厚度微创椎板间开窗椎管扩大术治疗腰椎管狭窄的疗效

目的:探讨微创椎板间开窗椎管扩大术治疗腰椎管狭窄(LSS)的疗效。方法:对收治的40例LSS患者(研究组)前瞻性实施微创椎板间开窗椎管扩大术治疗,回顾性分析实施常规后路椎板切除减压术治疗的40例LSS患者(对照组)的临床资料,术后随访6~24个月,对比两组患者治疗效果。结果:两组手术时间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05),但研究组住院时间短于对照组,术中失血量少于对照组(P0.05);两组术后JOA评分有效率、轴性症状发生率、椎间隙高度、腰椎曲度、滑脱程度比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05),但研究组术后伤椎疼痛VAS评分显著低于对照组(P0.05);对照组并发症总发生率高于研究组(P0.05)。结论:微创椎板间开窗椎管扩大术治疗LSS,与常规术式疗效相当,但手术创伤小,术后并发症少。     

神经根管减压术对中老年退行性腰椎管狭窄的临床疗效及机制研究

目的:探究神经根管减压术对中老年退行性腰椎管狭窄的临床疗效及其机制。方法:收集我院收治的中老年退行性腰椎管狭窄患者112例,根据随机数字对照表分为对照组与试验组,每组各56例。对照组采用保守治疗方法,试验组实施神经根管减压术。治疗结束后,比较两组患者的临床疗效、治疗前后血清炎症因子-1α(IL-1α)、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)水平。结果:与对照组相比,试验组实施神经根管减压术总有效率较高(P0.05)。与治疗前比较,两组治疗后血清IL-1α及TNF-α水平降低,且试验组血清IL-1α及TNF-α水平较对照组更低,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:与保守治疗相比,神经根管减压术治疗中老年退行性腰椎管狭窄治愈率较高,可能与其显著降低血清IL-1α及TNF-α水平有关。     

经后路椎体间融合术与经椎间孔椎体间融合术治疗老年退行性 腰椎滑脱合并腰椎管狭窄的疗效

目的：研究经后路椎体间融合术（PLIF）与经椎间孔椎体间融合术（TLIF）治疗老年退行性腰椎滑脱合并腰椎管狭窄症的临 床疗效。方法：选取2011 年12 月到2014 年12 月我院收治的老年退行性腰椎滑脱合并腰椎管狭窄症患者40 例,根据手术方式 将患者分为PLIF组和TLIF组,比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量、术后卧床时间、视觉疼痛评分（VAS）、Oswestry功能 不良指数（ODI）以及并发症的发生率。结果：TLIF组术中出血量、术后引流量及术后卧床时间均显著优于PLIT 组,差异具有统计 学意义（P＜ 0.05）;两组手术时间差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;两组术后半年VAS评分及ODI评分均显著优于手术前,差异具有 统计学意义（P＜0.05）;但两组之间比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;TLIF 组并发症发生率显著低于PLIF 组,差异具有统计学 意义（P＜ 0.05）。结论：TLIF治疗老年退行性腰椎滑脱合并腰椎管狭窄症具有较好的临床疗效,且术后并发症较少。     

Angiopoietin-Like Protein 2 Induced by Mechanical Stress Accelerates Degeneration and Hypertrophy of the Ligamentum Flavum in Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis

Chronic inflammation and subsequent fibrosis induced by mechanical stress play an important role in ligamentum flavum (LF) hypertrophy and degeneration in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (Angptl2) is a chronic inflammatory mediator induced under various pathological conditions and increases the expression of TGF-β1, which is a well-characterized mediator in LF hypertrophy. We investigated whether Angptl2 is induced by mechanical stress, and whether it contributes to LF hypertrophy and degeneration by activating the TGF-β1 signaling cascade. In this study, we investigated human LF tissue and LF fibroblasts isolated from patients who underwent lumbar surgery. We found that Angptl2 was abundantly expressed in fibroblasts of hypertrophied LF tissues at both the mRNA and protein levels. This expression was not only positively correlated with LF thickness and degeneration but also positively correlated with lumbar segmental motion. Our in vitro experiments with fibroblasts from hypertrophied LF tissue revealed that mechanical stretching stress increases the expression and secretion of Angptl2 via activation of calcineurin/NFAT pathways. In hypertrophied LF tissue, expression of TGF-β1 mRNA was also increased and TGF-β1/Smad signaling was activated. Angptl2 expression in LF tissue was positively correlated with the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA, suggesting cooperation between Angptl2 and TGF-β1 in the pathogenesis of LF hypertrophy. In vitro experiments revealed that Angptl2 increased levels of TGF-β1 and its receptors, and also activated TGF-β1/Smad signaling. Mechanical stretching stress increased TGF-β1 mRNA expression, which was partially attenuated by treatment with a calcineurin/NFAT inhibitor or Angptl2 siRNA, indicating that induction of TGF-β1 expression by mechanical stretching stress is partially mediated by Angptl2. We conclude that expression of Angptl2 induced by mechanical stress in LF fibroblasts promotes LF tissue degeneration by activation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling, which results in LF hypertrophy in patients with LSCS.     

