Teriparatide for acceleration of fracture repair in humans: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study of 102 postmenopausal women with distal radial fractures

Use of teriparatide off-label: our experience and review of literature

The aim of this paper is to report our experience and to present a review of literature about the use of teriparatide off-label in the therapy of non-unions. Teriparatide is used exclusively in treatment of osteoporosis and to prevent bone fracture because it has a positive effect on bone strength and architecture. The use of teriparatide in non-unions is described as effective in numerous case report.

[Clinical results following conservative and surgical treatment of osteoporotic distal radius fractures in the elderly : Overview of best available evidence]

Fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients increasingly contribute to the workload in emergency departments worldwide. There is still no consensus about the best treatment option, e. g. closed reduction and cast stabilization, percutaneous pinning, external fixation or open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking plates (ORIF). In addition, the influence of pharmacological antiosteoporotic treatment (e. g. bisphosphonates) is unclear. In this overview five comparative studies were analyzed, which had been identified in a previous systematic review. The evaluation included 3 cohort studies and 2 randomized trials enrolling a total of 515 patients. A clinical or statistical advantage of ORIF over conservative treatment with respect to DASH scores 12 months after the index fracture event could not be demonstrated with a mean difference of 0.25 (95 % confidence interval CI -0.57-1.07). According to current best scientific evidence from preclinical and clinical investigations, antiosteoporotic medication does not have an unfavorable influence on fracture healing and should be continued due to its proven effectiveness in reducing subsequent osteoporotic fractures. Following distal radius fractures in elderly patients with clinical risk factors, an osteoporosis screening should be routine practice and a specific therapy should be initiated if the fracture risk is increased.

Effect of teriparatide (rh-PTH 1-34) versus bisphosphonate on the healing of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture: A retrospective comparative study

Background

Teriparatide (recombinant human parathyroid hormone 1–34) is increasingly used for the treatment of severe osteoporosis because it stimulates bone formation and may potentially enhance fracture healing. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of teriparatide versus a bisphosphonate on radiographic outcomes in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF).

Methods

A total of 98 patients undergoing non-operative treatment for recent single-level OVCF were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-eight patients were treated by a once-daily subcutaneous injection of 20 micrograms of teriparatide (TPD group), whereas 60 patients received 35 mg of alendronate weekly (BP group). Except for these medications, the same treatment protocol was applied to both groups. The radiographic assessments included union status, vertebral kyphosis, and mid-vertebral body height. The rates of fracture site surgical intervention were also compared between the two groups. The mean follow-up period was 27 months (median 22.5, range 2 – 75 months).

Results

Cox regression analysis showed that TPD reduced the time-to-union (adjusted relative hazard ratio: 1.86, 95% C.I.: 1.21 – 2.83). The union rate at six months after treatment was 89% in the TPD group and 68% in the BP group; the surgical intervention rate was significantly higher in the TPD group (p = 0.026, adjusted odds ratio: 8.15, 95% C.I.: 2.02 – 43.33). The change in local kyphosis was 4.6° in the TPD group and 3.8° in the BP group (p = 0.495, paired t-test). The change of mid-vertebral body height was 4.4 mm in the TPD group and 3.4 mm in the BP group (p = 0.228, paired t-test). Fracture site surgical interventions were not required in the TPD group; however, two patients in the BP group eventually underwent surgical treatment for symptomatic non-union or vertebral collapse.

Conclusions

This retrospective study suggests that teriparatide may enhance fracture healing and improve the union rate in OVCF.

Proceedings of the 2016 Santa Fe Bone Symposium: New Concepts in the Management of Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases

The Santa Fe Bone Symposium is an annual meeting of healthcare professionals and clinical researchers that details the clinical relevance of advances in knowledge of skeletal diseases. The 17th Santa Fe Bone Symposium was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, on August 5-6, 2016. The program included plenary lectures, oral presentations by endocrinology fellows, meet-the-professor sessions, and panel discussions, all aimed to provide ample opportunity for interactive discussions among all participants. Symposium topics included recent developments in the translation of basic bone science to patient care, new clinical practice guidelines for postmenopausal osteoporosis, management of patients with disorders of phosphate metabolism, new and emerging treatments for rare bone diseases, strategies to enhance fracture healing, and an update on Bone Health Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes, using a teleconferencing platform to elevate the level of knowledge of healthcare professionals in underserved communities to deliver best practice care for skeletal diseases. The highlights and important clinical messages of the 2016 Santa Fe Bone Symposium are provided herein by each of the faculty presenters.

Healing of Atypical Subtrochanteric Femur Fractures After Cephalomedullary Nailing: Which Factors Predict Union?

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the healing rate and time to union of atypical subtrochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing.

DESIGN

Retrospective review, descriptive, and analytic study.

SETTING

Six level 1 trauma centers.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

The study included 42 patients with 48 displaced, atypical, bisphosphonate-associated subtrochanteric femur fractures who underwent surgical intervention.

INTERVENTION

Cephalomedullary femur nailing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

The main outcome measures were radiologic healing and time to union.

RESULTS

The primary healing rate after cephalomedullary nailing of bisphosphonate-associated subtrochanteric femur fractures was 68.7% (33/48 patients). Mean time to union was 10.7 months. Malalignment was determined using the differences in neck-shaft angle (the difference between the normal side and the surgically repaired side) and sagittal angulation. These all proved to be significantly correlated with failure and delayed healing time. The cutoff points for neck-shaft angle, difference in neck-shaft angle, and sagittal angulation were 125.6, 4.4, and 5.5 degrees, respectively (receiver operating characteristic curve analysis).

CONCLUSIONS

The healing rate of atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing is lower than that previously reported for atypical femur fractures. The quality of fracture reduction proved to be the most important factor in bony union and time to union.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Bisphosphonates and atypical subtrochanteric fractures of the femur

OBJECTIVES

Bisphosphonates are widely used as first-line treatment for primary and secondary prevention of fragility fractures. Whilst they have proved effective in this role, there is growing concern over their long-term use, with much evidence linking bisphosphonate-related suppression of bone remodelling to an increased risk of atypical subtrochanteric fractures of the femur (AFFs). The objective of this article is to review this evidence, while presenting the current available strategies for the management of AFFs.

METHODS

We present an evaluation of current literature relating to the pathogenesis and treatment of AFFs in the context of bisphosphonate use.

RESULTS

Six broad themes relating to the pathogenesis and management of bisphosphonate-related AFFs are presented. The key themes in fracture pathogenesis are: bone microdamage accumulation; altered bone mineralisation and altered collagen formation. The key themes in fracture management are: medical therapy and surgical therapy. In addition, primary prevention strategies for AFFs are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

This article presents current knowledge about the relationship between bisphosphonates and the development of AFFs, and highlights key areas for future research. In particular, studies aimed at identifying at-risk subpopulations and organising surveillance for those on long-term therapy will be crucial in both increasing our understanding of the condition, and improving population outcomes.Cite this article: N. Kharwadkar, B. Mayne, J. E. Lawrence, V. Khanduja. Bisphosphonates and atypical subtrochanteric fractures of the femur. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:144-153. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.63.BJR-2016-0125.R1.

