Impact of Cadmium Mediated by Tobacco Use in Musculoskeletal Diseases.

Tobacco use has a negative impact on health due to its relationship with the development of high-mortality diseases, such as pulmonary cancer. However, the effect of cadmium (Cd), present in tobacco smoke, on the development of joint diseases has been scarcely studied. The objective of this review is to discuss the evidence regarding the mechanisms by which Cd exposure, through tobacco smoke, may lead to the development of osteoarthritis (OA), osteoporosis (OP), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There's evidence suggesting a string association between moderate to severe OA development and tobacco use, and that a higher blood concentration of Cd can trigger oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation, favoring cartilage loss. At the bone level, the Cd that is inhaled through tobacco smoke affects bone mineral density, resulting in OP mediated by a decrease in the antioxidant enzymes, which favors the bone resorption process. In RA, tobacco use promotes the citrullination process through Cd exposure and increases OS and inflammation. Understanding how tobacco use can increase the damage at the articular level mediated by a toxic metal, i.e., Cd, is important. Finally, we propose prevention, control, and treatment strategies for frequently disabling diseases, such as OA, OP, and RA to reduce its prevalence in the population.

Effect of cadmium on the viability on monolayer cultures of synoviocytes, chondrocytes, and Hoffa: A preliminary study.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the gradual loss of articular cartilage and involves several tissues, such as the synovial membrane, meniscus, ligaments, and adipose tissue known as Hoffa fat pad. There are largely unexplored factors that lead to OA development, such as the impact of exposure to heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) on the viability of cells in the knee joint tissue. The objective of this report was to identify the cell type with the highest susceptibility to Cd toxicity with respect to cell viability and death. Our findings showed that a concentration as low as 3 µM cadmium chloride for 12 h affects the viability of synovial cells, and a concentration of 10 µM affects Hoffa cells. Our results suggest that Cd can affect the viability of synovial and chondral cells primarily. In contrast, Hoffa cells were less susceptible, likely because Cd favors the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines before triggering their death as part of its damage mechanism at the articular level.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Emergent Large-Vessel Occlusion: Delayed Presentation Confirmed by ASPECTS.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our hypothesis is that the COVID-19 pandemic led to delayed presentations for patients with acute ischemic stroke. This study evaluates the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on presentation, treatment, and outcomes of patients with emergent large-vessel occlusion using data from a large health system in the Bronx, New York. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 2 cohorts of consecutive patients with emergent large-vessel occlusion admitted to 3 Montefiore Health System hospitals in the Bronx from January 1 to February 17, 2020, (prepandemic) and March 1 to April 17, 2020 (pandemic). We abstracted data from the electronic health records on presenting biomarker profiles, admission and postprocedural NIHSS scores, time of symptom onset, time of hospital presentation, time of start of the thrombectomy procedure, time of revascularization, presenting ASPECTS, TICI recanalization score, mRS, functional outcomes, and mortality. RESULTS: Of 179 patients admitted with ischemic stroke during the study periods, 80 had emergent large-vessel occlusion, of whom 36 were in the pandemic group. Patients in the pandemic group were younger (66 versus 72 years, P < .061) and had lower ASPECTS (7 versus 9, P < .001) and took longer to arrive at the hospital (361 versus 152 minutes, P < .004) with no other major differences. There was a decreased rate of thrombolysis administration (22% versus 43%, P < .049) and a decreased number of patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (33% versus 61%, P < .013). CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic led to delays in patients arriving at hospitals, leading to decreased patients eligible for treatment, while in-hospital evaluation and treatment times remain unchanged.

Effect of cadmium on the concentration of essential metals in a human chondrocyte micromass culture.

