Microstructure of the radial head: Insights into anatomical variations and implications for advanced interventions.

Appropriate management of radial head fractures is integral to prevent long-term consequences like chronic pain and loss of motion. Advanced imaging systems, like micro-computed tomography (µCT), are valuable for understanding radial head fracture patterns as they utilize micrometer scale resolution to define important parameters of bone health like cortical density and trabecular thickness. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the structural morphology of the radial head utilizing µCT. Nine fresh-frozen cadaveric human radii were divided into four equal quadrants, based, and labeled as posteromedial, posterolateral, anteromedial, and anterolateral. Quadrants were scanned with a SCANCO MicroCT40 with both cortical and cancellous bone density measurements at a resolution of 36.0 µm. Bone density, direct trabecular number, and trabecular thickness were recorded as milligrams of hydroxyapatite/cm3. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was performed to compare the bone densities, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness of each of the four quadrants (p < 0.05). The posteromedial quadrant contained substantially more bone than other quadrants. Significantly greater bone densities were found in the posteromedial quadrant (148.1 mg of HA/cm3) compared to the anteromedial quadrant (54.6 mg of HA/cm3), posterolateral quadrant (137.5 mg of HA/cm3) compared to the anteromedial quadrant (54.6 mg of HA/cm3), and posterolateral quadrant (137.5 mg of HA/cm3) compared to the anterolateral quadrant (58.1 mg of HA/cm3). The trabecular number was not significantly different between quadrants. Trabecular thickness was significantly lower in the anterolateral (0.1417 mg of HA/cm3) and anteromedial (0.1416 mg of HA/cm3) quadrants compared to the posteromedial (0.1809 mg of HA/cm3) quadrant. The posterior half of the radial head was found to have a higher density of columns and arches compared to the anterior half. The microstructure of trabecular bone in the distal radius forms columns, struts, and arches, which allow for efficient transmission of stress through the bone. The microstructure of the radial head has similar microarchitecture to the distal radius with the present study identifying the presence of columns and arches in the radial head. These structures, along with trabecular density, in the posterior radial head may explain the lower incidence of fractures involving the posterior half of the radial head. Furthermore, our study supports the idea that the high incidence of fractures involving the anterolateral quadrant is due to microarchitecture characteristics and the relative lack of supportive structures compared to other areas. The novel insight gained from this study will aid in the development of advanced interventions for preventative measures and better treatment of radial head fractures like more satisfactory purchase when screws are directed towards the denser posteromedial quadrant.

Basal Implant Placement in the Anterior Aesthetic Zone: A Case Report.

Aesthetics are one of the primary goals of restorative care. Teeth that are traumatized in the anterior maxilla usually avulse or require extraction due to fractures. Rehabilitation is challenging in such a therapeutic state since it presents several anatomical and aesthetic issues. There are circumstances in which traditional implant placement is problematic. There must be enough bone for implant placement to be uneventful and successful. Other surgical therapies may be necessary in addition to implant placement for certain operations, such as extensive grafting, direct or indirect sinus lifts, and nerve lateralization. Certain procedures are required for these operations but are not always achievable. Because single-piece basal implants provide immediate temporization and loading while receiving adequate anchoring from the basal cortical bone, they have been extensively used to rehabilitate resorbed ridges. This case report demonstrates the placement of the basal implant in the anterior zone.

Correlation Between Implant Stability Quotient and Percussion Sound Frequency.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the correlation between the primary implant stability quotient and the implant percussion sound frequency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 14 pigs' ribs were scanned using a dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner to classify the bone specimens into three distinct bone density Hounsfield units (HU) value categories: D1 bone: >1250 HU; D2: 850-1250 HU; D3: <850 HU. Then, 96 implants were inserted: 32 implants in D1 bone, 32 implants in D2 bone, and 32 implants in D3 bone. The primary implant stability quotient (ISQ) was analyzed, and percussion sound was recorded using a wireless microphone connected and analyzed with frequency analysis software. RESULTS: Statistically significant positive correlations were found between the primary ISQ and the bone density HU value (r = 0.719; p < 0.001), and statistically significant positive correlations between the primary ISQ and the percussion sound frequency (r = 0.606; p < 0.001). Furthermore, significant differences in primary ISQ values and percussion sound frequency were found between D1 and D2 bone, as well as between D1 and D3 bone. However, no significant differences were found in primary ISQ values and percussion sound frequency between D2 and D3 bone. CONCLUSION: The primary ISQ value and the percussion sound frequency are positively correlated.

