Novel use of motor-sparing genicular nerve blocks for knee injuries in the emergency department.

Knee injuries are quite prevalent in the Emergency Department (ED) and often present with severe pain, necessitating effective pain management strategies. Traditional pain management approaches, including opioid medications, may carry undesirable side effects and potential risks, leading to the growing interest in non-opioid alternatives. Nerve blocks have emerged as promising options for targeted pain relief in the ED. Motor-sparing nerve blocks have gained importance due to their ability to provide effective analgesia without compromising motor function [1]. The case series demonstrates the successful use of ultrasound-guided genicular nerve blocks(GNB) in the Emergency Department, providing targeted pain relief without compromising motor function. GNBs offer a valuable alternative to traditional nerve blocks(femoral, fascia iliaca, adductor canal) and opioid-based pain control strategies in the ED. As the evidence base grows, GNBs may become a more established component of ED pain management protocols, enhancing patient outcomes and safety in the management of acute knee injuries. The incorporation of ultrasound-guided motor-sparing nerve blocks in ED pain management protocols may hold great promise in optimising pain control and enhancing patient comfort. Trial Registration: N/A.

Atelocollagen Injections Improve Outcomes in the Nonsurgical Treatment of Grade III Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of atelocollagen injections in isolated grade III medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries of the knee joint. Methods: A total of 50 participants were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-six patients underwent conservative treatment with a single atelocollagen injection, while the remaining patients underwent only typical conservative treatment. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging to identify and grade MCL injury. Valgus stress radiography was performed on both knees at 6 and 12 months after the injury. The visual analog scale (VAS) score was collected at the first visit and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after injury. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) formula activity level and Lysholm score were evaluated for patient-reported outcomes at the first visit and at 6 and 12 months after injury. The participant's return to the pre-injury activity level ratio was measured by comparing the IKDC formula activity level at 12 months after the injury with that before the injury. Results: The VAS and Lysholm scores improved over time in both groups. The VAS and Lysholm scores were significantly better in the collagen injection group than in the control group. Regarding the activity level, the collagen injection group showed significantly better results at the 6-month follow-up, but there was no significant difference at the 12-month follow-up. The medial gap in the injured knee and the side-to-side difference (SSD) in both groups gradually decreased over time. The SSD in the collagen injection group was significantly smaller than that in the control group. Conclusions: Atelocollagen injections resulted in better clinical and radiologic outcomes along with a higher rate of return to the pre-injury activity level, thereby exhibiting a positive effect in the nonsurgical treatment of grade III MCL injuries.

Anatomical description and short-term follow up clinical results for ultrasound-guided injection of medial collateral ligament bursa: New conservative treatment option for symptomatic degenerative medial meniscus tear.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated newly developed ultrasound (US)-guided medial collateral ligament (MCL) bursa injection as a conservative therapy for symptomatic degenerative medial meniscal (MM) tears. We aimed to describe the anatomical target and precise technique of this injection, confirm its accuracy using fresh cadaveric knees, and then evaluate preliminary clinical outcomes. METHODS: Anatomical studies were performed on three fresh cadavers. For the clinical study, 50 patients with medial knee joint pain without knee osteoarthritis were treated with US-guided MCL bursa injection. Severity of pain was assessed pre-injection, and 1 week and 4 weeks post-injection using a 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS). Clinical success was defined as a full return to daily activities. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 1 week of the first injection. Patients who underwent surgery within 12 months of the first injection were investigated as clinically unsuccessful cases, and MRI and arthroscopic findings were examined. RESULTS: Compared with pre-injection (6.8 ±â€¯1.2), the average NRS score was significantly lower at 1 week (1.8 ±â€¯2.0) and at 4 weeks (1.5 ±â€¯1.7) post-injection (both P < 0.01). The primary clinical success rate was 76.0%, and injection-related adverse events were not observed. Nine patients underwent surgery (arthroscopic surgery for degenerative flap tear (n = 7) and high tibial osteotomy for medial meniscus posterior root tear and proximal tibial malalignment (n = 2)). CONCLUSIONS: US-guided MCL bursa injection is safe, reproducible, and effective for symptomatic MM degenerative tears. However, US-guided injections of the MCL bursa may be ineffective for flap tears and posterior root tears.