Current Role and Application of Teriparatide in Fracture Healing of Osteoporotic Patients: A Systematic Review

Background

The use of osteoanabolic agents to facilitate fracture healing has been of heightened interest to the field of orthopaedic trauma. This study aimed to evaluate the evidence of teriparatide for fracture healing and functional recovery in osteoporotic patients.

Methods

We performed a literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library using terms including “Fracture” [tiab] AND “Teriparatide [tiab] OR “PTH” [tiab].

Results

This systematic review included 6 randomized clinical trials, 4 well-controlled retrospective studies, and 1 retrospective post hoc subgroup analysis. Fracture location was 2 in pelvis, 3 in proximal femur, 1 in distal femur, 1 in shoulder, 2 in wrist and 2 in spine. The use of teriparatide yielded positive effects on radiographic bone healing in 6 studies, but was not associated with better radiographic outcome in 3. In terms of functional recovery, teriparatide injection was related with decrease in pain or shorter time to mobilization in 6 studies, but not related with pain numerical scale and mobility in 3.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that teriparatide provide selective advantages to fracture healing or functional recovery in the management of osteoporotic fractures. A better understanding of the role of teriparatide on osteoporotic fractures requires greater evidences from large volume prospective trials.

Fracture healing physiology and the quest for therapies for delayed healing and nonunion

Delayed healing and nonunion of fractures represent enormous burdens to patients and healthcare systems. There are currently no approved pharmacological agents for the treatment of established nonunions, or for the acceleration of fracture healing, and no pharmacological agents are approved for promoting the healing of closed fractures. Yet several pharmacologic agents have the potential to enhance some aspects of fracture healing. In preclinical studies, various agents working across a broad spectrum of molecular pathways can produce larger, denser and stronger fracture calluses. However, untreated control animals in most of these studies also demonstrate robust structural and biomechanical healing, leaving unclear how these interventions might alter the healing of recalcitrant fractures in humans. This review describes the physiology of fracture healing, with a focus on aspects of natural repair that may be pharmacologically augmented to prevent or treat delayed or nonunion fractures (collectively referred to as DNFs). The agents covered in this review include recombinant BMPs, PTH/PTHrP receptor agonists, activators of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and recombinant FGF-2. Agents from these therapeutic classes have undergone extensive preclinical testing and progressed to clinical fracture healing trials. Each can promote bone formation, which is important for the stability of bridged calluses, and some but not all can also promote cartilage formation, which may be critical for the initial bridging and subsequent stabilization of fractures. Appropriately timed stimulation of chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in the fracture callus may be a more effective approach for preventing or treating DNFs compared with stimulation of osteogenesis alone. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:213-223, 2017.

The administration of intermittent parathyroid hormone affects functional recovery from trochanteric fractured neck of femur: a randomised prospective mixed method pilot study

Aims

We wished to assess the feasibility of a future randomised controlled trial of parathyroid hormone (PTH) supplements to aid healing of trochanteric fractures of the hip, by an open label prospective feasibility and pilot study with a nested qualitative sub study. This aimed to inform the design of a future powered study comparing the functional recovery after trochanteric hip fracture in patients undergoing standard care, versus those who undergo administration of subcutaneous injection of PTH for six weeks.

Patients and Methods

We undertook a pilot study comparing the functional recovery after trochanteric hip fracture in patients 60 years or older, admitted with a trochanteric hip fracture, and potentially eligible to be randomised to either standard care or the administration of subcutaneous PTH for six weeks. Our desired outcomes were functional testing and measures to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the study.

Results

A total of 724 patients were screened, of whom 143 (20%) were eligible for recruitment. Of these, 123 were approached and 29 (4%) elected to take part. However, seven patients did not complete the study. Compliance with the injections was 11 out of 15 (73%) showing the intervention to be acceptable and feasible in this patient population.

Take home message: Only 4% of patients who met the inclusion criteria were both eligible and willing to consent to a study involving injections of PTH, so delivering this study on a large scale would carry challenges in recruitment and retention. Methodological and sample size planning would have to take this into account. PTH administration to patients to enhance fracture healing should still be considered experimental.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:840–5.

The Effect of Parathyroid Hormone on Osseointegration in Insulin-Treated Diabetic Rats

OBJECTIVES

Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is associated with impaired osseointegration. Diabetic individuals might benefit from bone anabolic therapies. Intermittent administration of 1-34 parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates bone formation in rodent models. However, this anabolic effect fails in diabetic rats. Whether the anabolic effect of PTH can be achieved in insulin-controlled diabetic rats has not been investigated yet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After diabetes induction with streptozotocin in 40 female Wistar rats, the animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: diabetes, diabetes plus PTH, insulin-treated diabetes, and insulin-treated diabetes plus PTH. After 1 week, miniscrews were inserted in the tibiae. Osmotic pumps with insulin or saline solution were implanted. Animals received 60 mg/kg PTH or saline solution. Histomorphometric analysis was performed.

RESULTS

In diabetic rats, no changes of medullary periimplant bone area or bone-to-implant contacts (BICs) were achieved with or without treatment with PTH. However, also animals treated with insulin failed to response significantly to PTH regarding bone area (7.4 ± 4.1% and 8.1 ± 4.1%) and BICs (33.7 ± 16.9% and 49.9 ± 11.9%).

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that the metabolic characteristics of the diabetic rats produced a condition unable to respond to PTH treatment, even when hyperglycemia was controlled with insulin.

Tarsal navicular stress fractures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Navicular stress fractures are common in athletes and management is debated. This article will review the evaluation and management of navicular stress fractures.

RECENT FINDINGS

Various operative and non-operative adjunctive treatment modalities are reviewed including the relevance of vitamin D levels, use of shock wave therapy and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), and administration of teriparatide. Surgical treatment may be associated with earlier return to sports. The author's preferred treatment algorithm with corresponding images is presented which allows for safe and rapid return to activities in the athletic patient. Future research is needed in evaluating the preventative effects of vitamin D and use of other adjunctive treatments to increase the healing rates of this fracture.

Teriparatide anabolic therapy as potential treatment of type II dens non-union fractures

Odontoid fractures account for 5% to 15% of all cervical spine injuries and 1% to 2% of all spine fractures. Type II fractures are the most common fracture pattern in elderly patients. Treatment (rigid and non-rigid immobilization, anterior screw fixation of the odontoid and posterior C1-C2 fusion) remains controversial and represents a unique challenge for the treating surgeon. The aims of treatment in the elderly is to quickly restore pre-injury function while decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with inactivity, immobilization with rigid collar and prolonged hospitalization. Conservative treatment of type II odontoid fractures is associated with relatively high rates of non-union and in a few cases delayed instability. Options for treatment of symptomatic non-unions include surgical fixation or prolonged rigid immobilization. In this report we present the case of a 73-year-old woman with post-traumatic odontoid non-union successfully treated with Teriparatide systemic anabolic therapy. Complete fusion and resolution of the symptoms was achieved 12 wk after the onset of the treatment. Several animal and clinical studies have confirmed the potential role of Teriparatide in enhancing fracture healing. Our case suggests that Teriparatide may have a role in improving fusion rates of C2 fractures in elderly patients.

