Regenerative Medicine in Orthopaedics and Trauma: Challenges, Regulation and Ethical Issues.

The ability of stem cells to self-renew and differentiate into cell types of different lineages forms the basis of regenerative medicine, which focuses on repairing or regenerating damaged or diseased tissues. This has a huge potential to revolutionize medicine. It is anticipated that in future, stem cell therapy will be able to restore function in all major organs. Intensive research has been on-going to bring stem cell therapy from bench to bedside as it holds promise of widespread applications in different areas of medicine. This is also applicable to orthopaedics, where stem cell transplantation could benefit complications like spinal cord injury, critical bone defects, cartilage repair or degenerative disc disorders. Stem cell therapy has a potential to change the field of orthopaedics from surgical replacements and reconstructions to a field of regeneration and prevention. This article summarizes advances in stem cell applications in orthopaedics as well as discussing regulation and ethical issues related to the use of stem cells.

Locking Plate Fixation with Multiple Telescoping Sliding Screws for Femoral Neck Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Non-displaced femoral neck fractures are mostly treated with internal fixation, while in dis-placed fractures this surgical option is under debate and the benefits are still not clear. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that affect the treatment of non-displaced and displaced hip fractures using a head-preserving plate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From August 2011 to May 2015, we reviewed eighty-two adult patients who had sustained undisplaced and displaced intracapsular femoral neck fracture treated with a locking plate system with telescoping sliding screws. Fracture reduction, healing rate and implant related complications were primary objectives. Other complications (e.g. avascular necrosis, nonunion, hematoma, infection) and revision surgery were recorded as well. RESULTS: According to the Garden classification system, a total of 51.2% fractures were classified as non-displaced (type 1 and 2) and 48.8% were displaced fractures (type 3 and 4). Anatomic reduction was achieved in 58.5% and valgus in 41.5% of patients and it did not influence the healing. Varus reduction was not observed in any case. The total average complication rate was 18.1%, where screw cutout was the most frequent complication (8.5%). The timing of surgery did not affect the healing of femoral neck fractures. Age over 60 years combined with a displaced fracture was associated with impaired healing potential and a higher complication rate. Revision surgery was performed in 17.1% of patients, mainly those with displaced fractures. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The use of a locking plate system with telescoping sliding screws was associated with lower rates of postoperative complications in undisplaced, but also in displaced femoral neck fractures in patients younger 60 years. 2. Patients over 60 years with displaced fractures were more likely to have healing problems and implant failure.

Antiglide versus lateral plate fixation for Danis-Weber type B malleolar fractures caused by supination-external rotation injury.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional results and the frequency of complications in the distal fibula Danis-Weber type B fractures caused by supination-external rotation injury in a group of lateral and antiglide plate fixation. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated 44 patients with a minimum of one-year follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups: one lateral plate group (24 patients) and group with an antiglide plate (20 patients). The patients of both groups were always positioned supine, and lateral approach was used. In the lateral plate group, the fracture was anatomically reduced, an optional anteroposterior lag screw was placed perpendicular to fracture line, and then the one-third tubular plate was applied on the lateral fibular site. In the antiglide group, the palate was implemented on the posterolateral surface of the fibula and the fracture was anatomically reduced. An optional lag-screw was used. Distal screw fixation was applied deliberately. Functional assessment according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hind foot-ankle score (AOFAS) were performed at one year after surgery. The complications were recorded. RESULTS: According to Lauge-Hansen classification of supination-external rotation injury, a total of 27 (61.4%) patients was classified as stage 2, 2 (4.5%) patients as stage 3 and 15 (34.1%) patients with stage 4. In the lateral plate group, there were 13 (54.2%) male and 11 (45.8%) female patients. In the antiglide plate group, men comprised 12 (60%) and women 8 (40%) of patients. The AOFAS in the lateral and antiglide group performed one year after surgery was, on average, 93.7 ± 6.1 (range 85-100) and 94.5 ± 6.0 (range 85-100) points respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in both groups (p = 0.37). Complications were observed in 7 (29.3%) patients of lateral plate and 3 (15%) patients of an antiglide plate (p = 0.31). There was no case of tendinopathy. Revision surgery was performed in one patient with superficial infection. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the outcome of the surgically treated Weber type B fractures caused by supination external rotation injury was comparable in both groups. The antiglide plate fixation showed no signs of peroneal tendinopathy, low rate of complications. We believe this technique is safe and a good method of fixation as well as traditional lateral plating.

Infection in Bone Allograft Transplants.

Bone allografts are widely being used in clinical practice for bone reconstruction. They are considered to be the most preferred alternative to bone autografts, mainly due to their availability and the elimination of donor site morbidity. The risk of bacterial and viral disease transmission, albeit low, is one of the major concerns associated with bone allograft transplant. This review focuses on the epidemiologic and microbiologic aspects of bone allograft infections and the current prevention and treatment options. It also discusses the role of the regulatory authorities in ensuring the safety and efficacy of bone allografts.

Clenched fist injury complicated by septic arthritis and osteomyelitis treated with negative pressure wound therapy: One case report.

We reported a 30 years old man who suffered a bite wound of the right hand in a fight. Two days after the injury, he was admitted in emergency because of stab wound above the head of the third metacarpal bone. He presented the swelling, redness, pain and fever. Primary revision confirmed only partial lesion of the extensor apparatus. During the following days, we recorded a deterioration of local findings and magnetic resonance imaging revealed osteomyelitis and septic arthritis of the thirdmetacarpophalangeal joint. The wound was then revised several times using negative pressure wound therapy in combination with intravenous antibiotics. After resolution of clinical and laboratory findings, the wound was finally closed by delayed primary suture. Clenched fist injury is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical revision. We treated clenched fist injury with the development of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis with negative pressure wound therapy and obtained good outcomes.