Hip protectors are cost-effective in the prevention of hip fractures in patients with high fracture risk

Preliminary exploration of finite element biomechanical preoperative planning for complex tibial plateau fractures

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes, biomechanical performance, and cost-effectiveness of finite element planning (FEP) with those of traditional (Trad) methods in the treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures in middle-aged and elderly patients to ultimately optimize treatment protocols, improve surgical efficiency, and reduce the economic burden on patients. Sixteen patients with complex tibial plateau fractures were randomly divided into FEP and Trad groups, with eight patients in each group. The FEP group underwent preoperative finite element analysis for personalized surgical planning and dual-plate fixation; the Trad group participated in traditional preoperative discussions and underwent a multi-plate fixation. Perioperative and postoperative indicators were collected from both groups, and the stress distribution and displacement under different internal fixation modes were evaluated using finite element analysis. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to compare the total costs of internal fixation and hospitalization. The surgical times were significantly shorter in the FEP group than in the Trad group (170.00 ± 59.52 vs. 240.00 ± 59.04 min, p = 0.033), and patients in the Trad group had shorter times to ambulation (12.88 ± 0.99 vs. 14.25 ± 1.49 days, p = 0.047). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of postoperative orthopaedic scores, mobility indices, fracture healing times, or radiological indicators. Biomechanical analysis revealed that the multiplate fixation mode provided a more uniform stress distribution, but this difference was not statistically significant. In the FEP group, the total costs of internal fixation (4772.25 ± 217.31 vs. 8991.88 ± 2811.25 yuan, p = 0.004) and hospitalization (34796.75 ± 9749.19 vs. 65405.14 ± 28684.80 yuan, p = 0.013) were significantly lower. While ensuring clinical effectiveness, FEP demonstrated greater cost-effectiveness by shortening the surgery time and reducing internal fixation costs. Although the multiplate fixation mode was biomechanically superior to the dual-plate mode, it did not result in significant clinical advantages and was more costly. FEP improves the economic efficiency of treatment for complex tibial plateau fractures in middle-aged and elderly patients and is recommended. This study has certain limitations, such as a small sample size and a short follow-up period. Thus, larger-scale studies with longer-term follow-up data are needed to further validate these findings and explore whether all patient populations can benefit from these practices or if the benefits are limited to specific groups, such as elderly patients or those with certain types of fractures.

Who breaks their hip? A decade of traumatic hip fracture data

Aims & objectives

Hip fractures lead to significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, particularly in elderly populations. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these fractures is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies and counseling patients.

Methods

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was utilized to identify a cohort of 25,068 hip fractures from 2013 to 2022. The inclusion criteria mandated classification as a lower trunk fracture and explicit mention of hip fracture in the narrative. Patient age, race, sex, incident location, the time of year, and associated consumer products were compared using 95% confidence intervals and Chi-Squared tests of independence.

Results

A total of 25,068 hip fracture patients were included in this study. Females were more likely to fracture their hip (P < .001) representing 68.4% (95% CI 67.8%-69.0%) of all fractures. Patients were most likely to injure themselves at home (P < .001), accounting for 62.0 % (95% CI 61.4%-62.6%) of fractures. Falls to the floor represented 36.0 % (95% CI 35.4%-36.6%) of fractures, while fractures related to beds, stairs, and chairs emerged as other prevalent mechanisms at 11.2% (95% CI 10.8%-11.6%), 7.9% (95% CI 7.5%-8.2%), and 5.4% (95% CI 5.1%-5.7%), respectively. In the 50-60 age group, stairs present a prominent risk, representing 12.4% (95% CI 10.6%-14.5%) of fractures. Younger individuals suffered fractures most commonly due to high energy activities, such as falls from ladders, bicycles, and stairs (P < .001).

Conclusion

While falls remain the chief cause of hip fractures, many of these injuries stem from overlooked mechanisms. The heightened risk associated with falls from beds and chairs in the elderly, stair-related injuries in middle-aged individuals, and high-force modalities in younger people, highlights the necessity for tailored preventive measures. Providers should counsel their patients on risk reduction measures within the home, while Medicare and other insurers must work to expand coverage for these same measures.

