Does MRI alter management in patients 60 years and older with chronic knee pain: correlation with radiographs and clinical parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if MRI altered management in patients ≥ 60 years old with chronic knee pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients ≥ 60 years old with knee MRI and radiographs within 90 days were included. Exclusion criteria included mass/malignancy, recent trauma, and infection. Standing AP and PA flexion views were evaluated using Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scales. Pertinent clinical history was recorded. MRIs were considered to alter management if subchondral fracture was identified or subsequent arthroscopy was performed due to an MRI finding. RESULTS: Eighty-five knee MRI/radiograph exams were reviewed; mean 68.2 years (60-88), 47:38 F:M. Twenty knee MRIs (24%) had either a subchondral fracture (n = 9) or meniscal tear (n = 11) prompting arthroscopy. On PA flexion view, 0/20 of these studies had KL grade 4 and 70% (14/20) had KL grade 0-1 compared to the remaining MRIs having 15.4% (10/65) KL grade 4 and 38.5% (25/65) KL grade 0-1 (p = 0.03). A 10-pack-year tobacco history, 38% vs 18%, was associated with a subchondral fracture or arthroscopy (p = 0.06). Subchondral fractures were more prevalent in older patients (mean 72.4 vs 67.7 years; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In patients ≥ 60 years old with chronic knee pain, MRI altered management in ~ 24% of cases; 70% in patients with KL grade 0-1, and none in patients with KL grade 4. MRI may benefit older patients with minimal osteoarthritis but not those with end-stage disease. Patients with ≥ 10 pack years of smoking may also benefit from MRI.

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tear with Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine.

Rotator cuff tear is one of the common diseases among middle-aged and elderly people, which has a great impact on patients' physical and mental health and quality of life. The integrative medicine based on traditional Chinese medicine has certain characteristics and advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of Rotator cuff tear. Chinese medicine, which mainly focus on plant-based natural products, has a relatively stable and reliable curative effect. It is of great significance to formulate the combined diagnosis and treatment plan for Rotator cuff tear based on evidence-based medicine, which can help to make the clinical diagnosis and treatment techniques of Chinese and Western medicine more scientific and standardized, and achieve better therapeutic effects. This guideline standardizes the diagnosis and treatment process of Rotator cuff tear from the aspects of range, terminology and definition, diagnosis, TCM syndrome differentiation, treatment, functional exercise, prevention and care, etc. It can better provide clinicians with diagnosis and treatment strategies and suggestions. This guideline adapts well to clinical practice and is both safe and effective.

Semiquantitative index of symptomatic minor instability of the lateral elbow at CT arthrography (SMILE index): clinical applicability and reproducibility study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the applicability of a semiquantitative index for symptomatic minor instability of the lateral elbow (SMILE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT arthrograms of consecutive patients with lateral elbow pain who underwent ultrasound-guided CT arthrography at our orthopedic center between April 2019 and May 2022 were included. Images were acquired at 100 kVp and 80 mAs. An expert radiologist (R1) and a radiology resident (R2) retrospectively performed an independent, blinded evaluation of the arthrograms to assess the presence of imaging findings suggestive of elbow instability. The SMILE index (0-8) was obtained adding (I) radial head chondromalacia (0 - 1); (II) humeral capitellum chondromalacia (0 - 1); (III) humeral trochlear ridge chondromalacia (0 - 1); (IV) annular ligament laxity (0 - 2); (V) synovial thickening (0 - 1); (VI) humeroradial joint asymmetry (0 - 1); and (VII) capsular tear (0 - 1). R1 repeated the assessment after 14 days. Cohen's weighted κ statistic and raw concordance were used to appraise reproducibility. RESULTS: Eighty patients (median age 49 years, interquartile range 40-53 years, 49, 61% males) underwent CT arthrography at our center, and 10 (12%) of them underwent bilateral elbow examination, leading to 90 included CT arthrograms. Median SMILE index was 4 (IQR: 2-5) for R1, 4 (IQR: 2-5) for R2, and 4 (IQR: 2-5) for the second assessment by R1. Intra-reader agreement was excellent (κ = 0.94, concordance 87%), while inter-reader agreement was substantial (κ = 0.75, concordance 67%). CONCLUSION: The proposed SMILE index showed good reproducibility; further studies are warranted to correlate our index with clinical and surgical data. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Our scoring system allows a standardized evaluation of patients with lateral elbow pain and instability suitable for application into clinical practice, complementing the orthopedic surgeon's clinical diagnosis with imaging findings that may aid treatment choices. KEY POINTS: • Lateral elbow pain is often interpreted clinically as lateral epicondylitis, but it can also encompass intra-articular pathology. • The proposed arthrographic index allows comprehensive quantification of lateral elbow pathology with good reproducibility and application times. • Our index provides the orthopedic surgeon with information regarding intra-articular findings, aiding treatment choices.

