Problemas rotacionales de las extremidades inferiores en niños y adolescentes / Rotational problems of lower limbs in children and adolescents

Las deformidades torsionales de las extremidades inferiores corresponden a una de las causas de visita más frecuente al ortopedista infantil. En la mayoría de los casos, estas consultas son innecesarias, pues se trata de condiciones normales del esqueleto en desarrollo, que suelen corregir espontáneamente. El médico no especialista debe estar familiarizado con los cambios fisiológicos que ocurren en las extremidades inferiores del niño, de manera de identificar aquellos casos severos o aquellos que producen alteraciones funcionales.Estas deformidades, pueden ocurrir en cualquier nivel, desde la pelvis a los pies, por lo que un examen físico sistemático permitirá identificar la causa y proponer un tratamiento de acuerdo a los hallazgos. El único tratamiento eficaz, cuando la situación lo requiere, es la cirugía ortopédica. El uso de plantillas, calzado ortopédico y órtesis no cumplen ninguna función en el manejo de estas alteraciones

Torsional deformities of lower limbs are one of the most frequent causes to visit a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. In most cases, these are unnecessary, as they represent a normal stage of the developing skeleton, which usually correct spontaneously. The nonspecialist physician must be familiar with the physiological changes that occur in children's lower limb, in order to identify those cases that are severe, or cause functional disabilities.These deformities can occur at any level, from the pelvis to the feet, so a systematic physical examination will allow the cause to be identified and treated to be proposed according on to the findings. The only effective treatment, when the situation requires it, is orthopedic surgery. The use of insoles, orthopedic footwear, and orthoses have no role in the management of these alterations

Effects of different swimming intensities on the bone properties of the tibia and femur of Wistar Rats in which knee rheumatoid arthritis was induced / Efectos de las diferentes intensidades de la natación en las propiedades óseas de la tibia y fémur de Ratas Wistar con artritis reumatoide inducida en rodillas

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease triggered by environmental and genetic factors. Research suggests that physical exercise has benefits such as delaying functional disability. In vivo studies using experimental models of arthritis can provide useful information about these benefits. to analyze the effects that different intensities of aquatic physical exercise have on the proprieties of the bones in induced arthritis in knees of Wistar rats. Male Wistar adults rats (n=20) were divided into 5 groups: Group Control Arthritis (GCA) n=4, Group control Placebo (GCP) n=4, Group Low Physical Activity (GB) n=4, Group Moderate Physical Activity (GM) n=4 and Group Intense Physical Activity (GI) n=4. The physical activity groups got an intra-articular injection of Zymosam on the right knee; the GCA received saline solution in the right knee; the GCP was submitted to the stress of the needle. The animals were submitted to aquatic activity for 30 minutes, 4 times a week for 5 weeks, and the intensity of the exercise was determined by a weight placed on their back: GB=1 %, GM=5 %, GI=15 % of their body weight. It was observed that the group GB, and the groups that did not exercise GCA and GCP, gained more weight compared to the group GM. In relation to the bone mineral content of the tibia, there was a decrease in the GM group when compared to the GCP group, whereas in the tibial bone mineral density there was a decrease in the GM group compared to the GCP, GCA, GB. As for the area of the femur, the GI group presented an increase of it compared to the GB and GM groups. It is concluded that the high intensity exercises promote better results in bone properties.

La investigación sugiere que el ejercicio físico tiene beneficios como retrasar la discapacidad funcional de la artritis reumatoide. Los estudios in vivo que utilizan modelos experimentales de artritis pueden proporcionar información útil sobre estos beneficios. Se analizaron los efectos de las intensidades del ejercicio físico acuático sobre las propiedades de los huesos, en la artritis inducida en las rodillas de ratas Wistar. Las ratas Wistar macho adultas (n = 20) se dividieron en 5 grupos: grupo de control artritis (ACG) n = 4, grupo control placebo (CGP) n = 4, grupo de actividad física baja (GB) n = 4, grupo de actividad física moderada (GM) n = 4 y grupo de actividad física intensa (GI) n = 4. Los grupos de actividad física recibieron una inyección intraarticular de Zymosam en la rodilla derecha; el GCA recibió solución salina en la rodilla derecha; el CGP fue sometido a la tensión de una aguja. Los animales fueron sometidos a actividad acuática durante 30 minutos, 4 veces a la semana durante 5 semanas, y la intensidad del ejercicio se determinó mediante un peso colocado sobre su espalda: GB = 1 %, GM = 5 %, GI = 15 % de su peso corporal. Se observó que el grupo GB, y los grupos que no ejercitaron GCA y CGP, ganaron más peso en comparación con el grupo GM. En relación con el contenido mineral óseo de la tibia, hubo una disminución en el grupo GM en comparación con el grupo GCP, mientras que en la densidad mineral del hueso tibial hubo una disminución en el grupo GM en comparación con el GCP, GCA, GB. En cuanto al área del fémur, el grupo GI presentó un aumento en comparación con los grupos GB y GM. En conclusión el ejercicio de alta intensidad promueve mejores resultados en las propiedades óseas.