Vitamin D and hip protectors in osteosarcopenia: a combined hip fracture preventing approach

Osteosarcopenia is an emerging clinical condition highly prevalent in the older people. Affected subjects due to their intrinsic skeletal fragility and propensity to falls are at elevated risk of hip fractures which can increase morbidity and mortality. Strategies for attenuating the impact of predisposing factors on hip fractures are not yet well defined and should derive from multidisciplinary care and collaborations. Our aim was to narratively review available data on the preventive role of vitamin D and hip protectors on hip fractures in older patients with sarcopenia. Older subjects are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency and of falls due to several concomitant factors besides osteosarcopenia. Vitamin D protective actions against hip fractures may be mediated by both skeletal (increased mineralization) and extra-skeletal (reduced risk of falls) actions. Hip protectors may act downstream attenuating the effects of falls although their use is still not yet enough widespread due to the suboptimal compliance obtained by traditional hard devices. Concomitant use of vitamin D and hip protectors may represent an effective strategy in the prevention of hip fractures which need to be tested in ad hoc designed clinical trials.

How accurately do finite element models predict the fall impact response of ex vivo specimens augmented by prophylactic intramedullary nailing?

Hip fracture prevention approaches like prophylactic augmentation devices have been proposed to strengthen the femur and prevent hip fracture in a fall scenario. The aim of this study was to validate the finite element model (FEM) of specimens augmented by prophylactic intramedullary nailing in a simulated sideways fall impact against ex vivo experimental data. A dynamic inertia-driven sideways fall simulator was used to test six cadaveric specimens (3 females, 3 males, age 63-83 years) prophylactically implanted with an intramedullary nailing system used to augment the femur. Impact force measurements, pelvic deformation, effective pelvic stiffness, and fracture outcomes were compared between the ex vivo experiments and the FEMs. The FEMs over-predicted the effective pelvic stiffness for most specimens and showed variability in terms of under- and over-predicting peak impact force and pelvis compression depending on the specimen. A significant correlation was found for time to peak impact force when comparing ex vivo and FEM data. No femoral fractures were found in the ex vivo experiments, but two specimens sustained pelvic fractures. These two pelvis fractures were correctly identified by the FEMs, but the FEMs made three additional false-positive fracture identifications. These validation results highlight current limitations of these sideways fall impact models specific to the inclusion of an orthopaedic implant. These FEMs present a conservative strategy for fracture prediction in future applications. Further evaluation of the modelling approaches used for the bone-implant interface is recommended for modelling augmented specimens, alongside the importance of maintaining well-controlled experimental conditions.

Rehabilitative good clinical practice in the treatment of osteoporosis: a comprehensive review of clinical evidences

PURPOSE

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are essential for guiding rehabilitation interventions. However, CPGs specifically addressing rehabilitation for osteoporosis patients remain scarce in the literature. This review aims to present, compare, and summarize recent guidelines and evidence, highlighting best practices in osteoporosis rehabilitation management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 19 guidelines were identified following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Three independent appraisers assessed the quality of each CPG using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation version II (AGREE II) instrument. Standardized domain and overall quality scores were calculated, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess the level of agreement among the appraisers.

RESULTS

Agreement among appraisers for AGREE II scores ranged from moderate to very good (ICC = 0.60 to 0.90). The quality of the included CPGs varied significantly, with AGREE sub-scores ranging from 48.25% to 75.73%. The Level of Evidence (LoE) and Grade of Recommendation (GoR) differed across the guidelines included in this review. Information on exercise types, intensity, frequency, duration, and contraindications were inconsistent among CPGs.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations regarding exercise parameters were often vague and inconsistent between CPGs, necessitating critical evaluation by healthcare providers when making clinical decisions.

