Microvesicles from Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a New Protective Strategy in Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Chronic inflammation contributes to cartilage degeneration during the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) show great potential to treat inflammatory and degradative processes in OA and have demonstrated paracrine effects in chondrocytes. In the present work, we have isolated and characterized the extracellular vesicles from human AD-MSC to investigate their role in the chondroprotective actions of these cells.

METHODS

AD-MSC were isolated by collagenase treatment from adipose tissue from healthy individuals subjected to abdominal lipectomy surgery. Microvesicles and exosomes were obtained from conditioned medium by filtration and differential centrifugation. Chondrocytes from OA patients were used in primary culture and stimulated with 10 ng/ml interleukin(IL)-1β in the presence or absence of AD-MSC microvesicles, exosomes or conditioned medium. Protein expression was investigated by ELISA and immunofluorescence, transcription factor-DNA binding by ELISA, gene expression by real-time PCR, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by radioimmunoassay, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production by fluorometry.

RESULTS

In OA chondrocytes stimulated with IL-1β, microvesicles and exosomes reduced the production of inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, PGE2 and NO. The downregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 would lead to the decreased PGE2 production while the effect on NO could depend on the reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Treatment of OA chondrocytes with extracellular vesicles also decreased the release of MMP activity and MMP-13 expression whereas the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and the expression of collagen II were significantly enhanced. The reduction of inflammatory and catabolic mediators could be the consequence of a lower activation of nuclear factor-κB and activator protein-1. The upregulation of annexin A1 specially in MV may contribute to the anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of AD-MSC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data support the interest of AD-MSC extracellular vesicles to develop new therapeutic approaches in joint conditions.

Effects of balance and proprioceptive training on total hip and knee replacement rehabilitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGOUND

Balance and proprioceptive deficits are frequently persistent after total joint replacement, limiting functionality and involving altered movement patterns and difficulties in walking and maintaining postural control among patients.

RESEARCH QUESTION

The goal of this systematic review was to evaluate the short- and mid-term effects of proprioceptive and balance training for patients undergoing total knee and hip replacement.

METHODS

This is a systematic review of literature. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and Scopus were the databases searched. The review included randomized clinical trials in which the experimental groups underwent a training aimed at improving balance and proprioception, in addition to conventional care. The studies had to assess at least one of the following outcomes: self-reported functionality or balance (primary outcomes), knee function, pain, falls, or quality of life.

RESULTS

Eight trials were included, involving 567 participants. The quantitative synthesis found a moderate to high significant effect of balance and proprioceptive trainings on self-reported functionality and balance after total knee replacement. The effects were maintained at mid-term in terms of balance alone. Conversely, preoperative training did not enhance outcomes after total hip arthroplasty.

SIGNIFICANCE

The synthesis showed that, in clinical terms, balance trainings are a convenient complement to conventional physiotherapy care to produce an impact on balance and functionality after knee replacement. If outcomes such as improvement in pain, knee range of movement, or patient quality of life are to be promoted, it would be advisable to explore alternative proposals specifically targeting these goals. Further research is needed to confirm or discard the current evidence ultimately, predominantly in terms of the effects on the hips and those yielded by preoperative interventions.

Revision of infected total knee arthroplasty: two-stage reimplantation using an antibiotic-impregnated static spacer

BACKGROUND

A two-stage revision remains as the "gold standard" treatment for chronically infected total knee arthroplasties.

METHODS

Forty-five septic knee prostheses were revised with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Static antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers were used in all cases. Intravenous antibiotics according to sensitivity test of the culture were applied during patients' hospital stay. Oral antibiotics were given for another 5 weeks. Second-stage surgery was undertaken after control of infection with normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein values. Extensile techniques were used if needed and metallic augments were employed for bone loss in 32 femoral and 29 tibial revisions.

RESULTS

The average interval between the first-stage resection and reimplantation was 4.4 months. Significant improvement was obtained with respect to visual analog scale pain and clinical and functional scores, and infection was eradicated in 95.6% of cases following a two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty. Radiographic evaluation showed suitable alignment without signs of mechanical loosening.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique is a reasonable procedure to eradicate chronic infection in knee arthroplasty and provides proper functional and clinical results. However, it sometimes requires extensile surgical approaches that could imply arduous surgeries. Metallic augments with cementless stems available in most of the knee revision systems are a suitable alternative to handle bone deficiencies, avoiding the use of bone allografts with its complications.

