[Unloading with insoles, orthotics and braces : Pre-operative leg axis correction or independent treatment?] / Unloading mit Einlagen, Orthesen und Federn : Vorstufe zur Achskorrektur oder eigenständige Therapie?

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading joint disease. In most of the early stages it does not involve the whole knee joint. Often, symptoms only or mainly concern the medial compartment combined with a slight varus malalignment. OBJECTIVES: Do valgus braces or laterally wedged insoles influence biomechanics and thus improve pain and function in patients with medial OA? Does the OA grade, severity of malalignment or patient's body weight predict the efficacy of the above-mentioned conservative treatment options? MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current literature was reviewed in regard to biomechanical changes to joint loading and their correlation to clinical results. RESULTS: Valgus braces and laterally wedged insoles reduce knee adduction moment, varus malalignment and analgesic consumption. Some authors suggest that mainly an alteration in muscle activity (diminished muscle co-contractions) is responsible for pain relief. Body weight and severity of varus malalignment did not influence treatment results; a significant correlation with OA severity was shown only for laterally wedged insoles. For both devices, compliance problems - especially long-term - should be considered, and conclusive evidence of positive clinical effects cannot be stated. CONCLUSIONS: Despite positive evidence in the current literature, a recommendation for or against valgus (unloader) braces in medial OA is not possible due to inconclusive results. Laterally wedged insoles are not recommended. Especially the long-term results are doubtful, and are possibly related to lacking compliance.

Dynamic intraligamentary stabilization: novel technique for preserving the ruptured ACL.

PURPOSE: Replacement of the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a transplant is today`s gold standard. A new technique for preserving and healing the torn ACL is presented. HYPOTHESIS: a dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) that provides continuous postinjury stability of the knee and ACL in combination with biological improvement of the healing environment [leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and microfracturing] should enable biomechanically stable ACL self-healing. METHODS: Ten sportive patients were treated by DIS employing an internal stabilizer to keep the unstable knee in a posterior translation, combined with microfracturing and platelet-rich fibrin induction at the rupture site to promote self-healing. Postoperative clinical [Tegner, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), visual analogue scale patient satisfaction score] and radiological evaluation, as well as assessment of knee laxity was performed at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: One patient had a re-rupture 5 months postoperative and was hence excluded from further follow-ups. The other nine patients presented the following outcomes at 24 months: median Lysholm score of 100; IKDC score of 98 (97-100); median Tegner score of 6 (range 9-5); anterior translation difference of 1.4 mm (-1 to 3 mm); median satisfaction score of 9.8 (9-10). MRI showed scarring and continuity of the ligament in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: DIS combined with microfracturing and L-PRF resulted in stable clinical and radiological healing of the torn ACL in all but one patient of this first series. They attained normal knee scores, reported excellent satisfaction and could return to their previous levels of sporting activity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series with no comparison group, Level IV.

Design and characterization of a new bioreactor for continuous ultra-slow uniaxial distraction of a three-dimensional scaffold-free stem cell culture.

A computer controlled dynamic bioreactor for continuous ultra-slow uniaxial distraction of a scaffold-free three-dimensional (3D) mesenchymal stem cell pellet culture was designed to investigate the influence of stepless tensile strain on behavior of distinct primary cells like osteoblasts, chondroblasts, or stem cells without the influence of an artificial culture matrix. The main advantages of this device include the following capabilities: (1) Application of uniaxial ultra-slow stepless distraction within a range of 0.5-250 µm/h and real-time control of the distraction distance with high accuracy (mean error -3.4%); (2) tension strain can be applied on a 3D cell culture within a standard CO(2) -incubator without use of an artificial culture matrix; (3) possibility of histological investigation without loss of distraction; (4) feasibility of molecular analysis on RNA and protein level. This is the first report on a distraction device capable of applying continuous tensile strain to a scaffold-free 3D cell culture within physiological ranges of motion comparable to distraction ostegenesis in vivo. We expect the newly designed microdistraction device to increase our understanding on the regulatory mechanisms of mechanical strains on the metabolism of stem cells.

[Imaging in developmental dysplasia of the hip]. / Bildgebende Diagnostik der Hüftdysplasie.

Modern imaging techniques are an invaluable tool for assessing pathomorphological changes of the hip. Thorough diagnostic analysis and therapeutic decision making mainly rely on correct interpretation of conventional radiographic projections as well as more modern techniques, including magnetic resonance arthrography. This article gives an overview of the imaging techniques that are routinely used for assessing pathological conditions of the hip, with a special focus on diagnostic findings in developmental dysplasia of the hip as well as in femoroacetabular impingement.

