Ejercicio terapéutico en la disminución del dolor en pacientes con artrosis de rodilla grado 1: revisión sistemática / Therapeutic exercise to reduce pain in patients with grade 1 knee arthrosis: systematic review / Exercício terapêutico para reduzir a dor em pacientes com artrose grau 1 do joelho: revisão sistemática

La artrosis de rodilla grado 1 es un problema frecuente a escala mundial. La fisioterapia se presenta como una alternativa prometedora para el tratamiento conservador de esta patología, ya que reduce eficazmente la artralgia. Objetivo. Describir la eficacia de los ejercicios terapéuticos para aliviar el dolor en la artrosis de rodilla grado I. Metodología. Se trata de una revisión sistemática, que abarcó una búsqueda exhaustiva en varias bases de datos como Pubmed, Scielo y Elsevier. Los criterios de búsqueda incluyeron ensayos de control aleatorios, experimentales y cuasiexperimentales realizados entre los años 2017 y 2023. Resultados. De un total de 82 documentos se excluyeron 40 al ser estudios secundarios. Posteriormente, se excluyeron 21 estudios adicionales debido a la escasa relación entre las variables del estudio y a su falta de disponibilidad. Finalmente, se seleccionaron 21 artículos que cumplieron con los criterios de evaluación de calidad metodológica mediante la escala CRF-QS. Para evaluar el dolor, la rigidez, la funcionalidad y la calidad de vida, se utilizaron escalas como EVA, NPRS, WOMAC y OXFORD. Los ejercicios isocinéticos resultaron ser los más efectivos, ya que demostraron un aumento de la fuerza y el grosor del cartílago articular, lo que resultó en una disminución de las puntuaciones de EVA de 8,05 a 3,75. Conclusión. El ejercicio terapéutico supervisado centrado en el fortalecimiento de las extremidades inferiores ha demostrado ser una alternativa efectiva para el tratamiento conservador de la artrosis de rodilla grado I. Este enfoque alivia eficazmente el dolor, mejora la calidad de vida e incluso puede detener la progresión de la enfermedad.

Grade 1 knee osteoarthritis is a common problem worldwide. Physiotherapy is presented as a promising alternative for the conservative treatment of this pathology, since it effectively reduces arthralgia. Aim. To describe the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises to relieve pain in grade I knee osteoarthritis. Methodology. This is a systematic review, which included an exhaustive search in several databases such as Pubmed, Scielo and Elsevier. Search criteria included randomized, experimental and quasi-experimental control trials conducted between the years 2017 and 2023. Results. Of a total of 82 documents, 40 were excluded as they were secondary studies. Subsequently, 21 additional studies were excluded due to poor relationships between study variables and lack of availability. Finally, 21 articles were selected that met the methodological quality evaluation criteria using the CRF-QS scale. To evaluate pain, stiffness, functionality and quality of life, scales such as VAS, NPRS, WOMAC and OXFORD were used. Isokinetic exercises were found to be the most effective, demonstrating an increase in articular cartilage strength and thickness, resulting in a decrease in VAS scores from 8.05 to 3.75. Conclusion. Supervised therapeutic exercise focused on strengthening the lower extremities has been shown to be an effective alternative to the conservative treatment of grade I knee osteoarthritis. This approach effectively relieves pain, improves quality of life, and may even stop the progression of osteoarthritis. disease.

A osteoartrite do joelho grau 1 é um problema comum em todo o mundo. A fisioterapia apresenta-se como uma alternativa promissora para o tratamento conservador desta patologia, uma vez que reduz eficazmente a artralgia. Mirar. Descrever a eficácia dos exercícios terapêuticos no alívio da dor na osteoartrite de joelho grau I. Metodologia. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática, que incluiu uma busca exaustiva em diversas bases de dados como Pubmed, Scielo e Elsevier. Os critérios de pesquisa incluíram ensaios de controle randomizados, experimentais e quase-experimentais realizados entre os anos de 2017 e 2023. Resultados. De um total de 82 documentos, 40 foram excluídos por se tratarem de estudos secundários. Posteriormente, 21 estudos adicionais foram excluídos devido às más relações entre as variáveis do estudo e à falta de disponibilidade. Por fim, foram selecionados 21 artigos que atenderam aos critérios de avaliação da qualidade metodológica pela escala CRF-QS. Para avaliar dor, rigidez, funcionalidade e qualidade de vida foram utilizadas escalas como VAS, NPRS, WOMAC e OXFORD. Os exercícios isocinéticos foram considerados os mais eficazes, demonstrando um aumento na força e espessura da cartilagem articular, resultando em uma diminuição nos escores VAS de 8,05 para 3,75. Conclusão. O exercício terapêutico supervisionado focado no fortalecimento das extremidades inferiores tem se mostrado uma alternativa eficaz ao tratamento conservador da osteoartrite do joelho grau I. Esta abordagem alivia eficazmente a dor, melhora a qualidade de vida e pode até interromper a progressão da osteoartrite.

