Calcium intake, bone mineral density, and fragility fractures: evidence from an Italian outpatient population.

Unlabelled: This study was performed in 1000 adult Italian subjects to focus on the effects of dietary calcium intake on bone health. A higher fracture risk appears to be associated with a reduced calcium intake. An adequate daily calcium intake is recommended to counteract osteoporotic fractures.

Hypersensitivity reactions to metal implants: laboratory options.

Background: All implant compounds undergo an electrochemical process when in contact with biological fluids, as well as mechanical corrosion due to abrasive wear, with production of metal debris that may inhibit repair processes. None of the commonly-used methods can diagnose implant allergies when used singly, therefore a panel of tests should be performed on allergic patients as pre-operative screening, or when a postoperative metal sensitisation is suspected.

Methods: We analysed patients with painful prostheses and subjects prone to allergies using the Patch Test in comparison with the Lymphocyte Transformation Test.

Total knee arthroplasty in patients with hypersensitivity to metals.

Purpose: We evaluated the risk of hypersensitivity to metals in a population of consecutive subjects undergoing a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We also proposed a diagnostic pathway to address any sensitivity to metals. We finally presented the mid-term outcomes of a full non allergenic knee implant.

Painful prosthesis: approaching the patient with persistent pain following total hip and knee arthroplasty.

Background: Symptomatic severe osteoarthritis and hip osteoporotic fractures are the main conditions requiring total hip arthroplasty (THA), whereas total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is mainly performed for pain, disability or deformity due to osteoarthritis. After surgery, some patients suffer from "painful prosthesis", which currently represents a clinical problem.

Methods: A systematic review of scientific literature has been performed.

Therapeutic effects of the superoxide dismutase mimetic compound MnIIMe2DO2A on experimental articular pain in rats.

Superoxide anion (O(2) (•-)) is overproduced in joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Increased O(2) (•-) production leads to tissue damage, articular degeneration, and pain. In these conditions, the physiological defense against O(2) (•-), superoxide dismutases (SOD) are decreased.