Abnormalities of the pericruciate fat pad: Correlations with the location and severity of chondral lesions of the knee.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the grade of signal change of the pericruciate fat pad (PCFP) and the location and severity of cartilage alterations in the knee on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 234 patients (M:F = 96:138, mean: 51 years) who underwent knee MRI. Two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists assessed any PCFP alterations (as grades 0-3) and chondral lesions using the modified Outerbridge grade (as grades 0-4). Bone marrow lesions (BMLs), meniscal status, anterior cruciate ligament alterations, and effusion-synovitis were also evaluated on the MRI. The relationships between PCFP alteration and MR findings (including the grade of chondral lesion) were evaluated. RESULTS: Signal changes in the PCFP were detected in 150 cases by Reader 1 (grade 0, 67 cases; grade 1, 53 cases; grade 2, 21 cases; grade 3, 9 cases) and in 154 cases by Reader 2 (grade 0, 59 cases; grade 1, 61 cases; grade 2, 24 cases; grade 3, 10 cases). The grade of PCFP signal change was statistically significantly correlated with the grade of the chondral lesion of the medial femoral condyle (MFC) (p = 0.029 and p = 0.003, respectively) and the medial tibial plateau (MTP) (p = 0.045, p = 0.002, Readers 1 and 2, respectively). The grade of PCFP signal change was significantly correlated with the grade of the BMLs of the MFC, MTP, and lateral femoral condyle (p < 0.05) for both readers. PCFP alteration was related to effusion-synovitis and tears of the medial meniscus. CONCLUSIONS: The grade of PCFP signal change was correlated with the severity of the cartilage alteration in the medial compartment of the knee joint and was also correlated with BMLs in the medial compartment, medial meniscal tears, and synovitis. Therefore, signal change in the PFCP seen on MRI can be an additional clue of the presence of osteoarthritis in the knee, particularly in the medial compartment.

Lower skeletal muscle mass is associated with diabetes and insulin resistance: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: The association between skeletal muscle mass and diabetes incidence/insulin resistance/glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate such association in clinically apparently healthy males and females. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 372,399 Korean males and females who completed bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in a health-screening programme was performed. Skeletal muscle index was used as an indicator of skeletal muscle mass. Skeletal muscle index (%) [appendicular skeletal muscle mass (kg)/body weight (kg)X100] was estimated using BIA. The study outcomes were diabetes incidence, homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and HbA1C. RESULTS: The mean age of study participants was 38.92 ± 8.54 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between Skeletal muscle index and diabetes incidence/HOMA-IR/HbA1C after adjusting for various confounding factors. Odds ratios (95% confidence interval (CI)) of diabetes incidence in Q2, Q3, and Q4 compared to the lowest quantile (Q1) were 0.95 (0.85-1.05), 0.88 (0.78-0.99), and 0.79 (0.69-0.9), respectively. Beta coefficients (95% CI) of HOMA-IR in Q2, Q3, and Q3 with Q1 were 0.05 (0.03-0.07), -0.06 (-0.09∼-0.04), and -0.19 (-0.22∼-0.16), respectively. Beta coefficients (95% CI) of HbA1C in Q2, Q3, and Q4 with Q1 were 0.02 (0.01-0.03), -0.001 (-0.01∼0.01), and -0.02 (-0.03∼-0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated negative associations of skeletal muscle mass with diabetes incidence, insulin resistance, and HbA1C levels in healthy adults.

