Mats Geijer

Osteoporosis in ankylosing spondylitis - prevalence, risk factors and methods of assessment

IntroductionOsteoporosis can be a complication of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but diagnosing spinal osteoporosis can be difficult since pathologic new bone formation interferes with the assessment of the bone mineral density (BMD). The aims of the current study were to investigate prevalence and risk factors for reduced BMD in a Swedish cohort of AS patients, and to examine how progressive ankylosis influences BMD with the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the lumbar spine in different projections.MethodsMethods of assessment were questionnaires, back mobility tests, blood samples, lateral spine radiographs for syndesmophyte grading (mSASSS), DXA of the hip, radius and lumbar spine in anteroposterior (AP) and lateral projections with estimation of volumetric BMD (vBMD).ResultsAS patients (modified New York criteria), 87 women and 117 men, mean age 50 ± 13 years and disease duration 15 ± 11 years were included. According to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria 21% osteoporosis and 44% osteopenia was diagnosed in patients > = 50 years. Under age 50 BMD below expected range for age was found in 5%. Interestingly lateral lumbar DXA showed significantly lower BMD and revealed significantly more cases with osteoporosis as compared with AP DXA. Lumbar vBMD was not different between sexes, but women had significantly more lumbar osteoporosis measured with AP DXA (P < 0.001). Men had significantly higher mSASSS (P < 0.001). Low BMD was associated with high age, disease duration, mSASSS, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), inflammatory parameters and low body mass index (BMI). Increasing mSASSS correlated significantly with decreasing lateral and volumetric lumbar BMD, while AP lumbar BMD showed tendency to increase.ConclusionsOsteoporosis and osteopenia is common in AS and associated with high disease burden. Lateral and volumetric lumbar DXA are more sensitive than AP DXA in detecting osteoporosis and are less affected by syndesmophyte formation.

Early psoriatic arthritis: short symptom duration, male gender and preserved physical functioning at presentation predict favourable outcome at 5-year follow-up. Results from the Swedish Early Psoriatic Arthritis Register (SwePsA)

Objective The Swedish Early Psoriatic Arthritis Register describes the course of early psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in a real life clinical setting in Sweden. The aim of this study was to obtain information on predictors of clinical outcomes over a 5-year period with special focus on effects of gender, joint patterns, diagnostic delay and initial disease activity. Methods In six centres, patients with signs suggestive of PsA were included in the Swedish Early Psoriatic Arthritis Register within 2 years of symptom onset. CASPAR (classification for psoriatic arthritis) criteria were fulfilled by 197 patients who had passed the 5-year follow-up. Disease activity was measured by the Disease Activity Score including 28 joints (DAS28) and the Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA). Remission and minimal disease activity (MDA) were used as outcome measures. Results Mean age at inclusion was 46 years, younger in male than female patients (43 vs 48 years). Mean DAS28 was 3.7 and 3.0 at inclusion and 2.8 and 2.1 at follow-up for women and men, respectively—significantly higher in women at both visits. Likewise, DAPSA scores were significantly higher in women. The degree of improvement (change in DAS28 and DAPSA) was similar. Men achieved MDA or remission (50% vs 33%, 25% vs 13%, respectively) more often, and women had significantly more polyarthritis at inclusion (49% vs 27%) and after 5 years (25% vs 15%). Axial or mono/oligoarticular disease was predominant in men. Independent predictors of MDA at the 5-year follow-up were: shorter symptom duration; greater general well-being (global visual analogue scale); and low Health Assessment Questionnaire at inclusion. Conclusions In early PsA, short delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis, preserved function, and male gender are the most important predictors of favourable clinical outcome at the 5-year follow-up. Early recognition of PsA and active treatment may be important, particularly in women with polyarticular disease.

MDCT in the evaluation of skeletal trauma: principles, protocols, and clinical applications.

