Abstract Context Aging causes a progressive worsening in postural balance, affecting functional independence and increasing the risk of falls. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of aging on the static balance in women from 50-years to 89-years of age. Design This was a cross-sectional study, with 400 irregularly active women were evaluated and grouped by age: Group 6thdecade (age 50 to 59) ‒ 58 participants; Group 7thdecade (age 60 to 69) ‒ 214 participants; Group 8thdecade (age 70 to 79) ‒ 92 participants; Group 9thdecade (age 80 to 89) ‒ 36 participants. Postural balance was evaluated using a portable force platform in a standard standing position, with Eyes Open (EO) and Eyes Closed (EC). Results In the two measurement conditions, the elderly women in Group 9thdecade presented mediolateral displacement and range, and mean velocity greater than the women's values in Groups 6thand 7thdecade. In the EO e EC situation, the displacement was higher in the elderly Group 9thdecade compared to younger groups. Group 8thhas a mean velocity greater than Group 6thdecade in the EO situation. Conclusions Posturography showed a decline in postural balance with advancing age, suggesting that the 9thdecade of life is a borderline age to this detriment due to an increase in postural instability.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a influência da neuropatia diabética periférica (NDP) no equilíbrio postural, atividades funcionais e na qualidade de vida em idosos. Métodos: Estudo transversal. Avaliamos 60 homens e mulheres idosos (60-79 anos) divididos em três grupos: controle, DM sem e com NDP. Foram avaliados: antropometria; qualidade de vida; equilíbrio postural (BESTest); atividades funcionais pelo equilíbrio funcional na placa de força (NeuroCom Balance). Resultados: Grupo NDP apresentou diferenças comparado a outros grupos, pior desempenho na qualidade de vida que o DM2 sem NDP em: funcionamento sensorial (p = 0,030); passado e futuro (p = 0,036); morte e morrer (p = 0,035). Déficit de equilíbrio postural no escore total (p = 0,025) e seção de restrições biomédicas (p = 0,043) do BESTest comparado ao DM2 sem NDP (p = 0,007). No equilíbrio funcional (Neurocom), o grupo NDP apresentou pior desempenho no tempo gasto no lado esquerdo (p = 0,030) comparado ao grupo controle. Durante a etapa de teste, o grupo controle executou a tarefa mais rapidamente que o grupo NDP (p = 0,004). Conclusão: Neuropatas apresentaram pior desempenho físico e déficits no equilíbrio postural, limitações sensoriais, afetando as tarefas diárias da doença e, consequentemente, diminuição da qualidade de vida em idosos brasileiros. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo observacional transversal.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the impact of the Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN) on the postural and functional balance and quality of life of Brazilian older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study. Sixty older men and women (60-79 years) were divided into three groups: control, DM without and with PDN. The following parameters were evaluated: anthropometry; quality of life; postural balance (BESTest); functional balance in force plate (NeuroCom Balance). Results: PDN group presented significant differences compared with the other groups, with the worst performance in quality of life than DM2 without PDN in: sensory functioning (p = 0.030); past and future (p = 0.036); death and dying (p = 0.035). Postural balance deficit in the total score (p = 0.025) and biomedical constraints section (p = 0.043) of the BESTest, compared with DM2 without PDN (p = 0.007). In the functional balance (Neurocom), PDN group presented a worse performance in the time spent on the left side (p = 0.030) than the control group. During step up over test, the control group performed the task faster than the group with PDN (p = 0.004). Conclusion: This study showed that neuropaths presented worse physical performance and postural balance deficits, sensorial limitations, affecting the daily tasks and, as a consequence, decreasing the quality of life in Brazilian older adults. Level of Evidence II, Cross-sectional observational study.

