Three-Dimensional Bowing Measurement of Distal Femur at Actual Size and Clinical Implications of Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background and Objectives: To assess femoral shaft bowing (FSB) in coronal and sagittal planes and introduce the clinical implications of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by analyzing a three-dimensional (3D) model with virtual implantation of the femoral component. Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight patients (average age: 69.1 years) underwent 3D model reconstruction of medullary canals using computed tomography (CT) data imported into Mimics® software (version 21.0). A mechanical axis (MA) line was drawn from the midportion of the femoral head to the center of the intercondylar notch. Proximal/distal straight centerlines (length, 60 mm; diameter, 1 mm) were placed in the medullary canal's center. Acute angles between these centerlines were measured to assess lateral and anterior bowing. The acute angle between the distal centerline and MA line was measured for distal coronal and sagittal alignment in both anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views. The diameter of curve (DOC) along the posterior border of the medulla was measured. Results: The mean lateral bowing in the AP view was 3.71°, and the mean anterior bowing in the lateral view was 11.82°. The average DOC of the medullary canal was 1501.68 mm. The average distal coronal alignment of all femurs was 6.40°, while the distal sagittal alignment was 2.66°. Overall, 22 femurs had coronal bowing, 42 had sagittal bowing, and 15 had both. Conclusions: In Asian populations, FSB can occur in coronal, sagittal, or both planes. Increased anterolateral FSB may lead to cortical abutment in the sagittal plane, despite limited space in the coronal plane. During TKA, distal coronal alignment guides the distal femoral valgus cut angle, whereas distal sagittal alignment aids in predicting femoral component positioning to avoid anterior notching. However, osteotomies along the anterior cortical bone intended to prevent notching may result in outliers due to differences between the distal sagittal alignment and the distal anterior cortical axis.

Position Statement: Atypical Femoral Fracture from the Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research in 2023.

As the aging population increases, the number of patients with osteoporosis is gradually rising. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by low bone mass and the microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in reduced bone strength and an increased risk of low-energy or fragility fractures. Thus, the use of anti-resorptive agents, such as bisphosphonates (BPs), to prevent osteoporotic fractures is growing annually. BPs are effective in reducing hip and other fractures. However, the longer a patient takes BPs, the higher the risk of an atypical femoral fracture (AFF). The exact mechanism by which long-term BP use affects the development of AFFs has not yet been clarified. However, several theories have been suggested to explain the pathogenesis of AFFs, such as suppressed bone remodeling, impaired bone healing, altered bone quality, and femoral morphology. The management of AFFs requires both medical and surgical approaches. BPs therapy should be discontinued immediately, and calcium and vitamin D levels should be evaluated and supplemented if insufficient. Teriparatide can be used for AFFs. Intramedullary nailing is the primary treatment for complete AFFs, and prophylactic femoral nailing is recommended if signs of an impending fracture are detected.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing conservative and surgical treatments for acute patellar dislocation in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: This study sought to clarify treatment evidence to treat patellar dislocation by evaluating which treatment could yield better improvement of clinical outcomes for acute patellar dislocation in children and adolescents 18 years of age or younger. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials electronic databases were searched for relevant articles comparing clinical outcomes of conservative and surgical treatments for acute patellar dislocation in children and adolescents published from March 2008 to August 2022. Data searching, extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed on the basis of the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. The quality assessment of each study was investigated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) critical appraisal scoring system and Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale scores. To calculate the overall combined effect size for each outcome, Review Manager Version 5.3 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Software Update, Oxford) was employed. RESULTS: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one prospective study were investigated. In terms of pain [mean difference (MD) 6.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.73-11.45, I2 0%], there were significantly better outcomes in conservative group. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in any evaluated outcomes such as redislocation [risk ratio (RR) 1.36, 95% CI 0.72-2.54, I2 65%], Kujala score (MD 3.92, 95% CI -0.17 to 8.01, I2 0%), Tegner score (MD 1.04, 95% CI -0.04 to 2.11, I2 71%), or subjective results (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.74-1.34, I2 33%) between conservative and surgical treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite better pain outcomes with conservative group, the present study revealed no significant differences in clinical outcomes between conservative treatment and surgical treatment in children and adolescents with acute patellar dislocation. Since there are no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups, routine surgical treatment is not advocated for treating acute patellar dislocation in children and adolescents.