Temporary 12-Hour Drain Clamping versus 3-Hour Drain Clamping in Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a procedure that has a risk of perioperative blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusion. The purpose of the present study was to compare the perioperative blood loss and transfusion rate between the 3-hour interval clamping and 12-hour interval clamping of closed suction drainage after simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (SBTKA). Methods: A total of 122 SBTKAs were enrolled in this retrospective study. A 3-hour clamping protocol was applied in 53 SBTKAs and a 12-hour clamping protocol was applied in 69 SBTKAs. The amount of perioperative blood loss, transfusion requirements, postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, the lowest hemoglobin and hematocrit levels during hospitalization, readmission within 90 days, and clinical outcomes were compared between the 3-hour clamping group and the 12-hour clamping group. Results: The 12-hour clamping group had fewer patients requiring transfusion (26.1%, 18/69) than did the 3-hour clamping protocol group (49.1%, 26/53) (p = 0.008). The 12-hour clamping group had a lower amount of estimated blood loss (1,426.9 ± 421.5 mL) than did the 3-hour clamping protocol group (1,882.1 ± 445.6 mL) (p < 0.001). The 12-hour clamping group showed higher hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (both p < 0.001) on postoperative day 5 than did the 3-hour clamping group. The lowest hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were higher in the 12-hour clamping group than in the 3-hour clamping group (p = 0.039 and p = 0.016, respectively). Within 1 postoperative month, there were 2 cases of wound dehiscence in each group (p = 0.585). But, at 1 year after the operation, no serious complications occurred in the two groups. Conclusions: Compared to the 3-hour clamping protocol, the 12-hour clamping protocol significantly reduced transfusion requirements, estimated blood loss volume, and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels after SBTKA. We suggest that 12-hour temporary clamping should be considered for reducing transfusion rates.

Long-term results of Bernese periacetabular osteotomy using a dual approach in hip dysplasia.

We report the long-term results of Bernese periacetabular osteotomy using a dual approach in hip dysplasia. Fifty-three hips (49 patients, mean age 39.9 years: 13-62 years; bilateral hips: four patients) that underwent periacetabular osteotomy using a dual approach (combined Smith-Peterson and Kocher-Langenbeck techniques) between May 1997 and December 2005 were analyzed in this study. The clinical and radiologic outcomes and complications were analyzed and the final survival rates of the operated hips were investigated with survival analysis curves. Forty-nine hips survived until the final follow-up without arthroplasty, and four hips underwent arthroplasty. The average follow-up period was 11.5 years (8-16 years). The pain visual analogue scale improved from 6.3 to 1.1, while the Harris hip score improved from 61.9 to 91.1. Radiologic findings showed that all cases showed improvements in the center edge angle, acetabular angle, acetabular depth, and femoral head coverage. Two patients underwent intraarticular osteotomy due to a complication, and one patient underwent additional osteotomy due to an under-correction. Three cases showed an asymptomatic nonunion of the superior pubic ramus osteotomy site. One patient developed an avulsion fracture of the anterior superior iliac spine, and none of the cases had an infection or permanent neurologic damage. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the 10-year survival rate was 93% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81-98%) with arthroplasty as the endpoint and 86% (95% CI 70-91%) with the progression of osteoarthritis based on Tönnis osteoarthritis rating as the endpoint. Based on the outcomes of a long-term follow-up of more than 10 years on average, Bernese periacetabular osteotomy via a dual approach was found to be a satisfactory method for lowering the incidence of complications while preserving hips.

Cyclops lesions associated with both bundles and selective bundle repair of the anterior cruciate ligament.

BACKGROUND: The remnant of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can increase the risk of impingement or a cyclops lesion, which can increase challenges to proper tunnel placement. PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of cyclops lesions after ACL reconstruction and to assess the difference in the incidence of cyclops lesions between single-bundle repair and selective bundle repair of the ACL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 151 patients who were diagnosed with an ACL tear after knee joint magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery. MRI diagnosis of cyclops lesion formation was made if a soft-tissue mass was seen anteriorly in the intercondylar notch near the tibial insertion of the reconstructed ACL, based on sagittal T2-weighted (T2W) imaging. The size of the cyclops lesions was recorded as the largest diameter on the sagittal T2W imaging. RESULTS: A cyclops lesion was detected in 74 (38.5%) cases. Cyclops lesions were detected more frequently in cases with single-bundle repair of the ACL, but the results were not statistically significant (P = 0.609). Compared with selective bundle repair, cyclops lesions had a significantly higher prevalence in the posterolateral (PL) bundle repair than in the anteromedial (AM) bundle repair (P = 0.027) based on MR images at 6-12 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The incidence of cyclops lesions did not differ significantly in single-bundle repair and selective bundle repair of ACL. However, selective PL bundle repair of the ACL showed a significantly increased incidence of cyclops lesions compared with selective AM bundle repair.

