Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Paradoxical hypertrophy as a cause of femoral insufficiency fractures analyzed through differences in force application in Korea: three case reports: Yong-Uk Kwon, Dae-Hyun Park, Hyoung-Gu Kang; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2026;39(2):174-180. Published online April 23, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00388

Abstract PDF: Previous studies have extensively examined the association between femoral insufficiency fractures and prolonged bisphosphonate therapy. However, alternative etiologies remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to analyze nonpharmacologic factors associated with femoral insufficiency fractures, with particular emphasis on paradoxical cortical hypertrophy and altered biomechanical load distribution. We reviewed three cases of femoral insufficiency fracture that were surgically treated at our institution between January 2018 and January 2022. None of the patients had a history of bisphosphonate use. Clinical histories—including underlying comorbidities, prior surgical procedures, and radiographic findings—were evaluated. Serial radiographs obtained before and after fracture occurrence were analyzed to characterize fracture morphology and associated cortical changes. Case 1 involved a patient with posttraumatic hip synostosis; case 2 involved a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta; and case 3 involved a patient who had previously undergone intramedullary nailing for an intertrochanteric fracture. Lateral femoral bowing and cortical hypertrophy preceded fracture development in two cases, whereas focal cortical hypertrophy at the distal locking screw site was observed in the third case. No history of bisphosphonate therapy was identified in any patient. Fractures developed at sites characterized by increased cortical remodeling and abnormal load concentration. Femoral insufficiency fractures can occur in the absence of bisphosphonate therapy. Paradoxical cortical hypertrophy and altered biomechanical force distribution appear to be important contributing factors. Level of evidence: IV.

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Clinical and radiographic outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures in Korea with three or more years of follow-up: a retrospective cohort study: Sang Jin Cheon, Kyu-Hak Jung, Min Hyeok Choi, Suk-Woong Kang; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2026;39(2):147-155. Published online February 26, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00325

Background
Shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) is an established treatment option for complex proximal humeral fractures, particularly in cases involving severe comminution or osteoporotic bone. This study investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of HA with a minimum follow-up of 3 years and aimed to identify prognostic factors associated with postoperative function.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 44 patients (16 males and 28 females; mean age, 61.2 years; range, 23–83 years) who underwent shoulder HA for complex proximal humeral fractures between 2005 and 2018. The mean follow-up duration was 70.4 months (range, 36–168 months). Clinical evaluations included the Constant score, visual analog scale pain score, patient satisfaction, and range of motion. Radiographic assessments examined tuberosity healing, radiolucent lines, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and glenoid arthrosis.
Results
At the 3-year follow-up, 64% of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied. The mean Constant score was 46.6 (range, 13–71), and the age- and sex-adjusted Constant score was 53.5 (range, 19–92). Radiographically, 23% of patients demonstrated radiolucent lines, and 41% showed evidence of glenoid arthrosis. Tuberosity absorption occurred in 39% of patients, with a mean onset of 11.2 months postoperatively, and was significantly associated with lower Constant scores and reduced range of motion. Patients younger than 60 years demonstrated better functional outcomes and lower rates of tuberosity absorption. The mean AHD decreased from 8.4 mm postoperatively to 4.4 mm at the 3-year follow-up (P<0.001).
Conclusions
Shoulder HA for complex proximal humeral fractures yielded satisfactory pain relief and functional outcomes, particularly when tuberosity healing was preserved. However, elderly patients with diminished bone quality were more likely to develop tuberosity absorption and experience poorer functional recovery. Meticulous surgical technique and careful postoperative surveillance remain essential to achieving optimal results. Level of evidence: III.

