Pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hemophilic arthropathy: The role of angiogenesis.

INTRODUCTION: The term 'chronic inflammatory arthritis' (IA) can be used to define a group of heterogeneous diseases in which inflammation of the synovium is the common feature while having different pathogenesis and clinical outcomes. This condition can be found in osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and hemophilic arthropathy (HA). AIM: The objective is to try to highlight similarities and differences in the three pathological conditions and understand both molecular and physiological mechanisms. METHOD: We have carried out a systematic review of the available literature following the guidelines Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). RESULTS: By comparing the data in the literature on OA, RA, and HA we have shown that the three pathologies differ in initial etiology but they motivate the same molecular pathways. CONCLUSION: In this review we highlighted the similarities and differences between these diseases, creating ideas for future studies both in vivo and in vitro to develop new therapeutic agents and suggest possible biomarkers to follow the evolution and severity of the disease.

PCL preservation or sacrifice does not influence clinical outcomes and survivorship at mid-term follow-up of a J-curve CR total knee replacement with a medial congruent liner and a functional coronal alignment.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, increasing interest has arisen for medial pivoting TKA implants, designed to mimic the physiological knee kinematics, maximizing the contact area on the medial compartment of the knee, increasing anterior-posterior stability, and contributing to a ball-in-socket effect that allows the posterior cruciate sacrifice without a post-CAM mechanism. The medial congruent liner works with a J-curve cruciate-retaining (CR) femur without a real ball-in-socket design. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and survival of these implants, with or without PCL sparing, at a medium follow-up. METHODS: Between October 2016 and October 2018, 165 TKRs were performed in 161 patients (69.2% females and 30.8% males) and prospectively followed. Mean follow-up was 72 ± 12 months. All surgeries were performed using an extramedullary device and the same prosthetic implant. Patients were matched in two groups: in 80 patients, the PCL was preserved; in 85 patients, the PCL was sacrificed with a reduction of the tibial slope. RESULTS: The OKS and KSS improved in both groups. The difference between the two groups at the final follow-up was not statistically significant. Good-to-excellent clinical results according to the KSS were achieved in 93% of the knees in the PCP group and in 95% in the PCS group. At final follow-up, the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) was 73.6 in the PCP group and 74.1 in the PCS group with no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TKA with a medially congruent insert, showed promising results at mid-term follow-up, PCL preservation or sacrifice did not affect the clinical outcomes and survival. Further follow-up will be needed to evaluate these results at long term.

Proximal avulsion of the hamstring in young athlete patients: a case series and review of literature.

Hamstring injuries are a frequent occurrence of athletes, leading to a stop in practice and long-term alterations in sports performance. About 12% of these lesions involve avulsion at the level of the proximal insertion that can be complete (about 6%) or partial. Starting from an epidemiological and treatment evaluation of these lesions in literature, the aim of this study was to examine the functional outcomes and the rate of "return to play" in a population composed of athletes of various levels who have undergone surgery to reinsert the hamstring muscles at the ischial insertion, for a complete detachment of one or more tendon heads. Therefore, a retrospective study was carried out where 18 patients treated at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Unit of the I.R.C.C.S. San Matteo in Pavia (Italy) were identified in a time span ranging from March 2012 to August 2020. The sample was analysed taking into account age, sex and risk factors, as well as the pathophysiology and anatomy of the injury using the Wood classification, the time elapsed before surgery, the duration of the rehabilitation protocol and the possible return to sports activity, comparing the level of sports performance in the pre- and post-operative period using the Tegner Activity Score (TAS). Different post-operative outcome evaluation scores (Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool PHAT and Lower Extremity Functional Scale LEFS) were also compared with each other in order to find a correlation with the real level of return to sporting activity. The mean age at surgery was 26.4 11.6 years. The population is composed of 14 males (77.8%) and 4 females (22.2%). All 18 patients returned to sports following surgery (100%). Of these patients, 17 (94%) maintained a level of sports performance equal to that before the injury. 100% of patients rated the outcome of the surgery as satisfactory. This study has shown that Hamstring reinsertion surgery is a correct indication in all athletes, allowing them a satisfactory return to sports practice.

The Role of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Bone Healing: Systematic Review.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that is increasingly used in orthopedics practices. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) promotes angiogenesis, fracture healing and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. However, the underlying mechanisms during bone formation remain largely unknown. Factors such as wavelength, energy density, irradiation and frequency of LLLT can influence the cellular mechanisms. Moreover, the effects of LLLT are different according to cell types treated. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge of the molecular pathways activated by LLLT and its effects on the bone healing process. A better understanding of the cellular mechanisms activated by LLLT can improve its clinical application.

