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ZUSAMMENFASSUNGOsteoporose ist eine Erkrankung mit einer verminderten Knochenmasse und Knochenstruktur. Das Frakturrisiko für atraumatische Frakturen ist in Abhängigkeit der Schwere der Erkrankung erhöht. Für den ärztlichen Gutachter stellt die Beurteilung einer osteoporotischen Fraktur eine Herausforderung dar, da in den verschiedenen Versicherungssystemen unterschiedliche Bewertungen hinsichtlich Mitwirkung, Vorinvalidität und Kausalität bestehen. Neben der Klärung der Begrifflichkeiten in der gesetzlichen und privaten Unfallversicherung spielt die Beurteilung der Erkrankung mit klinischen, radiologischen und osteodensitometrischen Parametern eine Rolle. In dem vorliegenden Beitrag werden die Begutachtung der Osteoporose in der gesetzlichen und privaten Unfallversicherung dargestellt und Möglichkeiten zu deren gutachterlichen Beurteilung aufgezeigt.

Die Osteoporose ist eine Volkskrankheit und betrifft Frauen und Manner. Mit abnehmender Knochendichte und zunehmendem Lebensalter steigt das Risiko, atraumatische Frakturen zu erleiden. Diese Frakturen haben neben den Beschwerden durch die Fraktur selbst weitreichende Folgen auf nahezu alle Lebensbereiche des Patienten. Diese Arbeit soll die Folgen von osteoporotischen Frakturen aus Patientensicht darstellen bzw. die Bedeutung der Osteoporose fur den Patienten untersuchen. Es soll die Notwendigkeit der zeitnahen Diagnostik und Therapie nach dem Frakturereignis verdeutlicht werden. Zu den jeweiligen Begriffen wurden Literaturrecherchen durchgefuhrt. Die mithilfe themenbezogener Schlusselbegriffe gefundenen Literaturquellen werden in einer narrativen Ubersicht dargestellt. Verschiedene Teilbereiche mit Bedeutung fur den Patienten wurden identifiziert. Eine unmittelbare Patientensicht findet sich in der Literatur nicht, allerdings konnten Studien mit Befragung der Patienten identifiziert und somit die Patientensicht integriert werden. Fur die Teilbereiche Schmerz, Psyche und kognitive Fahigkeiten, Mortalitat und Pflegebedurftigkeit konnten Angaben in der Literatur erfasst werden. Die Auswirkungen von Osteoporose und Frakturen sind vielschichtig und fur den Patienten gravierend. Masnahmen zur Pravention von osteoporotischen Frakturen sollten konsequent umgesetzt und nach einer Fraktur sollten die notwendige Diagnostik und Therapie schnell eingeleitet werden.

Die Knochenheilung nach Frakturen wird durch eine Vielzahl verschiedener Faktoren beeinflusst. Neben patientenseitigen Parametern, wie Alter, Geschlecht oder Nebenerkrankungen, haben auch die eingenommenen Medikamente einen wesentlichen Einfluss auf die Knochenheilung. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, einen Uberblick uber die Auswirkungen von haufig verwendeten Medikamenten, auser spezifischen Osteoporosemedikamenten und Hormonpraparaten, auf die Knochenheilung zu geben. Der Uberblick wurde auf der Basis einer MEDLINE-Recherche zu den jeweiligen Stichworten durchgefuhrt. Es wurden verschiedene haufig verwendete Medikamente identifiziert, darunter Kortikosteroide, Antihypertensiva, Diuretika, Antidepressiva, Antiepileptika, Statine, Antibiotika, nichtsteroidale Antirheumatika, Antikoagulanzien und andere. Mit Ausnahme der Antihypertensiva, Thiaziddiuretika und Statine wurden in tierexperimentellen und praklinischen Studien negative Effekte auf die Knochenheilung nachgewiesen. Fur die 3 genannten Substanzklassen wurden osteoprotektive Wirkungen publiziert. Klinische Daten beim Menschen sind nur vereinzelt zu finden. Die in praklinischen Studien gewonnenen Daten zur Beeinflussung der Frakturheilung belegen Effekte der im Folgenden betrachteten Medikamente. Dabei sind die Wirkungen beim Menschen teilweise noch nicht durch Studien gesichert. Vor dem Hintergrund der im vorliegenden Beitrag zusammengefassten Ergebnisse sollte in kritischen Fallen die weitere Einnahme der Medikamente diskutiert werden.

