Current rheumatology reports
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Hip fractures are among the most important causes for disability, reduced quality of life, and death in older persons. Hip fracture patients are typically characterized by older age and a large complexity in their underlying conditions, comorbidities, and clinical histories. ⋯ This paper illuminates the current issues and recommendations for post-operative hip fracture care. Efforts to improve osteoporosis assessment and management, the multidisciplinary team approach, and clinical pathways are areas that have received attention recently.
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Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is a leading cause of disability in the elderly. Given the anticipated increase in osteoarthritis prevalence, the need to identify risk factors for incident osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis progression, osteoarthritis-associated physical function decline, and disability is an especially high priority. ⋯ Recent studies have identified risk factors associated with progression of the disease including varus-valgus alignment, bone marrow edema lesions, varus thrust, a reduced hip abduction moment, and obesity. Predictors of function decline in osteoarthritis include lower self-efficacy, knee laxity, less aerobic exercise, worse joint proprioception, and greater knee pain.