The role of different acetabular morphologies on patient-reported outcomes following periacetabular osteotomy in borderline hip dysplasia.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment option for borderline hip dysplasia (BHD) includes hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). To the present day the controversial discussion remains, which intervention to prefer. Literature reports supporting an educated choice are scare, based on small patient cohorts and do not address the variability of acetabular morphology. Consequently, we intended to report PAO outcomes, from patients diagnosed with BHD, dependent on acetabular morphology, in a large patient cohort and aimed to define risk factors for poor clinical results and patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective monocentre study was conducted. Patients enrolled underwent PAO for symptomatic BHD (LCEA, 18°-25°). A total of 107 hips were included with 94 complete data sets were available for evaluation with a minimum follow-up of 1 year and a mean follow-up of 2.3 years. The mean age was 31 ± 8.2 years, and 81.3% were female. As the primary outcome measure, we utilized the modified Harris hip score (mHHS) with minimal clinically important change (MCID) of eight to define clinical failure. Results were compared after a comprehensive radiographic assessment distinguishing between lateral deficient vs. anterior/posterolateral deficient acetabular and stable vs. unstable hip joints. RESULTS: Overall, clinical success was achieved in 91.5% of patients and the mHHS improved significantly (52 vs. 84.7, p < 0.001). Eight hips failed to achieve the MCID and four had radiographic signs of overcorrection. Comparing variable joint morphologies, the rate of clinical success was higher in patients with an anterior/posterolateral deficient acetabular covarage compared to lateral deficient acetabular (95.2% vs. 90.4%). tThe highest rate of clinical failure was recorded in unstable hip joints (85.7% vs. 92.5% in stable hips). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that PAO is an effective means to treat symptomatic BHD with variable acetabular morphologies, achieving a clinical success in 91.5% of all patients. To maintain a high level of safety and patient satisfaction technical accuracy appears crucial.

Recovery of muscular tissue and functional results of patients treated with a gluteus maximus flap transfer due to chronic abductor deficiency after total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the function of the abductor mechanism after a gluteus maximus flap transfer due to a degeneration of the muscles after hip arthroplasty, we analyzed the post-operative functional outcome as well as radiographic effects in muscle tissue. METHODS: This present study included six consecutive patients operatively treated with a gluteus maximus flap due to chronic gluteal deficiency after total hip arthroplasty. All patients presented a preoperative severe limp, hip abductor deficiency and a history of conservative treatment without the relief of symptoms. MRI scans were performed pre- and postoperatively to evaluate the muscle volume and grade of degeneration of the abductor mechanism. For clinical evaluation, the Harris hip score (HHS) was applied pre- and postoperatively. Moreover, the intensity of pain, the Trendelenburg sign, the internal rotation lag sign and the abductor muscle force were measured before and after surgery. RESULTS: Overall, the evaluation of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed no significant changes in total muscle volume during the follow-up period. Separate measurements presented a significant growth of muscle volume for the gluteus minimus and tensor fascia lata compared to preoperative imaging during the follow-up period. The amount of fat volume decreased for all the measured muscles with statistical significance for the gluteus minimus, the gluteus medius and the tensor fascia lata. No further muscle degeneration and no flap necrosis were measured. The postoperative HHS results were not statistically significant compared to the preoperative results. CONCLUSIONS: Besides fair clinical results, the radiological measurements indicate that the flap transfer enables functional muscular tissue recovery and prevents further degeneration. Given these conditions, the gluteus maximus muscle flap transfer represents a viable treatment option for patients with chronic gluteal deficiency in selected patients.