Role of microbiological culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of actinomyces in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)

We hypothesized that local infection plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Recent developments in molecular methods have revolutionized new approaches for the rapid detection of microorganisms including those difficult to culture. The aim of our study is to identify the bacterial profiles in MRONJ by microbiological culture and polymerase chain reactions (PCR). A retrospective analysis was performed on MRONJ patients from 2008 to 2014. The bacterial profile from MRONJ bone samples was determined using microbiological culture and PCR. Ninety five patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria with mean age of 69.85 ± 8.71 years. A female predilection was detected. The mandible was more commonly affected than maxilla. Tooth extraction was the frequent triggering factor. Breast cancer was the primary cause for administration and intravenous bisphosphonates were the most commonly administrated antiresorptive drugs. The majority of patients were classified as stage 2. Posterior teeth were most commonly affected. Based on bone culture results, the most common microorganism were both actinomyces and mixed flora. PCR confirmed the presence of actinomyces in 55 patients. Our data suggest that PCR might be an innovative method for detection of microorganisms difficult to culture using traditional microbiological techniques.

A new contralateral atypical femoral fracture despite sequential therapy with teriparatide and strontium ranelate

Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) are a rare association of anti-resorptive therapy for osteoporosis. Limited evidence-based management guidelines on their optimal treatment exist, with observational studies suggesting a role for teriparatide (TPTD) in AFF healing. We report a case of a 65-year-old woman with postmenopausal osteoporosis who sustained an AFF following long-term bisphosphonate therapy, and who subsequently developed a new contralateral AFF after completion of TPTD therapy and initiation of strontium ranelate (SR) treatment. The sequence of events in this case report showed that TPTD and SR did not prevent the development of a new AFF, and questions the optimal treatment of these stress fractures.

•

A patient sustained a bisphosphonate-associated atypical femoral fracture (AFF).

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A contralateral AFF occurred despite sequential therapy with teriparatide and strontium ranelate.

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The role of teriparatide in the treatment of AFF remains uncertain.

•

The use of strontium ranelate following an AFF is cautioned.

Monitoring of Cellular Changes in the Bone Marrow following PTH(1-34) Treatment of OVX Rats Using a Portable Stray-Field NMR Scanner

Osteoporosis is characterized by reduction in trabecular bone in conjunction with increased marrow cell adiposity. While these changes occur within weeks, monitoring of treatment efficacy as performed by DEXA is sensitive only to long-term changes. MRI is sensitive to bone marrow changes but is less affordable. In a recent study, we have shown that a stray-field NMR can monitor bone marrow cellular changes that are related to osteoporosis. Objectives. To demonstrate sensitivity of a low-field tabletop NMR scanner to bone marrow dynamics following hormonal treatment in rats. Methods. Two-month-old female rats (n = 36) were ovariectomized (OVX) and dosed for the ensuing 3 or 5 weeks with 20 mg/kg of PTH(1-34). Hind limbs femurs and tibiae were isolated and underwent ex vivo microradiography and histology and NMR relaxometry at 6 weeks (preventive experiment) and 11 weeks (therapeutic treatment experiment) after OVX. Results. OVX rats developed osteoporotic changes including adipogenic marrow compared to Sham and PTH treated rats. T₂ and ADC NMR relaxation coefficients were found to correlate with marrow composition. Conclusions. This study suggests that stray-field NMR, an affordable method that is sensitive to the rapid cellular changes in bone marrow, may have a clinical value in monitoring hormonal treatment for osteoporosis.

Parathyroid hormone 1-34 and skeletal anabolic action: The use of parathyroid hormone in bone formation

Intermittently administered parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-34) has been shown to promote bone formation in both human and animal studies. The hormone and its analogues stimulate both bone formation and resorption, and as such at low doses are now in clinical use for the treatment of severe osteoporosis. By varying the duration of exposure, parathyroid hormone can modulate genes leading to increased bone formation within a so-called 'anabolic window'. The osteogenic mechanisms involved are multiple, affecting the stimulation of osteoprogenitor cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes and the stem cell niche, and ultimately leading to increased osteoblast activation, reduced osteoblast apoptosis, upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, increased stem cell mobilisation, and mediation of the RANKL/OPG pathway. Ongoing investigation into their effect on bone formation through 'coupled' and 'uncoupled' mechanisms further underlines the impact of intermittent PTH on both cortical and cancellous bone. Given the principally catabolic actions of continuous PTH, this article reviews the skeletal actions of intermittent PTH 1-34 and the mechanisms underlying its effect.

CITE THIS ARTICLE

L. Osagie-Clouard, A. Sanghani, M. Coathup, T. Briggs, M. Bostrom, G. Blunn. Parathyroid hormone 1-34 and skeletal anabolic action: The use of parathyroid hormone in bone formation. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:14-21. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016-0085.R1.

Effectiveness of Teriparatide on Fracture Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose

Nowadays, the efficacy of teriparatide in treating osteoporosis was widely accepted, but the discussion about using teriparatide to enhance fracture healing hasn’t come to an agreement. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of teriparatide for fracture healing.

Methods

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase in August 2016 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which concerned the treatment of teriparatide for fracture healing.

Results

Finally, a total of 380 patients were randomly assigned in the 5 trials included in this meta-analysis. There was a significant effectiveness with regards to function improvement in patients following fracture, however, there was no significant effectiveness with regards to time of radiographic fracture healing, fracture healing rate and reduction in pain.

Conclusions

This analysis showed that administration of teriparatide following fracture lacked the effectiveness for fracture healing. Moreover, teriparatide administration had no apparent adverse effects. These results should be interpreted with caution because of some clear limitations. If we want to confirm whether teriparatide improves fracture healing, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed.

[Medication and bone metabolism: Clinical importance for fracture treatment]

INTRODUCTION

The improvement and acceleration of fracture healing has been a component of medical practice since fractures have been treated. The aim is not only to fulfill the basic principles of fracture healing, such as reduction, retention, soft tissue coverage and infection prevention but also to reduce negative influences on fracture healing and promote positive factors. Nicotine, alcohol, diabetes and malnutrition can negatively affect fracture healing and should be appropriately controlled during fracture treatment; however, it is far more difficult to develop medicinal treatment strategies that lead to improvement and acceleration of fracture healing.

AIM

This article provides an overview of pharmacological factors influencing fracture healing. In addition, substances frequently used in clinical practice will be evaluated in terms of the effects on fracture healing processes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An extensive literature search was conducted in PubMed based on thematic keywords. The selection of studies and scientific publications focused mainly on results from clinical trials in order to provide practically relevant information.

RESULTS

In this context, preclinical studies have identified several drugs that lead to the acceleration of fracture healing; however, only a very limited number of clinical trials have confirmed this positive effect. Most of these studies dealt with drugs developed for the treatment of osteoporosis, as osteoporotic fractures are common and a positive or negative influence of such drugs are of particular interest in this field. In the field of osteoporosis medication a certain degree of positive effect of parathyroid hormone 1-34 (PTH) on fracture healing has been shown in clinical trials. For other osteoporosis medications no negative influence on fracture healing in clinical settings has been reported; however, there seems to be a positive effect in terms of better implant fixation for patients receiving oral bisphosphonate therapy.