Patellar tendon reconstruction using an Achilles tendon-bone block allograft for periprosthetic joint infection accompanied by patellar tendon disruption after total knee arthroplasty: a case report.

Background: As a complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patella tendon disruption has been scarcely reported. Moreover, combined periprosthetic joint infection with patellar tendon disruption is even rare. This is a case report on successful treatment of a recurred periprosthetic joint infection accompanying the patellar tendon disruption after revision of TKA. Case Description: A 63-year-old woman presented with pain and exudate in the right knee. she had a history of two-stage revision TKA at another hospital for periprosthetic joint infection of right knee. With repeated incision and debridement, Achromobacter xylosoxidan was identified in samples collected from deep tissue. Therefore, two-stage revision TKA was performed. Intra-operatively, a complete defect of the patellar tendon was observed. Re-revision TKA was performed as a routine of two-stage revision of TKA for periprosthetic joint infection. Reconstruction of the patellar tendon defect was performed using an Achilles tendon-bone block allograft. Stability of allograft was confirmed at 30 degrees of flexion, and excellent implant placement was confirmed by postoperative radiographs. At the final follow-up 3 years after surgery, evidence of infectious sign was absent, and the range of flexion up to 120 degrees was recovered without extension lag. Normal locomotive gait was restored, and recreational activities previously performed were possible without discomfort. Conclusions: Proper reconstruction of extensor mechanism was achieved by patellar wrapping technique using an Achilles tendon-bone block allograft.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the metacarpal head in a soldier treated with osteochondral autograft transplantation surgery: A case report.

RATIONALE: Osteochondral autograft transplantation surgery (OATS) was introduced as a treatment for hand osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and successful results were reported. However, the cartilage height of the donor plug has not yet been established compared with that of other joints. We present a case using OATS for OCD of the 3rd metacarpal (MCP) head that occurred in a soldier and the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images taken at 12 weeks after surgery. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 21-year-old male presented with a painful, swollen 3rd MCP joint in the right hand. He was a soldier and right-handed; in addition, he did not recall any traumatic events, nor had he taken any corticosteroid medications before. The patient was excluded from military training and underwent conservative treatment with medication and a brace in a military hospital for 3 months. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with OCD due to avascular necrosis of the 3rd MCP head of the right hand through X-ray and MRI. INTERVENTIONS: OATS was planned as a surgical treatment. Surgery uncovered a 10 × 10 mm2, isolated cartilage defect of the 3rd MCP head that had an irregular margin and a loose body. Using Arthrex OATS, a 10-mm diameter, 10-mm depth hole was made at the articular defect site, and an 11-mm diameter, 12-length plug was harvested from the left lateral femoral condyle. The donor plug was inserted into the prepared defect site with press-fit fixation. OUTCOMES: At the last follow-up, the height of the articular cartilage had subsided with union on MRI 12 weeks after the surgery. However, the patient was asymptomatic with a normal range of motion of the right hand, and he returned to military training. LESSONS: Although the joints of the hand are small and non-weight bearing, the level of articular cartilage of the donor plug was subsided in a follow-up MRI in our case. We suggest that the difference in cartilage thickness between the donor and the recipient might have been the cause of subsidence of the articular cartilage, and therefore, it may be helpful to transplant donors with similar thicknesses of articular cartilage.

Anterior cruciate ligament femoral-tunnel drilling through an anteromedial portal: 3-dimensional plane drilling angle affects tunnel length relative to notchplasty.

