depression and pain take priority over bone health and may worsen as a result of the fracture. Health care providers treating fragility fractures might ask patients about depression and pain and take appropriate steps to address patients' more general emotional and physical state.

Patient Contribution

A patient representative was involved in the study conception, data interpretation and manuscript writing.

Patients 80 + have similar medication initiation rates to those aged 50-79 in Ontario FLS

Among individuals presenting to an Ontario FLS, we compared bone active medication initiation rates of patients 80 years and older with those 50-79 years old. After accounting for fracture risk status, there was no statistically significant difference in medication initiation rates between the two age groups INTRODUCTION: A Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) offers post-fracture services to individuals over the age of 50 years and could potentially address age inequities in pharmacotherapy often observed for older adults. Among individuals presenting to an Ontario FLS and classified as being at high risk for future fracture, our objective was to compare bone active medication initiation rates of patients 80 years and older with those 50-79 years old.

METHODS

In 39 FLS fracture clinics across Ontario, Canada, fracture prevention coordinators identified, assessed, and facilitated the referral of eligible patients for bone densitometry, fracture risk assessment, and implementation of pharmacotherapy in patients classified as high risk for future fracture. Variables assessed at baseline included age, sex, marital status, living location, fracture location, history of previous fracture, parent's history of hip fracture, history of falls, and fracture risk status. At 6 months, bone active medication initiation was assessed in patients classified as high risk for future fracture. The Chi-square test of independence was used to compare medication initiation rates between patients 80 + and those 50-79 years old.

RESULTS

Our sample size consisted of 808 patients aged 50-79 years and 346 aged 80 + years. After accounting for fracture risk status, there was no statistically significant difference in medication initiation rates of patients 50-79 and 80 + years old (76.9% versus 73.7%, p = 0.251).

CONCLUSION

A systematic approach to identifying patients at high risk for future fracture and tailoring treatment recommendations to these patients appeared to eliminate differences in treatment initiation rates based on older age.

Differences in subtrochanteric and diaphyseal atypical femoral fractures in a super-aging prefectural area: YamaCAFe Study

INTRODUCTION

Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) have been correlated with long-term use of bisphosphonates (BPs), glucocorticoids (GCs), and femoral geometry. We investigated the incidence and characteristics of subtrochanteric (ST) and diaphyseal (DP) AFFs in all institutes in a super-aging prefectural area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a blinded analysis of radiographic data in 87 patients with 98 AFFs in all institutes in Yamagata prefectural area from 2009 to 2014. Among the 98 AFFs, 57 AFFs comprising 11 ST fractures in 9 patients and 46 DP fractures in 41 patients with adequate medical records and X-rays were surveyed for time to bone healing and geometry.

RESULTS

Of the 87 patients, 67 received BPs/denosumab (77%) and 10 received GCs (11%). Surgery was performed in 94 AFFs. Among 4 AFFs with conservative therapy, 3 required additional surgery. In univariate regression analyses for ST group versus DP group, male-to-female ratio was 2/7 versus 1/40, mean age at fracture was 58.2 (37-75) versus 78 (60-89) years, rheumatic diseases affected 55.5% (5/9) versus 4.9% (2/41), femoral lateral bowing angle was 1.7 (0-6) versus 11.8 (0.8-24)°, GC usage was 67% (6/9) versus 4.9% (2/41), and bone healing time was 12.1 (6-20) versus 8.1 (3-38) months (p < 0.05). In multivariate analyses, higher male-to-female ratio, younger age, greater proportion affected by rheumatic diseases, and higher GC usage remained significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of AFFs in our prefectural area was 1.43 cases/100,000 persons/year. This study suggests that the onset of ST AFFs have greater correlation with the worse bone quality, vice versa, the onset of DP AFFs correlated with the bone geometry. The developmental mechanisms of AFFs may differ significantly between ST and DP fractures.