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Clinical impact of scapular stress fracture after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a single-center propensity score–matchedanalysis
By Chul-Hyun Cho, Hyuk-Joon Sohn, Du-Han Kim
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.2026;[Epub] CrossRef

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Association between decreased bone mineral density and Pauwels angle in femoral neck fractures: a cross-sectional study: Soo-Hwan Jung, Yong-Uk Kwon, Ji-Hun Park; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2026;39(1):20-29. Published online January 25, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00269

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Progressive osteoporosis reduces the trabecular structures of the proximal femur, whereas the primary compression trabeculae (PCTs) are relatively preserved. We hypothesize that the loss of the vertically oriented PCTs in osteoporosis, which act as a mechanical barrier, affects fracture line propagation and influences the Pauwels angle. This study investigated the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and Pauwels angles in low-energy femoral neck fractures (FNFs).
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 150 patients (mean age, 75.3 years; range, 50–94 years) diagnosed with intracapsular FNFs between May 2019 and May 2023. BMD was measured within 1 month of the injury date using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and modified Pauwels angles were assessed using a computed tomography-based multiplanar reconstruction program. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the factors influencing the Pauwels angles. The dependent variable was the Pauwels angle, while the independent variables included sex, age, height, body weight, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Charlson comorbidity index score, smoking status, alcohol use, preinjury walking ability, and femoral neck BMD T-scores.
Results
Higher femoral neck BMD T-scores were significantly associated with increased Pauwels angles (β=3.449, P<0.001). Greater body weight was independently associated with increased Pauwels angles (β=0.213, P=0.007).
Conclusions
The Pauwels angle demonstrated a significant association with BMD, with lower BMD associated with less steep Pauwels angles. In the absence of BMD measurement, the Pauwels angle may indicate osteoporosis severity in patients with low-energy FNFs. Level of evidence: III.

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Osteoporotic Hip Fracture: How We Make Better Results?: Byung-Chan Choi, Kyung-Jae Lee; J Korean Fract Soc 2024;37(1):52-59. Published online January 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.1.52

Abstract PDF: The prevalence of osteoporosis and incidence of osteoporotic fractures is increasing gradually as life expectancy is prolonged and the aged population increases. Osteoporotic hip fractures (femoral neck fractures and femoral intertrochanteric fractures) have high mortality because the patients with these fractures are elderly and have several comorbidities. Thorough preparation and a multidisciplinary approach in the preoperative period are critical, and early surgery is recommended. There are also several principles to treat osteoporotic hip fractures and prevent fixation failures. Many studies have suggested various treatment methods for femoral neck fractures and femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Functional recovery treatment is essential based on the patient’s health and activity levels. Finally, aggressive management of osteoporosis and the prevention of falling is needed to treat osteoporotic hip fractures successfully.

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Short-term Treatment Comparison of Teriparatide and Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Patients with Acute Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: Joonoh Seo, Ki Youn Kwon, Bumseok Lee, Hoon-Sang Sohn; J Korean Fract Soc 2024;37(1):15-21. Published online January 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.1.15

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study compared the 3-month treatment effects of teriparatide and percutaneous vertebroplasty for acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on 76 patients diagnosed with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. The patients were divided into the teriparatide group and the percutaneous vertebroplasty+alendronate group. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and height of the vertebrae anterior wall were measured before treatment and at 1 and 3 months after treatment.
Results
Of the 76 patients, 42 were treated with teriparatide, and 34 were treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty. The symptoms improved in both groups, with a decrease in the VAS and ODI scores at 1 and 3 months after treatment, respectively. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the VAS, ODI score, and anterior vertebral body height between the two groups before treatment and at 1 and 3 months after treatment.
Conclusion
In the treatment of acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, conservative treatment using teriparatide showed similar short-term (3 months) treatment results to percutaneous vertebroplasty in terms of improvement in back pain and function and degree of reduction in anterior vertebral body height.

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Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis and Sacrum: Se-Won Lee, Ju-Yeong Kim; J Korean Fract Soc 2023;36(1):29-38. Published online January 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.1.29

Abstract PDF: The incidence of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) has increased significantly due to the aging popu-lation and improved diagnostic modalities. The evaluation and treatment of these patients differ from that of high-energy pelvic ring injuries typically seen in younger patients. Therefore, it is important to classify the FFP by patterns of the classification system to standardize optimal treatment criteria and appropriate treatment strategy. However, some cases are not classifiable according to the FFP classifi-cation. A newly proposed classification that can be verified by comparing existing FFP classifications is needed to overcome the weak points. Non-operative treatment is usually considered first and should focus on early mobilization. Operative fixation should focus on stabilizing the minimally invasive pelvic ring than the reduction of fractures to facilitate early mobilization and avoid complications that can arise from comorbidities associated with immobility.

