International consensus on the non-pharmacological and non-surgical management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures

We identified a knowledge gap in the non-pharmacological and non-surgical management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

MAIN RESULTS

This international consensus process established multidisciplinary biopsychosocial recommendations on pain, nutrition, safe movement, and exercise for individuals with acute and chronic vertebral fractures.

SIGNIFICANCE

These recommendations will guide clinical practice and inform interventions for future research.

PURPOSE

To establish international consensus on recommendations for the non-pharmacological and non-surgical management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

METHODS

We adopted a five-step modified Delphi consensus process: (1) literature search and content analysis, (2) creation of the survey, (3) selection of the expert panel, (4) first round of the rating process, and (5) second round of the rating process. The first round included 49 statements and eight open-ended questions; the second round included 30 statements. Panelists were asked to rate their agreement with each of the statements using a 9-point scale, with the option to provide further comments. Consensus for each statement was determined by counting the number of panelists whose rating was outside the 3-point region containing the median.

RESULTS

We invited 76 people with degree in medicine, physiotherapy, kinesiology, and experience in the management of osteoporotic vertebral; 31 (41%) and 27 (36%) experts agreed to participate to the first and the second round, respectively. The mean percentage agreement after the first and second rounds was 76.6% ± 16.0% and 90.7% ± 6.5%, respectively. We established consensus on recommendations on pain, early satiety, weight loss, bracing, safe movement, and exercise for individuals with acute and chronic vertebral fractures.

CONCLUSION

Our international consensus provides multidisciplinary biopsychosocial recommendations to guide the management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and inform interventions for future research.

Exercise and physical activity in individuals at risk of fracture

This is a review of evidence and practical tips on exercise for individuals with osteoporosis, including individuals with hip and vertebral fractures. Balance and functional training, with or without strength training, can prevent falls. Several types of exercise can improve outcomes that are important to patients, such as physical functioning or quality of life. Individuals with osteoporosis should prioritize balance, functional and resistance training ≥ twice weekly, where exercises, volume, intensity, and progression are aligned with the patient's goals and abilities. Patients who want to participate in other activities (e.g., walking, impact exercise, yoga, Pilates) can do them in addition to, but not instead of, balance and functional or strength training, if they can be done safely or modified. Avoid generic advice like "Don't bend or twist", which is difficult or impossible to operationalize, and may create fear and activity avoidance. Instead, be specific about the types of activities to avoid or modify, and provide tips on how to make daily activities safer, or signpost to resources from national osteoporosis societies. For example, not all bending or twisting is bad; it is activities that involve rapid, repetitive, sustained, weighted, or end range of motion twisting or flexion of the spine that may need to be modified, especially in individuals at high risk of fracture.

Exploring changes in bone mass in individuals with a chronic spinal cord injury

People experience rapid bone loss shortly after a spinal cord injury (SCI), but the long-term bone changes are yet to be confirmed. This study showed that trabecular bone may have reached a steady state, whereas cortical bone continued to decline in people with a chronic SCI (mean time post injury: 15.5 ± 10 years).

INTRODUCTION

(1) To explore changes in bone [primary measure: trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD); secondary measures: cortical vBMD, cortical thickness, cortical cross-sectional area (CSA), and polar moment of inertia] over 2 years in individuals with a chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). (2) To explore whether muscle density changes were potential correlates of the observed bone changes.

METHODS

This study is a secondary data analysis of a prospective, observational study involving 70 people with a chronic SCI (≥ 2 years post injury). The study included 4 strata of participants with diverse impairments: (1) Paraplegia (T1-T12) motor complete American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A/B (n = 23), (2) Paraplegia motor incomplete AIS C/D (n = 11), (3) Tetraplegia (C2-C8) AIS A/B (n = 22), and (4) Tetraplegia AIS C/D (n = 14). Peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans were taken at the 4% (distal tibia), 38% (diaphyseal tibia), and 66% (muscle cross-sectional area) tibia sites by measuring from the distal to proximal tibia starting at the inferior border of the medial malleolus. The tibia sites were assessed annually over a span of 2 years. Comparisons were made using a paired-samples t test and simple linear regression was used to adjust for sex, time post injury, and bisphosphonate use.