Controversies in ACL revision surgery: Italian expert group consensus and state of the art.

BACKGROUND: Revision ACL reconstruction is a complex topic with many controversies and not-easy-to-make decisions. The authors' aim is to provide some feasible advice that can be applied in daily clinical practice with the goal of facilitating the decision-making process and improving the outcomes of patients subjected to revision ACL reconstruction. METHODS: A national survey with seven questions about the most controversial topics in revision ACL reconstruction was emailed to members of two societies: SIOT and SIAGASCOT. The participants' answers were collected, the most recent literature was analyzed, and a consensus was created by the authors, according to their long-term surgical experience. CONCLUSIONS: The decision-making process in revision ACL reconstruction starts with a standardized imaging protocol (weight-bearing radiographs, CT scan, and MRI). One-stage surgery is indicated in almost all cases (exceptions are severe tunnel enlargement and infection), while the choice of graft depends on the previously used graft and the dimensions of the tunnels, with better clinical outcomes obtained for autografts. Additional procedures such as lateral extra-articular tenodesis in high-grade pivot-shift knees, biplanar HTO in the case of severe coronal malalignment, and meniscal suture improve the clinical outcome and should be considered case by case. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V (Expert opinion).

Modular tapered conical revision stem in hip revision surgery: mid- term results.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of a fluted tapered modular distal-fixation stem at medium to long-term follow-up. The hypothesis of this investigation was to verify if the use of this implant design may have provided potential advantages in femoral revisions and post-traumatic instances where the restoration of the anatomy was the prime concern. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 62 cases of femoral revision surgeries, performed in Paprosky type IIIA and IIIB bone defects between January 2001 and December 2011 with a mean follow-up of 8.5 ± 1.5 years (range 5.1-15.9 years) where a modular fluted stem was used. The clinical assessment was performed with the Harris Hip Score (HHS), and the radiographic evaluation was carried in order to assess the stability of the femoral component. Intra-operative and postoperative complications were recorded, and the rates of complications and revisions for any cause were determined. RESULTS: Mean HHS improved 35.4 points from the preoperative assessment. Radiographic evaluation showed a stable stem anchorage in 90.3% of the cases at the last follow-up. Five (8%) implants required additional surgery. Neither breakage of the stem nor loosening of the taper junction were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survivorship was 89.4% (CI: 88.8-90%) for any complication and 92.3% (CI: 91.8-92.7%) according to revision for any causes at 81 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that this stem design is a reliable option in cases of complex femoral bone defects, as well as in cases with high functional deficiencies, with promising survivorship.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Bone Healing: Molecular Pathways and Clinical Applications.

In this article, we provide an extensive review of the recent literature of the signaling pathways modulated by Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) and PEMFs clinical application. A review of the literature was performed on two medical electronic databases (PubMed and Embase) from 3 to 5 March 2021. Three authors performed the evaluation of the studies and the data extraction. All studies for this review were selected following these inclusion criteria: studies written in English, studies available in full text and studies published in peer-reviewed journal. Molecular biology, identifying cell membrane receptors and pathways involved in bone healing, and studying PEMFs target of action are giving a solid basis for clinical applications of PEMFs. However, further biology studies and clinical trials with clear and standardized parameters (intensity, frequency, dose, duration, type of coil) are required to clarify the precise dose-response relationship and to understand the real applications in clinical practice of PEMFs.

Biomarkers for Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes: There Is a Role?

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are an inherited heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders characterized by an abnormal collagen synthesis affecting skin, ligaments, joints, blood vessels, and other organs. It is one of the oldest known causes of bruising and bleeding, and it was described first by Hippocrates in 400 BC. In the last years, multiple gene variants involved in the pathogenesis of specific EDS subtypes have been identified; moreover, new clinical diagnostic criteria have been established. New classification models have also been studied in order to differentiate overlapping conditions. Moreover, EDS shares many characteristics with other similar disorders. Although distinguishing between these seemingly identical conditions is difficult, it is essential in ensuring proper patient care. Currently, there are many genetic and molecular studies underway to clarify the etiology of some variants of EDS. However, the genetic basis of the hypermobile type of EDS (hEDS) is still unknown. In this review, we focused on the study of two of the most common forms of EDS-classic and hypermobile-by trying to identify possible biomarkers that could be of great help to confirm patients' diagnosis and their follow up.