BACKGROUND: An essential element imbalance in the joint might favor gradual degeneration of the articular cartilage. It has been reported that cadmium (Cd) plays an antagonistic role with regards to the presence of essential elements, such as zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn), which may favor the development of disabling diseases, like osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis. METHODS: 3D cultures of human chondrocytes were phenotyped with the Western blot technique and structurally evaluated with histological staining. The samples were exposed to 1, 5, and 10 µM of CdCl2 for 12 h, with a non-exposed culture as control. The concentration of Cd, Fe, Mn, Zn, chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) was quantified through plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The data were analyzed with a Kruskal Wallis test, a Kendall's Tau test and Spearman's correlation coefficient with the Stata program, version 14. RESULTS: Our results suggest that Cd exposure affects the structure of micromass cultures and plays an antagonistic role on the concentration of essential metals, such as Zn, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Cr. CONCLUSION: Cd exposure may be a risk factor for developing joint diseases like OA, as it can interfere with cartilage absorption of other essential elements that maintain cartilage homeostasis.

Toxicity of cadmium in musculoskeletal diseases.

Epidemiological studies have reported that exposure to toxic metals like cadmium (Cd) may promote the development of musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis (OA), among others. The objective of this review is to summarize the molecular mechanisms of inflammation and oxidative stress activated by Cd at the bone level, particularly in osteoporosis, RA, and OA. Cadmium can increase bone resorption, affect the activity of osteoclasts and calcium (Ca) absorption, and impair kidney function, which favors the development of osteoporosis. In the case of RA, Cd interferes with the activity of antioxidant proteins, like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). It also promotes an inflammatory state, inducing the process of citrullination, which affects the proteins of immune response. On the other hand, accumulation of Cd in the tissues and blood of smokers has been related to the development of some musculoskeletal diseases. Therefore, knowing the negative impact of Cd toxicity at the articular level can help understand the damage mechanisms it produces, leading to the development of such diseases.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factors (HIFs) in the articular cartilage: a systematic review.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease, and in recent years has become a major public health problem. The hallmark of OA is cartilage destruction with local commitment of subchondral bone and the synovial membrane. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are transcriptional factors and key regulators of the cellular response to hypoxia. To date, three members of the human HIF-α protein family have been described: HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and HIF-3α. HIF-1α plays an essential role in the articular cartilage (a hypoxic tissue), as it has a protective effect in the maintenance of the articular cartilage matrix, HIF-2α has a harmful effect on the articular cartilage matrix, and HIF-3α acts as a negative regulator of HIF-1α and HIF-2α. Due to the recent growing interest in the role of HIFs in rheumatic diseases, we focused this review on the potential role of these key regulators in articular cartilage maintenance as the central axis in OA development.

Isolated talonavicular joint arthrodesis through minimal incision surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze bony fusion and functional outcomes after talonavicular arthrodesis (TNA) using an original minimally invasive surgery (MIS). METHODS: There was a total of 11 feet in 11 patients who underwent TNA and were followed up for 47 months (range 40.8-53.1). Functional outcomes were measured by AOFAS and quality of life by eight sections of SF-36. RESULTS: Radiographic and clinical consolidation was achieved in 10 of 11 cases. In the AOFAS score, physical function improved a mean of 34.4 points (95% CI: 23.2-45.6; p<.0001) and pain improved a mean of 23.6 points (95% CI: 17.4-29.8; p<.0001). One osteoporotic and rheumatic patient had a non-union. No cases of early complications, such as wound infections, neurovascular damage or delayed wound healing, occurred. CONCLUSION: Isolated TNA by MIS could be an option for the treatment of TN arthritis, especially for patients at greater risk of wound healing complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Minimal incision surgery for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is a salvage procedure for severe diseases involving ankle and subtalar joints. However, this procedure is often associated with postoperative complications related to preoperative comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to present the clinical and functional outcomes of a consecutive series of TTCA using an original operative approach based on minimal incision surgery (MIS). METHODS: Forty patients were followed prospectively for a mean (SD) of 31 (12.5) months. Clinical data, which included x-rays, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, SF-36 scores, and a patient satisfaction survey, were collected. A further 25 patients were examined retrospectively. RESULTS: In the prospective group (n = 40), the mean AOFAS score improved by 44.8 points 1 year after the intervention (95% confidence interval [CI], 40.6-48.9), and the SF-36 improved by a mean of 17.5 points (95% CI, 1.4-20.9) in the mental component summary (MCS) score and 11.5 points (95% CI, 8.3-14.7) in the physical component summary (PCS) score. In the prospective group, postsurgical pain correlated with MCS score (r = 0.47, P < .001). In the entire group, bony union (defined as radiographic consolidation and absence of clinical symptoms) was observed in 86% of cases. Two deep infections, 2 nonunions in patients with preoperative persistent ulcers, and 7 delayed unions were the major complications observed in the entire group. One patient required amputation. No cases of superficial infection, wound dehiscence, or deep venous thrombosis were recorded. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, the present series represents the largest study on TTCA using MIS. The data obtained in the present study showed clinical and functional improvement after surgery and similar bony union rates as previously reported in the literature but with fewer complications related to the surgical wounds. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Isolated subtalar arthrodesis through minimal incision surgery.

