Factors affecting the rate and pattern of the first costal cartilage ossification.

In the present study, the extent of costochondral ossification of the first rib was determined from 78 chest roentgenograms of 13 healthy male soldiers subjected to a periodic follow-up. Roentgenography was performed at a mean interval of 2.9 years over a 15-year period.

Decrease in bone levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in women with subcapital fracture of the femur.

In a previous study we were able to show that in women over the age of 45 the level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) in bone, but not in serum, is significantly reduced when compared with younger women. In the present study we measured the concentration of 1,25(OH)2D in sera and bones of 19 female patients with subcapital fractures of the femur, mean age 78 +/- 2 years. We were able to show that serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D were within the normal range, while bone levels were markedly reduced compared to levels in femoral bone obtained from young female cadavers or to the previously reported levels in non-osteoporotic elderly women.

Management of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis with spinal cord compression in the elderly.

Five elderly and debilitated patients presented with compressive myelopathy due to pyogenic spondylitis. All had undergone surgery which consisted of eradication of the infected tissue via an anterior approach followed by primary bone graft. Supplementary antibiotic treatment was determined by intraoperative bacteriological culture.

Parosteal lipoma of the proximal radius: a report of five cases.

Parosteal lipoma of the proximal radius is a benign, slow-growing tumor. It may cause compression of either the posterior interosseous or the superficial branch of the radial nerve. Surgical excision usually leads to complete recovery.

Decrease in bone level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in women over 45 years old.

The most active metabolite of vitamin D is 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]. Its level in the bone may play a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To assess this, and to see whether there is correlation between serum and bone levels, we studied serum and bone samples taken from 43 patients (18 men and 25 women) undergoing different orthopedic procedures.