A ligament tensor-guided extramedullary alignment technique for distal femoral cut in total knee replacement: results at a minimum 3 years follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Femoral intramedullary canal referencing is used by most knee arthroplasty systems for distal femoral cut; to avoid the opening of the femoral canal different solutions have been presented such as navigation, patient-specific instruments (PSI) or the use of an extramedullary device. The FuZion® system is a tensor device, created to merge the two main techniques for performing a total knee arthroplasty: the ligament balancing and measured resection techniques. Our idea was to use the tensor as an extramedullary cutting guide for the distal femoral cut, based on a 90° tibial resection. METHODS: A total of 110 patients were operated on with this technique. Patients were evaluated with weight-bearing long-standing X-rays, knee a-p and lateral views, validated PROMs (Oxford Knee Score, EQ-5D and EQ-VAS), the Knee Society Scoring System (KSS) and the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS). Minimum follow up was 3 years (range 38-50 months). RESULTS: Complete results were available for 104 patients (5 were lost in follow up and 1 died). Significant improvements were registered for all the evaluated scores from pre-op to the final follow up. Pre-op long-standing X-rays showed 21 valgus knees (20%) with a mean HKA of 187.6° (± 3.2°), 70 varus knees (62%) with a mean 172.2° (± 3.7°) HKA and 19 neutrally aligned knees, with a mean HKA of 179.5° (0 ± 2°). The radiographic evaluation at 3 months post-op showed 20 valgus knees (mean HKA 183.7° ± 1.5°), 67 varus knees (mean HKA 176.1° ± 1.8°) and 23 neutrally aligned knees with a mean HKA of 179.3° (0 ± 2°). At final follow up the survival rate was 100% for revision of the implant as the endpoint. With any reoperation as the endpoint Kaplan-Meier survival estimate showed a survival rate of 95.1% at 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: This technique for performing a ligament driven alignment in total knee arthroplasty showed encouraging clinical outcomes at mid-term follow up leaving a residual deformity on the coronal plane.

What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature.

Energy spent during daily activities is recuperated by humans through sleep, ensuring optimal performance on the following day. Sleep disturbances are common: a meta-analysis on sleep quality showed that 15-30% of adults report sleep disorders, such as sleep onset latency (SOL), insufficient duration of sleep and frequently waking up at night. Low back pain (LBP) has been identified as one of the main causes of poor sleep quality. Literature findings are discordant on the type of mattress that might prevent onset of back pain, resulting in an improved quality of sleep. We conducted a systematic literature review of articles published until 2019, investigating the association of different mattresses with sleep quality and low back pain. Based on examined studies, mattresses were classified according to the European Committee for Standardization (2000) as: soft, medium-firm, extra-firm or mattresses customized for patients affected by supine decubitus. A total of 39 qualified articles have been included in the current systematic review. Results of this systematic review show that a medium-firm mattress promotes comfort, sleep quality and rachis alignment.

The Progression of Hemophilic Arthropathy: The Role of Biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia A and B are X-linked congenital bleeding disorders characterized by recurrent hemarthroses leading to specific changes in the synovium and cartilage, which finally result in the destruction of the joint: this process is called hemophilic arthropathy (HA). This review highlights the most prominent molecular biomarkers found in the literature to discuss their potential use in the clinical practice to monitor bleeding, to assess the progression of the HA and the effectiveness of treatments. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed on PubMed and Embase, from 3 to 7 August 2020. Study selection and data extraction were achieved independently by two authors and the following inclusion criteria were determined a priori: English language, available full text and articles published in peer-reviewed journal. In addition, further articles were identified by checking the bibliography of relevant articles and searching for the studies cited in all the articles examined. RESULTS: Eligible studies obtained at the end of the search and screen process were seventy-three (73). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the surge of interest in the clinical use of biomarkers, current literature underlines the lack of their standardization and their potential use in the clinical practice preserving the role of physical examination and imaging in early diagnosis.

