Larger sagittal inter-screw distance/tibial width ratio reduces delayed union or non-union after arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA) has risks of complications, such as delayed union and non-union. The number and direction of the inserted screws have been reported as important factors affecting the time to union of AAA. However, the ratio of inter-screw distance (ISD) to tibial width (TW) in different planes has not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect of this ratio on bone union following AAA. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 63 patients (64 ankles) undergoing AAA from 2013 to 2019. Then, their age, body mass index (BMI), sex, diabetes mellitus (DM) status, Takakura-Tanaka classification, number of screws and radiographic parameters were analysed. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 70.3 (range, 45-91) years. Bone fusion was achieved in 57 ankles (89%) in a mean period of 3.3 (range, 2-6) postoperative months. There were four cases of delayed union and three of non-union. No significant differences in age, BMI, sex, DM, Takakura-Tanaka classification, and number of screws could be detected between the groups. However, the sagittal ISD/TW ratio was significantly larger in the union group than in the delayed/non-union group with a cut-off value of 57.0%. CONCLUSION: Larger sagittal ISD/TW ratios result in reduced post-AAA delayed union or non-union. The surgeon should be aware that the anterior and posterior screw widths should be approximately 60% or more of the anteroposterior width of the tibia.

Subjective and Objective Outcomes of Surgery for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformities Under the Current Treatment Paradigm.

We investigated the clinical outcomes of surgical procedures for the treatment of forefoot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Twenty feet in 16 women (mean age 62.1 years) underwent corrective osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone with shortening oblique osteotomy of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints (joint-preservation group), while 13 feet in 12 women (mean age 67.4 years) underwent arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with resection arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints (joint-sacrifice group); mean follow-up for each group was 25.8 and 23.8 months, respectively. The mean total Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale improved significantly from 64.2 to 89.2 in the joint-preservation group (p < .001), and from 54.2 to 74.2 in the joint-sacrifice group (p = .003). In the joint-preservation group, the postoperative range of motion (ROM) of the joint, walking ability, and activities of daily living scores of the JSSF scale were significantly higher than those in the joint-sacrifice group (p = .001, p = .001, and p = .019, respectively). There were no differences in the subscale scores of the self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire between 2 groups either pre- or postoperatively. No differences in the postoperative complications were found between 2 groups. Although the joint-sacrificing procedure resulted in lower objective outcomes than the joint-preserving procedure regarding the ROM of the joint, the walking ability, and the level of activities of daily living, both procedures resulted in similar treatment outcomes when evaluated by the subjective measures.

Adipose-Derived Extract Suppresses IL-1ß-Induced Inflammatory Signaling Pathways in Human Chondrocytes and Ameliorates the Cartilage Destruction of Experimental Osteoarthritis in Rats.

We investigated the effects of adipose-derived extract (AE) on cultured chondrocytes and in vivo cartilage destruction. AE was prepared from human adipose tissues using a nonenzymatic approach. Cultured human chondrocytes were stimulated with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) with or without different concentrations of AE. The effects of co-treatment with AE on intracellular signaling pathways and their downstream gene and protein expressions were examined using real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Rat AE prepared from inguinal adipose tissues was intra-articularly delivered to the knee joints of rats with experimental osteoarthritis (OA), and the effect of AE on cartilage destruction was evaluated histologically. In vitro, co-treatment with IL-1ß combined with AE reduced activation of the p38 and ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and subsequently downregulated the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-4, IL-6, and IL-8, whereas it markedly upregulated the expression of IL-1 receptor type 2 (IL-1R2) in chondrocytes. Intra-articular injection of homologous AE significantly ameliorated cartilage destruction six weeks postoperatively in the rat OA model. These results suggested that AE may exert a chondroprotective effect, at least in part, through modulation of the IL-1ß-induced inflammatory signaling pathway by upregulation of IL-1R2 expression.

RANKL expression in chondrocytes and its promotion by lymphotoxin-α in the course of cartilage destruction during rheumatoid arthritis.