Evaluación de score de hueso trabecular (TBS) en pacientes menopáusicas con fracturas y sin ellas / Trabecular bone score evaluation in postmenopausal women with or without fractures

El score de hueso trabecular (TBS, Trabecular Bone Score) es una medición de la textura de los grises derivada de la evaluación del raquis por DXA y proporciona un índice de la microarquitectura ósea. Se ha demostrado que los valores bajos presentan capacidad para predecir fracturas. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar si existían diferencias entre los valores de TBS de pacientes con fracturas frente a no fracturadas. Materiales y métodos: se revisaron 159 historias clínicas de mujeres menopáusicas que consultaron para evaluación de su salud ósea. Se consideraron los antecedentes autorreferidos de fracturas (Fx), la DMO de raquis, cuello femoral y fémur total y TBS. Resultados: treinta pacientes (18,9%) presentaron fracturas y en ellas se observó menor TBS (con Fx: 1,295±83 vs. sin Fx: 1,366±84, p<0,0001), menor índice de masa corporal (IMC) (con Fx: 23,7±1,9 vs. sin Fx: 25,7±4,2, p=0,02), sin diferencias en la edad (p=0,39), ni en valores de DMO (L1-L4 p=0,11, cuello femoral p=0,20 y fémur total p= 0,12). Muchas de las fracturas ocurrieron en pacientes sin osteoporosis por DXA. Conclusiones: el TBS aumentaría la capacidad de DXA para identificar a mujeres argentinas en riesgo de padecer fracturas sin tener osteoporosis densitométrica. Este es el primer trabajo realizado en la Argentina con medición de TBS. (AU)

Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) is a measure of the grey scale derived from DXA lumbar image and provides information about microarchitecture. It has been shown that low TBS values can predict fractures. Our objective was to evaluate if there are any differences between the TBS values in patients with fractures vs. non-fractures. Materials and methods: We reviewed 159 medical records of menopausal women who consulted for evaluation of their bone health. Self-reported fractures (Fx), spine BMD, femoral neck and total femur and TBS were evaluated. Results: thirty patients (18.9%) presented fractures and they showed lower TBS (with Fx: 1,295±0,083 vs. without Fx: 1,366±0,084, p<0.0001), lower body mass index (BMI) (with Fx: 23.7±1.9 vs. without Fx 25.7±4.2, p=0.02), without differences in ages (p=0.39) or in BMD values (L1-L4 p=0.11, femoral neck p=0.20 and total femur p=0.12). Some fractures occurred in patients without osteoporosis, as determined by DXA. Conclusions: TBS would increase the ability of DXA to identify Argentine women at risk for fractures without densitometric osteoporosis. This is the first work done in Argentina with TBS measurement. (AU)

Functional investigation of bone implant viability using radiotracers in a new model of osteonecrosis

OBJECTIVES: Conventional imaging methods are excellent for the morphological characterization of the consequences of osteonecrosis; however, only specialized techniques have been considered useful for obtaining functional information. To explore the affinity of radiotracers for severely devascularized bone, a new mouse model of isolated femur implanted in a subcutaneous abdominal pocket was devised. To maintain animal mobility and longevity, the femur was harvested from syngeneic donors. Two technetium-99m-labeled tracers targeting angiogenesis and bone matrix were selected. METHODS: Medronic acid and a homodimer peptide conjugated with RGDfK were radiolabeled with technetium-99m, and biodistribution was evaluated in Swiss mice. The grafted and control femurs were evaluated after 15, 30 and 60 days, including computed tomography (CT) and histological analysis. RESULTS: Radiolabeling achieved high (>95%) radiochemical purity. The biodistribution confirmed good blood clearance 1 hour after administration. For 99mTc-hydrazinonicotinic acid (HYNIC)-E-[c(RGDfK)2, remarkable renal excretion was observed compared to 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP), but the latter, as expected, revealed higher bone uptake. The results obtained in the control femur were equal at all time points. In the implanted femur, 99mTc-HYNIC-E-[c(RGDfK)2 uptake was highest after 15 days, consistent with early angiogenesis. Regarding 99mTc-MDP in the implant, similar uptake was documented at all time points, consistent with sustained bone viability; however, the uptake was lower than that detected in the control femur, as confirmed by histology. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Graft viability was successfully diagnosed using radiotracers in severely ischemic bone at all time points. 2) Analogously, indirect information about angiogenesis could be gathered using 999mTc-HYNIC-E-[c(RGDfK)2. 3) These techniques appear promising and warrant further studies to determine their potential clinical applications.

Síndrome de hipoplasia femoral y facies inusual: reporte de un caso / Femoral hypoplasia-unusual facies syndrome: A case report

Introducción: El síndrome de hipoplasia femoral y facies inusual es una enfermedad rara con expresividad hereditaria variable, aunque se han reportado casos con un patrón autosómico dominante. Afecta particularmente las estructuras de la cara asociado a hipoplasia de fémur. Si bien su etiología no ha sido bien identificada, se ha asociado con diabetes materna, exposición a drogas, infecciones virales, radiaciones y oligohidramnios. Objetivo: Presentar el caso de una recién nacida con este síndrome. Caso clínico: Recién nacida de 41 semanas de gestación con nariz pequeña, labio superior delgado, micrognatia, filtrum largo, implantación baja de orejas, epicanto, cadera displásica con flexión y aducción de miembro inferior derecho y acortamiento del mismo a expensas del muslo. En la imagen radiográfica se encontró hipoplasia de fémur derecho con techo acetabular ipsilateral displásico. Se realizó una evaluación completa por distintos especialistas que descartaron otras malformaciones asociadas. Se programó el alargamiento quirúrgico de miembros inferiores a la edad de 5 meses con la finalidad de que deambule con sus propios pies; paralelamente se inició apoyo con kinesiterapia. Conclusiones: El síndrome de hipoplasia femoral y facies inusual es un padecimiento poco frecuente, que implica la participación de un equipo médico multidisciplinario para su manejo.