Effectiveness of comprehensive rhinoplasty on secondary nasal deformity with saddle nasal deformity after cleft lip surgery / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effectiveness of comprehensive rhinoplasty with autogenous costal cartilage grafting and prosthesis augmentation rhinoplasty in the treatment of secondary nasal deformity with saddle nasal deformity after cleft lip surgery.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 96 patients with secondary nasal deformity with saddle nasal deformity after cleft lip surgery between September 2008 and January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 17 males and 79 females with an average age of 25.6 years (range, 17-38 years). Autogenous costal cartilage grafts were used to construct stable nasal tip framework and enhance the strength of alar cartilage. Nasal dorsum prostheses (39 cases of bulge, 45 cases of silicone prosthesis) or autogenous costal cartilage (12 cases) were used for comprehensive rhinoplasty. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the postoperative satisfaction subjectively, and nasal alar height symmetry index, nasal alar width symmetry index, nasal dorsum central axis deviation angle, and nasal columella deviation angle were calculated to evaluate objectively before and after operation.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up 6 months to 8 years, with an average of 13.4 months. Nasal septal hematoma occurred in 3 patients after operation, which was improved after local aspiration and nasal pressure packing. Two cases had mild deformation of the rib cartilage graft of the nasal dorsum, one of which had no obvious deviation of the nasal dorsum and was not given special treatment, and one case underwent the cartilage graft of the nasal dorsum removed and replaced with silicone prosthesis. The incisions of the other patients healed by first intention, and there was no complication such as postoperative infection and prosthesis displacement. The nasal alar height symmetry index, nasal alar width symmetry index, nasal dorsum central axis deviation angle, and nasal columella deviation angle significantly improved after operation when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05). Postoperative subjective satisfaction evaluation reached the level of basic satisfaction or above, and most of them were very satisfied.@*CONCLUSION@#Comprehensive rhinoplasty using autologous rib cartilage grafting to construct a stable nasal tip support, combined with dorsal nasal prosthesis or autologous cartilage implantation, can achieve good effectiveness on secondary nasal deformity with saddle nasal deformity after cleft lip surgery.

Has the aging of brazilians impacted the occurrence of osteo-cartilaginous neoplasms? / O envelhecimento do brasileiro impactou a ocorrência de neoplasias osteo-cartilaginosas?

ABSTRACT Cancer cases and survival have increased significantly in recent decades. Objective: In this study, we sought to evidence whether bone, joint and cartilage neoplasms are increasing with the aging of the Brazilian population, using the analysis of the DATASUS and IBGE databases, between 1979 and 2020. Methods: We compared the means and the proportion of death in Brazil, to observe the confidence interval overlaps, separated by region. Comparison between genders, age group, death and specific rate were compared via proportion tests and the trend was investigated via time series analysis. Results: Through the analyses, we can see that there is an increasing trend of cases, about 2.5 times in the period. Separated by region, the Southeast stands out, with a number of deaths about 6 times higher than other regions. Conclusion: Metastatic carcinoma is the most common neoplasm treated by orthopedic surgeons, and it is essential to adapt to this future projection, with cases of pathological bone involvement resulting from metastatic carcinomas, increasingly present in the routine of orthopedic surgeons. Level of Evidence IV, Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

RESUMO Os casos oncológicos e a sobrevida aumentaram expressivamente nas últimas décadas. Objetivo: Investigar se as neoplasias de osso, articulação e cartilagem estão aumentando com o envelhecimento da população brasileira, por meio da análise das bases de dado do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS) e do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), entre os anos de 1979 e 2020. Métodos: Realizamos a comparação de médias e de proporção de morte entre as regiões do Brasil para observar as sobreposições de intervalo de confiança em cada região. A comparação entre sexo, faixa etária, óbito e taxa específica foi feita via testes de proporção, e a tendência foi investigada via análise de séries temporais. Resultados: Foi evidenciada uma tendência crescente dos casos de neoplasia, com um aumento de cerca de 2,5 vezes no período analisado. Entre as regiões do Brasil, destacou-se o Sudeste, com número de mortes cerca de seis vezes maior que outras regiões. Conclusão: O carcinoma metastático é a neoplasia mais comum tratada pelos cirurgiões ortopédicos, e é fundamental nos adequarmos a essa projeção futura, com casos de comprometimento ósseo patológicos decorrentes de carcinomas metastáticos cada vez mais presentes na rotina do cirurgião ortopédico. Nível de Evidência IV, Estudo Observacional Transversal.

Unveiling the clinical spectrum of relapsing polychondritis: insights into its pathogenesis, novel monogenic causes, and therapeutic strategies

Abstract Relapsing polychondritis is a rare multisystem disease involving cartilaginous and proteoglycan-rich structures. The diagnosis of this disease is mainly suggested by the presence of flares of inflammation of the cartilage, particularly in the ears, nose or respiratory tract, and more rarely, in the presence of other manifestations. The spectrum of clinical presentations may vary from intermittent episodes of painful and often disfiguring auricular and nasal chondritis to an occasional organ or even life-threatening manifestations such as lower airway collapse. There is a lack of awareness about this disease is mainly due to its rarity. In 2020, VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome, a novel autoinflammatory syndrome, was described. VEXAS syndrome is attributed to somatic mutations in methionine-41 of UBA1, the major E1 enzyme that initiates ubiquitylation. This new disease entity connects seemingly unrelated conditions: systemic inflammatory syndromes (relapsing chondritis, Sweet's syndrome, and neutrophilic dermatosis) and hematologic disorders (myelodysplastic syndrome or multiple myeloma). Therefore, this article reviews the current literature on both disease entities.