Gender Disparities in Osteoporosis Screening and Management Among Older Adults

INTRODUCTION

One in two women and one in four men experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Related morbidity and mortality rates are higher in men versus women. Current guidelines are inconsistent in the screening recommendations for osteoporosis in men. Examination of gender disparities in the management of osteoporosis-related fractures among Medicare enrollees is currently lacking.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study using 5% National Medicare claims data from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2016, eligible patients who were at least 65 years of age on the date of a new fracture episode were classified into two mutually exclusive cohorts on the basis of whether they received testing and/or treatment for osteoporosis in the 6-month period after the new fracture episode. The cohorts were defined on the basis of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) quality measure "osteoporosis management in women who had a fracture." Patients were followed to identify the occurrence of subsequent fracture, all-cause mortality, and a composite outcome-defined as the first occurrence of either subsequent fracture or mortality. Logistic regression models were carried out to identify predictors of testing and/or treatment and time-varying survival analysis to identify the relationship between the presence of testing and/or treatment and patient outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 35,774 eligible patients, only 10.2% (12.1% women and 5.7% men) received osteoporosis testing and/or treatment within 6 months after a fracture. The interaction between gender and fragility fracture was significant (P < 0.0001). Fragility fracture had greater adjusted odds of testing and/or treatment among men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.47; 95% CI 2.94-4.10) than women (AOR 1.65; 95% CI 1.53-1.79). Of patients who were eligible for the outcome assessment, 27.5% experienced a subsequent fracture, 23.2% died, and 44.3% experienced a composite outcome during follow-up. Patients who received testing and/or treatment had a significantly lower hazard of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.57; 95% CI 0.50-0.65; P < 0.0001) and the composite outcome (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.39-0.45; P < 0.0001), but no difference in the risk of subsequent fracture (HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.94-1.11; P = 0.6083). Men were found to have a significantly lower hazard of subsequent fracture (HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.64-0.73; P < 0.0001), all-cause mortality (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.61-0.72; P < 0.0001), and the composite outcome (HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.65-0.73; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Testing and/or treatment for osteoporosis among older adults with a fracture is poor in the Medicare fee-for-service population overall and worse for men compared to women. Receiving appropriate testing and/or treatment was associated with reduced mortality and the risk of composite outcome. Improving osteoporosis testing and/or treatment and reducing health disparities are essential for managing the clinical and economic burden of osteoporosis in the USA.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Postoperative Rehabilitation in Older Patients With Hip Fractures

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of hip fractures is increasing worldwide with the aging population, causing a challenge to healthcare systems due to the associated morbidities and high risk of mortality. After hip fractures in frail geriatric patients, existing comorbidities worsen and new complications are prone to occur. Comprehensive rehabilitation is essential for promoting physical function recovery and minimizing complications, which can be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach. Recommendations are required to assist healthcare providers in making decisions on rehabilitation post-surgery. Clinical practice guidelines regarding rehabilitation (physical and occupational therapies) and management of comorbidities/complications in the postoperative phase of hip fractures have not been developed. This guideline aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for various treatment items required for proper recovery after hip fracture surgeries.

METHODS

Reflecting the complex perspectives associated with rehabilitation post-hip surgeries, 15 key questions (KQs) reflecting the complex perspectives associated with post-hip surgery rehabilitation were categorized into four areas: multidisciplinary, rehabilitation, community-care, and comorbidities/complications. Relevant literature from four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed) was searched for articles published up to February 2020. The evidence level and recommended grade were determined according to the grade of recommendation assessment, development, and evaluation method.

RESULTS

A multidisciplinary approach, progressive resistance exercises, and balance training are strongly recommended. Early ambulation, weigh-bearing exercises, activities of daily living training, community-level rehabilitation, management of comorbidities/complication prevention, and nutritional support were also suggested. This multidisciplinary approach reduced the total healthcare cost.

CONCLUSION

This guideline presents comprehensive recommendations for the rehabilitation of adult patients after hip fracture surgery.

Refracture of the cemented vertebrae after percutaneous vertebroplasty: risk factors and imaging findings

BACKGROUND

To determine the related imaging findings and risk factors to refracture of the cemented vertebrae after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) treatment.

METHODS

Patients who were treated with PVP for single vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) and met this study's inclusion criteria were retrospectively reviewed from January 2012 to January 2019. The follow-up period was at least 2 years. Forty-eight patients with refracture of the cemented vertebrae and 45 non-refractured patients were included. The following variates were reviewed: age, sex, fracture location, bone mineral density (BMD), intravertebral cleft (IVC), kyphotic angle (KA), wedge angle, endplate cortical disruption, cement volume, surgical approach, non-PMMA-endplate-contact (NPEC), cement leakage, other vertebral fractures, reduction rate (RR), and reduction angle (RA). Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to identify the independent risk factors of refracture.

RESULTS

Refracture was found in 48 (51.6%) patients. Four risk factors, including IVC (P = 0.005), endplate cortical disruption (P = 0.037), larger RR (P = 0.007), and NPEC (P = 0.006) were found to be significant independent risk factors for refracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IVC or larger RR, NPEC, or endplate cortical disruption have a high risk of refracture in the cemented vertebrae after PVP.