BACKGROUND: Notchplasty is a surgical technique often performed during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with widening of the intercondylar notch of the lateral distal femur to avoid graft impingement. The purpose of this study was to correlate femoral-tunnel length with 3-dimensional (3D) drilling angle through the anteromedial (AM) portal with and without notchplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computer data were collected from an anatomical study using 16 cadaveric knees. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) femoral insertion was dissected and outlined for gross anatomical observation. The dissected cadaveric knees were scanned by computed tomography (CT). Three-dimensional measurements were calculated using software (Geomagic, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA) and included the center of the ACL footprint and the size of the ACL femoral footprint. The femoral-tunnel aperture centers were measured in the anatomical posterior-to-anterior and proximal-to-distal directions using Bernard's quadrant method. The ACL tunnel was created 3-demensionally in the anatomical center of femoral foot print of ACL using software (SolidWorks®, Corp., Waltham, MA, USA). The 8-mm cylinder shaped ACL tunnel was rested upon the anatomical center of the ACL footprint and placed in three different positions: the coronal plane, the sagittal plane, and the axial plane. Finally, the effect of notchplasty on the femoral-tunnel length and center of the ACL footprint were measured. All the above-mentioned studies performed ACLR using the AM portal. RESULTS: The length of the femoral tunnels produced using the low coronal and high axial angles with 5-mm notchplasty became significantly shorter as the femoral starting position became more horizontal. The result was 30.38 ± 2.11 mm on average at 20° in the coronal plane/70° in the axial plane/45° in the sagittal plane and 31.26 ± 2.08 mm at 30° in the coronal plane/60° in the axial plane/45° in the sagittal plane, respectively, comparing the standard technique of 45° in the coronal/45° in the axial/45° in the sagittal plane of 32.98 ± 3.04 mm (P < 0.001). The tunnels made using the high coronal and low axial angles with notchplasty became longer than those made using the standard technique: 40.31 ± 3.36 mm at 60° in the coronal plane/30° in the axial plane/45° in the sagittal plane and 50.46 ± 3.13 mm at 75° in the coronal plane/15° in the axial plane/45° in the sagittal plane (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that excessive notchplasty causes the femoral tunnel to be located in the non-anatomical center of the ACL footprint and reduces the femoral-tunnel length. Therefore, care should be taken to avoid excessive notchplasty when performing this operation.

MRI-based or CT-based patient-specific instrumentation in Total knee Arthroplasty: How do the two systems compare?

BACKGROUND: Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has been introduced into total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to improve accuracy in restoration of alignment. PSI in TKA refers to custom-made cutting jigs manufactured according to anatomic configuration of the patient's bone based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans. The purpose of this study was to compare the MRI- or CT-based PSI to see if they could reproduce accurate bone resection and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Seventy-one patients who received elective TKA using a PSI system for primary osteoarthritis with varus deformity were prospectively enrolled for this study. We randomly allocated those patients to MRI-based PSI group (36 patients) and CT-based PSI group (35 patients). The actual resection thickness and planned resection thickness by preoperative PSI electronic program were compared between the two groups. Radiographic findings of the postoperative limb alignment, three-dimensional position of the implants, and related complications were also evaluated. Clinical evaluation was also performed before and 2 years after the surgery. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the resection thickness in femur and tibia between actual resection and planned resection in both groups. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between two groups in terms of coronal, sagittal and rotational alignment of the components. All clinical assessments revealed no differences between two groups 2 years after the operation. No specific complication related to PSI was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although MRI allows for visualization of cartilage, MRI-based PSI system did not show better accuracy in predicting the thickness of bone resection than CT-based PSI. Moreover, there were no differences in radiographic and clinical outcomes between the two groups.

No differences in mid- to long-term outcomes of computer-assisted navigation versus conventional total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Accurate implant position in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can potentially lead to better long-term functional outcomes and implant survival. Recent studies on whether better clinical results could be obtained from computer-navigated or conventional TKA were inconclusive. In addition, recent reviews only included short-term follow-up studies without performing quantitative mid- to long-term follow-up analysis. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis comparing mid- to long-term clinical outcomes (such as knee scoring and functional results) and radiological outcomes (such as normal alignment of the limb axis or component) between computer-navigated TKA and conventional TKA to determine which method of TKA could obtain better clinical and radiological results. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and SCOPUS electronic databases were searched for relevant articles published through August 2018 that compared outcomes of computer-navigated TKA and conventional TKA. Data search, extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Clinical and radiological outcomes of both techniques were evaluated using various outcome measures. RESULTS: Seven randomized controlled trials were included. Based on Knee Society Scores, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, pain, and range of motion, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two techniques. Based on outliers from the normal axis, outliers of femoral components in the coronal plane, and outliers of tibial components in the coronal plane, radiologic outcomes showed no significant differences between the two techniques either. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that there were no significant differences in clinical or radiological outcomes between computer-navigated TKA and conventional TKA. It remains unclear which TKA technique yields better results in terms of mid- to long-term clinical and radiological outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using an autograft or allograft for patellar dislocation: a systematic review.