E8002 Reduces Adhesion Formation and Improves Joint Mobility in a Rat Model of Knee Arthrofibrosis.

Knee arthrofibrosis is a common complication of knee surgery, caused by excessive scar tissue, which results in functional disability. However, no curative treatment has been established. E8002 is an anti-adhesion material that contains L-ascorbic acid, an antioxidant. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of E8002 for the prevention of knee arthrofibrosis in a rat model, comprising injury to the surface of the femur and quadriceps muscle 1 cm proximal to the patella. Sixteen male, 8-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were studied: in the Adhesion group, haemorrhagic injury was induced to the quadriceps and bone, and in the E8002 group, an adhesion-preventing film was implanted between the quadriceps and femur after injury. Six weeks following injury, the restriction of knee flexion owing to fibrotic scarring had not worsened in the E8002 group but had worsened in the Adhesion group. The area of fibrotic scarring was smaller in the E8002 group than in the Adhesion group (p < 0.05). In addition, the numbers of fibroblasts (p < 0.05) and myofibroblasts (p < 0.01) in the fibrotic scar were lower in the E8002 group. Thus, E8002 reduces myofibroblast proliferation and fibrotic scar formation and improves the range of motion of the joint in a model of knee injury.

Acceptability of a nurse-led non-pharmacological complex intervention for knee pain: Nurse and patient views and experiences.

OBJECTIVES: The overall purpose of this research programme is to develop and test the feasibility of a complex intervention for knee pain delivered by a nurse, and comprising both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. In this first phase, we examined the acceptability of the non-pharmacological component of the intervention; issues faced in delivery, and resolved possible challenges to delivery. METHODS: Eighteen adults with chronic knee pain were recruited from the community. The intervention comprised holistic assessment, education, exercise, weight-loss advice (where appropriate) and advice on adjunctive treatments such as hot/cold treatments, footwear modification and walking aids. After nurse training, the intervention was delivered in four sessions spread over five weeks. Participants had one to one semi-structured interview at the end of the intervention. The nurse was interviewed after the last visit of the last participant. These were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Themes were identified by one author through framework analysis of the transcripts, and cross-checked by another. RESULTS: Most participants found the advice from the nurse easy to follow and were satisfied with the package, though some felt that too much information was provided too soon. The intervention changed their perception of managing knee pain, learning that it can be improved with self-management. However, participants thought that the most challenging part of the intervention was fitting the exercise regime into their daily routine. The nurse found discussion of goal setting to be challenging. CONCLUSION: The nurse-led package of care is acceptable within a research setting. The results are promising and will be applied in a feasibility randomised-controlled trial.

Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Approaches to Prevent or Delay Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis (PTOA) of the Knee Joint with a Focus on Sustained Delivery Approaches.

Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of knee PTOA after knee trauma. While a comprehensive therapy capable of preventing or delaying post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) progression after knee joint injury does not yet clinically exist, current literature suggests that certain aspects of early post-traumatic pathology of the knee joint may be prevented or delayed by anti-inflammatory therapeutic interventions. We discuss multifaceted therapeutic approaches that may be capable of effectively reducing the continuous cycle of inflammation and concomitant processes that lead to cartilage degradation as well as those that can simultaneously promote intrinsic repair processes. Within this context, we focus on early disease prevention, the optimal timeframe of treatment and possible long-lasting sustained delivery local modes of treatments that could prevent knee joint-associated PTOA symptoms. Specifically, we identify anti-inflammatory candidates that are not only anti-inflammatory but also anti-degenerative, anti-apoptotic and pro-regenerative.