Association between ankle torque and performance-based tests, self-reported pain, and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between ankle torque and performance-based tests, self-reported pain, and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 39 individuals (24 females, 15 males; mean age: 57.3±6.2 years; range, 40 to 65 years) with knee OA between January 2014 and July 2015. Ankle torque was determined using an isokinetic dynamometer. The 40-m fast-paced walk test and a stair climb test were used to assess functional performance. Self-reported pain and physical function were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to test correlations between the dependent variables (40-m fast-paced walk test, stair climb test, WOMAC pain and physical function domains, sex, age, body mass index, and radiologic evidence of OA) and the independent variables (mean plantar flexor torque and dorsiflexor peak torque). A multiple linear regression analysis was applied to quantify the association between the dependent and independent variables. Results: Dorsiflexor and plantar flexor peak torques in the concentric and eccentric modes were negatively correlated with the 40-m fast-paced walk and stair climb tests (r=-0.33 to -0.51, p≤0.05). A negative correlation was found between concentric plantar flexor torque and the WOMAC physical function score (r=-0.35, p=0.03). No correlation was found between ankle torques and the WOMAC pain score (p>0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the eccentric plantar flexor and dorsiflexor torques were significantly associated with the stair climb test (ß=-0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.001 to 0.000, p=0.03, and ß=-0.002, 95% CI: -0.004 to 0.000, p=0.05, respectively). No significant associations were found between concentric plantar flexor and dorsiflexor torques and the stair climb test (p>0.05). No significant associations were found between the ankle torques and the 40-m fast-paced walk test and WOMAC physical function (p>0.05). Conclusion: Ankle torque plays an important role in functional performance. Thus, ankle torque deficit, especially eccentric plantar flexor and dorsiflexor torques, may exert a negative influence on stair climbing performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Parafoveal chondral lesion of the femoral head in patients with femoroacetabular impingement.

Objective: To describe cases of parafoveal chondral lesion of the femoral head in patients with femoroacetabular impingement, correlating the clinical and imaging data. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive case series of parafoveal chondral lesion of the femoral head in 21 patients who underwent computed tomography and magnetic resonance arthrography scans of the hip, having then received an imaging-based diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement. Results: Of the 21 patients evaluated, 15 (71%) had cam-type femoroacetabular impingement, whereas five (24%) had mixed-type impingement, and one (5%) had pincer-type impingement. Twelve patients (57%) had a low frequency of physical activity, which was significantly associated with the presence of cam-type impingement (p = 0.015). Although the extent of the lesion correlated significantly with the acetabular coverage angle (p = 0.04), it did not correlate significantly with the alpha angle or femoral head-neck offset value (p = 0.08 and p = 0.06, respectively). We also found no correlation between the extent of the lesion and the other main parameters that define the femoroacetabular impingement types. Conclusion: This was one of the largest case series of parafoveal chondral lesion of the femoral head in patients with imaging findings of femoroacetabular impingement. The extent of such lesions does not appear to correlate with the parameters of femoroacetabular impingement, with the exception of the acetabular coverage angle.