DISCUSSION

Systemic medication to improve fracture healing will not be part of the clinical routine in the foreseeable future as the available data for already approved drugs and drugs under development do not currently justify routine administration. However, the currently known data should encourage the potential of known medications to be completely exhausted in fracture healing studies as well as novel therapy options in the sense of positive effects on fracture healing in order to improve patient care.

Bone biology in the elderly: clinical importance for fracture treatment

Age-related bone impairment often leads to fragility fractures in the elderly. Although excellent surgical care is widely provided, diagnosis and treatment of the underlying bone disorder are often not kept in mind. The interplay of the three major bone cells – osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes – is normally well regulated via the secretion of messengers to control bone remodeling. Possible imbalances that might occur in the elderly are partly due to age, genetic risk factors, and adverse lifestyle factors but importantly also due to imbalances in calcium homeostasis (mostly due to vitamin D deficiency or hypochlorhydria), which have to be eliminated. Therefore, the cooperation between the trauma surgeon and the osteologist is of major importance to diagnose and treat the respective patients at risk. We propose that any patient suffering from fragility fractures is rigorously screened for osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases. This includes bone density measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, laboratory tests for calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, and bone turnover markers, as well as additional diagnostic modalities if needed. Thereby, most risk factors, including vitamin D deficiency, can be identified and treated while patients who meet the criteria for a specific therapy (i.e. antiresorptive and osteoanabolic) receive such. If local health systems succeed to manage this process of secondary fracture prevention, morbidity and mortality of fragility fractures will decline to a minimum level.

Effects of Teriparatide Compared with Risedronate on Recovery After Pertrochanteric Hip Fracture: Results of a Randomized, Active-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial at 26 Weeks

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis drugs might affect fracture-healing. We therefore studied the effects of teriparatide in comparison with risedronate on recovery after pertrochanteric hip fractures.

METHODS

The study was a randomized, multicenter, active-controlled, 78-week trial comparing teriparatide (20 μg/day) with risedronate (35 mg/week) initiated within 2 weeks after fixation of a low-trauma pertrochanteric hip fracture (AO/OTA 31-A1 or 31-A2). The main inclusion criteria were a bone mineral density T-score of ≤-2.0 and 25-OH-vitamin D of ≥9.2 ng/mL. During the first 26 weeks, patients received study medication with oral or injectable placebo plus calcium and vitamin D in a double-blinded fashion. Secondary (Timed Up-and-Go [TUG] test, hip pain, Short Form [SF]-36 health status, and safety) and exploratory (radiographic outcomes and ability to walk) 26-week end points are reported.

RESULTS

Of the 224 patients who were randomized, 171 (86 teriparatide, 85 risedronate) were included in the analysis. The mean age was 77 ± 8 years, 77% were female, and 26% had a prior history of low-trauma fracture. The teriparatide group completed the TUG test in a shorter time at 6, 12, 18, and 26 weeks (differences of -5.7, -4.4, -3.1, and -3.1 seconds, respectively; p = 0.021 for the overall difference). They also reported less pain on a visual analog scale immediately after the TUG test at 12 and 18 weeks (adjusted absolute differences of 10.6 and 11.9 mm, respectively; p < 0.05). There were no significant between-group differences in the SF-36 score, Charnley hip pain score, ability to walk, or use of walking aids during follow-up. Radiographic healing at 6, 12, and 26 weeks, mechanical failure of the implant (teriparatide, 7; risedronate, 8), loss of reduction (teriparatide, 2; risedronate, 4), and nonunion (0 cases) were not significantly different. Mild hypercalcemia and hyperuricemia were more frequent with teriparatide.

CONCLUSIONS

Teriparatide was associated with less pain and a shorter time to complete the TUG test between 6 and 26 weeks compared with risedronate. Other fracture-recovery outcomes were similar. The results should be interpreted with caution as these were secondary end points.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Bone healing in 2016

Delayed fracture healing and nonunion occurs in up to 5-10% of all fractures, and can present a challenging clinical scenario for the treating physician. Methods for the enhancement of skeletal repair may benefit patients that are at risk of, or have experienced, delayed healing or nonunion. These methods can be categorized into either physical stimulation therapies or biological therapies. Physical stimulation therapies include electrical stimulation, low-intensity pulsed ultrasonography, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Biological therapies can be further classified into local or systemic therapy based on the method of delivery. Local methods include autologous bone marrow, autologous bone graft, fibroblast growth factor-2, platelet-rich plasma, platelet-derived growth factor, and bone morphogenetic proteins. Systemic therapies include parathyroid hormone and bisphosphonates. This article reviews the current applications and supporting evidence for the use of these therapies in the enhancement of fracture healing.

Inter-trabecular bone formation: a specific mechanism for healing of cancellous bone

Background and purpose - Studies of fracture healing have mainly dealt with shaft fractures, both experimentally and clinically. In contrast, most patients have metaphyseal fractures. There is an increasing awareness that metaphyseal fractures heal partly through mechanisms specific to cancellous bone. Several new models for the study of cancellous bone healing have recently been presented. This review summarizes our current knowledge of cancellous fracture healing. Methods - We performed a review of the literature after doing a systematic literature search. Results - Cancellous bone appears to heal mainly via direct, membranous bone formation that occurs freely in the marrow, probably mostly arising from local stem cells. This mechanism appears to be specific for cancellous bone, and could be named inter-trabecular bone formation. This kind of bone formation is spatially restricted and does not extend more than a few mm outside the injured region. Usually no cartilage is seen, although external callus and cartilage formation can be induced in meta-physeal fractures by mechanical instability. Inter-trabecular bone formation seems to be less sensitive to anti-inflammatory treatment than shaft fractures. Interpretation - The unique characteristics of inter-trabecular bone formation in metaphyseal fractures can lead to differences from shaft healing regarding the effects of age, loading, or drug treatment. This casts doubt on generalizations about fracture healing based solely on shaft fracture models.

Recent Update in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bone Frailty in Patients with a Distal Radius Fracture

Distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most common upper extremity fracture in the elderly. Patients with a DRF have a two to fourfold higher risk of a subsequent fracture than those with no history of fractures, and DRFs occur on average 15 years earlier than hip fractures. Therefore, patients with a DRF offer physicians an important opportunity to diagnose and treat osteoporosis to prevent a secondary fracture. In this review, we provide recent update in the diagnosis and treatment of bone frailty in patients with a DRF.

Teriparatide as a systemic treatment for lower extremity nonunion fractures: a case series

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of teriparatide (parathyroid hormone [1-34]) on the healing of long bone nonunion fractures.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with fracture nonunion, aged 10 to 99 years who were treated with teriparatide at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia or the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania between November 2002 and January 2013. The primary endpoints were radiographic evidence of callus formation and fracture union, ability to bear weight without affected limb limp, and normal range of motion and strength.