Risk factors for subsequent vertebral fractures following a previous hip fracture

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the incidence and to identify risk factors of subsequent vertebral fractures after hip fractures, and to determine whether the subsequent vertebral fracture increases the mortality rate of elderly hip fracture patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2009 to July 2016, 1,554 patients were diagnosed as having a hip fracture and were treated surgically at our institution. Among them, 1121 patients age > 50 years at the time of injury and were followed up for 1 year or longer after the hip fracture surgery. In these patients, radiographs of the hip and spine were taken at each follow-up. We reviewed medical records and radiographs of these patients. Among the 1121 patients, 107 patients (9.5%) had subsequent vertebral fractures after the hip fracture during entire follow-up periods.

RESULTS

In multivariable analysis, previous history of vertebral fracture [odds ratio (OR), 2.62; p < 0.001], medication possession rate (MPR) of osteoporosis treatment < 80% (OR, 1.92; p = 0.014), and a lower lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) (OR, 2.58; p = 0.001) appeared as risk factors for subsequent vertebral fractures.

CONCLUSION

However, the subsequent vertebral fractures did not affect the mortality after the hip fractures. Age ≥ 70 years [hazard ration (HR) 2.70; p = .039], body mass index < 18.5 kg/m² (HR, 2.57; p =0 .048), and Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 2 (HR, 2.04; p =0.036) were risk factors of the death. Timely management is warranted to prevent subsequent vertebral fractures in hip fracture patients with risk factors.

Unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic lumbar compression fractures: a comparative study between transverse process root-pedicle approach and conventional transpedicular approach

Purpose

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a routine operation for the treatment of osteoporotic lumbar compression fractures (OLCFs). As is well known, unilateral puncture is a common method. However, with the conventional transpedicular approach (CTPA), the cement may be asymmetrically dispersed, so some surgeons use the transverse process root-pedicle approach (TPRPA). The objective of this study was to compare the clinical results and bone cement distribution of PVP for OLCF with unilateral TPRPA and CTPA to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the two surgical options.

Patients and methods

From January 2016 to June 2019, seventy-two elderly patients who underwent unilateral PVP for single-level OLCF were retrospectively reviewed. Operation time, injection amount and type of bone cement distribution, and bone cement leakage and surgical complications were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were used to evaluate the clinical results. All patients were followed up for more than 12 months, and the assessment was based primarily on clinical and radiological outcomes.

Results

There were significant differences in the surgical time and the volume and the type of bone cement distribution and the lost of operative vertebra height between the two groups. However, there was no significant difference in bone cement leakage. Moreover, there were no significant differences in VAS and ODI between the two groups at 2 days and 12 months after the operation.

Conclusions

Unilateral TPRPA and CTPA are practical and feasible methods in PVP for the treatment of OLCF, and they have similar clinical effects. However, TPRPA has the advantages of a better distribution of bone cement and a shorter operation time and a better maintenance effect of injured vertebra height, without increasing the rate of bone cement leakage.

Relationship between oral condition and risk factors for jaw osteonecrosis in patients with hip fractures

Purpose : Antiresorptive agents, such as bisphosphonates, are useful for the prevention of the recurrence of hip fractures. However, their administration has a risk of antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ), and risk factors include poor oral hygiene. It is difficult for an orthopedic surgeon to examine a patient's oral condition thoroughly. This study evaluated the relationship between risk factors for ARONJ and intraoral findings in hip fracture patients. Materials and Methods : We evaluated 79 patients (average age of 82.2 years) with hip fracture surgery who underwent an oral assessment by dentists. The risk assessments of the intraoral findings were classified into four levels (levels 0-3), with levels 2 and 3 requiring dental treatment intervention. Data that could be extracted as risk factors of ARONJ were also examined. Results : Level 1 was found most frequently (54.4%), followed by level 0 (35.4%), level 2 (8.9%), level 3 (1.3%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the number of risk factors for the two groups (dental treatment intervention required and unnecessary) and oral findings were 0.732. When the cut-off value was set to two risk factors, the specificity and sensitivity was 53.5% and 87.5%. Conclusions : For hip fracture patients with a more than 2 risk factors, dental visits are recommended to prevent ARONJ. This is a useful evaluation method that can be used to screen for ONJ from data obtained from other risk factors, even if it is difficult to evaluate the oral condition in hospitals where dentists are absent. J. Med. Invest. 67 : 328-331, August, 2020.

