Clinical biomechanics
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Clinical biomechanics · May 2011
Should extramedullary fixations for hip fractures be removed after bone union?
Osteosynthesis implants, which remain in the patient after fracture union to save additional surgery, may affect the strain distribution within the bone. A reduction of strain within the bone is known to result in localized bone loss ("stress shielding") and increased fracture risk. The purpose of this study was to examine whether extramedullary fixations for femoral neck fractures have to be removed after fracture union to prevent reductions in cortex strains. ⋯ Removal of osteosynthesis implants after bone union reverts bone strains to pre-fracture levels, and might prevent further bone loss induced by stress shielding.
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Clinical biomechanics · May 2011
Diurnal variation in stature: do those with chronic low-back pain differ from asymptomatic controls?
Stature loss is a commonly used measure of spinal load. The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern of diurnal stature change in those with and without chronic low-back pain, over a 24-h period. ⋯ No significant difference existed between groups in relation to total stature loss; however the low-back pain group appeared to reach their nadir earlier, possibly exposing other spinal structures to loading for a greater duration. This is supported by the relationship found between stature loss and discomfort. The reversal in stature loss in the afternoon may be of clinical significance and warrants further investigation.