BACKGROUND: In recent years there has been an increase in the use of minimally invasive techniques, such as arthroscopy, percutaneous, and minimally invasive incisions, for foot and ankle surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze the fusion rate and clinical results of isolated subtalar arthrodesis (ISA) using the novel and original technique of minimal incision surgery (MIS). METHODS: There were a total of 77 feet in 76 patients who underwent ISA and were followed for 50 months on average (range, 15-108). The first 30 cases were evaluated retrospectively, and 47 cases were evaluated prospectively. MIS without tourniquet was used in all cases and fusion was assessed radiographically and clinically. Clinical outcome measures used were the Angus and Cowell Scoring System, AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot, the SF-36, and a patient satisfaction questionnaire 12 months after the intervention. RESULTS: Radiographic and clinical consolidation was achieved in 92% of cases. Main outcomes were "good" in 57 patients as determined by the Angus and Cowell criteria, with 13 "fair" and 7 "poor" results. In the prospective group, AOFAS scores improved by 47.6 points (95% CI: 50.7-42.5) 12 months after surgical intervention. SF-36 outcomes improved by 14.5 points (95% CI: 11.58-17.31) in the mental summary component and 4.2 points (95% CI: 2.2-6.1) in the physical summary component. We recorded no cases of early complications such as wound infections, neurovascular damage, or delayed wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, the present series represents the largest study on subtalar arthrodesis using minimally invasive surgery. The data obtained showed a similar rate of bony union and clinical outcomes compared with the literature, but without early wound complications. ISA using the MIS technique was a good option for patients at greater risk of wound healing complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

[Anterolateral ankle pain: differential diagnosis and approach. A case report]. / Dolor anterolateral de tobillo, diagnóstico diferencial y abordaje. Presentación de un caso.

The ankle soft tissue pathology represents a very painful disorder for patients who, often times, are not precisely diagnosed. Anterolateral ankle impingement is a condition that occurs in young people and athletes due to a plantar flexion-inversion mechanism. We report a case of anterolateral ankle impingement describing the arthroscopic technique and making the differential diagnosis considering other conditions.

Dolor anterolateral de tobillo: diagnóstico diferencial y abordaje terapéutico / Anterolateral ankle pain: differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach

La patología de partes blandas del tobillo supone trastornos muy dolorosos para los pacientes que en muchas ocasiones carecen de diagnóstico preciso. El pinzamiento anterolateral de tobillo es una patología que aparece en gente joven y deportistas por mecanismo de flexión plantar-inversión. Se presenta un caso de pinzamiento anterolateral de tobillo, describiendo la técnica artroscópica y planteando el diagnóstico diferencial con otras patologías (AU)

Diseases of the ankle soft tissues are very painful disorders for patients for whom many times there is no accurate diagnosis. Anterolateral ankle impingement is a condition occurring in young people and athletes for plantar-inversion flexion mechanism. We report the case of anterolateral ankle impingement with a description of the arthroscopic technique and considering the differential diagnosis with other diseases (AU)