Study Design Retrospective study. Purpose To evaluate radiological parameters as indicators for posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injuries in the case of limited availability of magnetic resonance imaging. Overview of Literature Traumatic thoracolumbar spinal fractures with PLC injuries can be misdiagnosed on X-rays or computed tomography scans. This study aimed to retrospectively assess unrecognized PLC injuries and evaluate radiographic parameters as indicators of PLC injuries requiring surgery. Methods In total, 314 patients with type A and type B2 fractures who underwent surgical treatment between 2001 and 2010 were included. The frequency of misdiagnosis was reassessed, and radiographic parameters were evaluated and correlated. Results The average age of the patients was 51.8 years. There were 225 type A3/A4 and 89 type B2 fractures; 39 of the type B2 fractures (43.8%) had been misdiagnosed as type A fractures. Type B fractures presented with a significantly higher kyphotic wedge angle and Cobb angle and a lower sagittal index (SI) than type A fractures. In addition, the normalized interspinous distance was higher in type B2 fractures. The significant mathematical indicators for PLC injuries were as follows: Cobb angle+kyphotic wedge angle >29°; Cobb angle2 >170°; and vertebral angle/SI >25. Conclusions The results demonstrated that PLC injuries are frequently misdiagnosed. Correlations between certain radiological parameters associated with PLC injuries can be useful indicators of the presence of such injuries requiring surgery.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Methicillin-resistente Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) stellen eine erhebliche Gesundheitsgefährdung dar. Lange Zeit standen die sog. „healthcare-associated (HA)“ und „community-acquired (CA)“ MRSA-Stämme im Augenmerk der medizinischen Forschung. In den letzten 10 Jahren rückte jedoch zunehmend die Gruppe der „livestock-associated MRSA“ (LA-MRSA) in den wissenschaftlichen Fokus. Epidemiologische Studien zeigten, dass LA-MRSA CC398 die Speziesbarriere durchbrachen und im Zuge dessen Menschen kolonisierten und zu Infektionen führten. Bislang liegen jedoch noch keine Daten zur Kolonisierung orthopädischer Patienten mit LA-MRSA vor. Ziel dieser Studie ist es, die Prävalenz einer LA-MRSA-Besiedelung des durchschnittlichen orthopädischen Patienten einer orthopädischen Fachklinik zu bestimmen und im zeitlichen Verlauf zu betrachten. Des Weiteren soll ein Risikoprofil der typischen LA-MRSA-Träger bestimmt werden. Patienten und Methoden Die vorliegende prospektive Untersuchung schloss insgesamt 1544 Personen ein, die im Zeitraum 01.01.2009 bis 30.06.2009 und 01.04.2012 bis 31.03.2013 untersucht worden waren. Dabei handelte es sich um Patienten, die wegen einer elektiven orthopädischen Behandlung im St.-Antonius-Stift in Emstek, Niedersachsen, stationär aufgenommen worden waren. Bei Aufnahme erfolgte ein Nasenabstrich sowie die Abfrage potenzieller Risikofaktoren mittels Fragebogen. Bei positivem Abstrichbefund wurde eine MRSA-Typisierung durchgeführt, um das Vorliegen einer Infektion mit Hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) oder einer Lifestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA) zu bestimmen. Die Daten der Fragebögen sowie der mikrobiologischen Untersuchung wurden mittels SPSS Version 16.0 übertragen und ausgewertet. Ergebnisse An der Studie nahmen insgesamt 1544 Probanden teil. Es handelte sich um 726 männliche (47%) und 818 weibliche (53%) Studienteilnehmer mit einem mittleren Alter von 58,3 ± 0,73 Jahren (Median: 61,3 Jahre). In diesem Gesamtkollektiv wurde nach der mikrobiologischen Untersuchung der Nasenabstriche bei 51 Probanden (3,3%) eine MRSA-Besiedelung nachgewiesen, während 371 Probanden (24%) eine nasale MSSA-Besiedelung (MSSA: Methicillin-sensibler Staphylococcus aureus) aufwiesen. Dabei ergab sich, dass Studienteilnehmer mit nasaler MRSA-Besiedelung signifikant häufiger direkten Kontakt zu Nutztieren aufwiesen als Probanden ohne nasale MRSA-Besiedelung (59 vs. 11%, p = 0,001). Von den untersuchten 1544 Probanden hatten 30% (n = 463) einen Kontakt zu einer Person mit Nutztieren binnen der letzten 6 Monate. Von den 51 Studienteilnehmern mit nasaler MRSA-Besiedelung hatten 91% Kontakt zu einer Person mit Nutztieren, entsprechend einer statistischen Signifikanz von p Schlussfolgerung Dies ist unseres Wissens die erste Studie, die sich mit der Durchseuchung orthopädischer Patienten und LA-MRSA beschäftigt. Wir konnten zeigen, dass LA-MRSA in Hochrisikogebieten eine zunehmende Rolle bei der Versorgung orthopädischer Patienten spielt. Hierbei zeigte sich, dass keine Verdrängung der CA- und HA-MRSA stattfindet, sondern LA-MRSA eine zusätzliche Besiedelungsquelle darstellt. Patienten, die in der Viehzucht beschäftigt sind oder Kontakt zu Nutztieren haben, sowie deren Familienmitglieder, sollten regelhaft vor orthopädischen Eingriffen gescreent werden. Nur so können die Gefahren einer LA-MRSA-Infektion kontrolliert werden.

