TiO2 Nanonetwork on Rough Ti Enhanced Osteogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo.

The objective in this study was to enhance osteogenic responses (in vitro and in vivo) to roughened titanium (Ti) dental implants through the formation of superhydrophilic TiO2 nanonetwork surface structure. Sandblasting and acid etching (SLA) was used to roughen the Ti surface. An electrochemical anodization process was then used to form a superhydrophilic TiO2 nanonetwork on the SLA Ti surfaces. The pore size of the nanonetwork structure ranged from a few nanometers to more than 100 nm, which is on the same scale as many biological species. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were used as an in vitro test model. The TiO2 nanonetwork structure was shown to have a significantly positive effect on hydrophilicity, protein adsorption, cell adhesion, cell migration, cell mineralization, and the gene and protein expression of osteogenic markers. The osseointegration of an anodized SLA screw-type Ti dental implant was investigated in vivo via implantation in the femur of New Zealand white rabbits for durations of 4 or 12 wk. The presence of a superhydrophilic surface TiO2 nanonetwork was shown to significantly enhance the bone-to-implant contact of the roughened SLA screw-type Ti dental implants. Overall, the proposed superhydrophilic TiO2 nanonetwork structure on the roughened SLA Ti surface proved highly effective in enhancing osteogenic responses in vitro and in vivo.

Tension band plating is less effective in achieving equalization of leg length.

PURPOSE: Little data is available on the efficiency of different implants for epiphysiodesis. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy between plates and staples in decreasing leg-length discrepancy. METHODS: A retrospective review of 19 children who underwent temporary epiphysiodesis of the legs was conducted, with a minimum of two years of follow-up. The bone length and length ratio to the short side were measured at six months, one year and two years postoperatively. The change in discrepancy was compared between staples and plates by an independent t-test, and the shortest time to a significant decrease in discrepancy was determined using a paired t-test. RESULTS: Ten patients underwent 13 staple procedures in nine femurs and four tibias for a 2.8-cm discrepancy at age 11.8 years, and nine patients underwent 14 plate procedures in seven femurs and seven tibias for a 3.1-cm discrepancy at age 12.4 years. Patients were followed up to skeletal maturity, except two. The use of staples decreased the discrepancy in the bone ratio from +4.8% to +1.2% in two years, and the use of plates decreased this ratio from +5.1% to +3.3% in two years. The change in the length ratio was significantly greater after stapling. Six months were required after stapling before the first significant decrease in discrepancy; it took two years after plating. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a significantly lower efficacy for decreasing leg-length discrepancy by tension band plating. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of the limitations of using plates for suppressing bone growth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Nationwide cohort study of hip fractures: time trends in the incidence rates and projections up to 2035.

SUMMARY: A growing elderly population is expected worldwide, and the burden of hip fractures on health care system will continue to increase. By 2035, there will be a 2.7-fold increase in the number of hip fractures in Taiwan. The study provides quantitative basis for the future distribution of medical resources. INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures have long been recognized as a major public health concern. The study aimed to determine time trends in the incidence of hip fractures and to forecast the number of hip fractures expected in Taiwan up to 2035. METHODS: A nationwide survey was conducted using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2004 to 2011. A total of 141,397 hip fractures were identified, with a mean of 17,675 fractures/year. Annual incidences of hip fractures were calculated and tested for trends. Projections of the incidence rates of hip fractures and bed days associated with hip fractures were calculated using Poisson regression on the historical incidence rates in combination with population projections from 2012 to 2035. RESULTS: The incidence rates of hip fracture during 2004-2011 were 317 and 211 per 100,000 person-years among women and men, respectively. Over this 8-year period, the age-standardized incidence of hip fracture decreased by 13.4% among women and 12.2% among men. Despite the decline in the age-standardized incidence, the absolute number of hip fractures increased owing to the aging population. The number of hip fractures is expected to increase from 18,338 in 2010 to 50,421 in 2035-a 2.7-fold increase. The number of bed days for 2010 and 2035 was estimated at 161,248 and 501,995, respectively, representing a 3.1-fold increase. CONCLUSIONS: The socioeconomic impact of hip fractures will be high in the near future. This study provides a quantitative basis for future policy decisions to serve this need.

Luteolin induces apoptosis in oral squamous cancer cells.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity, and treatment approaches are inadequate. Luteolin, a natural flavonoid compound, has been shown to have anti-tumorigenic properties on various types of tumors. Therefore, we hypothesized that luteolin has anti-tumorigenic properties for oral squamous cell carcinoma, and may provide effective chemotherapy. Results revealed that luteolin reduced the viability of SCC-4 cells and induced apoptosis by decreasing the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDKs), cyclins, and phosphor- retinoblastoma (p-Rb) anti-apoptotic protein, but increased the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and activated caspase 9 and 3, with a concomitant increase in the levels of cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Combination treatment of luteolin with paclitaxel enhanced the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel in SCC-4 cells, and continuous administration of luteolin suppressed the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice. These results suggest that luteolin could be an effective chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Treatment of deep infection of the hip associated with massive bone loss: two-stage revision with an antibiotic-loaded interim cement prosthesis followed by reconstruction with allograft.