RESUMO O processo de envelhecimento pode alterar a organização do controle postural causando instabilidade. Na literatura há vários equipamentos e testes, envolvendo protocolos e metodologias diversas, com a finalidade de mensurar o equilíbrio corporal. Objetivo: Avaliar o equilíbrio postural e analisar a correlação entre os dados da plataforma de equilíbrio e do teste clínico (BESTest) em idosos. Métodos: Foram avaliados 60 idosos de ambos os sexos, com idade de 60 a 79 anos. Para avaliação do equilíbrio postural foi utilizada a plataforma de força (NeuroCom Balance) e o BESTest. Resultados: Correlações negativas foram encontradas quando comparados os domínios do teste clínico (BESTest) com parâmetros estabiliométricos nas variáveis tempo, velocidade e impacto dos testes Step/Quick turn. As maiores correlações foram no score total (tempo gasto para realizar a tarefa LE − 0,41, e na velocidade do equilíbrio LE − 0,33/LD − 0,43), assim como no limite de estabilidade (tempo gasto para realizar a tarefa LE − 0,34/LD − 0,37, e a velocidade do equilíbrio LE − 0,37/LD − 0,43). Conclusão: Há poucas e fracas correlações entre o teste clínico e as variáveis do teste Step/Quick turn da plataforma de força, mostrando que cada teste mede parâmetros diferentes. Nível de Evidência II, Estudos diagnósticos - investigação de exames para diagnóstico.

ABSTRACT The aging process can alter the organization of postural control causing instability; literature shows several equipment and clinical tests whose purpose is to measure postural balance, involving different protocols and methodologies. Objective: To evaluate postural balance during the task to walk over the force platform (turn and return) and its relationship with clinic balance test (BESTest) in older adults. Methods: 60 older people of both sexes, aged 60 to 79 years, were tested in the force platform (NeuroCom Balance) and BESTest to evaluate postural balance. Results: negative correlations were found when comparing domains of the clinical test with stabilometric parameters in time and velocity variables of the tests Step/Quick turn. The highest correlations were in the total score (time spent to perform the task − 0.41, and in the velocity left side − 0.33/right side − 0.43), as well as in the stability limit (time spent to perform the task left side − 0.34/right side − 0.37, and the equilibrium velocity left side − 0.37/right side − 0.43). Conclusion: There are slim correlations between the clinical test and force platform variables, showing that each test measures different parameters. Level of evidence II, Diagnostic study - investigating a diagnostic test.

RESUMO Objetivo: Pesquisar a existência de associação causal entre fatores do tratamento ortopédico e a ocorrência de morte intra-hospitalar. Métodos: Foram avaliados 338 pacientes com fratura proximal do fêmur, dos quais 27 apresentaram óbito intra-hospitalar. Compararam-se pacientes que apresentaram óbito intra-hospitalar (grupo caso) com pacientes que não apresentaram óbito hospitalar (grupo controle) quanto à exposição a fatores de risco prévios à lesão e fatores relacionados ao tratamento ortopédico. Resultados: Os fatores relacionados a uma maior taxa de mortalidade intra-hospitalar foram: gênero masculino (grupo caso: 52%; controle: 26%; p = 0,005), menor escore de Parker (grupo caso: 5,0 pontos; controle: 6,2 pontos; p = 0,048), delirium na admissão (grupo caso: 26%; controle: 10%; p = 0,011); delirium desenvolvido durante a internação (grupo caso: 77%; controle: 35%; p < 0,001), e tempo até a cirurgia (13,3 dias vs. 9,1 dias; p = 0,049). Conclusão: No presente estudo, a taxa de mortalidade intra-hospitalar em pacientes com fratura proximal do fêmur foi de 8%, e os principais fatores de risco associados a esse desfecho foram o gênero masculino, escore de Parker reduzido, delirium diagnosticado na admissão hospitalar ou desenvolvido durante a internação, e tempo até a cirurgia. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo caso controle.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the existence of a causal association between orthopedic treatment and the occurrence of in hospital death. Methods: 338 patients with proximal femoral fracture were evaluated, of whom 27 faced in hospital death. Patients who faced in hospital death (case group) were compared to patients who did not (control group) regarding exposure to risk factors prior to injury and factors related to orthopedic treatment. Results: The factors related to higher in hospital mortality rate were: male sex (case group: 52%, control: 26%; p = 0.005), lower Parker’s score (case group: 5.0 points, control: 6.2; p = 0.048), delirium on admission (case group: 26%, control: 10%; p = 0.011); delirium developed during hospitalization (case group: 77%, control: 35%; p <0.001), and time until surgery (13.3 days, 9.1; p = 0.049). Conclusion: The in hospital mortality rate of patients with proximal femoral fracture was 8%, and the main associated risk factors were male sex, reduced Parker’s score, delirium diagnosed on hospital admission or developed during hospitalization, and time until surgery. Level of Evidence III, Case control study.