Inhibition of diabetes mellitus-induced knee joint injury in rats by a combination of metformin and captopril / Inhibición de la lesión de la articulación de la rodilla inducida por diabetes mellitus en ratas mediante una combinación de metformina y captopril

SUMMARY: Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory disease that damages the joints and affects millions of people worldwide. The potential inhibitory effects of the antidiabetic drug metformin combined with captopril, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, on diabetes-induced damage to the knee joint articular cartilage associated with the inhibition of glycemia, dyslipidemia, and inflammation has not been investigated before. Therefore, we induced diabetes in rats using high carbohydrate and fat diets and a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). The protective group of rats was pre-treated with combined daily doses of metformin (Met; 200 mg/kg body weight) and captopril (Cap; 150 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days before diabetic induction and continued on metformin and resveratrol until the end of the experiment at week 12. Harvested tissues obtained from knee joints were prepared for basic histology staining with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and examined under light microscopy. Representative H&E images showed that OA was developed in the diabetic rats as demonstrated by a profound damage to the knee joints such as irregular eroded and a sharp decrease in the thickness of the articular cartilage surface and abnormal remodeling of the subchondral bone that were substantially ameliorated by Met+Cap. Met+Cap also significantly (p< 0.05) reduced blood levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), dyslipidemia, and the inflammatory biomarkers, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) induced by diabetes. In addition, a significant (p≤ 0.0014) correlation between the articular cartilage thickness and the blood levels of glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C), and hs-CRP were observed. Thus, we demonstrate that Met+Cap effectively protect the knee joint against injuries induced secondary to diabetes in rats, possibly due to the inhibition of glycemia, dyslipidemia, and biomarkers of inflammation.

RESUMEN: La osteoartritis (OA) es una enfermedad inflamatoria que daña las articulaciones y afecta a millones de per- sonas en todo el mundo. No se han investigado los posibles efectos inhibidores del fármaco antidiabético metformina combinado con captopril, el inhibidor de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina, sobre el daño inducido por la diabetes en el cartílago articular de la articulación de la rodilla asociado con la inhibición de la glucemia, dislipidemia e inflamación. En este estudio fue inducida la diabetes en ratas con dietas altas en carbohidratos y grasas y una sola inyección de estreptozotocina (50 mg / kg). El grupo protector de ratas se pretrató con dosis diarias combinadas de metformina (Met; 200 mg / kg de peso corporal) y captopril (Cap; 150 mg / kg de peso corporal) durante 14 días antes de la inducción diabética. El tratamiento se continuó con metformina y resveratrol hasta el final del experimento en la semana 12. Los tejidos obtenidos de las articulaciones de la rodilla se prepararon para la tinción de histología básica con hematoxilina y eosina (H&E) y se examinaron con microscopía óptica. Imágenes representativas de H&E mostraron que la OA se desarrolló en las ratas diabéticas, como lo evidencia un daño profundo en las articulaciones de la rodilla, como la erosión irregular y una fuerte disminución en el grosor de la superficie del cartílago articular y remodelación anor- mal del hueso subcondral que fueron mejorados sustancialmente por Met + Cap. Met + Cap. También redujo significativamente (p <0.05) los niveles sanguíneos de glucosa, hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1c), dislipidemia y los biomarcadores inflamatorios, proteína C reactiva de alta sensibilidad (hs-CRP), interleucina-6 (IL-6), y factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α) inducido por diabetes. Además, una correlación significativa (p≤ 0,0014) entre el grosor del cartílago articular y los niveles sanguíneos de glucosa, HbA1c, triglicéridos (TG), lipoproteínas-colesterol de baja densidad (LDL- C), lipoproteínas de alta densidad-colesterol (HDL-C) ) y hs-CRP. Así, demostramos que Met + Cap protege eficazmente la articulación de la rodilla contra lesiones inducidas por diabetes en ratas, posiblemente debido a la inhibición de la glicemia, dislipidemia y biomarcadores de inflamación.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory articular effects of essential oil and camphor isolated from Ocimum kilimandscharicum Gürke leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Leaves from Ocimum kilimandscharicum Gürke (Lamiaceae) are popularly used against articular pain. AIM OF STUDY: The aim of this study was to test the anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic (analgesic) properties of the essential oil and camphor isolated from O. Kilimandscharicum leaves (EOOK) in 4 models including zymosan induced-articular inflammation model in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For in vivo models, EOOK was tested in carrageenan-induced paw edema model with oral doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg (oral administration = p.o.) and in zymosan-induced articular inflammation (including knee edema, leukocyte infiltration, mechanical hyperalgesia and nitric oxide), EOOK (100 mg/kg, p. o.) and camphor (30 mg/kg, p. o.) were tested. EOOK (100 mg/kg, p. o.) was tested in the rolling and also in the adhesion of leukocytes to the mesenteric microcirculation in situ model of carrageenan induced inflammation and EOOK (1, 3, 10, 30, and 60 µg/mL) was tested in vitro against neutrophils chemotaxis induced by N-formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (fMLP). RESULTS: The treatment with EOOK significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced edema, mechanical and cold hyperalgesia. Both, EOOK and camphor inhibited all articular parameters induced by zymosan. In situ intravitral microscopy analysis, EOOK significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion. In vitro neutrophils chemotaxis, EOOK inhibited the leukocyte chemotaxis induced by fMLP. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that EOOK inhibited pain and inflammatory parameters contributing, at least in part, to explain the popular use of this plant as analgesic natural agent. This study also demonstrates that camphor and some known anti-inflammatory compounds present in EOOK could contribute for analgesic and anti-inflammatory articular properties.

