Reliability of the Radiologic Measurement Methods for Assessment of Osteoporosis Using the Digital Hip Radiograph

PURPOSE: We evaluated the usefulness of radiographic parameters for osteoporosis by analyzing the results of radiographic parameters determined by digital hip radiographs and bone mineral density T-scores, as assessed by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors reviewed 100 subjects in the hip fracture group and 50 in the non-fracture control group. Digital hip radiographs were assessed to determine the values of Singh index, Canal-to-Calcar Ratio, and Cortical Thickness Index (CTI). Bone mineral density was assessed by DEXA. RESULTS: Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) results of the CTI were above 0.8 in the fracture group. Compared to the control group, the fracture group showed higher ICCs. Interobserver ICCs were especially lower in the control group. There were statistically significant correlations between CTI and DEXA (r=0.50~0.58, p<0.05). In the analysis of ROC curves, a mean threshold for CTI set a value of 0.54 (0.53~0.55), and mean sensitivity and specificity were 75.5% (69~79%) and 67.8% (65~78%), respectively. CONCLUSION: CTI showed reasonable reliability and correlation with DEXA results. CTI was a useful radiographic parameter to alert the surgeon to recommend referral for osteoporosis evaluation in elderly hip fracture patients.

Endoscopy versus Open Bursectomy of Lateral Malleolar Bursitis; Comparative Study / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To compare the result of endoscopic versus open bursectomy in lateral malleolar bursitis, which was not treated conservatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and October 2009, We divided to two groups, endoscopy (group A) 11 cases, open bursectomy (group B) 11 cases. The average follow up period was 15 months (range, 12 to 18), the mean age was 66 (range, 38 to 79). We compared patients satisfaction, complete healing time, operation time, complications and recurrence. RESULTS: Group A had significant difference in terms of the clinical satisfactions, complete healing time. operation time, complications. Group A showed satisfaction (excellent 9, good 2), mean complete healing time 11.9 (8~14) days, operation time 37 (25~45) minutes, 1 case recur. Group B showed satisfaction (excellent 4, good 3, fair 1, poor 3), complete healing time 32.7 (14~98) days, operation time 22 (18~26) minutes. complication were one case of skin necrosis, one case of wound dehiscence, two cases of superficial peroneal nerve injury, no recurrence. Significant advantages of endoscopic method include lower morbidity and rapid wound healing period (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic resection of the lateral malleolar bursitis is a promising technique and shows favourable results compared to the open resection. Significant advantages of this method include lower morbidiy and rapid wound healing.

Delirium after Intertrochanteric Fractures of Femur in Elderly Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence, risk factors and prognosis of delirium in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures of femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 162 patients who underwent operation for intertrochanteric fracture of femur from July 2005 to January 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. Delirium was diagnosed by using Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). Medical records were reviewed for the information of the patients, Gross motor function classification of Palisano et al. was used for the evaluation of ambulatory status. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were done to find out the risk factors. RESULTS: 2 cases out of 162 (1.2%) met the criteria of delirium at admission, and 39 cases (24.1%) after surgery. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis identified age, hematocrit, dementia, the duration of opiate use, and pulmonary complication as risk factors. Hospital stay was longer and postoperative ambulatory status was worse in the patients with delirium. CONCLUSION: Delirium is a frequent complication of intertrochanteric fractures of old age and associated with worse results. Cognitive function as well as physical status should be evaluated before and after surgery. Delirium needs more active prevention and treatment for better results.