OBJECTIVES: Immunosenescence is an age-associated change characterized by a decreased immune response. Although physical activity has been described as fundamental for maintaining the quality of life, few studies have evaluated the effects of different levels of exercise on telomere length in aged populations. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of different levels of physical activity, classified by the Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) values, on the telomere length of memory Cluster of differentiation (CD) CD4+(CD45ROneg and CD45RO+), effector CD8+CD28neg, and CD8+CD28+ T cells in aged individuals. METHODS: Fifty-three healthy elderly men (aged 65-85 years) were included in this study. Their fitness level was classified according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for VO2 max (mL/kg/min). Blood samples were obtained from all participants to analyze the percentage of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD28+, naïve, and subpopulations of memory T cells by using flow cytometry. Furthermore, using the Flow-FISH methodology, the CD4+CD45RO+, CD4+CD45ROneg, CD8+CD28+, and CD8+CD28negT cell telomere lengths were measured. RESULTS: There was a greater proportion of effector memory T CD4+ cells and longer telomeres in CD8+CD28+ T cells in the moderate physical fitness group than in the other groups. There was a higher proportion of terminally differentiated memory effector T cells in the low physical fitness group. CONCLUSION: A moderate physical activity may positively influence the telomere shortening of CD28+CD8+T cells. However, additional studies are necessary to evaluate the importance of this finding with regard to immune function responses in older men.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Tai Chi Chuan or ballroom dancing promotes better performance with respect to postural balance, gait, and postural transfer among elderly people. METHODS: We evaluated 76 elderly individuals who were divided into two groups: the Tai Chi Chuan Group and the Dance Group. The subjects were tested using the NeuroCom Balance Master¯ force platform system with the following protocols: static balance tests (the Modified Clinical Tests of Sensory Interaction on Balance and Unilateral Stance) and dynamic balance tests (the Walk Across Test and Sit-to-stand Transfer Test). RESULTS: In the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance, the Tai Chi Chuan Group presented a lower sway velocity on a firm surface with open and closed eyes, as well as on a foam surface with closed eyes. In the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Unilateral Stance, the Tai Chi Chuan Group presented a lower sway velocity with open eyes, whereas the Dance Group presented a lower sway velocity with closed eyes. In the Walk Across Test, the Tai Chi Chuan Group presented faster walking speeds than those of the Dance Group. In the Sit-to-stand Transfer Test, the Tai Chi Chuan Group presented shorter transfer times from the sitting to the standing position, with less sway in the final standing position. CONCLUSION: The elderly individuals who practiced Tai Chi Chuan had better bilateral balance with eyes open on both types of surfaces compared with the Dance Group. The Dance Group had better unilateral postural balance with eyes closed. The Tai Chi Chuan Group had faster walking speeds, shorter transfer times, and better postural balance in the final standing position during the Sit-to-stand Test.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre os diferentes métodos de avaliação do equilíbrio postural e para fornecer um quadro teórico para um estudo mais aprofundado deste assunto. Bases de dados MEDLINE, PubMed e LILACS foram usados para encontrar métodos atualmente empregados que mostram boa reprodutibilidade e confiabilidade. Exames clínicos, aplicativos de escala ou plataformas de força, cada um com suas próprias vantagens e limitações, podem ser usados para avaliar o equilíbrio postural. Não há nenhum padrão comum. O avaliador deve estar familiarizado com todos os métodos disponíveis para ser capaz de selecionar o mais adequado para suas necessidades específicas.