[TGF-beta1 as a pathophysiological factor in fracture healing]. / TGF-beta1 als pathophysiologischer Faktor bei der Frakturheilung.

AIM: TGF-beta1 is an important local and systemic regulatory molecule during fracture healing. Various authors have shown differences in the systemic levels of TGF-beta1 over the time taken for bone healing in distraction osteogenesis and osteotomies. Previous studies have shown characteristic differences in the physiological levels of growth factors between normal fracture healing and delayed fracture union. The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible differences in sera levels of patients with normal and delayed union fracture healing. METHODS: Patients with long bone shaft fractures were recruited prospectively. Peripheral blood samples were collected over a period of 1 year using a standardized time schedule. At the end of the individual's investigation period, TGF-beta1 levels were determined. To achieve a homogeneous collective of patients, only those with a maximum of two fractures were included in the study. After matching for four criteria, we compared patients with normal fracture healing to patients with delayed unions. The fact of delayed union was accepted in case of failed consolidation 4 months after trauma. RESULTS: During a prospective study period of 1 year, 15 patients with normal fracture healing could be compared to 15 patients suffering from delayed union. By determining the absolute sera levels we found a typical increase of TGF-beta1 up to 2 weeks after fracture in both groups, with a subsequent decrease up to the sixth week after fracture. However, a decline in serum concentration occurred earlier in patients with delayed union, causing significantly lower TGF-beta1 levels in the non-union group 4 weeks after trauma (P=0.00006). CONCLUSION: Even with a relatively small number of patients, we could show a significant difference in serum concentrations of TGF-beta1 between the investigated groups. If these results can be verified within a larger collective, TGF-beta1 could be used as a predictive cytokine for delayed fracture healing.

[The AO/ASIF Flexnail : A flexible intramedullary nail for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures]. / Der "AO/ASIF-Flexnail": Klinische Ergebnisse der Marknagelosteosynthese von Humerusschaftfrakturen.

BACKGROUND: The use of conventional implants for intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures is associated with specific difficulties. During antegrade implantation structures of the rotator cuff can be affected leading to a reduced functional result of the shoulder. If the nail is implanted in a retrograde manner problems arise due to a relatively large hole close to or within the olecranon fossa, which is necessary for insertion of the nail. Supracondylar fractures as well as persistent elbow pain and loss of function are reported in the literature. To overcome these disadvantages a flexible nail has been developed that can be stiffened and locked after implantation. METHOD: Between October 2000 and February 2002, 34 patients were treated with the flexible nail at our institution; 29 were available for follow-up. Fracture healing was documented on radiographs and clinical outcome was evaluated with use of the Constant as well as the Kwasny score. RESULTS: Median duration until fracture consolidation was 10 weeks. In two patients fracture union was not achieved within the follow-up period. The median outcome measured with the Constant score was 93 points and 2.5 with the Kwasny score. Both values correspond to a very good functional outcome. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the flexible humeral nail is an excellent treatment option for humeral shaft fractures. Damage to the rotator cuff and the distal humerus can be avoided due to its unique flexible construction, improving the functional outcome of intramedullary nailing for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures.

[Improving the diagnosis of septic arthritis by use of a pediatric blood culture system]. / Optimierung der mikrobiologischen Diagnostik von Gelenkpunktaten mittels eines pädiatrischen Blutkultursystems.

BACKGROUND: Prognosis and outcome of bacterial joint infections are dependent on the fast and reliable identification of pathogens in the synovial fluid. Previous studies have suggested the possible advantage of using a blood culture system in contrast to conventional culture methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 101 synovial specimens from patients presenting with symptoms suggesting septic arthritis were taken by aspiration with a sterile syringe. We compared the diagnostic results of automated analysis in a blood culture system against conventional culture on solid agar plates. RESULTS: Some 67 specimens (66.3%) were found to be negative in both preparations, while samples from 21 patients (20.8%) yielded the same microorganisms. In 13 cases (12.9%), the isolation of a pathogen was possible only with the blood culture method, whereas the conventional method never yielded a positive result when the blood culture was negative. Thus, the diagnostic yield was significantly improved by use of the blood culture system (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of a commonly available blood culture system offers a fast, reliable and cost-effective approach for the diagnosis of septic arthritis and should therefore be considered as an useful alternative to conventional culture methods.

Systemic regulation of angiogenesis and matrix degradation in bone regeneration--distraction osteogenesis compared to rigid fracture healing.