Gait Biomechanics and Patient-Reported Function as Predictors of Response to a Hip Strengthening Exercise Intervention in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

ObjectiveMuscle strengthening exercises have been shown to improve pain and function in adults with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, but individual response rates can vary greatly. Predicting individuals who respond and those who do not is important in developing a more efficient and effective model of care for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use pre-intervention gait kinematics and patient-reported outcome measures to predict post-intervention response to a 6-week hip strengthening exercise intervention in patients with mild-to-moderate knee OA.MethodsThirty-nine patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis completed a 6-week hip-strengthening program and were subgrouped as Non-Responders, Low-Responders, or High-Responders following the intervention based on their change in Knee injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Predictors of responder subgroups were retrospectively determined from baseline patient-reported outcome measures and kinematic gait parameters in a discriminant analysis of principal components. A 3–4 year follow-up on 16 of the patients with knee OA was also done to examine long-term changes in these parameters.ResultsA unique combination of patient-reported outcome measures and kinematic factors was able to successfully subgroup patients with knee osteoarthritis with a cross-validated classification accuracy of 85.4%. Lower patient-reported function in daily living (ADL) scores and hip frontal plane kinematics during the loading response were most important in classifying High-Responders from other sub-groups, while a combination of hip, knee, ankle kinematics were used to classify Non-Responders from Low-Responders.ConclusionPatient-reported outcome measures and objective biomechanical gait data can be an effective method of predicting individual treatment success to an exercise intervention. Measuring gait kinematics, along with patient-reported outcome measures in a clinical setting can be useful in helping make evidence-based decisions regarding optimal treatment for patients with knee OA.     

Outcome of Arthroscopy in Patients with Advanced Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Hip arthroscopy has continued to expand its horizons in treating many conditions other than femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). However, the results of hip arthroscopy are known to be poor if the degree of articular cartilage damage is significant. We wanted to assess, whether the procedure might have a role in the management of young and active patients with advanced osteoarthritis (OA) and whether it should be offered as a treatment modality. 77 consecutive patients with Tönnis grade 2 and 3 osteoarthritis of the hip who had undergone hip arthroscopy were included in the study. Patients'' medical notes, plain radiographs and outcome scores (modified Harris hip score (mHHS), non-arthritic hip score (NAHS)) preoperatively and postoperatively at six weeks, six months, one year and annually thereafter, were analysed. 77 patients consisted of 63 men and 14 women with mean follow-up of 2.8 years (2.2 to 4.2) and mean age at surgery of 43 years (19 to 64). The mean preoperative mHHS and NAHS scores were 58 (28 to 87) and 64 (27 to 93) respectively. The mean improvements in both the mHHS and NAHS scores were significant (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0001 for mHHS at one and two years, p = 0.002 and p = 0.0003 for NAHS at one and two years, respectively). There were 34 patients (44%) who required a total hip replacement at mean of 18 months (6 to 48) after hip arthroscopy. We conclude that hip arthroscopy improves outcome scores in 56% of patients with severe OA of the hip (Tönnis grade 2 and 3) for at least two years after surgery. We thus consider the procedure to be a reasonable option for patients with hip OA, although success of the procedure will be less than if undertaken for certain other conditions.     

Predictive Factors for Subjective Improvement in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Patients with Nonsurgical Treatment: A 3-Year Prospective Cohort Study

Objective

To assess the predictive factors for subjective improvement with nonsurgical treatment in consecutive patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Materials and Methods

Patients with LSS were enrolled from 17 medical centres in Japan. We followed up 274 patients (151 men; mean age, 71 ± 7.4 years) for 3 years. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the predictive factors for subjective symptom improvement with nonsurgical treatment.