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanners have made volume imaging possible and are used extensively to study polytrauma patients, especially in the evaluation of the spine and peripheral skeleton. An MDCT scanner coupled with a modern workstation has become an essential diagnostic tool for any emergency department. Familiarity with the basic physical principles of MDCT such as projection data, section collimation, and beam collimation is important to achieve high-quality imaging while keeping unnecessary radiation to a minimum. After a polytrauma MDCT examination, images can be reconstructed to obtain different slice thickness, slice interval, fields of view, or reconstruction kernels. No additional scanning is needed for imaging the thoracolumbar spine or bony pelvis. High-quality multiplanar reformation (MPR) and three-dimensional (3-D) images can be created at the workstation using the volumetric data. However, MDCT is a high-dose examination, and care should be taken to use as low a dose as possible. In the musculoskeletal system, MDCT has long been used for evaluation of spinal and pelvic trauma; however, the frequency of its use in extremity trauma has been low. In the extremities, radiography seems to underestimate the extent and severity of injury, especially in complex areas such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and ankle. MDCT in the extremities is helpful in fracture detection, evaluation, characterization, and treatment planning. The MPR images give excellent structural detail, and the 3-D images help in understanding the spatial relations, which is important for fracture classification and for preoperative planning. MDCT is also helpful in the follow-up of postoperative results, even in the presence of hardware. Tendon injuries can also be evaluated with MDCT.

Vertebral Fractures in Ankylosing Spondylitis Are Associated with Lower Bone Mineral Density in Both Central and Peripheral Skeleton

Objective. To study the prevalence and risk factors for vertebral fractures (VF) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the relation between VF, measures of disease activity, and bone mineral density (BMD) in different measurement sites. Methods. Patients with AS (modified New York criteria) underwent examination, answered questionnaires, and gave blood samples. Lateral spine radiographs were scored for VF (Genant score) and syndesmophyte formation through modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). BMD was measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in the hip, radius, and lumbar spine in anteroposterior and lateral projections with estimation of volumetric BMD (vBMD). Results. Two hundred four patients (57% men) with a mean age of 50 ± 13 years and disease duration 15 ± 11 years were included. VF were diagnosed in 24 patients (12%), but were previously noted clinically in only 3 of the 24. Patients with VF were significantly older (p = 0.004), had longer disease duration (p = 0.011), higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (p = 0.011), mSASSS (p = 0.035), and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis patient global score-2 (BASG-2) (p = 0.032) and were more often smokers (p = 0.032). All women with a VF were postmenopausal. BMD was significantly lower at all measuring sites in the patients with VF. In logistic regression, high BASG-2, low BMD in femoral neck, and low lumbar vBMD were independently associated with presence of VF. Conclusion. VF in AS are common but are often not diagnosed. VF are associated with advanced age, longstanding disease, impaired back mobility, syndesmophyte formation, and lower BMD in both the central and peripheral skeleton. BMD in the femoral neck, total hip, and estimated vBMD showed the strongest association with VF.

Bone microarchitecture in ankylosing spondylitis and the association with bone mineral density, fractures, and syndesmophytes

IntroductionOsteoporosis of the axial skeleton is a known complication of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but bone loss affecting the peripheral skeleton is less studied. This study on volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone microarchitecture in AS was conducted to compare peripheral vBMD in AS patients with that in healthy controls, to study vBMD in axial compared with peripheral bone, and to explore the relation between vertebral fractures, spinal osteoproliferation, and peripheral bone microarchitecture and density.MethodsHigh-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) of ultradistal radius and tibia and QCT and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of lumbar spine were performed in 69 male AS patients (NY criteria). Spinal radiographs were assessed for vertebral fractures and syndesmophyte formation (mSASSS). The HRpQCT measurements were compared with the measurements of healthy controls.ResultsThe AS patients had lower cortical vBMD in radius (P = 0.004) and lower trabecular vBMD in tibia (P = 0.033), than did the controls. Strong correlations were found between trabecular vBMD in lumbar spine, radius (rS = 0.762; P < 0.001), and tibia (rS = 0.712; P < 0.001).When compared with age-matched AS controls, patients with vertebral fractures had lower lumbar cortical vBMD (-22%; P = 0.019), lower cortical cross-sectional area in radius (-28.3%; P = 0.001) and tibia (-24.0%; P = 0.013), and thinner cortical bone in radius (-28.3%; P = 0.001) and tibia (-26.9%; P = 0.016).mSASSS correlated negatively with trabecular vBMD in lumbar spine (rS = -0.620; P < 0.001), radius (rS = -0.400; p = 0.001) and tibia (rS = -0.475; p < 0.001) and also with trabecular thickness in radius (rS = -0.528; P < 0.001) and tibia (rS = -0.488; P < 0.001).Adjusted for age, syndesmophytes were significantly associated with decreasing trabecular vBMD, but increasing cortical vBMD in lumbar spine, but not with increasing cortical thickness or density in peripheral bone. Estimated lumbar vBMD by DXA correlated with trabecular vBMD measured by QCT (rS = 0.636; P < 0.001).ConclusionsLumbar osteoporosis, syndesmophytes, and vertebral fractures were associated with both lower vBMD and deteriorated microarchitecture in peripheral bone. The results indicate that trabecular bone loss is general, whereas osteoproliferation is local in AS.