Treating osteoporosis in patients with atypical femoral fracture

Patients who have suffered an atypical femoral fracture while on bisphosphonates or denosumab may continue to be at risk for typical osteoporotic fractures. There are no studies to provide guidance on safe treatment for such patients. Instead, using an illustrative case, 5 principles of management are provided that may lead to decreased osteoporotic fracture risk. The first principle is to discontinue the anti-resorptive medications, which may be challenging for the patient on denosumab because of rebound vertebral fractures reported in patients stopping denosumab. The second principle is to maximize non-pharmacologic management to reduce falls and fractures. Home safety, other methods of fall risk reduction, adequate nutrition, and an exercise prescription should help reduce fracture risk. Investigating potential secondary causes of osteoporosis, particularly if the original workup was not comprehensive, is the third principle because treatment of some specific causes may lower fracture risk. Reviewing the medication list is the fourth principle, with the goal of eliminating drugs that may increase fracture risk, and considering thiazides for some patients, which may lower fracture risk. Finally, some patients may benefit from anabolic therapy. One potential (but not FDA-approved) method is to use long-term cyclic teriparatide or abaloparatide on a 3-mo on, 3-mo off schedule. Tailoring the approach to each patient is important, based on the 5 clinical principles, in the absence of evidence-based management recommendations.

In Silico clinical trial to predict the efficacy of hip protectors for preventing hip fractures

Osteoporosis is characterized by loss of bone mineral density and increased fracture risk. Reduction of hip fracture incidence is of major clinical importance. Hip protectors aim to attenuate the impact force transmitted to the femur upon falling, however different conclusions on their efficacy have been reported; some authors suggest this may be due to differences in compliance. The aim of this study was to apply an In Silico trial methodology to predict the effectiveness of hip protectors and its dependence on compliance. A cohort of 1044 virtual patients (Finite Element models of proximal femur) were generated. A Markov chain process was implemented to predict fracture incidence with and without hip protectors, by simulating different levels of compliance. At each simulated follow-up year, a Poisson distribution was randomly sampled to determine the number of falls sustained by each patient. Impact direction and force were stochastically sampled from a range of possible scenarios. The effect of wearing a hip protector was simulated by applying attenuation coefficients to the impact force (12.9 %, 19 % and 33.8 %, as reported for available devices). A patient was considered fractured when impact force exceeded the femur strength. Without hip protector, virtual patients experienced 66 ± 5 fractures in 10 years. Wearing the three devices, fracture incidence was reduced to 43 ± 4, 35 ± 4 and 17 ± 2 respectively, at full compliance. As expected, effectiveness was dependent on compliance. This In Silico trial technology can be applied in the future to test multiple interventions, optimise intervention strategies, improve clinical trial design and drug development.

Diagnosis and Management of Osteoporosis: A Comprehensive Review of Guidelines

Importance

Osteoporosis causes increased morbidity and mortality, and thus poses a significant economic burden to the health systems worldwide.

Objective

The aim of this study was to review and compare the most recently published major guidelines on diagnosis and management of this common medical entity.

Evidence Acquisition

A thorough comparative review of the most influential guidelines from the RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners), the ESCEO-IOF (European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis-International Osteoporosis Foundation), the NOGG (National Osteoporosis Guideline Group), the NAMS (North American Menopause Society), the ES (Endocrine Society), and the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) was conducted.

Results

The reviewed guidelines generally agree on the definition, the criteria, and investigations used to diagnose osteoporosis. They also concur regarding the risk factors for osteoporosis and the suggested lifestyle modifications (calcium and vitamin D intake, normal body weight, reduction of alcohol consumption, and smoking cessation). However, there is lack of consensus on indications for fracture risk assessment in the general population and the exact indications for bone mineral density assessment. Referral to a bone specialist is reserved for complex cases of osteoporosis (NOGG, NAMS, and ACOG) or in case of inadequate access to care (RACGP). The use of hip protectors to reduce the risk of fractures is supported by RACGP, NOGG, and NAMS, solely for high-risk elderly patients in residential care settings. All guidelines reviewed recognize the efficacy of the pharmacologic agents (ie, bisphosphonates, denosumab, hormone therapy, and parathyroid hormone analogs). Nonetheless, recommendations regarding monitoring of pharmacotherapy differ, primarily in the case of bisphosphonates. The proposed intervals of repeat bone mineral density testing after initiation of drug therapy are set at 2 years (RACGP), 1-3 years (NAMS, ES, and ACOG), or 3-5 years (ESCEO-IOF and NOGG). All guidelines agree upon the restricted use of bone turnover markers only in bone specialist centers for treatment monitoring purposes. Finally, the definition of treatment failure varies among the reviewed guidelines.