RESULTS

Six patients aged 19 to 64 years with tibial or femoral fractures that had not healed for 3 to 36 months were treated with teriparatide 20 μg/day. Accelerated healing of fracture nonunion was confirmed in 5 of 6 patients with time to complete union of 3 to 9 months. The shortest time to recovery was observed in younger patients without comorbidities. Treatment was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Teriparatide is a promising treatment for nonunion fractures, but its response depends on associated comorbidities. The potential benefit of teriparatide as an adjunct to treat nonunion justifies randomized placebo-controlled trials to determine its efficacy and safety in broader populations.

Delayed administration of recombinant human parathyroid hormone improves early biomechanical strength in a rat rotator cuff repair model

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in intraoperative techniques, rotator cuff repairs frequently do not heal. Recombinant human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH) has been shown to improve healing at the tendon-to-bone interface in an established acute rat rotator cuff repair model. We hypothesized that administration of rhPTH beginning on postoperative day 7 would result in improved early load to failure after acute rotator cuff repair in an established rat model.

METHODS

Acute rotator cuff repairs were performed in 108 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Fifty-four rats received daily injections of rhPTH beginning on postoperative day 7 until euthanasia or a maximum of 12 weeks postoperatively. The remaining 54 rats received no injections and served as the control group. Animals were euthanized at 2 and 16 weeks postoperatively and evaluated by gross inspection, biomechanical testing, and histologic analysis.

RESULTS

At 2 weeks postoperatively, rats treated with rhPTH demonstrated significantly higher load to failure than controls (10.9 vs. 5.2 N; P = .003). No difference in load to failure was found between the 2 groups at 16 weeks postoperatively, although control repairs more frequently failed at the tendon-to-bone interface (45.5% vs. 22.7%; P = .111). Blood vessel density appeared equivalent between the 2 groups at both time points, but increased intracellular and extracellular vascular endothelial growth factor expression was noted in the rhPTH-treated group at 2 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed daily administration of rhPTH resulted in increased early load to failure and equivalent blood vessel density in an acute rotator cuff repair model.

Effects of teriparatide on cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty in patients with osteoporotic femoral neck fractures

Background

For osteoporotic femoral neck fractures, suitable bone-implant stability is critical for pain relief, early return to daily activities and reduction of complications. Teriparatide (parathyroid hormone [PTH1-34]) can improve bone-implant stability in some basic studies. However it’s use in osteoporotic femoral neck fractures treated by cementless hemiarthroplasties for the beneficial effects on bone-implant stability is sparse in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine if post-operative teriparatide administration can reduce femoral stem migration and improve early functional recovery and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

Between 2010 and 2014, patients with osteoporotic femoral neck fracture who underwent cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty were included into this retrospective cohort study. Group A included patients treated with cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty only; Group B patients had additional teriparatide. Demographic data, complications, radiographic and functional outcomes as well as health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were compared.

Results

There were 52 hips in group A (no teriparatide) and 40 hips in group B (patient who received teriparatide). The subsidence of the femoral stem tended to be significantly decreased in the teriparatide group at 6 and 12 weeks post-operatively (p = 0.003 and p = 0.008, respectively). The Harris Hip Score (HHS) increased significantly from pre-operation to 6 weeks post-operatively and thereafter up to one year in both groups. However, there were no significant differences in terms of subsequent fracture, mortality, HHS, and HRQoL between two groups during the entire study period.

Conclusions

Teriparatide significantly reduces the subsidence of the cementless femoral stem in elderly patients in the early post-operative period, but this benefit does not reflect better functional outcomes and HRQoL. Further prospective randomized large-scale cohort study is warranted for evidence-based recommendations.

Modeling and remodeling effects of intermittent administration of teriparatide (parathyroid hormone 1-34) on bone morphogenetic protein-induced bone in a rat spinal fusion model

Background

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-based tissue engineering has focused on inducing new bone efficiently. However, modeling and remodeling of BMP-induced bone have rarely been discussed. Teriparatide (parathyroid hormone [PTH] 1-34) administration initially increases markers of bone formation, followed by an increase in bone resorption markers. This unique activity would be expected to accelerate the modeling and remodeling of new BMP-induced bone.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent posterolateral spinal fusion surgery and implantation of collagen sponge containing either 50 μg recombinant human (rh)BMP-2 or saline. PTH 1-34 (60 μg/kg, 3 times/week) or saline injections were continued from preoperative week 2 week to postoperative week 12. The volume and quality of newly formed bone were monitored by in vivo micro-computed tomography and analyses of bone histomorphometry and serum bone metabolism markers were conducted at postoperative week 12.

Results

Microstructural indices of the newly formed bone were significantly improved by PTH 1-34 administration, which significantly decreased the tissue volumes of the fusion mass at postoperative week 12 compared to that at postoperative week 2. Bone histomorphometry and serum analyses showed that PTH administration significantly increased both bone formation and resorption markers. Analysis of the histomorphometry of cortical bone identified predominant periosteal bone resorption and endosteal bone formation.

Conclusions

Long-term intermittent administration of PTH 1-34 significantly accelerated the modeling and remodeling of new BMP-induced bone.

Clinical relevance

Our results suggest that the combined administration of rhBMP-2 and PTH 1-34 facilitates qualitative and quantitative improvements in bone regeneration, by accelerating bone modeling and remodeling.

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The present study found that intermittent administration of PTH 1-34 significantly decreased the TV of new rhBMP-2-induced bone, following the initial formation of a fusion mass equivalent to that of the control group.

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Bone histomorphometry demonstrated predominant bone resorption at the periosteum and bone formation at the endosteum in rats receiving PTH 1-34.

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These results indicated that PTH 1-34 supported modeling of rhBMP-2-induced bone in addition to the remodeling effect which confirmed by bone histomorphometry and serum markers.

The role of peptides in bone healing and regeneration: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Bone tissue engineering and the research surrounding peptides has expanded significantly over the last few decades. Several peptides have been shown to support and stimulate the bone healing response and have been proposed as therapeutic vehicles for clinical use. The aim of this comprehensive review is to present the clinical and experimental studies analysing the potential role of peptides for bone healing and bone regeneration.

METHODS

A systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Articles presenting peptides capable of exerting an upregulatory effect on osteoprogenitor cells and bone healing were included in the study.

RESULTS

Based on the available literature, a significant amount of experimental in vitro and in vivo evidence exists. Several peptides were found to upregulate the bone healing response in experimental models and could act as potential candidates for future clinical applications. However, from the available peptides that reached the level of clinical trials, the presented results are limited.

CONCLUSION

Further research is desirable to shed more light into the processes governing the osteoprogenitor cellular responses. With further advances in the field of biomimetic materials and scaffolds, new treatment modalities for bone repair will emerge.

