Author Interviews, Orthopedics, Pain Research, Surgical Research / 20.11.2024

Discussion and Explanation of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery by: Brent A. Felix, M.D Spine Surgery, Bone & Joint Surgery Salt Lake Orthopaedic Clinic Suite 4050 Salt Lake City, UT 84124 and Alpine Orthopaedic Specialists North Logan, UT 8434  

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has become a game changer in orthopedic surgery, offering patients safer and less painful options for treating spinal issues. Dr. Brent Felix, a leading orthopedic spine surgeon, is at the forefront of this movement, advocating for these innovative techniques that provide multiple benefits over traditional methods.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery, or MISS, is a technique that allows surgeons to address spine conditions with much smaller incisions compared to traditional surgery. Rather than making large cuts to access the spine, Dr. Felix and his team use special instruments and imaging tools to perform surgery through small incisions. These tools include tiny cameras or endoscopes, which provide a clear view of the spine without the need for large openings.

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Orthopedics, Rheumatology / 23.10.2024

Ankle arthritis might be less common than arthritis in the knee or hip, but it can be no less debilitating. It occurs when the cartilage in your ankle joint wears down, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. When you think about it, each step you take involves your ankle bearing considerable weight. If you have ankle arthritis, this will make even routine everyday activities like walking more difficult to manage. Thankfully, there are various treatment options available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include seeing a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon to discuss your options, and some surgical or medicinal options to consider, depending on the severity of your situation. Here is a look at the causes, symptoms, and different treatment approaches available, and suggestions on when it might be necessary to see a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon. (more…)
Orthopedics, Pain Research / 19.10.2024

Cervical stenosis is a bone disease where the cavity in the neck that houses the spinal cord or nerve root gets smaller. This constriction may produce complex neurological conditions and severe pain. The condition can be treated if it is diagnosed early on. This also prevents further complications. Listed below are five signs that may indicate you have cervical stenosis:
  1. Neck Pain and Stiffness
The initial and main symptom of cervical stenosis is chronic neck discomfort and stiffness. You may experience discomfort and pain primarily in the neck region or a feeling of tightness in your muscles that restricts the range of movement of your head. While this stiffness may only show up in certain situations, it tends to become worse with time as the spinal canal starts to narrow further. The pain you experience may vary depending on your posture, how far you move, your posture during work, or when you remain stationary for long periods of time. The causes of cervical stenosis include degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, and injuries that lead to inflammation of the spinal canal. The most common cause of these changes is aging which causes wearing out of the spine, resulting in degenerative disc disease and arthritis that affects the spinal joints. (more…)
Orthopedics, Surgical Research / 10.10.2024

Scoliosis is a medical condition where the spine curves sideways, and it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In severe cases, surgery is usually recommended to avoid health complications further down the road. Fortunately, advancements in scoliosis surgery mean minimally invasive techniques are on the rise. In this article, we’ll explore these innovative methods and how they’re transforming scoliosis care. 

Understanding Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery 

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for scoliosis marks a shift from traditional open surgery to methods that involve smaller incisions and less disruption to the body’s tissue. Surgeons use specialized tools and technology to perform precision surgery with less physical impact, leading to faster recovery and less post-surgery discomfort.  (more…)
Orthopedics, Pain Research / 07.10.2024

Our joints are pretty amazing, aren’t they? They keep us moving, bending, stretching, and dancing. But sometimes, the wear and tear of life catches up to us, and our joints begin to protest – loudly. When the pain becomes persistent, you might wonder, “Is it time for a joint replacement?” While this can feel like a big decision, knowing when to take that next step can make all the difference for your quality of life.

1. Persistent Pain That Won’t Quit

Pain is your body's way of sending you a message. But what happens when the message never seems to stop? If you’re dealing with joint pain that’s constant or regularly interrupts your daily activities, it might be time to think about looking into self pay joint replacement so you can get the expert help you need as soon as possible. Pain that keeps you awake at night, doesn’t respond well to medication, or is present even when resting are all red flags. The purpose of joint replacement isn’t just to eliminate pain; it’s about reclaiming your everyday life. When over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, or other treatments aren’t cutting it anymore, it could be time to consult with a specialist. (more…)
Orthopedics, PT-Rehabilitation / 31.07.2024

Orthopedic conditions, affecting bones, joints, muscles, and tendons, can significantly disrupt daily life and hinder physical function. While orthopedic surgery often plays a crucial role in addressing these issues, physiotherapy is equally vital in restoring mobility, reducing pain, and preventing future injuries. The combined expertise of orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists is essential for optimal patient outcomes.