Reconstruction of mechanical leg axis using non-modular cemented hinged prosthesis in complex primary total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Modular cementless knee arthroplasty systems are capable of precise reconstruction of the mechanical axis. However, they are considered more susceptible to complications. In contrast, non-modular cemented systems are said to be more forgiving and show good long-term results. The aim of this study was to investigate the resulting leg axis after implantation of a non-modular cemented rotating hinged knee prosthesis. Furthermore, potential risk factors for the occurrence of malalignment and complications should be identified. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2015, 115 patients could be included in this monocentric retrospective cohort study. All patients underwent primary hinged non-modular cemented total knee arthroplasty. Preoperative and postoperative standardized long radiographs were analysed to determine resulting leg axis. Furthermore, epidemiological and intraoperative data as well as perioperative complications were surveyed. RESULTS: Average leg axis was 5.8° varus preoperatively and 0.6° valgus postoperatively. Considering an axis deviation of 3° as the target corridor, 27% of all cases examined were outside the desired range. 21% cases showed a femoral deviation from the target corridor and 15% showed a tibial deviation. There was a significant relationship between the preoperative mLDFA and the mechanical alignment of the femoral component (R = 0.396, p < 0.001) as well as between the preoperative mMPTA and the mechanical alignment of the tibial component (R = 0.187, p = 0.045). The mean operative duration was 96 min. No periprosthetic fractures were observed within the study cohort. CONCLUSION: The main result of the present work is that a non-modular cemented rotating hinged knee arthroplasty system can reconstruct the mechanical leg axis precisely and comparable to modular cementless and unconstrained total knee prostheses. Component malalignment is primarily dependent upon extraarticular deformity preoperatively. Periprosthetic fracture rates and duration of surgery were lower compared with current literature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Retrospective cohort study.

Combined Application of Cold Physical Plasma and Chemotherapeutics against Chondrosarcoma Cells.

Chondrosarcoma (CS) is a rare malignant bone sarcoma that primarily affects cartilage cells in the femur and pelvis. While most subtypes exhibit slow growth with a very good prognosis, some aggressive subtypes have a poorer overall survival. CS is known for its resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, leaving surgery as the sole effective therapeutic option. Cold physical plasma (CPP) has been explored in vitro as a potential therapy, demonstrating positive anti-tumor effects on CS cells. This study investigated the synergistic effects of combining CPP with cytostatics on CS cells. The chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin, doxorubicin, and vincristine were applied to two CS cell lines (CAL-78 and SW1353). After determining their IC20 and IC50, they were combined with CPP in both cell lines to assess their impact on the cell proliferation, viability, metabolism, and apoptosis. This combined approach significantly reduced the cell proliferation and viability while increasing the apoptosis signals compared to cytostatic therapy alone. The combination of CPP and chemotherapeutic drugs shows promise in targeting chemoresistant CS cells, potentially improving the prognosis for patients in clinical settings.

Cold Physical Plasma Reduces Motility of Various Bone Sarcoma Cells While Remodeling the Cytoskeleton.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cold physical plasma (CPP) has emerged as an effective therapy in oncology by inducing cytotoxic effects in various cancer cells, including chondrosarcoma (CS), Ewing's sarcoma (ES), and osteosarcoma (OS). The current study investigated the impact of CPP on cell motility in CS (CAL-78), ES (A673), and OS (U2-OS) cell lines, focusing on the actin cytoskeleton. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CASY Cell Counter and Analyzer was used to study cell proliferation and determine the optimal concentrations of fetal calf serum to maintain viability without stimulation of cell proliferation. CellTiter-BlueCell viability assay was used to determine the effects of CPP on the viability of bone sarcoma cells. The Radius assay was used to determine cell migration. Staining for Deoxyribonuclease I, G-actin, and F-actin was used to assay for the effects on the cytoskeleton. RESULTS: Reductions in cell viability and motility were observed across all cell lines following CPP treatment. CPP induced changes in the actin cytoskeleton, leading to decreased cell motility. CONCLUSION: CPP effectively reduces the motility of bone sarcoma cells by altering the actin cytoskeleton. These findings underscore CPP's potential as a therapeutic tool for bone sarcomas and highlight the need for further research in this area.

Investigation of the pathogen-specific antibody response in periprosthetic joint infection.

