Comparative Analysis of Somatic Stem Cells With Emphasis on Osteochondral Tissue Regeneration.

Congenital anomalies, diseases, and injuries may result in osteochondral damage. Recently, a big hope has been given to somatic stem cells (SSCs) which are characterized as undifferentiated cells with an ability of long-term self-renewing and plasticity. They are adherent with a fibroblast-like morphology in vitro and express various surface markers (e.g. CD29, CD73, CD90, and CD105), but they are negative for CD31, CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. SSCs secrete various bioactive molecules, which are involved in processes of regeneration. The main goal of the present study was the characterization and comparison of biological properties of SSCs obtained from adipose tissue, dental pulp, and urine concerning osteochondral regeneration. SSCs were maintained in an appropriate growth medium up to the third passage and were analyzed by light and electron microscope. The immunophenotype was analyzed by flow cytometry. The kinetics of proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Human Cytokine/Chemokine Multiplex Assay was used, and SSCs secretory profile was measured by Luminex MAGPIX® Instrument. Pellet cultures and a chondrogenic medium were used to induce chondrogenic differentiation. Osteogenic differentiation was induced by the osteogenic medium. Chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation was analyzed by real-time PCR. SSCs had similar fibroblast-like morphology. They have similar kinetics of proliferation. SSCs shared the expression CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105. They lack expression of CD29 and CD34. SSCs secerned similar levels of IL10 and IL18 while differing in IFN-gamma, IL6, IL8, MCP-1, and RANTES production. SSCs possess a similar capacity for chondrogenic differentiation but slightly differ in osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, it can be emphasized that SSCs from adipose tissue, dental pulp, and urine share the majority of cellular characteristics typical for SSCs and have great potential to be used in osteochondral tissue regeneration.

Comparison of bone remodelling around short stem and conventional straight stem in total hip replacement: a prospective randomized radiographic and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometric study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was to evaluate periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) changes of proximal femur, osseointegration and clinical outcomes after implantation of short-stemmed and conventional straight-stemmed prostheses. METHODS: This prospective, randomized study included 50 patients with unilateral total hip replacement. The patients were randomized into 2 cohorts: patients with a cementless short stem Metha (n=25) and patients with a cementless conventional straight stem Bicontact evaluated as the control (n=25). Periprosthetic BMD changes were measured using a DEXA performed at one-week, 3-monts, 6-months and 1-year follow up. Clinical evaluation with Harris hip score (HHS) and radiographic assessment were performed through a 1 year follow up. RESULTS: Compared to 1-week postoperative assessment, there were differences in BMD changes between the groups at the final follow-up in all ROIs, with statistical significances in ROI 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7. The loss of periprosthetic BMD in all ROIs around straight stems at each time-point was observed. There was a tendency towards a regain of BMD in all ROIs at 1-year follow-up compared to the 3-months postoperative assessment with the short stems. Less pronounced bone loss was observed around the short stems that the straight stems in ROI 1 (‒2.9 % % vs ‒16.2 %), 5 (‒4.7 % vs ‒8.9 %) and 7 (‒8.6 % vs ‒20 %). The periprosthetic BMD exceeded baseline values in the short stem cohort in ROI 2 (+4.4 % vs ‒5 %), 3 (+5.6 % vs ‒2.5 %) and 6 (+4.3 % vs ‒10 %). All stems had a radiographically stable fixation. Stress shielding-related bone resorption was markedly lower in the short stem cohort. The HHS score was comparable between the two cohorts. CONCLUSION: The implant-specific stress shielding altered the proximal loading condition for both stems; however, the results of this study suggest a more physiological strain distribution with the short stems versus the straight stems (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 25).

Perspectives of 3D printing technology in orthopaedic surgery.

Using most widespread technology of rapid prototyping (RP) in medicine focus on the development of models for diagnosis, for training and planned surgery, as well as the direct manufacture of implants for bone reconstruction. The applications of 3D printing in the field of medicine are giving extraordinary results and tissue and prosthetic 3D printing, medical and engineering research professionals are conducting 3D printing organ bind. Researchers worldwide are pursuing the creation of artificial bone using 3D printers, bones that can be later implanted to humans. In near future, many body parts could be manufactured in a turn and successfully implanted to patients. Although medical advances in 3D printing are used in orthopaedic field, research in 4D printing has already started. Flat objects made with 3D printing, using a regular plastic, combined with smart material, were able to become a hub without an external intervention. In nutshell, the future of additive manufacturing (AM) in trauma and orthopedic surgery is relatively bright with the inclusion of 3D printing in medicine. Bioprinting in this area will be focused on fractures, nonunions, deformities and bone, cartilage and soft tissue reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The innovative technology not only assists the medical staff but is also beneficial for the patients because the medical problems, which were not curable in the past, are now possible with modern technology (Fig. 4, Ref. 52) Keywords: bone defect, tissue engineering, 3D printing, biomaterials, bone, porous scaffold.