Bacterial bone infections after revision surgeries and diseases, like osteomyelitis, are still a challenge with regard to surgical treatments. Local bone infections were treated with antibiotics directly or by controlled drug-releasing scaffolds, like polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spheres, which have to be removed at a later stage, but there is a risk of a bacterial contamination during the removement. Therefore, biomaterials loaded with antibiotics for controlled release could be the method of choice: The biomaterials degrade during the drug release, therefore, there is no need for a second surgery to remove the drug eluting agent. Even non-resorbable bone materials are available (e.g., hydroxyapatite (HA)) or resorbable bone graft materials (e.g., beta-tricalcium phosphate (&beta, TCP)) that will be replaced by newly formed bone. Composite materials with organic additives (e.g., collagen) supports the handling during surgery and enhances the drug loading capacity, as well as the drug releasing time. The purpose of this study was to investigate the loading capacity and the release rate of Vancomycin and Gentamicin on TCP and HA granules in the shape of a degradable scaffold compared to composite materials from TCP mixed with porcine collagen. Its antibacterial efficacy to a more elementary drug with eluting in aqueous solution was examined. The loading capacity of the biomaterials was measured and compared according to the Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) of a bacterial biofilm after 24 h aging. Antibiotic elution and concentration of gentamycin and vancomycin, as well as inhibition zones, were measured by using the Quantitative Microparticle Systems (QMS) immunoassays. The antibiotic concentration was determined by the automated Beckman Coulter (BC) chemistry device. For examination of the antibacterial activity, inhibition zone diameters were measured. Generally, the antibiotic release is more pronounced during the first couple of days than later. Both TCP granules and HA granules experienced a significantly decline of antibiotics release during the first three days. After the fourth day and beyond, the antibiotic release was below the detection threshold. The antibiotic release of the composite material TCP and porcine collagen declined less drastically and was still in the frame of the specification during the first nine days. There was no significant evidence of interaction effect between antibiotic and material, i.e., the fitted lines for Gentamycin and Vancomycin are almost parallel. During this first in vitro study, &beta, TCP-Collagen composites shows a significantly higher loading capacity and a steadily release of the antibiotics Gentamycin and Vancomycin, compared to the also used TCP and HA Granules.