The role of the anterolateral ligament in knee's biomechanics: a case-control retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the functional and clinical results of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery and were divided into subpopulations related to ACL-associated lesions and focused on ALL-associated lesion. METHODS: Our retrospective analysis included 62 patients who underwent standard ACL reconstruction surgery in our hospital from 2014 to 2016. The mean follow-up period was 21 months (range 11-35). We divided the sample into two subpopulations due to the presence or absence of ALL tear at the preoperative MRI. In 42 patients out of 62 (68%), ALL lesion was evident. We evaluated in both subpopulations the ACL failure rate, the functional outcomes rated with IKDC, KOOS, Lysholm scores and the clinical assessment of anteroposterior and rotatory instability with the Lachman test and pivot-shift test. RESULTS: The overall re-injury rate in our cohort of patients was 4.8% with a smaller but not a significant difference between the two groups. A statistically significant difference was observed for the three functional scores, favoring the isolated ACL-lesion group (p < 0.05). Similarly, a better Lachman score was observed in the isolated ACL-lesion group, without statistical significance (p = 0.77); overall, the rate of positive test was lower in the isolated ACL-lesion group. We observed a significant difference of residual rotatory instability (positive pivot-shift test) in the two subpopulations (p = 0.036), and 9% of patients in the ACL + ALL lesion group showed residual jerk or subluxation. CONCLUSION: The additional ALL reconstruction/repair surgery should always be considered in patients with evident ALL tear at the preoperative MRI.

Acetabular Chondral Lesions Associated With Femoroacetabular Impingement Treated by Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis or Microfracture: A Comparative Study at 8-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate, at 8 years, the clinical follow-up and failure rate (revision rate/conversion to arthroplasty) of patients with hip chondral lesions associated with femoroacetabular impingement and to compare over time the treatment by microfracture (MFx) and autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC). METHODS: Patients aged between 18 and 55 years, with acetabular grade III and IV chondral lesions (Outerbridge), measuring 2 to 8 cm2 operated on at least 8 years before enrollment. Exclusion criteria were rheumatoid arthritis, dysplasia, or axial deviation of the femoral head. There were no arthritic lesions, Tonnis < 2, or joint space of at least 2 mm. MFx was performed with an awl, and the Chondro-Gide membrane used for the AMIC procedure was placed without glue. Outcomes used modified Harris hip score (mHHS) at 6 months and yearly for 8 years and patient acceptable symptomatic state. RESULTS: Among 130 patients, 109 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Fifty were treated by MFx and 59 by AMIC. The mHHS significantly improved in both groups from 46 ± 6.0 to 78 ± 8.8 for mHHS at 6-12 months, even for lesions > 4 cm2. From 2 to 8 years, mHHS in the AMIC group was better than in the MFx group (P < .005). This mHHS improvement in the AMIC group was maintained through the 8-year follow-up period, whereas it deteriorated after 1 year in the MFx group (P < .005). Eleven patients (22%) in the MFx group required total hip arthroplasty (THA); none in the AMIC group did. Patient acceptable symptomatic state analysis confirmed similar short-term improvement, but a significant (P < .007) degradation after 2-8 years in MFx patients. CONCLUSIONS: MFx and AMIC techniques led to marked clinical short-term improvement in patients with chondral defects resulting from femoroacetabular impingement in the first 2 years. However, AMIC gave significantly better results as measured by mHHS, which were maintained after 8 years, the results of MFx in the hip deteriorated over time with 22% of patients undergoing conversion to THA. No patient in the AMIC group was converted to THA; the results of AMIC appeared stable over time and independent of lesion size. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective patient group study.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in People with Hemophilia: Higher Incidence of Periprosthetic Joint Infection and 1-Year Revision/Re-Operation than the General Population and Lower Prosthetic Survival When Early Postoperative Bleeding Complications Occurred: Current Literature Review.

The purpose of this narrative review of the recent literature is to analyze the outcomes, complications, and implant survival of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) carried out on people with hemophilia (PWH). It has been shown that TKA substantially alleviates preoperative pain and improves knee function and the patient's quality of life. However, the complication rates of TKA range between 8.5% and 28.7, with postoperative hemarthrosis being the most frequent (7.6%). Besides, when comparing if the TKA was implanted before or after the year 2000, a reduction was found in the rates of periprosthetic joint infection-PJI (6.2% to 3.9%) and aseptic loosening (3.8% to 2.1%). Comparing prosthesis survival between PWH who had suffered early postoperative bleeding complications (EPBC) and patients who did not suffer EBPC, the mean survival duration was 17 years for the EPBC group and 22.1 years for the non-EPBC group. Survival rates were 80% for the EPBC group and 96.4% for the non-EPBC group. Compared to patients without hemophilia, PWH had a substantially higher incidence of PJI (Odds Ratio-OR 1.6) and 1-year revision/re-operation (OR 1.4). In short, although TKA substantially improves the quality of life of PWH, it is an intervention that has a non-negligible percentage of complications. TKA in PWH should preferably be performed only in highly specialized centers for the orthopedic treatment of hemophilia.

