High prevalence of osteoporosis in elderly patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty
Osteoporosis is a common comorbidity in elderly patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and may increase perioperative complications in orthopedic surgery (e.g., component migration, periprosthetic fractures). Bone Mineral Density (BMD) assessment prior to TKA plays a minor role in a clinical setting so far and is often not performed on a routine basis. Considering the high prevalence of osteoporosis in elderly patients with potential implications for treatment, the recommendation to routinely perform DXA examination in patients ≥ 70 years of age is strongly highlighted to avoid complications and to ensure long implant survival.
In this study, Delsmann et al aimed to analyze for the first time BMD measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a consecutive series of elderly OA patients aged ≥70 years (i.e., unbiased approach) in a Central European country before TKA, focusing on a possible treatment gap. The article has been published in 'Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery'.
The authors assessed the BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 109 consecutive elderly patients (age ≥70 years) scheduled for TKA. In addition to a detailed assessment of osteoporosis and osteopenia, the influence of clinical risk factors and radiological OA severity on BMD was evaluated using group comparisons and linear regression models. In addition, they analyzed differences in BMD between patients scheduled for TKA vs. total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.