What are the ideal screw lengths in volar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to specify the optimal lengths of the distal locking screws (in a female population undergoing distal radius fracture fixation with a volar locking plate) to avoid damaging the dorsal extensor tendon compartments while preserving stability. METHODS: Twenty-five female adult patients underwent volar locking plate fixation with four 2.4 mm locking screws inserted distally. Our modified dorsal tangential fluoroscopic view (DTV) was taken perioperatively followed by postoperative CT scans to compare the accuracy in determining the distal screw lengths. RESULTS: Our modified DTV was 88 %, 84 %, 88 %, and 76 % sensitive in detecting screw lengths in the first, second, third, and fourth distal plate holes, respectively. According to the CT scans, none of the screws were over-penetrated in the third dorsal compartment, over-penetration was found in the second and fourth dorsal compartment. The most-accurate screw lengths in the four most distal plate holes in female distal radius fracture are 14, 20, 20, and 20 mm from the radial to the ulnar aspect. CONCLUSION: In dorsal cortex comminution, when perioperative measuring is imprecise, inserting the most-suitable distal locking screw for problematic hole and then applying our modified DTV seems to be a simpler and safer option (Tab. 3, Fig. 4, Ref. 33).

Bone metastases in neuroendocrine tumors.

Neuroendocrine tumors arise from various cells that form a part of the endocrine system and account for a small number of cases encountered by oncologists in clinical practice. The clinical incidence of these tumors used to be low, and newer imaging modalities have now begun to be used for detecting bone metastases at an earlier stage. Bone metastases arising from neuroendocrine tumors are a well-recognized complication. Their presence carries along a poor prognosis. Clinical symptoms are similar to those encountered in other forms of cancer that are complicated by bone metastasis. Over the last decade or so, the clinical detection, diagnostic methods and treatment strategies have changed dramatically, and new treatments are emerging slowly. The indolent course of neuroendocrine tumors and the development of bone metastasis have limited our current knowledge on how to best prevent and manage the condition. Current information available from clinical studies is marred by paucity and small sample sizes, making further clinical trials an absolute necessity. In this review, we discuss the current status in the diagnosis and management of bone metastases arising from neuroendocrine tumors (Fig. 3, Ref. 28).

[Tibio-Calcaneal Arthrodesis with Vertically Placed Tricortical Bone Graft after Traumatic Talar Extrusion - a Case Report]. / Tibio-kalkaneárna artrodéza pomocou vertikálne ulozeného trikortikálneho stepu po traumatickej extrúzii talu ­ kazuistika.

The aim of this publication is to present a case report of a 38-year-old patient with traumatic astragalectomy and resultant foot reconstruction surgery using a combination of talus compensation by vertically placed tricortical autograft and pantalar arthrodesis with a retrograde calcaneotibial nail (hindfoot nail). The advantage of this treatment is based on a solid, stable osteosynthesis, while maintaining the length of the limb. Key words: traumatic talar extrusion, tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis, hindfoot nail, bone graft, pantalar arthrodesis.

[Surgical versus non-surgical treatment for 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures]. / Operacná verzus neoperacná liecba 3 a 4-castových zlomenín proximálneho humeru.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal humerus fractures account for about 45% of all fractures. Treatment of 3- and 4-part fractures is difficult, and the optimal treatment option remains controversial. The aim of the study was to compare surgical and non-surgical treatments of 3- and 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus in adults. METHOD: A prospective study of surgical and non-surgical treatments of 3- and 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus was conducted at the 2nd Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Bratislava, from September 2010 until September 2013. Patients included in the study were compliant adults patients with 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures Neer type IV, V and VI. Twenty patients were treated surgically. The group included 13 women (65%) and 7 men (35%). Mean age was 60.9±7.67 (52-80) years. Angle-stable plates (Philos, Synthes) and intramedullary nails (Multilock, Synthes) were used.The non-surgical group included 19 patients, consisting of 12 (63.2%) women and 7 (36.8%) men. Mean age of both sexes was 66.3±9.5 (5288) years. Gilchrist bandage was applied for the maximum of 3 weeks. All patients were evaluated at 12 months from treatment using the Constant-Murley scoring system and the Oxford Shoulder Score. Treatment complications were evaluated as a secondary step. RESULTS: The mean individual relative Constant-Murley score was 57.8±23.5% (1188%) in the surgical group. The mean Oxford Shoulder score was 34.8±10.6 (1046) points. Complications were recorded in 12 patients (60%). In the non-surgical group, the mean individual relative Constant-Murley score at 12 months from injury was 60.9±20.9% (1690%). The mean Oxford Shoulder score was 36.1±8.9 (1548) points. Complications were recorded in 4 patients (21.1%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, surgical treatment patients with displaced 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures, mostly treated by angle-stable plates, showed a number of complications. Poor functional results of the surgical group were comparable to those of the non-surgical group. The indication for surgery, patient selection, type of surgery, surgical experience and subsequent rehabilitation should be carefully assessed for better results. KEY WORDS: proximal humerus fracture surgical treatment non-surgical treatment 3- and 4-part fractures.

Maggot therapy in treatment of a complex hand injury complicated by mycotic infection.

Complex injuries of the hand remain a therapeutic challenge for surgeons. We present the case of a male who suffered a devastating injury of the hand caused by a conveyor belt. The patient developed a progressive Absidia corymbifera infection of the affected soft tissues. Initial treatments with serial surgical debridement and topical and intravenous itraconazole were unsuccessful in eliminating the infection. We decided to use maggot debridement therapy in a new special design to debride all necrotic, devitalized tissue and preserve only healthy tissue and functioning structures. This maneuverer followed by negative pressure therapy allowed progressive healing. In such complex hand injuries, maggot debridement combined with negative pressure therapy could be considered to achieve effective and considerable results, although future functional morbidity may occur (Fig. 4, Ref. 18).