Background The present study aimed to evaluate the functional, radiological and histological outcome of a customized focal implant for the treatment of focal full-thickness cartilage defects in sheep. Methods The study used magnetic resonance imaging data as the basis for construction of the titanium implant using a three-dimensional printing technique. This was then placed on the medial condyle of the knee joint in eight sheep and left in place in vivo over a period of six months. Following euthanasia, the local biological response was analyzed using micro-computed tomography, light microscopy and histological evaluation (International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score). The variables were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. Odds ratios were given with 95% confidence intervals. Results The osseointegration rate was 62.1% (SD 3.9%). All implants were prone to the neighboring cartilage bed (4.4–1096.1 μm). Using the IRCS score, the elements ‘surface’, ‘matrix’, ‘cell distribution’ and ‘cell population’ all showed pathological changes on the operated side, although these did not correlate with implant elevation. On average, a difference of 0.7 mm (± 2 mm) was found between the digitally planned implant and the real implant. Conclusions As a result of imprecise segmentation and difficult preparation conditions at the prosthesis bed, as well as changes at the surface of the implant over the operational lifetime of the prosthesis, it must be stated that the approach implemented here of using a customized implant for the treatment of focal full-thickness cartilage defects at the knee did not meet our expectations.

Osteoporosis is a common disease that affects both women and men. Due to a reduced bone mineral density and increasing age, the risk for atraumatic fractures increases. These fractures cause pain due to the fracture itself and also have far-reaching sequelae in nearly all areas of life of patients.The aim of this article is to summarize the consequences of osteoporotic fractures from the patient's point of view and to highlight the consequences of osteoporosis for the patient. The necessity for timely diagnostics and treatment after a fracture event is explained.For each term a literature search was performed using key topic-related terms and the results are presented as a narrative review.Various areas of importance for patients were identified. A direct assessment of the patient's point of view was not feasible using a literature search; however, studies with surveys of patients could be identified and therefore, the patient's point of view could be integrated. Areas of interest that could be identified in the literature were pain, psychological well-being, cognitive abilities, mortality and long-term need for nursing.The effects of osteoporosis and fractures are multifactorial and often severe for the patient. The measures for prevention of osteoporotic fractures should be consistently implemented in the daily clinical routine and the necessary diagnostics and treatment should be rapidly initiated.

Bone healing after fractures is influenced by many different factors. Besides patient-related factors, such as age, gender and other comorbidities, other drugs taken also have a relevant impact on bone healing.The aim of the study was to give an overview of the effects of frequently used drugs on fracture healing, with the exception of specific osteoporosis drugs and hormones.This overview is based on a medline search with the search string of each pharmacological agent.Frequently used pharmacological substances were identified, for example corticosteroids, antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, antidepressive drugs, antiepileptics, statins, antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants and others. Except for antihypertensive drugs, thiazide diuretics and statins, which have osteoprotective effects and stimulate bone healing, all other drugs have negative effects on fracture healing in preclinical and animal studies. Clinical data are scarce.Data for the effects of the abovementioned pharmacological substances could be found mostly in preclinical studies. The effects of these agents on bone healing in humans has currently not been studied or published. Therefore, the use of these drugs should be discussed carefully in cases with a compromised fracture healing.