Hyaline cartilage at the portal plate and gallbladder in biliary atresia

ABSTRACT Biliary atresia (BA) is a fibro-obliterative cholestatic disease of infancy. The presence of cartilage in the resected tissue is an uncommon finding. We documented the presence of both mature and immature hyaline cartilage in the portal plate and the wall of the gallbladder in a 2-month-old girl infant with BA who had undergone Kasai portoenterostomy. The presence of cartilage could be part of a heterotopia or an uncommon connective tissue metaplasia. The presence of immature cartilage with the merging of the perichondrium with the soft tissue highlights a metaplastic etiology in the index case.

Estudio retrospectivo de 544 timpanoplastias con cartílago y pericondrio: resultados anatómicos y funcionales / A retrospective study of 544 tympanoplasty with cartilage and perichondrium: anatomical and functional results

Introducción: el cierre de las perforaciones timpánicas se realiza con diferentes materiales, entre ellos el cartílago y el pericondrio. En este estudio se compararon los resultados anatómicos y funcionales obtenidos con ambos materiales, y se evaluaron posibles factores asociados con los buenos resultados. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo en pacientes intervenidos de timpanoplastia sin mastoidectomía entre el 1 de enero de 2001 y el 31 de diciembre de 2018. Resultados: se incluyeron 544 timpanoplastias. En la mayoría se utilizó cartílago (78,5 %) y en el resto pericondrio. El cartílago se utilizó con mayor frecuencia en los menores de 18 años (p=0,001), perforaciones totales y subtotales (p=0,000) y timpanoplastias secundarias y terciarias (p=0,008). No hubo diferencias en el tiempo de seguimiento (15,68 ± 22,18 meses frente al 12,86 ± 14,9 meses, p=0,169). La tasa de éxito anatómico fue mayor en el grupo de cartílago, sin diferencias en los resultados auditivos (82 % con cartílago y 78,3 % con pericondrio). El éxito anatómico se relacionó con la técnica utilizada para la reconstrucción con cartílago, mientras que los resultados auditivos se asociaron significativamente con el estado de la mucosa del oído medio y la cadena de huesecillos en el momento de la cirugía y el éxito anatómico posquirúrgico. Conclusiones: con el cartílago se consiguieron mejores resultados anatómicos que con el pericondrio, sin diferencias a nivel funcional. Sin embargo, los resultados funcionales empeoraron si había patología a nivel del oído medio y en ausencia de restauración anatómica.

Introduction: Different materials are used to close tympanic perforations. This stu-dy aimed to compare anatomical results obtained with cartilage and perichondrium and evaluate factors associated with successful results. Material and method: Re-trospective study of patients who underwent tympanoplasty without mastoidectomy between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2018. Demographic data, ear pathology, surgical intervention, and anatomical and functional results were collected. Results:544 tympanoplasty were included. Cartilage was the most used (78.5%). Cartilage was used more frequently in children under 18 years (p = 0.001), to reconstruct total and subtotal perforations (p = 0.000) and in secondary and tertiary tympanoplasty (p = 0.008). Follow-up time did not differ between the two groups (15.68 ± 22.18 months vs. 12.86 ± 14.9 months, p = 0.169). The anatomical success rate was higher in the cartilage group, with no significant differences in hearing outcomes (82% with cartilage and 78.3% with perichondrium). Anatomical success was related to the technique used for cartilage reconstruction (monoblock or palisade). Hearing re-sults were significantly associated with the state of middle ear mucosa at the time of surgery, the state and mobility of the ossicle chain, and post-surgical anatomical suc-cess. Conclusions: Cartilage achieved better anatomical results than perichondrium. Both materials were comparable on a functional level. However, the functional re-sults worsen if there is pathology of the middle ear (mucosa or chain of ossicles) and anatomical restoration is not achieved.

Reconstrução nasal com uso de costela em paciente com síndrome de Binder: Um relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Nasal reconstruction using ribs in a patient with Binder syndrome: A case report and literature review

Introdução: A síndrome de Binder também pode ser conhecida como displasia maxilonasal e é uma malformação congênita caracterizada por hipoplasia nasomaxilar devido a um subdesenvolvimento do esqueleto facial médio. A atual incidência ou prevalência ainda é desconhecida, mas afeta aproximadamente um recém-nascido vivo em cada 10.000 nascimentos. O diagnóstico pode ser clínico ou associado a ultrassonografia pré-natal, caracterizada por nariz achatado e convexidade anormal da maxila. O tratamento é cirúrgico para correção das anormalidades estéticas e funcionais. Relato de Caso: Paciente que recebeu diagnóstico de síndrome de Binder aos 14 anos, sem outras malformações associadas, com queixa estética e funcional nasal. A correção cirúrgica foi iniciada pela extração de um bloco da sexta cartilagem costal à esquerda, com abertura nasal na margem columelar, no padrão de uma rinoplastia aberta, e dissecados os tecidos no plano subSMAS. Após preparo da área receptora nasal, foram esculpidos bloco de cartilagem para reconstrução do dorso nasal, enxertos alares e enxerto de cartilagem septal. Houve melhora de projeção da ponta nasal e alongamento nasal. Conclusão: A rinoplastia pode ser uma cirurgia desafiadora nesses pacientes, sendo a reconstrução autóloga com o uso de cartilagem costal indicada pela literatura como a melhor opção. É necessário individualizar cada caso para programação de enxertos e reestruturação nasal, sendo fundamental também a melhora funcional desses casos.