We investigated the expression and localization of the receptor activator nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) in cartilage from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of relevance to cartilage degeneration. We also examined the role of exogenous lymphotoxin (LT)-α on RANKL expression in human chondrocytes and its effect on in vitro osteoclast differentiation. Cartilage and synovial fluid samples were obtained from 45 patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery or joint puncture, including 24 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and 21 patients with RA. RANKL expression in articular cartilage was examined by immunohistochemistry. LT-α concentrations in synovial fluid were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Normal human chondrocytes were stimulated with LT-α, and the relative mRNA levels of RANKL, osteoprotegerin (OPG), matrix metalloproteinase-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Soluble RANKL protein in culture media was measured using ELISA, and membrane-bound RANKL protein in cells was examined by western blotting. Co-cultures of human chondrocytes with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with macrophage-colony stimulating factor and LT-α, and osteoclast differentiation was evaluated by staining for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. LT-α concentrations were higher in RA synovial fluid than in OA samples. The population of RANKL-positive chondrocytes of RA cartilage was higher than that of OA cartilage, and correlated with cartilage degeneration. Stimulation of cultured human chondrocytes by LT-α increased RANKL expression, the RANKL/OPG ratio, and angiogenic factors. Membrane-bound RANKL in chondrocytes was up-regulated after stimulation of LT-α, whereas soluble RANKL in culture medium did not increase. Co-cultures of human chondrocytes and PBMCs demonstrated that LT-α stimulated human chondrocytes to produce RANKL and induced osteoclastic differentiation of PBMCs. RANKL produced by chondrocytes may contribute to cartilage destruction during RA and LT-α could promote the expression of RANKL in human chondrocytes.

A Novel Radiographic Measurement Method for the Evaluation of Metatarsophalangeal Joint Dislocation of the Lesser Toe in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Dorsal dislocation of metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints of the lesser toe frequently occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and may cause painful and uncomfortable plantar callosities and ulceration. The current study examined the reliability and clinical relevance of a novel radiographic parameter (the MTP overlap distance [MOD]) in evaluating the severity of MTP joint dislocation. The subjects of the current study were 147 RA patients (276 feet; 1104 toes). MOD, defined as the overlap distance of the metatarsal head and the proximal end of the phalanx, was measured on plain radiographs. The relationship between the MOD and clinical complaints (forefoot pain and/or callosity formation) was analyzed to create a severity grading system. As a result, toes with callosities had a significantly larger MOD. ROC analysis revealed that the MOD had a high AUC for predicting an asymptomatic foot (-0.70) and callosities (0.89). MOD grades were defined as follows: grade 1, 0 ≤ MOD < 5 mm; grade 2, 5 ≤ MOD < 10 mm; and grade 3, MOD ≥ 10 mm. The intra- and inter-observer reliability of the MOD grade had high reproducibility. Furthermore, the MOD and MOD grade improved significantly after joint-preserving surgeries for lesser toe deformities. Our results suggest that MOD and MOD grade might be useful tools for the evaluation of deformities of the lesser toe and the effect of surgical intervention for MTP joints in patients with RA.

Effect of Lateral Gutter Osteophyte Resection on Correction of Varus Deformity in Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Recently, arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis has been performed for moderate-to-severe varus-deformed ankle osteoarthritis. However, the effect of osteophyte resection in the lateral gutter in arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis has not been clarified. We hypothesized that a varus-deviated ankle with lateral gutter osteophytes can be corrected by osteophyte resection. METHODS: Thirty-nine ankles of 38 patients were included. The mean age of patients was 70.0 (45-83) years. The patients were divided into the following groups: group with an osteophyte in the lateral gutter (osteophyte) and group with no osteophytes (nonosteophyte). Preoperative and postoperative tibiotalar angle, tibial plafond angle, and tibiotalar angle under valgus stress, as well as the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle/hindfoot scale, were recorded. Twelve ankles underwent lateral gutter osteophyte resection, whereas the other 27 ankles did not require osteophyte resection. RESULTS: Preoperative tibiotalar angle was higher in the osteophyte group than in the nonosteophyte group (21.8 vs 11.2 degrees, P = .01). The tibiotalar angle in the preoperative valgus stress imaging was higher in the osteophyte group (12.9 vs 5.7, P < .01). However, the postoperative tibiotalar angle was similar between the 2 groups (7.1 vs 5.4, P = .183). JSSF ankle/hindfoot scale improved in both groups. CONCLUSION: Lateral gutter osteophyte resection enabled correction of the varus malalignment in arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Time-Dependent Increase in Medial Meniscus Extrusion after Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear Analyzed by Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PURPOSE: Medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) causes progression of medial meniscus extrusion (MME). This study aims to calculate the progression rate of MME based on findings in two preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and determine the associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 33 patients (27 females and 6 males; mean age, 60 years) who underwent MRI twice, at a mean interval of 48 days. We measured the medial meniscus body width, medial joint space width (MJSW), and MME. The MME progression rate was derived from regression analysis of the increase in MME (ΔMME) between the two MRI scans. In addition, the correlations of the MME increase rate with age, body mass index, femorotibial angle, and MJSW were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean MME increased from 3.4 mm to 4.5 mm (p<0.001). A good correlation was observed between ΔMME and the interval of MRI scans (R2=0.621), and the MME progression rate was 0.020 mm per day. A moderate correlation was observed between the MME increase rate and the MJSW (R2=0.432). CONCLUSIONS: The MME progression rate was rapid in MMPRT and narrowing of the MJSW was associated with the progression of MME. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V, Cross-sectional study.