Conclusions

Osteoporosis is a distressing condition for women, mainly those of postmenopausal age. Thus, it seems of paramount importance to develop consistent international practice protocols for more cost-effective diagnostic and management techniques, in order to improve women's quality of life.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of surgical proximal femur fracture prevention in elderly: a Markov cohort simulation model

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are a common and costly health problem, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality, as well as high costs for healthcare systems, especially for the elderly. Implementing surgical preventive strategies has the potential to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden on healthcare resources, particularly in the long term. However, there are currently limited guidelines for standardizing hip fracture prophylaxis practices.

METHODS

This study used a cost-effectiveness analysis with a finite-state Markov model and cohort simulation to evaluate the primary and secondary surgical prevention of hip fractures in the elderly. Patients aged 60 to 90 years were simulated in two different models (A and B) to assess prevention at different levels. Model A assumed prophylaxis was performed during the fracture operation on the contralateral side, while Model B included individuals with high fracture risk factors. Costs were obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and transition probabilities and health state utilities were derived from available literature. The baseline assumption was a 10% reduction in fracture risk after prophylaxis. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to assess the reliability and variability of the results.

RESULTS

With a 10% fracture risk reduction, model A costs between $8,850 and $46,940 per quality-adjusted life-year ($/QALY). Additionally, it proved most cost-effective in the age range between 61 and 81 years. The sensitivity analysis established that a reduction of ≥ 2.8% is needed for prophylaxis to be definitely cost-effective. The cost-effectiveness at the secondary prevention level was most sensitive to the cost of the contralateral side's prophylaxis, the patient's age, and fracture treatment cost. For high-risk patients with no fracture history, the cost-effectiveness of a preventive strategy depends on their risk profile. In the baseline analysis, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio at the primary prevention level varied between $11,000/QALY and $74,000/QALY, which is below the defined willingness to pay threshold.

CONCLUSION

Due to the high cost of hip fracture treatment and its increased morbidity, surgical prophylaxis strategies have demonstrated that they can significantly relieve the healthcare system. Various key assumptions facilitated the modeling, allowing for adequate room for uncertainty. Further research is needed to evaluate health-state-associated risks.

Optimization of the Impact Attenuation Capability of Three-Dimensional Printed Hip Protector Produced by Fused Deposition Modeling Using Response Surface Methodology

Fused deposition modeling has provided a cheap and effective method for the rapid production of prototypes and functional products in many spheres of life. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques to produce and optimize a hip protector that will assure clinical efficacy are presented. The I-Optimal design was used to optimize the hip protector's significant parameters (infill density, shell thickness, and material shore hardness) to obtain maximum femoral neck force attenuation of the 3D-printed hip protector. A drop impact tower device simulates the impact force at the hip's parasagittal plane during a fall. The results show that the infill density has the most significant influence on attenuation properties, followed by the infill density combined with the material shore hardness. By maximizing all the parameters, it is demonstrated that using an additive manufacturing technique to print hip protectors could be an effective strategy in curbing hip fractures.

Effect of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery on the Prognosis of Patients With Hip Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures, predominantly occurring in the elderly, are a significant public health concern due to associated morbidity, disability, and mortality. Prolonged bed rest following the fracture often leads to complications, further threatening patient health. Enhanced recovery after surgery, a modern approach to postoperative care, is being explored for its potential to improve outcomes and quality of life in hip fracture patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the impact of enhanced recovery after surgery on hip fracture patients.