Introduction: Femoral hypoplasia-unusual facies syndrome is a rare disease with variable expressivity, although cases have been reported with an autosomal dominant pattern. It particularly affects the structures of the face associated with hypoplasia of the femur. Its aetiology is relatively unknown. However, this syndrome has been associated with maternal diabetes, drug exposure, viral infections, radiation, and oligohydramnios. Objective: The case of a newborn with this syndrome is presented. Clinical case: Newborn of 41 weeks gestation with small nose, thin upper lip, micrognathia, long philtrum, low set ears, epicanthal folds, dysplastic hips showing flexion, and adduction of the right leg, and shortening at the expense of the thigh. X-ray images revealed femoral hypoplasia and dysplastic acetabular roof. Different physicians from other specialties who excluded other associated malformations performed a complete evaluation. Surgical bone lengthening of lower limb is scheduled at 5 months of age, with the purpose that she walks with her own feet; at the same time she began management with kinesiotherapy. Conclusions: Femoral hypoplasia-unusual facies syndrome is a rare condition. A multidisciplinary health care team must treat individuals with femoral hypoplasia-unusual facies syndrome.

Integración de los aloinjertos óseos impregnados con alendronato. Estudio experimental / Alendronate-impregnated bone allograft integration. Experimental study

Introducción: El propósito de este estudio experimental es investigar la variabilidad en la reabsorción ósea de aloinjertos impregnados con alendronato respecto a aloinjertos sin impregnación con alendronato. Materiales y Métodos: Se utilizaron 18 conejos neozelandeses, divididos en dos grupos de 9 animales cada uno. Se trabajó sobre el fémur derecho, se realizó una ventana ósea y se colocó aloinjerto con alendronato local en el grupo I y aloinjerto sin alendronato en el grupo II. Todos fueron sacrificados a las 10 semanas del procedimiento inicial, y se valoró el fémur operado con anatomía patológica, radiografías de frente y de perfil, y tomografía axial computarizada. Se evaluaron la osteointegración, la vascularización y la calidad ósea. Resultados: El estudio histológico demostró mayor osteointegración en el grupo I que en el grupo II (p = 0,003), y fenómenos bien definidos de “acoplamiento” entre el tejido óseo receptor e injertado, leve actividad osteoclástica. En el grupo II, se observó menor acoplamiento óseo (osteointegración). La evaluación de la reabsorción ósea con radiografía y tomografía computarizada no reveló una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre ambos grupos. En el grupo I, se observó mayor osteointegración del aloinjerto (p = 0,577; no significativo). Conclusión: Los resultados obtenidos en este trabajo experimental muestran que el alendronato local asociado a aloinjertos ayuda a mejorar la osteointegración de los aloinjertos, que es un método seguro, y que no se asocia a riesgos locales o sistémicos en conejos, aun en dosis elevadas.

Background: The use of allografts in bone reconstruction may be associated with an increased absorption of the latter, which may cause loss of stability and failure of reconstructions. The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the variability in bone resorption in alendronate impregnated allografts versus non-impregnated allografts. Methods: Eighteen New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups of nine animals each. We worked on the right femur; a bone window was performed and allografts were placed (with alendronate in group I and without alendronate in group II). All rabbits were sacrificed at 10 weeks after the initial procedure. Femur was evaluated with pathology, frontal and lateral radiographs and computed tomography. Osteointegration, vascularization and bone quality were evaluated. Results: No deaths or infections were reported, with 18 rabbits up to final analysis. histology showed better osteointegration in group I than group II (p = 0.003), with well-defined attachment between receptor bone tissue and low osteoclastic activity. In group II, we observed less osteointegration. Assessment of bone resorption with radiographs and computed tomography showed no statistically significant difference between both groups. Group I showed more osteointegration of the allograft (p = 0.577; not significant). Conclusions: Results of this experimental study show that allografts impregnated with alendronate help to improve the osteointegration. Also, it is a safe way and it is not associated with local or systemic risks in rabbits, even with high doses of alendronate.

The Relationship between Osteoarthritis of the Knee and Bone Mineral Density of Proximal Femur: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Korean Population in Women

BACKGROUND: The relationship between osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) is complicated and it may differ according to the site or stage of disease. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to examine the relationship between the severity of radiological knee OA and the degree of OP in the ipsilateral proximal femur as denoted by bone mineral density (BMD) in a Korean population, especially among women. METHODS: One hundred ninety-five female patients who had knee pain and radiological knee OA were investigated with respect to the relationship of knee OA severity with BMD. The BMD of the proximal femur and spine was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the severity of knee OA was evaluated based on Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) radiographic criteria, joint space narrowing (JSN) and mechanical axis of knee alignment. Partial correlation analysis and ANCOVA adjusted for confounding factors (age and body mass index) were performed to assess the relationship. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant relationship between the BMD of the proximal femur and JSN, and the BMD of the proximal femur was positively associated with increased joint space width. There was a lack of association between the spine BMD and JSN. The BMD of the proximal femur was also significantly lower in patients who had a higher K-L grade. CONCLUSIONS: The radiographic finding of severe OA in the knee is associated with decreased BMD of the ipsilateral proximal femur including the femoral neck, trochanter, intertrochanter, and region of the entire hip (neck, trochanter, and Ward's triangle).