Introduction: Binder's syndrome can also be known as maxillonasal dysplasia and it is a congenital malformation characterized by nasomaxillary hypoplasia resulting from an underdevelopment of the middle facial skeleton. The current incidence or prevalence is still unknown, but it affects approximately one child in every 10,000 births. The diagnosis can be clinical or associated with prenatal ultrasonography, characterized by a flattened nose and abnormal maxillary convexity. The treatment is surgical to correct aesthetic and functional abnormalities. Case Report: Patient diagnosed with Binder's syndrome at the age of 14, without other associated malformations, with aesthetic and functional nasal complaints. Surgical correction began with the extraction of a block of the sixth costal cartilage on the left, with a nasal opening on the columellar margin, in the pattern of an open rhinoplasty, and tissue dissection in the sub-SMAS plane. After preparing the nasal receptor area, a block of cartilage was sculpted for reconstruction of the nasal dorsum, alar grafts and septal cartilage grafts. There was an improvement in the projection of the nasal tip and nasal dorsum. Conclusion: Rhinoplasty can be a challenging surgery in these patients, and the literature indicates that the best option is autologous reconstruction with costal cartilage. It is necessary to individualize each case to schedule nasal grafts and restructuring, and functional improvement in these cases is also essential

Treatment of Chondral Lesions in the Knee / Tratamento das lesões condrais no joelho

Abstract Articular cartilage injuries are common and lead to early joint deterioration and osteoarthritis. Articular cartilage repair techniques aim at forming a cartilaginous neo-tissue to support the articular load and prevent progressive degeneration. Several techniques are available for this purpose, such as microfracture and chondrocyte transplantation. However, the procedural outcome is often fibrocartilage, which does not have the same mechanical resistance as cartilaginous tissue. Procedures with autologous osteochondral graft have a morbidity risk, and tissue availability limits their use. As such, larger lesions undergo osteochondral transplantation using fresh or frozen grafts. New techniques using minced or particulate cartilage fragments or mesenchymal stem cells are promising. This paper aims to update the procedures for treating chondral lesions of the knee.

Resumo As lesões da cartilagem articular são comuns e levam à deterioração precoce da articulação e ao desenvolvimento da osteoartrite. As técnicas de reparo da cartilagem articular visam a formação de um neo-tecido cartilaginoso capaz de suportar carga articular e evitar a progressão da degeneração. Há várias técnicas disponíveis para esse fim, como a microfratura e o transplante de condrócitos. Entretanto muitas vezes o desfecho do procedimento é a formação de fibrocartilagem, que não possui a mesma resistência mecânica do tecido cartilaginoso. Em outros procedimentos, nos quais é realizado enxerto osteocondral autólogo, há risco de morbidade associada ao procedimento, além da disponibilidade limitada de tecido. Por esse motivo, o transplante osteocondral, utilizando enxertos a fresco ou congelados tem sido utilizado para lesões de maior volume. Por fim, novas técnicas utilizando fragmentos de cartilagem picada ou particulada, assim como o uso de células tronco mesenquimais se apresentam como promissores. O objetivo desse artigo é realizar uma atualização dos procedimentos para tratamento das lesões condrais do joelho.

Refixation of the Excised Acetabular Labrum can Affect the Structural Changes of Cartilage Surface in the Hip Joint / La Refijación del Labrum Acetabular Extirpado Puede Afectar los Cambios Estructurales de la Superficie del Cartílago en la Articulación Coxal

SUMMARY: Refixation of the damaged acetabular labrum is a method of surgical treatment of the hip joint that can promote the repair of joint function after injury and prevent premature osteoarthritis. We sought to determine the condition of the hip joint in rabbits 4 months after excision of the acetabular labrum and the condition of the joint after labral refixation. The articular cartilage of the femoral head and acetabulum was examined by histological methods, multipoint measurement of cartilage thickness, and the ratio between cartilage matrix and chondrocytes lacunae, and the condition of cartilage according to the OARSI grading scale was carried out. On this model, a correlation analysis was performed between the results of the OARSI grading scale and the data of linear morphometry. All these parameters made it possible to better assess changes in articular cartilage. The ratio between matrix and chondrocyte lacunae turned out to be a method that allows establishing early cartilage damage when erosion, fibrosis or deformation did not occur. We found significant differences between the condition of the cartilage after exicion of acetabular labrum and after labral refixation, which give hope to confirm that this surgical technique can delay or prevent progressive changes in the cartilage of the damaged hip joint.