Results

In 30% of patients, conservative treatment led to a subjective improvement in the symptoms; in 70% of patients, the symptoms remained unchanged, worsened, or required surgical treatment. The multivariable analysis of predictive factors for subjective improvement with nonsurgical treatment showed that the absence of cauda equina symptoms (only radicular symptoms) had an odds ratio (OR) of 3.31 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50–7.31); absence of degenerative spondylolisthesis/scoliosis had an OR of 2.53 (95% CI: 1.13–5.65); <1-year duration of illness had an OR of 3.81 (95% CI: 1.46–9.98); and hypertension had an OR of 2.09 (95% CI: 0.92–4.78).

Conclusions

The predictive factors for subjective symptom improvement with nonsurgical treatment in LSS patients were the presence of only radicular symptoms, absence of degenerative spondylolisthesis/scoliosis, and an illness duration of <1 year.     

Coflex固定加椎板开窗减压在腰椎管狭窄症的疗效观察

目的:观察Coflex固定加椎板开窗减压在腰椎管狭窄症的疗效。方法:选择2009年8月至2012年8月在我院治疗,经CT诊断为腰椎椎管狭窄的患者82例,随机分为观察组和对照组,每组各41例。观察组行Conflex固定加椎板开窗减压治疗,对照组行常规手术治疗。观察和比较两者患者1年后的健康情况、术后满意程度、VAS评分及Barthel指数。结果:观察组术后满意度90.2%,对照组为65.9%,与对照组比较,观察组满意度更高,差异有统计学意义(X2=16.8,P0.001);两组患者健康情况的比较:观察组优良率(82.9%)较对照组(56.1%)高,两组健康情况相互比较差异有统计学意义(X2=17.1,P0.001);观察组随访VAS评分2.34±1.02,对照组VAS评分4.31±1.33,两组VAS评分比较差异均有统计学意义(t=7.43,P0.0 01);观察组Barthel指数(92.3±5.1)优于对照组(81.2±4.2),差异有统计学意义(t=5.31,P0.0 01)。结论:Conflex固定加椎板开窗减压对腰椎管狭窄症的疗效确切,不良反应少,值得在临床上推广。     

Studies in Osteoarthritis of the Hip: Part III,Congenital Subluxation and Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Although congenital subluxation of the hip is an important primary abnormality, upon which OA hip may later supervene, other factors may also be important in individual patients. When osteoarthritis is seen with subluxation, it probably represents congenital subluxation and not displacement of the femoral head secondary to remodelling. Osteoarthritis in these cases is usually superolateral or supermedial in type, with the major impact of the disease in the superior articular cartilage. A similar form of osteoarthritis is seen in cases where leg-length disparity exists, with or without the presence of congenital subluxation, the wear occurring on the side of the long leg. It has been suggested that bio-mechanical considerations support the contention that stress is likely to be increased in the superior area of the joint on the side of a long leg, and wear can be expected to occur here. If either anomaly may provoke the later development of OA hip, it remains to be shown which is more important when both are present in the same patient.     

后路椎板减压螺钉置入术与椎管减压固定术治疗胸髓损伤对比研究

摘要 目的：探究后路椎板减压螺钉置入术与椎管减压固定术对胸髓损伤患者临床效果。方法：择取胸髓损伤患者54例,通过随机数字表法分为对照组27例,研究组27例。对照组采用后路椎板减压螺钉置入术,研究组采用椎管减压固定术治疗。统计两组患者相关手术指标情况;检测血清炎性因子水平;通过视觉模拟评分法（VAS）及Oswestry功能障碍指数（ODI）对两组患者疼痛程度及功能障碍程度进行评价;采用Frankel分级评估患者的脊髓损伤情况,对比两组术后效果。结果：术后与对照组相比,研究组手术时间、术中出血量、手术切口及住院时间均减少,具有统计学差异（均P<0.05）。术后1、3个月,与对照组相比,研究组白介素1β（IL-1β）、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、VAS、ODI评分下降程度更为显著,Frankel分级情况上升程度更为显著,具有统计学差异（均P<0.05）。与对照组相比,研究组临床疗效更为显著,具有统计学差异（P<0.05）。结论：对胸髓损伤患者行椎管减压固定术的治疗效果较好,治疗后患者炎症水平降低,疼痛得到缓解,运动功能和神经功能得到恢复,整体疗效显著,值得临床推广。     