Atypical femoral fractures and current management

With the rapid increase in patients receiving bisphosphonates (BPs) for treating osteoporosis, one of the clinical complications associated with its long-term use is atypical femoral fractures (AFFs). Although the absolute risk for AFFs is low and it was a consensus that AFFs were acceptable compared with the amount of osteoporotic fractures BPs have prevented, epidemiological studies have proved that BPs had a strong association with AFFs and possibly more people were going to suffer from this adverse effect with wide prescriptions of this drug. In addition, AFFs seemed to have impaired ability to heal. Thus, to understand the mechanism(s) behind AFFs is important and desirable for considering preventive measures. This article reviewed the clinical features of AFFs as well as potential underlining pathological characteristics, such as the decreased turnover rate caused by BPs that led to multiple-level alternations, e.g., changes not only at cellular and tissue levels, but also related to changes in bone micro- and macrostructure and organic/inorganic contents, leading to potentially compromised mechanical properties of cortical bone when exposed to prolonged BP therapy. Severely suppressed bone turnover may also be the underlying mechanism for impaired fracture healing in patients with AFFs. The rising concerns about the risk for AFFs in nonosteoporotic patients receiving high-dose BPs to treat cancers were also discussed. Detailed investigation will help develop potential targeted pharmacological treatments such as parathyroid hormone. In addition, potential innovative internal fixation implants were discussed with regard to dynamic and biological fixation for enhancing AFF repair.

Osseous Consolidation of an Aseptic Delayed Union of a Lower Leg Fracture after Parathyroid Hormone Therapy - A Case Report

The absence of osseous consolidation of a fracture within the normal time period is defined as delayed union or non-union. Both for the patient and from a socio-economic point of view, impaired fracture healing represents a major problem. Risk factors for a delayed fracture healing are insufficient immobilisation, poor adaptation of the fracture surfaces, interposition of soft tissue in the fracture gap, as well as circulation disturbances, metabolic disease, smoking and infections. In animal studies, a positive effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on fracture healing has been shown. PTH has a direct stimulatory effect on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In addition, it appears to influence the effect of osseous growth factors. Few cases with the empiric off-label use of PTH that showed a tendency to support delayed or non-union fractures have been published. We report about a patient with a fracture of the lower leg and no osseous consolidation after 7 months. Four Months after therapy with 20 μg teriparatide per day for 8 weeks the fracture was consolidated and the patient had regained full and pain free weight bearing capacity of the leg with no reported side effects.

Fracture healing: a consensus report from the International Osteoporosis Foundation Fracture Working Group

We used the RAND UCLA appropriateness method to decide appropriateness of use of osteoporosis medication after incident fracture and potential for fracture healing and make suggestions for trial design for clinical and preclinical research.

PURPOSE

To develop appropriateness criteria to assist in the use and study of osteoporosis medications in patients with recent fracture and in the potential use of osteoporosis medications to enhance delayed fracture healing. To promote further research by suggesting preclinical and clinical trial design for studies where fracture healing is the endpoint.

DESIGN

RAND/UCLA appropriateness method (RUAM).

PARTICIPANTS

A panel of experts, both members and non-members of the International Osteoporosis Foundation Fracture Working Group, were identified consisting of geriatricians, rheumatologists, orthopedists, endocrinologists, and internists. This resulted in a round 1 panel of 15 panelists, round 2 panel of 15 members, and a round 3 panel of 14 members.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Agreement on statements and scenarios using RUAM. Three rounds of voting by panelists took place. Agreement in a third round was reached for 111 statements and scenarios, measured by median panel ratings and the amount of dispersion of panel ratings, based on the interpercentile range.

RESULTS

An expert panel validated a set of statements and scenarios about the use of osteoporosis medications after incident fracture and use of these medications to enhance delayed fracture healing and made recommendations for study designs to investigate the effect of osteoporosis medications on fracture healing.

CONCLUSIONS

The result of this exercise is intended to assist in improving patient care by identifying the appropriateness of use of osteoporosis medications after fracture and in fracture healing and to make suggestions for further preclinical and clinical research.

Stress Fractures of the Foot

Stress fractures of the foot and ankle may be more common among athletes than previously reported. A low threshold for investigation is warranted and further imaging may be appropriate if initial radiographs remain inconclusive. Most of these fractures can be treated conservatively with a period of non-weight-bearing mobilization followed by gradual return to activity. Early surgery augmented by bone graft may allow athletes to return to sports earlier. Risk of delayed union, nonunion, and recurrent fracture is high. Many of the patients may also have risk factors for injury that should be modified for a successful outcome.

The Effect of Teriparatide on Fracture Healing of Osteoporotic Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose. This meta-analysis is to assess the effectiveness of teriparatide in fracture healing and clinical function improvement of the osteoporotic patients. Methods. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane databases for randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing teriparatide to placebo, no treatment, or comparator interventions in the osteoporotic patients. Results. Five studies with 251 patients were included. Patients treated with teriparatide therapy had a significant shorter radiological fracture healing time compared with those in the control group (mean difference [MD] −4.54 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] −8.80 to −0.28). Stratified analysis showed that lower limb group had significant shorter healing time (MD −6.24 days, 95% CI −7.20 to −5.29), but upper limb group did not (MD −1 days, 95% CI −2.02 to 0.2). Patients treated with teriparatide therapy showed better functional outcome than those in the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] −1.02, 95% CI −1.81 to −0.22). Patients with therapy duration over 4 weeks would have better functional outcome (SMD −1.68, 95% CI −2.07 to −1.29). Conclusions. Teriparatide is effective in accelerating fracture healing and improving functional outcome of osteoporotic women. However, more clinical studies are warranted in order to determine whether the results are applicable to males and the clinical indications for teriparatide after osteoporotic fractures.

An Examination of Differences in the New Bone Formation Promoted by Different Doses of Recombinant Human Parathyroid Hormone during Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis

BACKGROUND

The administration of different doses of parathyroid hormone to promote mandibular distraction osteogenesis remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of recombinant human parathyroid hormone on new bone formation during mandibular distraction osteogenesis and to investigate the dose-effect relationship associated with this phenomenon.

METHODS

A total of 45 rabbits were used to establish the mandibular distraction osteogenesis model. The rabbits were divided into a control group (that received a subcutaneous injection of 1 ml of saline every other day) and experimental groups A, B, C, and D (that received subcutaneous injections of 10, 20, 30, and 40 μg/kg of recombinant human parathyroid hormone, respectively, every other day). On days 1, 7, and 14 of the consolidation period after the distraction had been completed, new bone in the distraction region was examined through histomorphometric investigation and bone mineral density testing.

RESULTS

On days 1, 7, and 14 of the fixation period, the number of osteoblasts, trabecular bone area, and bone mineral density were greater in each experimental group than in the control group. On day 1 of the consolidation period, group C featured the highest average number of osteoblasts. On day 14 of the consolidation period, group C exhibited the highest bone mineral densities and largest trabecular bone areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Intermittent subcutaneous injections of recombinant human parathyroid hormone can promote new bone formation during mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Different doses of recombinant human parathyroid hormone promoted mandibular distraction osteogenesis to differing extents.