The aim of this study was to perform a literature review on different methods of postural balance assessment and to provide a theoretical framework for further study of this subject. Medline, PubMed and LILACS databases were used to find currently employed methods which show good reproducibility and reliability. Clinical examination and scale application or force platform testing, each one with their own advantages and limitations, can be used to assess postural balance. There is no common standard. The evaluator should be familiar with all available methods in order to be able to select the most appropriate for his specific requirements.

OBJECTIVE: To make an analysis of the care of elderly in an Emergency Department of Orthopedics with the primary objective to know the percentage of elderly treated, their conditions of origin and level of accidental conditions, and examine possible comorbidities, evolution and mortality rate.METHODS: Retrospective observational epidemiological study based on survey records of a tertiary hospital during one year (January to December 2006)RESULTS: In the year 2006 (January to December) 12,916 calls to patients older than 60 were performed.CONCLUSION: Massive attendance of the elderly population was observed, however, the vast majority related to chronic problems that do not require urgent attention. Patients requiring urgent attention suffer from trauma related to falls and are between the seventh and ninth decades of life, mostly female and requiring hospitalization for longer periods. Level of Evidence VI, Cases Series.

A importância da profilaxia do tromboembolismo venoso e de suas complicações em cirurgia ortopédica é cada vez mais significativa. Esta revisão aborda as bases fisiopatológicas da formação dos trombos em geral e em cirurgia ortopédica, sua incidência, fatores predisponentes e complicações. Apresenta, ainda, uma abordagem atualizada e crítica dos meios de profilaxia atualmente disponíveis em nosso meio.

The relevance of prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism and its complications in orthopedic surgery is increasingly significant. This review discusses the pathophysiology of thrombus formation in general and orthopedic surgery, its incidence, predisposing factors and complications. It also presents an updated presen tation and critique of prophylaxis currently available in our environment.

Os autores estudam o perfil de publicação de artigos sobre ortopedia e área de interesse em aparelho locomotor em revistas gerais, não específicas de ortopedia, com registro no PUBMED, em um período de dois anos. Selecionados 67 artigos com distribuição heterogênea entre as revistas estudadas foi constatada presença de 26,47% de artigos com desenho de intervenção e 38% com desenho observacional. Os dados são comentados.

The authors study the profile of published papers on orthopedics in general journals, not specific to orthopedics, registered in PUBMED, in a period of two years. There were selected 67 papers with heterogeneous distribution among the magazines studied. It was found the presence of 26.47% of articles with interventional design and 38% with observational one. The data are discussed