Relationship between Bone Mineral Density and Moderate to Severe Chronic Kidney Disease among General Population in Korea

Recent studies in Western countries have reported a significant association between glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the absence of dialysis among the general population. However, there have been few studies regarding renal function and BMD among Korean or Asian subjects with moderate to severe (stage 3 or 4) chronic kidney disease (MS-CKD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between MS-CKD and BMD in the general Korean population. BMD, serum creatinine and other measures were obtained from 3,190 subjects (1,428 males and 1,762 females; the fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). GFR was estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula, with adjustment for body surface area. After adjustment for all variables, multiple regression analysis showed that BMD in the femur neck, total femur and lumbar spine were positively associated with eGFR in both males and females. Additional analysis showed that MS-CKD was also significantly associated with osteoporosis in both males and females (odds ratio [OR] 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-4.20 in males; and OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.33-2.88 in females). Individuals with MS-CKD may be at higher risk of osteoporosis even among Asians.

Are skeletally mature female rats a suitable model to study osteoporosis? / Ratas esqueleticamente maduras são um modelo satisfatório para estudar osteoporose?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze if female Wistar rats at 56 weeks of age are a suitable model to study osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female rats with 6 and 36 weeks of age (n = 8 per group) were kept over a 20-week period and fed a diet for mature rodents complete in terms of Ca, phosphorous, and vitamin D. Excised femurs were measured for bone mass using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, morphometry, and biomechanical properties. The following serum mar-kers of bone metabolism were analyzed: parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor Κappa B ligand (RANKL), C-terminal peptides of type I collagen (CTX-I), total calcium, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. RESULTS: Rats at 56 weeks of age showed important bone metabolism differences when compared with the younger group, such as, highest diaphysis energy to failure, lowest levels of OC, CTX-I, and ALP, and elevated PTH, even with adequate dietary Ca. CONCLUSION: Rats at 26-week-old rats may be too young to study age-related bone loss, whereas the 56-week-old rats may be good models to represent the early stages of age-related changes in bone metabolism.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se ratas Wistar com 56 semanas de idade são um modelo satisfatório para estudar osteoporose. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Ratas com 6 e 36 semanas de idade (n = 8 por grupo) foram criadas por um período de 20 semanas e alimentadas com dieta completa em Ca, fósforo e vitamina D para ratas adultas. Os fêmures foram analisados quanto à massa óssea pela técnica de absortiometria por dupla fonte de raios-X, morfometria e propriedades biomecânicas; os marcadores séricos do metabolismo ósseo analisados foram paratormônio (PTH), osteocalcina (OC), osteoprotegerina (OPG), fator receptor ativador nuclear Κappa B ligante (RANKL), peptídeos C-terminal de colágeno tipo I (CTX-I), cálcio total e atividade da fosfatase alcalina (FA). RESULTADOS: As ratas com 56 semanas de vida apresentaram uma importante diferença no metabolismo ósseo quando comparadas ao grupo das ratas jovens, como, por exemplo, maior energia para quebrar a diáfise do fêmur, menores níveis de OC, CTX-I e ALP e maiores níveis de PTH mesmo com dieta adequada em cálcio. CONCLUSÃO: As ratas com 26 semanas de vida podem ser consideradas muito jovens para estudar a perda óssea relacionada à idade, porém, as ratas com 56 semanas de vida podem representar um bom modelo dos estágios iniciais das alterações associadas à idade no metabolismo ósseo.

Estudio comparativo de los parámetros anatómicos femorales rotacionales en el reemplazo total de rodilla / Comparative study of the rotational parameters in anatomic femoral in total knee replacement

Estudio comparativo de los parámetros anatómicos femorales rotacionales en el reemplazo total de rodilla. Introducción: en la artroplastía total de rodilla se emplean diversas guías de corte que se colocan teniendo en cuenta parámetros anatómicos. Este estudio está dirigido a la comparación de estos en el momento de la cirugía. Materiales y métodos: se obtuvieron fotografías de la superficie articular distal de 18 fémures (7 izq. y 11 der.) y se trazaron las líneas que se emplean de referencia en la colocación de la guía endomolecular de corte femoral, líneas de borde posterior de los cóndilos femorales, líneas de whiteside ylinea transepicondilea. RESULTADOS: de los 18 fémures estudiados, se obtuvo como resultado que lalínea de Whiteside y la línea posterior a los cóndilos femorales es equivalente (son paralelas). Se encontróuna diferencia entre éstas y la línea transepicondilea de 7º de promedio de rotación interna (r:5º-9º) en los fémuresizquierdos y en los derechos de 4,14º (r:2,5º- 6º). Incluyendo fémures derechos e izquierdos el promedio derotación interna de la línea transepicondílea era de 5,25º.CONCLUSIÓN: las líneas del borde posterior de los cóndilos femorales y la línea de Whiteside son paraelas entre sí. Se concluye que la línea transepicondilea es más dificultosa para tomar como guía referencial de corte.