A Computational Approximation to Model Variation in Cancellous Bone Screw Pull-Out

Cancellous bone screws are used to achieve good pull-out characteristics when connected to cancellous bone. This study examines some screw characteristics, including pitch and inner diameter, using a model of cancellous bone with a range of bone apparent densities (ADs). This was achieved using bone geometry based on microCT-scanned cancellous bone and converted into a geometric model using mimics® software. The finite element (FE) models were produced in ansys®. The calculated reaction force for pull-out of 0.2 mm shows the influence of design parameters. Change in the proximal half angle increased the stiffness by about 15% in line with the experimental findings of others. An increase in pull-out reaction force with an increase in bone AD was also observed. However, when a particular screw geometry in lower AD bone was modeled and then rotated through 180 deg on plan, a significant reduction in reaction force was noted. Further models with screws of similar geometry in the same location showed similar reductions in reaction force and hence pull-out stiffness. Examination of the geometry of the bone/screw interface indicates that in certain positions there is little cancellous bone to support the implant—leading to low pull-out reaction forces, which is very difficult to predict. The study also examined the effect of increasing the bone stiffness adjacent to the implant, and concluded that, even in bone of low AD, increases in pull-out stiffness might be achieved.

Short-term effects of teriparatide versus placebo on bone biomarkers, structure, and fracture healing in women with lower-extremity stress fractures: A pilot study

AIMS

In this pilot, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated whether brief administration of teriparatide (TPTD) in premenopausal women with lower-extremity stress fractures would increase markers of bone formation in advance of bone resorption, improve bone structure, and hasten fracture healing according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

Premenopausal women with acute lower-extremity stress fractures were randomized to injection of TPTD 20-µg subcutaneous (s.c.) (n = 6) or placebo s.c. (n = 7) for 8 weeks. Biomarkers for bone formation N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP) and osteocalcin (OC) and resorption collagen type-1 cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX) and collagen type 1 cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX) were measured at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. The area between the percent change of P1NP and CTX over study duration is defined as the anabolic window. To assess structural changes, peripheral quantitative computed topography (pQCT) was measured at baseline, 8 and 12 weeks at the unaffected tibia and distal radius. The MRI of the affected bone assessed stress fracture healing at baseline and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

After 8 weeks of treatment, bone biomarkers P1NP and OC increased more in the TPTD- versus placebo-treated group (both p ≤ 0.01), resulting in a marked anabolic window (p ≤ 0.05). Results from pQCT demonstrated that TPTD-treated women showed a larger cortical area and thickness compared to placebo at the weight bearing tibial site, while placebo-treated women had a greater total tibia and cortical density. No changes at the radial sites were observed between groups. According to MRI, 83.3% of the TPTD- and 57.1% of the placebo-treated group had improved or healed stress fractures (p = 0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized, pilot study, brief administration of TPTD showed anabolic effects that TPTD may help hasten fracture healing in premenopausal women with lower-extremity stress fractures. Larger prospective studies are warranted to determine the effects of TPTD treatment on stress fracture healing in premenopausal women.

Does Teriparatide Improve Femoral Neck Fracture Healing: Results From A Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

There is a medical need for therapies that improve hip fracture healing. Teriparatide (Forteo(®)/ Forsteo(®), recombinant human parathyroid hormone) is a bone anabolic drug that is approved for treatment of osteoporosis and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women at high fracture risk. Preclinical and preliminary clinical data also suggest that teriparatide may enhance bone healing.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We wished to test the hypotheses that treatment with teriparatide versus placebo would improve femoral neck fracture healing after internal fixation as measured by (1) frequency of revision surgery, (2) radiographic fracture healing, and (3) other outcomes including pain control, gait speed, and safety.

METHODS

We initiated two separate, but identically designed, clinical trials to meet FDA requirements to provide substantial evidence to support approval of a new indication. The two prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III studies were designed to evaluate the effect of subcutaneous teriparatide (20 μg/day) for 6 months versus placebo on fracture healing at 24 months. The trials were conducted concurrently with a planned enrollment of 1220 patients per trial. However, enrollment was stopped owing to very slow patient accrual, and an a priori decision was made to pool the results of those studies for statistical analyses before study completion; pooling was specified in both protocols. Randomization was stratified by fixation (sliding hip screw or multiple cancellous screws) and fracture type (displaced or nondisplaced). An independent Central Adjudication Committee reviewed revision surgical procedures and radiographs. A total of 159 patients were randomized in the two trials (81 placebo, 78 teriparatide). The combined program had very low power to detect the originally expected treatment effect but had approximately 80% power to detect a larger difference of 12% between treatment groups for risk of revision surgery.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients undergoing revision surgery at 12 months was 14% (11 of 81) in the placebo group versus 17% (13 of 78) in the teriparatide group. Central Adjudication Committee review excluded two of these patients treated with placebo from the primary analysis. After exclusions, the proportion of patients who did not undergo revision surgery at 12 months (primary endpoint) was not different between the study and placebo groups, at 88% in the placebo group (90% CI, 0.79-0.93) versus 84% in the teriparatide group (90% CI, 0.75-0.90; p = 0.743). There also were no differences between groups in the proportion of patients achieving radiographic fracture healing at 12 months (75% [61 of 81] placebo versus 73% [57 of 78] teriparatide; odds ratio, 0.89; 90% CI, 0.46-1.72; p = 0.692) or in measures of pain control (such as pain during ambulation, 92% [55 of 62] placebo versus 91% [52 of 57] teriparatide; odds ratio, 0.91; 90% CI, 0.25-3.37; p = 0.681). The frequency of patients reporting adverse events was 49% [40 of 81] in the placebo group versus 45% [35 of 78] in the teriparatide group (p = 0.634) during the 6-month treatment period.

CONCLUSIONS

The small sample size limited this study's power to detect potential differences, and the results are exploratory. With the patients available, teriparatide did not decrease the risk of revision surgery, improve radiographic signs of fracture healing, or decrease pain compared with the placebo. The adverse event data observed were consistent with the teriparatide safety profile. Functional and health outcome data from the studies may help improve our understanding of patients recovering from femoral neck fractures. Further large controlled studies are required to determine the effect of teriparatide on fracture healing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prospective study.

Teriparatide Improves Fracture Healing and Early Functional Recovery in Treatment of Osteoporotic Intertrochanteric Fractures

Osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures result in serious health problems and decrease health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Faster time-to-union is important for early return to daily activities and reduction of complications. Teriparatide has been shown to accelerate fracture healing, but the literature is sparse on this topic. The aim of this study is to assess whether teriparatide accelerates fracture healing.Between 2008 and 2014, patients with osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures who underwent surgical interventions were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Group 1 included patients who were not on any osteoporosis medication prior to fracture and who postoperatively received only calcium and vitamin D; patients in Group 2 were not on any osteoporosis medication prior to fracture, and received teriparatide and calcium and vitamin D postoperatively. Patients in Group 3 were those who were on alendronate prior to fracture and postfracture received teriparatide as well as calcium and vitamin D. Demographics, time-to-union, HRQoL (short-form health survey [SF]-12 physical component summary [PCS] and SF-12 mental component summary [MCS]), morbidities, mortalities, and radiographic and functional outcomes between groups were compared.A total of 189 patients were enrolled in this study. There were 83 patients in Group 1, 47 patients in Group 2, and 59 patients in Group 3. A significantly shorter time-to-union was found in the teriparatide-treated groups (mean, 13.6, 12.3, and 10.6 weeks, respectively [P = 0.002]). With regard to SF-12 PCS, the scores were significantly better in teriparatide-treated groups at 3 months (mean, 19, 28, and 29, respectively [P = 0.002]) and 6 months (mean, 28, 37, and 38, respectively [P = 0.008]). Similar inter-group differences were noted when comparing the pain scores, the ability to get around the house, the ability to get out of the house, and the ability to go shopping at 3 and 6 months. Complications and mortality were also markedly reduced in the teriparatide-treated groups.Postoperative use of teriparatide for 6 months appears to be an effective adjunct therapy in the treatment of patients with osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures. However, because of the limited power of the study, a prospective, randomized, large-scale cohort study is still required for determining the efficacy of teriparatide.