La refijación del labrum acetabular dañado es un método de tratamiento quirúrgico de la articulación coxal, que puede promover la reparación de la función articular después de una lesión y prevenir la osteoartritis prematura. Intentamos determinar el estado de la articulación coxal en conejos de 4 meses después de la escisión del labrum acetabular y observar el estado de la articulación después de la refijación del labrum. El cartílago articular de la cabeza femoral y el acetábulo se examinó por métodos histológicos, se midió a través de multipunto el grosor del cartílago y se realizó la relación entre la matriz del cartílago y las lagunas de condrocitos, y se llevó a cabo la condición del cartílago según la escala de clasificación OARSI. Sobre este modelo se realizó un análisis de correlación entre los resultados de la escala de calificación OARSI y los datos de la morfometría lineal. Todos estos parámetros permitieron evaluar mejor los cambios en el cartílago articular. La relación entre la matriz y las lagunas de condrocitos resultó ser un método que permite establecer temprano el daño del cartílago cuando no se presentó erosión, fibrosis o deformación. Encontramos diferencias significativas entre la condición del cartílago después de la extirpación del labrum acetabular y después de la refijación del labrum, lo que da la esperanza de confirmar que esta técnica quirúrgica puede retrasar o prevenir cambios progresivos en el cartílago de la articulación coxal dañada.

Child Fractures: Are We Getting More Surgical? / Fraturas na criança: Estamos ficando mais cirúrgicos?

Abstract Historically, surgeries on the immature skeleton were reserved for open or articular fractures. In recent years, the improvement in the quality and safety of anesthesia, new imaging equipment, implants designed especially for pediatric fractures, associated with the possibility of shorter hospitalization time and rapid return to social life has demonstrated a new tendency to evaluate and treat fractures in children. The purpose of this update article is to answer the following questions: (1) Are we really turning more surgical in addressing fractures in children? (2) If this is true, is this surgical conduct based on scientific evidence? In fact, in recent decades, the medical literature demonstrates articles that support better evolution of fractures in children with surgical treatment. In the upper limbs, this is very evident in the systematization of the reduction and percutaneous fixation of supracondylar fractures of the humerus and fractures of the forearm bones. In the lower limbs, the same occurs with diaphyseal fractures of the femur and tibia. However, there are gaps in the literature. The available published studies show low scientific evidence. Thus, it can be inferred that, even though the surgical approach is more present, the treatment of pediatric fractures should always be individualized and conducted according to the knowledge and experience of the professional physician, taking into account the presence of technological resources available for the care of the small patient. All possibilities, non-surgical and/or surgical, should be included, always instituting actions based on science and in agreement with the family's wishes.

Resumo Historicamente, as cirurgias no esqueleto imaturo eram reservadas às fraturas expostas ou articulares. Nos últimos anos, a melhora na qualidade e segurança das anestesias, novos equipamentos de imagem, implantes desenhados especialmente para fraturas pediátricas, associados à possibilidade de menor tempo de hospitalização e rápido retorno ao convívio social vêm demonstrando uma nova tendência de avaliar e tratar fraturas na criança. O objetivo deste artigo de atualização é responder às seguintes questões: (1) estamos realmente ficando mais cirúrgicos na abordagem das fraturas em crianças? (2) Caso isto seja verdadeiro, esta conduta cirúrgica está baseada em evidências científicas? De fato, nas últimas décadas, a literatura médica demonstra artigos que suportam melhor evolução das fraturas na criança com o tratamento cirúrgico. Nos membros superiores, isto fica muito evidente na sistematização da redução e fixação percutânea das fraturas supracondilianas do úmero e das fraturas de ossos do antebraço. Nos membros inferiores, o mesmo ocorre com fraturas diafisárias do fêmur e tíbia. No entanto, há lacunas na literatura. Os estudos publicados são geralmente com baixa evidência científica. Assim, pode-se deduzir que, mesmo sendo a abordagem cirúrgica mais presente, o tratamento de fraturas pediátricas deve ser sempre individualizado e conduzido de acordo com o conhecimento e experiência do médico profissional, levando em conta a presença de recursos tecnológicos disponíveis para o atendimento do pequeno paciente. Deve-se incluir todas as possibilidades, não cirúrgicas e/ou cirúrgicas, sempre instituindo ações baseadas na ciência e em concordância com os anseios da família.

Study of developing tracheal cartilage under light microscope

Background: Airway formation is one of the earliest events in development of respiratory system. However, maturation of airway continues well in post-natal life. The trachea has framework of incomplete ring of hyaline cartilage united by fibrous tissue and smooth muscle through which air conduction takes place. The trachea-bronchial mucosa is target for host of airborne toxic agents; bacterial and viral agents, allergens, reactive gases, aerosols, and irritant particles. This fascinates many workers for detailed study of epithelium or lining air passage. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to document normal developmental microscopic structure of tracheal cartilage in fetuses of different age group (gestational ages between 12th and 40th weeks) and to compare the difference between different age groups. Materials and Methods: Tissues from trachea of various age group fetuses were collected, processed, and stained with H and E and Masson’s trichrome. Results: Development of tracheal cartilage was observed into three trimesters. The 2nd and 3rd trimesters were further divided in the early 2nd (13th–16th weeks), mid-2nd (17th–20th weeks), late 2nd (21st–24th weeks), early 3rd (25th–28th weeks), mid-3rd (29th–32nd weeks), and late 3rd (33rd–40th weeks) phases. Conclusion: Perichondrium of cartilage had shown well-marked outer fibrous layer with increased vascularity by late 2nd to early 3rd trimester. Well-marked inner cellular layer of perichondrium was noticed by 3rd trimester, while cartilage had shown active chondrocytes by late 2nd to early 3rd trimester. At the late 3rd trimester, typical hyaline cartilage had shown chondrocytes in cell nest surrounded by territorial matrix.