Spine Instability Neoplastic Score: agreement across different medical and surgical specialties

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Spinal instability is an acknowledged complication of spinal metastases; in spite of recent suggested criteria, it is not clearly defined in the literature.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess intra and interobserver agreement when using the Spine Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) by all physicians involved in its management.

STUDY DESIGN

Independent multicenter reliability study for the recently created SINS, undertaken with a panel of medical oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and radiation oncologists, was carried out.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Ninety patients with biopsy-proven spinal metastases and magnetic resonance imaging, reviewed at the multidisciplinary tumor board of our institution, were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for SINS score agreement. Fleiss kappa statistic was used to assess agreement on the location of the most affected vertebral level; agreement on the SINS category ("stable," "potentially stable," or "unstable"); and overall agreement with the classification established by tumor board.

METHODS

Clinical data and imaging were provided to 83 specialists in 44 hospitals across 14 Spanish regions. No assessment criteria were pre-established. Each clinician assessed the SINS score twice, with a minimum 6-week interval. Clinicians were blinded to assessments made by other specialists and to their own previous assessment. Subgroup analyses were performed by clinicians' specialty, experience (≤7, 8-13, ≥14 years), and hospital category (four levels according to size and complexity). This study was supported by Kovacs Foundation.

RESULTS

Intra and interobserver agreement on the location of the most affected levels was "almost perfect" (κ>0.94). Intra-observer agreement on the SINS score was "excellent" (ICC=0.77), whereas interobserver agreement was "moderate" (ICC=0.55). Intra-observer agreement in SINS category was "substantial" (k=0.61), whereas interobserver agreement was "moderate" (k=0.42). Overall agreement with the tumor board classification was "substantial" (κ=0.61). Results were similar across specialties, years of experience, and hospital category.

CONCLUSIONS

Agreement on the assessment of metastatic spine instability is moderate. The SINS can help improve communication among clinicians in oncology care.

A randomized controlled trial assessing the effects of preoperative strengthening plus balance training on balance and functional outcome up to 1 year following total knee replacement

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of including balance training in a preoperative strengthening intervention on balance and functional outcomes in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) and compare these effects to those induced by preoperative strengthening and no intervention.

METHODS

Eighty-two subjects scheduled for TKR were randomly allocated into the strengthening (ST, n = 28) group: a preoperative lower limb strengthening intervention; the strengthening + balance (ST + B, n = 28) group: same intervention augmented with balance training; and the control group (n = 26). The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the function in daily living subscale of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS-ADL) were the primary outcomes. The secondary measures included balance and mobility, self-reported status, and knee function. The outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1 week before surgery, and 2, (primary endpoint), 6 and 52 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

Compared with the controls, the participants in the ST and ST + B groups presented significant improvements from baseline to the end of the preoperative intervention in BBS (p = 0.005) and KOOS-ADL (p < 0.001). At 6 weeks post-surgery, the knee extensor strength values were similar in the two treatment groups and significantly higher than that in the controls. Overall, the participant outcomes in all groups stabilized at 1 year after surgery.

CONCLUSION

A preoperative strengthening intervention, regardless of whether it is complemented with balance training, enhances strength but not balance or functional outcomes at 6 weeks after surgery. Patients are expected to present similar performance at 1 year postoperatively, but adequately statistically powered trials are needed to confirm the findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02995668.

Role of peroxiredoxin 6 in the chondroprotective effects of microvesicles from human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation, low-grade synovitis and subchondral bone alterations. In the damaged joint, there is a progressive increase of oxidative stress leading to disruption of chondrocyte homeostasis. The modulation of oxidative stress could control the expression of inflammatory and catabolic mediators involved in OA. We have previously demonstrated that extracellular vesicles (EVs) present in the secretome of human mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue (AD-MSCs) exert anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic effects in OA chondrocytes. In the current work, we have investigated whether AD-MSC EVs could regulate oxidative stress in OA chondrocytes as well as the possible contribution of peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6).

METHODS

Microvesicles (MV) and exosomes (EX) were isolated from AD-MSC conditioned medium by differential centrifugation with size filtration. The size and concentration of EVs were determined by resistive pulse sensing. OA chondrocytes were isolated from knee articular cartilage of advanced OA patients. 4-Hydroxynonenal adducts, IL-6 and MMP-13 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of Prdx6 and autophagic markers was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Prdx6 was downregulated in AD-MSCs by transfection with a specific siRNA.