METHODS

In this systematic review, we addressed the PICO question: Does the enhanced recovery after surgery program reduce 1-year mortality, readmissions, and postoperative pain and improve Harris Hip Score compared with traditional care in elderly hip fracture patients? We searched key databases and gray literature and analyzed outcomes through a meta-analysis using RevMan, Stata, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for quality assessment.

RESULTS

Nine studies involving 10,359 patients were included. Compared with the control group, the enhanced recovery after surgery group showed significant reduction in length of stay (mean difference [MD] = -2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-2.87, -1.14]; p < .0001) and overall complication rate (risk ratio [RR] = 0.76; 95% CI [0.67, 0.85]; p < .0001), with a lower delirium rate (RR = 0.42; 95% CI [0.26, 0.68]; p = .004). No significant differences were observed in Harris Hip Score, pain score, 1-year mortality, readmission rate, or incidences of urinary tract infection, respiratory tract infection, and deep vein thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

Enhanced recovery after surgery is associated with reduced length of stay, complication rate, and delirium rate in hip fracture patients.

Hormones and Aging: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement

Multiple changes occur across various endocrine systems as an individual ages. The understanding of the factors that cause age-related changes and how they should be managed clinically is evolving. This statement reviews the current state of research in the growth hormone, adrenal, ovarian, testicular, and thyroid axes, as well as in osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, type 2 diabetes, and water metabolism, with a specific focus on older individuals. Each section describes the natural history and observational data in older individuals, available therapies, clinical trial data on efficacy and safety in older individuals, key points, and scientific gaps. The goal of this statement is to inform future research that refines prevention and treatment strategies in age-associated endocrine conditions, with the goal of improving the health of older individuals.

Compliance study of hip protector users for prevention of fragility fracture: A pilot randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Hip protectors have been widely used for hip fracture prevention in the elderly, but its efficacy remains controversial. Users' compliance to hip protector is an important factor for its efficacy. However, the assessment of users' compliance tended to be subjective and unreliable in the past.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the elderly's compliance to hip protectors and investigate the effect of different underpant designs on the elderly's compliance.

STUDY DESIGN

A pilot randomized trial.

METHODS

Thirty-one participants were recruited and provided with hip protectors in which compliance monitors were installed and delivered with three pairs of either the conventional underpants or the purpose-design underpants randomly. Participants were encouraged to use the hip protectors with the assigned underpants for whole day. After 4 weeks, compliance data were downloaded from the compliance monitors. Participants were also asked to fill a survey form for acceptance analysis. The Spearman correlation coefficient and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test/2 independent samples t test/Mann-Whitney U test were used for the corresponding statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Thirty-one participants were recruited initially. Eighteen participants were excluded from instrumented compliance analysis because of limited or no data collection. The data of the resting 13 participants (six in the conventional underpants group and seven in purpose-design underpants group) were analyzed and showed an average instrumented compliance of 77.5% which was lower than the average self-reporting compliance (83.3%) of all the available 23 participants (eight of 31 became wheelchair-bounded). Participants' compliance was positively correlated with their acceptance to the hip protectors and significantly higher in the purpose-design underpants group than in the conventional underpants group ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study demonstrated a feasible protocol for compliance quantification of the elderly to the hip protectors, the importance to have an objective compliance measure to assess users' actual compliance, and purpose-design underpants could improve the users' compliance. Future studies with long-term observation and large sample size deserve further proof of the current findings.

Incidence of hip fracture among middle-aged and older Chinese from 2013 to 2015: results from a nationally representative study

China is experiencing remarkable changes in people aging and migration. Therefore, the incidence and associated factors for hip fracture might differ from previous results. A nationally representative study of hip fracture enables policymakers to formulate preventive strategies and provide information on resource allocation.

PURPOSE

To estimate the incidence of hip fracture, between 2013 and 2015, among the middle-aged and older Chinese population.

METHODS

Individuals with hip fractures between 2013 and 2015 were identified from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The sex-specific incidence and the associated factors of hip fracture were assessed.

