Yishen Tongbi decoction attenuates inflammation and bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis by regulating JAK/STAT3/SOCS3 pathway.

Background: Yishen-Tongbi Decoction (YSTB), a traditional Chinese prescription, has been used to improve syndromes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for many years. Previous research has shown that YSTB has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the anti-RA effects of YSTB remains unclear. Purpose and study design: The purpose of this research was to investigate how YSTB affected mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and RAW264.7 cells induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Results: The findings show that YSTB could significantly improve the clinical arthritic symptoms of CIA mice (mitigate paw swelling, arthritis score, thymus and spleen indices, augment body weight), downregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6 and IL-17, while upregulated the level of anti-inflammatory like IL-10 and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß). Meanwhile, YSTB inhibits bone erosion and reduces inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial proliferation, and joint destruction in CIA mice. In addition, we found that YSTB was able to suppress the LPS-induced inflammation of RAW264.7 cells, which was ascribed to the suppression of nitric oxide (NO) production and reactive oxygen species formation (ROS). YSTB also inhibited the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase and reduced the releases of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, the phosphorylation expression of JAK2, JAK3, STAT3, p38, ERK and p65 protein could be suppressed by YSTB, while the expression of SOCS3 could be activated. Conclusion: Taken together, YSTB possesses anti-inflammatory and prevention bone destruction effects in RA disease by regulating the JAK/STAT3/SOCS3 signaling pathway.

Acetabular Labral Repair and Selective Labral Debridement Show No Significant Difference in Clinical Outcomes at a Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of arthroscopic labral repair using looped type suture with a matched-pair selective labral debridement with a minimum 2-years follow-up. METHODS: We identified 378 patients undergoing primary arthroscopic labral repair using loop-suture and selective labral debridement from January 2, 2018, to December 28, 2020. The labral repair group was matched 1:1 to a selective labral debridement control group by age, sex, body mass index, follow-up period, lateral center-edge angle, Tönnis grade, and preoperative joint space. Before surgery, 3-Tesla radial magnetic resonance imaging with a 3-dimensional double-echo steady-state sequence was obtained following failed nonoperative treatment lasting more than 3 months. Follow-up imaging was conducted at a minimum of 2 years. In both groups, the ratio of positive slices in which a disrupted chondrolabral junction was observed between the 2 o'clock and 11 o'clock positions was measured. Patient-reported outcome scores included the Harris Hip Score, visual analog score, Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living Subscale, and Hip Outcome Score of Sport-Specific Subscale. RESULTS: In total, 76 patients of the repair group were matched to 76 controls with a minimum 2-years follow-up (repair vs control: 2.6 ± 0.4 vs 2.6 ± 0.4 years, P = .775). The repair group experienced a 2-fold improvement (0.6 ± 0.1 to 0.3 ± 0.1, P＜.001). Although the selective debridement group experienced a 3-fold improvement (0.3 ± 0.1 to 0.1 ± 0.1, P＜.001). Significant improvement of the patient-reported outcome was shown in both groups at final follow-up without significant difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The mid-term clinical outcomes are comparable between the labral repair using looped type suture and selective labral debridement group. Although a gap between the labrum and articular cartilage may appear in 3-dimensional double-echo steady-state magnetic resonance imaging results after labral repair, it does not correspond with clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Tissue Regrowth and Its Vascularization Through Bone Marrow Stimulation: Microfracture at the Acetabular Rim for Irreparable Labral Tear in a Porcine Model.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of irreparable acetabular labral tear remains a great challenge. Whether fibrocartilage-like tissue can regrow with sufficient volume to fill the labral defect area through bone marrow stimulation remains unknown. PURPOSE: To characterize the healing process and vascularization course of the regrown tissue after microfracture at the acetabular rim for irreparable labral tears in a porcine model. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Twelve pigs randomly underwent unilateral microfracture at the acetabular rim after the resection of a 10 mm-long section of labrum from 10 to 1 o'clock. Pigs were randomly sacrificed at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. The regrown tissues were harvested for macroscopic evaluation and histologic assessment. The regrown tissue was zoned into 2 halves to observe the vascular distribution: the capsular half (zone I) and the articular half (zone II). Each zone was divided into 2 parts: the peripheral part (IA and IIA) and the part attached to the acetabulum (IB and IIB). RESULTS: At 6 weeks, all regrown tissue was hypotrophic with <50% filling of the labral defect. Fibrochondrocytes were concentrated at the interface between the acetabulum and the regrown tissue. The vascularization was equal among each part within the regrown tissue. As compared with regrown tissue at 12 weeks, proteoglycan and collagen type 1 and 2 were more evident within the regrown tissue at 6 weeks. At 12 weeks, tissue disintegration occurred in all regrown tissue with <25% filling of the labral defect area. The vascular structure could barely be observed, with few fibrochondrocytes found at the area adjacent to the acetabulum. CONCLUSION: Fibrocartilage-like tissue did regrow with well-distributed vascular ingrowth of each part of the regrown tissue through bone marrow stimulation at the early stage. However, insufficient volume of the regrown tissue led to loss of the hip suction seal and subsequent tissue disintegration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Microfracture at the rim of the acetabulum alone could not restore the morphology and function of the acetabular labrum. Nonetheless, microfracture at the acetabular rim might be a viable adjunct to labral reconstruction, as the well-distributed vascularization through bone marrow stimulation might overcome the obstacle of poor vascular ingrowth of the articular half of the autograft.