PURPOSES: The purpose of this study is to review the use of an allograft or autograft in medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various electronic databases were searched for relevant articles published from January 2000 to September 2017 that evaluated clinical outcomes of MPFL reconstruction using an autograft or allograft. Data search, extraction, analysis, and quality assessments were performed based on Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. RESULTS: The study of 21 autografts and one allograft was included in this review. Although direct comparative studies were unavailable, the Kujala score and subjective results were reported in the majority of these studies. While the use of an autograft for MPFL reconstruction yielded satisfactory clinical outcomes with few perioperative complications, no new outcome has been drawn from the use of allografts. CONCLUSIONS: Although many studies have shown favorable clinical results for MPFL reconstruction using an autograft, the clinical results of MPFL reconstruction using an allograft have not yet been sufficient to achieve meaningful clinical results due to low levels of evidence. Direct comparisons were not conducted because there were very few studies on allografts; thus, further research in this area should be performed in the future.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair in Young Patients: Comparison of All-Inside and Inside-Out Suture Techniques.

PURPOSE: The purposes of the present study were to review published studies that investigated arthroscopic meniscus repair to treat meniscus injury in young patients and to compare all-inside and inside-out suture techniques. METHODS: Various electronic databases were queried for published articles, and this search was updated in August 2017 for evaluating the outcomes of arthroscopic meniscus surgery in young patients. Data search, extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated using various outcome values in young patients according to suture techniques. RESULTS: Three randomized controlled trials and three prospective comparative studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes such as meniscus healing rate (risk ratio [RR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90 to 1.37; I2=39%) and perioperative complications (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.23 to 1.72; I2=43%) between all-inside and inside-out techniques for meniscus repair. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows favorable results for clinical outcomes such as meniscus healing rate and perioperative complications in young patients. Furthermore, based on our results, both all-inside and inside-out meniscal suture techniques are equally effective in these patients.

Inhibition of the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Articular Chondrocytes by Resveratrol through Affecting Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Signaling Pathway.

In the present study, we tried to examine whether resveratrol regulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) through affecting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in articular chondrocytes. Rabbit articular chondrocytes were cultured in a monolayer, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß)-induced gene expression of MMP-3, MMP-1, MMP-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 (ADAMTS-4), ADAMTS-5 and type II collagen. Effect of resveratrol on IL-1ß-induced secretion of MMP-3 was investigated in rabbit articular chondrocytes using western blot analysis. To elucidate the action mechanism of resveratrol, effect of resveratrol on IL-1ß-induced NF-κB signaling pathway was investigated in SW1353, a human chondrosarcoma cell line, by western blot analysis. The results were as follows: (1) resveratrol inhibited the gene expression of MMP-3, MMP-1, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and ADAMTS-5, but increased the gene expression of type II collagen; (2) resveratrol reduced the secretion of MMP-3; (3) resveratrol inhibited IL-1ß-induced activation (phosphorylation) of inhibitory kappa B kinase (IKK), and thus phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory kappa Bα (IκBα); (4) resveratrol inhibited IL-1ß-induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. This, in turn, led to the down-regulation of gene expression of MMPs in SW1353 cells. These results suggest that resveratrol can regulate the expression of MMPs through affecting NF-κB by directly acting on articular chondrocytes.

Which Technique Is Better for Treating Patellar Dislocation? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To clarify the discrepancy in surgical options and present evidence to treat patellar dislocation by evaluating which of the techniques yields better improvement in stability and functional recovery for patellar dislocation. METHODS: The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases were searched for relevant articles comparing the outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) treatment published up until August 2017. Data searching, extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed based on The Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using various outcome values in various techniques. For results with high heterogeneity, 95% prediction intervals (PIs) were also investigated. RESULTS: Eleven clinical studies were investigated. In patients with primary patellar dislocation, there were no significant differences in all evaluated outcomes between the conservative and surgical treatment groups. For patients with recurrent patellar dislocation, MPFL reconstruction was associated with a favorable Kujala score (mean difference, -8.91; 95% confidence interval, -14.05 to -3.77; I2 = 94%; 95% PI, -9.64 to -8.1) and Lysholm score (mean difference, -13.51; 95% confidence interval, -21.35 to -5.68; I2 = 96%; 95% PI, -14.86 to -12.16) when compared with soft tissue realignment surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although surgical treatment of the MPFL for primary patellar dislocation is not superior to conservative treatment in restoring knee function and clinical outcomes, MPFL reconstruction is associated with more favorable clinical outcomes compared with medial soft tissue realignment surgery in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation. Double-bundle MPFL reconstruction seems to provide more favorable outcomes than single-bundle MPFL reconstruction, but this finding should be interpreted with caution because the evidence levels were low and were from only a few studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, meta-analysis.