Discussion on internal fixation of Hoffa fractures / 中国骨伤

Hoffa fracture is an unstable intra-articular fracture with significant redisplacement tendency. It is easy to be missed diagnosis when accompanied by distal intercondylar or supracondylar fracture of femur. CT scan is the gold standard for the diagnosis of Hoffa fracture. The treatment principles are anatomic reduction of the articular surface, reliable internal fixation, and early functional activity. At present, the main treatment is arthroscopic screw fixation. During screw fixation, the tail cap of screw should be buried, resulting in non-healing iatrogenic injury of articular cartilage. In the early postoperative functional activity of knee joint, fracture block was repeatedly subjected to backward and upward shear force under the action of the tibial plateau, which is the main reason for the failure of internal fixation. Plate assisted screw fixation could increase local mechanical stability, but it still cannot avoid the defects of iatrogenic cartilage injury. At the same time, plate molding is required during the operation due to the absence of special anatomical plates, resulting in increased surgical trauma and time-consuming surgery. The ideal fixation method for Hoffa fracture should include:(1) Avoid iatrogenic injury of articular surface cartilage. (2) With the rear anti-shear barrier plate function.(3) The internal fixator is closer to the load interface, so as to obtain greater load and better fixed strength.

Analysis of influence of MR signs on Harris score in ARCO stages 2-4 femoral head necrosis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To analysis and determine MR signs of Harris score ARCO stages 2-4 in osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH).@*METHODS@#Thirty-four patients with ONFH of ARCO stages 2 to 4 who underwent routine MR, T2 mapping, 3D-SPACE sequence examination and Harris score were retrospectively collected from January 2019 to June 2020, and 3 patients were excluded, and 31 patients were finally included, including 23 males and 8 females, aged from 18 to 62 years old with an average of(40.0±10.8) years old. Among them 21 patients with bilateral femoral head necrosis, totally 52 cases, including 17 with ARCO stage 2 patients, 24 ARCO stage 3, and 11 ARCO stage 4. MR imaging signs (femoral head collapse depth, ONFH index, bone marrow edema, hyperplasia, grade and T2 value of cartilage injury, and joint effusion) were scored and measured on the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) workstation, and the cartilage quantitative parameter T2 value was calculated and measured on Siemens postprocessing workstation. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between various MR signs and Harris score, and then multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine impact of MR signs on Harris hip score.@*RESULTS@#Femoral head collapse depth(r=-0.563, P=0.000), grade of cartilage injury(r=-0.500, P=0.000), and joint effusion (r=-0.535, P=0.000) were negatively correlated with Harris score by Pearson correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that joint effusion(β=-6.198, P=0.001) and femoral head collapse depth(β=-4.085, P=0.014) had a significant negative impact on Harris hip score.@*CONCLUSION@#Femoral head collapse depth and joint effusion both had significant negative relationship with Harris hip score. It is recommended to routinely evaluate femoral head collapse depth and joint effusion quantitatively and gradedly, so as to efficiently and accurately assist clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Quantitative study of 3.0T MRI on the thickness of knee joint cartilage in healthy young people / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore 3.0T MRI accurate measurement of knee cartilage thickness in healthy youth provides reliable anatomical parameters for quantitative diagnosis of osteoarthritis and accurate osteotomy of joint replacement.@*METHODS@#From January 2013 to December 2013, 30 healthy young volunteers including 14 males and 16 females with an average age of (25.8±2.4) years old ranging from 22 to 33 years were recruited in Changchun, Jilin Province, and a 3.0T MRI scan was performed on the bilateral knee joints of each volunteer. The cartilage thickness was measured on the lateral femoral condyle (LFC), medial femoral condyle (MFC), lateral tibial plateau (LTP) and medial tibial plateau (MTP).@*RESULTS@#In four regions of the knee joint:LFC, MFC, LTP and MTP, whether young men or women, there was no significant difference in cartilage thickness between the left and right knee joints (P>0.05). There were significant differences in knee cartilage thickness between healthy young men and women (P<0.05). In the same sex group, LFC cartilage thickness was thinner in the middle, thicker in front and rear;MFC cartilage thickness was the thinnest in front and gradually thickening from the front to the rear; LTP cartilage thickness was thickest in the middle, second in the rear and thinnest in the front;MTP cartilage thickness was the thinnest in the front, was relatively uniform in the middle and rear and thicker than that in the front.@*CONCLUSION@#In Northeast China, among healthy adults aged 22 to 33, gender difference may be an important factor in the difference of cartilage thickness in various regions of the knee joint. Regardless of whether male or female healthy young people, the cartilage thickness of the entire knee joint is unevenly distributed, but there is no significant difference in cartilage thickness in the same area between the left and right knee joints.

