What's new in orthopaedic research

Advancing regenerative surgery in orthopaedic sports medicine: the critical role of the surgeon

The constant desire to improve outcomes in orthopaedic sports medicine requires us to continuously consider the challenges faced in the surgical repair or reconstruction of soft tissue and cartilaginous injury. In many cases, surgical efforts targeted at restoring normal anatomy and functional status are ultimately impaired by the biological aspect of the natural history of these injuries, which acts as an obstacle to a satisfactory repair process after surgery. The clinical management of sports injuries and the delivery of appropriate surgical intervention are continuously evolving, and it is likely that the principles of regenerative medicine will have an increasing effect in this specialized field of orthopaedic practice going forward. Ongoing advances in arthroscopy and related surgical techniques should facilitate this process. In contrast to the concept of engineered replacement of entire tissues, it is probable that the earliest effect of regenerative strategies seen in clinical practice will involve biological augmentation of current operative techniques via a synergistic process that might be best considered "regenerative surgery." This article provides an overview of the principles of regenerative surgery in cartilage repair and related areas of orthopaedic surgery sports medicine. The possibilities and challenges of a gradual yet potential paradigm shift in treatment through the increased use of biological augmentation are considered. The translational process and critical role to be played by the specialist surgeon are also addressed. We conclude that increased understanding of the potential and challenges of regenerative surgery should allow those specializing in orthopaedic surgery sports medicine to lead the way in advancing the frontiers of biological strategies to enhance modern clinical care in an evidence-based manner.

Translation of science to surgery

Orthopaedic surgery is in an exciting transitional period as modern surgical interventions, implants and scientific developments are providing new therapeutic options. As advances in basic science and technology improve our understanding of the pathology and repair of musculoskeletal tissue, traditional operations may be replaced by newer, less invasive procedures which are more appropriately targeted at the underlying pathophysiology. However, evidence-based practice will remain a basic requirement of care. Orthopaedic surgeons can and should remain at the forefront of the development of novel therapeutic interventions and their application. Progression of the potential of bench research into an improved array of orthopaedic treatments in an effective yet safe manner will require the development of a subgroup of specialists with extended training in research to play an important role in bridging the gap between laboratory science and clinical practice. International regulations regarding the introduction of new biological treatments will place an additional burden on the mechanisms of this translational process, and orthopaedic surgeons who are trained in science, surgery and the regulatory environment will be essential. Training and supporting individuals with these skills requires special consideration and discussion by the orthopaedic community.

In this paper we review some traditional approaches to the integration of orthopaedic science and surgery, the therapeutic potential of current regenerative biomedical science for cartilage repair and ways in which we may develop surgeons with the skills required to translate scientific discovery into effective and properly assessed orthopaedic treatments.

Prophylactic bilateral intramedullary femoral nails for bisphosphonate-associated signs of impending subtrochanteric hip fracture

In the short and midterm, bisphosphonates have proven highly efficacious in the prevention of low-energy fractures, but long-term results and adverse effects have yet to be definitively identified. Of particular concern are emerging reports of long-term bisphosphonate users presenting with unusual low-energy subtrochanteric femur fractures. Perhaps associated with hyperactive bone remodeling leading to an eventually weakened bony architecture, the efficacy of longer-term bisphosphonate use has come into question, especially in those with >5 years of therapy.This article describes a case of a 65-year-old woman with a 10-year history of bisphosphonate use who presented with prodromal thigh pain and characteristic radiographic findings indicative of potential impending subtrochanteric insufficiency fracture. Supported by reports in the literature, unique characteristics of a certain clinical picture warn of potential bisphosphonate-associated subtrochanteric hip fracture; to our knowledge, we present the first reported prophylactic bilateral femoral intramedullary nailing to prevent fragility fracture. A deeper look into the biochemistry behind associated bony weakness caused by long-term incorporation of bisphosphonates is needed, especially if an endpoint to the therapy is to be determined. However, with mounting clinical evidence supporting the risk of bisphosphonate-associated fragility fracture, a characteristic radiographic appearance and clinical presentation cannot be ignored. In the interim, elective surgery may be an efficacious alternative in the treatment of an expected, readily preventable fracture.

Global musculoskeletal health: inaugural meeting of the International Society of Orthopaedic Centers

The International Society of Orthopaedic Centers (ISOC) was founded in 2006 to function as a think tank for leading international orthopaedic academic centers. ISOC's mission is to facilitate the exchange of ideas and cutting edge practices among these centers and to work together on patient care, education, and research in order to make global improvements in orthopaedic care. The inaugural meeting, hosted by Hospital for Special Surgery on May 17-19, 2007, is described here.