RESULTS

We observed no changes in trabecular vBMD at the 4% tibia site, but there was a statistically significant decline in cortical vBMD, cortical thickness, and CSA at the 38% tibia site. Changes in muscle density were not associated with the decreases observed in cortical bone.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that individuals with chronic SCI (mean duration of injury: 15.5 ± 10 years) may have reached a plateau in bone loss with respect to trabecular bone, but cortical bone loss can continue well into the chronic stages.

Describing the resource utilisation and costs associated withvertebral fractures: the Build Better Bones with Exercise (B3E) Pilot Trial

This analysis examined costs/resources of 141 women with vertebral fractures, randomised to a home exercise programme or control group. Total, mean costs and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated. Quality of life was collected. Cost drivers were caregiver time, medications and adverse events (AEs). Results show adding an exercise programme may reduce the risk of AEs.

INTRODUCTION

This exploratory economic analysis examined the health resource utilisation and costs experienced by women with vertebral fractures, and explored the effects of home exercise on those costs.

METHODS

Women ≥ 65 years with one or more X-ray-confirmed vertebral fractures were randomised 1:1 to a 12-month home exercise programme or equal attention control group. Clinical and health system resources were collected during monthly phone calls and daily diaries completed by participants. Intervention costs were included. Unit costs were applied to health system resources. Quality of life (QoL) information was collected via EQ-5D-5L at baseline, 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-one women were randomised. Overall total costs (CAD 2018) were $664,923 (intervention) and $614,033 (control), respectively. The top three cost drivers were caregiver time ($250,269 and $240,811), medications ($151,000 and $122,145) and AEs ($58,807 and $71,981). The mean cost per intervention participant of $9365 ± $9988 was higher compared with the mean cost per control participant of $8772 ± $9718. The mean EQ-5D index score was higher for the intervention participants (0.81 ± 0.11) compared with that of controls (0.79 ± 0.13). The differences in quality-adjusted life year (QALY) (0.02) and mean cost ($593) were used to calculate the ICER of $29,650.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with osteoporosis with a previous fracture experience a number of resources and associated costs that impact their care and quality of life. Caregiver time, medications and AEs are the biggest cost drivers for this population. The next steps would be to expand this feasibility study with more participants, longer-term follow-up and more regional variability.

Practical tips for prescribing exercise for fall prevention

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

There is strong evidence from meta-analyses that exercise as a single intervention can reduce the number and risk of falls in community-dwelling older adults, yet not all types of exercise are equal.

OBSERVATIONS

Programs that include 3 h a week of exercise and provide a high challenge to balance can reduce falls by almost 40%. Reactive and volitional stepping interventions have also been shown to reduce falls by about 50%. Evidence is less clear regarding the efficacy of exercise in individuals who have experienced a stroke, who live in long-term care, who have been recently discharged from the hospital, or who have visual impairments, but there is some evidence that multifactorial programs may be useful.

CONCLUSION

Depending on the population, exercise as a single or as part of a multifactorial intervention may be beneficial in reducing falls.

Build better bones with exercise (B3E pilot trial): results of a feasibility study of a multicenter randomized controlled trial of 12 months of home exercise in older women with vertebral fracture

We pilot-tested a trial of home exercise on individuals with osteoporosis and spine fracture. Our target enrollment was met, though it took longer than expected. Participants stayed in the study and completed the exercise program with no safety concerns. Future trials should expand the inclusion criteria and consider other changes.

PURPOSE

Osteoporotic fragility fractures create a substantial human and economic burden. There have been calls for a large randomized controlled trial examining the effect of exercise on fracture incidence. The B3E pilot trial was designed to evaluate the feasibility of a large trial examining the effects of home exercise on individuals at high risk of fracture.

