BMD responds best to Reclast infusion in hip fracture patients at highest risk
Very elderly patients and others at highest risk of bone loss after a hip fracture are most likely to benefit from a once-yearly intravenous dose of Reclast (zoledronic acid, from Novartis), according to research presented in September at the annual meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Duke University investigators retrospectively analyzed 2127 recent hip fracture patients who had been randomized to receive an i.v. Infusion of either 5 mg of Reclast or placebo, as part of the Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly (HORIZON) – Recurrent Fracture Trial. A 2007 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated significant increases in total hip and femoral neck bone mineral density for the Reclast group compared to the placebo group, at 12 and 24 months. The NEJM study also found that Reclast treatment was associated with a 35% lower risk of recurrent fracture.
The more recent analysis looked at the relative benefits of Reclast for different subgroups of the study population. Those with a history of either vertebral or non-vertebral fracture demonstrated the greatest change in BMD with Reclast vs placebo. Change in total hip BMD was 8.7% greater in the treatment group at 12 months and 13.4% greater at 24 months; change in femoral neck BMD was 7.9% greater at 12 months and 12.8% greater at 24 months. All differences were statistically significant.
Similar significant differences in total hip BMD were seen in patients 85 years and older and in those with a baseline femoral neck T-score of -2.5 (the criteria for osteoporosis). Change in BMD in the Reclast group at 12 months was 6.5% greater for the elderly patients and 4.5% greater for the osteoporotic patients; 24 month data was not available for either of these subgroups.
Cascade Dafo expands digital process
Ferndale, WA-based Cascade Dafo announced in September that it has expanded its digital manufacturing capabilities. The manufacturer and designer of dynamic pediatric orthoses is producing custom braces from 3-D scanned images of plaster positive molds of patients’ feet (or direct scans of the patient’s limb), which practitioners can electronically submit to the company’s Upload Web site: www.cascadescans.com.
Practitioners typically cast their patient’s feet and ship the completed casts to Cascade’s Washington state facilities to be manufactured. The digital process, however, eliminates the need for shipping of casts and the associated costs, which will facilitate faster turnaround times and keep prices in check.
Hanger OKs rollout of V-Hold socket
Hanger Orthopedic Group’s V-Hold technology is one step closer to commercial availability.
The Bethesda, MD-based company announced in October that the prosthetic socket technology had cleared Beta testing and had entered the production and commercialization phases of its development. The product is scheduled for release in 2010.
The microprocessor-controlled socket system features advanced sensors and vacuum suction to improve fit, comfort and control for below-knee amputees. The so-called “smart” socket measures and monitors the wearer’s activity, and adjusts the amount of suction within the socket accordingly.
The technology may not be quite ready for prime time, but it’s already been seen on the morning talk show circuit. The Oct. 5 episode of Good Morning America featured 19-year-old transtibial amputee Jordan Wells, whose rehabilitation process has been enhanced by the V-Hold technology. Another early adopter, 32-year-old Bosnian civil war survivor Maja Kazazic, was featured in the October issue of Reader’s Digest.
AAOP announces new meeting dates
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists has announced new dates for its annual meeting due to a scheduling error on the part of the hotel hosting the event. The meeting will now take place on February 24-27.
The new dates are exactly one month earlier than the originally scheduled dates. The location, the Hyatt Regency hotel in Chicago, has not changed. To make up for the error, the hotel has lowered the conference rate to $152/night. For registration, hotel reservations, and more information, visit www.academyannualmeeting.org.
Cincy experts organize ACL workshop
The anterior cruciate ligament experts at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital will host a one-day ACL workshop on Nov. 7, covering injury mechanisms, screening, prevention, and rehabilitation.
Speakers will include Tim Hewett, PhD, director of the Sports Medicine Biodynamics Center; Mark Paterno, PT, ATC, coordinator of orthopedic and sports physical therapy at the center; and Kevin Ford, PhD, co-director of the Human Performance Laboratory. The program also includes hands-on workshops and demonstrations of the 3-D technology being used in the lab. Continuing education credit is available.
The Cincinnati group is known for its research on ACL injury, particularly in female athletes, and for developing the first neuromuscular training program to prevent those injuries.
For more information, visit www.cincinnatichildrens.org/sportsmed, or contact Jennifer Hauer at jennifer.hauer@cchmc.org or 513-636-1246.