Tissue Integration and Chondroprotective Potential of Acetabular Labral Augmentation with Autograft Tendon: Study of a Porcine Model.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the tissue healing process and changes in articular cartilage following acetabular labral augmentation in a porcine model. METHODS: The labrum was resected unilaterally from 10 o'clock to 1 o'clock on the capsular side in 36 pigs. Eighteen pigs underwent labral augmentation (AUG group) using autologous Achilles tendon. No additional procedures were performed in the remaining pigs (control group). The pigs were killed at 6, 12, or 24 weeks postoperatively for histological assessment and measurement of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in synovial fluid. RESULTS: All autografts were well placed in the labral defect in the AUG group, and good integration of the autograft with the remnant chondrolabral junction was observed at 24 weeks; only scar tissue was observed in the control group at 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Fibrochondrocytes were concentrated at the transition between the autograft and native labrum at early time points, and the cells within the autograft labrum were predominantly fibrochondrocytes at 24 weeks. Rough and irregular articular cartilage surfaces were observed in 3 of the 6 samples in the AUG group at 24 weeks; the others appeared smooth. Focal cartilage erosion (predominantly in the acetabulum) occurred in all samples in the control group at 12 and 24 weeks. The Mankin score at 24 weeks was significantly lower in the AUG group than in the control group (mean [95% confidence interval]: 2.33 [1.06 to 3.6] versus 9 [8.06 to 9.94], p < 0.001). Likewise, the concentrations of all cytokines (in pg/mL) were significantly lower in the AUG group than in the control group at 24 weeks (IL-6: 166.6 [155.22 to 177.94] versus 245.9 [242.66 to 249.14], p < 0.001; IL-1ß: 122.1 [116.4 to 127.83] versus 282.9 [280.29 to 285.51], p < 0.001; and TNF-α: 56.22 [53.15 to 59.29] versus 135 [131.66 to 138.24], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Autograft tendon used for labral augmentation was able to integrate well with the native labrum, which may help to preserve the articular cartilage. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Labral augmentation with autograft tendon may be a feasible option in cases of viable labral remnants.

The Vascularization Course of Labral Autograft and Its Effect on Tissue Healing: Acetabular Labral Augmentation Versus Labral Reconstruction in a Porcine Model.

BACKGROUND: The preservation of the native labral vascularization is assumed to be the potential advantage of acetabular labral augmentation, the effect of which remains unknown. PURPOSE: To identify the vascular distribution within the labral autograft and its effect on the healing process between labral augmentation (AUG) and reconstruction (RECON) in a porcine model. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A total of 36 pigs randomly underwent unilateral labral augmentation or reconstruction (AUG group, n = 18; RECON group, n = 18). The pigs were randomly sacrificed at 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. The labral autografts were harvested for macroscopic evaluation and histologic assessment. The labral autograft was zoned into 2 halves to observe the vascular distribution: the capsular half (zone I) and the articular half (zone II). Each zone was divided into 2 parts: the peripheral part (IA and IIA) and the part attached to the acetabulum (IB and IIB). RESULTS: At 6 weeks, there existed more vascular ingrowth in zone I, whereas zone IIB appeared nearly avascular in both groups. At 12 weeks, the area with the greatest vascularity was zone II in the RECON group and zone IA in the AUG group. The vascularity was concentrated at zones IA and IIA in both groups at 24 weeks. The labral autografts were hypertrophic with sufficient filling of the labral defect in both groups at 6 weeks. At 12 weeks, an insufficient volume of the articular half was observed in 3 of 6 labral autografts in the RECON group, while all autografts remained well integrated with the chondrolabral junction in the AUG group. At 24 weeks, unsatisfactory merging of the labral autograft with the cartilage at the articular side was found in 2 of 6 labral autografts in the RECON group, which was not observed in the AUG group despite the sufficient volume of autografts labrum in both groups. CONCLUSION: Slow vascular ingrowth within the articular half might account for the poor healing of the reconstructed labral autograft. Labral augmentation provides the possibility of better tissue healing because of the preservation of the original chondrolabral junction compared with labral reconstruction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Labral augmentation might be a feasible alternative to labral reconstruction under the condition of viable labral remnants.