Comparative study of the rotational parameters in anatomic femoral total knee replacement. INTRODUCTION: In the total knee arthroplasty uses different cutting guides are placed taking intoaccount anatomical parameters. This study is aimed atcomparing such at the time of surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We obtained photographs of the distal articular surface of 18 femurs(7left and 11right)and plottedthe lines of reference are used in the placement of intramedullary femoral cutting guide lines of the rear edgeof the condyles femoral line and Whiteside line transepicondylar. RESULTS: Of the 18 femurs studied,we obtained the result that the Whiteside line and the line after the femoral condyles is equivalent (parallel). Therewas a difference between them and the line transepicondylar average 7 °internal rotation(r:5 °-9 °) inthe left femur and the rights of 4.14°(r:2.5 °- 6°). Right and left femurs including the average internal rotation ofthe line was 5.25°transepicondylar. CONCLUSION: lines the back edge of the femoral condyles and Whitesideline are parallel. We conclude that the line is more difficulttransepicondylar to take as cutting reference guide.

Características mecánicas dinámicas del fémur aislado de perro, sometido a prueba de impacto / Dynamic mechanical characteristics of the isolated dog femur, subjected to impact test

El presente trabajo tiene el propósito de brindar información acerca del comportamiento biomecánico del fémur de perro sometido a cargas dinámicas. El objetivo es evaluar la resistencia del fémur frente al impacto, mediante el Método de Ensayo Charpy, relacionando dicha resistencia con las áreas: total, cortical y cavidad medular del hueso, comparándola entre edad y sexo diferentes. Se utilizaron fémur de perro en condiciones aisladas, extraídos postmortem de 30 animales mestizos adultos, provenientes del servicio de zoonosis de la ciudad de Río Cuarto. Se determinó en los fémures derecho e izquierdo: peso y longitud total del hueso, diámetro cráneo-caudal y latero-medial en la mitad de la diáfisis. El fémur izquierdo fue osteotomizado transversalmente en la mitad de su diáfisis. En la superficie de sección se medió espesor de la cortical y diámetro medular. Se obtuvo el área de sección total, cortical y medular. El fémur del miembro pélvico derecho fue sometido al Método de Ensayo Charpy. Los resultados obtenidos fueron analizados estadísticamente encontrándose que el área cortical depende linealmente de la longitud del hueso (r=0,62, p= 0,00025); la resistencia del hueso depende de las áreas cortical (r=0,71, p= 0,000012) y área total (global) (r=0,63, p= 0,00021) y no del área medular (r=0,29, p= 0,12). El análisis exploratorio muestra que no existirían diferencias acerca de la influencia de la edad y el sexo sobre la resistencia del fémur. Tras estos resultados se puede inferir que a medida que aumenta el área cortical aumenta la energía de impacto absorbida.

This paper is intended to provide information about biomechanical behavior femur at impact using the Charpy test method relating the resistance in the following areas: total, cortical and medullary bone cavity, comparing these between different ages and sexes. Dog femors were used in isolated conditions, removed postmortem from 30 adult animals, defined raceless, from the zoonoses service of the city of Rio Cuarto. Weight, total bone length, cranio-caudal diameter and lateral medial half of the diaphysis, were determined in the left and right femur. The left femur was osteotomized transversely in the middle of the diaphysis. In the sectional area thickness of the cortical and medullary diameters were measured. We obtained the total sectional area, cortical and medullary. The femur of the right lower limb was subjected to the Charpy test method. Results were statistically analyzed and found that cortical area depends linearly on the length of the bone (r=0.62, p=0.00025), bone strength depends on the cortical areas (r=0.71, p=0.00012) and total (global) areas (r=0.63, p=0.00021) and not of the medullary area (r=0.29, p=0.12). Exploratory analysis showed that no difference existed regarding age and sex influence on the strength of the femur. Following these results we can infer that as cortical area increases, the impact energy absorbed also increases.

Sobrevida de uma haste intramedular extensível (HIMEX) no tratamento de crianças com ostegênese imperfeita / Survival rates of the HIMEX extensible nail in the treatment of children with osteogenesis imperfecta

OBJETIVO: avaliar o desempenho da haste extensível ancorada por ganchos (HIMEX) em deformidades da osteogênese imperfeita (OI). MÉTODOS: Todas as crianças operadas com HIMEX entre 1990 - 2004. Foi comparado o número de fraturas, reaparecimento de deformidades e capacidade de deambulação antes e após a HIMEX; incidência de migração e sobrevida da haste por curvas de sobrevivência. RESULTADOS: 14 pacientes (2 a 18 anos), oito do sexo feminino, incluindo 46 procedimentos, 39 primários e sete re-operações. Idade média na primeira fratura de 148,21 dias e média de 42,6 fraturas/paciente pré colocação da HIMEX. Dos 46 procedimentos, 28 no fêmur e 18 na tíbia. Tempo médio de seguimento de 80,21 ± 36,71 meses. Houve diminuição significativa de fraturas/paciente (0,78) e melhora na deambulação em sete dos 14 pacientes. Porcentagem de re-operação de 18 por cento e migração do implante em 12 por cento (05/39). 80 por cento dos implantes in situ até 108 meses. Implantes na tíbia tiveram sobrevida significativamente menor que os do fêmur. O tipo da OI e a idade na época da cirurgia não influenciaram significativamente a incidência de re-operação. CONCLUSÃO: A HIMEX levou à redução significativa no número de fraturas, incidência menor de migração e sobrevida maior da haste do que a referida na literatura.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of an extensible nail with hooks, named HIMEX, in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) deformities. METHODS: All child patients were operated on with HIMEX from 1990 to 2004. The number of fractures, reappearance of deformities, improvement of motor development before and after the use of HIMEX, and the incidence of the migration and nail survival were compared. RESULTS: Fourteen patients, with ages from 2 to 18 years, including 8 females, underwent 46 procedures, 39 primary and 7 re-operations. The average age at the first fracture was 148.21 days, and there was an average of 42.6 fractures per patient prior to HIMEX placement. Of the forty-six bones affected, 28 were femurs and 18 were tibias. Average follow-up care lasted 80.21±36.71 months. There was a statistically significant decrease (0.78) in the number of fractures per patient and an improvement in walking in seven of the fourteen patients. Revision occurred in 18 percent of patients and migration of the nail occurred in 12 percent (5/39). Eighty percent of the nails remained in situ until 108 months, with femoral procedures lasting significantly longer than tibial procedures. The type of OI and the age at the procedure did not significantly affect the incidence of revision. CONCLUSION: HIMEX significantly reduced the number of fractures, presenting lower incidence of migration and higher survival rates than those described in literature.

