Development of Space Truss Structure Using Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics

This paper describes the development of a space truss structure using Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) pipe that decreases life cycle cost and enhances construction efficiency. Material tests, structural experiments and FEM analysis verify the practicality of this structural system

The Status of Assessments and Treatments for Osteoporosis in Patients 5 Years after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Cross-Sectional Survey of 194 Post-THA Patients

Background. Assessments for osteoporosis in patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) are very important with respect to the clinical results. However, few studies have investigated the status of the assessments and treatments for osteoporosis in post-THA patients. The purpose of this multicenter study was to investigate the status of assessments and treatments for osteoporosis in post-THA patients. Methods. The results of a self-report questionnaire and the medical records of 194 post-THA patients over 40 years of age who visited the outpatient departments of the five hospitals participating in the study were analyzed. Results. A total of 125 patients (64.4%) had been examined for osteoporosis, and 69 patients (35.6%) had never been assessed for osteoporosis. It was assumed, based on the questionnaire results, that 50 (40%) of the 125 patients should have been receiving treatment for osteoporosis. Forty-five (90%) of these 50 patients were actually taking medication for osteoporosis at the time of the investigation. Overall, a total of 58 (29.9%) patients were receiving treatment for osteoporosis. Conclusions. The present survey revealed that 64.4% of post-THA patients had been evaluated for osteoporosis. Moreover, while 40% of post-THA patients over 40 years of age may require treatment for osteoporosis, only 29.9% were actually receiving treatment

The Reliability of Classifications of Proximal Femoral Fractures with 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography: The New Concept of Comprehensive Classification

The reliability of proximal femoral fracture classifications using 3DCT was evaluated, and a comprehensive "area classification" was developed. Eleven orthopedists (5-26 years from graduation) classified 27 proximal femoral fractures at one hospital from June 2013 to July 2014 based on preoperative images. Various classifications were compared to "area classification. " In "area classification, " the proximal femur is divided into 4 areas with 3 boundary lines: Line-1 is the center of the neck, Line-2 is the border between the neck and the trochanteric zone, and Line-3 links the inferior borders of the greater and lesser trochanters. A fracture only in the first area was classified as a pure first area fracture; one in the first and second area was classified as a 1-2 type fracture. In the same way, fractures were classified as pure 2, 3-4, 1-2-3, and so on. "Area classification" reliability was highest when orthopedists with varying experience classified proximal femoral fractures using 3DCT. Other classifications cannot classify proximal femoral fractures if they exceed each classification's particular zones. However, fractures that exceed the target zones are "dangerous" fractures. "Area classification" can classify such fractures, and it is therefore useful for selecting osteosynthesis methods

The Reliability of Classifications of Proximal Femoral Fractures with 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography: The New Concept of Comprehensive Classification

The reliability of proximal femoral fracture classifications using 3DCT was evaluated, and a comprehensive “area classification” was developed. Eleven orthopedists (5–26 years from graduation) classified 27 proximal femoral fractures at one hospital from June 2013 to July 2014 based on preoperative images. Various classifications were compared to “area classification.” In “area classification,” the proximal femur is divided into 4 areas with 3 boundary lines: Line-1 is the center of the neck, Line-2 is the border between the neck and the trochanteric zone, and Line-3 links the inferior borders of the greater and lesser trochanters. A fracture only in the first area was classified as a pure first area fracture; one in the first and second area was classified as a 1-2 type fracture. In the same way, fractures were classified as pure 2, 3-4, 1-2-3, and so on. “Area classification” reliability was highest when orthopedists with varying experience classified proximal femoral fractures using 3DCT. Other classifications cannot classify proximal femoral fractures if they exceed each classification’s particular zones. However, fractures that exceed the target zones are “dangerous” fractures. “Area classification” can classify such fractures, and it is therefore useful for selecting osteosynthesis methods

Initial Rotational Instability of the Tapered Wedge-Shaped Type Cementless Stem

Background. Because the tapered wedge-shaped type cementless stem has a small anteroposterior width and a low occupation rate in the medullary space, postoperative rotational instability and stem subsidence due to inadequate proximal fixation are concerns. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the rotational instability of the tapered wedge-shaped type cementless stem and femoral canal shape. Methods. A total of 61 primary total hip arthroplasties with the tapered wedge-shaped type cementless stem Accolade® TMZF (11 males, 50 females; mean age 60 years) from January 2012 to June 2015 who underwent computed tomography before surgery and within 4 weeks and 1 year after surgery were evaluated. The preoperative femoral neck anteversion angle, preoperative femoral canal flair index, the degree of postoperative stem subsidence within 1 year after operation, and the degree of rotational change in the stem setting angle within 1 year after operation were investigated. Results. The mean preoperative femoral neck anteversion angle was 32.2° ± 17.8° (0°–69°), and the mean preoperative canal flair index was 3.68 ± 0.58 (2.44–5.55). There were no stem subsidence cases within 1 year after operation. The mean degree of rotational change in the stem from immediately to 1 year after surgery was −0.4° ± 1.7° (−3°–3°). There was no significant correlation between the canal flair index and the rotational change in the stem. In addition, the mean difference between the preoperative femoral neck anteversion angle and the stem rotational angle immediately after surgery was only 1.3° ± 5.3° (−29°–15°). Conclusions. In all cases, including stove-pipe cases, the degree of rotational change in the Accolade® TMZF stem from immediately to 1 year after surgery was within 3°. In other words, regardless of femoral canal shape, the tapered wedge-shaped type cementless stem has little initial rotational instability

Incidence and Clinical Outcomes of Hip Fractures Involving Both the Subcapital Area and the Trochanteric or Subtrochanteric Area

Purpose. Proximal femoral fractures involving both the subcapital area and the trochanteric or subtrochanteric area have rarely been reported, but they are not uncommon. However, few studies have reported the incidence or clinical outcomes of such fractures. This study investigated such fractures. Methods. In area classification, the proximal femur is divided into 4 areas by 3 boundary planes: the first plane is the center of femoral neck; the second plane is the border between femoral neck and femoral trochanter; and the third plane links the inferior borders of greater and lesser trochanters. A fracture only in the first area is classified as a Type 1 fracture; one in the first and second areas is classified as a Type 1-2 fracture. Therefore, proximal femoral fractures involving both the subcapital area and the trochanteric area are classified as Type 1-2-3, and those involving both the subcapital area and the subtrochanteric area are classified as Type 1-2-3-4. In this study, a total of 1042 femoral proximal fractures were classified by area classification, and the treatment methods and the failure rates were investigated only for Types 1-2-3 and 1-2-3-4 cases. The failure rate was defined as the incidence of internal fixator cut-out or telescoping >10 mm. Results. Types 1-2-3 and 1-2-3-4 fractures accounted for 1.72%. Surgical treatment was performed for 89%. Of these, 56% underwent osteosynthesis, but the failure rate was 33%. The other patients (44%) underwent prosthetic replacement. Fracture lines of all these fractures were present along trochanteric fossa to intertrochanteric fossa in posterior aspect and just below the femoral head in anterior aspect. Conclusion. Fracture involving the subcapital area to the trochanteric or subtrochanteric area was found in approximately 2%. In patients for whom prosthetic replacement was selected, good results were obtained. However, 1/3 of patients who underwent osteosynthesis had poor results