Postoperative management of spontaneous pneumothorax in arthroscopic shoulder superior capsular reconstruction: A case report and review of literature.

Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction is an innovative technique for the irreparable rotator cuff tears, but spontaneous pneumothorax after surgery is very rare. The present case was a 66-year-old female with irreparable rotator cuff tears of the right shoulder, treated with the arthroscopic shoulder superior capsular reconstruction. The general anesthesia and operation went smoothly, but the patient experienced stuffiness in the chest and shortness of breath after recovery from anesthesia. Thoracic CT scans showed spontaneous pneumothorax in the right side, which was successfully treated by the conservative treatments (oxygen therapy) according to multidisciplinary team. Prompt and accurate early-stage diagnosis is necessary in controlling postoperative complications and standardized treatment is the key to relieve the suffering. Spontaneous pneumothorax after arthroscopic shoulder surgery has been rarely reported in previous literatures.

Mixed bacterial-fungal infection following total hip arthroplasty: A case report.

Prosthetic infection is one of the severe postoperative complications of arthroplasty. Mixed bacterial-fungal prosthetic infection is rare but can be disastrous. This case was a 76-year-old female suffered from prosthetic infection following total hip replacement due to femoral neck fracture and underwent multiple debridements. The culture of periprosthetic tissue was bacteriologically sterile following the first debridement, while the Staphylococcus hominis was identified in the second debridement in the previous hospitalization where fungal infection had not been considered. Thus the pathogen spectrum of anti-infection therapy failed to contain fungus. Ultimately, the culture result of our sampled periprosthetic tissue during the third debridement was Candida albicans without bacterium in our hospital. The fungal prosthetic infection was successfully treated by a two-stage revision with antifungal drugs. Accurate diagnosis and standardized treatment is the key to the therapy of infection after hip arthroplasty, especially for mixed bacterial-fungal prosthetic infection.

Identification of Candidate Genes Related to Synovial Macrophages in Rheumatoid Arthritis by Bioinformatics Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis worldwide. However, the genes and pathways associated with macrophages from synovial fluids in RA patients still remain unclear. This study aims to screen and verify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to identifying candidate genes related to synovial macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis by bioinformatics analysis. METHODS: We searched the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and GSE97779 and GSE10500 with synovial macrophages expression profiling from multiple RA microarray dataset were selected to conduct a systematic analysis. GSE97779 included nine macrophage samples from synovial fluids of RA patients and five macrophage samples from primary human blood of HC. GSE10500 included five macrophage samples from synovial fluids of RA patients and three macrophage samples from primary human blood of HC. Functional annotation of DEGs was performed, including Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was established using the STRING database. CytoHubba was used to identify hub genes. MCODE was used to determine gene clusters in the interactive network. RESULTS: There were 2638 DEGs (1425 upregulated genes and 1213 downregulated ones) and 889 DEGs (438 upregulated genes and 451 downregulated ones) selected from GSE97779 and GSE10500, respectively. Venn diagrams showed that 173 genes were upregulated and 106 downregulated in both two datasets. The top 10 hub genes, including FN1, VEGFA, HGF, SERPINA1, MMP9, PPBP, CD44, FPR2, IGF1, and ITGAM, were identified using the PPI network. CONCLUSION: This study provides new insights for the potential biomarkers and the relevant molecular mechanisms in RA patients. Our findings suggest that the 10 candidate genes might be used in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of RA in the future. However, further studies are required to confirm the expression of these genes in synovial macrophages in RA and control specimen.