OBJETIVO: Foram avaliados pacientes de ambos os sexos, de idade superior a 60 anos de idade admitidos no Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia Godoy Moreira do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo para submeter-se a artroplastias de quadril em caráter emergencial (fratura de quadril). MÉTODOS: A avaliação nutricional incorporou dados sobre peso atual e referido de seis meses antes da condição atual, o índice de risco nutricional e exames complementares. Para as variáveis categóricas foram elaboradas tabelas contingência, analisadas através de teste de qui quadrado. Quando possível foi utilizado o teste t de Student para amostras não pareadas e para os casos em que a normalidade não foi observada foi utilizada análise não paramétrica (Mann Whiney). Foram analisadas, como co-variáveis as condições de: mortalidade, infecções, re-internações e complicações (soma das três anteriores). Foram analisados trinta e oito pacientes maiores de 60 anos, sendo 15 homens e 23 mulheres, com média de idade de 79,21 (DP 9,12), variando de 60 a 94 (mediana de 81 anos). RESULTADOS: Não foram encontradas associações entre idade, peso, NRI, hemoglobina, albumina, IDL e handgrip e as co-variáveis estudadas. Observou-se forte relação do número de doenças prévias com mortalidade (p=0,0012), infecção (p=0,002) e complicações (p=0,0305), mas não com re-internação (p=0,640), Também foi encontrada relação entre o tempo de internação e infecção durante a internação (p=0,0016). CONCLUSÕES: Pudemos observar que parâmetros referentes a número de doenças, tempo de internação e funcionalidade medida através das atividades básicas da vida diária tiveram poder de prever complicações como a mortalidade, re-internações e mesmo infecções, podem ser úteis na avaliação pré-operatória de idosos de alta fragilidade com quadro de fraturas de quadril. Nivel de Evidência II, estudo prognóstico.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed patients of both sexes, aged over 60 years of age admitted to the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology Godoy Moreira, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, for emergency hip arthroplasty (hip fracture). METHODS: The nutritional assessment included data on current weight and reported weight six months before the current condition, the index of nutritional risk, and complementary exams. For the categorical variables, contingency tables were compiled, which were analyzed by the chi square test. Where possible, the Student t test was used for unpaired samples, and in cases in which normality was not observed, the nonparametric (Mann Whiney) test was used. The following conditions were analyzed as co-variables: mortality, infections, re-admissions and complications (sum of the previous three). Thirty-eight patients aged over 60 years were analyzed: 15 men and 23 women, with a mean age of 79.21 (SD 9.12), and ages ranging from 60 to 94 (median 81 years). RESULTS: No associations were found between age, weight, NRI, hemoglobin, albumin, IDL and handgrip and the co-variables. A strong relationship was observed between the number of previous diseases with mortality (p = 0.0012), infection (p = 0.002) and complications (p = 0.0305) but not with readmission (p = 0.640). A link was also found between hospitalization time and infection during hospitalization (p = 0.0016). CONCLUSIONS: It is observed that parameters related to number of diseases, hospitalization time and functionality, measured through the ability to carry out basic activities of daily living, were capable of predicting complications such as mortality, readmissions and even re-infection, and may be useful in the preoperative evaluation of highly fragile elderly patients with hip fractures. estudo prognósticoI Level of Evidence: Level II, prognostic studies.

Sào estudados os perfis de publicação de artigos relacionados ao aparelho locomotor em duas revistas médicas brasileiras gerais indexadas. Os autores estudam o perfil de publicação de artigos com registro no PUBMED, em um período de dois anos. Selecionados 39 artigos com distribuição heterogênea entre as revistas estudadas. Observaram-se nítida progressão no número de artigos entre os anos estudados em ambas as publicações, principalmente em Clinics. Entre as áreas de interesse os artigos referentes a cirurgia, abordagens clínicas e estudos biomecânicos tiveram expressiva presença em Clinics. Na RAMB os estudos estiveram centrados exclusivamente na área de interesse clínico. Quanto ao desenho predominaram em Clinics ensaios clínicos, revisões e séries de casos. Na RAMB Houve predomínio de séries de casos, revisões e estudos diagnósticos

OBJECTIVE: Considering the difficulty for classifying bone losses the present study was designed to analyse if the AORI classification based on pre-operative radiographies is consistent and reproductible between different orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS: Six orthopedists specialized in knee surgery were trained for the use of the classification based on radiographic evaluation. All the surgeons individually classified 26 pre operative knee radiographs. RESULTS: There was a moderate (> 50%) matching of the classification in 24 of 26 cases in the femur and 22 of 26 in the tibia. A good matching (> 80%) was present in 12 of 26 cases in the femur and in 7 of 26 cases in the tibia. CONCLUSION: We observed that the AORI classification presented a moderate

A atenção a pacientes idosos submetidos à cirurgia ortopédica, particularmente os que necessitam de cirurgia de urgência, deve levar em conta a análise da capacidade física e de riscos específicos dos indivíduos idosos, na tentativa de reduzir riscos que, no entanto, permanecem elevados neste grupo. Apesar dos riscos, procedimentos desenvolvidos com prontidão têm efeito positivo na evolução destes pacientes. A atenção coordenada integrada por equipe clínica/geriátrica, ortopédica, anestésica, intensivistas e demais profissionais de saúde pode ser altamente benéfica neste grupo de pacientes.

