Archives - Nov. 3, 2008

Fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal joints are often misdiagnosed during initial presentation and are therefore treated with secondary corrective arthrodesis. However, research published today in concludes that 'primary treatment by open reduction and internal fixation...leads to improved functional results, earlier return to work and greater patient satisfaction'.

The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, British Volume today publishes ground breaking research on the new use of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients over 50 years old. The authors reviewed 34 patients over 50 who had received the treatment between 1990 and 2002 and conclude that 'reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in carefully-selected patients aged 50 years or over can achieve similar results to those in younger patients'.

Senator Barack Obama, Democratic candidate for President, answered five questions about his health care plan to SpineUniverse.com. Now every visitor to SpineUniverse.com -- people who have an intense interest in the state of health care because of back pain or neck pain -- can examine how Sen. Obama's plan would affect them. (SpineUniverse also contacted Sen. John McCain's campaign, but he did not respond.) Sen. Obama explained to

Scientists have discovered a crucial step in hormone-triggered bone growth, a finding that could lead to new osteoporosis drugs and better bone-building therapies, according to a new study. The research was performed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). It showed that parathyroid hormone (PTH) given intermittently enhances the body's own bone-building action through a specific "co-receptor" on the surface of bone cells.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has backed the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS, UK) in their criticism of NICE guidance on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Judy Stenmark, IOF Chair of the Committee of National Societies said "we support any initiative that is moving forward to improve care for osteoporosis patients but in this instance we do not believe this is the case.