Orthopedic Treatment

Modern orthopedic care encompasses a wide range of surgical and non-surgical interventions tailored to specific conditions. From minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to complex joint replacements, orthopedic surgeons employ advanced techniques to address musculoskeletal problems. For less severe cases, non-surgical options such as medications, injections, and physical therapy may be sufficient. Facilities like Modern Orthopaedics offer comprehensive orthopedic care, combining surgical expertise with rehabilitation services to provide patients with a seamless treatment journey. (more…)
Orthopedics, PT-Rehabilitation / 02.07.2024

Imagine lifting a heavy box and suddenly feeling a sharp pain in your shoulder. This scenario is all too common. It’s not just the athletes who suffer from shoulder issues—everyday activities like gardening, cleaning, or even sleeping in an awkward position can lead to shoulder problems. Understanding these injuries and their treatments can make a big difference in recovery. Shoulder injuries are often overlooked until they become severe, causing discomfort and limiting mobility. This article aims to provide an overview of common shoulder injuries, their causes, symptoms, and available treatments. Whether you're dealing with a nagging pain or a sudden injury, this guide will help you navigate the path to recovery. Understanding Shoulder Anatomy The shoulder is a highly flexible joint, allowing for a wide range of motion, which unfortunately makes it susceptible to injuries. It comprises bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work in unison to maintain stability and enable movement. The shoulder's intricate design facilitates various movements but also increases its vulnerability to different types of injuries. Key components of the shoulder include the humerus (the upper arm bone), the scapula (the shoulder blade), and the clavicle (the collarbone). These structures are interconnected by muscles and tendons, forming a ball-and-socket joint that supports extensive movement. While this flexibility is advantageous, it also means the shoulder is at risk for injuries due to overuse, trauma, or incorrect movements. (more…)
Orthopedics / 31.05.2024

Your spine is a critical part of your body, supporting you in almost every movement you make. Keeping it healthy and happy is essential for your overall well-being. Many people experience back pain or discomfort at some point in their lives, often due to poor habits and lifestyle choices. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to maintain spine health and prevent these issues. This article will provide you with practical tips to keep your spine in top shape.

1. Practice Good Posture

Good posture is the foundation of a healthy spine. When you maintain proper alignment, you reduce strain on your back muscles and spine. Whether you are sitting, standing, or sleeping, being mindful of your posture can make a significant difference. When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor, your knees at a right angle, and your back straight. Use a chair that supports the natural curve of your spine. If you spend long hours at a desk, consider using an ergonomic chair that offers proper lumbar support. Standing with good posture involves keeping your shoulders back, your head level, and your weight evenly distributed on both feet. Avoid slouching or leaning to one side. When sleeping, choose a mattress and pillows that keep your spine aligned, whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach. Maintaining good posture not only helps your spine but also improves your overall appearance and confidence.

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Exercise - Fitness, Orthopedics / 28.05.2024

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is one of the most dangerous and physically demanding sports of our time. Fighters, like the ones we see competing in the UFC, need to be extremely resilient and physically fit to practice and perform effectively. While the sport involves the entire body, one particular joint that takes a lot of heat is the knees. In this article, we’re going into detail about why some knee strength and rehabilitation exercises should be a part of your training regime as an MMA fighter. Let’s begin.