Open reduction and internal fixation compared to closed reduction and external fixation in distal radial fractures: A randomized study of 50 patients

Background and purpose In unstable distal radial fractures that are impossible to reduce or to maintain in reduced position, the treatment of choice is operation. The type of operation and the choice of implant, however, is a matter of discussion. Our aim was to investigate whether open reduction and internal fixation would produce a better result than traditional external fixation. Methods 50 patients with an unstable or comminute distal radius fracture were randomized to either closed reduction and bridging external fixation, or open reduction and internal fixation using the TriMed system. The primary outcome parameter was grip strength, but the patients were followed for 1 year with objective clinical assessment, subjective outcome using DASH, and radiographic examination. Results At 1 year postoperatively, grip strength was 90% (SD 16) of the uninjured side in the internal fixation group and 78% (17) in the external fixation group. Pronation/supination was 150° (15) in the internal fixation group and 136° (20) in the external fixation group at 1 year. There were no differences in DASH scores or in radiographic parameters. 5 patients in the external fixation group were reoperated due to malunion, as compared to 1 in the internal fixation group. 7 other cases were classified as radiographic malunion: 5 in the external fixation group and 2 in the internal fixation group. Interpretation Internal fixation gave better grip strength and a better range of motion at 1 year, and tended to have less malunions than external fixation. No difference could be found regarding subjective outcome.

The Natural Course of Traumatic Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears in Distal Radial Fractures: A 13–15 Year Follow-up of Arthroscopically Diagnosed but Untreated Injuries

PURPOSE To evaluate the long-term results of a prospective, longitudinal case series of untreated, traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears found in displaced distal radial fractures. METHODS Between 1995 and 1997, 51 patients (24 men, 27 women; age, 20-57 y) with a displaced distal radius fracture had wrist arthroscopy to identify associated injuries. Forty-three patients had complete or partial tears of the TFCC, which were not treated. All patients were contacted in 2010, 13-15 years after the injury. One patient had had a TFCC reattachment due to painful distal radioulnar joint instability and was excluded. Thirty-eight patients returned for a radiographic and clinical follow-up that recorded strength, distal radioulnar joint laxity, range of motion, pain scale score, and subjective and objective outcome scores. RESULTS After 13-15 years, 17/38 patients were lax in the distal radioulnar joint. The mean grip strength was worse in the patients with a lax distal radioulnar joint (83%, SD 15 of the contralateral side vs 103%, SD 33). The median Gartland and Werley score was 5 (good; range, 0-15) in the lax group compared to 1 (excellent; range, 0-9) in the non-lax group, and the median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores were 14 (range, 0-59) and 5 (range, 0-70) respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this 13-15 year, prospective, longitudinal outcome study of the natural course of TFCC tears associated with distal radius fracture, only 1 patient had been operated on for painful instability since the injury. The subjective and objective results did not provide evidence that a TFCC injury would influence the long-term outcome. However, trends were found and, by speculation, the low number of patients in the series and the risk for a type II error could be the cause of absent statistically significance. Larger, preferably prospective, randomized studies are needed to find out whether a more aggressive treatment is beneficial. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic I.

Hemi-hamate osteochondral transplantation in proximal interphalangeal dorsal fracture dislocations: a minimum 4 year follow-up in eight patients.