Efficacy, tolerability, and bone density outcomes of elagolix with add-back therapy for endometriosis-associated pain: 12 months of an ongoing randomized phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Elagolix, an approved oral treatment for endometriosis-associated pain, has been associated with hypoestrogenic effects when used as monotherapy. Hormonal add-back therapy has the potential to mitigate these effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy, tolerability, and bone density outcomes of elagolix 200 mg twice daily with 1 mg estradiol /0.5 mg norethindrone acetate (add-back) therapy once daily compared with placebo in premenopausal women with moderate-to-severe endometriosis-associated pain. STUDY DESIGN: This ongoing, 48-month, phase 3 study consists of a 12-month, double-blind period, with randomization 4:1:2 to elagolix 200 mg twice daily with add-back therapy, elagolix 200 mg twice daily monotherapy for 6 months followed by elagolix with add-back therapy, or placebo. The co-primary endpoints were proportion of patients with clinical improvement (termed "responders") in dysmenorrhea and nonmenstrual pelvic pain at month 6. We report 12-month results on efficacy of elagolix with add-back therapy versus placebo in reducing dysmenorrhea, nonmenstrual pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and fatigue. Tolerability assessments include adverse events and change from baseline in bone mineral density. RESULTS: A total of 679 patients were randomized to elagolix with add-back therapy (n=389), elagolix monotherapy (n=97), or placebo (n=193). Compared with patients randomized to placebo, a significantly greater proportion of patients randomized to elagolix with add-back therapy responded with clinical improvement in dysmenorrhea (62.8% versus 23.7%; P≤.001) and nonmenstrual pelvic pain (51.3% versus 36.8%; P≤.001) at 6 months. Compared with placebo, elagolix with add-back therapy produced significantly greater improvement from baseline in 7 hierarchically ranked secondary endpoints including dysmenorrhea (months 12, 6, 3), nonmenstrual pelvic pain (months 12, 6, 3), and fatigue (months 6) (all P<.01). Overall, the incidence of adverse events was 73.8% with elagolix plus add-back therapy and 66.8% with placebo. The rate of severe and serious adverse events did not meaningfully differ between treatment groups. Study drug discontinuations associated with adverse events were low in patients receiving elagolix with add-back therapy (12.6%) and those receiving placebo (9.8%). Patients randomized to elagolix monotherapy exhibited decreases from baseline in bone mineral density of -2.43% (lumbar spine), -1.54% (total hip), and -1.78% (femoral neck) at month 6. When add-back therapy was added to elagolix at month 6, the change from baseline in bone mineral density remained in a similar range of -1.58% to -1.83% at month 12. However, patients who received elagolix plus add-back therapy from baseline exhibited little change from baseline in bone mineral density (<1% change) at months 6 and 12. CONCLUSION: Compared with placebo, elagolix with add-back therapy resulted in significant, clinically meaningful improvement in dysmenorrhea, nonmenstrual pelvic pain, and fatigue at 6 months that continued until month 12 for both dysmenorrhea and nonmenstrual pelvic pain. Elagolix with add-back therapy was generally well tolerated. Loss of bone mineral density at 12 months was greater in patients who received elagolix with add-back therapy than those who received placebo. However, the change in bone mineral density with elagolix plus add-back therapy was < 1% and was attenuated compared with bone loss observed with elagolix monotherapy.

Relationship Between Circummaxillary and Intramaxillary Suture Densities and Skeletal Effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion.

