ABSTRACT
Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee (OA) and osteoporosis are two conditions that have a significant impact on society, have a great impact on quality of life, and can lead to functional impairment. However, the relationship between knee OA and osteoporosis is unclear. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine if there is a link between symptomatic advanced knee osteoarthritis and low bone mineral density. Methods: A total of 430 patients with symptomatic and advanced radiographic knee OA served as participants in this study. Plain radiographs were used to screen participants for osteoarthritis, and a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan was used to determine each participant's bone mineral density (BMD). Results: The lumbar spine, whole femur, and femoral neck BMD levels were statistically higher in the early OA (Kelldren-Lawrence (KL) I and II) group compared with the advanced (III and IV) OA group. Higher BMD at the whole femur and femoral neck but not at the lumbar spine was observed when comparing patients with grades I, II, and III with patients with grade IV after adjustment for body mass index. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the degree of knee OA is correlated with a decline in BMD. These findings lend credence to the theory that the two conditions may be linked to one another. Our study concluded that patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis are at risk of developing osteoporosis. As a result, orthopedic doctors are required to screen for osteoporosis in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis to both prevent and treat osteoporosis at an earlier stage.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are a common orthopedic injury, with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP) being the two most frequently used methods for treating unstable DRFs. The optimal treatment approach for DRFs is still a matter of debate. Therefore, this retrospective analysis aimed to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of ORIF and CRPP to determine the most effective approach for treating unstable DRFs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 89 patients were included in this retrospective study; 34 underwent CRPP and 55 underwent ORIF (61 males and 28 females, mean age: 35.5). Radiographic measurements of radial inclination, radial height, and volar tilt, as well as patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) scores for pain and function, were used to evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes during the final follow-up period, ranging from 1 to 4 years. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in the radiographic measurements for both groups, indicating a good reduction. However, the two fixation methods had no significant difference in radiographic measurements during the entire follow-up period. Regarding PRWE scores, there was a significant difference between the two groups, with patients in the CRPP group reporting better wrist function and less pain. CONCLUSIONS: Both CRPP and ORIF are effective methods for treating unstable DRFs. Achieving an acceptable reduction did not correlate with better pain management, function, or the ability to carry out day-to-day activities. However, patients treated with CRPP had better wrist function and less pain during follow-up. Radiographic measurements did not differ significantly between the two groups. Clinicians should consider closed-reduction percutaneous pinning as a viable and effective treatment option for distal radius fractures, particularly when optimal wrist function and pain management are important considerations.