Bone structure, strength and microhardness resulting after hindlimb unloading in rats

Introduction: Bone strength is influenced by a number of different determinants, such as mass, size, geometry and also by the intrinsic material properties of the tissue. Aims: The structure and mechanical properties of the femur were analyzed in aged (14 mo-old) animals submitted to hindlimb unloading (HU) for 21 days. Methods: Twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into Control and HU groups and the femur was submitted to dual X ray absorptiometry (DXA), DIGORA radiographic density, mechanical compression testing and Knoop microhardness analyse in cortical and cancellous bone. Results: Femurs from HU group presented significantly lower failure load, decreased bone mineral density (BMD)/bone mineral content (BMC) in whole bone; proximal/distal epiphysis and middiaphyseal cortical bone measured by DXA were similar in the two groups; radiographic density from areas in proximal epiphysis was significantly lower in HU group, and microhardness measured at periosteal and endosteal levels were also significantly diminished in HU compared with Control group. Conclusion: Disuse induced damage in the trabecular femoral bone architecture with decisive effect on the head and trochanteric fossa, which became weaker. Bone diaphyseal cortical hardness also suffered effect of unloading, probably related to osteocyte/osteoblast activity.

Evolução funcional nas fraturas da extremidade proximal do fêmur / Functional evolution of proximal femoral end fractures

OBJETIVOS: analisar a evolução da capacidade funcional e do escore fisiológico em pacientes com fraturas da extremidade proximal do fêmur, assim como comparar os resultados finais do tratamento instituído com as diversas variáveis pré-fratura. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: estudo prospectivo com pacientes acima de 40 anos e diagnóstico de fratura do fêmur proximal. Os pacientes foram submetidos à aplicação de um protocolo pré-estabelecido e acompanhados ambulatorialmente por um período de um ano. RESULTADOS: foram acompanhados 68 pacientes (27 homens e 41 mulheres) com idade média de 75,84 anos. O tratamento cirúrgico foi instituído em 83,82 por cento dos casos. O escore fisiológico inicial médio foi de 17,16 pontos, sendo o valor de 17,58 pontos nos pacientes operados e 9,27 pontos naqueles submetidos a tratamento conservador. A mortalidade verificada em um ano após a fratura foi de 36,76 por cento. A capacidade deambulatória sem auxílio foi readquirida em 32,56 por cento dos pacientes. 25,58 por cento dos casos, cujo escore fisiológico inicial médio foi inferior à média geral, não deambularam após o seguimento de um ano. 27,90 por cento dos pacientes previamente independentes passaram a necessitar de cuidados de familiares e/ou do serviço social. CONCLUSÃO: o fator de maior influência no resultado final foi o escore fisiológico inicial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the functional capacity evolution and the physiologic score in patients with proximal femoral end fractures, as well as to compare the final results of the treatment provided to the several pre-fracture variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study with patients over 40 years old diagnosed with proximal femoral fracture. The patients were submitted to a pre-established protocol and followed up on an outpatient basis for a period of one year. RESULTS: 68 patients were assessed (27 men and 41 women), with a mean age of 75,84 years. 83,82 percent were submitted to surgical treatment. The early mean physiologic score was 17,16 points (17,58 points for patients submitted to surgical treatment and 9,27 points for those not submitted to surgical treatment). The mortality rate found after one year of fracture was 36,76 percent. The free ambulation ability was achieved by 32,56 percent. 25,58 percent of the cases whose mean early physiologic score was lower compared to the overall mean score couldn't ambulate after one year of follow up. 27,90 percent of the patients who were previously independent, required family care and/or social service. CONCLUSION: the initial physiologic score was the most important influencing factor in the final result.

Tumor de células gigantes da extremidade distal do fêmur: um desafio de tratamento / Giant cell tumor of femoral distal end: a challenge in treatment

Apresentamos aqui um caso de tumor de células gigantes na extremidade distal do fêmur direito tratado com ressecção da massa tumoral em bloco com remoção aguda da extremidade proximal e distal e fixado com hastes longas em K atravessando o joelho, do fêmur à tíbia. Após a consolidação / união completa das extremidades, foi feita a remoção da haste em K, seguida pela corticotomia juntamente com a osteogênese da distração com o auxílio do anel fixador de Ilizarov. O comprimento foi alcançado com este processo. O resultado final foi muito bom neste caso. Revisamos as opções de tratamento para tumor maligno de células gigantes na extremidade distal do fêmur e as dificuldades de tratá-lo.