Microfracture of Acetabular Rim After Segmental Labral Resection to Restore the Morphology and Function of Labrum: A Retrospective Study of More than 2 Years Follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the clinical outcome of patients undergoing combined arthroscopic treatment of labral resection and microfracture at the rim of acetabulum at a minimum 2-year follow-up. METHODS: The retrospective study included 38 patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for irreparable labral injury from 24 February 2014 to 26 February 2018. Thirteen patients were excluded owing to patient refusal of participation and concomitant diseases like synovial chondromatosis and dysplasia hip. The study group consisted of patients undergoing combined arthroscopic labral resection and microfracture at the rim of acetabulum (MICRO Group: 20 patients), arthroscopic labral resection alone (RESEC Group: five patients). Postoperative three-dimensional (3D) double-echo steady-state (DESS) sequence with radial imaging at 3 Tesla were obtained and fluoroscopic image of the involved hip under distraction were used to observe the restoration of vacuum effect. Patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) including the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Visual Analogue Score (VAS), Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living Subscale (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS) were collected and compared between two groups. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for at least 6 months. The follow-up time of RESEC group is longer than MICRO group (46.6 months vs 23.9 months, P < 0.05). The 3D DESS imaging demonstrated intermediate signal intensity at the relative area where the labrum resected followed by microfracture at the acetabular rim in MICRO group. Meanwhile, regrowth of labrum-like tissue was not observed in MRI imaging of the RESEC group. Furthermore, vacuum effect was more apparent in MICRO group compared with RESEC group. All PROs in both groups showed a statistically significant improvement at follow-up compared with preoperative levels. RESEC group: HHS (73.0 vs 93.8, P < 0.05); HOS-ADL (51.5 vs 89.1, P < 0.05); HOS-SSS (47.8 vs 88.3, P < 0.05); VAS (6.4 vs 2.0, P < 0.05). MICRO group: HHS (70.5 vs 91.5, P < 0.05); HOS-ADL (52.4 vs 87.0, P < 0.05); HOS-SSS (48.1 vs 86.5, P < 0.05); VAS (6.3 vs 1.6, P < 0.05). One patient of MICRO group had transient neurapraxias of the pudendal nerve that resolved completely by 3 months. There showed no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the preoperative and postoperative PROs. CONCLUSION: Compared to labral resection, combined arthroscopic labral resection and microfracture at the rim of acetabulum is able to fulfill the labral defect area with the potential to restore the seal effect of labrum as an effective and safe option for irreparable segmental labral tears.

Chloroquine and Rapamycin Augment Interleukin-37 Expression via the LC3, ERK, and AP-1 Axis in the Presence of Lipopolysaccharides.

IL-37 is a cytokine that plays critical protective roles in many metabolic inflammatory diseases, and its therapeutic potential has been confirmed by exogenous IL-37 administration. However, its regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. U937 cells were treated with autophagy-modifying reagents (3-MA, chloroquine, and rapamycin) with or without LPS stimulation. Thereafter, IL-37 expression and autophagic markers (Beclin1, P62/SQSTM1, and LC3) were determined. For regulatory signal pathways, phosphorylated proteins of NF-κB (p65 and IκBα), AP-1 (c-Fos/c-Jun), and MAPK signal pathways (Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK) were quantified, and the agonists and antagonists of MAPK and NF-κB pathways were also used. Healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated similarly to confirm our results. Four rhesus monkeys were also administered chloroquine to evaluate IL-37 induction in vivo and its bioactivity on CD4 proliferation and activation. IL-37 was upregulated by rapamycin and chloroquine in both U937 cells and human PBMCs in the presence of LPS. IL-37 was preferentially induced in autophagic cells associated with LC3 conversion. AP-1 and p65 binding motifs could be deduced in the sequence of the IL-37 promoter. Inductive IL-37 expression was accompanied with increased phosphorylated Erk1/2 and AP-1 and could be completely abolished by an Erk1/2 inhibitor or augmented by Erk1/2 agonists. In monkeys, chloroquine increased IL-37 expression, which was inversely correlated with CD4 proliferation and phosphorylated STAT3. IL-37 levels were induced by rapamycin and chloroquine through the LC3, Erk1/2, and NF-κB/AP-1 pathways. Functional IL-37 could also be induced in vivo.