Meta-analysis for the efficacy of bisphosphonates on hip fracture prevention

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bisphosphonates on preventing osteoporotic hip fracture in patients with or without prior major osteoporotic fracture. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (OSs) based on electronic health records were used to assess bisphosphonate efficacy and were searched using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases. Eight RCT studies and 14 OSs were extracted from the studies and quantitatively combined by random-effects meta-analysis. The odds ratio (OR) for all hip fractures in RCTs of 0.66, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.55-0.79, was lower than that in the OSs (OR 0.83; CI 0.74-0.94). The OR in patients with prior fracture was significantly reduced by bisphosphonates in both RCTs and OSs. Conversely, significant fracture reduction was not apparent in patients without prior fracture. A moderate relationship between prior major fracture rates and OR in hip fractures was defined. In patients with an average age of over 80 years, similar results were confirmed. In this meta-analysis, the efficacy of bisphosphonates was significant in patients with prior major fracture, recommending to prescribe for such patients. Their effect in patients without prior fracture, in contrast, remains unclear.

Hip Fracture Prevention in Osteoporotic Elderly and Cancer Patients: An On-Line French Survey Evaluating Current Needs

Background and objectives: Hip fracture is a major public health issue. Those fractures lead to high costs and a decrease in quality of life. A national French survey was conducted, with the objectives to firstly assess the current management of hip fracture and its prevention, both in the osteoporotic and cancer settings, and secondly to evaluate the opinions of physicians on the potential use of minimally invasive implantable devices to prevent hip fracture in alternative of surgery. Materials and methods: This national survey was conducted in France between April and July 2017. Questionnaires were sent to orthopedic surgeons, interventional radiologists, oncologists, and rheumatologists. Completed questionnaires were analyzed and compared according to two indications: orthopedics-traumatology and oncology. Factors associated with these responses were assessed using univariable analyses, based on chi-square tests or an exact Fisher test, as appropriate. Results: A total of 182 questionnaires were completed and further analyzed. Physicians have highlighted the need for a low re-fracture rate and to improve life expectancy for more than 1 year (50% for responders of the orthopedics-traumatology questionnaire and 80% for the responders interested in both indications), as well as quality of life (12.5% and 31%, respectively), but with no significant differences in the oncologic indication. Most of the experts were willing to use or prescribe implantable devices for prevention (63% in orthopedics-traumatology and 93% in oncology), although limited clinical experience (54 and 58%) and surgical risk (around 30% in each indication) were considered as limits. Conclusions: Prevention of hip fracture remains a concern for physicians. More clinical experience with implantable devices, in particular in cancer patients, is needed, but implemented in a strategy to maximize patient recovery while reducing costs.

Resources utilisation and economic burden of percutaneous vertebroplasty or percutaneous kyphoplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in China: a retrospective claim database study

Background

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) is a common and often debilitating complication of osteoporosis, leading to significant morbidity and increased mortality. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) are recommendable surgical treatments for OVCF.

Objective

To evaluate PVP/PKP utilisation and their related direct medical costs for OVCF treatment in China from the payer perspective.

Methods

A population-based medical claims database of a metropolitan city in China was analysed from the payer perspective, which included all inpatient claims from 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2017. All vertebral fractures patients that met the eligibility criteria (aged ≥50 years old, having vertebral fracture diagnosis, without unrelated diseases diagnoses such as tumour and scoliosis, received PVP/PKP) were deemed as OVCF patients. Baseline characteristics, surgery rate, length of stay in hospital, time to re-surgery, and costs (including costs per hospitalisation and annual costs) were described. Survival analysis function was used to estimate the re-surgery rate.

Results

Of the 50,686 patients with OVCF identified, 14,527 (28.66%) received a total number of 15,599 records of PVP/PKP surgeries from 2015 to 2017. Mean age was 75 at the first surgery captured in the database analysis period; females accounted for 79.54% of all cases. The median length of surgery stay was 9 days. Cumulative re-surgery rates were 1.22% in 30 days, 2.58% in 90 days, 3.61% in 183 days, 5.42% in 1 year, and 7.95% in 2 years. There was no significant difference in re-surgery rate between PVP and PKP (p = 0.3897). The median time to the re-surgery was 139 days. Mean costs per PVP/PKP-related hospitalisation were 35,906 CNY/5122 USD (34,195 CNY/4878USD for PVP, 44,414 CNY/6336 USD for PKP, p < 0.01). The overall costs of hospitalisation averaged 186.61 million CNY (26.62 million USD) per year in this metropolitan city.

Conclusion

From 2015 to 2017, nearly one-third of OVCF inpatients received PVP/PKP and the re-surgery rate was 7.95%. PVP/PKP procedures for OVCF place a high economic burden for both the healthcare system and patients. Early detection and treatment of patients with osteoporosis are critical in China.

