Functional Nanomaterials for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease, affecting more than 595 million people worldwide. Nanomaterials possess superior physicochemical properties and can influence pathological processes due to their unique structural features, such as size, surface interface, and photoelectromagnetic thermal effects. Unlike traditional OA treatments, which suffer from short half-life, low stability, poor bioavailability, and high systemic toxicity, nanotherapeutic strategies for OA offer longer half-life, enhanced targeting, improved bioavailability, and reduced systemic toxicity. These advantages effectively address the limitations of traditional therapies. This review aims to inspire researchers to develop more multifunctional nanomaterials and promote their practical application in OA treatment.

Identical clinical outcomes between neutral and classic targeted alignments after high tibial osteotomy in medial meniscus posterior root tear: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes and arthroscopic findings after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) between neutral and classic targeted coronal alignments in patients with medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs). METHODS: Ninety-eight patients with MMPRT were prospectively enrolled in the final cohort and randomized into two groups. Fifty-two patients with the targeted alignment through the Fujisawa point (60-62.5% of the entire tibial plateau width measured from the medial side) during HTO were included in group A, whereas 46 patients with the targeted alignment through the point at 50-55% of the tibial plateau width were included in group B. The clinical and radiographic outcomes and second-look arthroscopic findings were statistically compared for comprehensive assessments. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 37.1 months, we found no significant differences between the two groups regarding the final Lysholm (p = 0.205) and Hospital for Special Surgery scores (p = 0.084). However, we only observed significant differences between the two groups in terms of the final hip-knee-ankle angle, weight-bearing line ratio, and medial proximal tibial angle (p < 0.001). Second-look arthroscopy did not reveal a significant difference in meniscal healing rate (p = 0.786). CONCLUSIONS: Performing HTO with the aim to achieve neutral alignment leads to similar clinical outcomes in patients with MMPRT compared to classic alignment. Although subsequent research is required, the current study provides clinical evidence for the safety and efficacy of the new targeted alignment during HTO, which may avoid long-term complications associated with overcorrection when using the traditional technique.

Autologous nasal chondrocytes delivered by injectable hydrogel for in vivo articular cartilage regeneration.

Cell based tissue engineering serves as a promising strategy for articular cartilage repair, which remains a challenge both for researchers and clinicians. The aim of this research was to assess the potential of autologous nasal chondrocytes (NCs) combined with alginate hydrogel as injectable constructs for rabbit articular cartilage repair. Autologous nasal chondrocytes were isolated from rabbit nasal septum, expanded either on monolayer or in 3D alginate hydrogel. In vitro, DNA quantification revealed that NCs can proliferate stable in 3D alginate matrix, but slower than that cultured in monolayer. Further, a higher synthesis rate of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) was detected by GAG measurement in 3D alginate culture. Gene expression analysis at different time point (day 1, 7, 14) showed that 3D culture of NCs in alginate up-regulated chondrogenic markers (Col2A1, ACAN SOX9), meanwhile down-regulated dedifferentiation related gene (Col1A1). In vivo, autologous nasal chondrocytes combined with alginate hydrogel were used for repairing rabbit knee osteochondral defect (Alg + NC group). Histological staining indicated that Alg + NC group obtained superior and more hyaline-like repaired tissue both at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Mechanical analysis showed that the repaired tissue in the Alg + NC group possessed similar mechanical properties to the native cartilage. In conclusion, nasal chondrocytes appeared to be a very promising seed cell source for cartilage tissue engineering, and alginate hydrogel can serve as suitable delivery system.

[Clinical effect of superselective arterial embolization for the treatment of massive haemorrhage from pelvic fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate feasibility and curative effect of superselective arterial embolization for the treatment of massive haemorrhage from pelvic fracture. METHODS: From March 2008 to February 2016, clinical data of 65 patients with massive haemorrhage from pelvic fracture were collected and analyzed, and patients were divided into non-embolic and embolic group according to whether perform vascular thrombosis. Thirty-three patients were in non-embolic group including 26 males and 7 females aged from 21 to 64 years old with an average of(39.2±5.7) years old, the time from injury to operation ranged from 1.1 to 4.8 h with an average of (2.2±0.4) h; 12 cases were type B and 21 cases were type C according to AO/Tile classification; injury severity score (ISS) ranged from 25 to 42 with an average of (37.7±7.5); shock index score ranged from 1.7 to 2.4 with an average of 2.1±0.3; treated with blood transfusion and fluid infusion. Thirty-two patients in embolic group, including 25 males and 7 females aged from 22 to 65 years old with an average of(38.1±4.5) years old; the time from injury to operation ranged from 1.2 to 4.8 h with an average of (2.1± 0.5) h; 14 cases were type B and 18 cases were type C according to AO/Tile classification; ISS ranged from 26 to 43 with an average of 38.9±4.5; shock index score ranged from 1.6 to 2.4 with an average of 2.2±0.2; treated by blood transfusion and fluid infusion with superselective arterial embolization. Blood transfusion volume, fluid infusion volume, shock correction time and survival rate were observed and compared, effective rate of hemostasis and postoperative complications were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-seven artery were injured in embolic group, hemostasis were controlled at 3 h after operation, and hemodynamics turned to stable. There were significant difference in blood transfusion volume, fluid infusion volume, shock correction time between non-embolic and embolic group, and embolic group performed better. Survival rate in embolic group was also better than that of non-embolic group, and had significant difference. While there was obvious differences in complications(χ²=4.03, P=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Superselective arterial embolization for massive haemorrhage from pelvic fracture could effective hemostasis, reduce blood transfusion and fluid infusion volume and occurrence rate of shock, moreover improve survival rate and deserves promotion.