PURPOSE: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a very demanding complication of arthroplasty. Diagnosis of PJI and pathogen identification pose considerable challenges in clinical practice. We hypothesized that the pathogen-specific immune response to PJI reflects the infection process, provides clinically relevant information on disease course, and has the potential to further optimize antimicrobial therapy. METHODS: We conducted a prospective matched cohort pilot study with 13 patients undergoing two-stage septic revision arthroplasty (PJI patients) between 06/2020 and 06/2021, as well as 11 control patients undergoing one-stage aseptic revision arthroplasty (Non-PJI patients). Pre-, intra- and postoperative serum samples were collected at standardized time points. We developed a custom Luminex®-based quantitative bead-based suspension array (Infection Array; IA), and used it for simultaneous measurement of antibody specificities against 32 pathogens commonly associated with PJI in 267 serum samples. RESULTS: The IA was able to trace the dynamics of the pathogen-specific humoral immune response in all patients against PJI-related pathogens, prominently coagulase-negative staphylococci and streptococci. Pathogen-specific serum antibody titers declined in 62% of PJI patients over the course of treatment, while no changes in antibody titers were observed in 82% of Non-PJI patients during this study. Our serological data strongly suggested that antibody signatures reflect an immune response to microbial invasion. CONCLUSION: Our results provide insights into the pathophysiology of PJI and information on the individual disease courses. The IA is therefore a promising and novel serological tool of high resolution for monitoring the immunoproteomic footprints of infectious pathogens in the course of PJI.

Impact of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent and local anesthetics co-administration on chondrogenic gadolinium uptake and cytotoxicity.

The gadolinium-based contrast agent DOTA-Gd is clinically used in combination with local anesthetics for direct magnetic resonance arthrography. It remains unclear whether gadolinium uptake into cartilage is influenced by co-administration of bupivacaine or ropivacaine and whether DOTA-Gd alters their chondrotoxicity. Gadolinium quantification of chondrogenic spheroids revealed enhanced gadolinium uptake after simultaneous exposure to local anesthetics. Analyses of the spatial gadolinium distribution using synchrotron X-ray-fluorescence scanning indicates gadolinium exposed chondrocytes. In vitro exposure to DOTA-Gd does not alter viability and proliferation of human chondrocytes and the chondrotoxic potential of the anesthetics. Reduced viability induced by ropivacaine was found to be reversible, while exposure to bupivacaine leads to irreversible cell death. Our data suggest that ropivacaine is more tolerable than bupivacaine and that DOTA-Gd exposure does not alter the cytotoxicity of both anesthetics. Enhanced gadolinium uptake into cartilage due to co-administration of anesthetics should find attention.

Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibiting a phenotypic hyper-splitting phenomenon including the formation of small colony variants.

In this study, we characterized a Klebsiella pneumoniae strain in a patient with shrapnel hip injury, which resulted in multiple phenotypic changes, including the formation of a small colony variant (SCV) phenotype. Although already described since the 1960s, there is little knowledge about SCV phenotypes in Enterobacteriaceae. The formation of SCVs has been recognized as a bacterial strategy to evade host immune responses and compromise the efficacy of antimicrobial therapies, leading to persistent and recurrent courses of infections. In this case, 14 isolates with different resisto- and morpho-types were distinguished from the patient's urine and tissue samples. Whole genome sequencing revealed that all isolates were clonally identical belonging to the K. pneumoniae high-risk sequence type 147. Subculturing the SCV colonies consistently resulted in the reappearance of the initial SCV phenotype and three stable normal-sized phenotypes with distinct morphological characteristics. Additionally, an increase in resistance was observed over time in isolates that shared the same colony appearance. Our findings highlight the complexity of bacterial behavior by revealing a case of phenotypic "hyper-splitting" in a K. pneumoniae SCV and its potential clinical significance.

Reconstruction of Paprosky IIIB acetabular defects with porous tantalum shells and augments using the footing technique.