Outcomes of Resection and Joint-Preserving Arthroplasty for Forefoot Deformities for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the clinical outcomes of resection and joint-preserving arthroplasty for forefoot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Sixteen feet of 14 women (average age, 67.1 years; range, 53-82) underwent resection arthroplasty of the metatarsal head (resection group), and 18 feet of 15 women (average age, 61.3 years; range, 40-73) underwent a metatarsophalangeal joint-preserving procedure with shortening oblique metatarsal osteotomies of the lesser toes (joint preservation group). The mean disease duration in the resection and joint preservation groups was 23.6 and 19.1 years, and the average follow-up period was 37.3 and 33.5 months, respectively. The classification of Larsen was used to assess the severity of destruction of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluation included Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) score and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The number of preoperative radiographic destruction of the MTP joints (Larsen grade II, III, IV, and V) was 0, 29, 39, and 12 joints in the resection group and 13, 67, 9, and 1 joints in the joint preservation group. The mean JSSF score improved significantly from 61.3 to 83.9 points in the resection group ( P < .001) and from 62.2 to 90.8 points in the joint preservation group ( P < .001). In the resection group, recurrence of callosities and claw toe deformity was observed in 6 and 3 feet, respectively. In the joint-preserving group, recurrence of callosities and hammer toe deformity was observed in 1 foot each. CONCLUSION: The resection arthroplasty and joint-preserving procedure showed satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, whether both procedures can maintain the good clinical results without the recurrence of forefoot deformity will require longer follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Shortening Oblique Osteotomy with Screw Fixation for Correction of the Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints of Rheumatoid Forefoot.

The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints are often and predominantly affected in rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the current study was to describe surgical techniques of shortening oblique osteotomy for lesser metatarsal bone with screw fixation at the osteotomy site, and to investigate the short-term clinical outcomes of our procedure. Twenty-seven feet (78 toes) of 24 RA patients underwent the shortening oblique osteotomy for the correction of deformity at the lesser MTP joints. The average Japanese Society of Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) standard rating system for the RA foot and ankle scale improved significantly from 59.6 points preoperatively to 88.3 points postoperatively (p＜0.001). Twenty-four feet (89% ) were free from metatarsalgia and symptomatic callosities at the lesser MTP joint after surgery. Our present findings showed satisfactory early clinical outcomes of the shortening oblique osteotomy of the metatarsal bone with screw fixation for RA forefoot.

[Effect of anti-glaucoma drugs on inflammatory cytokine production by human and murine peripheral blood mononuclear cells].

OBJECTIVE: We investigated both human and murine peripheral blood mononuclear cells to find which of the anti-glaucoma drugs used to lower intraocular pressure drug also suppresses inflammation. SUBJECTS & METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) prepared from healthy men and from BALB/c mice were suspended in RPMI 1640 culture medium containing 10% FBS. Each test drug was added to the cells, and they were cultured in a CO2 incubator (set to 37 degrees C and 5% CO2) for 30 minutes. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was added to the same cells and they were cultured again for a given period of time, after which either tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the culture medium were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Carteolol inhibited production of both TNF-alpha and IL-6 from PBMCs. The other test agents had no inhibitory effect. The carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI) dorzolamide, isopropyl unoprostone and latanoprost had almost no effect on the production of inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that carteolol exhibits an inhibitory action on the production of inflammatory cytokines from PBMCs because of its intrinsic sympathomimetic action. We also showed that CAI and PG drugs had almost no effect on inflammatory cytokine production.