METHODS

Community-dwelling women ≥ 65 years with radiographically confirmed vertebral compression fractures were recruited at seven sites in Canada and Australia. We randomized participants in a 1:1 ratio to a 12-month home exercise program or equal attention control group, both delivered by a physiotherapist (PT). Participants received six PT home visits in addition to monthly phone calls from the PT and a blinded research assistant. The primary feasibility outcomes of the study were recruitment rate (20 per site in 1 year), retention rate (75% completion), and intervention adherence rate (60% of weeks meeting exercise goals). Secondary outcomes included falls, fractures and adverse events.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-one participants were recruited; an average of 20 per site, though most sites took longer than anticipated. Retention and adherence met the criteria for success: 92% of participants completed the study; average adherence was 66%. The intervention group did not differ significantly in the number of falls (IRR 0.97, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.63) or fragility fractures (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.60 to 2.05) compared to the control group. There were 18 serious adverse events in the intervention group and 12 in the control group.

CONCLUSION

An RCT of home exercise in women with vertebral fractures is feasible but recruitment was a challenge. Suggestions are made for the conduct of future trials.

"I do not have time. Is there a handout I can use?": combining physicians' needs and behavior change theory to put physical activity evidence into practice

Guidelines for physical activity exist and following them would improve health. Physicians can advise patients on physical activity. We found barriers related to physicians' knowledge, a lack of tools and of physician incentives, and competing demands for limited time with a patient. We discuss interventions that could reduce these barriers.

INTRODUCTION

Uptake of physical activity (PA) guidelines would improve health and reduce mortality in older adults. However, physicians face barriers in guideline implementation, particularly when faced with needing to tailor recommendations in the presence of chronic disease. We performed a behavioral analysis of physician barriers to PA guideline implementation and to identify interventions. The Too Fit To Fracture physical activity recommendations were used as an example of disease-specific PA guidelines.

METHODS

Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted with physicians and nurse practitioners in Ontario, stratified by type of physician, geographic area, and urban/rural, and transcribed verbatim. Two researchers coded data and identified emerging themes. Using the behavior change wheel framework, themes were categorized into capability, opportunity and motivation, and interventions were identified.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine family physicians, specialists, and nurse practitioners participated. Barriers were as follows: Capability-lack of exercise knowledge or where to refer; Opportunity-pragmatic tools, fit within existing workflow, available programs that meet patients' needs, physical activity literacy and cultural practices; Motivation-lack of incentives, not in their scope of practice or professional identity, competing priorities, outcome expectancies. Interventions selected: education, environmental restructuring, enablement, persuasion. Policy categories: communications/marketing, service provision, guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Key barriers to PA guideline implementation among physicians include knowledge on where to refer or what to say, access to pragmatic programs or resources, and things that influence motivation, such as competing priorities or lack of incentives. Future work will report on the development and evaluation of knowledge translation interventions informed by the barriers.

Measuring muscle and bone in individuals with neurologic impairment; lessons learned about participant selection and pQCT scan acquisition and analysis

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) can be used to examine bone strength outcomes and muscle size and fatty infiltration. Our research team and others have used it to examine bone loss after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the high prevalence of restricted lower extremity range of motion, spasticity, edema, excessive muscle atrophy, or severe osteoporosis necessitates changes to standard protocols for screening, positioning during scan acquisition, and analysis methods. This manuscript outlines the challenges that we experienced using pQCT in individuals with SCI, and provides solutions, ones that may also be applicable when using pQCT in individuals with other chronic conditions or in older adults. Suggestions for participant screening, positioning individuals for scanning while in a wheelchair, scan site selection, need for attendant assistance, and considerations in the presence of secondary complications, such as contracture, spasticity, and paralysis, are presented. In the presence of very low bone mineral density or severe muscle atrophy, the default analysis modes provided by the manufacturer may not provide valid estimates of bone or muscle indices; we propose alternates. We have used watershed segmentation methods to determine muscle size and density based on lower precision error compared to threshold-based edge-detection segmentation, particularly for adults with SCI, where more fatty infiltration was present. By presenting our "lessons learned," we hope to reduce the learning curve for researchers using pQCT in the future.