Sonographic and elastographic findings after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a comparison with clinical results.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the relationship between early postoperative clinical outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) and observations obtained by postsurgical ultrasound (US) and strain elastography (SE) of repaired supraspinatus tendons (SSTs). METHODS: This retrospective study included 42 cases in which the patient underwent ARCR followed by postoperative US and SE. The Korean Shoulder Scoring (KSS) system was used to assess preoperative and postoperative conditions. The thickness of the repaired SST and subdeltoid fluid was measured by US. SE scores were classified into four grades (1 to 4) according to elasticity of repaired SST. In addition, SE scores were divided into two groups: soft (SE scores of 1 and 2) and hard (SE scores of 3 and 4). The relationship between clinical outcomes and US parameters and SE scores was determined by KSS. RESULTS: Postoperative SE scores observed by two readers correlated significantly with function (p = 0.021 and p = 0.021, respectively) and muscle strength (p = 0.008 and p = 0.015, respectively). SE scores were significantly correlated with a difference value of muscle strength of KSS scores (p = 0.002 and p = 0.014). In a comparison of hard and soft groups of repaired SSTs, function (p = 0.008 and p = 0.010, respectively) and muscle strength (p = 0.002 and p = 0.014, respectively) in postoperative KSS scores were statistically higher in the hard SE scores than the soft SE scores. The difference value of function (p = 0.021 and p = 0.021,) and muscle strength (p = 0.008 and p = 0.015) of KSS scores was significantly higher in the hard SE scores. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative SE scores of repaired tendons correlated significantly with muscle strength and function after ARCR. Postoperative US images including thickness of repaired tendon and subdeltoid fluid did not correlate with clinical outcome. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: SE evaluations of repaired SST may provide important information about postoperative muscle strength and function.

Prospective sequential comparison of femoral roll-back between cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty using an intra-operative sensor.

BACKGROUND: Implant design and surgical techniques affect postoperative knee kinematics in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to compare femoral roll-back between cruciate-retaining (CR) and posterior-stabilized (PS) TKA in the same knee by objectively quantifying the contact point kinematics of the tibiofemoral joint using a sensor. METHODS: In the present prospective study, we used an intraoperative sensor to compare medial and lateral roll-back during 0-120° knee flexion in 33 knees that underwent CR and PS TKA. We also examined the relationship between mediolateral balance and the lateral-to-medial roll-back ratio. We defined the contact percentage position as the vertical length to the contact point divided by the anteroposterior length of the tibial plate. RESULTS: The roll-back percentage following PS TKA (19.8 ± 5.1%) was significantly higher than that after CR TKA in both the medial (19.8 ± 5.1% versus 7.1 ± 2.5%, P < 0.001) and lateral (26.8% ± 3.8% versus 18.7 ± 3.8%, P < 0.001) compartments. The medial contact pressure at 90° was significantly correlated with the increased lateral-to-medial roll-back ratio in both CR and PS TKA (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PS TKA resulted in a higher percentage of femoral roll-back in the medial and lateral compartments than CR TKA. CR TKA caused a higher lateral-to-medial roll-back ratio compared to PS TKA. To reproduce medial pivot knee motion similar to that of a normal knee, the medial soft tissue needed to be balanced more tightly than the lateral soft tissue during TKA. These findings provide some clinical evidence of TKA design selection and proper mediolateral balancing for successful TKA.

Virtual non-contrast images from dual-energy CT angiography of the abdominal aorta and femoral arteries: comparison with true non-contrast CT images.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether virtual non-contrast (VNC) computed tomography (CT) images acquired from dual-energy CT (DECT) have sufficient image quality to replace true non-contrast (TNC) CT images in CT angiography (CTAG). METHODS: This study enrolled 63 consecutive patients who underwent a CTAG that included a single-energy non-contrast scan, followed by a post-contrast DECT scan. Comparison of attenuation and noise between TNC and VNC images was made by drawing circular regions of interest (ROI) on a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) workstation within the aortic lumen at the levels of the renal arteries, the aortic bifurcation and right femoral artery. Mean attenuation and image noise (one standard deviation) were registered in Hounsfield units (HU). The VNC images were subjectively evaluated for artifacts such as subtraction of calcifications or architectural distortion based on TNC image as a standard of reference. RESULTS: Most attenuations of the VNCs were higher than TNC, except right femoral artery of reader 2. Most image noises of TNC were higher than VNC, except abdominal aorta in reader 1. In qualitative image analysis, mean scores of VNC according to the 5-point scale were 3.68 and 3.63 (reader 1 and reader 2, respectively) which mean good to excellent to diagnose. CONCLUSION: HUs and VNC image noises are different from TNC images in CTAG. VNC images have sufficient image quality to replace TNC images in the diagnosis of calcific lesions. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: VNC images acquired from DECT have image quality adequate to replace TNC images in the diagnosis of the calcific lesion on the CTAG. VNC images based on DECT can avoid excessive and unnecessary patient exposure to radiation during CTAG.