A woman in her sixties with a knee injury after a fall. / En kvinne i 60-årene med kneskade etter fall.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of necrotising soft tissue infections (NSTIs, necrotising fasciitis, myositis and cellulitis) may be clinically challenging, and can result in fatal outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A previously healthy woman in her sixties fell and cut her right patella. The wound was complicated by localised infection, which subsequently developed into a bacterial bursitis. She responded to intravenous antibiotics and was followed up at the outpatient clinic. Nineteen days later she was admitted with the same symptoms and clinical presentation as at the previous admission. She was started on the same antibiotics based on the last prepatellar bursal fluid culture. This time, however, she became systemically impaired and septic. Many differential diagnoses were suspected, and she was repeatedly examined with the aid of blood samples, blood cultures, knee joint and prepatellar bursal punctures, and ultrasound scans. The patient's right lower extremity became swollen and was further examined with a CT scan, giving rise to suspicion of an NSTI. Ultimately four surgical revisions were performed (fasciotomy) in addition to continuous administration of antibiotics, fluid and pressor treatment. Biopsies of the fascia, muscle and fatty tissue were secured for microscopy, culture and histology. Unfortunately the patient died and histology confirmed necrotising fasciitis. INTERPRETATION: NSTIs are aggressive infections with dismal outcomes. This case illustrates the importance of clinical suspicion of this diagnosis, also in healthy patients. Immediate treatment with surgical debridement and intravenous antibiotics is crucial.

Repair of osteochondral defect using icariin-conditioned serum combined with chitosan in rabbit knees.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral defects caused by an acute traumatic injury or articular degeneration remains difficult to be manipulated. Repair of articular defects is still a great challenge for both tissue engineers and orthopedic surgeons. Therefore, combination of biomaterials with cartilage promotive drugs is well worth being developed to support the regeneration of both cartilage and subchondral bone. METHODS: Rabbits undergoing osteochondral defect surgery were intrarticularly injected with icariin-conditioned serum (ICS), chitosan (CSSH) and combination of ICS with CSSH, respectively. Gait analysis was performed using VICON motion capture system. ICRS score and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis including H&E, Safranin O, toluidine blue and collagen II staining was employed to evaluate macroscopic cartilage regeneration and determine the morphologic repair of cartilage. RESULTS: Rabbits with the treatment of ICS or CSSH alone showed mild improvement in hopping time and range of joint angles while ICS-CSSH group exhibited longer jumping time and larger range of joint angles. In addition, femoral condyle in ICS-CSSH rabbits could be seen with more native cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration in both macroscopic observation and IHC analysis. CONCLUSION: ICS combined with CSSH could promote the repair of osteochondral defect in rabbit knees. Combination of biomaterials with cartilage promotive drugs may ultimately have profound implications in the management of cartilage defect.

