Balloon kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in the management of vertebral compression fractures.

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are the most prevalent fractures in osteoporotic patients. The classical conservative management of these fractures is through rest, pain medication, bracing and muscle relaxants. The aim of this paper is to review prospective controlled studies comparing the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive techniques for vertebral augmentation, vertebroplasty (VP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP), versus non-surgical management (NSM).

Osteocalcin gene polymorphisms influence concentration of serum osteocalcin and enhance fracture identification.

Osteoporosis is a major health problem affecting more than 75 million people throughout Europe, the United States, and Japan. Epidemiologic studies have determined that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. We have investigated the association between polymorphisms at the osteocalcin locus and variables linked to bone health.

Bone turnover markers and prediction of fracture: a prospective follow-up study of 1040 elderly women for a mean of 9 years.

Osteoporosis is characterized by compromised bone mass and strength, predisposing to an increased risk of fracture. Increased bone metabolism has been suggested to be a risk factor for fracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether baseline bone turnover markers are associated with long-term incidence of fracture in a population-based sample of 1040 women who were 75 years old (Malmö OPRA study).

Bone turnover markers are correlated with total skeletal uptake of 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP).

Background: Skeletal uptake of 99mTc labelled methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) is used for producing images of pathological bone uptake due to its incorporation to the sites of active bone turnover. This study was done to validate bone turnover markers using total skeletal uptake (TSU) of 99mTc-MDP.

Methods: 22 postmenopausal women (52-80 years) volunteered to participate.

Different skeletal effects of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)alpha agonist fenofibrate and the PPARgamma agonist pioglitazone.

Background: All the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are found to be expressed in bone cells. The PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone has been shown to decrease bone mass in mice and thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have recently been found to increase bone loss and fracture risk in humans treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of the PPARalpha agonist fenofibrate (FENO) and the PPARgamma agonist pioglitazone (PIO) on bone in intact female rats.