Maximizing bone formation in posterior spine fusion using rhBMP-2 and zoledronic acid in wild type and NF1 deficient mice.

Spinal pseudarthrosis is a well described complication of spine fusion surgery in NF1 patients. Reduced bone formation and excessive resorption have been described in NF1 and anti-resorptive agents may be advantageous in these individuals. In this study, 16 wild type and 16 Nf1(+/-) mice were subjected to posterolateral fusion using collagen sponges containing 5 µg rhBMP-2 introduced bilaterally.

Posterolateral inter-transverse lumbar fusion in a mouse model.

Background: Spinal fusion is a common orthopaedic procedure that has been previously modeled using canine, lapine, and rodent subjects. Despite the increasing availability of genetically modified mouse strains, murine models have only been infrequently described.

Purpose: To present an efficient and minimally traumatic procedure for achieving spinal fusion in a mouse model and determine the optimal rhBMP-2 dose to achieve sufficient fusion mass.

Muscle strength, gait, and balance in 20 patients with hip osteoarthritis followed for 2 years after THA.

Background: Patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) have muscular weakness, impaired balance, and limp. Deficits in the different limb muscles and their recovery courses are largely unknown, however. We hypothesized that there is persisting muscular weakness in lower limb muscles and an impaired balance and gait 2 years after THA.

Reduced muscle radiological density, cross-sectional area, and strength of major hip and knee muscles in 22 patients with hip osteoarthritis.

Background: Patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) typically suffer joint pain, and often experience muscular weakness. We hypothesized that substantial atrophy would manifest in multiple muscle groups along the affected limb, resulting in severe muscle dysfunction.

Patients And Methods: We assessed 22 elderly patients with unilateral OA for maximal voluntary isometric strength of hip and knee muscles using a dynamometer that was developed for the purpose.

Test methods to detect hip and knee muscle weakness and gait disturbance in patients with hip osteoarthritis.

Objective: To evaluate test methods for hip and knee muscle weakness and gait disturbance.

Design: Test-retest.

Setting: Orthopedic university clinic.