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Thoracolumbar fractures in the elderly are frequently associated with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can cause fractures or be a significant comorbidity in traumatic fractures. The OF classification is based on conventional X‑ray, computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is easy to use and provides a clinically relevant classification of the fractures. Therapeutic decisions are made based on the clinical and radiological situation by using the OF score. The score takes the current clinical situation including patient-specific comorbidities into consideration. The treatment recommendations are based on an expert consensus opinion and include conservative and operative options. If surgery is indicated, vertebral body augmentation, percutaneous stabilization and even open surgery can be used.

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PurposeArthrofibrosis after total knee arthroplasty represents a considerable burden for the patient and a therapeutic challenge for the practitioner. One possible cause discussed in the literature is a low-grade infection. This hypothesis should be examined within the scope of this retrospective study.Patients and methodsNineteen patients with clinical symptoms of arthrofibrosis after primary total knee arthroplasty were examined between January, 1999 and January, 2012. Incorrect positioning was radiologically ruled out. All patients were examined clinically (score of Freeman as well as Blauth and Jäger), radiologically (component and leg alignment, patella height according to Insall and Salvati), microbiologically (culture-based procedures), molecular biologically (PCR) and histologically in the course of an open revision of the prosthesis.ResultsAccording to the score of Freeman et al. (1977), a highly significant improvement in pain (p = 0.007) and in the overall score (p = 0.003) was shown. The knee joint mobility did not change significantly (p = 0.795). PCR was negative in 17 patients. One patient showed a PCR-positive result of the synovial membrane for Corynebacterium spp., while Staphylococcus warneri was detected in the culture. Another patient had a positive result of synovia PCR for Enterococcus cecorum as well as Corynebacterium spp. However, this culture was sterile. In 16 patient samples, no bacterial growth was detectable. Two samples were not evaluable. The main histopathological findings were synovialitis and fibrosis.ConclusionThe hypothesis of low-grade-infection-induced arthrofibrosis after total knee arthroplasty could not be confirmed in this study. However, based on this small study population the conclusion needs to be confirmed by new and larger studies, ideally prospectively designed including a control group.

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