Objective: This retrospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the maturation of intramaxillary and circummaxillary suture systems and cervical vertebral maturation as predictors of the skeletal response achieved by rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Methods: A Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine dataset of 20 patients (mean age: 15.55 years) prior (T0) and after (T1: 3.5±0.5 months) to RME were retrieved from the archive and analyzed. Bone density values of midpalatal suture (MPS), zygomaticomaxillary suture (ZMS), zygomaticotemporal suture (ZTS), pterygopalatine suture (PPS), and transverse palatine suture (TPS) were measured. The cervical vertebral maturational stages (CVS) were examined. The linear distances between the most lateral points of the piriform apertures were measured as the anterior reference, and the medial margins of the greater palatine foramina on the axial slice were chosen as the posterior reference. The difference at T1-T0 was calculated as the skeletal response to RME at anterior and posterior skeletal references. Spearman's rho rank and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. Results: Mean density values of ZMS, PPS, ZTS, TPS, MPS-Anterior, and MPS-Posterior were 922.81, 807.44, 753.83, 640.77, 661.13, and 604.59 HU, respectively. Mean linear changes in anterior and posterior skeletal expansion were 2.93±1.78 and 1.93±2.52 mm. There was no significant relationship between maturation indicators and skeletal response. Significant relationships were found between CVS and MPS density and CVS and circummaxillary suture average density (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Sutural density showed significant variations among CVSs. Although there was no correlation between skeletal response and density measurements, sutural density was found to be a promising indicator for future studies.

Acod1-mediated inhibition of aerobic glycolysis suppresses osteoclast differentiation and attenuates bone erosion in arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic changes are crucially involved in osteoclast development and may contribute to bone degradation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The enzyme aconitate decarboxylase 1 (Acod1) is known to link the cellular function of monocyte-derived macrophages to their metabolic status. As osteoclasts derive from the monocyte lineage, we hypothesised a role for Acod1 and its metabolite itaconate in osteoclast differentiation and arthritis-associated bone loss. METHODS: Itaconate levels were measured in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with RA and healthy controls by mass spectrometry. Human and murine osteoclasts were treated with the itaconate derivative 4-octyl-itaconate (4-OI) in vitro. We examined the impact of Acod1-deficiency and 4-OI treatment on bone erosion in mice using K/BxN serum-induced arthritis and human TNF transgenic (hTNFtg) mice. SCENITH and extracellular flux analyses were used to evaluate the metabolic activity of osteoclasts and osteoclast progenitors. Acod1-dependent and itaconate-dependent changes in the osteoclast transcriptome were identified by RNA sequencing. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was used to investigate the role of hypoxia-inducible factor (Hif)-1α in Acod1-mediated regulation of osteoclast development. RESULTS: Itaconate levels in PBMCs from patients with RA were inversely correlated with disease activity. Acod1-deficient mice exhibited increased osteoclast numbers and bone erosion in experimental arthritis while 4-OI treatment alleviated inflammatory bone loss in vivo and inhibited human and murine osteoclast differentiation in vitro. Mechanistically, Acod1 suppressed osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting succinate dehydrogenase-dependent production of reactive oxygen species and Hif1α-mediated induction of aerobic glycolysis. CONCLUSION: Acod1 and itaconate are crucial regulators of osteoclast differentiation and bone loss in inflammatory arthritis.

Mandibular bone mass density in a medieval population and its relationship with stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N.

The aim of this study was to compare the level of bone mass in digital orthopantomograms in two populations (medieval and current) using two radiomorphometric indexes, and to correlate the mandibular bone mass value, in the medieval mandible population, with stable isotope data δ13C and δ15N. An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study on mandibles from two diachronic groups, 15 mandibles from the medieval settlement of La Torrecilla (Granada, Spain) and 15 mandibles from current patients at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Granada (Spain), matched by age and sex was conducted. The bone mass density was determined using the Mandibular Cortical Width Index (MCW) and the Mandibular Panoramic Index (PMI) in digital panoramic radiographs. In the medieval group, the values of bone mass density were correlated with those of two stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N). The mean value of MCW in mm in the medieval group was 3.96 ± 0.60 (mean ± standard deviation) and in the current group was 4.02 ± 1.01. The PMI was 0.33 ± 0.06 and 0.35 ± 0.08 in the medieval and current groups respectively, with similar results in both groups (p = 0.820 and p = 0.575). A negative correlation was found between both morphometric indices and the δ15N isotope (rs = 0.56, p = 0.030 and rs = 0.61, p = 0.016, respectively). The bone mass density in mandibles belonging to the two compared populations, determined by two quantitative radiomorphometric indices, is similar. Within the medieval population, there is an inverse correlation between the δ15N value and bone mass density.