The importance of assessing the rate of bone turnover and the balance between bone formation and bone resorption during daily teriparatide administration for osteoporosis: a pilot study

This study aimed to examine the importance of simultaneously measuring bone formation and resorption markers during daily teriparatide administration. In 135 women with osteoporosis, bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at 0, 24, and 48 weeks after teriparatide administration. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b were measured at 0, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks. Subanalyses were performed in groups divided according to the BMD change at 48 weeks (increased and decreased groups), history of fragility fracture (acute and chronic groups), and treatment prior to teriparatide administration (alendronate, raloxifene, and naïve groups). The scatter diagram of multiple of median formation (MoMf) and multiple of median resorption (MoMr) showed that the distribution gradually spread to a high turnover by week 24. A significant correlation was observed between the rate of change in BMD at week 48 and the turnover rate [√(MoMf(2) + MoMr(2))] at week 0. Significant differences were observed in the turnover rate between the acute and chronic groups at weeks 0 and 4 and between the groups divided according to prior treatment from week 0 to 24. Because the assessment of either bone formation markers or bone resorption markers may result in erroneous data, it is necessary to assess them together during teriparatide treatment. The turnover rate at treatment initiation is a useful indicator to predict changes in BMD. When evaluating the turnover rate and balance (MoMf/MoMr), one should consider patient characteristics, including history of fragility fracture and prior treatment.

Effect of osteoporosis medications on fracture healing

Antiosteoporotic medications are often used to concurrently treat a patient's fragility fractures and underlying osteoporosis. This review evaluates the existing literature from animal and clinical models to determine these drugs' effects on fracture healing. The data suggest that these medications may enhance bone healing, yet more thorough prospective studies are warranted. Pharmacologic agents that influence bone remodeling are an essential component of osteoporosis management. Because many patients are first diagnosed with osteoporosis when presenting with a fragility fracture, it is critical to understand how osteoporotic medications influence fracture healing. Vitamin D and its analogs are essential for the mineralization of the callus and may also play a role in callus formation and remodeling that enhances biomechanical strength. In animal models, antiresorptive medications, including bisphosphonates, denosumab, calcitonin, estrogen, and raloxifene, do not impede endochondral fracture healing but may delay repair due to impaired remodeling. Although bisphosphonates and denosumab delay callus remodeling, they increase callus volume and result in unaltered biomechanical properties. Calcitonin increases cartilage formation and callus maturation, resulting in improved biomechanical properties. Parathyroid hormone, an anabolic agent, has demonstrated promise in animal models, resulting in accelerated healing with increased callus volume and density, more rapid remodeling to mature bone, and improved biomechanical properties. Clinical data with parathyroid hormone have demonstrated enhanced healing in distal radius and pelvic fractures as well as postoperatively following spine surgery. Strontium ranelate, which may have both antiresorptive and anabolic properties, affects fracture healing differently in normal and osteoporotic bone. While there is no effect in normal bone, in osteoporotic bone, strontium ranelate increases callus bone formation, maturity, and mineralization; forms greater and denser trabeculae; and improves biomechanical properties. Further clinical studies with these medications are needed to fully understand their effects on fracture healing in order to simultaneously treat fragility fractures and underlying osteoporosis.

Systemic Treatment with Strontium Ranelate Does Not Influence the Healing of Femoral Mid-shaft Defects in Rats

Strontium ranelate (SrR) has both bone anabolic and anti-resorption properties and has therefore the potential to increase the healing of bone defects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of systemic treatment with SrR during the healing of cortical bone defects in rats. In addition, the vertebral bodies were examined in order to elucidate the effect of short-term treatment with SrR on intact trabecular bone. Sixty 16-week-old female Wistar rats were randomized into four groups. A cylindrical defect was drilled through the anterior cortex of the mid-femoral diaphysis in both hind limbs. Two of the groups were treated with SrR (900 mg/kg b.w.) mixed into the food and two groups served as controls. The animals were euthanized after either 3 or 8 weeks of treatment. Healing of the defects was analyzed with µCT, mechanical testing, and stereology. Treatment with SrR resulted in increased thickness of the defects after 3 weeks of treatment, whereas no effect on bone volume fraction (BV/TV), mechanical properties (maximum strength and maximum stiffness), periosteal callus volume, or osteoclast-covered bone surfaces (Oc.S/BS) after either 3 or 8 weeks of treatment was found. Furthermore, SrR increased the bone material density (ρ) of the vertebral bodies, and tended to increase BV/TV after 8 weeks of treatment (p = 0.087). The mechanical properties of the vertebral bodies were not influenced by SrR treatment. In conclusion, 3 weeks of treatment with SrR increased the thickness of the healing mid-femoral cortical bone defects in rats, but did not influence BV/TV, mechanical properties, periosteal callus volume, or Oc.S/BS after either 3 or 8 weeks. Furthermore, SrR had no effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the vertebral bodies.

PTH 1-34 (teriparatide) may not improve healing in proximal humerus fractures. A randomized, controlled study of 40 patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is solid evidence from animal experiments that parathyroid hormone (PTH) improves fracture healing. So far, only 3 papers on PTH and fracture repair in humans have been published. They suggest that PTH may enhance fracture healing, but the results do not appear to justify specific clinical recommendations. This study was carried out to determine whether teriparatide enhances fracture healing of proximal humerus fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

40 post-menopausal women with a proximal humerus fracture were randomized to either daily injections with 20 µg teriparatide (PTH 1-34 (Forteo)) for 4 weeks or control treatment. At randomization, the patients were asked to assess how their pain at rest and during activity (visual analog scale (VAS)) and also function (DASH score) had been prior to the fracture. At 7 weeks and again at 3 months, their current state was assessed and the tests were repeated, including radiographs. 2 radiologists performed a blind qualitative scoring of the callus at 7 weeks. Callus formation was arbitrarily classified as "normal" or "better".

RESULTS

39 patients completed the follow-up. The radiographic assessment showed a correct correlation, "better" in the teriparatide group and "normal" in the control group, in 21 of the 39 cases. There were no statistically significant differences in pain, in use of strong analgesics, or in function between the groups at the follow-up examinations.

INTERPRETATION

There were no radiographic signs of enhanced healing or improved clinical results in the group treated with teriparatide.