Aims: The use of a porous metal shell supported by two augments with the 'footing' technique is one solution to manage Paprosky IIIB acetabular defects in revision total hip arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the medium-term implant survival and radiological and clinical outcomes of this technique. Methods: We undertook a retrospective, two-centre series of 39 hips in 39 patients (15 male, 24 female) treated with the 'footing' technique for Paprosky IIIB acetabular defects between 2007 and 2020. The median age at the time of surgery was 64.4 years (interquartile range (IQR) 54.4 to 71.0). The median follow-up was 3.9 years (IQR 3.1 to 7.0). Results: The cumulative medium-term survival of the acetabular construct was 89%. Two hips (5.1%) required further revision due to shell loosening, one hip (2.6%) due to shell dislocation, and one hip (2.6%) due to infection. The median Harris Hip Score improved significantly from 47 points (IQR 41.5 to 54.9) preoperatively to 80 points (IQR 73.5 to 88.6) at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The reconstruction of Paprosky IIIB acetabular defects with porous tantalum shells and two augments using the 'footing' technique showed excellent medium-term results. It is a viable option for treating these challenging defects.

Spacer rotation technique allows precise evaluation of gap balance in total knee arthroplasty.

The symmetry of the flexion and extension gap influences the functional and long-term outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Most surgeons check it by applying varus and valgus stress using spacers. This technique has limited accuracy and could be easily extended by rotational movement of the spacer. The objective was to determine the detection threshold and interobserver reliability of this technique. In an in vitro setting with a human cadaveric knee, gap asymmetries were simulated by different medially and laterally applied forces. Using an optical measurement system, the pivot point of the spacer was calculated as a function of the gap symmetry in the first part of the experiment. In the second part, the detection threshold and interobserver reliability of 4 surgeons were determined. For this purpose, gap asymmetries were adjusted to between 0 and 120N in a blinded trial. With a symmetrical gap, the centre of rotation of the spacer was located in the centre of the tibia. With increasing gap asymmetry, the centre of rotation of the spacer shifted to the tight side. This shift was approximately linearly dependent on the force difference. A perfectly balanced gap was detected by the examiners in 50% of the cases. From a force difference of 40N, all examiners identified the gap asymmetry in all cases (ICC = 1.0). The method of spacer rotation described is suitable for reliably detecting gap differences at ≥ 40N, independently of the examiner.

Case Report: Hip arthroplasty after fracture-related joint infection caused by extensively drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

This case-report focuses on a 23-year-old soldier suffering from a fracture-related hip joint infection (FRI) due to extensively drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and S. epidermidis. The patient underwent multiple septic revision surgeries including the removal of remaining shrapnel accompanied by last-resort antimicrobial therapy with cefiderocol and colistin. Additionally, the surgeries included repeated tissue sampling for microbiological and histopathological analysis. An antibiotic-loaded cemented filler containing cefiderocol was used to improve local antimicrobial therapy. The biopsies prior to and during hip replacement surgery confirmed successful microbe eradication. Hip arthroplasty restored hip joint function and significantly improved patient's quality of life. The utilization of a trabecular metal shell and a meta-diaphyseally anchored cementless hip stem ensured secure implant fixation and early patient mobilisation. An adjusted biofilm active oral antimicrobial therapy after arthroplasty intervention was continued to prevent early periprosthetic joint infection. This case emphasizes the difficulties of managing FRI and multidrug-resistant pathogens. It contributes valuable insight into navigating complex orthopedic cases while ensuring successful hip arthroplasty outcomes. In conclusion, early interdisciplinary collaboration, appropriate antimicrobial therapy along with tailored surgical interventions are crucial for managing such complex cases successfully.

Effective combination of cold physical plasma and chemotherapy against Ewing sarcoma cells in vitro.

Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is the second most common bone tumor in children and adolescents and is highly malignant. Although the new chemotherapy has significantly improved the survival rate for ES from about 10 to 75%, the survival rate for metastatic tumors remains around 30%. This treatment is often associated with various side effects that contribute to the suffering of the patients. Cold physical plasma (CPP), whether used alone or in combination with current chemotherapy, is considered a promising adjunctive tool in cancer treatment. This study aims to investigate the synergistic effects of CPP in combination with cytostatic chemotherapeutic agents that are not part of current ES therapy. Two different ES cell lines, RD-ES and A673, were treated with the determined IC20 concentrations of the chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin and methotrexate (MTX) in combination with CPP. The effects on population doubling, cell viability, and apoptotic processes within these cell lines were assessed. This combination therapy has led to a reduction of population doubling and cell viability, as well as an increase in apoptotic activity in cells compared to CPP monotherapy. The results of this study provide evidence that combining CPP with non-common chemotherapy drugs such as MTX and CIS in the treatment of ES enhances the anticancer effects of these drugs. These findings open up new possibilities for the effective use of these drugs against ES.