We have carried out in 24 patients, a two-stage revision arthroplasty of the hip for infection with massive bone loss. We used a custom-made, antibiotic-loaded cement prosthesis as an interim spacer. Fifteen patients had acetabular deficiencies, eight had segmental femoral bone loss and one had a combined defect. There was no recurrence of infection at a mean follow-up of 4.2 years (2 to 7). A total of 21 patients remained mobile in the interim period. The mean Merle D'Aubigné and Postel hip score improved from 7.3 points before operation to 13.2 between stages and to 15.8 at the final follow-up. The allograft appeared to have incorporated into the host bone in all patients. Complications included two fractures and one dislocation of the cement prosthesis. The use of a temporary spacer maintains the function of the joint between stages even when there is extensive loss of bone. Allograft used in revision surgery after septic conditions restores bone stock without the risk of recurrent infection.

Hip arthroplasty in patients with cirrhosis of the liver.

We retrospectively reviewed 45 hip arthroplasties which were performed over a period of 20 years in 38 patients with cirrhosis of the liver. There was a high perioperative 30-day complication rate (26.7%). Advanced cirrhosis was associated with a higher risk of complications (p = 0.004) as also was increased age, a high level of creatinine, a low level of albumin, a low platelet count, ascites, encephalopathy and an increased operative blood loss. The survival of the prosthesis at five years was 77.8% and infection was a major cause of failure. In view of the high rate of early complications and the limited longevity of the prosthesis, surgeons who perform hip arthroplasty on such patients should counsel them appropriately preoperatively.

Complications of liner locking system in Micro-structured Omnifit acetabular components: a radiographic evaluation of 887 hips followed for 5-10 years.

We evaluated 887 hips in 672 patients with uncemented MicroStructured Omnifit acetabular components for liner locking complications. We found 2 types of radiographic signs of liner locking system complications in 7 hips, developing between 2 and 4 years postoperatively. The incidence of liner locking system complications was 0.8% using this modular acetabular component. We recommend that a patient who has received a total hip arthroplasty including a MicroStructured Omnifit acetabular component should be monitored frequently for radiographic signs of liner locking system complications, especially with a polyethylene thickness of less than 8 mm.

Ankylosing spondylitis with severe chondrocalcinosis: case report.

The term chondrocalcinosis is often used to describe the radiological or pathological features of calcified joint cartilage, and it usually indicates the deposition in cartilage of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate. The prevalence of chondrocalcinosis increases with age, with dramatic increases occurring in the decades past age 60. In younger patients with chondrocalcinosis, either clinical evidence of associated metabolic diseases leading to the chondrocalcinosis or familial disease occurrence usually can be detected. We report a 42-year-old Chinese woman with ankylosing spondylitis and arthritis involving multiple peripheral joints. Severe chondrocalcinosis was detected incidentally in this patient, however, subsequent studies revealed no associated metabolic disease or familial susceptibility and the clinical features of this patient were different from those of ankylosing chondrocalcinosis (pseudoankylosing spondylitis). The cause of chondrocalcinosis in this patient remains unknown, but joint damage and repair could have been initiating or aggravating factors of the chondrocalcinosis.

Porous coated anatomic total hip arthroplasty: 5- to 10-year follow up.

BACKGROUND: We report the medium term results of a study of patients with noncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a first generation porous coated anatomic (PCA) prosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 161 primary uncemented PCA THAs performed in 141 patients from November 1985 through March 1989 in our hospital. Subjects were followed up for a minimum of 5 years or until revision. Most common indicators for THA were osteoarthritis in 81 hips (50.3%) and avascular necrosis in 64 hips (39.8%). The average age at operation was 48.2 years. The average follow-up period was 6.9 years in patients without revision. RESULTS: The average modified d'Aubigne and Postel hip scores improved from 10.9 points preoperatively to 17.4 points at the final postoperative evaluation. Results were rated as good to excellent in 146 hips (90.7%). Twelve (7.4%) hips received revision arthroplasty, 8 because of cup loosening, one because of polyethylene wear, and 3 hips because of stem loosening. Prostheses were removed in 2 hips, one due to tuberculosis and the other due to infection. Other complications included focal osteolysis in 54 hips (33.5%), posterior dislocation in 3 hips (1.9%), and lesser trochanter fracture in one hip. Thigh pain occurred in 30 hips (18.6%). In 114 hips, the roentgenograms were used to assess polyethylene wear. The average wear rate was 0.11 +/- 0.15 mm/year. Excessive wear rate (> 0.2 mm/year) occurred in 28 hips (24.6%). Factors contributing to higher wear rate included young age, cup inclination angle beyond the range of 35-55 degrees, and thin polyethylene liner. CONCLUSION: The high rate of osteolysis and thigh pain in these patients should alert surgeons to be cautious in using this type of prosthesis.