RESULTS

MV and to a lesser extent EX significantly reduced the production of oxidative stress in OA chondrocytes stimulated with IL-1β. Treatment with MV resulted in a dramatic upregulation of Prdx6. MV also enhanced the expression of autophagy marker LC3B. We downregulated Prdx6 in AD-MSCs by using a specific siRNA and then MV were isolated. These Prdx6-silenced MV failed to modify oxidative stress and the expression of autophagy markers. We also assessed the possible contribution of Prdx6 to the effects of MV on IL-6 and MMP-13 production. The reduction in the levels of both mediators induced by MV was partly reverted after Prdx6 silencing.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that EVs from AD-MSCs regulate the production of oxidative stress in OA chondrocytes during inflammation. Prdx6 may mediate the antioxidant and protective effects of MV.The translational potential of this article: This study gives insight into the protective properties of EVs from AD-MSCs in OA chondrocytes. Our findings support the development of novel therapies based on EVs to prevent or treat cartilage degradation.

Knee Extensor Muscle Strength Is More Important Than Postural Balance for Stair-Climbing Ability in Elderly Patients with Severe Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease which damages articular cartilage. In its severe stages, it results in impairments in balance and muscle strength loss, which affect daily life activities such as walking or climbing stairs. This study sought to investigate associated factors with stair-climbing ability in this population, with special interest in measuring the relevance of postural balance for this task. Forty-four patients scheduled to undergo unilateral total knee arthroplasty were assessed. Timed up and go test, stair ascent-descent test, three different isometric strength tests (knee flexion, knee extension and hip abduction), active knee extension and flexion range of movement and static postural balance assessment were evaluated. Spearman's correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression analysis determined the strength of association between the different variables and stair-climbing time. No significant association between the stair-climbing time and static balance was found. Significant associations were found between stair-climbing time and timed up and go (r = 0.71; p < 0.0001) and maximal knee extensor strength (r = -0.52; p = 0.0003). One-year increase in age was associated with 0.15 s (95% CI 0.00 to 0.30) slower stair-climbing time. In conclusion, muscle strength is more important than postural balance for stair-climbing ability in this population.

Functional outcome after calcaneus fractures: a comparison between polytrauma patients and isolated fractures

BACKGROUND

Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) can have long-term consequences in terms of foot pain and disability. This injury frequently occurs in the context of polytrauma patients and its influence in long-term functional prognosis is well known. The purpose of this study is to compare the etiology, severity, and functional outcome of the operated DIACFs between polytrauma patients and isolated cases.

METHODS

Eighty-six patients with operated displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures through open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were managed at our institution between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2015. Eighty patients completed the follow-up, nine of them with both calcaneus operated (89 calcaneus) by ORIF with a plate. Two groups were established; one included 11 (14%) polytrauma patients, three of them with operated bilateral calcaneus, and 69 (86%) patients without polytrauma diagnosis. Severity of trauma, injury patterns, psychiatric background, associated fractures, second surgeries and functional questionnaire (adjusted American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society - AOFAS - ankle-hindfoot scale and SF-36) were collected. A detailed comparative statistical analysis is provided.

RESULTS

There was significant statistical relationship between polytrauma patients and those with psychiatric comorbidities, severe trauma or severe injury, but not with second surgeries, later subtalar arthrodesis or outcome measures. Only calcaneal fractures with comminution according to Sanders classification was associated with second surgeries and later subtalar arthrodesis. The AOFAS score was solely related to trauma severity (71.5 vs 77; p = 0.29) and calcaneal fracture's comminution according to Sanders classification (79.4 type II and 79.3 type III vs 69.2 type IV; p = 0.000 and p = 0.008, respectively) and SF-36 score only with trauma severity (67.4 vs 78.1; p = 0.00) and psychiatric comorbidities (62.2 vs 75.8; p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

No differences in outcome measures and second surgeries were found between polytrauma patients and isolated fractures. For DIACFs, the severity of the impact was correlated with a higher number of second surgeries and worse functional outcomes. Following a DIACF, patients with psychiatric comorbidities presented worse health-related quality of life than people without this background.

Mid- to long-term outcome of cementless total hip arthroplasty in younger patients

PURPOSE

To assess mid- to long-term outcomes of cementless primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in younger patients.