Purpose The prevalence of osteoporosis has continuously increased over the past decades and it is set to increase substantially as life expectancy rises steadily. Fragility or osteoporotic fractures of the pelvis often occur after low energy falls e.g. from standing, however, some patients present with assumed insufficiency fractures of the pelvis without a previous trauma. Osteoporotic fractures impose a tremendous economic burden and these fractures deserve attention as they lead to a decrease in mobility with an increase in dependency and are associated with a high rate of mortality. To date, little is known about potential risk factors for pelvic insufficiency fractures. Furthermore, information on clinical outcome is scarce. In view of this rather limited knowledge, we aimed to identify potential risk factors for pelvic insufficiency fractures and to collect information on their short- and long-term outcomes. Methods Files of all consecutive patients admitted between January 2010 and December 2013 for a pelvic insufficiency fracture were enrolled in this study. Pelvic fractures that occurred on tumorous bone or after high-energy trauma were excluded. Fractures of the pelvis included all pelvic bones except the coccyx. For all patients, we recorded clinical and biological parameters available from their medical history. For comparison, the same biological and clinical parameters were evaluated in an age matched control group of 1083 patients aged over 70 who were admitted to our orthopaedic department to undergo knee or hip arthroplasty. The statistical analyses used or Fisher test for percentages comparison, 2-tailed t -tests and Mann Whitney for mean comparison. To determine what factors are predictors and what factors are confounders of pelvic insufficiency fractures, multivariate linear regression analysis using the fracture as a continuous variable was performed. Results Ninety-three patients with a pelvic insufficiency fracture were identified. Following the Rommens and Hofmann classification for fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP), 51 were FFP Type Ia, 26 were FFP Type IIb lesions and 26 were FFP Type IIc. Osteoporosis was found to be significantly associated with pelvic insufficiency fractures (p = 0.003), as was hypertension (p = 0.036), diabetes (p = 0.021), vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.004), hypocalcaemia (p = 0.002) and nicotine abuse (p = 0.0012) after adjustment for possible confounders in the multivariate linear regression analysis. Comparing the autonomous state before and after pelvic fracture, a high loss of autonomy was observed. Patients needing daily assistance nearly doubled their number. Overall mortality was high (20%). Conclusions In conclusion, this study showed multiple risk factors for pelvic insufficiency fractures. Some, like vitamin D deficiency, can benefit easy preventive measures. Outcome of conservative therapy is poor, with loss of social and physical independence and autonomy. The mortality rate is high. Efforts should be made in preventing pelvic insufficiency fractures. All patients should be treated for the severe osteoporosis being associated with these fracture type.

An intramedullary device has some advantages over external fixation in callus distraction for bone defect reconstruction. There are difficulties controlling motorized intramedullary devices and monitoring the distraction rate which may lead to poor results. The aim of this study was to design a fully implantable and non-motorized simple distraction nail for the treatment of bone defects. The fully implantable device comprises a tube-in-tube system and a wire pulling mechanism for callus distraction. For the treatment of femoral bone defects, a traction wire, attached to the device at one end, is fixed to the tibial tubercle at its other end. Flexion of the knee joint over a predetermined angle generates a traction force on the wire triggering bone segment transport. This callus distraction system was implanted into the femur of four human cadavers (total 8 femora), and bone segment transport was conducted over 60-mm defects with radiographic monitoring. All bone segments were transported reliably to the docking site. From these preliminary results, we conclude that this callus distraction system offers an alternative to the current intramedullary systems for the treatment of bone defects.