髋关节骨性关节炎患者生存质量现状及其影响因素分析

目的：探讨髋关节骨性关节炎患者生存质量现状及其影响因素。方法：选择60 例髋关节骨性关节炎患者作为观察组,60 例 健康者作为对照组。采用SF-36 生存质量评价量表,比较观察组与对照组SF-36 量表各维度评分;分析影响患者生存质量的因素。 结果：①观察组SF-36 量表各维度评分均显著低于健康对照组,差异均具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;②经Pearson 单因素分析, SF-36 量表综合得分在性别、职业、病程、治疗前景、内科慢性疾病数、10m 步行速度及K-L 分级方面的差异均具有统计学意义 （P＜0.05~0.01）;③经多元Logistic 回归分析,病程（beta=0.772,S.E.=0.689,Wald=34.027,P＜0.05,OR=1.99）、治疗前景（beta=0.778,S. E.=0.542,Wald=55.638,P＜0.05,OR=1.88）、内科慢性疾病数（beta=0.929,S.E.=0.301,Wald=12.382,P＜0.05,OR=1.72）、10m 步行速 度（beta=0.661,S.E.=0.381,Wald=19.929,P＜0.05,OR=1.69）及K-L 分级（beta=0.992,S.E.=0.526,Wald=28.371,P＜0.05,OR=2.31）为影 响髋关节骨性关节炎患者生存质量的危险因素。结论：髋关节骨性关节炎患者生存质量明显差于健康者,病程、治疗前景、内科慢 性疾病数、10m步行速度及K-L分级是影响患者生存质量的危险因素。     

TLIF与PLIF对退行性腰椎滑脱合并腰椎管狭窄患者临床疗效及安全性比较

目的:比较经椎间孔椎体间融合术(transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,TLIF)与经后路椎体间融合术(posterior lumbar interbody fusion,PLIF)对退行性腰椎滑脱合并腰椎管狭窄患者临床疗效及安全性。方法:选择2013年6月到2015年6月我院收治的90例退行性腰椎滑脱合并腰椎管狭窄患者,随机分为TLIF组和PLIF组,各45例。TLIF组患者给予TLIF治疗,PLIF组患者给予PLIF治疗。记录并比较两组患者手术时间、术中失血量、术后引流量及术后卧床时间。评价并比较两组患者治疗前后视觉疼痛评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)和Oswestry功能不良指数(oswestry disability index,ODI)。记录并比较两组患者治疗后神经根损伤、感染、硬膜囊破裂等并发症发生情况。结果:TLIF组患者的手术时间、术中失血量、术后引流量及术后卧床时间均明显小于PLIF组,均具有显著性差异(P0.05)。治疗前,两组患者VAS、ODI评分,相比均无显著性差异(P0.05);治疗后,两组患者VAS、ODI评分均明显小于治疗前,且TLIF组患者的VAS、ODI评分均明显小于PLIF组,均具有显著性差异(P0.05)。TLIF组患者的并发症发生率明显低于PLIF组,均具有显著性差异(X~2=3.873,P=0.049)。结论:相比于PLIF,TLIF治疗退行性腰椎滑脱合并腰椎管狭窄患者的临床疗效显著,有助于腰椎功能的恢复,并发症发生率较低,值得在临床上推广应用。     

脊柱双通道内镜治疗青少年腰椎间盘突出症的临床研究

摘要 目的：探讨使用单侧双通道脊柱内镜技术（unilateral biportal endoscopy,UBE）在青少年腰椎间盘突出症患者中的优势及安全性。方法：采用回顾性分析的方法,对符合纳入及排除标准的共计96例患者进行分析和比较,根据手术方式的不同,分为UBE组（52例）和单通道孔镜患者组（44例）。评价围手术期,手术前后疼痛、功能变化及影像学资料。结果：两组患者均无严重并发症。两组患者术后VAS评分及ODI评分较术前有显著改善 （P<0.05）,但从远期来看,UBE组优于PELD组。在术中透视次数、复发等指标中,UBE组显著优于PELD组。影像学指标中,UBE组在椎管面积,术后残留等指标中有显著优势（P<0.05）。结论：单侧双通道脊柱内镜技术在青年椎间盘突出症的治疗中是一种理想且安全的治疗方式。     

