Association of polymorphism at the type I collagen (COL1A1) locus with reduced bone mineral density, increased fracture risk, and increased collagen turnover.
(1/437)
OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between a common polymorphism within intron 1 of the COL1A1 gene and osteoporosis in a nested case-control study. METHODS: We studied 185 healthy women (mean +/- SD age 54.3+/-4.6 years). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual x-ray absorptiometry, and fractures were determined radiographically. The COL1A1 genotype was assessed using the polymerase chain reaction and Bal I endonuclease digestion. RESULTS: Genotype frequencies were similar to those previously observed and in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium: SS 61.1%, Ss 36.2%, and ss 2.7%. Carriage of at least one copy of the "s" allele was associated with a significant reduction in lumbar spine BMD (P = 0.02) and an increased risk of total fracture (P = 0.04). Urinary pyridinoline levels were significantly elevated in those with the risk allele (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These data support the findings that the COL1A1 gene polymorphism is associated with low BMD and fracture risk, and suggest a possible physiologic effect on total body turnover of type I collagen. (+info)
Pathological fracture of a lumbar vertebra caused by rheumatoid arthritis--a case report.
(2/437)
We describe a case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with collapse of the L3 lumbar vertebra for which surgery was performed. The pathogenesis of lumbar lesions affected by RA is discussed and the literature reviewed. (+info)
Exposure of medical personnel to methylmethacrylate vapor during percutaneous vertebroplasty.
(3/437)
The occupational exposure to methylmethacrylate (MMA) vapor during percutaneous vertebroplasty was determined. During five vertebroplasty procedures, air-sampling pumps were attached to medical personnel. MMA vapor levels in the samples were then quantified using gas chromatography. The samples collected yielded MMA vapor levels of less than five parts per million (ppm). The MMA vapor concentrations measured were well below the recommended maximum exposure of 100 ppm over the course of an 8-hour workday. (+info)
Pathologic odontoid fracture and benign fibrous histiocytoma of bone.
(4/437)
We present the case of a 44-year-old female patient, who sustained an odontoid fracture after a minor trauma (uncomplicated fall). The radiologic evaluation revealed a skeletal tumor of the second cervical vertebra together with a fracture line at the base of the odontoid process of the axis. The patient underwent surgery, the tumor was resected and the odontoid was stabilised using an autologous cortico-cancellous bone graft and a halo fixator. Histologic examination revealed benign fibrous histiocytoma, which is reported to be a very rare skeletal tumor. (+info)
Larger increases in bone mineral density during alendronate therapy are associated with a lower risk of new vertebral fractures in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Fracture Intervention Trial Research Group.
(5/437)
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the incidence of vertebral fractures is related to the magnitude of change in bone mineral density (BMD) during alendronate treatment. METHODS: Women in this study were age 55-81 years (n = 2,984). While participating in the Fracture Intervention Trial, they received 5 mg/day of alendronate for 2 years followed by 10 mg/day for the remaining 12-30 months of the study. Their BMD was measured at baseline and at 12 and 24 months, and spine radiographs were obtained at baseline and again at 36 or 48 months to identify new vertebral fractures. RESULTS: After 12 months of alendronate treatment, 35% of participants had increases of > or =3% in total hip BMD, and 21% had either decreased total hip BMD or no change. Women who had larger increases in total hip BMD during the first 12 months had a lower incidence of new vertebral fractures during the entire followup period. Only 3.2% of women with increases of > or =3% in total hip BMD experienced new vertebral fractures, whereas twice as many women (6.3%) whose BMD declined or stayed the same experienced new fractures (adjusted odds ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.27-0.72). Similar patterns were observed for spine BMD at 12 months, and for both sites using change in BMD at 24 months. CONCLUSION: Women with increases of > or =3% in BMD during the first 1 or 2 years of alendronate treatment had the lowest incidence of new vertebral fractures. These findings suggest that, among women taking antiresorptive agents, greater increases in BMD are associated with lower risk of new vertebral fractures. (+info)
Elevated activity of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase in blood from patients with skeletal metastases of prostate cancer.
(6/437)
The semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidases constitute a group of copper-containing enzymes whose physiological function is unclear. The enzymes are present in various tissues, including blood plasma. At present, the source of the plasma enzyme in humans is not known. Results of a recent study suggested that semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase is expressed in the skeleton, e.g. in the spine. Using an indirect autoradiographic method in mice, we provide evidence that semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase is present in high abundance in bone tissue. Specific activities of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase were estimated in blood samples from subjects with femoral bone fractures. Moreover, enzyme activities were also measured in patients suffering from prostate cancer with skeletal metastases. The level of specific semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase activity in serum was significantly elevated in patients with skeletal metastases compared with both healthy controls and patients having prostate cancer without signs of skeletal metastases. Based on the results of the present study, we propose that semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase in blood plasma may originate, at least in part, from the skeleton. (+info)
Bilateral acetabular fracture without trauma.
(7/437)
In the absence of trauma fracture of the acetabulum is an extremely rare injury. We describe a 70 year old man who spontaneously developed fractures in both acetabulae due to bony insufficiency. It was successfully treated by bilateral total hip replacement. (+info)
Hip fracture and bone histomorphometry in a young adult with cystic fibrosis.
(8/437)
A 25-yr-old male with cystic fibrosis sustained a fragility fracture of the left femoral neck, which required surgical correction. He had several risk factors for the development of low bone density and despite treatment with an oral bisphosphonate, his bone mineral density reduced further. The patient died 2 yrs after sustaining the fracture. Bone specimens obtained at post mortem demonstrated severe cortical and trabecular osteopenia, but the histological features were not typical of osteoporosis or osteomalacia. Osteoporosis is thought to be a common complication of cystic fibrosis. The novel histomorphometric appearances reported here suggest that the bone disease of cystic fibrosis may be more complex and possibly unique. Labelled bone biopsies are required to clarify the bone defect leading to low bone density in cystic fibrosis patients so that appropriate therapeutic strategies can be developed. (+info)