METHODS

Records of 28 women and 34 men (75 hips) aged 18 to 55 (mean, 38) years who underwent primary THA using a hydroxyapatite-coated stem and a threaded cup and had been followed up for a mean of 10 (6-15) years were reviewed. 13 of the patients had bilateral THAs. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

After a minimum follow-up of 7 (range, 7-14) years, 12 (16%) of the hips were revised, of which 8 (11%) were for the cup. The causes for revision were late deep infections (n=2), aseptic loosening of the cup (n=4), and polyethylene wear (n=6). No stem was revised for aseptic loosening. Osteolysis was noted in 24 (38%) hips. Of the 63 unrevised hips, the mean Harris Hip Score was 92 (range, 45-100) and the mean D'Aubigne and Postel score was 17 (range, 9-18). The survival of the threaded cup was 88% at 10 years, using revision surgery as the end point. 27 (41%) of the hips showed signs of polyethylene wear; 15 were >2 mm.

CONCLUSION

In younger patients undergoing THA, rates of polyethylene wear and pelvic osteolysis are high, and thus long-term follow-up is crucial.

Long-term outcome of cementless total hip arthroplasty with threaded Tropic® acetabular cup and Corail® femoral stem

This study investigates the clinical and radiological results of a tapered femoral stem (Corail®) and uncemented threaded acetabular cups (Tropic®) and in addition an analysis of the complications and retrieved implants was conducted. Between January 1990 and September 1998, 301 total hips arthroplasties in 268 patients were implanted. 78 patients (87 hips) had died and 9 patients (12 hips) had been lost to follow-up, leaving at the time of the latest follow-up 180 patients (202 hips). The mean age at surgery was 56,1 (27-75) years. Of the 154 unrevised hips, the median Harris and Merle d'Aubigne and Postel hip scores were 83,3 points and 15,3 points respectively at the latest follow-up. The median follow-up time was 16.9 years (10,4-25). No femoral component was revised for aseptic loosening ; osteolysis was observed in the 9,5% of the implants (13 stems). 48 hips (23%) were revised and 27 cups (56,2%) needed revision surgery because of massive polyethylene wear. Pelvic osteolysis was found out in 80 cups (58,8%). 87 hips (63,9%) showed signs of a progressive wear of the liner, more than 2mm in 48 hips. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis at 15 years follow-up was 81.2% with revision for any reason (85.8% for mechanical or radiographic loosening). High rates of polyethylene wear and the high prevalence of pelvic osteolysis are serious matters in these types of implants with high rates of revision at 15 years follow-up so we decided to abandon the concept of a threaded cup design in favor of a press-fit acetabular cup.

The condition of the contralateral knee may induce different degrees of knee extensor strength asymmetry and affect functionality in individuals with unilateral or bilateral osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Loss of knee extensor strength in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) may induce inter-limb strength asymmetries and alter functionality. The aims were to analyse whether the condition of the uninvolved knee (advanced to severe KOA or no affection) may induce different degrees of knee extensor strength asymmetry in individuals with KOA and to study whether functionality may differ in cases of unilateral or bilateral KOA.

METHODS

Sixty-eight subjects with advance-to-severe KOA were categorized into two groups (unilateral or bilateral KOA). The knee extensor strength ratio (KESR), and self-reported and performance-based functionality were analysed and compared. Sex and age were independent factors. One- and two-way analysis of variance assessed for significant between-group differences (95% confidence interval (CI)).

RESULTS

Participants with unilateral KOA presented with 20% knee extensor strength asymmetry. The mean difference with the bilateral KOA group in terms of Knee Extensors Strength Ratio was 0.2 (95% CI 0-0.3; P = 0.021), of the Oxford Knee Scale score was 4.2 (95% CI 3.4-5.1; P = 0.037), and of the Timed Up and Go was 1.3 s (95% CI 0.5-2.2; P > 0.05). There were significant sex and age interactions (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with unilateral or bilateral KOA present with different degrees of knee extensor strength asymmetry. The non-affected knee seems to help to better develop functional tasks in cases of unilateral condition. The findings may help the design of tailored strengthening interventions in which each knee condition in individuals with KOA should be considered.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on a Cancer Fast-Track Programme

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many aspects of clinical practice in oncology, particularly regarding early cancer diagnosis, sparking public health concerns that possible delays could increase the proportion of patients diagnosed at advanced stages. In 2009, a cancer fast-track program (CFP) was implemented at the Clinico-Malvarrosa Health Department in Valencia, Spain with the aim of shortening waiting times between suspected cancer symptoms, diagnosis and therapy initiation.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our cancer diagnosis fast-track program.