Post-traumatic Curvularia sp. arthritis in an immunocompetent adult.

A 44-year-old woman, victim of a road accident in Mali was diagnosed with left knee arthritis. Joint effusion aspiration and subcutaneous surgical biopsies were positive for a melanized asexual ascomycete. Using microscopy and molecular biology, the fungus was identified as Curvularia sp. In vitro antifungal susceptibility was determined by the EUCAST broth microdilution reference technique and by E-test. The patient was treated with liposomal amphotericin B before posaconazole relay. Mycological samples obtained 10 days after starting the antifungal therapy by liposomal amphotericin B were negative in culture. Curvularia spp. are environmental fungi which can under certain conditions be pathogenic for humans.

Vague Posterior Knee Discomfort in a Soccer Player: A Clinical Vignette.

A 24-yr-old male soccer player presented with a 7-yr history of left posterior knee "looseness." Evaluation 7 yrs ago, at the time of initial injury, revealed atraumatic anterior and posterior cruciate ligament sprains. On representation, the patient described the pain as a constant, dull ache, 3/10, but his biggest complaint was this feeling of "instability" and looseness where his knee would "buckle" 3-4 times a week. Physical examination was positive for grade 1 posterior drawer and grade 1 posterior sag signs. Reverse KT-1000 testing showed a 3-mm side-to-side difference. Sonographic evaluation confirmed magnetic resonance imaging findings of posterior cruciate ligament laxity and buckling and a small cystic lesion abutting the posteromedial margin of the distal 1/3 of the posterior cruciate ligament. After a trial of physical therapy, the patient elected to undergo experimental injection of dextrose hyperosmolar solution. This resulted in resolution of the cyst and reverse KT-1000 measurements improved to a side-to-side difference of 1 mm. The patient's subjective feeling of looseness and instability resolved by 7 wks.

Current Trends in the Evaluation of Osteochondral Lesion Treatments: Histology, Histomorphometry, and Biomechanics in Preclinical Models.

Osteochondral lesions (OCs) are typically of traumatic origins but are also caused by degenerative conditions, in primis osteoarthritis (OA). On the other side, OC lesions themselves, getting worse over time, can lead to OA, indicating that chondral and OC defects represent a risk factor for the onset of the pathology. Many animal models have been set up for years for the study of OC regeneration, being successfully employed to test different treatment strategies, from biomaterials and cells to physical and biological adjuvant therapies. These studies rely on a plethora of post-explant investigations ranging from histological and histomorphometric analyses to biomechanical ones. The present review aims to analyze the methods employed for the evaluation of OC treatments in each animal model by screening literature data within the last 10 years. According to the selected research criteria performed in two databases, 60 works were included. Data revealed that lapine (50% of studies) and ovine (23% of studies) models are predominant, and knee joints are the most used anatomical locations for creating OC defects. Analyses are mostly conducted on paraffin-embedded samples in order to perform histological/histomorphometric analyses by applying semiquantitative scoring systems and on fresh samples in order to perform biomechanical investigations by indentation tests on articular cartilage. Instead, a great heterogeneity is pointed out in terms of OC defect dimensions and animal's age. The choice of experimental times is generally adequate for the animal models adopted, although few studies adopt very long experimental times. Improvements in data reporting and in standardization of protocols would be desirable for a better comparison of results and for ethical reasons related to appropriate and successful animal experimentation.