What Knee Health Means for MMA Fighters

knee-exercisesThe knees are equally essential for us all — athlete or not. It’s the single most important joint for basic mobility. But, for MMA practitioners, it means much more than that. Due to the dynamic nature of the sport, the knees go through immense strain during training and fights. From kicking, takedowns, and submission defense, the knees do the heavy lifting for it all. To make matters worse, a “leg kick” to the knee can sometimes be enough to cause a fracture then and there. With all that in mind, it makes sense that ligament tears, strains, and knee sprains aren’t uncommon in this sport. Problems usually stem from insufficient rest or overuse, conditioning, poor technique, or just bad luck (for example if you’re fighting Justin Gaethje, the meanest leg-kicker). Your best bet against these risk factors is to build and maintain optimal knee health all year round. Have a proactive approach by incorporating knee rehab and strengthening exercises. Even if your knees aren’t injured, they can still be inflamed or overworked, so some rehabilitation movements could go a long way. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Frailty, JAMA, Orthopedics / 16.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Chintan V. Dave PharmD, PhD Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Epidemiology Assistant Director Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science Academic Director Rutgers Center for Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics Rutgers University New Brunswick, New Jersey MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our study examined the association between initiation of an antihypertensive medication and its correlation with fracture risk among older nursing home veterans. (more…)
Orthopedics / 17.04.2024

knee-rehabilitationImagine life without the freedom of movement. A simple task like climbing stairs or walking could become a daunting challenge. Unfortunately, this reality faces millions of Americans due to knee pain. Classic Rehabilitation reports that approximately 100 million Americans endure chronic pain, with knee pain emerging as the second most prevalent source. This statistic indicates that one-third of the American population encounters knee discomfort at some stage in their lives. But fear not. Here's where the power of staying agile comes in. In this article, we'll discuss the key techniques that can significantly enhance knee health and mobility. By incorporating these techniques, you can prevent future issues and keep your knees feeling strong and supported for years. (more…)
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Orthopedics, Weight Research / 14.02.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Matthew Magruder, MD PGY3 Orthopaedic Residency Program Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Maimonides Medical Center MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions. Approximately 37.3 million people in the United States, accounting for 11.3% of the total population, have diabetes, and 100.1 million, or 41.9%, of all US citizens are obese. Furthermore, these numbers are only projected to increase in the coming decades. This is an issue for orthopaedic surgeons because diabetes and obesity have consistently been demonstrated to be risk factors for complications following total joint replacements, especially total hip replacements. Therefore, we are in desperate need of new and more effective tools in mitigating the risk of poor outcomes in our joint replacement patients. Semaglutide, and other GLP-1 agonists, are potentially a new tool that can be used to help decrease the risks following joint replacement surgery. Initially a medication to treat diabetes, semaglutide has recently been approved by the FDA to treat obesity as well, as randomized controlled trials have consistently demonstrated significant weight loss with minimal side effects. The purpose of our study was to see what effect the use of semaglutide had on total hip arthroplasty patient outcomes. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Emergency Care, Lifestyle & Health, Orthopedics / 26.04.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ridge Maxson M.D. Candidate, Class of 2024 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Dog walking is an increasingly popular mode of physical activity for adults in the US, but its injury burden and associated risk factors are not fully understood. This study found that the 3 most common injuries sustained by adult dog walkers in the US were finger fracture, TBI, and shoulder sprain or strain. Dog walking-related injuries sent approximately 423,000 adults to US EDs between 2001 and 2020, with an annual average of more than 21,000 visits. During that 20-year period, the estimated annual injury incidence increased by more than 4-fold. Among injured dog walkers, older adults and women were particularly vulnerable to serious injury, such as fracture and TBI. (more…)
Author Interviews, Hip Fractures, Lipids / 20.01.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr Monira Hussain Senior Research Fellow & ECF Clinical Research Australian Fellow Public Health and Preventive Medicine Monash University Melbourne VIC MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  25% of males and 44% of females aged 60 years or over experience minimal trauma fractures. Minimal trauma fractures are a clinical outcome of osteoporosis and may occur following little or no trauma i.e. fractures following a fall from standing height or less. Minimal trauma fractures are silent, people may not notice that they are at high risk of the disease until a bone is broken. I was aware of previous studies reporting that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was elevated in patients with osteoporosis. Two animal studies showing that HDL-C reduces bone mineral density by reducing osteoblast number and function provide a plausible explanation for why high HDL-C may increase the risk of fractures. Our study, the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE), and the ASPREE fracture substudy provide unique data that could determine whether these findings might apply to fracture risk in healthy older adults. The study collected data including HDL-C levels and fractures from more than 16,000 community-dwelling older adults. These participants were followed-up for a median of 4 years. (more…)
Author Interviews, Hip Fractures, Vegetarians / 21.08.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: James Webster PhD Lead author Nutritional Epidemiology Group, University of Leeds MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Hip fractures are the most severe consequence of osteoporosis and are a major public health problem. There are growing concerns of poor bone health and higher risk of fractures in vegetarians, but prospective studies comparing risk of hip fracture in vegetarians and meat-eaters over time are scarce and limited. A study of British men and women in the EPIC-Oxford cohort showed a greater risk of hip fracture in pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans compared to meat-eaters. The only other study on the topic, the Adventist Health Study of US adults, found no clear evidence of a difference in hip fracture risk between vegetarians and meat-eaters, but identified hip fractures through questionnaires, which are susceptible to selective loss to follow-up. To build on previous research, we investigated the risk of hip fracture in occasional meat-eaters, pescatarians, and vegetarians compared to regular meat-eaters in middle-aged UK women, who are at a greater risk of hip fracture than men, with hip fractures accurately confirmed using objective and complete hospital records. (more…)
Author Interviews, BMJ, Diabetes, Osteoporosis / 05.08.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Stig Larsen
 PhD Professor Emeritus Controlled Clinical Research Methodology and Statistics Norwegian University of Life Sciences Oslo, Norway

