Deep Learning-Based Prediction Model for the Cobb Angle in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients.

Scoliosis, characterized by spine deformity, is most common in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Manual Cobb angle measurement limitations underscore the need for automated tools. This study employed a vertebral landmark extraction method and Feedforward Neural Network (FNN) to predict scoliosis progression in 79 AIS patients. The novel intervertebral angles matrix format showcased results. The mean absolute error for the intervertebral angle progression was 1.5 degrees, while the Pearson correlation of the predicted Cobb angles was 0.86. The accuracy in classifying Cobb angles (<15°, 15-25°, 25-35°, 35-45°, >45°) was 0.85, with 0.65 sensitivity and 0.91 specificity. The FNN demonstrated superior accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, aiding in tailored treatments for potential scoliosis progression. Addressing FNNs' over-fitting issue through strategies like "dropout" or regularization could further enhance their performance. This study presents a promising step towards automated scoliosis diagnosis and prognosis.

Hydrogel delivery of DNase I and liposomal vancomycin to eradicate fracture-related methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infection and support osteoporotic fracture healing.

Fracture-related infection (FRI) is a devastating complication in orthopedic surgery. A recent study showed that FRI causes more severe infection and further delays healing in osteoporotic bone. Moreover, bacterial biofilm formed on implants cannot be eradicated by systemic antibiotics, warranting novel treatments. Here, we developed a DNase I and Vancomycin hydrogel delivery vehicle to eradicate Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in vivo. Vancomycin was encapsulated in liposomes, and DNase I and Vancomycin/liposomal-Vancomycin was loaded on thermosensitive hydrogel. In vitro drug release test showed a burst release of DNase I (77.2%) within 72 h and sustained release of Vancomycin (82.6%) up to day 14. The in vivo efficacy was evaluated in a clinically relevant ovariectomy (OVX) induced osteoporotic metaphyseal fracture model with MRSA infection, and a total of 120 Sprague Dawley rats were used. In the OVX with infection group, biofilm development caused a drastic inflammatory response, trabecular bone destruction, and non-union. In the DNase I and Vancomycin co-delivery hydrogel group (OVX-Inf-DVG), bacteria on bone and implant were eradicated. X-ray and micro-CT showed preservation of trabecular bone and bone union. HE staining showed the absence of inflammatory necrosis, and fracture healing was restored. The local elevation of TNF-α and IL-6 and increased number of osteoclasts were prevented in the OVX-Inf-DVG group. Our findings suggest that dual release of DNase I and Vancomycin initially followed by Vancomycin only later up to 14 days effectively eliminates MRSA infection, prevents biofilm development and provides a sterile environment to promote fracture healing in osteoporotic bone with FRI. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The biofilm on implants are difficult to eradicate, causing recurrent infection and non-union in fracture-related infection (FRI). Here we developed a hydrogel therapy with high in vivo efficacy to eliminate MRSA biofilm infection in a clinically-relevant FRI model in osteoporotic bone. By loading DNase I and vancomycin/liposomal-vancomycin on thermosensitive poly-(DL-lactic acidco-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-PLGA hydrogel, a dual release of DNase I and Vancomycin was achieved whilst preserving enzyme activity. In this model, the progressive development of infection caused a drastic inflammatory response, osteoclastogenesis, trabecular bone destruction, and non-union of fracture. These pathological changes were successfully prevented by the dual delivery of DNase I and vancomycin. Our findings provide a promising strategy for FRI in osteoporotic bone.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Therapy on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability and medical costs. The effect of whole-body vibration in knee osteoarthritis is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the effects and safety of whole-body vibration on pain, stiffness, physical function, and muscle strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and EMBASE databases were searched (date last accessed 1 April 2021) using the key words "vibration" and "knee osteoarthritis", to identify all randomized controlled trials related to whole-body vibration and knee osteoarthritis. Outcomes related to pain, stiffness, physical function, muscle strength, adverse events were included. The risk of bias and quality were assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration tool and PEDro scale. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. Subgroup analysis was performed for low- and high-frequency interventions. RESULTS: A total of 14 randomized controlled trials involving 559 patients with knee osteoarthritis met the inclusion criteria. Nine studies were good-quality trials (PEDro score=6-8), and 5 studies were fairquality trials (PEDro score=4-5). Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. One study showed negative effects of whole-body vibration on knee osteoarthritis. The duration of whole-body vibration ranged from 4 to 24 weeks. Meta-analysis revealed that whole-body vibration with strengthening exercises has a significant treatment effect on pain score (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.46 points, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.20-0.71, p = 0.0004), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC-function) (SMD = 0.51 points, 95% CI = 0.27-0.75, p < 0.0001), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (SMD = 0.82 points, 95% CI = 0.46-1.18, p < 0.00001), extensor isokinetic peak torque (SMD = 0.65 points, 95% CI = 0.00-1.29, p = 0.05), peak power (SMD = 0.68 points, 95% CI = 0.26-1.10, p = 0.001), and extensor isometric strength (SMD = 0.44 points, 95% CI = 0.13-0.75, p = 0.006). Both low-frequency (10-30 Hz) and highfrequency (30-40 Hz) whole-body vibration were associated with significant changes in pain, physical function, and knee extensor strength (p < 0.05). WBV was not associated with significant changes in stiffness, balance ability, quality of life, and knee flexor strength. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Meta-analysis showed that low-frequency and high-frequency whole-body vibration had additional positive effects compared with strengthening exercises alone on pain, knee extensor muscle strength, and physical function in individuals with knee OA. Whole-body vibration with strengthening exercises can be incorporated into treatment protocols.