Objetivo: Descrever casos de lesão condral parafoveal da cabeça femoral em pacientes com impacto femoroacetabular, correlacionando dados clínicos e de imagem. Materiais e Métodos: Esta foi uma série de casos descritiva retrospectiva de lesão condral parafoveal da cabeça femoral em 21 pacientes submetidos a tomografia computadorizada e artrorressonância magnética do quadril e que receberam diagnóstico por imagem de impacto femoroacetabular. Resultados: Dos 21 pacientes avaliados, 15 (71%) tiveram impacto femoroacetabular do tipo cam, enquanto cinco (24%) tiveram impacto do tipo misto e um (5%) teve impacto do tipo pincer. Doze pacientes (57%) apresentaram baixa frequência de atividade física, sendo esta significativamente associada a impacto do tipo cam (p = 0,015). Houve correlação significativa entre a extensão da lesão e o ângulo de cobertura acetabular (p = 0,04), porém, não se correlacionou significativamente com o ângulo alfa ou com o valor do deslocamento cabeça-colo femoral (p = 0,08 e p = 0,06, respectivamente). Também não encontramos correlação entre a extensão da lesão e os outros principais parâmetros que definem os tipos de impacto femoroacetabular. Conclusão: Esta foi uma das maiores casuísticas de lesão condral parafoveal da cabeça femoral em pacientes com achados de imagem de impacto femoroacetabular. A extensão dessas lesões não parece se correlacionar com os parâmetros do impacto femoroacetabular, com exceção do ângulo de cobertura acetabular.

Correlation between the main clinical, imaging, and arthroscopy findings in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

The purpose of this work was to prospectively correlate the most characteristic clinical symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, such as pain and limitation of mouth opening, with the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (disc position, degenerative changes, and effusion) and arthroscopy findings (roofing, synovitis, chondromalacia, adhesions, and perforations). These examinations were performed in 298 patients diagnosed with internal derangement refractory to conservative treatment. The mean age of the patients was 38.59 years; 92.6% were female. The t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to correlate the findings. Significant relationships were found between pain and disc displacement without reduction (P = 0.033) and effusion (P = 0.003) on MRI, coinciding with correlations between pain and roofing of 0-25% (P = 0.016) and synovitis (P = 0.001) on arthroscopy. A significant relationship was also observed between mouth opening limitation and the presence of osteoarthrosis (P = 0.018) on MRI, and between mouth opening limitation and synovitis (P = 0.022), chondromalacia (P = 0.002), and adhesions (P < 0.001) on arthroscopy. All of these findings were observed in patients with a poor initial clinical situation, which highlights the considerable potential of correlating these data with imaging and arthroscopy findings.

Expert consensus on platelet-rich plasma treatment for osteochondral lesion of talus (version 2023) / 中华创伤杂志

Osteochondral lesion of talus (OLT) is a foot and ankle disease characterized by ankle pain, which may impact the joint function and life quality. If managed improperly, it may lead to a further ankle arthritis, severely compromising the prognosis. The therapeutic effect of conservative treatment for OLT is still uncertain. Surgery is still the main treatment modality for OLT with various techniques. However, the optimized surgical technique is still inconclusive, furthermore, regeneration and repair of cartilage after debridement is also a great challenge for the treatment of OLT. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with good repair effect on cartilage injury is gradually applied in the treatment of OLT. However, there still lacks the unified understanding of the technique and specification of PRP for the treatment of OLT. Therefore, National Orthopedics Center of Shanghai Sixth People′s Hospital allied Foot Ankle Basic Research & Orthopedics Group, Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons; Foot and Ankle Committee of Chinese Association of Sports Medicine Physicians; and Foot and Ankle Group of Orthopedic Specialized Branch of Shanghai Medical Association to organize related experts to formulate the Expert consensus on platelet- rich plasma treatment for osteochondral lesion of talus ( version2023). Fifteen recommendations were put forward upon PRP preparation, indications, contraindications and treatment methods of PRP for OLT, so as to standardize the PRP treatment for OLT.