Too Fit To Fracture: outcomes of a Delphi consensus process on physical activity and exercise recommendations for adults with osteoporosis with or without vertebral fractures

An international consensus process resulted in exercise and physical activity recommendations for individuals with osteoporosis. Emphasis was placed on strength, balance, and postural alignment. Rather than providing generic restrictions, activity should be encouraged while considering impairments, fracture risk, activity history, and preference, and guidance on spine sparing techniques should be provided.

INTRODUCTION

The objectives of this study were to establish expert consensus on key questions posed by patients or health care providers regarding recommended assessment domains to inform exercise prescription, therapeutic goals of exercise, and physical activity and exercise recommendations for individuals with osteoporosis or osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

METHODS

The Too Fit To Fracture expert panel identified researchers and clinicians with expertise in exercise and osteoporosis and stakeholder groups. We delivered a modified online Delphi survey (two rounds) to establish consensus on assessment, exercise, and physical activities for three cases with varying risk (osteoporosis based on bone mineral density; 1 spine fracture and osteoporosis; multiple spine fractures, osteoporosis, hyperkyphosis, and pain). Duplicate content analyses of free text responses were performed.

RESULTS

Response rates were 52% (39/75) and 69% (48/70) for each round. Key consensus points are the following: (a) Current physical activity guidelines are appropriate for individuals with osteoporosis without spine fracture, but not for those with spine fracture; (b) after spine fracture, physical activity of moderate intensity is preferred to vigorous; (c) daily balance training and endurance training for spinal extensor muscles are recommended for all; (d) providing guidance on spine-sparing techniques (e.g., hip hinge) during activities of daily living or leisure, considering impairments, fracture risk, activity history, and preference, is recommended rather than providing generic restrictions (e.g., lifting <10 lbs, no twisting), but for those with vertebral fracture, especially in the presence of pain, multiple fractures, or hyperkyphosis, the risks of many activities may outweigh the benefits-physical therapist consultation is recommended. Examples of spine-sparing techniques and exercise prescription elements are provided.

CONCLUSIONS

Our recommendations guide health care providers on assessment, exercise prescription, and safe movement for individuals with osteoporosis.

Too Fit To Fracture: a consensus on future research priorities in osteoporosis and exercise

An international consensus process identified the following research priorities in osteoporosis and exercise: study of exercise in high-risk cohorts, evaluation of multimodal interventions, research examining translation into practice and a goal to examine fracture outcomes.

INTRODUCTION

To identify future research priorities related to exercise for people with osteoporosis with and without osteoporotic spine fracture via international consensus.

METHODS

An international expert panel and representatives from Osteoporosis Canada led the process and identified opinion leaders or stakeholders to contribute. A focus group of four patient advocates identified quality of life, mobility, activities of daily living, falls, bone mineral density, and harms as outcomes important for decision-making. Seventy-five individuals were invited to participate in an online survey asking respondents to define future research priorities in the area of osteoporosis and exercise; the response rate was 57%. Fifty-five individuals from seven countries were invited to a half-day consensus meeting; 60% of invitees attended. The results of the online survey, knowledge synthesis activities, and results of the focus group were presented. Nominal group technique was used to come to consensus on research priorities.

RESULTS

Research priorities included the study of exercise in high-risk cohorts (e.g., ≥ 65 years, low BMD, moderate/high risk of fracture, history of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, hyperkyphotic posture, functional impairments, or sedentary), the evaluation of multimodal interventions, research examining translation into practice, and a goal to examine fracture outcomes. The standardization of outcomes or protocols that could be evolved into large multicentre trials was discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The research priorities identified as part of the Too Fit To Fracture initiative can be used to inform the development of multicentre collaborations to evaluate and implement strategies for engaging individuals with osteoporosis in a safe and effective exercise.