Care for elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, particularly for those requiring emergency surgery, needs to take into account an analysis of physical capacity and risks specific to elderly individuals, in an attempt to reduce the risks. Nevertheless, these remain high in this group. Despite the risks, procedures developed promptly have a positive effect on these patients' evolution. Coordinated care, composed of teams of specialists within clinical medicine, geriatrics, orthopedics, anesthesiology and critical care, along with other healthcare professionals, may be highly beneficial for this group of patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the profile of osteoporosis treatment among patients hospitalized due to hip fractures at a tertiary-level university hospital. To compare the impact of hospitalization on approaches toward treating bone mass losses. METHOD: The medical records of 123 hip fracture patients aged 60 years and over at the Institute of Orthopedics, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, between 2004 and 2006 were reviewed and analyzed with respect to approaches towards investigating osteoporosis and treatments before and after fracture. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 78 ± 8.3 years, and the majority were women (71.54%). The patients had a mean of 2.72 comorbidities and used 3.26 medications on average. Among these patients, 12.3% reported a previous diagnosis of osteoporosis, and 5.83% were on medication for this. The mean waiting time for surgery was 6.3 ± 7.54 days, and seven patients (5.7%) died during the hospitalization. There were no investigations using bone densitometry, no changes in osteoporosis therapy between admission and discharge (p = 0.375), and no reports of referrals for the patient to have access to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Investigations and treatments of osteoporosis and strategies for preventing new fractures were not implemented during the hospitalization of these elderly patients with hip fractures, even though this is the most feared complication of osteoporosis. These data need to be disseminated so that professionals dealing with elderly patients are attentive to the need for primary and secondary prevention of osteoporosis because of the impact of fractures on these patients' quality of life, independence, morbidities, and mortality.

CONTEXTO: A fratura de quadril possui elevada prevalência, principalmente em mulheres idosas. A depressão possui elevada prevalência nas mulheres e dados da literatura sugerem a existência de uma associação entre depressão e risco de fratura de quadril. Entretanto, não encontramos estudos brasileiros investigando especificamente esse tópico. OBJETIVOS: Investigar, em mulheres idosas, a prevalência de episódio depressivo maior precedendo a fratura de quadril e comparar com a prevalência de depressão em um grupo controle. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 65 mulheres idosas, sendo 30 com fratura de quadril e 35 sem fratura de quadril. Para avaliar a depressão, utilizaram-se a Entrevista Clínica Estruturada para DSM-IV (SCID) e a Escala de Hamilton para Depressão na versão de 31 itens (HAM-D-31); para a avaliação do estado cognitivo, utilizou-se o Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (Mini Mental State Examination " MMSE). RESULTADOS: As pacientes com fratura de quadril apresentaram uma tendência para maior prevalência de história de episódio depressivo maior (p = 0,08) e menor pontuação para o MMSE. CONCLUSÕES: Neste estudo preliminar, encontrou-se uma tendência para maior prevalência de depressão em mulheres idosas com fratura de quadril. Estudos multicêntricos são recomendados para investigar essa possível associação na população brasileira.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture has a high prevalence, especially among older women. Depression is common among females and data have suggested the existence of an association between depression and risk of hip fracture. However, we could not find Brazilian studies focusing specifically this issue. OBJECTIVES: To investigate, in elderly women, the prevalence of major depressive episode previously to the hip fracture and compare with the prevalence of depression in a control group. METHODS: We evaluated 65 elderly women, 30 with hip fracture and 35 without a hip fracture. To evaluate the depression we used the Structured Clinical interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and the 31-item version of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-31), and to evaluate the cognitive state we used the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). RESULTS: Patients with hip fracture showed a trend for increased prevalence of previous major depressive episode (p = 0.08) and lower scores on the MMSE. DISCUSSION: In this preliminary study we found a trend for increased prevalence of depression in elderly women with hip fracture. Multicenter studies are warranted to investigate this possible association in the Brazilian population.