Efficacy of osteochondral fragment fixation using bioabsorbable pins for Hepple Ⅱ osteochondral lesions of the talus in adolescents / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of osteochondral fragment fixation using bioabsorbable pins for Hepple Ⅱ osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) in adolescents.Methods:Retrospective case analysis was used. The clinical data and follow-up results of 13 adolescent patients (13 feet) with Hepple Ⅱ OLT were all treated with osteochondral fragment fixation using bioabsorbable pins admitted to Shanghai Sixth People′s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 males and 6 females, with 13 right feet. The age was (14.85±2.23) years old, ranged from 12 to 18 years old. According to the American orthopedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS) and SF-36 score before operation and at the last follow-up were used to evaluate the efficacy and function of the patients. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as mean ± standard deviation( ± s), and the comparison between groups was conducted using the t-test; The mearsurement data with skewness distribution were expressed by M( Q1, Q3), and rank-sum test was used for inter-group comparison. Results:Thirteen adolescent patients (13 feet) with Hepple Ⅱ OLT underwent surgery successfully and were followed up for (25.54±9.95) months. All wounds healed by first intention, and no complications such as wound infection and delayed healing occurred. Preoperative AOFAS ankle-posterior foot score, VAS and SF-36 score were 58.62±3.55, 7.00 (6.50, 8.00) and 68.38±4.81, respectively. At the last follow-up, the scores were 97.38±2.73, 1.00 (0.00, 1.00), 91.15±4.28, respectively, and the results were significantly improved at the last follow-up, with the difference between the two groups statistically significant( P<0.05). Conclusion:Osteochondral fragment fixation using bioabsorbable pins which can promote cartilage repair, significantly improve symptoms, and achieve better clinical satisfaction with fewer complications, is a safe and effective surgical treatment option for Hepple Ⅱ OLT in adolescents with satisfactory short-term clinical outcomes.

Parafoveal chondral lesion of the femoral head in patients with femoroacetabular impingement / Lesão condral parafoveal da cabeça femoral em pacientes com impacto femoroacetabular

Abstract Objective: To describe cases of parafoveal chondral lesion of the femoral head in patients with femoroacetabular impingement, correlating the clinical and imaging data. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive case series of parafoveal chondral lesion of the femoral head in 21 patients who underwent computed tomography and magnetic resonance arthrography scans of the hip, having then received an imaging-based diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement. Results: Of the 21 patients evaluated, 15 (71%) had cam-type femoroacetabular impingement, whereas five (24%) had mixed-type impingement, and one (5%) had pincer-type impingement. Twelve patients (57%) had a low frequency of physical activity, which was significantly associated with the presence of cam-type impingement (p = 0.015). Although the extent of the lesion correlated significantly with the acetabular coverage angle (p = 0.04), it did not correlate significantly with the alpha angle or femoral head-neck offset value (p = 0.08 and p = 0.06, respectively). We also found no correlation between the extent of the lesion and the other main parameters that define the femoroacetabular impingement types. Conclusion: This was one of the largest case series of parafoveal chondral lesion of the femoral head in patients with imaging findings of femoroacetabular impingement. The extent of such lesions does not appear to correlate with the parameters of femoroacetabular impingement, with the exception of the acetabular coverage angle.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever casos de lesão condral parafoveal da cabeça femoral em pacientes com impacto femoroacetabular, correlacionando dados clínicos e de imagem. Materiais e Métodos: Esta foi uma série de casos descritiva retrospectiva de lesão condral parafoveal da cabeça femoral em 21 pacientes submetidos a tomografia computadorizada e artrorressonância magnética do quadril e que receberam diagnóstico por imagem de impacto femoroacetabular. Resultados: Dos 21 pacientes avaliados, 15 (71%) tiveram impacto femoroacetabular do tipo cam, enquanto cinco (24%) tiveram impacto do tipo misto e um (5%) teve impacto do tipo pincer. Doze pacientes (57%) apresentaram baixa frequência de atividade física, sendo esta significativamente associada a impacto do tipo cam (p = 0,015). Houve correlação significativa entre a extensão da lesão e o ângulo de cobertura acetabular (p = 0,04), porém, não se correlacionou significativamente com o ângulo alfa ou com o valor do deslocamento cabeça-colo femoral (p = 0,08 e p = 0,06, respectivamente). Também não encontramos correlação entre a extensão da lesão e os outros principais parâmetros que definem os tipos de impacto femoroacetabular. Conclusão: Esta foi uma das maiores casuísticas de lesão condral parafoveal da cabeça femoral em pacientes com achados de imagem de impacto femoroacetabular. A extensão dessas lesões não parece se correlacionar com os parâmetros do impacto femoroacetabular, com exceção do ângulo de cobertura acetabular.