Preliminary study of TRPV4 affects chondrocyte degeneration / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore and verify that transient receptor potential vanilloid 4(TRPV4) affects chondrocyte degeneration.@*METHODS@#Neonatal SD rats were selected, primary chondrocytes were extracted, and identified by toluidine blue staining and alcian blue staining;an in vitro chondrocyte inflammation model was constructed by IL-1β, and TRPV4 inhibitor was used to treat chondrocytes under inflammatory conditions, and the chondrocytes were treated by RT-PCR method was used to detect matrix metallopeptidase 13(MMP-13), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin 5, (ADAMTS-5)、nitric oxide synthase 2(NOS2)、Collagen, type II alpha 1(Col2α1)and aggrecan (Acan) mRNA in chondrocytes; primary chondrocytes were treated with different concentrations of TRPV4 overexpression plasmid, and the optimal overexpression dose was screened. The mRNA expressions of TRPV4, MMP-13, ADAMTS-5, NOS2, Col2α1 and Acan in chondrocytes under the optimal TRPV4 overexpression dose were detected.@*RESULTS@#Toluidine blue staining and Alcian blue staining identified the extracted cells as primary chondrocytes;RT-PCR showed that TRPV4, MMP-13, ADAMTS-5, NOS2 mRNA in chondrocytes treated with TRPV4 inhibitor under inflammatory conditions. The expression of Col2α1 mRNA was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expression of Col2α1 mRNA was increased (P<0.05). Although there was no significant difference in the expression of Acan mRNA, the overall trend was also increasing. The expression of Col2α1 and Acan mRNA in chondrocytes was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expression of NOS2 mRNA was increased(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Inhibiting the expression of TRPV4 can down-regulate the expression of genes related to chondrocyte degeneration.

Bone/cartilage immunomodulating hydrogels: construction strategies and applications / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To review the research progress in the construction strategy and application of bone/cartilage immunomodulating hydrogels.@*METHODS@#The literature related to bone/cartilage immunomodulating hydrogels at home and abroad in recent years was reviewed and summarized from the immune response mechanism of different immune cells, the construction strategy of immunomodulating hydrogels, and their practical applications.@*RESULTS@#According to the immune response mechanism of different immune cells, the biological materials with immunoregulatory effect is designed, which can regulate the immune response of the body and thus promote the regeneration of bone/cartilage tissue. Immunomodulating hydrogels have good biocompatibility, adjustability, and multifunctionality. By regulating the physical and chemical properties of hydrogel and loading factors or cells, the immune system of the body can be purposively regulated, thus forming an immune microenvironment conducive to osteochondral regeneration.@*CONCLUSION@#Immunomodulating hydrogels can promote osteochondral repair by affecting the immunomodulation process of host organs or cells. It has shown a wide application prospect in the repair of osteochondral defects. However, more data support from basic and clinical experiments is needed for this material to further advance its clinical translation process.

Injectable hydrogel microspheres experimental research for the treatment of osteoarthritis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To prepare a novel hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA) hydrogel microspheres loaded polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-diclofenac sodium (POSS-DS) patricles, then investigate its physicochemical characteristics and in vitro and in vivo biological properties.@*METHODS@#Using sulfhydryl POSS (POSS-SH) as a nano-construction platform, polyethylene glycol and DS were chemically linked through the "click chemistry" method to construct functional nanoparticle POSS-DS. The composition was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the morphology was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. In order to achieve drug sustained release, POSS-DS was encapsulated in HAMA, and hybrid hydrogel microspheres were prepared by microfluidic technology, namely HAMA@POSS-DS. The morphology of the hybrid hydrogel microspheres was characterized by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The in vitro degradation and drug release efficiency were observed. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and live/dead staining were used to detect the effect on chondrocyte proliferation. Moreover, a chondrocyte inflammation model was constructed and cultured with HAMA@POSS-DS. The relevant inflammatory indicators, including collagen type Ⅱ, aggrecan (AGG), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), recombinant A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin 5 (Adamts5), and recombinant tachykinin precursor 1 (TAC1) were detected by immunofluorescence staining and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, with normal cultured chondrocytes and the chondrocyte inflammation model without treatment as control group and blank group respectively to further evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity. Finally, by constructing a rat model of knee osteoarthritis, the effectiveness of HAMA@POSS-DS on osteoarthritis was evaluated by X-ray film and Micro-CT examination.@*RESULTS@#The overall particle size of POSS-DS nanoparticles was uniform with a diameter of about 100 nm. HAMA@POSS-DS hydrogel microspheres were opaque spheres with a diameter of about 100 μm and a spherical porous structure. The degradation period was 9 weeks, during which the loaded POSS-DS nanoparticles were slowly released. CCK-8 and live/dead staining showed no obvious cytotoxicity at HAMA@POSS-DS, and POSS-DS released by HAMA@POSS-DS significantly promoted cell proliferation (P<0.05). In the chondrocyte anti-inflammatory experiment, the relative expression of collagen type Ⅱ mRNA in HAMA@POSS-DS group was significantly higher than that in control group and blank group (P<0.05). The relative expression level of AGG mRNA was significantly higher than that of blank group (P<0.05). The relative expressions of MMP-13, Adamts5, and TAC1 mRNA in HAMA@POSS-DS group were significantly lower than those in blank group (P<0.05). In vivo experiments showed that the joint space width decreased after operation in rats with osteoarthritis, but HAMA@POSS-DS delayed the process of joint space narrowing and significantly improved the periarticular osteophytosis (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#HAMA@POSS-DS can effectively regulate the local inflammatory microenvironment and significantly promote chondrocyte proliferation, which is conducive to promoting cartilage regeneration and repair in osteoarthritis.