Prevalence of anterolateral ligament injuries and lateral meniscus tear on MR imaging in patients with both-bundle tear vs. selective bundle incomplete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the prevalence of anterolateral ligament (ALL) injury and lateral meniscus (LM) tear in cases with both-bundle tear and selective bundle incomplete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). METHODS: A total of 174 cases of magnetic resonance (MR) images that had an ACL tear and underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed. ACL injury was classified into both bundle, anteromedial bundle, and posterolateral bundle (PL) on arthroscopic finding. The ALL was divided into three portions: femoral, meniscal, and tibial. ALL injury was scored into three groups: grade 0 is intact; grade 1 is stranding and edema surrounds the expected location of the ALL; grade 2 is clear discontinuity of the ALL consistent with rupture. Traumatic LM tear was also assessed on MR images. RESULTS: The total prevalence of ALL injury was 36.2% (reader 1) and 42.0% (reader 2). ALL injury was statistically related to the selective bundle tear (p = 0.002 and 0.004, readers 1 and 2). PL bundle tear was significantly correlated with the ALL injury (p value < 0.001, readers 1 and 2, both). The location and grade of ALL injury were not significantly correlated with the type of ACL injury. LM tear was not significantly related to the types of ACL tear (p = 0.208 and 0.907, readers 1 and 2) and ALL injury (p value = 0.096 and 0.383, readers 1 and 2). CONCLUSIONS: ALL injury was significantly related to the PL bundle tear of the ACL. LM tear was not significantly correlated with the types of ACL injury and ALL injury. KEY POINTS: • Anterolateral ligament (ALL) injury was significantly related to the posterolateral bundle (PL) tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). • Lateral meniscus (LM) tear was not significantly correlated with the types of ACL injury and ALL injury. • Clinicians and radiologists should be aware of these relationships and scrutinize ALL injury in cases with PL bundle tears, even with an incomplete ACL injury.

Postsurgical status of articular cartilage after arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients with or without concomitant meniscal pathology.

PURPOSE: Several factors present at the time of posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR) may cause the subsequent progression of articular cartilage lesions. This study aimed to evaluate postsurgical articular cartilage lesions which can be seen on MRI in patients who underwent arthroscopic PCLR with or without concomitant meniscal pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of sixty-five patients (mean age 35.8 ± 12.3 years) who underwent arthroscopic PCLR were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: ten patients with concomitant meniscal injuries at the time of PCLR who underwent meniscal surgery and fifty-five patients with intact menisci. The cartilage status of all knees was evaluated by MRI and modified Noyes classification. RESULTS: Cartilage lesions were observed in 18 patients (27.7%) on the last follow-up MRI. The cartilage lesions were more common in the medial (15.4%) and patellofemoral (12.3%) compartments than in the lateral compartment (7.7%). Progression of cartilage lesions was present in 11 patients (16.9%) during follow-up MRI. The majority of cartilage lesions with progression were located in the medial compartment. The meniscal pathology group showed a higher prevalence of articular cartilage lesions on the last follow-up MRI (21.8% versus 60%, p = 0.022). In multivariate Cox regression, concomitant meniscal pathology was significantly associated with progression of articular cartilage lesions (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: PCLR patients with associated meniscal pathology showed worse cartilage condition and more progression of cartilage lesions than isolated PCLR patients. Attention to this risk factor might provide more applicable treatment options for potential osteoarthritis prevention strategies.

Drug-induced Hyperprolactinemia Results in Atypical Atypical Fracture.