RESULTS

Among 19,112 individuals (51.4% women; mean age 60.5 years) included in the analysis, 408 (2.13%) had a hip fracture between 2013 and 2015. Moreover, the annual incidence of hip fracture for men and women were 1065 and 1069 per 100,000, respectively. The incidence of hip fracture increased with age (p < 0.001). A history of chronic disease, being unmarried, and individuals without insurance were associated with a higher incidence of hip fracture. Interestingly, the incidence of hip fracture was higher among individuals with fewer years of education (p = 0.002). The North-East regions of China had the lowest incidence of hip fracture (1022 per 100,000) between 2013 and 2015, followed by the North (1602 per 100,000), South-Central (2055 per 100,000), East (2173 per 100,000), and South-West (2537 per 100,000) regions. Finally, the incidence was highest among participants living in the North-West region (3244 per 100,000).

CONCLUSION

Between 2013 and 2015, the incidence of hip fracture is high among the middle-aged and older Chinese population. Furthermore, it varied significantly according to sociodemographic and geographic factors. Therefore, the support of targeted health policies and cost-effective preventive strategies are warranted in China.

An Evaluation of the Fear of Falling, Balance Levels, and Prognostic Blood Parameters Among the Geriatric Population With Hip Fractures

Background

In this study, we determined that among patients who had been operated upon for hip fractures at our hospital, prognostic factors for mortality and functional recovery in the preoperative period were indicated via laboratory parameters using the International Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores.

Methodology

Between January 2020 and January 2021, the results of 64 patients who had been surgically treated for a hip fracture and 57 patients who had scheduled elective surgery were compared retrospectively. The groups’ demographic data and blood parameters were compared. We used the FES-I and BBS scores to determine patients’ physical functional status and fear of falling.

Results

The case group’s statistically significant FES-I score was high, and its BBS score was low (p = 0.001/0.001). As expected, the case group’s D-dimer measurement was higher than the control group’s (p = 0.001). In addition, hemoglobin, platelet, lymphocyte, albumin, total protein, and calcium levels were lower in the case group (p = 0.001 for all levels). No significant difference was found for other parameters.

Conclusions

The scales are used by physical therapy, neurology, and orthopedics professionals to evaluate the geriatric population’s physical functional status and fear of falling. We believe prevention and cost-effective treatments for hip fractures can be achieved by determining geriatric patients’ hemoglobin, platelet, lymphocyte, albumin, total protein, and calcium levels upon hospital admission and by directing these patients to relevant clinics using the fear-of-falling and balance scales.

A Description of Novel Uses of Hip Protectors in an Elderly Hip Fracture Population: A Technical Report

Hip fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. The number of hip fractures is set to increase significantly by 2050 as the global population ages. The costs associated with hip fracture patients are significant due to prolonged hospitalisation and rehabilitation.

Hip protectors have been advocated as a strategy to reduce the risk of hip fractures in a high-risk population. Evidence suggests that hip protectors are a cost-effective method for reducing the risk of hip fractures. There have, however, been issues with adherence with wearing hip protectors amongst patients and healthcare staff.

Despite prevention strategies, many patients continue to present with hip fractures. Many of these patients have cognitive impairment or experience peri-operative delirium. This can cause issues with patients' interference with the operative wound and presents a significant burden to the healthcare team with the need for increased wound monitoring and care in the post-operative period. Applying a well-fitted hip protector provides a substantial additional barrier to protect the surgical wound. Hip fracture surgical wounds can be difficult to manage in these patients and our standard post-operative protocol is to apply compression dressings in this group of patients. We have found that a well-fitted hip protector can provide adequate compression to the surgical site.

We describe a brief technical report on a novel use of hip protectors in providing wound security in the agitated patient post-operatively as well as a method of providing compression to the surgical wound site.

Management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: the 2021 position statement of The North American Menopause Society

OBJECTIVE

To review evidence regarding osteoporosis screening, prevention, diagnosis, and management in the past decade and update the position statement published by The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) in 2010 regarding the management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women as new therapies and paradigms have become available.