Too Fit To Fracture: exercise recommendations for individuals with osteoporosis or osteoporotic vertebral fracture

SUMMARY

A consensus process was conducted to develop exercise recommendations for individuals with osteoporosis or vertebral fractures. A multicomponent exercise program that includes balance and resistance training is recommended.

INTRODUCTION

The aim was to develop consensus on exercise recommendations for older adults: (1) with osteoporosis and (2) with osteoporotic vertebral fracture(s).

METHODS

The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method was used to evaluate the quality of evidence and develop recommendations. Outcomes important for decision making were nominated by an expert panel and patient advocates. They included falls, fractures, bone mineral density (BMD), and adverse events for individuals with osteoporosis/vertebral fractures, and pain, quality of life, and function for those with vertebral fracture. Meta-analyses evaluating the effects of exercise on the outcomes were reviewed. Observational studies or clinical trials were reviewed when meta-analyses were not available. Quality ratings were generated, and informed the recommendations.

RESULTS

The outcome for which evidence is strongest is falls. Point estimates of the effects of exercise on falls, fractures, and BMD vary according to exercise type. There is not enough evidence to quantify the risks of exercise in those with osteoporosis or vertebral fracture. Few trials of exercise exist in those with vertebral fracture. The exercise recommendations for exercise in individuals with osteoporosis or osteoporotic vertebral fracture are conditional. The panel strongly recommends a multicomponent exercise program including resistance and balance training for individuals with osteoporosis or osteoporotic vertebral fracture. The panel recommends that older adults with osteoporosis or vertebral fracture do not engage in aerobic training to the exclusion of resistance or balance training.

CONCLUSIONS

The consensus of our international panel is that exercise is recommended for older adults with osteoporosis or vertebral fracture, but our recommendations are conditional.

Exploring the determinants of fracture risk among individuals with spinal cord injury

In this cross-sectional study, we found that areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the knee and specific tibia bone geometry variables are associated with fragility fractures in men and women with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).

INTRODUCTION

Low aBMD of the hip and knee regions have been associated with fractures among individuals with chronic motor complete SCI; however, it is unclear whether these variables can be used to identify those at risk of fracture. In this cross-sectional study, we examined whether BMD and geometry measures are associated with lower extremity fragility fractures in individuals with chronic SCI.

METHODS

Adults with chronic [duration of injury ≥ 2 years] traumatic SCI (C1-L1 American Spinal Cord Injury Association Impairment Scale A-D) reported post injury lower extremity fragility fractures. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure aBMD of the hip, distal femur, and proximal tibia regions, while bone geometry at the tibia was assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Logistic regression and univariate analyses were used to identify whether clinical characteristics or bone geometry variables were associated with fractures.

RESULTS

Seventy individuals with SCI [mean age (standard deviation [SD]), 48.8 (11.5); 20 females] reported 19 fragility fractures. Individuals without fractures had significantly greater aBMD of the hip and knee regions and indices of bone geometry. Every SD decrease in aBMD of the distal femur and proximal tibia, trabecular volumetric bone mineral density, and polar moment of inertia was associated with fracture prevalence after adjusting for motor complete injury (odds ratio ranged from 3.2 to 6.1).

CONCLUSION

Low knee aBMD and suboptimal bone geometry are significantly associated with fractures. Prospective studies are necessary to confirm the bone parameters reported to predict fracture risk in individuals with low bone mass and chronic SCI.

Bone mineralization is elevated and less heterogeneous in adults with type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis compared to controls with osteoarthritis alone