METHODS

The program workflow (patients included and time periods) was analysed from the beginning of the state of alarm on March 16th, 2020 until March 15th, 2021. Data was compared with data from the same period of time from the year before (2019).

RESULTS

During the pandemic year, 975 suspected cancer cases were submitted to the CFP. The number of submissions only decreased during times of highest COVID-19 incidence and stricter lockdown, and overall, referrals were slightly higher than in the previous 2 years. Cancer diagnosis was confirmed in 197 (24.1%) cases, among which 33% were urological, 23% breast, 16% gastrointestinal and 9% lung cancer. The median time from referral to specialist appointment was 13 days and diagnosis was reached at a median of 18 days. In confirmed cancer cases, treatment was started at around 30 days from time of diagnosis. In total, 61% of cancer disease was detected at early stage, 20% at locally advanced stage, and 19% at advanced stage, displaying time frames and case proportions similar to pre-pandemic years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our program has been able to maintain normal flow and efficacy despite the challenges of the current pandemic, and has proven a reliable tool to help primary care physicians referring suspected cancer patients.

Osteosarcoma of the Trapezium

Osteogenic sarcoma is a malignant tumor that rarely affects the hand. When it does, it most often involves the phalanges or metacarpal heads. We present the case of a 51-year-old woman with a low-grade osteosarcoma affecting the trapezium bone of her left hand. A total trapeziectomy with partial removal of the first metatarsal, scaphoid, trapezoid, and capitate bones was performed, and no adjuvant therapy was administered. Six years after the intervention, the patient is disease-free, with excellent functionality and yearly imaging tests showing no signs of recurrence.

Ten-year assessment of a cancer fast-track programme to connect primary care with oncology: reducing time from initial symptoms to diagnosis and treatment initiation

BACKGROUND

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Integrating different levels of care by implementing screening programmes, extending diagnostic tools and applying therapeutic advances may increase survival. We implemented a cancer fast-track programme (CFP) to shorten the time between suspected cancer symptoms, diagnosis and therapy initiation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Descriptive data were collected from the 10 years since the CFP was implemented (2009-2019) at the Clinico-Malvarrosa Health Department in Valencia, Spain. General practitioners (GPs), an oncology coordinator and 11 specialists designed guidelines for GP patient referral to the CFP, including criteria for breast, digestive, gynaecological, lung, urological, dermatological, head and neck, and soft tissue cancers. Patients with enlarged lymph nodes and constitutional symptoms were also considered. On identifying patients with suspected cancer, GPs sent a case proposal to the oncology coordinator. If criteria were met, an appointment was quickly made with the patient. We analysed the timeline of each stage of the process.

RESULTS

A total of 4493 suspected cancer cases were submitted to the CFP, of whom 4019 were seen by the corresponding specialist. Cancer was confirmed in 1098 (27.3%) patients: breast cancer in 33%, urological cancers in 22%, gastrointestinal cancer in 19% and lung cancer in 15%. The median time from submission to cancer testing was 11 days, and diagnosis was reached in a median of 19 days. Treatment was started at a median of 34 days from diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study show that the interval from GP patient referral to specialist testing, cancer diagnosis and start of therapy can be reduced. Implementation of the CFP enabled most patients to begin curative intended treatment, and required only minimal resources in our setting.

Chondrocostal grafting for lateral osteochondral injury of the metacarpal head

Osteochondral injuries of the metacarpal head require anatomical restoration to prevent limitations in range of motion and osteoarthritis. Osteochondral bone grafting is a viable option, especially in younger patients. Central injuries allow for different types of grafting, but when the injured area is on the lateral portion of the metacarpal head, the graft must include both a cortical and a cartilaginous portion. We present here the pearls and pitfalls in the surgical technique of chondrocostal grating from the 6th rib and an example of its use within a case of comminuted fracture of the metacarpal head. This technique provides a graft with cortical bone that allows for a stable fixation, with few complications during its harvesting. The graft is viable in the long-term and shows similar magnetic resonance intensities in comparison to hand cartilage.