MedicalResearch.com:? What are the main findings?

Response: Osteoporosis is a major problem among elderly and malnourished people. Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin K are beneficial for bone health. Vitamin D stimulates calcium absorption and studies have shown that poor Vitamin K status intake is linked to low bone mass. Osteocalcin (OC) is a protein hormone found in the blood in activated and inactivated form. The activated form of Osteocalcin (cOC) binds calcium to bone tissue and plays an important role in regulating the metabolism. In addition, low levels of cOC are associated with insulin resistance, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. It is desirable to have largest possible uOC, and vitamin K2 central in this process. The most important vitamin K2 variants in Jarlsberg® are the long-chain MK-7, -8, -9 and -9(4H), where lactic acid bacteria produce the first three, while MK-9(4H) is produced by Propionibacterium freudenreichii. The latter bacterium also produces the substance "1,4-dihydroxy-2- naphthoic acid" (DHNA), which has previously been shown to increase bone density in experimental mice. Two previous studies related to Jarlsberg® intake have been published:

  • The first study showed that cOC in the blood increased with increasing Jarlsberg® dose up to a daily intake of 57 grams of Jarlsberg®. Even more startling was that the total OC (tOC) level increased significantly, and that triglycerides and cholesterol were significantly reduced.1
  • The second study reproduced the findings from the first study and demonstrated additionally that the Jarlsberg dose of 57g/day could be reduced to 45 grams after 6 weeks without reducing the achieved level of tOC and vitamin K2.2

The BMJ-study3: The central variables measured in this study were the serum bone turnover markers (BTM); tOC and cOC, procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and serum cross-linked C- telopeptide type I collagen (CTX). Additionally, Vitamin K2 and Vitamin K status, serum calcium and serum magnesium were recorded together with the development in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids and protein turnover. The participants in the study were randomly divided into two groups. One group of 41 healthy volunteer women of childbearing age ate 57 grams of Jarlsberg® per day and the other group of 25 women ate 50 grams of Camembert for 6 weeks. The Camembert was manufactured with a starting culture not producing Vitamin K2. The fat, protein, and energy content of the daily consumption of Jarlsberg® and Camembert is approximately the same. After 6 weeks, Camembert was replaced with 57 grams of Jarlsberg® per day for another 6 weeks. (more…)

Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Endocrinology, Hip Fractures, NEJM, Osteoporosis, Vitamin D / 27.07.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Meryl S. LeBoff, MD Chief, Calcium and Bone SectionDirector of the Skeletal Health and Osteoporosis CenterDirector, Bone Density UnitDistinguished Chair in Skeletal Health and Osteoporosis Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Women's Health Brigham And Women's Hospital JoAnn E. Manson, MD, DrPH Professor, Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School Of Public Health Michael and Lee Bell Professor of Women's Health, Medicine, Harvard Medical School Chief, Preventive Medicine, Brigham And Women's Hospital Co-Director, Womens Health, Brigham And Women's Hospital   MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  What are the main findings? Response: Osteoporosis is a major public health problem. Although supplemental vitamin D has been widely used to reduce the risk of fractures in the general population, studies of the effects of vitamin D on fractures, the most important bone health outcome, have been conflicting. Randomized controlled trials, the highest quality studies, from around the world have shown benefit, no effect, or even harm of supplemental vitamin D on risk of fractures. Some of the trials used bolus dosing, had small samples sizes or short study duration, and co-administered calcium. No large RCTS of this scale tested whether daily supplemental vitamin D (without co-administration with calcium) prevented fractures in the US population. To fill these knowledge gaps, we tested the hypothesis in this ancillary study to VITAL, whether daily supplemental vitamin D3 reduced the risk of incident total, non-spine and hip fractures in women and men in the US. (more…)
Author Interviews, BMJ, Orthopedics / 20.01.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Matthew Costa Professor of Orthopaedic Trauma University of Oxford Honorary Consultant Trauma Surgeon, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Fixation with metal implants provides reliable functional outcomes for patients after a manipulation of a displaced fracture of the distal radius, but such surgery carries risk for the patient and is expensive. A moulded plaster cast is a safer and cheaper intervention but may not provide the same functional outcome. It is not known which of these treatments is superior. (more…)
Author Interviews, Gout, Orthopedics, Rheumatology / 09.06.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Prof. Dr.  Gurkirpal Singh, MD Adjunct Clinical Professor of Medicine Stanford University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Joint damage from gout has been linked to a possible increase in knee and hip joint replacements. The strong association between gout and osteoarthritis could also lead to an increased risk of joint replacements in patients with gout as the presence of gout may accelerate or worsen osteoarthritis.[i] This study aimed to evaluate total or partial hip and knee joint replacements in patients with gout in the U.S. and to estimate their economic impact. Data was analyzed on hospitalizations in patients with gout with hip and knee joint replacements in 2018, using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample  (NIS) which is the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient healthcare database. (more…)
Author Interviews, Heart Disease, Menopause, Osteoporosis / 12.05.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Yeonyee E. Yoon, MD, PhD Associate Professor Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center Seoul National University Bundang Hospital South Korea  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Although atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has been traditionally considered to affect men predominantly, it is nearly common in women. ASCVD is the leading cause of death in both men and women globally, and the population-adjusted risk of ASCVD mortality in women is significantly greater than that in men. Nevertheless, the current focus on the 10-year ASCVD risk estimated by a risk-scoring algorithm such as the Pooled Cohort Equation has shown unsatisfactory accuracy in women. Therefore, new strategies beyond the conventional risk stratification algorithm are needed to improve identification for women at high risk for ASCVD. ASCVD and osteoporosis are major age-related diseases contributing to significant morbidity and mortality in women, and previous epidemiologic studies have suggested a potential association between these diseases. Given that millions of women are screened for osteoporosis using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), potential associations between low bone mineral density (BMD) and ASCVD in women would provide an opportunity to improve the risk stratification of women without any additional costs. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the evaluation of BMD provides independent and incremental prognostic values for ASCVD prediction in women.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Lancet, Menopause, Orthopedics, Osteoporosis, UCLA / 05.05.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Carolyn Crandall, M.D. Professor, Medicine Health Sciences Clinical Professor, UCLA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Previously-published studies had not examined in detail the risk of subsequent fractures after initial fractures in a large national sample of women in the us. Clinical guidelines mostly emphasize initial hip and spine fractures, but they do not emphasize fractures of other types.  We hypothesized that subsequent fracture risk would be higher after initial fracture even at locations other than the hip or the spine. (more…)