Effects of losartan and atorvastatin on the development of early posttraumatic joint stiffness in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: After a trauma, exuberant tissue healing with fibrosis of the joint capsule can lead to posttraumatic joint stiffness (PTJS). Losartan and atorvastatin have both shown their antifibrotic effects in different organ systems. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the influence of losartan and atorvastatin on the early development of joint contracture. In addition to joint angles, the change in myofibroblast numbers and the distribution of bone sialoprotein (BSP) were assessed. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this randomized and blinded experimental study with 24 rats, losartan and atorvastatin were compared to a placebo. After an initial joint injury, rat knees were immobilized with a Kirschner wire. Rats received either losartan, atorvastatin or a placebo orally daily. After 14 days, joint angle measurements and histological assessments were performed. RESULTS: Losartan increased the length of the inferior joint capsule. Joint angle and other capsule length measurements did not reveal significant differences between both drugs and the placebo. At cellular level both losartan and atorvastatin reduced the total number of myofibroblasts (losartan: 191±77, atorvastatin: 98±58, placebo: 319±113 per counting field, p<0.01) and the percentage area of myofibroblasts (losartan: 2.8±1.8% [p<0.05], atorvastatin: 2.5±1.7% [p<0.01], vs control [6.4±4%], respectively). BSP was detectable in equivalent amounts in the joint capsules of all groups with only a trend toward a reduction of the BSP-stained area by atorvastatin. CONCLUSION: Both atorvastatin and losartan reduced the number of myofibroblasts in the posterior knee joint capsule of rat knees 2 weeks after trauma and losartan increased the length of the inferior joint capsule. However, these changes at the cellular level did not translate an increase in range of motion of the rats´ knee joints during early contracture development.

[Damage to periarticular soft tissues in real clinical practice: frequency, nature, effectiveness of non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs].

Damage to periarticular soft tissues is a common pathology that causes severe pain and impaired function of the musculoskeletal system. AIM: To determine the frequency, nature and clinical features of damage to periarticular soft tissues in real clinical practice, as well as the effectiveness of non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the debut of treatment of this pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the observational study, the frequency of defeat of the periarticular soft tissues in the structure of visits to 68 outpatient orthopedic surgeons in different cities of Russia for 1 month was estimated. Assessed the nature and dynamics of clinical manifestations during treatment in 1227 patients with defeat of the periarticular soft tissues. NSAIDs, mainly the original meloxicam, were used as a "first line" treatment for damage of the periarticular soft tissues. The results of treatment were evaluated after 10-14 days at a repeat visit of patients. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with damage of the periarticular soft tissues was 15.8% of the total number of people who applied for outpatient care. Among 1227 patients (men 57.5%, average age 51.3±15.5 years) who were observed in the dynamics, prevailed were those with damage of the periarticular soft tissues of the knee joint area (knee joint enthesopathy, prepatellar bursitis, tendonitis/ bursitis of the goose foot area) - 21.2%, feet (plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spur) - 16.9%, shoulder (tendonitis of the muscles of the shoulder rotators) - 16.4% and the elbow (lateral and medial epicondylitis) - 15.3%. During treatment, there was a significant decrease in the total severity of pain - from 6.58±1.61 to 2.48±1.60 points on an 11-point numerical rating scale (p.

Evaluation and Management of Subchondral Calcium Phosphate Injection Technique to Treat Bone Marrow Lesion.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compile available data in medical literature about subchondral calcium phosphate injection, comparing results obtained with this technique, as well as indications, complications, and other important factors in treatment of bone marrow lesions. DESIGNS: A literature review using PubMed and Medline database in order to identify works with terms "subchondral calcium phosphate injection," " subchondroplasty®," "bone marrow lesion," and "knee." Eight relevant articles were found. RESULTS: A total of 164 patients with bone marrow lesion mainly on femoral condyle and tibial plateau recovered with significant functional improvement of knee after subchondral calcium phosphate treatment. Although 25% of them still had some type of pain complaint, they also showed improvement. There were few complications reported and return to activities occurred after 3 months on average. CONCLUSIONS: Few studies evaluate the result of using subchondral calcium phosphate injection technique. However, all presented favorable results regarding pain and improvement of knee function. In addition, within 2 years, there was a 70% reduction in conversion to total knee arthroplasty in patients with previous surgical indication who choose calcium phosphate treatment.