Ossifying fibroma of long bones in adults: a case report

Ossifying fibroma (osteofibrous dysplasia) is a rare fibro-osseous lesion made up of fibrous tissue with woven bone formation. It is most commonly found in the tibia and fibula of children ten years of age or younger. The most important differential diagnosis is monostotic fibrous dysplasia, which is radiologically similar but without woven bone rimmed by active osteoblasts like ossifying fibroma on histological examination. No epitheloid cells are found as in adamantinoma. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman who had a 12-month history of pain and slight swelling. Radiographs showed a multilocular radiolucent lesion with sclerotic rim in the proximal tibia. The lesion was curetted and the defect was packed with bone graft and acrylic cement. Microscopic examination showed active osteoblasts rimming the irregulary woven bone. One-year follow-up showed good functional recovery without recurrence of the lesion.

[SECOT consensus on medial femorotibial osteoarthritis]

A consensus, prepared by SECOT, is presented on the management of medial knee compartment osteoarthritis, in order to establish clinical criteria and recommendations directed at unifying the criteria in its management, dealing with the factors involved in the pathogenesis of medial femorotibial knee osteoarthritis, the usefulness of diagnostic imaging techniques, and the usefulness of arthroscopy. Conservative and surgical treatments are also analysed. The experts consulted showed a consensus (agreed or disagreed) in 65.8% of the items considered, leaving 14items where no consensus was found, which included the aetiopathogenesis of the osteoarthritis, the value of NMR in degenerative disease, the usefulness of COX-2 and the chondroprotective drugs, as well as on the ideal valgus tibial osteotomy technique.

Fixation of adult femoral neck fractures: Retrospective comparison between cannulated screws and femoral neck system (FNS)

OBJECTIVE

The FNS System DePuy Synthes® (EEUU, 2018) represents a recent alternative treatment for the fixation of femoral neck fractures, providing biomechanical advantages with respect to cannulated screws (3 CS). The objective of this study is to compare the clinical results of both fixation methods.

METHOD

A retrospective collection of the 36 subcapital fractures treated with the FNS system was carried out compared with a retrospective search of the last 35 patients treated with 3 CS. Age, sex, fracture pattern, delay until the intervention, length of intervention, hospital length stay, and haemoglobin loss were analyzed. In addition, the rate of avascular necrosis, nonunion, symptomatic femoral neck shortening, and material protrusion with or without its removal were recorded during a minimum follow-up of 6 months.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in age (p-value 0.32), fracture patterns (p-value 0.77), surgical delay (p-value 0.28), surgical time (p-value 0.226), length of hospital stay (p-value 0.921) and blood loss (p-value 0.086) between the two groups. A significantly higher overall complication rate was observed in the group treated with cannulated screws (p-value 0.004). Analysed separately, a higher rate of avascular necrosis, symptomatic shortening of the femoral neck, protrusion of the osteosynthesis material with or without removal was observed in the group treated with cannulated screws.

CONCLUSIONS

The FNS system represents a safe and reproductible alternative for the fixation of femoral neck fractures, showing non-inferior outcomes to treatment with cannulated screws.

New Insights into the Pro-Inflammatory and Osteoclastogenic Profile of Circulating Monocytes in Osteoarthritis Patients

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition of the articular cartilage with chronic low-grade inflammation. Monocytes have a fundamental role in the progression of OA, given their implication in inflammatory responses and their capacity to differentiate into bone-resorbing osteoclasts (OCLs). This observational-experimental study attempted to better understand the molecular pathogenesis of OA through the examination of osteoclast progenitor (OCP) cells from both OA patients and healthy individuals (25 OA patients and healthy samples). The expression of osteoclastogenic and inflammatory genes was analyzed using RT-PCR. The OA monocytes expressed significantly higher levels of CD16, CD115, TLR2, Mincle, Dentin-1, and CCR2 mRNAs. Moreover, a flow cytometry analysis showed a significantly higher surface expression of the CD16 and CD115 receptors in OA vs. healthy monocytes, as well as a difference in the distribution of monocyte subsets. Additionally, the OA monocytes showed a greater osteoclast differentiation capacity and an enhanced response to an inflammatory stimulus. The results of this study demonstrate the existence of significant differences between the OCPs of OA patients and those of healthy subjects. These differences could contribute to a greater understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of OA and to the identification of new biomarkers and potential drug targets for OA.