Blood Transfusion for Major Trauma in Emergency Department.

Severe bleeding is the leading cause of death in patients with major trauma admitted to the emergency department. It is estimated that about 50% of deaths happen within a few minutes of the traumatic event due to massive hemorrhage; 30% of deaths are related to neurological dysfunction and typically happen within two days of trauma; and approximately 20% of patients died of multiorgan failure and sepsis within days to weeks of the traumatic event. Over the past ten years, there has been an increased understanding of the underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology associated with traumatic bleeding leading to improved management measures. Traumatic events cause significant tissue damage, with the potential for severe blood loss and the release of cytokines and hormones. They are responsible for systemic inflammation, activation of fibrinolysis pathways, and consumption of coagulation factors. As the final results of this (more complex in real life) cascade, patients can develop tissue hypoxia, acidosis, hypothermia, and severe coagulopathy, resulting in a rapid deterioration of general conditions with a high risk of mortality. Prompt and appropriate management of massive bleeding and coagulopathy in patients with trauma remains a significant challenge for emergency physicians in their daily clinical practice. Our review aims to explore literature studies providing evidence on the treatment of hemorrhage with blood support in patients with trauma admitted to the Emergency Department with a high risk of death. Advances in blood transfusion protocols, along with improvements in other resuscitation strategies, have become one of the most important issues to face and a key topic of recent clinical research in this field.

Treatment of Periprosthetic Hip Fractures Vancouver B1 and C: The Significance of Bicortical Fixation. A Bicentric Study Comparing Two Osteosynthesis Systems.

INTRODUCTION The incidence of periprosthetic fractures (PFFs) is estimated to range from 0.1% to 4.1%1, due to the increasing prevalence of joint arthroplasties, coupled with an aging population. Numerous risk factors, including advanced age (>80 years), female gender, implant type, prior diagnoses of osteonecrosis and rheumatoid arthritis, revision surgery, aseptic stem mobilization, and the use of non-cemented stems, have been identified. Survivors of periprosthetic fractures often experience functional deterioration, facing a fourfold higher risk of hospitalization for postoperative complications compared to patients undergoing primary implantation, especially in the first postoperative year. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2018 and 2022, at the Maggiore Hospitals in Bologna and the San Matteo Policlinic in Pavia, we performed osteosynthesis on 84 patients with periprosthetic fractures of Vancouver type B1 or C. In 38 patients, we employed angular stable plates with the Zimmer Biomet NCB-PP® system. In 46 patients, we utilized INTRAUMA plates: DF distal femur and PFF proximal. Relevant postoperative follow-up outcomes considered included reintervention, infectious complications, radiographic healing, and functional recovery, with reference to changes in the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and the Harris Hip Score (HHS). All patients underwent clinical and radiographic evaluations during the follow-up period, averaging 28 months (range: 12-48 months), with a minimum follow-up duration of 12 months. RESULTS At the 4-month postoperative assessment, 71% of patients maintained their preoperative functional level, 19% experienced a 1-point GOS scale drop, and 10% died (GOS 5). The average HHS at 4 months was 80.2 points (range: 65-90). At the 6-month follow-up, 98.2% of patients achieved complete healing on radiographic examination. Only 1 patient (1.2%) developed a pseudoarthrosis site with synthesis device rupture. Only 1 patient (1.2%) required additional surgical treatment 2 years later due to the development of un aseptic perisynthetic fluid collection, while the remaining 5 patients (6%) who developed complications benefited from conservative treatment: 4 patients (3.6%) with infectious complications were treated with intravenous antibiotics. In the 2 patients (2.3%) with mobilization or rupture of synthesis devices, clinical and radiographic monitoring was opted for. 8 patients (10.7%) died: one 48 hours after the surgery, and the other 7 more than one month after the surgery. CONCLUSION Our clinical findings align with to existing scientific literature on periprosthetic fractures (B1 and C according to Vancouver classification). Moreover, good stability has been guaranteed at the radiological follow up by Zimmer Biomet NCB-PP® and INTRAUMA DF distal femur and PFF proximal plates. The locking construct allows for improved stability especially in osteoporotic bone.

Managing Surgical Risks in Hemophilic Elbow Arthropathy: An In-Depth Case Study and Literature Review.

