Narrow Results

Background: A comparative analysis of the role of various proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) lengths in the union of trochanteric fracture in elderly patients treated with long and short PFNA. Objective: To investigate the significance of PFNA length in trochanteric fracture union in elderly patient. Materials and methods: A retrospective review study was conducted in elderly patients with trochanteric fractures treated between March 2010 and December 2017 in a tertiary care hospital. Hospital records of 517 patients who were treated for trochanteric fracture with various sizes of PFNA, were analyzed as per inclusion criteria and finally 503 patients records were included in the study, of which 261 were treated with short PFNA and 242 with long PFNA. The patients were allocated to two groups: those treated with long nail ($n=242$) and short nail ($n=261$). Demographic data were comparatively analyzed regarding the time of fracture union and complications. Results: In this study, no remarkable differences were noted between two groups with regards to types of fracture, time from injury to surgery and duration of hospital stay. The duration of surgery in a short PFNA was significantly less (60.5min) compared to that of a long PFNA (82.2min). However, the time taken for fracture to unite was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The variation in the length of the nail whether short or long does not affect union in trochanteric fracture in the elderly however surgical duration for short nail was much less than the long nail.

Fragility distal femoral fractures are often associated to deficient bone stock and bone defect. Frail patients, who are characterized by their coexisting comorbidities, low functional status and frequent cognitive impairment, benefit from early intervention and mobilization. The use of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement in the case of distal femoral fractures with decreased screw purchase and bone defect is a valid option in frail non-ambulatory patients. Given an accurate patient selection, the immediate postoperative mobilization provided by the one-shot surgery presented in this paper procures substantial advantages.

APAC drug delivery devices market to reach $5.4 billion in 2023.

Mergermarket released Global Pharma, Medical & Biotech trend report for Q3 2017.

Global BioLife develops breakthrough modified sugar.

Breakthrough noodle formula with low-glycemic score of 38.

Aphria ships first medical cannabis oil to Australia’s Medlab for clinical trial.

Envirotainer doubles e-technology capacity across Asia.

Genesis CancerCare Queensland is first in Asia-Pacific to use Elekta’s Venezia Brachytherapy Applicator.

iX Biopharma secures European patent for WaferiX drug delivery technology.

Shingrix approved in the US for prevention of shingles in adults aged 50 and over.

First three-monthly long-acting treatment for schizophrenia patients in Singapore.

China, Brazil and Russia named by healthcare companies as riskiest markets for compliance and regulation.

New survey shows patients in Asia Pacific fail to recognize their fragility fracture is due to osteoporosis.

Healthcare community join forces to fight growing epidemic of fragility fractures caused by osteoporosis.

Background: The distal radius is one of the common sites for fragility fractures. A fracture of the distal radius in the elderly is often associated with low bone mineral density (BMD). It is an early predictor of osteoporosis and increased risk of subsequent fragility fractures of the hip and the spine with greater morbidity. Osteoporosis is becoming an increasing cause for concern in the elderly population. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in patients aged 50 years and above with distal radius fractures in our local population.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of all patients aged 50 years and above who were treated for a distal radius fracture at our institution over a 4-year period. Data regarding gender, mechanism of injury (low or high energy), and outcome of BMD scans were collected. The data were analyzed to look at the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia and the relation amongst BMD, gender, and the mechanism of injury.

Results: About 2,572 patients aged 50 years and above were treated at our institution over a 4-year period from 2013 to 2016. The average age of the patients was 67.7 years old and 1,938 (75.3%) were women. A total of 1,034 patients had BMD scans and of these 56.0% had osteoporosis and 37.4% had osteopenia. There was no correlation between the prevalence of osteoporosis and gender or the mechanism of injury.

Conclusions: The prevalence of osteoporosis in patients aged 50 and above with distal radius fractures is a significant cause for concern in Singapore. Routine assessment for osteoporosis is recommended for all patients above 50 years old with distal radius fractures.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)

Recently, several updates in the assessment and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis guidelines were published. This review discusses international guidelines, including the algorithm for management of patients at risk of osteoporotic fracture from the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) 2020, The Pharmacological Management of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline (2019)/Guideline Update (2020), and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)/American College of Endocrinology (ACE) guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis-2020 update. Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemics, the joint guidance on osteoporosis management in the era of COVID-19 pandemic will also be included.

The criterion for diagnosis of osteoporosis has been published by AACE/ACE. All postmenopausal women of age ≥50 years old should be evaluated for osteoporosis risk. Those at very high risk for fracture are recommended to start treatment with anabolic agents and those at high risk for fracture are recommended to start treatment with antiresorptive agent such as bisphosphonates or denosumab. Intervention thresholds and treatment options vary from country to country. Physicians should individualize the treatment according to risks, benefits, patient preferences, as well as treatment accessibility.