Probiotics: a promising intervention for osteoporosis prevention and management.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic skeletal disease that is characterized by low bone mass and increased fracture risk. This article explores the potential of probiotics as an adjunctive approach for the prevention and management of OP. It has been well established that the gut microbiota (GM), a complex community of microbes, plays an important role in bone health. The gut dysbiosis is linked with a higher risk of OP. However, the consumption of probiotics in adequate amounts restores gut health thus improving bone health. Probiotics may influence bone metabolism through enhanced calcium absorption, reduced inflammation, and increased bone formation. The animal and human studies demonstrate the positive effects of probiotics on bone health parameters like reduced osteoclastogenesis, bone resorption markers, osteoblast, osteocyte apoptosis, and increased bone mineral density and expression of osteoprotegerin. The current evidence suggests that probiotics can be used as an adjunctive approach along with the existing therapies for the prevention and management of OP.

Preservation of fat mass at the expense of lean mass in children with end-stage chronic liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia predicts morbidity and mortality in end-stage chronic liver disease (ESCLD). Here, we describe changes in body composition in children with ESCLD before and after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of whole body DXA scans performed before and after LT over 4 years. Appendicular and whole-body fat mass and lean mass were expressed as fat mass (FMI) and lean mass (LMI) index z-scores. Sarcopenia was defined as leg LMI z-score <-1.96. RESULTS: Eighty-three DXA scans of children before or after LT were studied. Sarcopenia had a positive correlation with weight (0.8, p < .01), height (0.48, p < .05), and BMI z-score (0.77, p < .01), as well as arm, trunk, and total mean mass indices. It correlated negatively with indices of hypersplenism: PLTs (-0.57, p < .01), Neu (-0.50, p < .05), WCC (-0.44, p < .05), and days to discharge (-0.46, p < .05). At baseline: 13/25 (52%) children were sarcopenic and stayed in the hospital after LT for longer. Eight were stunted with a higher WCC and Ne/Ly ratio. All had normal FM indices. One year after LT, 12/26 children remained sarcopenic. Seven were stunted. Two years after LT, 5/15 were sarcopenic, and 5 were stunted. Three years after LT, 1/10 was sarcopenic, and 2 were stunted. By 4 years after LT, 1/7 was sarcopenic, and the same one was stunted. FM indices remained normal. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenic patients stayed longer in the hospital after LT. Lean mass indices were mostly within the normal range by 4 years after LT. 32% of children were stunted, and markers of inflammation were correlated with stunting. Fat mass was preserved at the cost of lean mass.

Osteolytic Bone Metastasis: Different Radiotherapy Fractionation Schedules Compared Clinically and Radiographically.

The purpose of this study is to compare three commonly used radiotherapy fractionation schedules for bone metastasis in terms of clinical and radiological effectiveness. A total of 93 patients with osteolytic bone metastasis were randomized to receive 8 Gyin a single fraction (group A), 20 Gy in 5 fractions (group B) and 30 Gy in 10 fractions (group C). Changes in bone density were measured using the Relative Electron Density (RED) type corrected by Thomas (pe = HU/1.950 + 1.0), where HU is Hounsfield Units. Pain response was assessed according to the Brief Pain Inventory tool. Quality of life was estimated using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the MD Anderson Symptom (MDAS) tools.After RT, RED, together with the parameters of EORTC QLQ-C30, MDAS and SAT, significantly increased in all groups (p < 0.001).Specifically, the increase of RED was higher in group C compared to group Athree months post-RT (p = 0.014). Group C was also superior to group A in terms of QoL and BPI three months post-treatment. Multifractionated radiotherapy for osteolytic bone metastasis is superior to single fraction radiotherapy in terms of improvement in quality of life and bone remineralization three months post-RT.