Diagnosis and treatment of labral tear.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding diagnosis and treatment of labral tear. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was performed in PubMed using various search terms and their combinations including hip, labrum, acetabular labral tear, arthroscopy, diagnosis, and anatomy. STUDY SELECTION: For each included study, information regarding anatomy, function, etiology, diagnosis, and management of acetabular labral tear was extracted. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty abstracts about anatomy, function, etiology, diagnosis, and management of acetabular labral tear were reviewed and 66 selected for full-text review. The mechanism of labral tear has been well explained while the long-term outcomes of various treatment remains unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Labral tear is generally secondary to femoroacetabular impingement, trauma, dysplasia, capsular laxity, and degeneration. Patients with labral tear complain about anterior hip or groin pain most commonly with a most consistent physical examination called positive anterior hip impingement test. Magnetic resonance arthrography is a reliable radiographic examination with arthroscopy being the gold standard. Conservative treatment consists of rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, pain medications, modification of activities, physical therapy, and intra-articular injection. When fail to respond to conservative treatment, surgical treatment including labral debridement, labral repair, and labral reconstruction is often indicated.

Hemi-arthroplasty performed in a 109-year-old patient with intertrochanteric fracture: A case report.

The mortality of conservative treatment and the risk resulting from operation for elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures are high. Safety in the perioperative period and quicker recovery should be placed at the top priority for elderly patients with hip fractures. We reported a case of 109-year-old female patient with intertrochanteric fracture who has undergone the hemiarthroplasty in our center recently. With sciatic nerve and lateral cutaneous nerve block anesthesia, she was offered the artificial femoral head replacement in the lumbar plexus block after sufficient preoperative preparation. The surgery went well with minimally invasive cut, and the patient's recovery was satisfactory.

Total hip arthroplasty for patients with Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip: Ten years results.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the rate of union, functional results and complications in patients with Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) who underwent cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) with S-ROM prostheses and subtrochanteric transverse shortening osteotomy. METHODS: Forty-five patients (52 hips) operated between January 2005 and May 2008, with a mean age of 40.6 years at surgery were followed. The mean follow-up period was 9.8 years. Clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Osteotomy union occurred in 52 of 52 femurs (100%). Mean Harris hip score improved from 33.7 ± 4.7 preoperatively to 81.2 ± 6.3, 90.8 ± 5.3 and 89.8 ± 7.1 at 1, 5 and 10 years postoperatively. Two patients had temporary sciatic nerve paralysis postoperatively, and 2 patients experienced early postoperative dislocation. Two patients complained about mild longer limb length than the non-operated limb at the last follow-up. Three hips showed osteolysis in Gruen zone 1, and 1 hip showed osteolysis in zone 1 and 7. No implants were revised, and no signs of component loosening and migration were observed at the last follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: S-ROM stem combined with transverse subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy in THA for patients with Crowe type IV DDH has good clinical results with small risk of complications.

[Correlation research on the expression of FcgammaR II b on B cells and rheumatoid arthritis patients of Shen deficiency syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between the expression of Fcgamma receptor II b (FcgammaRII b) on B cells and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients of Shen deficiency syndrome (SDS). METHODS: There were 43 RA patients, including 26 of SDS and 17 of non-SDS. The expression levels of FcgammaRII b on naive B cells, memory B cells, and plasma blasts in the peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry. The numbers of tender joints, numbers of swollen joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), and disease activity score (DAS28), the correlation between the distribution of B cells and the expression level of FcgammaRII b in RA patients were analyzed. Besides, another 21 healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group. RESULTS: The expression level of FcgammaRII b was 49.65% +/- 15.86% on memory B cells and 43.69% +/- 22.57% on plasma blasts in RA patients of SDS, significantly down-regulated when compared with those of the control group (64.03% +/- 6.01%, 66.59% +/- 10.18%, P < 0.01). The expression level of FcgammaRII b on memory B cells of RA patients of non-SDS was down-regulated more obviously when compared with that of the control group (52.70% +/- 9.52% versus 64.03% +/- 6.01%, P < 0.01). The expression level of FcgammaRII b on plasma blasts was obviously lower in RA patients of SDS than in RA patients of non-SDS (56.10% +/- 17.05%, P < 0.05). The expression level of FcgammaRII b on memory B cells was not correlated with numbers of tender joints, numbers of swollen joints, ESR, RF, or DAS28. CONCLUSIONS: The defective immunological tolerance of B cells in RA patients of SDS might be closely correlated with down-regulation of FcgammaRII b on memory B cells and plasma blasts. There might exist genetic abnormality of FcgammaRII b gene in RA patients of SDS, thus inducing loss of autoimmunity tolerance.