Fixation of platelet-rich plasma and fibrin gels on knee cartilage defects after microfracture with arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: An investigation of arthroscopic surgery combined with coverage of the microfractured wound surface with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and fibrin gels (FG) to treat knee cartilage defects. METHODS: Between February 2017 and February 2020, 145 patients with knee cartilage defects were treated. Only isolated full-thickness cartilage defects were included, and 28 patients (12 men and 16 women) were included in this study. They were all treated with arthroscopic surgery on subchondral bones, filled with PRP and thrombin, and sealed with FG. The knee pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were measured after the patients climbed ten stairs up and down, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index and the area of cartilage defects were measured through the pre-operative and post-operative follow-up. The complication incidences were also observed. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for ten to 15 months (median 12 months). The knee pain VAS scores decreased from 6.57 ± 1.07 pre-operatively to 2.09 ± 1.35 at the last follow-up. The WOMAC osteoarthritis index decreased from 44.32 ± 3.95 (mean ± sd) pre-operatively to 16.57 ± 2.20 by the last follow-up. The cartilage defect decreased from 2.93 ± 0.65 cm2 pre-operatively to 1.09 ± 0.69 cm2 at the last follow-up. All scores showed statistically significant improvements after surgery (p < 0.05). No complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The combination therapy of arthroscopic surgery and covering the microfractured wound surface with PRP and FG can repair knee cartilage defects, relieve pain, and improve function, and is a safe and effective treatment.

Correlation of arthroscopic findings with clinical-radiological signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction: retrospective study of 829 joints.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopic findings are difficult to predict based on clinical criteria. Few studies have attempted to correlate signs, symptoms, and characteristics of patients with the final arthroscopic findings. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between clinical-radiological signs and symptoms and arthroscopic findings in patients with TMJ dysfunction undergoing arthroscopy. A retrospective study was performed involving 487 patients (829 joints) with TMJ dysfunction who underwent TMJ arthroscopy between 2000 and 2019. The clinical-radiological variables recorded were pain, maximum mouth opening, joint noises, Wilkes classification, and disc displacement. The arthroscopic findings evaluated were synovitis, chondromalacia, adhesions, disc perforation, disc displacement, and roofing. Pain symptoms were significantly associated with the intensity of synovitis (P = 0.005) and disc displacement evaluated arthroscopically (P < 0.001). A statistically significant relationship was observed between Wilkes stage and the level of synovitis (P < 0.001) and chondromalacia (P < 0.001). Mouth opening was negatively correlated with adhesions (P < 0.001). Based on this study, pain symptomatology was associated with the intensity of synovitis and disc displacement evaluated arthroscopically, the Wilkes stage was a good predictor of the severity of synovitis and chondromalacia, and mouth opening was negatively correlated with adhesions.

The role of TGF-ß2 in cartilage development and diseases.

Transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-ß2) is recognized as a versatile cytokine that plays a vital role in regulation of joint development, homeostasis, and diseases, but its role as a biological mechanism is understood far less than that of its counterpart, TGF-ß1. Cartilage as a load-resisting structure in vertebrates however displays a fragile performance when any tissue disturbance occurs, due to its lack of blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. Recent reports have indicated that TGF-ß2 is involved in the physiological processes of chondrocytes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis, and the pathological progress of cartilage such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). TGF-ß2 also shows its potent capacity in the repair of cartilage defects by recruiting autologous mesenchymal stem cells and promoting secretion of other growth factor clusters. In addition, some pioneering studies have already considered it as a potential target in the treatment of OA and RA. This article aims to summarize the current progress of TGF-ß2 in cartilage development and diseases, which might provide new cues for remodelling of cartilage defect and intervention of cartilage diseases.