Arthroscopic meniscal surgery versus conservative management in patients aged 40 years and older: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of arthroscopic meniscus surgery in old aged patients remains controversial. The purpose of the present study was to review published studies comparing arthroscopic meniscal surgery with conservative management to treat meniscal injuries in patients 40 years of age and older. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Several electronic databases were queried for articles published until July 2017 that evaluated outcomes of arthroscopic meniscal surgery in patients aged 40 years and older. Data searches, extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated using various outcome values. The results are presented as the standard mean difference (SMD) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes such as relief in knee pain (SMD = 0.01, 95% CIs = - 0.15 to 0.18, I2 = 38%) and improved knee function (SMD = 0.01, 95% CIs = - 0.19 to 0.21, I2 = 57%) between arthroscopic meniscal surgery and conservative management for degenerative meniscal tears. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of arthroscopic surgery was not superior to conservative management in this type of patients. Therefore, arthroscopic meniscal surgery should not be recommended as a first choice of treatment for degenerative meniscal tears. In patients over 40 years of age, arthroscopic surgery should be cautiously considered for degenerative meniscal tears and only when there has not been a satisfactory response to conservative management.

A Comparison of Results after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in over 40 and under 40 Years of Age: A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common injuries that occur in the knee, and ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is commonly performed for preventing aggravation of degenerative changes and restoring of knee stability in young, athletic patients. This meta-analysis has a purpose of evaluating the clinical and arthrometrical outcomes of ACLR in a group of middle age patients (40 years and older) and comparing with patients under 40 years of age. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and SCOPUS electronic databases were searched for relevant articles comparing the outcomes of ACLR between younger and older than 40 years of age until December 2016. Data searching, extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed based on the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared between groups. The results were presented as mean difference for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals whereas risk ratio for binary outcomes. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Based on International Knee Documentation Committee classification, side-to-side difference, Tegner activity score, Lysholm knee score, there were no significant clinical and mechanical differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis confirmed that after ACLR, middle age (＞40 years) and young age (＜40 years) patients did not present with significant difference in clinical and arthrometric results.

Influence of the different anteromedial portal on femoral tunnel orientation during anatomic ACL reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of femoral tunnel orientation, drilled through the accessory anteromedial (AAM) portal or the high AM portal in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: In 16 cadaver knees, using o'clock method, centers of the ACL femoral footprint were drilled with an 8-mm reamer via an AAM portal (eight knees) or a high AM portal (eight knees). Computed tomography (CT) scans were taken of each knee. Three-dimensional (3D) models were constructed to identify the femoral tunnel orientation and to create femoral tunnel virtual cylinders for measuring tunnel angles and length. RESULTS: In two of the 16 specimens, we observed a posterior femoral cortex blowout (PFCB) when drilling through a high AM portal. When drilled through the high AM portal, the femoral tunnel length was significantly shorter than when using an AAM portal (30.3 ± 3.8 mm and 38.2 ± 3.1 mm, p < 0.001). The femoral tunnel length was significantly shorter in the group with PFCB compared to the group with no PFCB (25.9 ± 0.6 mm and 35.5 ± 4.5 mm, p = 0.011). The axial obliquity of the high AM portal was significantly higher than that of the AAM portal (52.2 ± 5.9° and 43.0 ± 2.3°, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In anatomic ACL reconstruction, a mal-positioned AM portal can cause abnormal tunnel orientation, which may lead to mechanical failure during ACL reconstruction. Therefore, it is important to select accurate AM portal positioning, and possibly using an AAM portal by measuring an accurate position when drilling a femoral tunnel in anatomic ACL reconstruction.

Effect of oleanolic acid on the activity, secretion and gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 in articular chondrocytes in vitro and the production of matrix metalloproteinase-3 in vivo.