[Knee arthroscopic resection of articular capsule valvular treat popliteal cysts].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospective study the results of arthroscopic resection of articular capsule valvular treated popliteal cysts and examined the incidence of complication. METHODS: From July 2007 to July 2010, 45 patients with symptomatic popliteal cysts such as knee pain and limitation of motion were treated with arthroscopic technique to resect the connecting valvular mechanism at posteromedial compartment of articular capsule. Through the posteromedial viewing portal and cyst resection working portal, resected the valvular mechanism by shaver and plasma cutter, associated intra-articular pathology was treated simultaneously. The functional outcome was evaluated by employed Rauschning and Lindgren score before the surgery and the last follow-up. By using of Wilcoxon rank sum test to statistics analyze the clinic outcome. RESULT: In all cases, 40 patients were found the associated intra-articular pathology, the incidence was 88.9%.The intra-articular pathology was medial meniscus tear (27 cases, 60.0%), lateral meniscus tear (20 cases, 44.4%), cartilage lesion (28 cases, 62.2%), which composed with patellofemoral joint (12 cases, 26.7%),medial condyles of femur (10 cases, 22.2%),lateral condyles of femur (6 cases, 13.3%). The anterior cruciate ligment injury was found in 2 cases, the incidence was 4.4%. All the patients achieved symptoms relief postoperative, such as posterior knee discomfort and swelling after activities.The Rauschning and Lindgren score was improved 1-2 grade in average (Z = -6.092, P = 0.00). The recurrence rate was 2.2%. All the incision healed good. No major complications were encountered such as saphenous nerve, great saphenous vein, blood vessel in popliteal injury. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic resection of articular capsule valvular treatment of popliteal cyst and treatment of associated intra-articular pathology are effective and safe. This surgery technique has more minimally trauma and lower recurrence rate.The clinic results in short term are excellent.

[Correlation study of auto-immune antibodies and rheumatoid arthritis patients of Shen deficiency syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between auto-immune antibodies and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients of Shen deficiency syndrome (SDS), thus providing clinical evidence for further researches on molecular biological mechanisms of RA patients of SDS. METHODS: Totally 451 RA patients were assigned to the SDS group and the non-SDS group. Their general conditions (including gender, age, duration, and age of onset), C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), platelet (PLT), disease activities (DAS28), auto-antibodies [rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP antibodies, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA)] were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: (1) The scores for EST, PLT, and DAS28 were obviously higher in the SDS group than in the non-SDS group (P < 0.05, P <0. 01). (2) The level of average RF was (697.32 +/-1 061.38 IU/mL) in the SDS group, higher than that in the non-SDS group (439.91 +/- 672.24 IU/mL, P <0.01). There was no statistical difference in anti-CCP antibody between the two groups (P >0.05).(3) The ANA positive rate of RA patients was 29. 63% (120/405). It was 37.19% (74/199) in RA patients of SDS and 22. 33% (46/206) in RA patients of non-SDS, showing statistical difference between the two groups (P <0.01). (4) The odds ratio for high level RF positive and ANA positive was 1. 574 and 2. 059 folds in RA patients of SDS as high as that in RA patients of non-SDS. CONCLUSIONS: RA patients of SDS would have higher risk of having auto-immune antibodies, fastened development, more worsen joint damage, and more poor prognosis. Its mechanisms might be closely associated with autoimmune tolerance.

A three-dimensional finite element model for biomechanical analysis of the hip.

The objective of this study was to construct a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of the hip. The images of the hip were obtained from Chinese visible human dataset. The hip model includes acetabular bone, cartilage, labrum, and bone. The cartilage of femoral head was constructed using the AutoCAD and Solidworks software. The hip model was imported into ABAQUS analysis system. The contact surface of the hip joint was meshed. To verify the model, the single leg peak force was loaded, and contact area of the cartilage and labrum of the hip and pressure distribution in these structures were observed. The constructed 3D hip model reflected the real hip anatomy. Further, this model reflected biomechanical behavior similar to previous studies. In conclusion, this 3D finite element hip model avoids the disadvantages of other construction methods, such as imprecision of cartilage construction and the absence of labrum. Further, it provides basic data critical for accurately modeling normal and abnormal loads, and the effects of abnormal loads on the hip.