Impact on Quality of Life of Full-time and Night-time Braces in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect on quality of life of night-time (NT) and full-time (FT) brace treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Conservative treatment of AIS with FT braces has proven to prevent the risk of progression and the need for surgery, with an inversely proportional relationship to the number of hours worn. However, therapeutic adherence and its effect on quality of life continue to pose a clinical challenge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Open-label clinical trial including AIS patients with curves between 25 and 45° randomized to either NT or FT brace group. Follow-up occurred over 2 years, assessing treatment efficacy through radiographs and quality of life using SRS-22 and visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire scores at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Compliance was monitored with thermal sensors every 3 months. Statistical analyses were conducted, with significance set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight AIS patients, predominantly females (85.9%), were recruited, including 35 (44.87%) in the FT group and 43 (55.13%) in the NT. Initial Cobb angles were comparable between groups. Nine patients were excluded, and eight required surgery (NT 12.82%, FT 10%). After 2 years, both braces showed similar effectiveness in preventing curve progression. No differences in SRS-22 nor VAS scores were found before treatment. At 6-month follow-up, the NT group reported significantly better outcomes in "self-image" compared with FT ( P =0.047). After 1 year, NT patients reported less pain compared with baseline ( P =0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, both braces are equally effective in avoiding the progression of the deformity and need for surgery. However, FT brace has a higher impact on self-image and pain compared with NT brace.

Acute Effects of In-Hospital Resistance Training on Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to evaluate the acute responses, in the in-hospital setting, of intensive elastic resistance training on physical function, pain, psychosocial variables, and inflammatory markers in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

DESIGN

In a randomized controlled trial, 40 patients with total knee arthroplasty (≥55 yrs) were assigned to either (1) the intervention group (elastic resistance strengthening) or (2) a control group (conventional protocol). Patients performed three sessions in the hospital at 24, 48, and 72 hrs after total knee arthroplasty. Outcome measures included: self-administered physical function, pain intensity, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, range of motion, perceived change, test timed up and go, knee joint effusion, isometric strength, pressure pain thresholds, and inflammatory markers (levels of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein).

RESULTS

The mixed analysis of variance model showed a significant group*time interaction in favor of the intervention group with a large effect size for kinesiophobia (ηp 2 = 0.308, P < 0.001), catastrophizing (ηp 2 = 0.242, P < 0.001), and passive range of motion flexion (ηp 2 = 0.167, P < 0.001) and a moderate effect size for physical function (ηp 2 = 0.103, P = 0.004), pain intensity (ηp 2 = 0.139, P < 0.001), timed up and go (ηp 2 = 0.132, P = 0.001), self-efficacy (ηp 2 = 0.074, P = 0.016), active range of motion flexion (ηp 2 = 0.121, P = 0.002), levels of procalcitonin (ηp 2 = 0.099, P = 0.005), and C-reactive protein (ηp 2 = 0.106, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Three sessions of intensive elastic resistance training improve physical function, perceived pain, psychosocial variables, and inflammatory markers during the hospitalization period after total knee arthroplasty.

Fall classification, incidence and circumstances in patients undergoing total knee replacement

To propose a fall-classification framework for patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR). In addition, we reinforced the available evidence on fall incidence and circumstances and compared the characteristics of fallers versus. nonfallers. Retrospective and prospective data were collected from 253 subjects with severe knee osteoarthritis who were waiting for primary TKR. Falls were classified considering the location of the destabilizing force, source of destabilization and fall precipitating factor. Fall incidence and circumstances were described; the characteristics of fallers and nonfallers in terms of functional and balance performance were compared with F-tests (95% CI). The fall incidence before surgery was 40.3% (95% CI 34.2% to 46.6%). This figure decreased to 13.1% (95% CI 9.2% to 18.0%) and to 23.4% (95% CI 17.8% to 29.6%) at 6 and 12 months after surgery, respectively. Most falls were caused by destabilizations in the base of support (n = 102, 72%) and were due to extrinsic factors (n = 78, 76%) and trip patterns. Significant differences between fallers and nonfallers were found in knee extensor strength and monopodal stability in the surgical limb (p < 0.05). Falls are prevalent in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis. Symptoms and functional performance improve after surgery, and fall incidence is reduced. Most fall events originate from disruptions in the base of support and are precipitated by extrinsic factors, generally trips during walking activities.