Establishing Normative Values for Acromion Anatomy: A Comprehensive MRI-Based Study in a Healthy Population of 996 Participants.

Shoulder pain is a common issue often linked to conditions such as subacromial impingement or rotator cuff lesions. The role of the acromion in these symptoms remains a subject of debate. This study aims to establish standardized values for commonly used acromion dimensions based on whole-body MRI scans of a large and healthy population and to investigate potential correlations between acromion shape and influencing factors such as sex, age, BMI, dominant hand, and shoulder pain. The study used whole-body MRI scans from the Study of Health in Pomerania, a German population-based study. Acromion index, acromion tilt, and acromion slope were measured. Interrater variability was tested with two independent, trained viewers on 100 MRI sequences before actual measurements started. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to evaluate the results. We could define reference values based on a shoulder-healthy population for each acromion parameter within the 2.5 to 97.5 percentile. No significant differences were found in acromion slope, tilt, and index between male and female participants. No significant correlations were observed between acromion morphology and anthropometric parameters such as height, weight, or BMI. No significant differences were observed in acromion parameters between dominant and non-dominant hands or stated pain intensity. This study provides valuable reference values for acromion-related parameters, offering insight into the anatomy of a healthy shoulder. The findings indicate no significant differences in acromion morphology based on sex, weight, BMI, or dominant hand. Further research is necessary to ascertain the clinical implications of these reference values. The establishment of standardized reference values opens new possibilities for enhancing clinical decision making regarding surgical interventions, such as acromioplasty.

Validity of leg length measurement in the supine and standing position compared with pelvic survey X-ray after total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: The correct adjustment of leg length is a major goal in the implantation of total hip replacements (THRs). Differences in leg length can lead to functional impairment and patient dissatisfaction. By determining leg length at an early stage, before the patient is discharged from hospital, compensatory measures such as the production of special insoles or orthopaedic footwear can be initiated promptly if there is a difference in leg length. Due to shortening of the period of time spent in hospital, the traditional measurement of leg length in a standing position may be increasingly subject to error. A protective posture immediately after surgery or the presence of a twisted pelvis, for example, due to scoliotic spinal misalignments, falsifies the measurement result in the standing position. Here, the measurement of leg length in the supine position may prove to be accurate immediately postoperatively, regardless of potential sources of error, and is to be compared with measurement in the standing position versus radiological measurement on the AP pelvic survey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present retrospective study included 190 patients who had undergone primary total hip arthroplasty. The leg length difference (LLD) of the patients was determined pre- and postoperatively both in the supine and standing position and compared with the postoperative radiological pelvic survey image. RESULTS: Postoperatively, it was shown that the mean length measured was 0.35 mm too long in the supine position and 0.68 mm too short in the standing position (p value < 0.001). Determination of the average absolute measurement error produces a deviation of 4.06 mm in the standing and 4.51 mm in the supine position (p value 0.126). CONCLUSIONS: It is shown that the postoperative measurement of LLD in the supine and standing position is equally valid and sufficiently accurate, compared with the gold standard of measurement on a radiograph.

Cobalt and Chromium Ions Impair Macrophage Response to Staphylococcus aureus Infection.

Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys are routinely used in arthroplasty. CoCrMo wear particles and ions derived from arthroplasty implants lead to macrophage-driven adverse local tissue reactions, which have been linked to an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection after revision arthroplasty. While metal-induced cytotoxicity is well characterized in human macrophages, direct effects on their functionality have remained elusive. Synchrotron radiation X-ray microtomography and X-ray fluorescence mapping indicated that peri-implant tissues harvested during aseptic revision of different arthroplasty implants are exposed to Co and Cr in situ. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that macrophage influx is predominant in patient tissue. While in vitro exposure to Cr3+ had only minor effects on monocytes/macrophage phenotype, pathologic concentrations of Co2+ significantly impaired both, monocyte/macrophage phenotype and functionality. High concentrations of Co2+ led to a shift in macrophage subsets and loss of surface markers, including CD14 and CD16. Both Co2+ and Cr3+ impaired macrophage responses to Staphylococcus aureus infection, and particularly, Co2+-exposed macrophages showed decreased phagocytic activity. These findings demonstrate the immunosuppressive effects of locally elevated metal ions on the innate immune response and support further investigations, including studies exploring whether Co2+ and Cr3+ or CoCrMo alloys per se expose the patients to a higher risk of infections post-revision arthroplasty.

Bone marrow from periacetabular osteotomies as a novel source for human mesenchymal stromal cells.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are used in regenerative medicine and related research involving immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and regenerative functions. Isolation of BM-MSCs from samples obtained during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is routinely possible. Advanced age and comorbidities of the majority of patients undergoing THA limit their applicability. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential of bone marrow obtained during periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) as a novel source of BM-MSCs from young donors by analyzing cell yield and cell characteristics. METHODS: Bone samples were obtained from the anterior Os ilium or superior Os pubis during PAO and from the femoral cavity during primary THA. Isolation of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) was performed by density gradient centrifugation. The samples from PAO and THA patients were compared in terms of BM-MSC yield, colony formation and the proportion of BM-MSCs within the BM-MNC population using flow cytometry analysis. The cells were characterized based on the expression of BM-MSC-specific surface markers. The functionality of the cells was compared by quantifying post-thaw viability, metabolic activity, proliferation capacity, senescence-associated beta galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) expression, trilineage differentiation potential and major secretome proteins. RESULTS: Isolation of BM-MNCs was possible in a reliable and reproducible manner when using bone from PAO containing more than 0.24 g bone marrow. PAO patients were younger than patients of the THA group. Bone obtained during PAO contained less bone marrow and led to a lower BM-MSC number after the first cell culture passage compared to BM-MSCs obtained during THA. BM-MSCs from PAO samples are characterized by a higher proliferation capacity. This results in a higher yield in cell culture passage two, when normalized to the sample weight. BM-MSCs from PAO patients showed increased secretion of TGF-ß1, TIMP2, and VEGF upon osteogenic differentiation. BM-MSCs from PAO and THA patients revealed similar results regarding the onset of SA-ß-gal expression and trilineage differentiation capacity. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that bone obtained during PAO is a promising novel source for BM-MSCs from young donors. Limited absolute cell yield due to low sample weight must be considered in early cell culture passages and might be critical for the range of clinical applications possible for BM-MSCs from this source. The higher proliferation capacity and increased growth factor secretion of BM-MSCs from young donors may be beneficial for future regenerative cell therapies, in vitro models, and tissue engineering.

Cold physical plasma treatment optimization for improved bone allograft processing.

In musculoskeletal surgery, the treatment of large bone defects is challenging and can require the use of bone graft substitutes to restore mechanical stability and promote host-mediated regeneration. The use of bone allografts is well-established in many bone regenerative procedures, but is associated with low rates of ingrowth due to pre-therapeutic graft processing. Cold physical plasma (CPP), a partially ionized gas that simultaneously generates reactive oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) species, is suggested to be advantageous in biomedical implant processing. CPP is a promising tool in allograft processing for improving surface characteristics of bone allografts towards enhanced cellularization and osteoconduction. However, a preclinical assessment regarding the feasibility of pre-therapeutic processing of allogeneic bone grafts with CPP has not yet been performed. Thus, this pilot study aimed to analyze the bone morphology of CPP processed allografts using synchrotron radiation-based microcomputed tomography (SR-µCT) and to analyze the effects of CPP processing on human bone cell viability and function. The analyzes, including co-registration of pre- and post-treatment SR-µCT scans, revealed that the main bone morphological properties (total volume, mineralized volume, surface area, and porosity) remained unaffected by CPP treatment if compared to allografts not treated with CPP. Varying effects on cellular metabolic activity and alkaline phosphatase activity were found in response to different gas mixtures and treatment durations employed for CPP application. It was found that 3 min CPP treatment using a He + 0.1% N2 gas mixture led to the most favourable outcome regarding a significant increase in bone cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity. This study highlights the promising potential of pre-therapeuthic bone allograft processing by CPP prior to intraoperative application and emphasizes the need for gas source and treatment time optimization for specific applications.

