24 of them were diagnosed of having low BMD, whereas 25 had a normal BMD. Results: 49 patients (40 females, 9 males mean age 62 years) with fractures of the metaphyseal distal radius (n=25) or the proximal humerus (n=24) were included in the study. T-score levels as an indicator of the BMD were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In addition, serum levels of vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone (iPTH), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), c-telopeptide of type-I-collagen (β-CTX) and serum band 5 tartrate-resistant acid phosphate (TRAP5b) were determined before surgery and post-operatively in week 1, 4, 8, 52. ESWT was applied once after surgery with an energy flux density (EFD) of 0.55 mJ/mm² à 3000 shockwaves. Patients were randomized within their fracture groups whether they received ESWT after surgery or not. Methods: Within a period of 2 years, patients with a metaphyseal fracture of the distal radius or the proximal humerus, requiring surgical osteosynthesis were included into the study.
With this study, we examined its influence on bone turnover markers (BTM) during fracture healing in patients with low and normal BMD. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is already approved to support bone healing of pseudarthrosis and delayed unions.
Background: Low bone mineral density (BMD) leads to metaphyseal fractures, which are considered of delayed, qualitatively reduced healing resulting in prolonged care phases and increased socioeconomic costs.