[Relevance of meniscus loss for the progression of osteoarthritis and treatment options for early arthritis]. / Relevanz des Meniskusverlustes für die Arthroseprogression und Therapieoption bei bereits bestehender Früharthrose.

Meniscal tears are still one of the most frequent lesions in the knee joint. The relevance of meniscus loss for the development of osteoarthritis is undisputed. Meniscus repair, replacement and transplantation play an important role in the treatment of early arthritis, especially when they are a part of a master plan including alignment correction, stabilization and cartilage surgery, if needed. Scientific data show evidence concerning the protection of osteoarthritis, even though a lack of studies including comparison groups has to be admitted.

[Partial hip resurfacing-a critical analysis]. / Der Oberflächenteilersatz an der Hüfte ­ eine kritische Analyse.

BACKGROUND: Localized cartilage lesions or osteochondral defect areas of the hip joint often affect young patients with an active professional and personal live. There are multiple causes of these defect zones, but they determine the therapeutic options to some extent. THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS: In addition to the domain of joint-preserving, implant-free hip surgery, so-called mini-prostheses or partial implants represent another treatment strategy prior to the application of a total hip arthroplasty (THA). In the following, partial joint resurfacing implants (e. g., HemiCAP®, Arthrosurface, Franklin, MA, USA) are presented and results from the literature are cited. The described procedure is not widely offered, especially in Germany, because most indications are congruent with those for implantation of a THA, which is an established technique. Consequently, the results from the literature are based on case series with inferior validity compared to the studies and registry data of the THA and accordingly have to be scrutinized in a more critical way. Total surface replacement (hip resurfacing, e.g., Birmingham hip replacement, BHR, Smith and Nephew, Memphis, TN, USA) distinguish from partial surface replacement. On the one hand the BHR shows parallels with regard to the femoral surface reconstruction, but on the other hand due to the obligatory replacement of the acetabular side of the joint it meets conditions of THA, which can therefore play at best an intermediate role between a stem-anchored THA and a partial replacement.

Synthetic MRI is not yet ready for morphologic and functional assessment of patellar cartilage at 1.5Tesla.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare morphologic assessment and relaxometry of patellar hyaline cartilage between conventional sequences (fast spin-echo [FSE] T2-weighted fat-saturated and T2-mapping) and synthetic T2 short-TI inversion recovery (STIR) and T2 maps at 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHOD: The MRI examinations of the knee obtained at 1.5T in 49 consecutive patients were retrospectively studied. There were 21 men and 28 women with a mean age of 45±17.7 (SD) years (range: 18-88 years). Conventional and synthetic acquisitions were performed, including T2-weighted fat-saturated and T2-mapping sequences. Two radiologists independently compared patellar cartilage T2-relaxation time on conventional T2-mapping and synthetic T2-mapping images. A third radiologist evaluated the patellar cartilage morphology on conventional and synthetic T2-weighted images. The presence of artifacts was also assessed. Interobserver agreement for quantitative variables was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: In vitro, conventional and synthetic T2 maps yielded similar mean T2 values 58.5±2.3 (SD) ms and 58.8±2.6 (SD) ms, respectively (P=0.414) and 6% lower than the expected experimental values (P=0.038). Synthetic images allowed for a 15% reduction in examination time compared to conventional images. On conventional sequences, patellar chondropathy was identified in 35 patients (35/49; 71%) with a mean chondropathy grade of 4.8±4.8 (SD). On synthetic images, 28 patients (28/49; 57%) were diagnosed with patellar chondropathy, with a significant 14% difference (P=0.009) and lower chondropathy scores (3.7±4.9 [SD]) compared to conventional images. Motion artifacts were more frequently observed on synthetic images (18%) than on conventional ones (6%). The interobserver agreement was excellent for both conventional and synthetic T2 maps (ICC>0.83). Mean cartilage T2 values were significantly greater on synthetic images (36.2±3.8 [SD] ms; range: 29-46ms) relative to conventional T2 maps (31.8±4.1 [SD] ms; range: 26-49ms) (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Despite a decrease in examination duration, synthetic images convey lower diagnostic performance for chondropathy, greater prevalence of motion artifacts, and an overestimation of T2 values compared to conventional MRI sequences.

