Matrix-induced autologous mesenchymal stem cell implantation versus matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation in the treatment of chondral defects of the knee: a 2-year randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Cell-based strategies that combine in vitro- expanded autologous chondrocytes with matrix scaffolds are currently preferred for full-thickness cartilage lesions of the knee ≥2 cm(2). Although this approach is reasonable, continuing advances in the field of cartilage repair will further expand the options available to improve outcomes. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: In the present clinical study, we compared the outcomes of matrix-induced autologous mesenchymal stem cell implantation (m-AMI) with matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (m-ACI) for the treatment of isolated chondral defects of the knee. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, single-site, randomized, single-blind pilot study. METHODS: Fourteen patients with isolated full-thickness chondral lesions of the knee >2 cm(2) were randomized into two treatment groups: m-AMI and m-ACI. Outcomes were assessed pre-operatively and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-operatively. RESULTS: Clinical evaluations revealed that improvement from pre-operation to 24 months post-operation occurred in both groups (p < 0.05). At all follow-up intervals, m-AMI demonstrated significantly better functional outcomes (motion deficit and straight leg raise strength) than did m-ACI (p < 0.05). At all follow-up intervals, m-AMI demonstrated significantly better subjective sub-scale scores for pain, symptoms, activities of daily living and sport and recreation of the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) than did m-ACI (p < 0.05). Additionally, m-AMI demonstrated significantly better (p < 0.05) scores than m-ACI for the quality of life sub-scale of the KOOS and visual analog scale (VAS) severity at the 6-month follow-up. The Tegner activity score and VAS frequency were not significantly different between the two groups. Graft failure was not observed on magnetic resonance imaging at the 24-month follow-up. m-AMI and m-ACI demonstrated very good-to-excellent and good-to-very good infill, respectively, with no adverse effects from the implant, regardless of the treatment. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of isolated full-thickness chondral lesion of the knee, m-AMI can be used effectively and may potentially accelerate recovery. A larger patient cohort and follow-up supported by histological analyses are necessary to determine long-term outcomes.

Medial fracture line significance in calcaneus fracture.

In Sanders' classification of calcaneus fractures, the medial fracture line (subtype C) is close to the tarsal canal, which contains an artery for the talus and calcaneus. We hypothesized that because of this brittle vascular localization, patients with C line fracture patterns might describe radiologic subtalar arthritis more often and have more complaints. The purpose of the present study was to compare the results of C line fracture patterns with other types of calcaneus fractures. A total of 25 surgically treated feet were involved. Regarding Sanders' classification, group 1 included fractures involving the C line (11 feet), and group 2 included fractures not involving the C line (14 feet). Patient age at admission, trauma date, and interval until surgery were obtained from the patients' medical records. The Bohler angles were determined from the radiographs. At the last follow-up visit, the radiologist graded subtalar arthritis using computed tomography. For clinical follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and Maryland scores were assessed. No significant differences were found in mean age, follow-up period, delay to surgery, or postoperative Bohler angle between the 2 groups. The mean preoperative Bohler angle was significantly low for group 1. Although not significantly different, the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and Maryland scores were lower for group 1 (81.9 and 84.3) than group 2 (87.8 and 92.0), and the median subtalar arthritis grade was greater for group 1 (score 2) than for group 2 (score 1.5). The worse results with C line fracture patterns despite satisfactory reduction might result from sinus tarsi artery damage. Angiographic investigations could clarify this theory in the future. Consequently, surgeons must inform and should hesitate to operate on patients with these highly comminuted C line calcaneus fractures.

Intraoperative estimation of femoral anteversion in cementless total hip arthroplasty using the lesser trochanter.

INTRODUCTION: The intraoperative estimation of the anteversion of the femoral component of a total hip arthroplasty is generally made by the surgeon's visual assessment of the stem position relative to the condylar plane of the femur. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the femoral component anteversion relative to lesser trochanter during cementless total hip arthroplasty. The intraoperative estimation of the anteversion of the femoral component of a total hip arthroplasty is generally made by the surgeon's visual assessment of the stem position relative to the condylar plane of the femur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the femoral component anteversion relative to lesser trochanter during cementless total hip arthroplasty. METHOD: The authors investigated the version of the lesser trochanter (LTV) relative to the posterior femoral condyles. Fifty-seven patients (59 hips) scheduled for primary cementless total hip arthroplasty underwent preoperative computed tomography and it was measured the LTV and collo-femoral version at the level of the proximal-most portion of the inferior neck, with respect to the lesser trochanter (native collo-trochanteric angle, NCTA). During surgery, the operative collo-trochanteric angle (OCTA) was measured. RESULTS: The mean LTV was 34.1 ± 3.0°, the mean NCTA was 49.1 ± 5.6°, and the mean OCTA was 48.8 ± 6.0°, which did not differ significantly from the NCTA (p = 0.495); the correlation coefficient was 0.872 (p < 0.0001). Based on the data, there was a constant relationship between the lesser trochanter and posterior femoral condyles and a good correlation between NCTA and OCTA. CONCLUSION: The authors recommend first estimating the anteversion of the femoral component relative to lesser trochanter and then adjusting the position of the acetabular component to that anteversion of the femoral component to improve stability and reduce impingement.

Predictors of mortality in elderly patients with an intertrochanteric or a femoral neck fracture.

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively analyzed 112 intertrochanteric femur fracture patients and 136 femoral neck fracture patients to determine mortality rates and factors affecting mortality. Internal fixation is the standard treatment method for intertrochanteric femur fracture patients in our institute, and arthroplasty, as a treatment choice, shows an increase in mortality rates. We wanted to convey if there was any decrease in mortality rate of intertrochanteric femur fracture patients when compared with femoral neck fracture patients who were almost always treated with arthroplasty. METHODS: Patients' age at admission, trauma date, delay until surgery, comorbidities, operation durations, anesthesia, and treatment types were evaluated by patients' folders. All preoperative and postoperative radiographs checked over for treatment type. Patients' recent health and activity status were determined by telephone interview. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mortality rates between patients of two fracture types. Treatment type, anesthesia type, and sex were significant predictors in univariate analyses. In multivariate analyses, only age and delay in surgery identified as predictors of mortality, age was the most significant. Although intertrochanteric femur fracture patients were significantly older than femoral neck fracture patients, the estimated mean survival time was higher for intertrochanteric femur fracture patients (57.9 months) than for femoral neck fracture patients (48.8 months). CONCLUSION: We think that, in addition to the shorter delay in surgery, internal fixation choice led to decrease the mortality rate of intertrochanteric femur fracture patients. In conclusion, to decrease the mortality rate after hip fracture, since age and sex cannot be changed, needless delays in surgery should be avoided. Also, we recommend internal fixation and regional anesthesia to decrease the mortality rate.