右美托咪定复合丙泊酚全麻在腰椎管减压、椎弓根钉内固定植骨、融合术中的应用

目的:观察右美托咪定复合丙泊酚全麻在腰椎管减压、椎弓根钉内固定植骨融合术中的应用价值。方法:将2015年7月至2019年8月于我院手术治疗84例腰椎退行性疾病患者按随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,每组42例。观察组于麻醉诱导前静脉泵入0.5μg/kg右美托咪定并在术中以0.2μg/kg·h麻醉维持,对照组于麻醉诱导前静脉泵入生理盐水。对比两组麻醉诱导前(T0)、诱导后(T1)、插管后1 min(T2)和5 min(T3)、拔管1 min(T4)和5 min(T5)的心率(HR)、收缩压(SBP)及舒张压(DBP)的数值,同时记录患者的手术时间、苏醒时间、瑞芬太尼用量及12 h内吗啡用量。比较各时间点VAS评分及不良反应的发生率。结果:与T0比较,两组患者T1时HR、SBP、DBP均显著降低(P<0.05),与T1比较,两组患者T2、T3和T4时HR、SBP、DBP均显著升高(P<0.05),观察组在T3、T4和T5时HR、SBP、DBP均显著降低(P<0.05)。观察组患者各时间点VAS评分及瑞芬太尼用量和24 h吗啡用量均显著低于对照组(P<0.05),观察组患者不良反应发生率显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:右美托咪定复合丙泊酚全麻能够维持术中血液动力学稳定,减少术中麻醉药物和术后镇痛药物用量,改善术后镇痛效果,且不良反应少。     

腰椎旁神经阻滞联合超短波对腰椎间盘突出症患者疼痛及腰背肌生物力学性能的影响

目的:探讨腰椎旁神经阻滞联合超短波对腰椎间盘突出症疼痛及腰背肌生物力学性能的影响。方法:选择我院2014年2月~2016年8月收治的98例腰椎间盘突出症患者,按抽签法分组对照组与研究组。对照组采用腰椎旁神经阻滞治疗,研究组基于对照组加用超短波治疗。观察两组的临床疗效、治疗前后视觉模拟评分(VAS)、60°/s角速、120°/s角速平均功率(AP)、峰力矩(PT)、腰背屈/伸比值(F/E)、血清P物质(SP)、β-内啡肽(β-EP)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平的变化及不良反应的发生情况。结果:研究组总有效率为95.91%,显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗后,两组F/E值、血清SP、IL-6、TNF-α水平均较治疗前显著降低,且研究组以上指标均明显低于对照组,两组AP、PT、血清β-EP水平均较治疗前明显上升,且研究组以上指标显著高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组不良反应的发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:腰椎旁神经阻滞联合超短波治疗腰椎间盘突出症的效果明显优于单用腰椎旁神经阻滞治疗,其可有效缓解疼痛及改善腰背肌生物力学性能,并减轻炎症反应。     

Comparison of Modic Changes in the Lumbar and Cervical Spine,in 3167 Patients with and without Spinal Pain

Background Context

There are few comparisons of Modic changes (MCs) in the lumbar and cervical spine.

Purpose

Compare the prevalence of MCs in the lumbar and cervical spine, and determine how MC prevalence depends on spinal pain, age, disc degeneration, spinal level, and the presence or absence of kyphosis.

Study Design

Retrospective clinical survey.

Materials and Methods

Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were compared from five patient groups: 1. 1223 patients with low-back pain/radiculopathy only; 2. 1023 patients with neck pain/radiculopathy only; 3. 497 patients with concurrent low-back and neck symptoms; 4. 304 asymptomatic subjects with lumbar MRIs; and 5. 120 asymptomatic subjects with cervical MRIs.

Results

The prevalence of MCs was higher in those with spinal pain than in those without, both in the lumbar spine (21.0% vs 10.5%) and cervical spine (8.8% vs 3.3%). Type II MCs were most common and Type III were least common in all groups. The prevalence of lumbar MCs in people with back pain was little affected by the presence of concurrent neck pain, and the same was true for the prevalence of cervical MCs in people with neck pain with or without concurrent back pain. When symptomatic patients were reclassified into two groups (back pain, neck pain), the prevalence of lumbar MCs in people with back pain was greater than that of cervical MCs in people with neck pain. The prevalence of lumbar and cervical MCs increased with age, disc degeneration, (descending) spinal level, and increased kyphosis.

Conclusions

There is a significantly higher prevalence of MCs in patients with back and neck pain. The reported association with increased kyphosis (flat back) is novel.     