We present a case of malignant giant cell tumor of distal end of right femur treated with resection of the tumor mass en block with acute docking of proximal and distal end and fixed with long K-nail across knee from femur to tibia. After complete consolidation/ union of the ends, removal of K nail was done followed by corticotomy along with distraction osteogenesis with the help of Ilizarov ring fixator. The length was achieved with this process. The end result was very good in this case. We reviewed the treatment options for malignant giant cell tumor of femoral distal end and the challenges in its treatment.

Impacto femoroacetabular de cadera: tratamiento con artroscopia y abordaje minimo de Zancolli con seguimiento a mediano plazo / Femoro-acetabular impingement minimal invasive and arthroscopy combined treatment

Introduccion: El dolor de cadera en el adulto joven es un problema cada vez más frecuente que obedece a diversas causas. Estudios recientes han demostrado que su origen podría relacionarse con un funcionamiento anormal de la articulacion coxofemoral, lo que conduce a generar lesiones del labrum, condrolisis y artrosis. Materiales y metodos: Se operaron 61 caderas en 61 pacientes seleccionados según los siguientes criterios: edad, dolor inguinal evolutivo, predominio de la deformacion tipo leva secundaria a una perdida de la esfericidad cefalica y reduccion de la relación cefalocervical, escasos sintomas de enfermedad posterior e impacto femoroacetabular predominantemente anterior (leva) con escaso componente pinza. En 18 pacientes se realizo una artroscopia para tratar trastornos intraarticulares y en otros 43, se efectuo ademas un miniabordaje anterior para regularizar la cara anterior del cuello femoral. Resultados: Los resultados fueron variables y dependieron del grado evolutivo tomando en cuenta cuatro indicadores: dolor, funcion, movilidad y satisfaccion. Los grupos con lesion mas avanzada (III y IV) evolucionaron con mayor lentitud hasta los dos años, luego de lo cual el cuadro clínico comenzo a deteriorarse. En cambio, los grupos I y II evolucionaron de manera mas favorable, como lo refleja el estudio comparativo realizado de acuerdo con los indicadores descritos. Conclusiones: La aplicacion temprana de los tratamientos de preservacion articular es fundamental para lograr los objetivos terapeuticos deseados. La aparicion de osteofitos periarticulares marca el límite de las indicaciones de estos procedimientos. La artroscopia asociada con un abordaje minimo se presenta como una buena alternativa para tratar esta patologia.

Reparação de defeitos ósseos em fêmures de ratos machos e fêmeas espontaneamente hipertensos: estudo histológico e histométrico / Bone healing in drill hole defects in spontaneously hypertensive male and female rats' femurs: a histological and histometric study

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a reparação óssea em ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) e compará-la com a de ratos normotensos, avaliando machos e fêmeas. MÉTODOS: Um defeito ósseo foi criado no fêmur esquerdo de 24 SHR (12 machos e 12 fêmeas) e 24 ratos normotensos (12 machos e 12 fêmeas). Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos com diferentes períodos de sacrifício: sete e 21 dias após o procedimento cirúrgico. Após processamento laboratorial de rotina, as análises histológica e histométrica foram realizadas e os dados submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e ao teste de Tukey (5 por cento). RESULTADOS: Machos e fêmeas do mesmo grupo apresentaram características histológicas similares. Após sete dias, todos os animais apresentaram trabéculas ósseas irregulares, entretanto, os osteoblastos periosteais eram achatados nos SHR, enquanto nos normotensos, essas células apresentavam formato cúbico. Após 21 dias, todos os espécimes mostraram fechamento linear em toda a extensão superficial do defeito ósseo e os SHR apresentaram osteoblastos achatados, enquanto os normotensos apresentaram células cúbicas circundando as trabéculas ósseas. A análise estatística dos dados histométricos indicou médias similares entre machos e fêmeas, exceto para ratos normotensos, aos sete dias. Além disso, aos 21 dias, foi observada maior neoformação óssea nos ratos hipertensos quando comparados aos normotensos, tanto machos quanto fêmeas. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que os animais SHR apresentaram maior neoformação e maturidade óssea nos defeitos que animais normotensos, no período de 21 dias após a cirurgia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone healing in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and compare the results with normotensive rats, evaluating male and female animals. METHODS: A bone drill defect was created in the left femur of 24 SHR (12 males and 12 females) and 24 normotensive rats (12 males and 12 females). The animals were divided into two groups and sacrificed 7 and 21 days after the surgical procedure. After the routine laboratory processing, histological and histometric analysis were carried out and data were submitted to ANOVA and TukeyÆs test (5 percent). RESULTS: Males and females from the same group had similar histological characteristics. After seven days, all animals presented irregular bone trabeculae. The periosteal osteoblasts were flattened in SHR, and presented a cuboid shape in normotensive animals. After 21 days, the bone defects of all specimens showed a linear closure in all the superficial extension. In addition, SHR presented flattened osteoblasts surrounding the bone trabeculae, while normotensive ones showed cuboidal cells. Statistical analysis of the histometric data indicated similar means between the male and female groups, except for normotensive rats on day 7. In addition, a larger amount of new bone formation was observed in hypertensive when compared to normotensive rats on day 21, in males as well as females. CONCLUSION: We conclude that bone healing in SHR was more significant than in normotensive ones, as shown by the histological and histometric evaluation 21 days after surgery.