Ultrasound-guided injection for the diagnosis and treatment of posteromedial knee friction syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an ultrasound guided injection technique for diagnosing and treating posteromedial knee friction syndrome, which occurs between the sartorius/gracilis tendons and medial femoral condyle (MFC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was IRB-approved and HIPAA-compliant. We identified patients via a retrospective review of medical records and MRI with posteromedial knee pain and isolated edema between MFC and sartorius/gracilis tendons and no evidence for meniscal tear, ruptured Baker's cyst or degenerative joint disease. Patients were referred for an ultrasound-guided procedure to inject anesthetic and corticosteroid at the site of edema. Procedures were evaluated for technical success, which was defined as satisfactory identification of the injection site and adequate delivery of medication. Follow-up was available up to 8 weeks after the procedure to determine the response and any potential complications. RESULTS: Fourteen subjects with MRI and symptoms of posteromedial knee friction syndrome underwent 14 injections. Technical success was achieved in all procedures, with no complications. At 8 weeks' follow-up, 92% of patients had symptom improvement. VAS before and 8 weeks after the procedure changed from 5.2 ± 2.7 to 0.9 ± 2.1 (p = 0.0002), respectively. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided injection of edema between the MFC and sartorius/gracilis tendons supports the diagnosis of a posteromedial knee friction syndrome and successfully treats its associated symptoms.

A synthetic polymeric biolubricant imparts chondroprotection in a rat meniscal tear model.

Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) is used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) as a viscosupplement, yet it only provides short-term benefit because HA is cleaved by hyaluronidase and cleared out of the joint after several days. Therefore, we developed a new polymer biolubricant based on poly-oxanorbornane carboxylate to enhance joint lubrication for a prolonged time. Rheological and biotribological studies of the biolubricant reveal viscoelastic properties and coefficient of friction equivalent and superior to that of healthy synovial fluid, respectively. Furthermore, in an ex vivo bovine cartilage plug model, the biolubricant exhibits superior long-term reduction of friction and wear prevention compared to saline and healthy synovial fluid. ISO 10993 biocompatibility tests demonstrate that the biolubricant polymer is non-toxic. In an in vivo rat medial meniscal tear OA model, where the performance of the leading HA viscosupplement (Synvisc-one®) is comparable to the saline control, treatment with the biolubricant affords significant chondroprotection compared to the saline control.

Effects of ID-CBT5101 in Preventing and Alleviating Osteoarthritis Symptoms in a Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Rat Model.

Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the articular cartilage and osseous tissue, and can be worsened by aging, overweight status, and post-traumatic arthritis. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of ID-CBT5101 (tyndallized Clostridium butyricum) on bone metabolism and the inflammatory response in a monosodium iodoacetate-induced rat model of osteoarthritis. ID-CBT5101 was administered orally at doses of 108 or 1010 CFU/day for 2 weeks before direct injection of monosodium iodoacetate (3 mg/50 µl of 0.9% saline) into the intra-articular space of the rats' right knees. The rats subsequently received the same doses of oral ID-CBT5101 for another 4 weeks. We evaluated the treatment effects based on serum biomarkers, mRNA expression, morphological and histopathological analyses of the knee joints, and weight-bearing distribution analysis. Compared with those in control rats, the ID-CBT5101 treatments significantly reduced the serum concentration of inflammation and bone metabolism markers (i.e., COX-2, IL-6, LTB4, and COMP), and significantly increased the concentration of IFN-γ and glycosaminoglycans. In addition, the ID-CBT5101 treatments inhibited the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (i.e., MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2). Furthermore, the ID-CBT5101 treatments effectively preserved the knee cartilage and synovial membrane, and significantly decreased the amount of fibrous tissue. Moreover, compared with that of the negative control group, the ID-CBT5101 treatments increased the weight-bearing distribution by ≥20%. The results indicate that ID-CBT5101 prevented and alleviated osteoarthritis symptoms. Thus, ID-CBT5101 may be a novel therapeutic option for the management of osteoarthritis.