The effect of local bone density on mechanical failure after internal fixation of pertrochanteric fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the effect of local hip bone density on mechanical failure after fixation of pertrochanteric fractures and to establish possible risk factors for the failures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 136 consecutive patients presenting a closed unilateral pertrochanteric fracture were enrolled. The patients were treated with a sliding hip screw or an intramedullary nail. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements for bone density of the contralateral hip were made within 4 weeks postoperatively. Follow-up evaluations on the standard radiographs were documented for any mechanical failure including loss of reduction, screw or blade cut-out, lateral migration of the screw or blade, and implant breakage. Secondary outcomes were also recorded including patient characteristics and fixation construct variables as possible predictors for mechanical failure. RESULTS: At a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, 38 patients were reported with mechanical failure at an estimated risk of 27.9 %. The local bone density measurements for the study population showed no difference between patients with (0.710 g/cm(2)) and without (0.726 g/cm(2)) mechanical failure (P = 0.180). We also observed no significant correlation between local bone density and failure in patients with good fracture reduction (P = 0.862). The multivariate regression analysis identified fracture type (P < 0.001) and quality of fracture reduction (P < 0.001) as being independent predictors for mechanical failure, whereas local bone density was not (P = 0.658). CONCLUSIONS: Local hip bone density does not appear to have a significant influence on mechanical failure after internal fixation of pertrochanteric fractures. Stable fractures and fractures with good reduction are expected to obtain satisfactory outcomes.

[Treatment of patellar fractures with cable through the bone and Kirschner with a hole in the tail].

OBJECTIVE: To study clinical effects of a new internal fixation by using a cable through the bone and Kirschner with a hole in the tail, for the treatment of patellar fractures. METHODS: From May 2012 to July 2013, thirty-four patients with patellar fractures were treated with cable through the bone and Kirschner with a hole in the tail. All the patients had close fracture,including 12 transverse fractures and 22 comminuted fractures. There were 18 males and 16 females, ranging in age from 26 to 81 years old, with an average of (46.0 ± 3.0) years old. After open reduction, two appropriate length of Kirschner with a hole in the tail were driven into the patella as perpendicular to the fracture line or the major fragments as possible. A transverse bone tunnel was then drilled with a Kirschner at one side of the patella. Then the cable, which was successively pulled through the bone tunnel and the hole of Kirschner, was crossed in a figure-eight over the anterior of the patella, tightened and fixated by special instruments. The Kirschner was clipped off on the edge of the hole. If it was a comminuted fracture, another cable was used to fasten the patella with cerclage. Postoperative evaluation was based on Bostman. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 12 to 26 months, with a mean of (16.0 ± 2.0) months. Fractures healed in all the cases without such complications as infection, loosening of Kirschner and cable loop, and skin irritation. According to the Böstman score system, 33 cases got an excellent result, and 1 good. CONCLUSION: The cable through the bone and Kirschner with a hole in the tail is a simple, stable and effective method for the treatment of patellar fractures, especially the transverse fractures, with earlier knee exercise and fewer complications.

[Case-control study on the reconstruction of near distal tendo achillis rupture by suture anchors and traditional steel wire].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the curative effects of newly suture anchors and traditional steel wire for the reconstruction of near distal tendo achillis rupture. METHODS: The clinical data of 56 patients with near distal tendo achillis rupture from June 2007 to February 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Among 31 patients receiving reconstruction by suture anchors, 22 patients were male and 9 patients were female, with a mean age of 35.5 years (ranging from 16 to 52 years ). Among 25 patients treated with traditional steel wire, 19 patients were male and 6 patients were female, with a mean age of 37.6 years (ranging from 22 to 53 years). The different rehabilitation was conducted for every patient at different times after operation. The position of suture anchor and steel wire were recorded. The clinical data such as operative time, complications of the surgery and the function of stendo achillis were analyzed. The healing of stendo achillis and functional recovery were assessed by Arner-Lindholm standard. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up with an average during of 24.2 months. There were no intraoperative injuries on blood vessels, nerve and tendon. The average operative time and postoperative complications of suture anchors were lower than there of the traditional steel wire (t = 8.75, P = 0.00; Chi2 = 5.42, P = 0.02). The functional recovery of tendo achillis repaired by suture anchors was better than that in the group of traditional steel wire (Chi2 = 7.65, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Compared to the traditional steel wire, suture anchor demonstrate the superior performance on repairing rupture of the near distal tendo achillis, which is a reliable and effective treatment methods.