In the present study, we tried to examine whether oleanolic acid regulates the activity, secretion and gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in primary cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes, as well as the production of MMP-3 in the knee joint of rat to evaluate the potential chondroprotective effect of oleanolic acid. Rabbit articular chondrocytes were cultured in a monolayer, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß)-induced gene expression of MMP-3, MMP-1, MMP-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 (ADAMTS-4), ADAMTS-5 and type II collagen. In rabbit articular chondrocytes, the effects of oleanolic acid on IL-1ß-induced secretion and proteolytic activity of MMP-3 were investigated using western blot analysis and casein zymography, respectively. The effect of oleanolic acid on in vivo MMP-3 protein production was also examined, after intra-articular injection to the knee joint of rat. The results were as follows: (1) oleanolic acid inhibited the gene expression of MMP-3, MMP-1, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and ADAMTS-5, but increased the gene expression of type II collagen; (2) oleanolic acid reduced the secretion and proteolytic activity of MMP-3; (3) oleanolic acid suppressed the production of MMP-3 protein in vivo. These results suggest that oleanolic acid can regulate the activity, secretion and gene expression of MMP-3, by directly acting on articular chondrocytes.

Is Hemiresurfacing Arthroplasty for Osteonecrosis of the Hip a Viable Solution?

We conducted a systematic review of published studies that evaluated the outcomes of hemiresurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) in patients with osteonecrosis (ON). A structured literature review of multiple databases referenced articles from 1950 to 2014. A total of 430 patients from 14 published studies were identified. The mean duration of follow-up after the HRA was 69 months. At the final follow-up, the mean postoperative Harris hip score was 85. Overall clinical success rate was 74%. A total of 102 (21%) revision surgeries were required after the index procedure. Our study has helped to further elucidate the outcomes of HRA in patients with ON. We believe that HRA in young, active patients is a viable option providing symptomatic relief and functional improvement.

The influences of weaning age and weight on carcass traits and meat quality of pigs.

The purpose of this study was to establish the effects of weaning age and weight on pigs, and their interaction with carcass traits and meat quality. A total of 468 piglets were obtained from 57 sows and four boars and grouped by age at weaning (D21, 18-24 days; D28, 25-32 days). Each weaning group was subdivided into three weight groups (L, M and H) according to weaning weight. The D28 group had heavier carcass weight, redness and yellowness, but had lower marbling scores and less drip loss than the D21 group (P < 0.05). The pigs with a light weight at weaning had higher carcass weights and lower yellowness than did pigs with a medium or heavy weight at weaning (P < 0.05). Weaning age was found to have a negative correlation with drip loss, while weaning weight was negatively correlated with carcass weight and drip loss (P < 0.05). We concluded that carcass and meat quality traits in pigs were significantly related to their age and weight at weaning. Therefore, we find that piglet weaning age and weight are no less important than post-weaning growth performance and behavior, with regard to carcass traits and meat quality.

Compartment syndrome following total knee arthroplasty: clinical results of late fasciotomy.

Compartment syndrome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare complication. Because of its rarity, it may be overlooked and misdiagnosed as peroneal nerve palsy or deep vein thrombosis. This misdiagnosis could have a profound impact on the patient's outcome. We report a case of a 77-year-old female who developed unilateral compartment syndrome in the calf after staged bilateral TKA at an outside clinic. The patient presented with medical complications related to compartment syndrome: rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria, which caused acute renal failure. Thus, we performed late fasciotomy one week after symptom onset to debride necrotic tissue and salvage the compartment. In the discussion section, we will discuss risk factors for compartment syndrome after TKA, results of late fasciotomy and other indications for surgical treatment of compartment syndrome.

Can physical examination predict the intraarticular tear pattern of the anterior cruciate ligament?

PURPOSE: We evaluated the correlation between physical examinations and the tear patterns of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2003 to May 2007, we reviewed 201 cases of ACL rupture, diagnosed by MRI. Two orthopaedic surgeons (a fellow and a senior surgeon) evaluated the instability of the knee under anaesthesia: physical examinations were the anterior draw test (AD), Lachman test (LT), and pivot shift test (PT). By describing the rupture pattern and the site of the anteromedial (AMB) and posterolateral bundle (PLB) during arthroscopic examination, we analysed the correlation between the physical examination under anaesthesia and arthroscopic findings. RESULTS: In terms of the arthroscopic findings, rupture of the PLB was seen in 83 cases (41.3 %), of the AMB in 24 cases (11.9 %), and of both bundles in 94 cases (46.8 %). The kappa values for the physical examinations between the examiners were 0.963 (AD), 0.92 (LT), and 0.865 (PT). AD and LT above grade 2 did not differ significantly according to the pattern of rupture, but a PT above grade 2 was significantly different in ruptured PLB versus complete rupture. CONCLUSIONS: A PT of more than grade 2 is a reliable physical examination for prediction of ruptured PLB or complete rupture.