Autologous stem cell implantation with core decompression for avascular necrosis of the femoral head using a new device.

Introduction: Autologous stem cell progenitor implantation into necrotic lesions of the femoral head has previously been described as a potential treatment for avascular necrosis (AVN), on the basis that there is a reduced number of functioning stem cells in the marrow within the necrotic segment. We present a case series of patients with AVN that underwent core decompression with autologous stem cell implantation using a new device.

Methods: The records and imaging of patients with AVN of the femoral head treated by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed.

Diffusion tensor imaging in anxiety disorders.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be used to examine the structural integrity of regional white matter and to map white matter tracts. DTI studies have been performed in several psychiatric disorders, especially in those for which a developmental or a neuropsychiatric component was postulated. Thus far, the use of DTI has been very limited in panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, and somewhat more extensive in post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Bone mineral density in patients receiving suppressive doses of thyroxine for thyroid carcinoma.

Aims: Studies of the effect of thyroxine therapy on skeletal integrity have given conflicting results; the reductions in bone mass reported by some have prompted recommendations that the prescribed replacement doses of thyroxine should be reduced. We have examined bone mineral density in a group of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma receiving high doses of thyroxine to suppress thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

Methods: The 44 patients (6 male, 38 female) had a median age of 49 years (range 27-75) with median duration of thyroxine therapy of 9.

Historical assessment of risk factors in screening for osteopenia in a normal Caucasian population.

Background: Bone mineral density (BMD) can predict fracture, however, the common use of historical risk factors to predict low BMD is unproven.

Aims: To identify significant historical risk factors for osteopenia. To establish predicting equations for BMD and test their ability to identify those who should be referred for BMD scanning.

Asymptomatic low bone mineral density in otherwise healthy people: four year follow up.

Aim: To determine the effect of screening a normal population for low bone density on lifestyle, subsequent bone density and fracture risk.

Method: A cross sectional study of 726 subjects screened for low bone density identified 60 with bone density greater than one standard deviation below an age and sex matched mean. Those who accepted further assessment were followed clinically and with repeat bone densitometry for up to four years.

Factors affecting bone mineral density in high school girls.

Objectives: first to establish a local normal range for hip and spine bone density in the teenage years. Secondly to determine what factors might affect bone mineral density at this age.

Methods: bone mineral density (DPX absorptiometer) at the hip and spine in a cohort of 138 high school girls; mean age 16.

Effects of age and sex on bone density at the hip and spine in a normal Caucasian New Zealand population.

We have studied a normal adult caucasian population (462 females, 264 males age range 20-84) using dual photon absorptiometry to establish patterns of bone reduction at the spine and hip. Subjects were either randomly selected from the electoral roll or volunteers. Bone mineral density reduction at the lumbar spine in females appeared to increase at 40 years and was sustained until 60 years.