DESIGN

NAMS enlisted a panel of clinician experts in the field of metabolic bone diseases and/or women's health to review and update the 2010 NAMS position statement and recommendations on the basis of new evidence and clinical judgement. The panel's recommendations were reviewed and approved by the NAMS Board of Trustees.

RESULTS

Osteoporosis, especially prevalent in older postmenopausal women, increases the risk of fractures that can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Postmenopausal bone loss, related to estrogen deficiency, is the primary contributor to osteoporosis. Other important risk factors for postmenopausal osteoporosis include advanced age, genetics, smoking, thinness, and many diseases and drugs that impair bone health. An evaluation of these risk factors to identify candidates for osteoporosis screening and recommending nonpharmacologic measures such as good nutrition (especially adequate intake of protein, calcium, and vitamin D), regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are appropriate for all postmenopausal women. For women at high risk for osteoporosis, especially perimenopausal women with low bone density and other risk factors, estrogen or other therapies are available to prevent bone loss. For women with osteoporosis and/or other risk factors for fracture, including advanced age and previous fractures, the primary goal of therapy is to prevent new fractures. This is accomplished by combining nonpharmacologic measures, drugs to increase bone density and to improve bone strength, and strategies to reduce fall risk. If pharmacologic therapy is indicated, government-approved options include estrogen agonists/antagonists, bisphosphonates, RANK ligand inhibitors, parathyroid hormone-receptor agonists, and inhibitors of sclerostin.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoporosis is a common disorder in postmenopausal women. Management of skeletal health in postmenopausal women involves assessing risk factors for fracture, reducing modifiable risk factors through dietary and lifestyle changes, and the use of pharmacologic therapy for patients at significant risk of osteoporosis or fracture. For women with osteoporosis, lifelong management is necessary. Treatment decisions occur continuously over the lifespan of a postmenopausal woman. Decisions must be individualized and should include the patient in the process of shared decision-making.

Optimal surgical methods to treat intertrochanteric fracture: a Bayesian network meta-analysis based on 36 randomized controlled trials

Background

There are several surgical methods to treat intertrochanteric fracture: dynamic hip screw (DHS), compression hip screw (CHS), percutaneous compression plate (PCCP), Medoff sliding plate, less invasive stabilization system (LISS), Gamma nail, proximal femoral nail (PFN), and proximal femoral nail anti-rotating (PFNA). We therefore conducted a network meta-analysis to compare eight surgical interventions, including DHS, CHS, PCCP, Medoff sliding plate, LISS, Gamma nail, PFN, and PFNA, to provide the optimal surgical intervention for intertrochanteric fracture.

Methods

An electronic search of 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of Science) from inception to July 2020. Two or more of the eight surgical interventions, including the DHS, CHS, PCCP, Medoff sliding plate, LISS, Gamma nail, PFN, and PFNA, for intertrochanteric fracture were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias (ROB) tool. Network meta-analysis was conducted by using R-3.5.1 software with the help of package “gemtc”. The odd ratios (ORs) with 95% credibility interval (CrI) were used to assess complications and standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% CrI to calculate the continuous outcomes (operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and Harris hip score). Surfaces under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA) were used to rank the intervention.

Results

A total of 36 RCTs were included in this study. The results of this network meta-analysis showed that, compared with the CHS and DHS group, PFNA exhibited a beneficial role in reducing the blood loss (SMD, 152.50; 95% CrI, 72.93 to 232.45; and SMD, 184.40; 95% CrI, 132.99 to 235.90, respectively). PFNA achieved the lowest value for the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) for the blood loss (SURCA = 0.072) and highest of Harris hip score (SURCA = 0.912). PCCP may have the lowest probability of the operative time (SURCA = 0.095). There were no significant differences among the eight surgical procedures in complications.

Conclusion

PFNA technique is the optimal treatment method for intertrochanteric fracture. Larger, longitudinal RCTs addressing current limitations, including sources of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision, are needed to provide more robust and consistent evidence.