Value of Hounsfield units measured by chest computed tomography for assessing bone density in the thoracolumbar segment of the thoracic spine.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between Hounsfield unit (HU) values measured by chest computed tomography (CT) and dual-energy Xray absorptiometry (DXA) T-scores. HU-based thoracolumbar (T11 and T12) cutoff thresholds were calculated for a cohort of Chinese patients. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: For patients with osteoporosis, the incidence of fractures in the thoracolumbar segment is significantly higher than that in other sites. However, most current clinical studies have focused on L1. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent chest CT and DXA at our hospital between August 2021 and August 2022. Thoracic thoracolumbar segment HU values, lumbar T-scores, and hip T-scores were computed for comparison, and thoracic thoracolumbar segment HU thresholds suggestive of potential bone density abnormalities were established using receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: In total, 470 patients (72.4% women; mean age, 65.5±12.3 years) were included in this study. DXA revealed that of the 470 patients, 90 (19%) had osteoporosis, 180 (38%) had reduced osteopenia, and 200 (43%) had normal bone mineral density (BMD). To differentiate osteoporosis from osteopenia, the HU threshold was established as 105.1 (sensitivity, 54.4%; specificity, 72.2%) for T11 and 85.7 (sensitivity, 69.4%; specificity, 61.1%) for T12. To differentiate between osteopenia and normal BMD, the HU threshold was 146.7 for T11 (sensitivity, 57.5%; specificity, 84.4%) and 135.7 for T12 (sensitivity, 59.5%; specificity, 80%). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the significance of HU values from chest CT for BMD assessment. Chest CT provides a new method for clinical opportunistic screening of osteoporosis. When the T11 HU is >146.7 or the T12 HU is >135.7, additional osteoporosis testing is not needed unless a vertebral fracture is detected. If the T11 HU is <105.1 or the T12 HU is <85.7, further DXA testing is strongly advised. In addition, vertebral HU values that fall faster than those of the T11 and L1 vertebrae may explain the high incidence of T12 vertebral fractures.

Dietary Flavonoid and Subclass Intakes are not Associated with Markers of Bone Health in U.S. Adults Age 50+ Years.

BACKGROUND: Dietary flavonoid intakes have been associated with improved markers of bone health in Chinese and Scottish cohorts, but little data exist in middle aged to older adults in the United States. OBJECTIVES: The objective of our research was to assess if dietary flavonoid intakes are associated with bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone area of the lumbar spine and femoral neck in a nationally representative population of middle aged to older U.S. adults. We further sought to investigate if relationships of the main flavonoid subgroups (i.e., anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, and isoflavones) exist, as a secondary objective. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from individuals aged 50+ years enrolled in the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used in our analyses (N = 2590). Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between quartiles of flavonoid intake and BMD, BMC, and bone area of the lumbar spine and femoral neck of participants. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 63.4 ± 0.52 years and 64.1 ± 0.52 years for men and women, respectively. Average total flavonoid intake was 217 ± 19.4 mg/day and 306 ± 26.9 mg/day for men and women, respectively. Total flavonoid intakes were not significantly associated with BMD, BMC, or bone area of the femoral neck or lumbar spine in male or female participants. Flavonoid subclass intakes were also not consistently associated with improved markers of bone health. CONCLUSION: Although several limitations exist, this cross-sectional analysis of U.S. adults aged 50+ years provides contradictory evidence to the hypothesis that higher flavonoid and flavonoid subclass intakes beneficially impacts markers of bone health. Large prospective cohort investigations that better capture long-term dietary flavonoid intake and ascertain fractures the primary outcome, as well as randomized controlled trials, are needed to fully elucidate the effects flavonoids on bone health.

A comparative radiographic study of bone density changes around titanium implants in the posterior mandible, preoperative, and postoperative.