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether trabecular bone mineralization differed in adults with type 2 diabetes compared to adults without type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Proximal femur specimens were obtained following a total hip replacement procedure from men and women ≥65 years of age with and without type 2 diabetes. A scanning electron microscope was used for quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) analysis of trabecular bone samples from the femoral neck. Gray scale images (pixel size=5.6 μm(2)) were uploaded to ImageJ software and gray level (GL) values were converted to calcium concentrations (weight [wt] % calcium [Ca]) using data obtained with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The following bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) outcomes were collected: the weighted mean bone calcium concentration (CaMEAN), the most frequently occurring bone calcium concentration (CaPEAK) and mineralization heterogeneity (CaWIDTH). Differences between groups were assessed using the Student's t-test for normally distributed data and Mann-Whitney U-test for non-normally distributed data. An alpha value of <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Thirty-five Caucasian participants were recruited (mean [standard deviation, SD] age, 75.5 [6.5]years): 14 adults with type 2 diabetes (years since type 2 diabetes diagnosis, 13.5 [7.4]years) and 21 adults without type 2 diabetes. In the adults with type 2 diabetes, bone CaMEAN was 4.9% greater (20.36 [0.98]wt.% Ca versus 19.40 [1.07]wt.% Ca, p=0.015) and CaWIDTH was 9.4% lower (median [interquartile range] 3.55 [2.99-4.12]wt.% Ca versus 3.95 [0.71]wt.% Ca, p<0.001) compared to controls. There was no between-group difference in CaPEAK (21.12 [0.97]wt.% Ca for type 2 diabetes versus 20.44 [1.30]wt.% Ca for controls, p=0.121).

CONCLUSION

The combination of elevated mean calcium concentration in bone and lower mineralization heterogeneity in adults with type 2 diabetes may have deleterious effects on the biomechanical properties of bone. These microscopic alterations in bone mineralization, which may be mediated by suppressed bone remodeling, further elucidate higher fracture risk in adults with type 2 diabetes.

A population-based analysis of the post-fracture care gap 1996-2008: the situation is not improving

The post-fracture care gap has not narrowed in recent years. Following an initial improvement, rates of medication initiation have actually declined.

INTRODUCTION

The current study characterizes temporal changes in post-fracture bone mineral density (BMD) testing or osteoporosis treatment initiation from 1996/1997 to 2007/2008.

METHODS

A population-based administrative data repository for Manitoba, Canada was accessed to identify non-traumatic fractures in individuals aged 50 years and older. Outcomes included BMD testing or dispensation of an osteoporosis medication in the 12 months following the fracture.

RESULTS

Thirty thousand nine hundred and twenty (30,920) fracture events met the inclusion criteria; 15,670 affected major osteoporotic fracture sites. Based on either BMD testing or treatment initiation, intervention rates reached a maximum of only 15.5% in 2003/2004, compared with 6.3% in 1996/1997, and 13.2% in 2007/2008 (p-for-trend < 0.001). Post-fracture BMD testing increased from 0.7% in 1996/1997 to 8.9% 2007/2008 (p-for-trend < 0.001). Osteoporosis medication use increased from 6.1% in 1996/1997 to 12.3% in 2001/2002 and then progressively declined to 5.9% by 2007/2008 (p-for-trend = 0.025). Similar trends were observed when only major osteoporotic fractures were included. The initiation of BMD testing or medication varied according to age, gender, geographic region, and income.

CONCLUSION

Despite increased attention to gaps in osteoporosis management post-fracture in the last 10 years, the situation has not improved: in 2007/20008, fewer than 20% of untreated individuals with a low-trauma fracture received intervention. Novel strategies are required to disseminate and implement best practices at the point of care to reduce the risk of recurrent fractures.

Ankle fractures do not predict osteoporotic fractures in women with or without diabetes

It is not clear whether ankle fractures predict future osteoporotic fractures in women, and whether diabetes influences this relationship. We found that a prior ankle fracture does not predict subsequent osteoporotic fractures in women with or without diabetes.

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to determine: (1) whether a prior ankle fracture was a risk factor for a subsequent major osteoporotic fracture in older women; (2) whether this risk was modified by the presence of diabetes; (3) the risk factors for ankle fracture in older women.

METHODS

We identified 3,054 women age 50 years and older with diabetes and 9,151 matched controls using the Manitoba Bone Density Program database. Multivariable regression models were used to examine factors associated with prior ankle fracture, and the importance of prior ankle fracture as a predictor of subsequent major osteoporotic fracture during a mean 4.8 years of observation.