Objective. In patients scheduled to undergo total joint arthroplasty of the hip, the bone quality around the joint affects the safety of prosthetic implantation. Bone strength is clinically assessed by measuring bone mineral density (BMD); therefore we asked if BMD is important to orthopaedic surgeons performing hip arthroplasty. Methods. In a 14-question survey, we asked about treatment patterns with respect to BMD, osteoporosis work-up, and treatment for patients with low BMD scheduled to undergo hip arthroplasty. Results. 72% of all asked orthopaedics reported to use cementless implants as a standard in hip arthroplasty. Over 60% reported that low BMD is a reason to reconsider operation strategies, but only 4% performed BMD measurement preoperatively. 26% would change their treatment strategy in case of a BMD (T-Score) between −1.5 and −2 and 40% in case of a T-score between −2 and −2.5, and 29% would change their intraoperative strategy if a T-score smaller than −2.5 was measured. Conclusion. The majority of orthopaedic surgeons who responded to the survey reported that they do not perform routine measurement of BMD before arthroplasty. However, most surgeons commented that low bone mineral density will influence their surgical plan and the implant design.

Background Recent minimal-invasive posterior fusion devices are supposed to provide stability and obtain fusion in combination with interbody cages in the instrumented segment. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the primary stability of two minimal-invasive posterior prototypes compared to an established spinous process plate and standard pedicle screw instrumentation. Methods Seven fresh frozen human cadaver lumbar spines (L2–L5) were tested in a spinal testing device with a moment of 7.5 Nm. Spinal stability was determined as mean range of motion (RoM) in the segment L3/L4 during extension-flexion, lateral bending and axial rotation. The RoM was measured during five conditions: 1. intact; 2. working prototype composed of an interspinous device and process plates; 3. an established spinous process fixation device 4. working prototype of facet fixation and 5. pedicle screw fixation. Findings All devices caused a significant reduction of RoM during extension-flexion. The RoM during lateral bending was significantly reduced to 37% (of intact) by pedicle screws and 68% by facet fixation prototype. During axial rotation the RoM was significantly reduced to 52% by pedicle screws and to 86% by facet fixation prototype. The other devices had no significant influence on RoM during lateral bending and axial rotation. Interpretation The facet fixation prototype provided less primary stability compared to pedicle screws, but had significant advantages over spinous process fixation techniques. The results encourage further testing of this implant as a minimal-invasive approach for posterior fixation.

Hypovitaminosis D has been identified as a common risk factor for fragility fractures and poor fracture healing. Epidemiological data on vitamin D deficiency have been gathered in various populations, but the association between vertebral fragility fractures and hypovitaminosis D, especially in males, remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D) in patients presenting with vertebral fragility fractures and to determine whether patients with a vertebral fracture were at greater risk of hypovitaminosis D than a control population. Furthermore, we studied the seasonal variations in the serum vitamin D levels of tested patients in order to clarify the relationship between other known risk factors for osteoporosis and vitamin D levels. We measured the serum 25-OH D levels of 246 patients admitted with vertebral fractures (105 men, 141 female, mean age 69 years, sd 8.5), and in 392 orthopaedic patients with back pain and no fractures (219 men, 173 female, mean age 63 years, sd 11) to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency. Statistical analysis found a significant difference in vitamin D levels between patients with vertebral fragility fracture and the control group (p = 0.036). In addition, there was a significant main effect of the tested variables: obesity (p < 0.001), nicotine abuse (p = 0.002) and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001). No statistical difference was found between vitamin D levels and gender (p = 0.34). Vitamin D insufficiency was shown to be a risk factor for vertebral fragility fractures in both men and women. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:89–93.

Vitamin D is a key player in calcium homeostasis and bone health. Beyond these well-known effects, new data suggest that vitamin D deficiency potentiates a variety of chronic disease states, including diabetes, cancer, and depression. Extremely low vitamin D levels have been associated with osteomalacia and impaired muscle function, both core elements in the field of orthopedic surgery. Good muscle function and healthy bones are essential for fast rehabilitation and positive outcome after orthopedic surgery as well, especially for elderly patients seeking good physical function. Physical function is important for the preservation of independence in daily life and for the prevention of falls, which are associated with fractures and high mortality. This review focuses on the role of vitamin D deficiency in elderly orthopedic patients.