Background: Implant success and the state of the surrounding bone require multiple measures, especially in humans, and this study aimed to identify the development of the state of the latter by means of radiographic examination performed during the period of osseointegration as well as investigate the changes in bone density that occur after implant installation and 2 months after functional loading. Implant success rates are affected by bone density at the implant site. Therefore, understanding changes in bone density after dental implant placement is essential, as it correlates with subsequent implant success. Materials and methods: Digital radiographs of 28 implants were taken and evaluated at four intervals: preoperatively, 1 and 3 months postoperatively, and 2 months following placement of the permanent prosthesis. Gray values were measured in different areas around the implants through analyzing X-ray images and measuring bone density around the implants using EzDent - 2D software. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in bone density around implants in three regions: apex, neck, and body, as well as to record average density values during the observation period by measuring digital image gray levels (the gray values of the digital radiographs). This was conducted to determine local bone densities in dental implant recipient sites and to study changes in local bone densities at different intervals, preoperatively and postoperatively and after placement of the prosthesis. Results: A decrease was observed in gray values proportional to reference values 1-month after implant insertion, but these increased at 3 months after insertion and continued to rise 2 months after placement of the prosthesis in the apical, body, and neck regions of the implant. Conclusion: Sensor-tuned radiography can be used as an effective method to support clinical follow-ups as well as measure changes in bone densities around implants in critical cases.

Effect of fully automatic classification model from different tube voltage images on bone density screening: A self-controlled study.

PURPOSE: To develop two bone status prediction models combining deep learning and radiomics based on standard-dose chest computed tomography (SDCT) and low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT), and to evaluate the effect of tube voltage on reproducibility of radiomics features and predictive efficacy of these models. METHODS: A total of 1508 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. LDCT was conducted using 80 kVp, tube current ranging from 100 to 475 mA. On the other hand, SDCT was performed using 120 kVp, tube current ranging from 100 to 520 mA. We developed an automatic thoracic vertebral cancellous bone (TVCB) segmentation model. Subsequently, 1184 features were extracted and two classifiers were developed based on LDCT and SDCT images. Based on the diagnostic results of quantitative computed tomography examination, the first-level classifier was initially developed to distinguish normal or abnormal BMD (including osteoporosis and osteopenia), while the second-level classifier was employed to identify osteoporosis or osteopenia. The Dice coefficient was used to evaluate the performance of the automated segmentation model. The Concordance Correlation Coefficients (CCC) of radiomics features were calculated between LDCT and SDCT, and the performance of these models was evaluated. RESULTS: Our automated segmentation model achieved a Dice coefficient of 0.98 ± 0.01 and 0.97 ± 0.02 in LDCT and SDCT, respectively. Alterations in tube voltage decreased the reproducibility of the extracted radiomic features, with 85.05 % of the radiomic features exhibiting low reproducibility (CCC < 0.75). The area under the curve (AUC) using LDCT-based and SDCT-based models was 0.97 ± 0.01 and 0.94 ± 0.02, respectively. Nonetheless, cross-validation with independent test sets of different tube voltage scans suggests that variations in tube voltage can impair the diagnostic efficacy of the model. Consequently, radiomics models are not universally applicable to images of varying tube voltages. In clinical settings, ensuring consistency between the tube voltage of the image used for model development and that of the acquired patient image is critical. CONCLUSIONS: Automatic bone status prediction models, utilizing either LDCT or SDCT images, enable accurate assessment of bone status. Tube voltage impacts reproducibility of features and predictive efficacy of models. It is necessary to account for tube voltage variation during the image acquisition.

Influence of age-related bone density changes on primary stability in stemless shoulder arthroplasty: A multi-implant finite element study.