Different surgical outcomes in a patient with bilateral atypical femoral fracture related to bisphosphonate use with or without teriparatide treatment

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are first-line drugs for the treatment of osteoporotic fractures, but long-term use of BP reduces bone turnover and is associated with atypical femur fractures (AFFs). Additionally, BP treatment may cause delayed fracture healing or nonunion, which makes AFF treatment difficult. The incidence of AFF is generally low. In fact, there are only a few clinical reports of AFF and there is no controlled study on AFF treatment. Herein, we report a case of multiple osteoporotic fractures. After 5 years of BP treatment, left and right AFFs occurred within 2 years. The fracture types and surgical operations were the same, but the level of bone metabolism and drug treatment were different. The right AFF healed well following teriparatide initiation compared with non-healed left AFF with BP continuation; thus, our case can be considered a self-controlled study. Furthermore, we have reviewed the diagnosis and treatment of this case in detail and analyzed and investigated the potential causes of the different outcomes of AFFs between the two sides to inform the clinical treatment of atypical fractures. Mini Abstract We report a case of bilateral AFFs. The surgical treatments were the same, but the final treatment outcomes were different with or without teriparatide treatment. We investigated the potential causes of the different outcomes of AFFs between the two sides to inform the clinical treatment of AFFs.

A population-based study of postfracture care in Manitoba, Canada 2000/2001-2014/2015

We previously found that population-based postfracture notification, which informed primary care physicians of their patient's recent fracture and suggested assessment for osteoporosis, led to an improvement in postfracture care in the context of a randomized controlled trial ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00594789, fractures from late 2007 to mid-2010). Since June 2010, a province-wide postfracture notification program was implemented. This study was to (1) determine whether this program has resulted in sustained improvement in postfracture care and (2) test factors associated with receiving osteoporosis care.

METHODS

A retrospective matched cohort study was performed using population-based health administrative data in Manitoba, Canada. We selected individuals aged 50+ years with an incident major osteoporosis fracture (MOF; N = 18,541) in fiscal years 2000/2001 to 2013/2014 and controls without a MOF (N = 92,705) matched (5:1) on age, sex, and residential area. The Cochran-Armitage test tested for a linear trend in osteoporosis care outcomes for cases and controls. Logistic regressions were used to test characteristics associated with the likelihood of receiving osteoporosis care.

RESULTS

The percentage of individuals receiving DXA testing and/or osteoporosis medication increased in fracture cases (p < 0.001), but decreased in controls (p < 0.001). Odds ratios for osteoporosis care in years following the postfracture notification program were approximately double of those prior to the clinical trial. In addition to prior MOF (OR 9.03, 95% CI 8.60-9.48), factors associated with osteoporosis care included lower income (OR   0.72, 95% CI 0.67-0.78), glucocorticoid use (OR   4.37, 95% CI 3.72-5.14), diabetes diagnosis (OR =  0.74, 95% CI 0.68-0.80), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (indexes 1-2: OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.20-1.34; indexes 3-5: OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13-1.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Adopting a population-based postfracture notification program led to sustained improvements in postfracture care.

Bone Health Optimization: Beyond Own the Bone: AOA Critical Issues

Worldwide, osteoporosis management is in crisis because of inadequate delivery of care, competing guidelines, and confusing recommendations. Additionally, patients are not readily accepting the diagnosis of poor bone health and often are noncompliant with treatment recommendations. Secondary fracture prevention, through a program such as Own the Bone, has improved the diagnosis and medical management after a fragility fracture. In patients who undergo elective orthopaedic procedures, osteoporosis is common and adversely affects outcomes. Bone health optimization is the process of bone status assessment, identification and correction of metabolic deficits, and initiation of treatment, when appropriate, for skeletal structural deficits. The principles of bone health optimization are similar to those of secondary fracture prevention and can be initiated by all orthopaedic surgeons. Patients who are ≥50 years of age should be assessed for osteoporosis risk and, if they are in a high-risk group, bone density should be measured. All patients should be counseled to consume adequate vitamin D and calcium and to discontinue use of any toxins (e.g., tobacco products and excessive alcohol consumption). Patients who meet the criteria for pharmaceutical therapy for osteoporosis should consider delaying surgery for a minimum of 3 months, if feasible, and begin medication treatment. Orthopaedic surgeons need to assume a greater role in the care of bone health for our patients.

A Review and Clinical Perspective of the Impact of Osteoporosis on the Spine

Introduction

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are common conditions in the United States. The health consequences of low bone density can be dire, from poor surgical outcomes to increased mortality rates following a fracture.

