The Association of Low-energy Spine Fractures and Vitamin D Inadequacy: A Case-control Study

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To compare serum vitamin D levels in elderly patients with or without osteoporotic spinal compression fractures (OSCFs) and to identify relationships between the serum vitamin D level and other variables, such as age, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone turnover markers (osteocalcin and C-telopeptide). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Vitamin D plays a key role in calcium metabolism in the bone tissue. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to decreased BMD and an increased risk of falls and of osteoporotic fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 95 elderly patients (≥60 years) with OSCFs (fracture group) and 118 subjects who had been diagnosed with osteoporosis without OSCFs (control group). Serum vitamin D levels were contrasted between the two groups taking into account other factors such as patient age, sex, and seasonal variations. For all the patients, we also evaluated the correlation between the vitamin D level and the patient age, BMD, and bone turnover markers. RESULTS: The mean of the serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels was significantly lower in the fracture group than in the control group. There were significant differences in the 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels in autumn. In all patients, the mean serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels were the highest in autumn and the lowest in spring. Furthermore, the mean serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels were significantly correlated with patient age and BMD. CONCLUSIONS: A low serum vitamin D level might be a risk factor of OSCFs in elderly patients.

Analysis of Adherence of Once-yearly Intravenous Zolendronic Acid for Osteoporosis / 대한골다공증학회지

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the adherence of once-yearly intravenous zolendronic acid for osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 322 osteoporotic patients who received more than single infusion of zolendronic acid. On clinical assessment, we assessed adherence. The changes of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover marker were measured before and after infusion. RESULTS: Reinfusion rate was 48.4% (109/225) at second infusion, and 51.3% (41/80) at third infusion. Adverse event at each time was 161 (42.1%) cases, 30 (27.5%) cases, and 8 (19.5%) cases, respectively. The measured mean BMD change was significantly increased (P-value<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, once-yearly intravenous zolendronic acid for 2 years was safe and efficacious in terms of BMD and bone turnover marker. The adherence was higher than most published studies of adherence to oral bisphosphonates, but lower than optimal. Physicians should fully explain to patients about medications and educate to improve their adherence.

Sequestrated Intradural Disc Herniation Around Couns Medullaris: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a rare case of intradural disc herniation (IDH) around conus medullaris. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: IDH is rare with an incidence of less than 1% of all lumbar disc herniations. It is important to differentiate IDH from other condition with accurate diagnosis and subsequent surgical treatment. IDH has a higher risk of neurologic deficit, like conus medullaris syndrome and cauda equina syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 62 year-old male was affected by lumbar back pain radiating to the anterolateral aspect of the right thigh for 5 days. MRI showed a mass that existed on the anterior portion of the conus medullaris. We performed partial laminectomy at the L1-L2level. The mass located anteriorly in the intradural space was eliminated after durotomy by a posterior approach. RESULTS: We confirmed the IDH for histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: IDH usually needs accurate differential diagnosis. Preoperative MRI scans are necessary to differentiate IDH from other intradural lesions. The confirmative diagnosis can be done only in the operative field.

Efficacy of Once-Yearly Intravenous Zoledronic Acid for Osteopenia / 대한골다공증학회지

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical efficacy of once-yearly treatment with Zoledronic acid in patients with osteopenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2009 to November 2011, patients diagnosed with osteopenia were applied to fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX). Among them, 40 patients who showed high possibility of osteoporotic fracture were selected and treated with intravenous zoledronic acid once-yearly. At the baseline and after one year of injection of zoledronate, we measured the changes in the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers In addition, we analyzed the side effects and thereby assessed the drug safety.

Long Term Use of Glucocorticoid Induced Osteoporotic Multiple Compression Fractures in Autoimmune Diseases / 대한류마티스학회지

Reduced bone mineral density precedes the development of vertebral fractures in patients under long term glucocorticoid therapy. Osteoporosis is a frequent complication in steroid-dependent patients, and the risk of developing vertebral fractures in these patients is much higher than involutional osteoporosis. We described a 54-year-old patient who presented with autoimmune hepatitis and had a 6-year history of steroid medication. The patient had multiple compression fractures (T10~L5) without trauma, and was treated successfully with multi-level vertebroplasty and an intravenous injection of bisphosphonate without complications.

Results of Open Synovectomy for Rheumatoid Elbow

PURPOSE: To identify the recovery of joint movement and decrease in pain through the radiological findings after open synovectomy for the elbow with rheumatoid arthritis which was not cured by medication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1997 to 2008, the research on open synovectomy for the elbow with rheumatoid arthritis was done in 19 patients with 21 cases whose average follow-up was 12 months. Despite the medical treatment, the indication of operation was towards the patients with Larsen grade I~III rheumatoid arthritis whose joint swelling and pain had not been improved. Also, the indication of operation included the patients with Larsen grade IV who rejected joint replacement or needed to postpone the operation due to young age. Main symptom was pain in all cases; Preoperative flexion contracture and flexion-extension movement on average was 29 degree and 86 degree, respectively.Postoperative radiological and physical examination were done; Visual analogue scale and Mayo elbow performance score were measured. RESULTS: Joint swelling recurred in two cases (9.5%). However, the size of swelling was mild compared to preoperative condition. Preoperative total mean flexion contracture was 29 degree (10~45 degree) and total mean flexion-extension movement was 86 degree (60~135degree). Last follow-up total mean flexion contracture was 18 degree (5~50 degree) and total mean flexion movement was 102 degree (35~150 degree). Statistically, the increase of range of joint movement was not significant. Radiologically, there were 11 cases(52.3%) showing no changes in preoperative and postoperative grade while there were 10 cases(47.6%) with increase in grade. As for VAS score, total mean preoperative score was 5 and postoperative score was 2.3(0~8) showing less pain than the past. After statistical analysis separated by Grade I, II, III and IV, last follow-up of VAS score, Mayo elbow performance score and elbow joint movement showed no statistical difference compared to Larsen grade (p=0.075). CONCLUSIONS: Open Synovectomy for elbow with rheumatoid arthritis can not stop radiological progress, and the increase in range of joint movement is not statistically meaningful. However the operation displays clinical improvement such as decrease in pain and increase in range of joint movement.