Gouty os trigonum tarsi: case report.

Os trigonum tarsi is found in 7% of the world adult population. However, it rarely causes symptoms. The majority of patients with os trigonum tarsi are found incidentally. This condition is often found in ballet dancers, javelin throwers and soccer players. It rarely produces symptoms in normally active adults. The etiology of os trigonum syndrome is impingement of an unfused ossicle or a fractured posterior lateral tubercle of talus over the posterior rim of tibial plafond. We present a case of os trigonum syndrome in a young man. His posterior heel pain was due to tophaceous gout around the os trigonum tarsi, instead of the common pathogenesis of repeated hyperflexion of the ankle joint. Pictures of the specimen showed marked giant cell reaction which resulted in pseudotumor formation. We reviewed the clinical characteristics of os trigonum tarsi and gout and present the treatment of our patient.

Slipped capital femoral epiphyses in a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Slipped capital femoral epiphyses are rarely associated with primary hyperparathyroidism, and only four cases have been documented in the English literature. We report such a case. A 13-year-old boy presented with bilateral slipped capital femoral epiphyses. Investigation showed that he had primary hyperparathyroidism due to a parathyroid adenoma. The adenoma was removed, and then the epiphyses were pinned in situ 3 weeks later. The pins were removed 3 months postoperatively when the physes had closed. The patient had a painless hip 1 year later at follow-up. We concluded that identification and excision of the hyperparathyroid adenoma and in situ pinning of the slipped epiphyses results in satisfactory treatment of the condition.

Pyomyositis of the calf muscles mimicking distal deep venous thrombosis: a case report.

Pyomyositis is a pyogenic infection of skeletal muscle. It is relatively rare in temperate climates. Unfamiliarity with the lesion may lead to a delay in diagnosis. This report describes pyomyositis of the calf muscles in a patient with chronic hepatitis whose clinical symptoms simulated those of distal deep venous thrombosis. The correct diagnosis was not made until computed tomography revealed a local abscess in the calf muscles.

Localized femoral osteolysis in cementless ceramic total hip arthroplasty.

A retrospective review revealed localized femoral osteolysis occurred in 8 out of 134 cementless ceramic total hip arthroplasties (6.0%) performed during an average 9-year period. The average latent period was 8 years. The lesion was usually located in the deeper periprosthetic area. Localized osteolysis usually occurred after loosening of the femoral stem, suggesting the pathogenesis may be a foreign-body reaction to the ceramic debris.

Acute septic arthritis of the hip in children--clinical analyses of 31 cases.

This is a retrospective study of 31 cases of acute septic arthritis of the hip in children treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from 1983 to 1989. The average follow-up period was 35 months. Among them, there were 18 males (58%) and 13 females (42%). None were involved bilaterally. Fifteen cases (48%) were below 5 years of age. All cases met the diagnostic criteria including bacteriological results, clinical and radiographic changes. Limited range of motion, fever, and tenderness were the most common symptoms and signs. More than half of the patients (52%) had a leukocyte count of over 15,000/cmm. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in 30 cases (97%). Pathogens had been isolated from blood, arthrocentesis fluid, or surgical specimens in 26 cases (84%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative organism (58%). Twenty-seven cases (87%) underwent emergency arthrotomy and debridement. Five (19%) of them received unsatisfactory results. A delay in definite treatment, very young infants, and the association with osteomyelitis of the adjacent bone were the important factors associated with poor prognosis. Four cases (13%) who received only medical treatment showed satisfactory results. Early diagnosis and significant response to antibiotics contributed to this favorable outcome.

Effect of long-term alcohol ingestion on the femoral head of rabbit.

Twenty New Zealand rabbits were chosen for this study (5 for controls and 15 for the alcohol group). In the alcohol group, each rabbit was fed with rice wine (2 g/kg/day alcohol) for 1 year. Bone marrow pressure of the femoral basal neck, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), liver functions, uric acid, triglyceride, cholesterol, amylase, and blood alcohol level were measured at 0 day, 6 months and 1 year. Finally, the rabbits were sacrificed at the end of the study. The livers and femoral heads were examined for pathology. The bone volume and fat cell size of the femoral head were measured with a computerized "Bone Scanner". The results (1 year comparison) were a significantly higher level of cholesterol in the alcohol group (72 +/- 40 mg% vs 26 +/- 8 mg%, p less than 0.05) and greater bone marrow pressure (27.71 +/- 8.97 mmHg vs 18.20 +/- 4.09 mmHg, p less than 0.05), and no significant difference in triglyceride, uric acid and liver function, ESR, etc., when using Student's 2-tailed t-test. Liver changes (fatty liver) occurred in 3 animals in the alcohol group. The effect of alcohol on the trabecular bone volume was not significant (51.5 +/- 4.6 vol.% vs 50.0 +/- 5.2 vol.%), but the average fat cell size of the femoral head was significantly larger than that for normal controls (2,745 +/- 605 mu2 vs 2,185 +/- 458 mu2, p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)