BACKGROUND: Stemless implants were introduced to prevent some of the stem-related complications associated with the total shoulder arthroplasty. Although general requirements for receiving these implants include good bone quality conditions, little knowledge exists about how bone quality affects implant performance. The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of age-induced changes in bone density, as a metric of bone quality, in the primary stability of five anatomic stemless shoulder implants using 3D finite element (FE) models. METHODS: The implant designs considered were based on the Global Icon, Sidus, Simpliciti, SMR, and Inhance stemless implants. Shoulder arthroplasties were virtually simulated in Solidworks. The density distributions of 20 subjects from two age groups, 20 to 40 and 60 to 80 years old, were retrieved from medical image data and integrated into three-dimensional FE models of a single humerus geometry, developed in Abaqus, to avoid confounding factors associated with geometric characteristics. For the designs which do not have a solid collar covering the entire bone surface, i.e., the Sidus, Simpliciti, SMR, and Inhance implants, contact and non-contact conditions between the humeral head component and bone were considered. Primary stability was evaluated through the assessment of micromotions at the bone-implant interface considering eight load cases related to rehabilitation activities and demanding tasks. Three research variables, considering 20 µm, 50 µm, and 150 µm as thresholds for osseointegration, were used for a statistical analysis of the results. RESULTS: The decreased bone density registered for the 60-80 age group led to larger micromotions at the bone-implant interface when compared to the 20-40 age group. The Global Icon-based and Inhance-based designs were the least sensitive to bone density, whereas the Sidus-based design was the most sensitive to bone density. The establishment of contact between the humeral head component and bone for the implants that do not have a solid collar led to decreased micromotions. DISCUSSION: Although the age-induced decline in bone density led to increased micromotions in the FE models, some stemless shoulder implants presented good overall performance regardless of the osseointegration threshold considered, suggesting that age alone may not be a contraindication to anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. If only primary stability is considered, the results suggested superior performance for the Global Icon-based and Inhance-based designs. Moreover, the humeral head component should contact the resected bone surface when feasible. Further investigation is necessary to combine these results with the long-term performance of the implants and allow more precise recommendations.

Early Experience With Novel Molded Allograft Anchors for the Management of Screw Loosening in Elderly Patients With Reduced Bone Density in Primary and Revision Lumbar Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Various strategies have been used to reduce pedicle screw loosening following lumbar instrumented fusion, but all strategies have limitations. In this prospective multicenter cohort study, outcomes of elderly patients with reduced bone density who underwent primary or revision fusion surgery using a novel technique of pedicle screw augmentation with demineralized bone fiber (DBF) anchors were evaluated. METHODS: This study included elderly patients (aged >65 years) with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-confirmed reduced bone density who required lumbar pedicle screw fixation and were treated with supplemental DBF allograft anchors during primary or revision surgery. The need for DBF anchors was determined by evaluating preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans (for revision surgery) and by the surgeons' tactile feedback intraoperatively during pedicle screw insertion and removal. After determining the pedicle screw void diameter with a sizing instrument, DBF anchors and pedicle screws of the same diameter were placed into the void. CT scans were obtained on postoperative day 2 to assess pedicle breach, pedicle fracture, or anchor material extrusion and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively to assess screw loosening. Thereafter, to minimize radiation exposure, CT scans were only performed for recurrence of pain. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (79% women; mean age, 74 years) received 50 lumbosacral pedicle screws augmented with DBF anchors. Most surgeries (n = 18, 78%) were revisions, and most anchors were inserted into revision pedicle screw trajectories (n = 33, 66%). Day-2 CT scans revealed no pedicle breach/fracture or extrusion of anchor material. During a mean follow-up of 15 months (12-20 months), no screw loosening was detected, and no patient required pedicle screw revision surgery. There were no adverse events attributable to DBF allografts. CONCLUSIONS: DBF allograft anchors appear to be safe and effective for augmenting pedicle screws during revision surgeries in female elderly patients with reduced bone density. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinically, DBF reduced the rate of pedicle screw loosening in patients with reduced bone density. A significant reduction in screw loosening can decrease the need for revision surgeries, which are costly and carry additional risks. Enhanced bone integration from the DBF may promote better healing and long-term stability.

Endocrine consequences of breast cancer therapy and survivorship.

Breast cancer survivorship is increasing, due to earlier diagnosis of the disease and more effective therapies. Long-term endocrine sequelae, including early menopause, bone health, fertility implications and menopausal symptoms, are important survivorship issues. Ovarian failure is common with chemotherapy and options for preserving fertility in young women include ovarian suppression during chemotherapy and oocyte or embryo cryopreservation before chemotherapy. Tamoxifen as adjunct therapy in premenopausal women leads to ovarian stimulation, sometimes ovulation and occasionally pregnancy with important teratogenic implications. Aromatase inhibitor therapy with or without gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist leads to profound bone loss and anti-resorptive therapy is advised to prevent fracture. Tamoxifen acts to preserve bone in postmenopausal women but not premenopausal women. Pregnancy is not discouraged in young women with early breast cancer, even to the point of pausing adjunct therapy in order to conceive. However, menopausal hormone therapy is discouraged even years later. Non-hormonal therapy for menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors is available but, in some cases, estrogen-containing therapy may be worthy of consideration for quality of life in the informed patient.