Fracture dislocations of the PIP joint are challenging to treat. In hemi-hamate arthroplasty, the palmar lip joint surface is reconstructed using an osteochondral graft from the hamate and the immediate stability permits early movement. In the long term, collapse of non-vascularized osteochondral grafts might lead to degenerative arthritis. We examined the radiographic result after a minimum of 4 years with special reference to the development of osteoarthritis and its relation to clinical symptoms in eight patients, mean age 49 (25–66) years. After a mean of 60 (48–69) months, the arc of motion was 67° (45°–95°) at the PIP joint and grip strength was 91% of the uninjured side. The visual analogue score for pain (0–100) was 10 (0–70) mm. Severe arthritis (grade IV) was found in two and mild arthritis (grade II) in another two patients, but only one of these four cases had troublesome pain. The hemi-hamate technique is an attractive alternative to other treatment options, but some cases develop osteoarthritis in the medium term.

The Artelon CMC spacer compared with tendon interposition arthroplasty.

Background and purpose The Artelon CMC spacer is designed for surgical treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb (CMC-I). Good results using this degradable device were previously presented in a pilot study. We now present results from a larger randomized, controlled, multicenter study. Patients and methods 109 patients (94 females) with a mean age of 60 (42–83) years, suffering from painful CMC OA, were included in the study at 7 centers in Sweden. The patients were randomized to Artelon CMC spacer (test, n = 72) or tendon arthroplasty (control, n = 37) at a ratio of 2:1. Perceived pain was recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS) before treatment and after 3, 6, and 12 months, when measuring maximal tripod pinch strength (primary outcome measure). In addition, range of motion, radiographic findings, and functional testing were recorded pre- and postoperatively. Results Swelling and pain were more common in the test group and 6 implants were removed because of such symptoms. 5 of these patients did not receive antibiotics preoperatively according to the study protocol. In a per-protocol analysis, i.e. patients without signs of concomitant OA in the scaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid (STT) joint and those in the test group who received antibiotics, the mean difference in tripod pinch strength increase, adjusted for baseline, was 1.4 kg in favor of the test group (not statistically significant). Statistically significant pain relief was achieved in both groups, with perceived pain gradually decreasing during the follow-up period. In the intention-to-treat analysis but not in the per-protocol analysis, significantly better pain relief (VAS) was obtained in the control group. Patient-perceived disability evaluated by the DASH questionnaire improved in both groups. Interpretation The Artelon CMC spacer did not show superior results compared to tendon interposition arthroplasty. Proper use of preoperative antibiotics and a thorough patient selection appear to be important for the results.

Description and validation of a scoring system for tomosynthesis in pulmonary cystic fibrosis

AbstractObjectivesTo design and validate a scoring system for tomosynthesis (digital tomography) in pulmonary cystic fibrosis.MethodsA scoring system dedicated to tomosynthesis in pulmonary cystic fibrosis was designed. Three radiologists independently scored 88 pairs of radiographs and tomosynthesis examinations of the chest in 60 patients with cystic fibrosis and 7 oncology patients. Radiographs were scored according to the Brasfield scoring system and tomosynthesis examinations were scored using the new scoring system.ResultsObserver agreements for the tomosynthesis score were almost perfect for the total score with square-weighted kappa >0.90, and generally substantial to almost perfect for subscores. Correlation between the tomosynthesis score and the Brasfield score was good for the three observers (Kendall’s rank correlation tau 0.68, 0.77 and 0.78). Tomosynthesis was generally scored higher as a percentage of the maximum score. Observer agreements for the total score for Brasfield score were almost perfect (square-weighted kappa 0.80, 0.81 and 0.85).ConclusionsThe tomosynthesis scoring system seems robust and correlates well with the Brasfield score. Compared with radiography, tomosynthesis is more sensitive to cystic fibrosis changes, especially bronchiectasis and mucus plugging, and the new tomosynthesis scoring system offers the possibility of more detailed and accurate scoring of disease severity.Key Points• Tomosynthesis is more sensitive than conventional radiography for pulmonary cystic fibrosis changes. • The radiation dose from chest tomosynthesis is low compared with computed tomography.• Tomosynthesis may become useful in the regular follow-up of patients with cystic fibrosis.