Ação da atividade física sobre as propriedades mecânicas dos fêmures e tíbias de ratas osteopênicas

Avaliamos as propriedades mecânicas, obtidas através de ensaios de flexo-compressão de fêmures e de flexão em 3 pontos de tíbias, de ratas adultas, ovariectomizadas e submetidas à atividade física. Foram utilizadas 30 ratas divididas em 3 grupos: G1: Controle. G2: Animais ovariectomizados e não submetidos a exercícios. G3: Foram treinados em uma gaiola giratória por cinco dias consecutivos, em seguida submetidos à ovariectomia, permanecendo em repouso por 24 horas. Exercitaram por 30 minutos, 5 dias por semana durante 9 semanas com velocidade de aproximadamente 0,31 m/s. Os valores obtidos de carga e de deformação evidenciaram que os fêmures das ratas ovariectomizadas apresentaram redução estatisticamente significativa nas propriedades mecânicas de carga e de deformação no limite máximo. Os fêmures do grupo ovariectomizado e submetido à prática de exercícios apresentaram valores de carga e de deformação no limite máximo superiores aos do grupo apenas ovariectomizado, no entanto, sem significância estatística. As tíbias não apresentaram alterações significativas em nenhuma das propriedades mecânicas estudadas. A atividade física aplicada por 30 minutos, 5 dias por semana durante 9 semanas a 0,31 m/s não foi suficiente para corrigir as alterações biomecânicas do tecido ósseo provocadas pela ovariectomia.

We evaluated the mechanical properties, obtained by means of flexion-compression assays in femurs and flexion assays on three tibial sites of ovariectomized adult female rats submitted to physical activity. Thirty rats were employed and divided into 3 groups: G1: Control. G2: Ovariectomized animals and not submitted to physical activity. G3: Animals trained in a spinning cage for five consecutive days, subsequently submitted to ovariectomy, and allowed to rest during 24 hours. The animals were submitted to physical activity for 30 minutes, 5 days a week, for a period of 9 weeks, at a speed of approximately 0.31 m/s. The values achieved for load and deformation evidenced that ovariectomized ratsÆ femurs presented with a statistically significant reduction on load and deformation mechanical properties, at the maximum limit. Femurs in the group submitted to ovariectomy and physical activity presented with load and deformation values at maximum limit superior to those for the group submitted only to ovariectomy, however, with no statistical significance. The tibiae didnÆt present significant changes in any of the mechanical properties studied. Physical activity applied for 30 minutes, 5 days a week, during 9 weeks at 0.31 m/s was not enough to correct the biomechanical changes of bone tissue yielded by ovariectomy.

Age-related proximal femur bone mineral loss in South Indian women: a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry study.

OBJECTIVES: i) To collect normative data for proximal femur bone mineral density (BMD) in South Indian women using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and ii) to study the rate and significance of hip bone mineral loss with advancing age in this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty five women, whose age ranged from 16 to 84 years were studied. This sample was drawn randomly from general medical practice at KJ Hospital, Chennai, South India during November, 1997 to April, 1998. Of these 45 cases, 21 were pre-menopausal (mean +/- SD age = 30.9+/-8.8 years) and 24 post-menopausal (mean +/- SD age = 62.1+/-11.0 years). Subjects with secondary bone diseases were excluded. Also excluded were those taking any drugs known to affect calcium metabolism e.g., thiazide diuretics, oestrogen and calcium. Subjects were divided into seven decadal age groups from 15-24 years to 75-84 years. BMD of the right proximal femur was evaluated using a QDR-1000 DXA bone densitometer (Hologic Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, USA). Data analysis was done with SPSS/PC statistical software package. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis showed significant (p < 0.001) negative correlations between all hip BMD variables at different regions of interest and patient's age. Relative to that at 30 years of age, rates of BMD loss in the neck of femur, trochanter, intertrochanter, total hip and Ward's triangle were 0.68%, 0.65%, 0.58%, 0.61% and 1.05% per annum respectively. Over the age of 65 years, the above mentioned regions BMD decreased by 0.91%, 0.84%, 0.72%, 0.78% and 1.66% per annum respectively. CONCLUSION: Normative data for proximal femur BMD in South India women have been evaluated and it may prove useful for diagnosing osteoporosis in the women of South India.

Effects of simple hysterectomy on bone loss

Os autores propuseram-se avaliar a densidade óssea de mulheres submetidas à histerectomia. Esta cirurgia é na atualidade, procedimento corriqueiro na prática ginecológica. A histerectomia poderia, eventualmente, alteara a funçao ovariana e, por conseqüência, determinar queda da massa óssea. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Para tanto, estudaram-se 22 mulheres, entre 35 e 45 anos, que foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo I, constituído por mulheres submetidas à histerectomia total prévia e, grupo II, formado por aquelas com útero intacto. Avaliou-se a densidade óssea por meio de densitômetro de dupla emissao, com fontes de raio X (DPX), em coluna lombar (L2-L4), colo do fêmur, triângulo de Ward e trocânter. Para a análise dos resultados utilizou-se o teste de Mann-Whitney e o teste de Friedman (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que houve diminuiçao significativa da massa óssea no triângulo de Ward nas mulheres histerectomizadas, quando comparadas às com útero intacto. Ademais, a densidade óssea foi menor na coluna lombar e colo do fêmur das mulheres histerestomizadas.