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Benefits of a Demineralized Bone Matrix in Osteoporotic Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture Patients: Se Jin Kim, Hong-Man Cho, Myung Cheol Jung; J Korean Fract Soc 2022;35(4):151-161. Published online October 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2022.35.4.151

Abstract PDF: Purpose
Osteoporosis causes various fixation failures in patients with intertrochanteric fractures. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a demineralized bone matrix (DBM) for cancellous or cortical bone defects on internal fixation in older osteoporotic patients with intertrochanteric fractures.
Materials and Methods
Among patients with intertrochanteric fractures who underwent surgical treatment from January 2016 to December 2021 at a facility, 171 patients were AO/OTA type 31-A1 and type 2 fractures which are considered relatively stable. The patients were grouped based on DBM use (Group A: DBM use, Group B: DBM non-use), and their clinical and radiology results were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were then subdivided into Group A-a and -b after removing factors that could cause treatment failures, such as the reduction status and location of the helical blade, and then further subdivided (Group A-a-1/2/3/4 and Group B-b-1/2/3/4) according to cancellous or cortical bone defects that could accompany intertrochanteric fractures. The time to full weight-bearing (FWB) and Harris hip score (HSS) 3 months after surgery in these subgroups were investigated.
Results
There was no significant difference in the clinical radiology results and complications between Group A and Group B. However, the time to FWB (p<0.001) and HSS (p=0.029) were significantly superior in Group A. In Group A-a with DBM use, after removing the risk factors for intertrochanteric fracture failure, the time to FWB (p=0.055) was close to the significance level, and HSS (p=0.036) was significantly superior. In Group A-a-1 (cancellous defect only) and Group A-a-3 (cancellous and cortical defect), the time to FWB (p=0.088, 0.052) was close to the significance level, and the HSS (p=0.039, 0.018) was significantly superior when DBM was used.
Conclusion
In patients with intertrochanteric fractures of AO/OTA type 31-A2.3 or less, if stable reduction and firm fixation are achieved, selective DBM use may help early recovery after surgery.

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Insufficiency Fracture of Simultaneously Bilateral Femur Neck in Patient Treated with Long-Term Bisphosphonate Treatment - A Case Report -: Seong Kee Shin, Hyung Gon Ryu, Dae Won Shin, Beom Su Han; J Korean Fract Soc 2022;35(3):109-113. Published online July 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2022.35.3.109

Abstract PDF: Bisphosphonate is used widely for osteoporosis management. On the other hand, some studies have reported that prolonged use of bisphosphonate without a proper resting period can cause insufficiency fracture and, in rare cases, fractures on the femur neck. This paper reports a case of an elderly patient who suffered bilateral femur neck insufficiency fractures induced by non-stopped long-term bisphosphonate therapy. The patient complained of pain in her buttocks at the first visit. During the admission period, inguinal area pain newly developed. Both a femur neck insufficiency fracture was observed on the hip radiographic image. Hip pinning and postoperative parathyroid hormone treatment were performed. The patient was discharged without specific complications and reported improvement in symptoms on the last follow-up. Several authors have reported one-sided femoral neck insufficiency fractures due to bisphosphonate use, but the present case is uncommon in that it occurred simultaneously in both femur necks. In addition, in the case of bilateral femur fractures, the walking ability after surgery is lower than that of one-sided fracture cases, so active rehabilitation is necessary.

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Romosozumab: A Novel Agent in the Management of Osteoporosis: Nam Hoon Moon, Won Chul Shin, Jae Hoon Jang; J Korean Fract Soc 2021;34(4):148-153. Published online October 31, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2021.34.4.148

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