右美托咪定对腰椎全麻手术患者术后疼痛及认知功能的影响

目的:探讨右美托咪定对腰椎全麻手术患者术后疼痛及认知功能的影响。方法:选择2014年3月~2015年12月在我院行腰椎全麻手术的84例患者为研究对象,按照随机数字表法分为对照组(42例)和试验组(42例),患者均常规给予芬太尼及顺式阿曲库铵麻醉诱导,试验组患者在麻醉诱导过程中给予右美托咪定静脉注射,对照组患者仅给予氯化钠注射液静脉注射。分别于术前(T0)、手术开始2 h(T2)、术后24 h(T24)检测血清肾上腺糖皮质激素,采用疼痛视觉模拟评分法(VAS)进行疼痛评定;采用简易智能精神状态量表(MMSE)于术后1d和2d进行认知状态评定,并计算术后认知功能障碍(POCD)发生率;同时观察患者不良反应发生情况。结果:试验组患者T2和T24时肾上腺糖皮质激素水平明显低于T0,T2时试验组患者肾上腺糖皮质激素水平明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。试验组患者T2时VAS评分明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后1d和2d时试验组患者的MMSE评分高于对照组,POCD发生率明显低于对照组;两组患者术后2d时MMSE评分高于术后1d,POCD发生率明显低于术后1d,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者均未见除POCD以外的不良反应。结论:右美托咪定有较强的抗氧化能力,可有效减轻腰椎全麻手术患者的疼痛程度,提高患者的认知功能。     

Differences in self-reported health in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) and Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III)

Objective

To assess self-reported health status (SRHS) in two cohorts of participants with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and examine the extent that differences in SRHS are due to study design.

Method

We used data from the Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES-III; population-based national survey) and the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI; prospective cohort study). Inclusion criteria for this analysis were age 60–79 and presence of radiographic knee OA. SRHS, elicited as a five-item domain (excellent, very good, good, fair, poor), was analyzed by dichotomizing the general health status measure as “fair/poor” versus all other states. We estimated the proportion of participants in fair/poor health from each study. Propensity score methodology was used to adjust for the differences in sampling strategies between the two studies.

Results

Thirty-four percent (N = 1,608) of OAI and 29% (N = 756) of NHANES-III participants satisfied inclusion criteria. The proportion in fair/poor health was higher in NHANES-III (28%) than in OAI (5%). After adjusting for the propensity score, the proportion in fair/poor health was four times higher in NHANES-III than in OAI.

Conclusion

SRHS was substantially better in OAI than in NHANES-III. Self-selection bias may contribute to overestimation of SRHS in prospective cohort studies such as OAI.     

Studies in Osteoarthritis of the Hip: Part II, * Osteoarthritis of the hip and leg-length disparity

An x-ray method is described for the determination of leg-length inequality in the standing subject, Its precision is compared to that of other methods in current use. The geometrical considerations which are inherent in any radiographic method of leg-length determination are summarized. Sixty-seven patients with OA hip were studied; 62 were considered to be idiopathic and 36 of these idiopathic cases were superolateral in type. Measurements in these 36 patients showed significant leg-length disparity, most of the diseased hips being found on the side of the longer leg. If allowance is made for shortening due to disease, the frequency and bias of the disparity are highly significant. The strong association between OA hip of this type and a long leg suggests a causal relationship.     

Patients with Severe Radiographic Osteoarthritis Have a Better Prognosis in Physical Functioning after Hip and Knee Replacement: A Cohort-Study

Introduction

Although Total Hip and Knee Replacements (THR/TKR) improve Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) at the group level, up to 30% of patients are dissatisfied after surgery due to unfulfilled expectations. We aimed to assess whether the pre-operative radiographic severity of osteoarthritis (OA) is related to the improvement in HRQoL after THR or TKR, both at the population and individual level.

Methods

In this multi-center observational cohort study, HRQoL of OA patients requiring THR or TKR was measured 2 weeks before surgery and at 2–5 years follow-up, using the Short-Form 36 (SF36). Additionally, we measured patient satisfaction on a 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRSS). The radiographic severity of OA was classified according to Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) by an independent experienced musculoskeletal radiologist, blinded for the outcome. We compared the mean improvement and probability of a relevant improvement (defined as a patients change score≥Minimal Clinically Important Difference) between patients with mild OA (KL Grade 0–2) and severe OA (KL Grade 3+4), whilst adjusting for confounders.

Results

Severe OA patients improved more and had a higher probability of a relevant improvement in physical functioning after both THR and TKR. For TKR patients with severe OA, larger improvements were found in General Health, Vitality and the Physical Component Summary Scale. The mean NRSS was also higher in severe OA TKR patients.

Discussion

Patients with severe OA have a better prognosis after THR and TKR than patients with mild OA. These findings might help to prevent dissatisfaction after THR and TKR by means of patient selection or expectation management.