RESULTS

A prior ankle fracture was not a significant predictor of subsequent major osteoporotic fracture for women with diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68-1.83; p = 0.623) or women without diabetes (HR 1.16; 95% CI, 0.79-1.71; p = 0.460), and there was no interaction between diabetes and ankle fracture after pooling all women in the cohort (p = 0.971). The presence of diabetes was not independently associated with prior ankle fracture (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.14 [95% CI, 0.93-1.38], p = 0.200), whereas higher body mass index (adjusted OR 1.04 per standard deviation increase [95% CI, 1.03-1.06], p < 0.001), previous major osteoporotic fracture (adjusted OR 1.40 [95% CI, 1.13-1.75], p = 0.002), and multiple comorbidities (>6 ambulatory diagnostic groups) (adjusted OR 1.81 [95% CI, 1.40-2.36], p < 0.001) were related to prior ankle fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Ankle fracture was not a significant predictor of major osteoporotic fracture in women, and a diagnosis of diabetes did not influence the relationship.

Osteoporosis management among residents living in long-term care

Fractures in long-term care (LTC) residents have substantial economic and human costs. Osteoporosis management in residents with fractures or osteoporosis is low, and certain subgroups are less likely to receive therapy, e.g., those with >5 comorbidities, dementia, and wheelchair use. Many LTC residents who are at risk of fracture are not receiving optimal osteoporosis management.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and predictors of osteoporosis management among LTC residents with osteoporosis or fractures.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, LTC residents of 17 facilities in Ontario and Manitoba, Canada were investigated. The participants were 65+ years old with osteoporosis, history of hip fracture, or recent fracture. Comprehensive assessments were conducted by trained nurse assessors between June 2005 and June 2006 using a standardized instrument, known as the Resident Assessment Instrument 2.0.

RESULTS

Among residents (n = 525) with osteoporosis or fractures, 177 (34%) had had a recent fall. Bisphosphonate use was reported in 199 (38%) residents, calcitonin use in six (1%), and raloxifene use in six (1%). Calcium and vitamin D supplementation were reported in 140 (27%) residents. Fifty-four (10.3%) residents were on a bisphosphonate but were not taking vitamin D or multivitamin. Variables negatively associated with osteoporosis therapy [OR (95% CI)]: six or more comorbidities [0.46 (0.28-0.77), p = 0.028], wheelchair use [0.62 (0.40-0.95), p = 0.003], cognitive impairment [0.71 (0.55-0.92), p = 0.009], depression [0.54 (0.34-0.87), p = 0.01], swallowing difficulties [0.99 (0.988-0.999), p = 0.034] or Manitoba residence [0.47 (0.28-0.78), p = 0.004]. Prescription of 10+ medications was positively associated with therapy [3.34 (2.32-4.84), p < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

Osteoporosis management is not optimal among residents at risk of future fracture. Identifying at-risk subgroups of residents that are not receiving therapy may facilitate closing the osteoporosis care gap.

Reduced loading due to spinal-cord injury at birth results in "slender" bones: a case study

INTRODUCTION

The present case study compared bone density, bone geometry and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) in a male who sustained spinal-cord injury (SCI) at birth (from here called SCI-B) with two matched controls without SCI, and also with four individuals with SCI of similar level and injury completeness but sustained at age 15 or greater.

METHODS

All subjects with SCI were at least 3 years post-injury and had experienced motor incomplete lesions at the cervical level. Computed tomography was used to measure volumetric bone density, indices of bone strength [CSA and maximum, minimum and polar area moments of inertia (I (max), I (min), I (pol))] and muscle CSA at the tibia (66% of tibia length, measured proximally from the distal end).

