Objective-To determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in osteoarthritic patients undergoing total hip or total knee arthroplasty.Design-Cross-sectional study. Setting-The Specialized Outpatient Rehabilitation Service's (SORS) Pre-surgical ArthroplastyService located at the Chedoke Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada. Participants-SORS outpatients (N=364), from the period of March 2006 to March 2007. Interventions-Not applicable.Main Outcome Measures-Prevalence of osteoporosis was determined by review of a selfreported survey, and defined by (1) self-reported diagnosis of osteoporosis, (2) history of fragility fracture (defined by a bone fracture occuring as a result of a fall from standing height or less after the age of 50), or (3) current treatment for osteoporosis using bisphosphonates.Results-Of the study cohort, 26% were classified as having osteoporosis, according to our criteria. Of the patients with self-reported osteoporosis or a history of fragility fractures, only 37% and 17% reported current treatment with bisphosphonates, respectively.Conclusions-Osteoporosis is common in the osteoarthritic arthroplasty population, with a prevalence at least equal to that in the general population. Due to the self-reported nature of the study, the prevalence of osteoporosis in this population is likely significantly higher. Results from this study indicate need for further research, specifically in formal assessment for osteoporosis in patients undergoing a joint replacement. Keywords CIHR Author Manuscript CIHR Author Manuscript CIHR Author ManuscriptThe number of joint replacements performed in north America is on the rise, and will continue to increase as the population ages. 1 The primary reason for hip and knee replacements is OA, caused by a wide variety of factors, including birth defects, excess weight, joint fractures, or other injuries that can damage cartilage. The demographic of patients requiring joint replacements of the knee and hip includes primarily older women. 1 It is also older women who are at the highest risk of osteoporosis and therefore of fragility fractures. 2 Furthermore, the insertion of an implant can change the stresses and strains that a bone experiences, possibly stimulating bone remodeling and resorption, leading to a decrease in bone density postsurgery. 3 Patients at risk for osteoporosis should be screened for this condition, and where applicable, treated with the appropriate medications and supplements. 2 The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in a sample of prearthroplasty patients. METHODSOur patient population was obtained from the Specialized Out-patient Rehabilitation Service's Pre-surgical Arthroplasty Service located at the Chedoke site, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario. This service is available to prearthroplasty patients referred by an orthopedic surgeon. Its purpose is to educate, to facilitate early postoperative discharge and community reintegration, and to prevent acute care readmission. Dat...

Literature reviews reveal few documented cases of brain injury following neuroleptic malignant syndrome. A further exploration of the effects of NMS on the brain is warranted to elicit whether cerebellar damage is indeed common following neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Such research could eventually lead to therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing permanent brain injury in persons with NMS.