Efficacity and feasibility of vertebroplasty for severe vertebral fracture: a retrospective study of 12 vertebroplasties.

Vertebroplasty is commonly contraindicated for severe vertebral fractures, or vertebra plana. However, we decided after multidisciplinary staff decision to perform vertebroplasty for few severe vertebral fractures which were still painful after optimal medical treatment. We retrospectively studied the charts of patients who benefited from vertebroplasty for severe vertebral body compression fracture between May 2006 and January 2012 in a rheumatology department.

Increase in type II collagen turnover after iron depletion in patients with hereditary haemochromatosis.

Objective: To determine the effects of iron depletion on serum levels of joint biomarkers and on joint symptoms in patients with hereditary haemochromatosis (HH).

Methods: Levels of biomarkers were measured in 18 patients with HH at the time of diagnosis and after iron depletion. The markers were type II collagen degradation (Coll2-1) and its nitrated form (Coll2-1NO(2)), type II procollagen synthesis (CPII), MPO, COMP and HA.