RESULTS

Lower leg muscle CSA of SCI-B was 63+/-6% of values in non-SCI controls, and 72+/-12% of values in other males with SCI. In SCI-B, bone CSA was roughly half (52+/-4%) that of non-SCI controls and 73+/-16% of bone CSA values in other males with SCI. The magnitudes of the area moment of inertia variables (I (max), I (min), and I (pol)) in SCI-B were approximately 25% of control values. Further, the moment of inertia variables in SCI-B were 27-54% of values obtained in other males with SCI, indicating that experiencing SCI in the early stages of life has a remarkable impact on bone shape. Interestingly, tibia bone density did not appear to be affected; the average difference in bone density between SCI-B and non-SCI controls was -1.2+/-0.7%. The bone densities of other males with SCI were 4-19% lower than in SCI-B.

CONCLUSIONS

Muscle atrophy and bone loss are commonly reported consequences of SCI. This case reveals that important changes in bone geometry occur after SCI, and that mechanical loading during growth plays a vital role in the development of bone size and shape.

Body weight supported treadmill training in acute spinal cord injury: impact on muscle and bone

DESIGN

Longitudinal prospective case series.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of early introduction post-spinal cord injury (SCI) of twice-weekly body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on muscle and bone.

SETTING

Centre for Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, McMaster University, Canada.

METHODS

Five individuals who had sustained traumatic SCI within 2-6 months participated in the study. Bone mineral densities (BMD) of proximal femur, distal femur, proximal tibia and lumbar spine were measured before and after training, as well as muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), BMD and bone geometry at mid-femur and proximal tibia. Serum osteocalcin and urinary deoxypyridinoline were measured at baseline, and after 24 and 48 sessions of training.

RESULTS

All participants experienced increased muscle CSAs, ranging from 3.8 to 56.9%. Reductions in BMD were evident in all participants at almost all lower limb sites after training, ranging in magnitude from -1.2 to -26.7%. Lumbar spine BMD changes ranged from 0.2 to -7.4%. No consistent changes were observed in bone geometry. BWSTT did not alter the expected pattern of change in bone biochemical markers over time. The individual with the greatest improvement in ambulatory ability demonstrated the smallest reduction in lower limb BMD. Conversely, the individual who completed the fewest BWSTT sessions demonstrated the greatest reductions in BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Twice-weekly BWSTT appeared to partially reverse muscle atrophy after SCI, but did not prevent bone loss. Larger, controlled trials should evaluate whether relative preservation of bone loss occurs with regular BWSTT following acute SCI.

SPONSORSHIP

Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation.

Speed of sound in bone at the tibia: is it related to lower limb bone mineral density in spinal-cord-injured individuals?

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study evaluating BMD at the hip and tibia, and SOS at the radius and mid-tibia in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and a subgroup of non-SCI individuals.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the speed of sound (SOS) in bone in relation to bone mineral density (BMD).

SETTING

Kinesiology Department, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

In 14 individuals with SCI and 10 non-SCI individuals, proximal femur and tibia BMD were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and radius and tibia SOS were measured with an ultrasonometer. T-scores were calculated using healthy reference databases. Inter-relationships between measurement techniques were determined using Pearson's correlation coefficients. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

: The average ages of the SCI and non-SCI groups were 33+/-9 and 27+/-6 years, respectively. Lesion level ranged from C4 to T12 and average time postinjury was 12 years, with a range of 1.6-25 years. Using the WHO criteria for osteoporosis, nine of 14 SCI subjects were osteoporotic at the hip, with the remainder in the osteopenic range. Tibia SOS T-scores were in the osteoporotic range for one subject with SCI, and two were in the osteopenic range. Among non-SCI individuals, one male had a tibia SOS T-score of -1.4, all others were within the normal range. Hip BMD and tibia SOS were significantly correlated (r=0.46, P<0.01). Hip BMD and tibia BMD were more strongly correlated (r=0.80, P<0.0005). Tibia BMD was not significantly correlated with SOS at the tibia (r=0.35, P=0.09). Radius SOS T-scores were positive and not significantly correlated with any lower limb variable.

CONCLUSION

Lower-limb bone mass is reduced in spinal cord-injured individuals, but SOS at the mid-tibia is not. It remains to be determined whether ultrasound measurements can predict fracture in the SCI population.