Aim of this study was the investigation of systemic biochemical regulation mechanisms of bone regeneration by angiogenic and matrix-degrading enzymes during distraction osteogenesis compared to rigid osteotomy bone healing. Serum samples of 10 otherwise healthy patients with callus distraction for lower limb-lengthening and 10 osteotomy patients undergoing elective axis correction have been collected prospectively in a standardized time schedule before and up to 6 months after the procedure. At the end of the individual investigation period, concentrations of metalloproteinases (MMP-9, -13), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) and the angiogenic factors angiogenin and VEGF have been detected by use of commercially available enzyme immunoassays. Results have been compared to our preliminary study on proMMP-1-3. In distraction osteogenesis, significantly elevated serum concentrations compared to baseline could be detected postoperatively for proMMP-1, MMP-9, TIMP-1, angiogenin and VEGF but not for proMMP-2, proMMP-3 or TIMP-2. In patients with rigid osteotomy healing, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, angiogenin and VEGF were significantly increased respectively. Comparison of both patient collectives revealed significantly higher increases of serum proMMP-1, VEGF and TIMP-1 in distraction patients during the lengthening period and significantly higher serum concentrations of TIMP-2 in late fracture healing period in osteotomy patients. Serum levels of MMP-13 were below the lowest standards, and therefore quantitative analysis was not possible. Bone regeneration in distraction osteogenesis and rigid osteotomy healing is accompanied by systemic increase of matrix-degrading and angiogenic factors in a certain time course and quantity. This might reflect biochemical regulation of local bone healing in the circulation. ProMMP-1, VEGF and TIMP-1 seem to be key regulatory factors during distraction osteogenesis.

TGF-beta1 as a marker of delayed fracture healing.

Mitogens of the TGF-beta superfamily have been shown to be crucial local and systemic regulatory molecules involved in fracture healing. However, there exists only little information about systemic regulation of bone regeneration by growth factors and no reports comparing serum levels of bone growth factors between normal and failed fracture healing have been published so far. We hypothesized that quality of fracture healing might be reflected by systemic alterations of key regulatory growth factors involved in bone formation and remodeling. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate possible differences in serum levels of BMP-2, BMP-4, and TGF-beta1 in patients with normal and delayed fracture healing. 103 patients with diaphyseal fractures of long bones were recruited prospectively. Peripheral blood samples were collected over a period of 6 months following a standardized time schedule. At the end of the individual investigation period, growth factor serum levels were measured using commercially available enzyme immunoassays. For the elimination of disturbing influences, patients in both groups were matched by gender, age, fracture type, and localization as well as applied technique of osteosynthesis. During a study period of 1 year, 10 patients with an atrophic type of delayed union could be retrieved and matched to 10 patients with normal fracture healing. The diagnosis of delayed union was assumed in case of failed consolidation 4 months after trauma. We found an increase of TGF-beta1 serum levels up to 2 weeks after fracture in both groups with a following return to the reference value within 6 weeks after trauma. However, decline of serum concentration occurred earlier in patients with delayed fracture healing. At 4 weeks after trauma, serum levels of TGF-beta1 were significantly lower in patients of the delayed union group. Serum levels of BMP-2 and BMP-4 were below detection level in all patients, respectively. These findings support the critical role of TGF-beta1 in fracture healing. Events during the consolidation phase seem to be dependent on sufficient availability of TGF-beta1.

Inhibition of m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by local anaesthetics.

1. Muscarinic m1 receptors are inhibited by local anaesthetics (LA) at nM concentrations. To elucidate in more detail the site(s) of LA interaction, we compared these findings with LA effects on m3 muscarinic receptors. 2. We expressed receptors in Xenopus oocytes. Using two-electrode voltage clamp, we measured the effects of lidocaine, QX314 (permanently charged) and benzocaine (permanently uncharged) on Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-)-currents (I(Cl(Ca))), elicited by acetyl-beta-methylcholine bromide (MCh). We also characterized the interaction of lidocaine with [(3)H]-quinuclydinyl benzylate ([(3)H]-QNB) binding to m3 receptors. Antisense-injection was used to determine the role of specific G-protein alpha subunits in mediating the inhibitory effects of LA. Using chimeric receptor constructs we investigated which domains of the muscarinic receptors contribute to the binding site for LA. 3. Lidocaine inhibited m3-signalling in a concentration-dependent, reversible, non-competitive manner with an IC(50) of 370 nM, approximately 21 fold higher than the IC(50) (18 nM) reported for m1 receptors. Intracellular inhibition of both signalling pathways by LA was similar, and dependent on the G(q)- protein alpha subunit. In contrast to results reported for the m1 receptor, the m3 receptor lacks the major extracellular binding site for charged LA. The N-terminus and third extracellular loop of the m1 muscarinic receptor molecule were identified as requirements to obtain extracellular inhibition by charged LA.