We report a case of bilateral femur fracture which may have resulted in part from long-term administration of antipsychotic agents. A 43-year-old female patient with pain in both thighs visited our clinic. We conducted X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations which revealed bilateral femur fractures. The right proximal femur had a complete fracture, and the left proximal femur had an incomplete fracture, both of which were in the subtrochanteric area. The patient was treated by intramedullary nailing in the right femur. Laboratory analysis showed hyperprolactinemia and hypogonadism. Bone mineral density analysis showed osteoporosis. Antipsychotic drug-induced hyperprolactinemia is a well-known phenomenon. Despite concerns about hyperprolactinemia induced osteoporotic fracture in patients treated with only prolactin-elevating medications, the issue has not been extensively studied. If hyperprolactinemia patients suffer from uncontrolled pain, we recommend MRI examination as surgeons should be aware of the possibility of osteoporotic fracture induced by hyperprolactinemia.

A study on the relationship between the rate of vertebral body height loss before balloon kyphoplasty and early adjacent vertebral fracture.

BACKGROUND: The number of patients with an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, which is often accompanied by lower back pain and restrained activities, is growing. Balloon kyphoplasty involves the inflation of a balloon to restore height and reduce kyphotic deformity before stabilization with polymethylmethacrylate. However, there is a great deal of debate about whether balloon kyphoplasty also increases fracture morbidity by either inducing or facilitating subsequent adjacent vertebral fractures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the rate of vertebral body height loss before balloon kyphoplasty and the etiology of early adjacent vertebral fracture after augmentation. METHODS: A total of 59 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures who underwent kyphoplasty were enrolled. This study defined early adjacent segmental fractures as new fractures occurring within three months after surgery. This study included the rate of vertebral body height loss. RESULTS: Early adjacent vertebral fractures were diagnosed in nine (15%) of the 59 patients. The patients were divided into two groups, with and without adjacent vertebral fractures. There was no significant difference in terms of age, body mass index, bone mineral density, local kyphotic angle, Cobb's angle, cement volume, cement leakage, and percent height restored between the groups with fractures and without fractures. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the rate of vertebral body height loss. The rate of vertebral body height loss was significantly higher in the fracture group than in the without fracture group. CONCLUSIONS: A high rate of vertebral body height loss increased the risk of early adjacent vertebral fractures after balloon kyphoplasty.

Why do subchondral cysts occur at the medial aspect of the femoral head in hip dysplasia?

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis in dysplastic hips should develop from the lateral side of the acetabulum and the femoral head just below. However, the existence of subchondral cysts located more on the medial side contradicts the weight-loading theory. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of medial cysts at the femoral head and to investigate the relationship between medial cysts and injuries of the ligamentum teres in hip dysplasia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 257 cases of hip dysplasia. All patients had x-rays and 3-dimensional computed tomographies (3D CT) preoperatively and 123 patients had magnetic resonance arthrographies. A comparison was performed between cases with and without medial cysts according to the severity of damage to the ligamentum teres, the presence of bony spurs around the fovea capitis, and the Tönnis grade. RESULTS: Medial subchondral cysts around the fovea capitis were found in 100 cases. Mild osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade 0 or 1) was present in 89% of cases in the medial cyst group. A significant difference between the groups was observed in the incidence of bony spurs around the fovea capitis (p < 0.05) and injuries of the ligamentum teres (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The formation of subchondral cysts at the medial femoral head in hip dysplasia may be related to damage in the ligamentum teres. Considering that subchondral cysts develop in early osteoarthritis, the progression of arthritis in hip dysplasia appears to correlate with damage to the ligamentum teres, as well as compressive pressure on the joint.

Correction to: Comparison of hip subregion bone mineral density to the type of proximal femur fracture.

The original version of this article, published on 05 August 2020, unfortunately contained a mistake.

Comparison of hip subregion bone mineral density to the type of proximal femur fracture.