Prevalence of cauliflower ear in high level judoka.

Judo is an Olympic sport, and the way of its performing can lead to repetitive blunt injuries on head and ears. The chronic consequences of such traumata on the auricle are the formation of so-called cauliflower ear. This condition is painful, can lead to interruptions in the training process and long-term consequences for the athlete's health. There is limited knowledge of epidemiological data about cauliflower ear deformities in judo. Evaluation of the prevalence of cauliflower ear among judokas based on their profile pictures on the international judo federation was performed. A large cohort of judo athletes from around the world was studied. Two different classifications for the severity of ear deformities were used. Statistical calculations of the collected data and correlations to different parameters were performed. Images of 1632 top athletes were evaluated in the study. Ear deformities were found in 55.5% of the judokas. There was gender-specific differences. Male athletes were affected much more often than female athletes. In addition, ear deformities were more pronounced in male athletes. A correlation was found between the age of the athletes and the presence of an ear deformity. It has also been shown that judokas with a high world ranking are more likely to have an ear deformity. Ear deformities are a common consequence of injury among leading judo athletes. The current study represents the largest and high heterogeny cohort ever conducted on the prevalence of cauliflower ear in judoka. Knowledge of the prevalence of cauliflower ear in judoka based on reliable data from this study, may be important prerequisites for further studies on the impact of this traumatic consequence on training preparation and judoka health.

Value of [18F]FDG PET/CT in Diagnosis and Management of Spondylodiscitis.

Vertebral osteomyelitis is the third most common form of osteomyelitis in patients over 50 years of age.Whereas prompt (pathogen-directed) therapy is crucially associated with better outcomes, the heterogeneous clinical presentation of disease with unspecific symptoms often delays adequate treatment initiation. Diagnosis requires a careful investigation of medical history, clinical findings and diagnostic imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine techniques.Due to its high sensitivity, [18F]FDG PET/CT is becoming increasingly important in diagnosis and management of spondylodiscitis, especially in the postoperative setting with presence of spinal hardware or other implantable devices in which MRI is limited.

Minced Cartilage Implantation in Acetabular Cartilage Defects: Case Series with 2-Year Results.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate clinical outcome and safety of arthroscopic, autologous minced cartilage implantation for acetabular cartilage lesions observed during hip arthroscopy to treat femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). DESIGN: Eleven male patients, average age: 29.4 ± 5.4 years, average body mass index (BMI): 24.2 ± 2.2 kg/m2, scheduled for hip arthroscopy due to FAIS accompanied by an acetabular cartilage lesion were included in the case series. Cartilage tissue was harvested and minced from the loose cartilage flap at the chondrolabral lesion by arthroscopic shaver, augmented with autologous conditioned plasma, implanted into the defect, and fixated by autologous thrombin. Concomitant interventions were performed as indicated. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 24-month follow-up, using the International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (iHOT-12) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) grading scale at the 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: The defect size was on average 3.5 cm2 (1.5-4.5 cm2). From preoperatively to 2 years postoperatively, the iHOT-12 significantly improved from 50.2 ± 18 to 86.5 ± 19 (P < 0.0001), and pain score decreased from 5.6 ± 1.8 to 1.0 ± 1.5 (P < 0.0001) on the Visual Analog Scale pain score. Regarding functional outcome and pain, 10 of the 11 patients and all patients reached the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), respectively. The postoperative average MOCART score was 87.2 (± 9.2). No adverse events or reoperations were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic, autologous minced cartilage implantation for treating full-thickness acetabular cartilage lesions in FAIS shows statistically and clinically significant improvement at short-term follow-up.