Evaluation of vitamin D deficiency and low bone mass in children with asthma in fars province: A case-control study.

Background and Aims: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory pulmonary disease which affects 10%-20% of children and adolescents. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is one of its most effective therapies. The effect of systemic corticosteroids on decreasing bone mineral density (BMD) was investigated and proved in children; however, the influence of ICSs on bone density has still remained unclear. This study evaluates the bone mineral density of children and adolescents with asthma in southern Iran and the associated factors, for example, amount of used inhaled steroid. Method: This case-control study enrolled 41 children and adolescents (aged 8-18 years) with asthma and their age and gender-matched controls in 2019-2020. Serum Calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, and bone mineral density were measured. Their physical activity, sun exposure, and fracture history were evaluated subjectively. Results: Lumbar BMD and BMD Z-score in patients showed no significant difference with controls (p = 0.23, p = 0.73). Also, it showed that there was no significant difference in biochemical studies, growth, and bone densitometry parameters between patients who used ICSs for less than 3 months/year corticosteroid therapy compared to those with equal or more than 3 months/year usage. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 28% and 8% in the controls and patients, respectively (p = 0.005). Conclusion: The present study showed that 9.46% of children and adolescents with asthma had low bone mass for chronological age, and it is not significantly higher than normal population. Dosage of inhaled steroid did not associate with osteoporosis in these patients. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients was lower than normal population, probably due to receiving vitamin D in their routine follow-ups.

Eggshell membrane as promising supplement to maintain bone health: A systematic review.

Bone loss is a well-known phenomenon in the older population leading to increased bone fracture risk, morbidity, and mortality. Supplementation of eggshell membrane (ESM) is evaluated due to its possible application to prevent bone loss and usage in osteoporosis therapy. The similar organic chemical composition of ESM and human bone is described in detail as both mainly consist of collagen type I, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, hyaluronic acid and elastan. ESM and its components are reported to improve mineralization in bone tissue. In many studies ESM intake reduced pain in patients with joint disorders and reduced inflammatory processes. Additionally, ESM improved calcium uptake in human cells. These findings in comparison with a clinical pilot study reporting pain reduction in osteoporotic patients and increased osteoblast activity in in vitro assays support ESM to be a beneficial supplement for bone health. In this systematic review we combined chemical structure analysis with clinical studies to give a more comprehensive picture with novel explanations.

Jawbone quality classification in dental implant planning and placement studies. A scoping review.

Aim: Cone beam computed tomography has become an attractive method for implant planning. However, in most cases, not all the information is taken advantage of and often the radiographic evaluation of bone quality is based on subjective assessment by the individual clinician. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine classifications of bone tissue characteristics and methods for assessing them in dental implant planning and placement studies. Materials and Methods: Three databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched using specific index terms: "Bone quality, bone quantity, bone density, cone-beam CT and cone-beam computed tomography". Three reviewers selected titles and analyzed abstracts according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Some descriptions of bone tissue characteristics (bone quality, density, and quantity) used before or during dental implant placement were selected and categorized. Results: The search yielded 442 titles. A total of 32 articles were selected and read in full text. Seventeen articles were considered relevant. Different classification systems were found to evaluate bone tissue characteristics as well as different examination protocols. Thirteen publications included in this review reported on bone quality and quantity using the Lekholm and Zarb classification. However, only four studies implemented and/or proposed modifications of the Lekholm and Zarb system. Four other publications described bone quality according to different classification systems such as Misch, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), or Trisi and Rao. The assessment methods were often briefly described (or not described at all in one publication). Of the articles analyzed, five presented observer performance, whereas three presented diagnostic accuracy of the assessment method. Conclusion: Currently, there are different classification systems applied to dental implant planning and placement, particularly regarding whether bone quality or quantity affects treatment outcomes. However, most authors have not validated the diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility of the classification used. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a classification system consistent with characteristics of bone tissue, taking into consideration an adequate description of bone tissue assessment methods, their diagnostic accuracy, and observer performance.