Author Interviews, Nature, Nutrition, Orthopedics, Pediatrics / 20.04.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Efrat Monsonego Ornan, Ph.D  Head of School of Nutritional Sciences Institute of Biochemistry and Nutrition The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment The Hebrew University of Jerusalem MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Food supplies in recent decades have been dominated by heavily processed, ready-to-eat products. Essentially, 75% of all world food sales are of processed foods. Over the past 30 years, children’s ultra-processed food intake has increased markedly, with 50% of the children in the US consuming these foods. Only in the US does UPF comprise 58% of energy intake, of which 90% is derived from added sugars. This reflects children’s excessive consumption of food and drink that are high in fat and refined sugars but do not provide appropriate levels of the proteins, vitamins and minerals required for growth. The negative health outcomes of excessive consumption of Ultra-processed food are well known, include obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, and considered as the current world epidemic; the fact that children, during their postnatal development period (birth to adolescent), are the target of the Ultra-processed food industry is very disturbing in terms of public health. Bone development and growth are the characteristic phenomena of the childhood period. Yet, in spite of the huge importance of nutrition to bone development, the impact of Ultra-processed food consumption on skeleton development during childhood has never been studied directly, and this was the purpose of our study. To this end, we used young rats which are an excellent pre-clinical model for growth and fed them with either the recommended diet for their age or  a diet comprised of a typical Ultra-processed meal (a roll, hamburger, tomatoes, lettuce, ketchup and French fries) and a caloric soft drink.   (more…)
Author Interviews, CMAJ, Orthopedics, Rheumatology, Surgical Research / 02.02.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Codie Primeau, MSc Physical Therapy Student & Ph.D. Candidate (Combined MPT/Ph.D.) Wolf Orthopaedic Biomechanics Lab, Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic Western University London, ON, Canada MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a surgery for patients with varus alignment (bowed legs) and earlier-stage knee osteoarthritis. By correcting alignment, HTO shifts load to less diseased parts of the knee. One of the goals of HTO is to delay or even prevent the need for knee replacement surgery later.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Genetic Research, Orthopedics / 18.12.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Karin Magnusson PT, PhD Associate Researcher Lund University and Norwegian Institute of Public Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common knee injuries, for which very limited data has been presented on the genetic contribution. Based on our knowledge of the role of genetics in the development of ACL-rupture related traits, such as joint hypermobility and knee osteoarthritis, we hypothesized that heritability might play a role also in ACL injury. Using the Swedish Twin Registry, which is the world's largest twin registry and in this study including more than 88.000 twins, we had unique data to for the first time reliably estimate the heritability for this common knee injury.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Orthopedics, Radiology, Rheumatology, UCSF, Weight Research / 18.11.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Silvia Schirò MD Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging University of California, San Francisco MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?  Response: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is worldwide the second most frequent cause of lower extremity disability, and it has a global incidence of 199 cases per 100.000, including over 14 million people with symptomatic knee OA in the US. Overweight and obese individuals have a higher incidence of knee OA due to excessive knee joint load. The association between physical activity and knee OA, has not been systematically addressed in overweight and/or obese subjects and its association seems to be controversial. On the one hand, mild to non-weight-bearing physical activities have been found to be beneficial in the management knee homeostasis, the physiologic knee joint load providing an optimized environment for the joint tissues. On the other hand, excessive fast-paced physical activity with high load-joint torsion such as racquet sports, ball sports and running have been found to have an increased incidence of knee injury compared to mild-moderate exercise such as swimming, bicycling and low-impact aerobics independent of body weight. (more…)
Asthma, Author Interviews, BMJ, Osteoporosis / 21.10.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Christos Chalitsios B.Sc, M.Sc PhD student Funded by British Medical Association (BMA) School of Medicine Division of Respiratory Medicine University of Nottingham City Hospital,Nottingham MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Inhaled (ICS) and oral (OCS) corticosteroids play a crucial role in the control of airway inflammation in asthma. Given that the use of ICS in asthma is likely to increase with the recent change in GINA guidance recommending combined long-acting-β2-agonists with ICS at step 1 and the upward trend in prescribing of OCS, we sought to clarify the link between steroids, osteoporosis and FF in patients with asthma, stratifying the risk by dose, number of courses and type of steroids. The prevalence of patients receiving at least one bisphosphonate was also calculated. (more…)