[Case-control study on transcatheter artery embolization for massive bleeding due to pelvic fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the techniques and curative effects of transcatheter artery embolization (TAE) for massive bleeding due to pelvic fractures. METHODS: The clinical data of 92 patients with haemorrhage due to pelvic fractures from March 1998 to February 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Among 53 patients treated conservatively such as massive transfusion and fluid infusion in the control group, 43 patients were male and 10 patients were female, ranging in age from 27 to 61 years, averaged (37.2 +/- 5.7) years. Among 39 patients who were hemodynamically unstable or had evidences of ongoing hemorrhage required TAE, 26 patients were male and 13 patients were female, ranging in age from 26 to 62 years, with a mean age of (35.3 +/- 9.5) years. The clinical date such as blood or fluid transfusion volume, shock redress time and survival rate were compared between the two groups. The hemostatic efficiency and complications of the surgery were also analyzed. RESULTS: The average hemostasis time of TAE group was 2 hours. There were no intraoperative injuries of blood vessels, nerve or vital organs. Three patients had lower limbs numbness and 5 patients had gluteal skin redness after the operation. The blood transfusion or fluid infusion volume, shock redress time and survival rate were all significantly better than those in the conservative group. CONCLUSIONS: TAE is an early,rapid and effective method in controlling haemorrhage due to pelvic fractures.

[Therapeutic effects of suture anchors for the reconstruction of distal tendo achillis rupture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the techniques and therapeutic effects of suture anchors for the reconstruction of distal tendo achillis rupture. METHODS: The clinical data of 16 patients of distal tendo achillis rupture repaired with suture anchors from June 2005 to August 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 13 males and 3 females with a mean age of 33.5 years (ranged from 17 to 46 years). The postoperative rehabilitation was conducted for every patient. The operation time, position of suture anchor and complications of the surgery were analyzed. The healing of stendo achillis and functional recovery were assessed by Arner-Lindholm standard. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for an average of 13.2 months. There were no complications of foreign-body reaction or re-rupture. The average operation time was 35.5 minute. There was no intraoperative injuries of blood vessels, nerves or tendons. A total of 19 suture anchors were used, and only 1 anchor was displaced. The functional recovery of tendo achillis was rated as excellent in 13 cases,good in 2 cases, bad in 1 case. All patients were satisfied with the effects on their current work and life. And no displacement of anchors was found in radiographic films. CONCLUSION: Repairing of the distal tendo achillis rupture with suture anchors can make operation simple and quick, rigid fixation, less complications, and provide good therapeutic effects.

[Clinical application of "funnel technique" in planting thoracic pedicle screws].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and accuracy of "funnel technique" in planting thoracic pedicle screws. METHODS: From August 2005 to March 2008, a total of 39 patients with at least one thoracic pedicle screw in T1-T10 using "funnel technique" were retrospectively reviewed. Among the patients, 27 patients were male and 14 patients were female, with a mean age of 38.5 years (ranged from 17 to 56 years). One patient was lost follow-up, and other 1 patient was dead before follow-up. The accuracy of screw placement and the complications related to thoracic pedicle screws were analyzed by postoperative CT-scans. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up ranging from 18 to 30 months, averaged 23.2 months. There were no vascular or viscera complications as well as iatrogenic neurologic injuries. The total number of screws was 208. There was no statistical difference between the percentage of fully contained screws at T1-T4 versus T5-T8 (P = 0.80),T5-T8 versus T9-T10 (P = 0.07), T1-T4 versus T9-T10 (P = 0.06). Twenty-seven screws (13.0%) were misplaced, 14 screws (6.7%) violated lateral cortex of pedicle, 7 screws (3.4%) medially, 5 screws (2.4%) superiorly, 1 screw (0.5%) violated lateral cortex of vertebral body. No violations occurred superiorly or anteriorly. Only 4 screws (1.9%) was a critical perforation. CONCLUSION: The "funnel technique" is a simple, safe, accurate and cost-effective technique for pedicle screw placement. It provides even an entry-level surgeon with a safe way to identify and place thoracic pedicle screws.