Significance

This article highlights the impact low bone density has on spine health in terms of vertebral fragility fractures and its adverse effects on elective spine surgery. It also reviews the clinical importance of bone health assessment and optimization.

Results

Vertebral fractures are the most common fragility fractures with significant consequences related to patient morbidity and mortality. Additionally, a vertebral fracture is the best predictor of a subsequent fracture. These fractures constitute sentinel events in osteoporosis that require further evaluation and treatment of the patient's underlying bone disease. In addition to fractures, osteopenia and osteoporosis have deleterious effects on elective spine surgery from screw pullout to fusion rates. Adequate evaluation and treatment of a patient's underlying bone disease in these situations have been shown to improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

With an increased understanding of the prevalence of low bone mass and its consequences as well an understanding of how to identify these patients and appropriately intervene, spine surgeons can effectively decrease the rates of adverse health outcomes related to low bone mass.

Intensive screening for osteoporosis in patients with hip fracture

Opportunities to evaluate, treat, and prevent future osteoporotic fractures are often being overlooked, especially in patients with a prior osteoporotic fracture. We find that an intensive outreach osteoporosis investigation strategy can help increase the number of patients investigated and treated for osteoporosis following a hip fracture.

PURPOSE

Patients experiencing a hip fracture are subject to an increased risk of subsequent fractures. This suggests an urgent need to develop strategies that will allow a higher number of patients with fragility hip fractures to be investigated and treated for osteoporosis. In accordance, we developed a secondary osteoporosis prevention program and evaluated the results of the program.

METHODS

In the study period, 1071 patients with a hip fracture were admitted to Hvidovre University Hospital. Eligible patients were offered an osteoporosis investigation program, which included a DXA-scan with vertebral fracture assessment and a medical consultation. The data retrieved from this program were registered and analyzed. The primary goal of the study was to describe the number of subjects, who completed the program, and to characterize the initiated osteoporosis treatment. Secondary outcomes evaluated were prevalence of DXA-verified osteoporosis, changes in T-score due to treatment, and 1-year mortality rate.

RESULTS

In total, 557 patients were offered participation of which 333 patients completed the full program. Among these, 159 patients had DXA-verified osteoporosis and 192 patients were started treatment. This resulted in a significant higher T-score at the lumbar spine and femoral neck compared with subjects not treated. Additionally, we report a 1-year mortality rate of 27.7% among all patients with hip fracture.

CONCLUSION

We report that an intensive outreach osteoporosis investigation program can help increase the number of hip fracture patients being tested and treated for osteoporosis. Further, the initiation of treatment can significantly increase the T-score.

Secondary fracture prevention: Drug treatment, fall prevention and nutrition requirements

In view of the high imminent risk for subsequent fractures, evaluation as early as possible after the fracture will result in early decisions about drug treatment, fall prevention and nutritional supplements. Drug treatment includes anti-resorptive and bone forming agents. Anti-resorptive therapy with broad spectrum fracture prevention and early anti-fracture effects are the first choice. In patients with multiple or severe VFs, the bone forming agent teriparatide should be considered. Adequate calcium and vitamin D are needed in all patients, together with appropriate nutrition, including adequate protein intake.

Recurrent Fragility Fractures: A Cross-sectional Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Despite growing rates of fragility fractures, there has been a lack of research investigating the risk and characteristics of recurrent fragility fractures.

METHODS

The Medicare Standard Analytic Files database was used to identify patients from 2005 to 2009 who were older than 65 years, had a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia, and sustained a fragility fracture of the proximal humerus, distal radius, hip, ankle, or vertebral column. The incidence and type of recurrent fragility fracture were tracked over a 36-month period.

RESULTS

A total of 1,059,212 patients had an initial fragility fracture from 2005 to 2009. Of these patients, 5.8% had a subsequent fragility fracture within 1 year for their initial fracture, 8.8% within 2 years, and 11.3% within 3 years. At 3-year follow-up, hip fractures were the most common type of subsequent fracture, regardless of the initial fracture type (6.5%, P < 0.001). Vertebral compression and proximal humerus fractures (13.8% and 13.2%, respectively) were most likely to be associated with a recurrent fragility fracture.

CONCLUSION

Patients who have any type of fragility fracture have a notable risk of subsequent fractures within 3 years, especially hip fractures. These patients should be evaluated and treated for underlying risks factors, including osteoporosis and/or osteopenia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective, level III.

Importance of Recent Fracture as Predictor of Imminent Fracture Risk

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To examine the importance of recent fracture as a predictor of imminent fracture risk, review the importance of prior fracture type and timing, and identify risk factors for recurrent osteoporotic fracture.

RECENT FINDINGS

Prior fracture type and timing impact risk of subsequent fracture that is largely independent of bone mineral density. Site of re-fracture is similar to original major osteoporotic fracture. Incidence of recurrent major osteoporotic fracture is greatest within the first year. Other risk factors include those that pertain to individual characteristics. Approved osteoporosis therapies reduce risk of recurrent fracture. Prior fracture timing, type, and individual characteristics are important components of predicting the risk of future fracture. Initiation of osteoporosis medication therapy should be started after initial fracture to reduce the risk of future fracture, though these medications typically take 6-12 months to have an effect, during which time is the highest rate of imminent re-fracture.

Prior fracture and refracture among patients admitted with hip fracture: Data from a regional hip fracture registry in Sri Lanka

AIM

Fragility hip fracture has become a major global health concern. Data related to recurrent fragility fractures are sparse in the South Asian region.

METHOD

We assessed the prevalence of prior fragility fracture among patients admitted with new hip fracture to a tertiary care hospital in southern Sri Lanka. Also the incidence of refracture was assessed among hip fracture survivors followed up for 24 months after discharge.

RESULTS

Three hundred and nine patients with incident hip fracture were admitted during the study period (June 2014-February 2015) and 11 patients died while in the ward. We detected previous fracture in the contralateral hip in eight patients, while two others had distal radius fracture and one patient clinical vertebral fracture (rate = 3.6%). During the follow up two patients developed fractures in the contralateral hip while either clinical vertebral or distal forearm fractures were not detected (refracture rate = 0.004/person years).

CONCLUSION

This analysis based on a regional hip fracture registry shows a low prevalence of prior fracture among patients admitted with incident hip fracture and a low rate of refracture among survivors. More studies are needed to assess whether there are geographical variations in the prevalence of prior fracture or refracture among patients with incident hip fracture.

Working to Increase Stability through Exercise (WISE): Study protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of a coached exercise program to reduce serious fall-related injuries

Approximately one-third of older adults fall each year and fall-related injuries are a leading cause of death and disability among this rapidly expanding age group. Despite the availability of bisphosphonates to reduce fractures, concerns over side effects have dramatically reduced use, suggesting that other treatment options are needed. Though many smaller studies have shown that physical activity programs can reduce falls, no study has been adequately powered to detect a reduction in fall-related injuries. We present the design of a three-year randomized controlled clinical trial of 1130 adults age 65 and older with a past history of fragility fractures (e.g., vertebral, fall-related). The main aim is to determine the impact of a community-based multicomponent (strength, balance, aerobic) physical activity program led by trained volunteers (or delivered via DVD) and accompanied by coaching and oversight, by telephone and in-person, by a fitness professional. The main outcome measure is serious fall-related injuries. Secondary outcomes include health care utilization, bone and muscle mass, loneliness, health-related quality of life and mood. The study represents the first large clinical trial of a comprehensive physical activity program to reduce secondary injuries among patients with a history of fragility fracture.

Practice Patterns and Performance in U.S. Fracture Liaison Programs: An Analysis of >32,000 Patients from the Own the Bone Program

BACKGROUND

We are not aware of any previous investigation assessing a national cohort of patients enrolled in a fracture liaison service (FLS) program in an open health-care system to ascertain prevalent practice patterns. The objective of this investigation was to determine, in a geographically diverse group of centers in a single FLS program, the percentage of patients for whom anti-osteoporosis treatment was recommended or started as well as to identify associations between patient and fracture variables and the likelihood of treatment being recommended.

METHODS

The study utilized the Own the Bone program registry, which included 32,671 unique patient records with the required data. The primary outcome measure was whether a recommendation to start anti-osteoporosis treatment was made to the patient at the time of program enrollment. The associations between patient and fracture variables and the likelihood of having treatment recommended were calculated.

RESULTS

Anti-osteoporosis treatment was recommended to 72.8% of patients and was initiated for 12.1%. A sedentary lifestyle and a parent who had sustained a hip fracture increased the likelihood of a treatment recommendation by 10% and 12%, respectively. While patients with a spinal fracture were 11% more likely to have received a treatment recommendation, those with a hip fracture were 2% less likely to have received such a recommendation. Age was not strongly associated with the likelihood of receiving a treatment recommendation but was associated with the initiation of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Practitioners at sites in the Own the Bone program recommend anti-osteoporosis treatment, at the time of initial evaluation, to about three-quarters of patients who present with a fragility fracture. This is a very strong improvement over previously reported national data. The findings that a hip fracture had the lowest association and age had very little association with the likelihood of recommending treatment were unexpected and perhaps deserve further investigation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

FLS programs and sites as well as all those who manage patients with a fragility fracture can utilize the information derived from this study to improve practice patterns for the care of these patients.

Bisphosphonate use after clinical fracture and risk of new fracture

Among older adults with a previous fracture, treatment for osteoporosis was initially associated with a higher risk of new fracture. However, the relative risk of new fracture decreased over time, a trend that is consistent with a beneficial effect, as treatment for osteoporosis is prescribed to reduce high fracture risks.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to examine whether bisphosphonate use is associated with a lower risk of new fracture after a clinical fracture in older adults.

METHODS

Data were available for 3,329,400 adults in Sweden who were aged ≥ 50 years between 2006 and 2011. During this period, 260,353 sustained a clinical fracture and were naïve to bisphosphonates at the time. Those who subsequently received a bisphosphonate were matched to up to three others on sex, year of birth, and type and year of initial fracture. The final cohort comprised 83,104 adults (26.3% bisphosphonate users).

RESULTS

During the period from initial fracture to initiation of bisphosphonate treatment, the incidence rate of any new clinical fracture was higher in those who later became bisphosphonate users than in those who remained nonusers (175.1 vs. 75.9 per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio 2.30, 95% confidence interval 2.19 to 2.41). Similarly, during the first 6 months of treatment, the incidence rate was higher in bisphosphonate users than in nonusers (128.8 vs. 90.2 per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.32 to 1.51). However, this difference decreased over time: by months 12 to 18, the incidence rate was similar in users and nonusers (59.3 vs. 55.3 per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.91 to 1.16).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a decrease in the relative risk of new fracture during bisphosphonate treatment, a trend that is consistent with a beneficial treatment effect, as bisphosphonates are prescribed to reduce high fracture risks.

Frequency of Bone Health Presentations at National Hand Meetings

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency with which osteoporosis topics (screening, medical treatment, and fracture prevention) are presented at national hand surgery meetings. This was compared with the frequency of the same topics presented at the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) annual meetings.

METHODS

The annual meeting programs for the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), the American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS), and the OTA from the previous 10 years (2007-2016) were searched for presentations that covered bone health at each of these meetings. We categorized the presentations as either instructional or research.

RESULTS

There were 2 bone health instructional presentations at hand surgery meetings in contrast to 13 presentations at OTA meetings over the last 10 years. For the last 9 years, the OTA has featured at least 1 instructional presentation on bone health every year. We identified 11 research presentations at the hand surgery meetings compared with 16 at the OTA meetings.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoporosis and bone health are infrequently presented instructional topics at national hand meetings compared with OTA meetings. The cause of the difference is unclear and likely multifactorial, varying each year with different program chairs and committees. The level of involvement of hand surgeons in osteoporosis management is controversial; however, incorporation of this topic may stimulate discussion and help identify solutions for this controversy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

It may benefit hand surgeons to place more importance on osteoporosis screening and treatment. We believe that there should be an annual instructional course on this topic at the ASSH and AAHS meetings.

L1 vertebral density on CT is too variable with different scanning protocols to be a useful screening tool for osteoporosis in everyday practice

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a single L1 density threshold can be used to screen all patients undergoing CT at a busy tertiary referral centre for those at risk of osteoporosis.

METHODS

200 patients, who had been randomly selected for an audit of CT reporting of incidental vertebral fractures, had their L1 density measured on 864 routine CT examinations. These had been performed with a variety of kVp and intravenous (i.v.) contrast protocols, reflecting the wide range of imaging indications.

RESULTS

L1 density measured on thick axial, thin axial or sagittal images had an excellent intraclass correlation coefficient (0.996). For the same patients imaged twice within 6 months, there was mean intraexamination L1 density difference of 27.5 HU. Variability due to i.v. contrast medium administration resulted in a mean difference of 24.5 HU. Mean difference due to acquisition kVp was 24.1 HU. Once matched for sex, age, kVp and i.v. contrast, there was a significant difference between the L1 density in patients with vertebral fractures compared to those without fractures (mean 30.19 HU).

CONCLUSION

There is significant variability in the L1 vertebral body CT density due to differences in acquisition variables such as kVp and timing post-i.v. contrast medium. Advances in knowledge: Previous studies suggested that L1 CT density could be used to screen for osteoporosis. The current study cautions that it is not possible to define a single L1 density threshold for screening, due to the number of variables within a wide range of scanning protocols for different imaging indications in everyday practice.