Breast and prostate cancer are amongst the most prevalent malignancies globally and up to 40% of patients will develop metastatic disease, particularly to the skeleton. Multiple myeloma is the most common cancer to affect bone with up to 90% of patients developing bone lesions. Although several studies demonstrated that endocrine changes such as vitamin D deficiency promote secondary cancer growth in bone, relatively few have reported its prevalence. For this reason, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with bone metastases and multiple myeloma.Serum 25-OH-D levels of patients with metastatic bone disease were measured on admission. Statistical analyses was performed to evaluate for possible confounders of hypo-vitaminosis D.We found a widespread and alarming rate of vitamin D deficiency in patients with metastatic bone disease and multiple myeloma. Of note, patients with bone metastases due to breast cancer, prostate cancer and multiple myeloma rarely reached sufficient serum 25-OH-D levels.It is of utmost clinical importance to assess vitamin D levels in cancer patients, especially in those with, or at high risk of developing metastatic bone disease.

Background The purpose of this observational study was to evaluate serum levels of 25-OH-D in patients scheduled to undergo elective hip or knee arthroplasty. We hypothesised that 25-OH-D level is an independent risk factor for length of stay in orthopaedic patients after elective hip or knee arthoplasty. Materials and methods 25-OH-D levels were measured in 1083 patients admitted to an orthopaedic surgery department to undergo elective hip or knee arthroplasty. Comparisons were performed using Chi square or Student’s t test, followed by univariate and multiple linear regression analysis examining the correlation between the length of stay in the orthopaedic department and 25-OH-D level while adjusting for possible confounders. Results Overall, 86 % of patients had insufficient serum levels of 25-OH-D, and over 60 % were vitamin D deficient. The mean length of stay was 13.2 ± 8.3 days. In patients with hypovitaminosis D, the length of stay was significantly longer compared to patients with normal serum 25-OH-D levels (15.6 ± 7.2 compared to 11.3 ± 7.9 days, P = 0.014). In univariate analyses, serum 25-OH-D level was inversely related to the length of stay in our orthopaedic department compared to patients with normal vitamin D levels (r = −0.16; P = 0.008). In multivariate analyses, the length of stay remained significantly associated with low 25-OH-D levels (P = 0.002), indicating that low vitamin D levels increase the length of stay. Conclusions We found a high frequency of hypovitaminosis D among orthopaedic patients scheduled to undergo elective arthroplastic surgery. Low vitamin D levels showed a significant inverse association to the length of stay in our orthopaedic department. Patients with vitamin D levels in the target range were hospitalised 4.3 days less than patients with hypovitaminosis D. Level 3 of evidence according to “The Oxford 2011 levels of evidence”.

Background/Aim: Severe bone pain is experienced by 60–80% of patients with metastatic bone disease, and has a profound impact on quality of life. Therefore, effective pain relief is an important goal in managing metastatic bone disease. Orthopedic surgeons are often challenged with patients presenting with newly diagnosed bone metastases and severe and disabling bone pain. It is important to provide fast and sufficient analgesia. Clinical trials have demonstrated that bisphosphonates reduce effectively and sustained bone pain by approved standard dosage over time. Open label prospective trials have shown that short time high dose i.v. Ibandronate is effective in rapid pain relief in different primary tumors. Patients and methods: In 33 patients with metastatic bone pain from newly diagnosed skeletal metastases we utilized the loading-dose concept for intravenous ibandronate (6 mg infused over 1 h on 3 consecutive days). Results: In 33 patients loading-dose ibandronate therapy significantly reduced bone pain within the first 5–7 days (VAS day 0: 6–8 vs. day 7: 3–4). Only 3 patients showed no response concerning a distinct pain reduction within the first days of therapy. There was no increase in pain medication. Conclusion: This clinical observational study in selected patients with severe metastatic bone pain undergoing an intensive high dosed ibandronate-therapy for a short period demonstrated that loading-dose ibandronate (6 mg i.v., 3 consecutive days) resulted in a reduction of pain within days.