3D printing in orthopaedic surgery: a scoping review of randomized controlled trials.

AIMS: The use of 3D printing has become increasingly popular and has been widely used in orthopaedic surgery. There has been a trend towards an increasing number of publications in this field, but existing literature incorporates limited high-quality studies, and there is a lack of reports on outcomes. The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review with Level I evidence on the application and effectiveness of 3D printing. METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The keywords used for the search criteria were ((3d print*) OR (rapid prototyp*) OR (additive manufactur*)) AND (orthopaedic). The inclusion criteria were: 1) use of 3D printing in orthopaedics, 2) randomized controlled trials, and 3) studies with participants/patients. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Collaboration Tool and PEDro Score. Pooled analysis was performed. RESULTS: Overall, 21 studies were included in our study with a pooled total of 932 participants. Pooled analysis showed that operating time (p < 0.001), blood loss (p < 0.001), fluoroscopy times (p < 0.001), bone union time (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.040), accuracy (p < 0.001), and functional scores (p < 0.001) were significantly improved with 3D printing compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in complications. CONCLUSION: 3D printing is a rapidly developing field in orthopaedics. Our findings show that 3D printing is advantageous in terms of operating time, blood loss, fluoroscopy times, bone union time, pain, accuracy, and function. The use of 3D printing did not increase the risk of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):807-819.

Housing design and testing of a surgical robot developed for orthopaedic surgery.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Surgical technology has advanced rapidly with the introduction of robot technology. Apart from mechanical and electronic elements, housing design is an essential component that must be thoughtfully considered, bearing in mind the general requirements for medical devices used in operating theatres. The aim of this study was to design a modern and safe housing for a surgical robotic system for orthopaedic applications in Hong Kong that would meet the general requirements for obtaining local regulatory body approval. METHODS: Based on the general requirements for Class II Medical Devices, industrial product designers worked in close collaboration with a robot research team formed by engineers and orthopaedic surgeons to design a modern and safe housing for the HybriDot ® Surgical Robotic System that performs computer-assisted surgery. RESULTS: The design received local regulatory body approval for its application in operating theatres and was approved for orthopaedic surgery in Hong Kong after fulfilling the general requirements for safety, accuracy, movability and operability. CONCLUSION: This project demonstrated a good model of multidisciplinary R&D of surgical robotics led by orthopaedic surgeons, in collaboration with mechanical and electronic engineers and industrial designers.