Browsing by Author "Burger, Marilize C."

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    A computer tomography-based anthropomorphic study of forearm osteology : implications for prosthetic design
    (Medpharm Publications, 2021-08-31) Pretorius, Henry S.; Ferreira, Nando; Burger, Marilize C.
    Background: The aim of this study was to accurately establish the variability in the anatomy of the radius and ulna in the context of the design of an intramedullary nail for both bones. Methods: Forearm computed tomography scans were used to measure the specific internal and external anatomy of the radius and ulna in adult patients. Patients with fractures or dislocations involving either the radius and/or ulna were excluded. Results: A total of 97 scans, comprising 84% male and 16% female patients, were included. The mean radius length was 238.43±18.38 mm (95% CI 234.60–241.74 mm). The mean curvature was an arc with a radius of 561.43±93.49 mm (95% CI 543.09–580.78 mm). The smallest measurement of the canal width was 5.17 mm (95% CI 4.87–5.47 mm). The ulna showed a mean length of 259.90±19.88 mm (95% CI 255.89–263.91 mm). The smallest measurement of the canal width was 4.80±1.30 mm (95% CI 4.53–5.87 mm). The mean proximal shaft angle was 11.39±3.30° (95% CI 10.76–12.82°). Conclusion: This computed tomography scan-based anthropomorphic study has identified novel anatomical features and associations of human forearm bones. This information will be used in the design and manufacture of anatomic intramedullary devices to better manage radius and ulna fractures or pathology.
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    Prevalence of sarcopenia in older South African patients following surgery for fragility fractures of the hip
    (SAGE Publications, 2020) Laubscher, Cornelius V.; Burger, Marilize C.; Conradie, Maria M.; Jordaan, Jacobus D.
    Introduction: Geriatric patients with a fragility fracture of the hip (FFH) are especially prone to sarcopenia with poor functional outcomes and quality of life. We assessed the prevalence of sarcopenia in older South African patients with FFH. Risk factors for sarcopenia were also investigated. Materials and Methods: From August 1 to November 30, 2018, all older patients with FFH were invited to participate. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the revised criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). Handgrip strength (HGS) and muscle strength were assessed. Muscle quantity was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Demographic information was collected, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) status was determined. Results: Of the 100 hip fracture cases, 65 were enrolled, and 52% (34/65) were sarcopenic (women: 62%; men: 38%). HGS accurately identified sarcopenia (sensitivity and specificity: 100%). Patients >80 years of age had a prevalence of sarcopenia twice (18/21 [83%]) that of younger patients (18/44 [36%]). Women with sarcopenia were smaller than those without (weight: p < 0.001; height: p < 0.001; body mass index: p ¼ 0.018). Low 25(OH)D was almost universally present, with median 25(OH)D levels significantly lower in the patients with sarcopenia (27 nmol/L [interquartile range {IQR}: 20–39] vs. 40 nmol/L [IQR: 29–53]). Several risk factors, including advanced age; female sex; a smaller body size, especially among women; limited physical activity; and low 25(OH)D levels, were identified. Discussion: The accuracy of HGS testing in this cohort underscores EWGSOP2’s recommendation that muscle strength is key to sarcopenia. Further study and follow-up are required to determine the clinical relevance of sarcopenia among FFH patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of sarcopenia in our FFH population is high. Sarcopenia is associated with poor patient outcomes following surgical intervention. Orthopaedic surgeons should therefore be cognizant of the presentation and associated risk of sarcopenia as our patient populations age.