MRI Emerges As Vital Resource In Treatment Of Back Pain
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a growing technology providing an increasing number of clinical benefits when used in the evaluation of back pain according to an article in the January 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (http://www.jaaos.org).

Replacing Your Total Hip Replacement
Each year thousands of patients undergo total hip replacement surgery in order to help alleviate pain associated with debilitating hip disease and other related hip problems. According to a new study published in the January 2009 issue of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (http://www.ejbjs.

Parkinson's Disease Plays Havoc With Common Orthopaedic Conditions
Although Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder, according to an article in the January 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the disease also increases a person's risk of experiencing complicated orthopaedic conditions. The author recommends that all Parkinson's treatment plans include a multidisciplinary approach in order to address additional accompanying musculoskeletal health issues. According to the author Lee M.

Osteoporosis Drug Linked To Bone Death In Jaw
A new US study found that even short term use of oral bisphosphonates like Fosomax (alendronate), commonly used to treat osteoporosis, may leave the jaw vulnerable to devastating necrosis (death of bone tissue).

GTx Submits New Drug Application For Toremifene 80 Mg For Prevention Of Bone Fractures In Men With Prostate Cancer On Androgen Deprivation Therapy
GTx, Inc. (Nasdaq: GTXI) today announced the submission of a New Drug Application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for toremifene 80 mg, an oral selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), for the prevention of bone fractures in men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). "ADT has helped improve survival for men with advanced prostate cancer.

Singapore Is First In Asia To Use Limb-lengthening Technology For Those Wanting To Be Taller
It was initially devised as a method of leg lengthening for those with congenital growth abnormalities or trauma to the lower limbs. However, since it was introduced in 2001, Fitbone surgery has without much fanfare, slipped into the realm of cosmetics.

Gardening Provides Recommended Physical Activity For Older Adults
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week in order to maintain and improve optimal health. This recommendation is especially important for older Americans, who can be less likely to fulfill this requirement, yet are more at risk for chronic diseases associated with aging.

Study Investigates The Cost Effectiveness Of Spinal Surgery
Back pain affects more than 80 percent of people and costs more than $100 billion annually in the U.S. But is the surgery cost effective? A study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center suggests that for patients with spinal stenosis, a laminectomy, or surgical removal of some soft bone and tissue, is a reasonable value. However, for patients with spinal stenosis with associated slipped vertebrae, the benefits of spinal fusion surgery may not be enough to offset costs.

Weight Bearing Exercise In Adolescence Best For Strong Bones In Older Age
Weight bearing exercise during adolescence seems to be the best for maintaining bone strength in older life, indicates a small study published ahead of print in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The research team assessed the impact of exercise between the ages of 12 and 18 on preserving bone strength in later life among 46 women. The women were all aged from 52 to 73, and had already gone through the menopause.

ACE-011 Phase 1 Results Published In The Journal Of Bone And Mineral Research
Acceleron Pharma, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics that modulate the growth of cells and tissues including bone, muscle and red blood cells and Celgene Corporation, today announced the publication of the ACE-011 Phase 1 clinical study demonstrating that ACE-011 increased biomarkers of bone formation, decreased biomarkers of bone resorption and increased hemoglobin levels in postmenopausal women.

The Risks Of Head Banging For Rock Groups
Head banging increases the risk of head and neck injury, but the effects may be lessened with reduced head and neck motion, head banging to lower tempo songs or to every second beat, and using protective equipment such as neck braces, finds a study in the Christmas issue published on bmj.com.

Biomedical Researchers Create Artificial Human Bone Marrow In A Test Tube
Artificial bone marrow that can continuously make red and white blood cells has been created in a University of Michigan lab. This development could lead to simpler pharmaceutical drug testing, closer study of immune system defects and a continuous supply of blood for transfusions.

New Research Lights Up Chronic Bacterial Infection Inside Bone
A new report demonstrates how a sensitive imaging technique gives scientists the upper hand in seeking out bacteria in chronic infections. Listeria monocytogenes is a type of pathogenic bacteria that can cause severe illness and death. Listeria outbreaks recently claimed twenty lives in Canada. Additionally, Listeria infection is the third most common cause of bacterial meningitis in newborns, and can cause abortion and stillbirth.

Phase III Study Showed Rituxan® Decreased The Progression Of Joint Damage In Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Genentech, Inc. (NYSE:DNA) and Biogen Idec (Nasdaq:BIIB) announced today that a Phase III clinical study of Rituxan® (rituximab) in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have not previously been treated with methotrexate (MTX) met its primary endpoint. In this study, known as IMAGE, patients received two infusions of either 500 mg or 1000 mg of Rituxan or placebo for up to two treatment courses in combination with a stable dose of MTX.

Exactech Says Patent-Pending Optetrak(R) CR Slopeâ„¢ Knee System Demonstrates Excellent Performance, Broad Applicability In Early Clinical Results
Exactech, Inc. (Nasdaq:EXAC), a developer and producer of bone and joint restoration products for hip, knee, shoulder, spine and biologic materials, said that surgeons are experiencing excellent early results with its new Optetrak® CR Slope™ knee system. Introduced in Q4 2008, the patent-pending CR Slope design builds on the company's flagship Optetrak knee system.