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Background Diaphyseal bone loss occurs mainly at the endosteal surface in the medullary cavity. Since the menopause is followed by an increase in bone loss, the size of the medullary cavity should theoretically increase during the postmenopausal period. If so, this might affect the long-term fixation of hip prostheses. Patients and methods This 19-year prospective study evaluated bone loss and geometrical changes in 112 women, all premenopansal at baseline. Bone mineral density (BMD) and skeletal geometry, with special reference to the size of the medullary cavity, were estimated every other year by single-photon absorptiometry at the cortical site of the distal radius. Results After menopause, a decrease of 1.7 (95% Cl 1.6-1.8)% occurred in the BMD every year, while un increase of 0.9 (0.8-1.0)% in the medullary width (endosteal width) too place every year. The annual change in BMD was inversely correlated with the annual change in the medullary width (r = -0.5, p < 0.001). The quartile of women with the largest BMD loss had a greater medullary expansion than the quartile of women with the least BMD loss (p < 0.001). Interpretation If the age-related expansion of the radial medullary cavity is a general phenomenon, this may have implications for the long-term fixation of hip prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We included in a prospective, randomized study 68 patients aged 70 years or older, with displaced cervical hip fractures. The patients were randomized to internal fixation with hook-pins (36) or primary arthroplasty (32) (total or hemiarthroplasty due to their prefracture status) and followed for 2 years. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, mental confusion and/or residence in an institution were excluded. The postoperative stay in hospital, rehabilitation wards or nursing homes were recorded as well as complications and the costs of surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the accumulated costs of each method, during the first 2 years after the fracture. In the internal fixation group, 15/36 were considered failures, as compared to 1/32 in the arthroplasty group. As regards primary treatment of the fracture, the durations of surgery and hospital stay were shorter after internal fixation, but the total need for hospitalization/institutionalizaion was somewhat longer in these patients. The mean 2-year cost for a patient with internal fixation was USD 21,000 and of one with primary arthroplasty USD 15,000. We conclude that primary arthroplasty is a cost-efficient treatment. Considering the very much higher failure rate after internal fixation--leading to increased suffering for these patients--primary arthroplasty stands out as the best method for displaced fractures of the femoral neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

103 patients with displaced femoral neck fractures (Garden 3-4) treated with primary hemiarthroplasty in the Department of Orthopedics, Malmó University Hospital, Sweden 1998-1999 were followed in a prospective, consecutive study for 1 year. Inclusion criteria were age of at least 80 years, signs of mental changes and/or residence in an institution. The control group consisted of 69 patients with internal fixation (Hansson hook pins). The arthroplasty group required more blood transfusions, a longer operation and had more superficial infections. No differences were detected as regards other complications, length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality or ability to return home. The 1-year mortality rates were similar in the arthroplasty (29/103) and control groups (28/69). Within I year, we found a lower failure rate in the arthroplasty group (6/103) than in the control group (18/69). In the arthroplasty group, 2/103 had dislocations. Of the surviving arthroplasty patients at 12 months, 31/74 could walk as well as before the fracture and 55/74 had no pain. We recommend primary hemiarthroplasty for demented and/or institutionalized patients over 80 years with displaced femoral neck fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the prevalence of vertebral deformity among non-participants and participants of the European Vertebral Osteoporosis Study. Number of men alcoholics among the non-participants; Observation of fewer female non-participants with history of vertebral fracture; Morality rate among male and female non-participants.

By combining data from the Discharge registers and the census bureaus in The Netherlands and Sweden, we calculated the age-specific incidences of primary total hip replacement (THR), studied the demographic profile of the population receiving THR and predicted demands. In the period 1986-1997, the number of THRs increased by 20% in Sweden to 10,000 operations (113/100,000 inhabitants) and by 68% to 17,400 operations (112/100,000 inhabitants) in The Netherlands. Of this increase 3% and 15% could be explained by changes in the age-profile and size of the population, respectively. Although the overall incidence of THR was similar in both countries in 1997, we found that, after correction for differences in population structure, the incidence of THR was 20% higher in The Netherlands. In Sweden, relatively more men were operated on than in The Netherlands. We also found that in Sweden, but not in the Netherlands, relatively more older people were operated on in 1997 than in 1987. Assuming no further change in the age- and sex-specific arthroplasty rates, the predicted annual number of total hip replacements by the year 2020 will increase by at least one fourth in Sweden and almost one half in The Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the management of patients after an osteoporotic fracture by orthopedic surgeons with different field of specialization in Finland. Guidelines for treatment of patients with osteoporosis; Importance of follow-up on medical check-up; Implication of the preventive measures to patients with history of osteoporosis.

Vertebral fracture-deformation, a common feature of osteoporosis, shows considerable age, sex and geographical variation. We present the prevalence in an urban population of south-west Sweden. Lateral spine radiographs of 797 men and women, age 50-86 years, were evaluated by morphomety. The age-standardized prevalence of subjects with vertebral deformation using the deformation criterion -3 SD was 39 (95%CI 34-43)% in women and 33 (95%CI 28-38)% in men. The prevalence increased with age in both sexes. After adjustment for age, women had a higher prevalence than men, odds ratio 1.4. The proportion of vertebrae with deformation ranged from 2%-11%, increasing with age. The vertebrae most commonly deformed were Th 11, Th 12 and L1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the incidence of forearm fractures in Sweden. Use of standardized morbidity ratio and confidence interval; Ratio of reduced to unreduced fractures in both gender according to age; Common cause of distal fractures; Effect of climate changes on the fracture risk.

Analyzes the incidence of hip fracture in patients aged 50 or more in Malmo, Sweden from 1992 to 1995. Increase rate of trochanteric fractures; Reduction in the prescription of sedative-hypnotic drugs; Effect of long half-life benzodiazepines on sustaining a hip fracture.

Investigates the effect of a previous fracture on the risk of a later fracture in postmenopausal women. Changes in bone density; Prevalence of self-reported fractures; Predictive ability of a fracture.

Presents an obituary for Bo Nilson, a professor of orthopedics in Varmland, Sweden.