This study presents a detailed case analysis of a 40-year-old male patient with hemophilia A and severe chronic elbow arthropathy, exploring the surgical challenges and outcomes within the context of the current literature. The patient, with a history of multiple comorbidities including Hodgkin's lymphoma and cardiomyopathy, exhibited significant joint damage and functional impairment. A comprehensive approach was employed, collecting all relevant clinical data, including radiographic and MRI findings, to inform treatment decisions. Clinical findings and treatment decisions are presented as they occurred in real time, simulating the clinical reasoning process. Subsequent references to the clinical and instrumental findings as well therapeutic interventions are discussed in light of the current literature to reinforce the decision-making framework. This report underscores the importance of multidisciplinary care in optimizing patient outcomes and contributes to the ongoing discourse on the management of advanced musculoskeletal conditions in hemophilic patients. The findings emphasize the necessity for early intervention and specialized care to mitigate complications and improve long-term prognosis.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Secretome as a New Possible Approach to Treat Cartilage Damage: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition of the cartilage, often common among the population and occurs frequently with aging. Many factors are decisive for the development of its pathogenesis such as age, obesity, trauma, mechanical load, and modification of synovial biology. The main features of osteoarthritis are chondrocytes and cartilage matrix loss, which lead to pain, loss of function of the whole joint, and disability, representing a relevant health problem. Recently, a new therapeutic approach based on cell therapy has been studying the regenerative ability of mesenchymal stem cells for osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Aim: This in vitro study clarifies the regenerative effects of multipotent adipose-derived stem cells and the pluripotent amniotic epithelial stem cells on arthrosis chondrocytes by performing co-culture experiments. Methods: We studied the regenerative potential of secretome (soluble factors and extracellular vesicles), mesenchymal stem cells, and the adipose stromal vascular fraction. The regenerative effects were evaluated by gene and protein expression analysis of articular cartilage-specific genes and proteins like col2a1, acan, and sox9. Results: Mesenchymal stem cells, secretome, and adipose stromal vascular fractions influenced the cartilage genes and protein expression. Conclusions: The results indicate that the treatment with mesenchymal stem cells could be the best biological approach for cartilage regenerative medicine.

Perioperative Pain Management in Hemophilic Patient Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia type A and B is associated with spontaneous bleeding in muscle tissues and joints. Acute hemarthrosis, representing 70-80% of all bleedings in severe hemophilia patients, is extremely painful. When surgical procedures are needed in hemophiliac patients, perioperative management should be planned with a multidisciplinary team. Our narrative review, through a rigorous analysis of the current literature, focuses on pain management in hemophiliac patients. METHODS: The report synthesizes a literature review on hemophilia, adapting PRISMA guidelines. It identifies a research question on surgical procedures and perioperative pain management. Various sources, including electronic databases, are utilized. Study inclusion criteria are defined based on the research question. Forty studies are included. A detailed study selection is illustrated. RESULTS: Guidelines for managing acute postoperative pain in the general population advocate for a multimodal analgesic administration to enhance synergistic benefits, reduce opioid requirements, and minimize side effects. Recent recommendations from the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) for postoperative pain management in hemophilia patients suggest tailoring treatment based on pain levels, in coordination with anesthesiologists. CONCLUSIONS: Pain management in hemophiliac patients undergoing orthopedic interventions requires a multidisciplinary approach, with further research needed to define a reliable global standard of treatment.

Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) in a One-Stage Procedure Versus Two-Stage Procedure: A Retrospective Study.

Background/Objectives: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the safety and functional outcomes of simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared to two-stage bilateral TKA procedures. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of knee joint replacement globally, so we sought to determine whether the one-stage approach could be deemed non-inferior to the two-stage method in terms of perioperative complications and postoperative recovery. Methods: We analyzed two cohorts: 43 patients underwent one-stage bilateral TKA, while 66 patients received two-stage TKA. The data collected included demographic details, comorbidities, postoperative complications, and functional outcomes assessed by the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), European Quality of Life, and Visual Analogue Scale scores at preoperative and five years postoperative follow-ups. Results: The results showed statistically significant improvements in quality-of-life measures for both groups, with the one-stage group exhibiting greater enhancement in OKS (p < 0.05). Complication rates were similar across both procedures, with no significant differences in infection rates or other adverse events. Conclusions: This study suggests that the one-stage approach to treat bilateral knee arthritis could reduce subjective stress and healthcare costs, presenting a safe alternative for appropriately selected patients. However, the findings highlight the necessity of considering patients' overall health status when planning surgical interventions. Further research involving larger populations is recommended to validate our conclusions.