Recent Progress in 3D Printing of Elastic and High-Strength Hydrogels for the Treatment of Osteochondral and Cartilage Diseases.

Despite considerable progress for the regenerative medicine, repair of full-thickness articular cartilage defects and osteochondral interface remains challenging. This low efficiency is largely due to the difficulties in recapitulating the stratified zonal architecture of articular cartilage and engineering complex gradients for bone-soft tissue interface. This has led to increased interest in three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies in the field of musculoskeletal tissue engineering. Printable and biocompatible hydrogels are attractive materials for 3D printing applications because they not only own high tunability and complexity, but also offer favorable biomimetic environments for live cells, such as porous structure, high water content, and bioactive molecule incorporation. However, conventional hydrogels are usually mechanically weak and brittle, which cannot reach the mechanical requirements for repair of articular cartilage defects and osteochondral interface. Therefore, the development of elastic and high-strength hydrogels for 3D printing in the repairment of cartilage defects and osteochondral interface is crucial. In this review, we summarized the recent progress in elastic and high-strength hydrogels for 3D printing and categorized them into six groups, namely ion bonds interactions, nanocomposites integrated in hydrogels, supramolecular guest-host interactions, hydrogen bonds interactions, dynamic covalent bonds interactions, and hydrophobic interactions. These 3D printed elastic and high-strength hydrogels may provide new insights for the treatment of osteochondral and cartilage diseases.

[Treatment of chondroblastoma of the humeral head : A tumour- and shoulder-orthopaedic challenge]. / Die Behandlung des Chondroblastoms im Humeruskopf : Eine tumor- und schulterorthopädische Herausforderung.

We present the case of a 22-year-old female patient with chondroblastoma in the right humeral head. To allow a gentle and anatomic resurfacing of the humeral joint surface and to avoid total joint arthroplasty in our young patient with high functional requirements, we implanted a HemiCAP® after intralesional curettage of the chondroblastoma. Our patient's excellent short-term functional outcome shows that our approach can be considered a very good therapeutic option.

[Bilateral idiopathic chondrolysis of the hips - A case report of an adolescent patient]. / Idiopathische Chondrolyse beider Hüftgelenke ­ Fallbericht bei einer adoleszenten Patientin.

The diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic chondrolysis of the hips are described in the case of a 12-year-old girl. The patient presented with intermittent pain and extreme dysfunction of both hips. After clinical examination and pelvic X­ray, MRI showed the typical changes of idiopathic chondrolysis. Purely conservative treatment with systematic physiotherapy and regular application of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug produced a good clinical result.

Use of Exogenous Hyaluronic Acid for the Treatment of Patellar Chondropathy- A Six-Month Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective To evaluate the clinical and radiological benefits of intra-articular exogenous hyaluronic acid for the treatment of chondral patellar injury. Method Randomized clinical trial with 70 patients divided into 2 groups: those submitted to physical therapy for 3 months, and those submitted to physical therapy associated with the intra-articular administration of 2 mL of hyaluronic acid for the same period, who had anterior knee pain and patellar cartilage injury of grades II or III with no significant bone abnormalities. The functional scores and the characteristics of the physical and imaging exams were evaluated before and 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Result The average age of the patients was 32 ± 7.6 years. Patients from the hyaluronic acid group had better Kujala et al and Lysholm scores, and lower pain scores after 3 and 6 months of treatment when compared to the control group. The incidence of positive Clarke maneuver was lower in the treated group, but there was no difference in the magnetic resonance imaging classification. Conclusion Patients with patellar chondropathy of grades II or III treated with hyaluronic acid and physical therapy had less pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), and better functional results in the Lysholm and Kujala et al questionnaires after 3 and 6 months of treatment compared to patients undergoing physical therapy alone. In addition, the number of cases with a negative Clarke maneuver was larger in the treated group after 6 months of treatment.