Ulnar lengthening using a half-ring sulcated external fixator for ulnar longitudinal deficiency: a case report.

Ulnar longitudinal deficiency (ULD) is a rare condition of the upper limbs. Although radius lengthening for radial longitudinal deficiencies (RLD) was found to be successful, no ulnar lengthening for ULD without RLD and hand deformities has been reported. Herein, we present a Bayne type II ULD case report of the ulnar lengthening and gradual reduction of the dislocated radial head in an 11-year-old boy using a half-ring sulcated external fixator. For ulnar lengthening/radial longitudinal traction for radial head reduction, transverse osteotomy in mid ulna was performed and half-ring sulcated external fixator was used for ulnar distraction lengthening. Radial longitudinal traction and stabilization of external fixator were achieved by transverse pins through ulna and radius. Distraction (1 mm/day) began at 5th day and was completed at 95th postoperative day. External fixator was applied for 7 months. Successful ulnar lengthening (81 mm; 62% gain) was achieved 1-year after the surgery and the range of elbow motion at 2 years was >40°. Forearm rotation and wrist extension/flexion were also preserved with no complaints of pain. We concluded that ulnar distraction lengthening and gradual reduction of radial head could improve appearance of the arm and were of significant benefit to the patient.

[Pharmacological mechanisms of ethyl acetate extraction of Tongbiheji for active T cell signaling molecules].

AIM: To confirm extracts of activity from Traditional Chinese Medicine TongBiHeJi, study effect on two signaling pathways of T cells and clarify the pharmacological mechanisms of TongBiHeJi. METHODS: Concanavalin(ConA) were added successively into rats lymphocytic culture with different extracts of activity from Traditional Chinese Medicine. After 24 hours, CD71 expression rate on rat T lymphocytes activated with ConA was analyzed by flow cytometry. TCR, CD28 and ICOS on T cells were detected after T lymphocytes of rat activated by ConA were cultivated with various EthylAcetate extraction of TongBiHeJi(TBHJ) and Methotrexate (MTX) for 48 hours. RESULTS: CD71 expression rate on rat T lymphocytes induced by ConA was increased to 69.7%. TBHJ inhibited the rate of CD3(+);CD71(+); expression(32.5%); ConA up-regulated TCR, CD28 and ICOS expression on T cells obviously. There was different between ConA and positive control significantly(P<0.001). TBHJ could down-regulate obviously TCR, CD28 and ICOS expression on ConA-activated T lymphocytes with Concentration-dependent, especially ICOS. MTX inhibited CD3(+);CD71(+); and CD3(+);TCR(+); expression also. CONCLUSION: TBHJ inhibited T cells activation by adjusting two signaling pathways. That implied TBHJ could block CD28-ICOS signaling molecules to induce immunological tolerance. This study provided an experimental basis for application of TongBiHeJi to treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone graft: comparison of autograft, fresh-frozen allograft, and γ-irradiated allograft.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical follow-up results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using (1) autologous, (2) fresh-frozen allogeneic, and (3) γ-irradiated allogeneic bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB). METHODS: From February 2002 to January 2006, 187 patients received BPTB ACL reconstruction at our center. One hundred forty-two consecutive patients who had received single-bundle BPTB ACL reconstruction were included in this study. Of these patients, 41 had autografts, 33 had fresh-frozen allografts, and 68 had γ-irradiated allografts. Clinical results were evaluated with the KT-1000 maximum displacement test (MEDmetric, San Diego, CA), Lachman test, and Lysholm, Irrgang, and Larson activity scales. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 6.7 ± 1.5 years (range, 4.2 to 8.2 years). There were 3 cases of acute synovitis due to immunologic rejection (fresh-frozen allografts) and 6 cases of failure (γ-irradiated allografts). KT-1000 examination showed more anterior laxity in the γ-irradiated allograft group compared with the autograft and fresh-frozen allograft groups (P < .05). The Lysholm, Irrgang, and Larson activity scales showed no difference among the 3 groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed a statistically poorer KT-1000 result and higher failure rate in the γ-irradiated allograft group compared with the autograft and fresh-frozen allograft groups. This may suggest that γ-irradiated allograft is not a good candidate graft for ACL reconstruction. Power analysis showed that the study was underpowered, so further research and longer follow-up study are needed to make this point clearer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.