Beta values of the intertrochanteric fracture group were about twice as high as those of the femoral neck fracture group. These results can be used to increase the awareness of proximal hip fracture among physicians and improve treatments and outcomes. PURPOSE: To compare the BMD of the femoral neck region and the intertrochanteric region between the femoral neck fracture group and the intertrochanteric fracture group. METHODS: We did a retrospective review of radiographs of the proximal femoral fractures in patients registered from 2010 to 2017. A total of 329 patients were classified into the femoral neck fracture group (group A, n = 162) and the femur intertrochanteric fracture group (group B, n = 167). We did intergroup comparisons of age, sex, BMI (body mass index), and bone mineral density (BMD) of the neck and intertrochanteric region, adjusting for age. We did multiple logistic regression analysis among these parameters. RESULTS: The BMD of the femoral neck and intertrochanteric was statistically significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.001), and the BMD of the femur intertrochanteric was also significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.001). BMD of both regions in the intertrochanteric fracture group was lower than that of the femoral neck fracture group. In linear regression analysis, the beta values of the intertrochanteric fracture group were about twice as high as those of the femoral neck fracture group. CONCLUSION: In linear regression analysis, the beta values of the intertrochanteric fracture group were about twice as high as those of the femoral neck fracture group.

Postoperative radiologic outcome comparison between conventional and computer-assisted navigation total knee arthroplasty in extra-articular tibia vara.

PURPOSE: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the definite treatment for osteoarthritis. Meanwhile, significant inherent extra-articular varus angulation is associated with abnormal postoperative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle. Computer-assisted navigation TKA (CAS-TKA) used in patients who have severe varus deformity. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative radiologic outcome between CAS-TKA and conventional TKA for extra-articular tibia vara. METHODS: A retrospective review of postoperative HKA on standing lower extremity views was conducted in patients who underwent TKA by a single surgeon from 2010 to 2018, including knee with conventional TKA (n = 83) and CAS-TKA (n = 246). Extra-articular tibia vara was assessed by measuring the metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle (MDA) of the tibia in preoperative standing lower extremity view. Postoperative alignment was assessed by measuring the HKA in postoperative standing lower extremity view. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age (p = 0.063), gender (p = 0.628), body mass index (p = 0.426), preoperative range of motion (p = 0.524), preoperative HKA (p = 0.306), preoperative MDA (p = 0.523), or postoperative HKA (p = 0.416) between the two groups (conventional TKA and CAS-TKA). There was no significant difference in postoperative alignment for cases with MDA ≤4° (p = 0.351) or MDA >4° (p = 0.866) in each group. There was a positive correlation between preoperative HKA and postoperative HKA in the CAS-TKA group (p < 0.001, r = 0.243). However, there was no significant correlation between preoperative HKA and postoperative HKA in the conventional TKA group (p = 0.732). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in postoperative alignment between conventional TKA and CAS-TKA in extra-articular tibial vara even for cases with MDA >4°.

Sclerosing osteomyelitis of Garré: A confusing clinical diagnosis.

We describe a rare case of sclerosing osteomyelitis of Garré in a 63-year-old woman with uncontrolled right thigh pain. She had suffered from lower back pain and radiating pain on the right lower leg for a year and 4 months and so had spine surgery 8 months ago. But the right thigh pain persisted, and the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) remained abnormal. Right femur radiographs showed cortical thickening on the proximal femur. Magnetic resonance images showed T2 hypersignal intensity lesions in the proximal femur. Under suspicion of osteoid osteoma or sclerosing osteomyelitis, surgery was performed with biopsy, bone curettage, and drilling. The culture was negative, and the biopsy showed chronic osteomyelitis. Despite surgery, the levels of CRP and ESR still remained abnormal. After using venous antibiotics, the pain subsided and CRP and ESR levels turned to normal. Followed by 6 weeks of oral antibiotics, pain was relieved after 1-year follow-up.

Rotational and Varus Instability in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: In Vivo 3D Biomechanical Analysis.

