Risk Factors Predicting New Compression Fractures in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the risk factors associated with new compression fractures in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Previous studies have reported that a history of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and decreased bone mineral density were risk factors for new compression fractures. It is not certain whether vertebroplasty is a risk factor for new compression vertebral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included a total of 52 patients who were diagnosed with an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture and could be followed up for at least 1 year. Age, sex, bone mineral density, body mass index, osteoporosis treatment, fat infiltration of the back muscles, the sagittal index, vertebroplasty, and underlying diabetes mellitus or hypertension were compared between patients who developed new compression fractures during 1 year of follow-up and those who did not. For statistical analysis, the t-test and chi-square test were used to analyz ethe relationship of each factor with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture incidence, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze multifactorial explanatory factors. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the 2 groups regarding sex, underlying disease, the sagittal index, and fat infiltration of the back muscles. Patients who developed a new compression fracture were significantly older (p=0.011), had a lower body mass index (p=0.001), had lower bone mineral density (p=0.008), and were more likely to have taken osteoporosis medication for less than 6 months (including no medication, p=0.019). The logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of developing new compression fractures was significantly elevated in patients with a low body mass index (odds ratio [OR]=0.69, p=0.02), bone mineral density (OR=0.43, p=0.005), and less than 6 months of osteoporosis medication use (including no medication, OR=1.083, p=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of developing new compression fractures in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures was associated with body mass index, bone mineral density, and having taken osteoporosis medication for less than 6 months.

Irreducible Open Dorsal Dislocation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Case Report

Dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint is a common injury in the orthopedic department. In most cases, the joint is reduced simply by closed manipulation. However, in rare cases, the joint is not reducible by closed manipulation, therefore, surgery is required. We report on a case of irreducible open dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint which was surgically treated. Because the flexor tendon interposed between the head of the proximal phalanx and the base of the middle phalanx, we could reduce the joint only after repositioning of the flexor tendon.

Reconstruction of the Soft Tissue Defect on Anteromedial Surface of the Leg Using Medial Hemisoleus Flap

PURPOSE: Anteromedial surface of the leg is susceptible to trauma, which frequently induces soft tissue defect. When the size of a soft tissue defect is small to moderate, a local muscle flap is an easy and reliable alternative to a free flap. The authors performed medial hemisoleus flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects on the anteromedial surface of legs. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and effectiveness of the medial hemisoleus flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients underwent the medial hemisoleus flap for reconstruction of a soft tissue defect on the anteromedial surface of the leg from February 2009 to December 2013. There were eight males and four females with a mean age of 47.8 years (15 to 69 years). The mean size of defects was 4.7x4.2 cm (2x2 to 9x6 cm). Flap survival and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 39.6 months (7 to 64 months) and all flaps survived. There were two cases of negligible necrosis of distal margin of the flap, which were healed after debridement. All patients were capable of full weight bearing ambulation at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The medial hemisoleus flap is a simple, reliable procedure for treatment of a small to moderate sized soft tissue defect on the anteromedial surface of the leg.

Treatment of Recurrent Neuroma after Forearm Amputation: End to End Neurorrhaphy

The neuroma is a tumor of nerve tissue that partially or completely severed through incomplete regeneration process. Neuromas that formed in the stump of a limb following amputation is a cause of the stump pain and can make intractable pain. The authors report a rare case of 36-year-old man with neuroma at stump, which has been recurred three times. This patient was treated with end-to-end neurorrhaphy after resecting neuroma. Follow-up at out-patient clinic showed satisfied result.