Design and validation of a novel knee biomechanical test method / 生物医学工程学杂志

A novel structural dynamics test method and device were designed to test the biomechanical effects of dynamic axial loading on knee cartilage and meniscus. Firstly, the maximum acceleration signal-to-noise ratio of the experimental device was calculated by applying axial dynamic load to the experimental device under unloaded condition with different force hammers. Then the experimental samples were divided into non-specimen group (no specimen loaded), sham specimen group (loaded with polypropylene samples) and bovine knee joint specimen group (loaded with bovine knee joint samples) for testing. The test results show that the experimental device and method can provide stable axial dynamic load, and the experimental results have good repeatability. The final results confirm that the dynamic characteristics of experimental samples can be distinguished effectively by this device. The experimental method proposed in this study provides a new way to further study the biomechanical mechanism of knee joint structural response under axial dynamic load.

Molecular mechanisms of tooth, maxilla and mandible development / 口腔医学

@#Understanding the pattern and molecular mechanisms of tooth, maxilla and mandible development is the prerequisite for studying their regeneration. Tooth development can be divided into three stages: bud-bell stage, tooth crown development stage and tooth root development stage. During these processes, key genes show spatial and temporal expression pattern. Tooth development is a complex process involving interactions between dental epithelium and mesenchyme, precise regulations of enamel knots in cusp patterning, as well as successful eruption into the oral cavity under proper biomechanical stress and signaling transductions. The development of tooth, maxilla and mandible, all of which originate from the first branchial arch, is independent and regulates each other to form a whole during development. Any developmental defects of them will ultimately cause defects to the others. In this paper, we briefly reviewed the development of tooth, maxilla and mandible, proposed that the homeostasis of microenvironment is critical for their development. Moreover, we reviewed the role of Meckel’s cartilage, a special structure and signaling mechanism during mandible development. At last, we proposed an integrated development model of tooth, maxilla and mandible. We also hope that the regeneration of fully functional tooth, maxilla and mandible in human can be achieved based on fundamental knowledge we have gained so far.

Natural reversal of mandibular condylar cartilage histological damage caused by chronic unpredictable moderate stress in rats / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To investigate the histological damage recovery of temporomandibular joint condylar cartilage caused by chronic unpredictable moderate stress, aiming to provide an experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of temporomandibular disorder.@*Methods @#This animal experiment was approved by the Laboratory Animal Ethical Inspection, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University (No. 2020081). 60 male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, stress group, and 2-, 4- and 8-week post-stress recovery groups. Rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable moderate stress (CUMS) for 8 weeks including damp sawdust for 24 hours, tilted cage for 12 hours, noise for 4 hours, light/dark cycle reversal, water immersion, tail clamp, and restraint stress. The serum assessment, behavioral tests, histological and ultrastructural observation were performed 2-, 4- and 8-weeks after stress factors were removed. Serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) were determined with ELISA. The sucrose preference test (SPT) and the forced swim test (FST) were used to assess the depressive-like behavior. The expression level of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3) were determined by Immunohistochemistry and Western blot.@*Results @#At the end of 8 weeks of CUMS, the serum levels of CORT and ACTH were significantly higher in stress group compared with control group (P<0.01). The sucrose preference decreased significantly and the immobility time increased significantly in the stressed rats compared with those in the control group, indicating a successful establishment of CUMS. The condylar cartilage showed significant degenerative changes, with disorganized collagen fibers and reduced proteoglycan synthesis on the cartilage surface. IL-1α and MMP-3 were expressed in the intracellular and extracellular matrix of the condylar cartilage, and their expression levels were increased (P<0.01). After 2 weeks of stress removal, the serum levels of CORT and ACTH were decreased but higher than control group (P<0.01), and behavioral changes were still different from the control group (P<0.01); the loosened collagen fibers could still be seen on the surface of condylar cartilage, and some free cell areas were visible within the proliferative layer; additionally, IL-1α and MMP-3 expression in the condyle was reduced in all layers of cartilage when compared with the stress group, but was still higher than in the control group (P<0.01). After 4 weeks of stress removal, the serum levels of CORT and ACTH changes returned to normal levels and behavioral changes were still different from control group (P<0.05); a few collagen fibers could be seen on the surface of the condylar cartilage and the expressions of IL-1α and MMP-3 decreased significantly compared with the stress group (P<0.01), with the similar level of IL-1α (P>0.05) and higher expression of MMP-3 comparing with the control group (P<0.01). After 8 weeks of stress removal, behavioral changes returned to normal levels, with no statistically significant differences compared with the control group (P>0.05). The condylar collagen fibers increased and showed a corrugated pattern, and no serious subchondral bone damage as well as irreversible damage occurred. Both of the expression levels of IL-1α and MMP-3 approached those of the control group after 8 weeks of stress removal (P>0.05). @*Conclusion@# The behavioral changes and condylar cartilage damage caused by CUMS could be self-repaired. The decline in IL-1α and MMP-3 expression may be one of the intrinsic mechanisms of this self-repair process.