We retrospectively evaluated the altered biomechanics of the talus in 15 adult patients (7 males, 8 females) with chronic lateral ankle instability when the ankle joint moved actively from full dorsiflexion to full plantarflexion under a non-weight bearing condition. CT images were taken for the unstable ankle and the contralateral normal (control) ankle. Three-dimensional surface models of both ankle joints were reconstructed from the CT data, and we used a computer simulation program to compare both ankle motions of inversion/eversion in the coronal plane, plantarflexion/dorsiflexion in the sagittal plane, and internal rotation/external rotation in the axial plane. This evaluation method provides in vivo, dynamic, and 3D results of ankle motion. In the ankles with chronic lateral instability and the controls, the average talar rotational movement of inversion (+)/eversion (-) was 19.0° and 15.5° and the internal rotation (+)/external rotation (-) was 30.4° and 20.7°, respectively. Paired t-tests revealed significant differences in the amount of inversion (+)/eversion (-) (p=0.012) and internal rotation (+)/external rotation (-) (p<0.001) between unstable and normal ankle joints. The difference of mean rotational movement in internal rotation (9.7°) was greater than that of inversion (3.5°). Rotational instability should be considered when evaluating chronic lateral ankle instability.

Roles of Exosome-Like Vesicles Released from Inflammatory C2C12 Myotubes: Regulation of Myocyte Differentiation and Myokine Expression.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The complicated differentiation processes of cells in skeletal muscle against inflammation that induce muscle atrophy are not fully elucidated. Given that skeletal muscle is a secretory organ, we evaluated the effects of inflammation on myogenic signals and myokine expression, and the roles of inflammatory exosomes released by myotubes in myogenic differentiation. METHODS: Inflammation was induced by treatment of fully differentiated C2C12 myotubes with a cytokine mixture of TNF-α and INF-γ. Exosome-like vesicles (ELVs) were isolated from conditioned media of control or inflamed myotubes and incubated with myoblasts. The expression of molecular switches that contribute to myogenic differentiation, including several kinases, their downstream targets, and myokines, were evaluated using immunoblot analysis in inflamed myotubes and in myoblasts treated with ELVs. RESULTS: Inflammation activated molecular mechanisms contributing to muscle atrophy, including AMPK, p-38 MAPK and JNK, while inhibiting Akt-mediated myogenic signals. In addition, inflammation induced myostatin expression with suppression of a myostatin-counteracting myokine, decorin. Well-characterized ELVs released from inflamed myotubes induced myoblast inflammation and inhibited myogenic mechanisms while stimulating atrophic signals. CONCLUSION: Inflammation of skeletal muscle induces muscle atrophy via multiple mechanisms, including the regulation of myokines and kinases. Inflammatory ELVs are likely to contribute to inflammation-induced muscle atrophy.

Incidence and risk factors of knee injuries associated with ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures: A multicentre retrospective analysis of 429 femoral shaft injuries.

A femoral shaft fracture is usually a high-energy injury and, thus, is likely to be accompanied by an injury of adjacent joints such as a knee ligament injury. However, these associated injuries are often neglected because of severe pain and deformity. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the incidence, type and risk factors of ipsilateral knee injuries associated with femoral shaft fractures. A total of 429 femoral shaft fractures were included in this study from January 2010 to September 2015. There were 320 males and 109 females, with mean age of 40.7 years (range, 15-88). Exclusion criteria were skeletally immature patients and patients with metabolic bone disease such as osteoporosis, atypical femoral fractures, and pathologic fractures. The incidence and type of knee injury were identified, and the injury mechanisms, AO/OTA classification of the femoral shaft fractures, were analysed for assessment of risk factors for knee injuries combined with femoral shaft fractures. Knee injuries were found in 131 cases. Knee ligament injuries were identified in 87 cases. There were 20 posterior cruciate ligament injuries, 11 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, 16 medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries, 8 lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries, and 32 multi-ligament injuries. In 24 cases, ligament injuries were not detected before internal fixation of femoral shaft fractures. Average time of diagnosis for ligament injury after fixation in these neglected cases was about 10.6 weeks (range, 1-32). Fractures around the knee joint were identified in 69 cases; there were 32 patellar fractures, 14 distal femoral intra-articular fractures, 14 tibia plateau fractures, 3 proximal fibular fractures, and 6 combined fractures. Male sex, type C fracture of AO/OTA classification, and motor vehicle accidents were identified as risk factors for associated ipsilateral knee injuries in femoral shaft fractures. Knee injuries were identified in approximately 30% of femoral shaft fractures. About 30% of ligament injuries were not detected before internal fixation of femoral shaft fractures. Care should be taken since knee injuries can be accompanied by ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures.