Quantitative Analysis and Molecular Docking Simulation of Flavonols from Eruca sativa Mill. and Their Effect on Skin Barrier Function.

Eruca sativa is a commonly used edible plant in Italian cuisine. E. sativa 70% ethanol extract (ES) was fractionated with five organic solvents, including n-hexane (EHex), chloroform (ECHCl3), ethyl acetate (EEA), n-butyl alcohol (EBuOH), and water (EDW). Ethyl acetate fraction (EEA) had the highest antioxidant activity, which was correlated with the total polyphenol and flavonoid content. ES and EEA acted as PPAR-α ligands by PPAR-α competitive binding assay. EEA significantly increased cornified envelope formation as a keratinocyte terminal differentiation marker in HaCaT cells. Further, it significantly reduced nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The main flavonol forms detected in high amounts from EEA are mono-and di-glycoside of each aglycone. The main flavonol form of EEA is the mono-glycoside of each aglycone detected, and the most abundant flavonol mono-glycoside is kaempferol 3-glucoside 7.4%, followed by quercetin-3-glucoside 2.3% and isorhamnetin 3-glucoside 1.4%. Flavonol mono-glycosides were shown to be a potent PPAR-α ligand using molecular docking simulation and showed the inhibition of nitric oxide. These results suggest that the flavonol composition of E. sativa is suitable for use in improving skin barrier function and inflammation in skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis.

Factors related to the early outcome of medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy: coronal limb alignment affects more than cartilage degeneration state.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to identify possible factors influencing the early outcome after medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 87 MOWHTO cases with a minimum of 2-year follow-up and second-look arthroscopic results available were enrolled. The cartilage degeneration state was evaluated by the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading. Radiographic parameters including the hip-knee-ankle axis (HKA), medial proximal tibia angle (MPTA), posterior tibial slope, patellar height, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), joint line obliquity (JLO), and weight-bearing line ratio (WBLR) were measured. The pre-operative arthritic change was evaluated by Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification. According to the post-operative HKA, knees were divided into three (Under/Optimal/Over-correction) subgroups. Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were evaluated and factors related to post-operative IKDC scores were analyzed. RESULTS: The pre-operative HKA (P = 0.002), post-operative HKA (P = 0.007), pre-operative MPTA (P = 0.011), and pre-operative WBLR (P = 0.031) were significantly related to the post-operative IKDC score. Cartilage degeneration states evaluated from first and second-look arthroscopy were not associated with post-operative IKDC score. Subgroup analysis revealed that the Under-correction group had significantly lower post-operative IKDC scores compared to the Optimal and Over-correction group (P = 0.012 and P = 0.030, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our result suggests that a sub-optimal correction of coronal limb alignment negatively affects the early outcome of MOWHTO. On the other hand, the effect of the degree of cartilage degeneration was not significant.

Patellar fractures in elderly patients: a multicenter computed tomography-based analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to demonstrate the characteristics of patellar fractures and evaluate clinical outcomes in elderly patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients aged ≥ 60 years who presented with patellar fractures were retrospectively reviewed from an institutionally approved multicenter (five institutions) orthopedic database. Patient characteristics and fracture patterns were identified, and the clinical outcomes were investigated. We compared differences according to the injury mechanism (low- vs. high-energy). RESULTS: A total of 202 patients [mean age, 69.4 years (range, 60-88 years); male, 89, female, 113] were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 14.8 months (range 6-58 months), and 75% of the fractures were from low-energy injuries. According to the AO /OTA classification, the most common type was type C (136 cases, 67.3%; 33 cases, C1; 23, C2; and 80, C3), followed by type A (39 cases), type B (26 cases), and unclassified (1 case). The unclassified case was an intra-articular marginal impaction without cortical breakage. Computed tomography (CT) revealed that of the cases, 66.8% had an inferior pole involvement; 80.7%, a comminuted fragment; and 10.4%, an impacted fracture. A total of 166 fractures (82.2%) were treated surgically. The mean union time and range of motion were 13.1 weeks and 123.8° (range 30-150°), respectively. The Lysholm score was 82.1 ± 12.0, with 65.7% of the cases having excellent or good function. The complication rate was 12.4% (24 cases), including ten, four, two, and five cases of infection, fixation failure, nonunion, malunion, and pin migration, respectively. The reoperation rate was 26.4%. CONCLUSION: Patellar fractures in the elderly were mostly from low-energy injuries, and types C3 and A1 were the most common. CT images demonstrated high rates of an inferior pole involvement and comminution. The complication and reoperation rates were relatively high.

Effect of preoperative vitamin D deficiency on functional outcomes after high tibial osteotomy: a retrospective case control study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D deficiency on the functional outcomes following a high tibial osteotomy (HTO). METHODS: Clinical data of 209 patients (327 knees) who underwent HTO done by a single surgeon were retrospectively registered for the study. Ninety-four patients (94 knees) who underwent HTO were analyzed. Patients were assigned into two groups according to their preoperative serum vitamin D levels (D- Deficiency and S- Sufficient); < 20 ng/ml (group D, N = 48) and ≥ 20 ng/ml (group S, N = 46) respectively. A subjective form of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, mechanical alignment, and cartilage status before and 1 year following HTO were studied between groups. RESULTS: The mean postoperative IKDC score was significantly higher in group S (p = 0.012). Moreover, the difference of IKDC score between pre- and post- HTO was also significantly higher in group S (p = 0.006). Preoperative vitamin D level and IKDC score did not show a significant correlation. Serum vitamin D level was found to be moderately correlated to postoperative IKDC score (r = 0.342 and, p = 0.001). A moderately positive correlation between serum vitamin D level and improvement of IKDC score following osteotomy was appreciated (r = 0.381 and, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with vitamin D deficiency had less satisfactory functional outcomes within 1 year from HTO surgery. Our results suggest that preoperative serum vitamin D level is one of the factors affecting the outcome after HTO. We recommended analyzing serum vitamin D levels as part of the routine workup in patients undergoing HTO.

[The effect of whole body vibration by sonic waves on mood, the autonomic nervous system, and brain function in elderly].

AIM: The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of sonic wave vibration (SWV) on mood, the autonomic-nervous system, brain function and cognitive function in elderly people. METHODS: We randomly assigned 24 late-stage elderly people (M 88.0±5.0 yrs) into a SWV group and a control group. The SWV group conducted 10 minutes of SWV per day, 5 days a week for 8 consecutive weeks. For evaluation purposes, we analyzed the moods with TDMS, heart rate variability (HRV), resting energy expenditure (REE), and brain activation during the Stroop test using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). RESULTS: The stability level and pleasure level of mood increased significantly immediately after SWV. Simultaneously, the levels of the parasympathetic nervous system index of HRV significantly increased while the levels of the sympathetic nervous system index significantly decreased. REE also significantly increased. These results suggest that SWV has a relaxation effect as well as increasing the energy expenditure for elderly people. After intervention, Stroop B's execution time significantly decreased suggesting an improvement in the processing speed. The NIRS revealed that SWV may therefore activate the frontal lobe function. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that SWV may have a positive effect on mood, the autonomic nervous system, cognitive function and brain functions, and thus such treatment may be useful for elderly people.

The Implication of Substance P in the Development of Tendinopathy: A Case Control Study.

It was reported that substance P had beneficial effects in the healing of acute tendon injury. However, the relationship between substance P and degenerative tendinopathy development remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of substance P in the pathogenesis of tendinopathy. Healthy and tendinopathy tendon were harvested from human and tenocytes were cultured individually. The expression levels of genes associated with tendinopathy were compared. Next, substance P was exogenously administered to the healthy tenocyte and the effect was evaluated. The results showed that tendinopathy tenocytes had higher levels of COL3A1, MMP1, COX2, SCX, ACTA2, and substance P gene expression compared to healthy tenocytes. Next, substance P treatment on the healthy tenocyte displayed similar changes to that of the tendinopathy tenocytes. These differences between the two groups were also determined by Western blot. Additionally, cells with substance P had the tendinopathy change morphologically although cellular proliferation was significantly higher compared to that of the control group. In conclusion, substance P enhanced cellular proliferation, but concomitantly increased immature collagen (type 3 collagen). Substance P plays a crucial role in tendinopathy development and could be a future therapeutic target for treatment.

Clinical and radiological results of high tibial of osteotomy over the age of 65 are comparable to that of under 55 at minimum 2-year follow-up: a propensity score matched analysis.

PURPOSE: The results of medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) according to age is inconclusive. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and failure of MOWHTO in patients < 55 years and > 65 years. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent MOWHTO from July 2009 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. 205 patients were considered for analysis. A 1-to-1 propensity score matched analysis to assess clinical outcomes scores including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score and Lysholm score, radiologic outcomes, complication, and Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) conversion between patients > 65 years and patients < 55 years was performed. Radiologic outcomes included Hip-Knee-Ankle (HKA) angle, Weight Bearing Line ratio (WBLR), posterior tibial slope (PTS), and Insall-Salvati (IS) ratio before and after surgery. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 50.4 months in patients > 65 years and 55.3 months in patients < 55 years. There was no significant difference in the preoperative and postoperative HKA angle, WBLR, PTS, IS ratio, IKDC score and Lysholm score between the two groups. The arthroscopic evaluation of cartilage did not show any statistically significant differences between the two groups. Regarding Minimal clinically important differences (MCID), in the 26% of the older group exceeded MCID of IKDC score; 45% of the older group exceeded MCID of Lysholm score. In the younger group, 24% exceeded MCID of IKDC score and 35% exceeded MCID of Lysholm score. In older group, there were 7 (11.3%) cases of TKA conversion while no TKA conversion was recorded in the younger group. (P = 0.007) The average time to TKA conversion was 67 months. (42 months to 90 months) Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the survival rate was 95.2% at 4 years in the older group. CONCLUSION: Similar clinical results were obtained in patients over 65 years of age that were eligible for MOWHTO at minimum 2-year follow-up as in patients under 55 years of age. MOWHTO may be a viable option in older patients if proper indications are met. However, the risk of TKA conversion must be considered preoperatively and discussed with patients. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Seebeck coefficient characterization of highly doped n- and p-type silicon nanowires for thermoelectric device applications fabricated with top-down approach.

A silicon nanowire one-dimensional thermoelectric device is presented as a solution to enhance thermoelectric performance. A top-down process is adopted for the definition of 50 nm silicon nanowires (SiNWs) and the fabrication of the nano-structured thermoelectric devices on silicon on insulator (SOl) wafer. To measure the Seebeck coefficients of 50 nm width n- and p-type SiNWs, a thermoelectric test structure, containing SiNWs, micro-heaters and temperature sensors is fabricated. Doping concentration is 1.0 x 10(20) cm(-3) for both for n- and p-type SiNWs. To determine the temperature gradient, a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) analysis is done and the extracted TCR value is 1750-1800 PPM x K(-1). The measured Seebeck coefficients are -127.583 microV x K(-1) and 141.758 microV x K(-1) for n- and p-type SiNWs, respectively, at room temperature. Consequently, power factor values are 1.46 mW x m(-1) x K(-2) and 1.66 mW x m(-1) x K(-2) for n- and p-type SiNWs, respectively. Our results indicate that SiNWs based thermoelectric devices have a great potential for applications in future energy conversion systems.

Effect of silicide/silicon hetero-junction structure on thermal conductivity and Seebeck coefficient.

We fabricated a thermoelectric device with a silicide/silicon laminated hetero-structure by using RF sputtering and rapid thermal annealing. The device was observed to have Ohmic characteristics by I-V measurement. The temperature differences and Seebeck coefficients of the proposed silicide/silicon laminated and bulk structure were measured. The laminated thermoelectric device shows suppression of heat flow from the hot to cold side. This is supported by the theory that the atomic mass difference between silicide and silicon creates a scattering center for phonons. The major impact of our work is that phonon transmission is suppressed at the interface between silicide and silicon without degrading electrical conductivity. The estimated thermal conductivity of the 3-layer laminated device is 126.2 +/- 3.7 W/m. K. Thus, by using the 3-layer laminated structure, thermal conductivity is reduced by around 16% compared to bulk silicon. However, the Seebeck coefficient of the thermoelectric device is degraded compared to that of bulk silicon. It is understood that electrical conductivity is improved by using silicide as a scattering center.

Reliability of the TT-TG Index Versus TT-TG Distance on MRI: Morphometric Analyses in Asian Children and Adolescents.

Background: The tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to decide the treatment for patellar instability; however, the patient's joint size is not considered in this measurement. The TT-TG index has been proposed as a knee size-adjusted measurement for tibial tuberosity location. Purpose: To evaluate the reliability of the TT-TG index compared with the TT-TG distance by analyzing variations in measurement according to age and sex in a pediatric Asian population. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 698 knee MRI scans were collected in patients between 4 and 18 years of age who did not have any patellofemoral problems. Patient age, sex, height, and weight were recorded. The scans were divided into 5 groups according to patient age (4-6 years, 46 scans; 7-9 years, 56 scans; 10-12 years, 122 scans; 13-15 years, 185 scans; and 16-18 years, 289 scans); MRI scans were also divided by sex (497 male, 201 female). Three independent observers measured the TT-TG distance and TT-TG index on each scan, and age- and sex-based differences in the measurements were evaluated after adjusting for body mass index (BMI). The reliability of the measurements was calculated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Good to excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement was found for TT-TG distance (ICC, 0.74) and TT-TG index (ICC, 0.88). The TT-TG distance was significantly different among the groups and increased with age, while variations in the TT-TG index were minimal between age groups and sexes. This finding was also consistent after compensating for the effect of BMI. Conclusion: The TT-TG distance changed with age, while the TT-TG index was relatively constant. Therefore, the TT-TG index may be more reliable and effective for diagnosing and planning treatment, especially in children and adolescents.

Management of cerebrospinal fluid leakage after anterior decompression for ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament in the thoracic spine: the utilization of a volume-controlled pseudomeningocele.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage after the anterior thoracic approach. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: CSF leakage after incidental durotomy commonly occurs after anterior thoracic ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) surgery. Pseudomeningocele will invariably form under such circumstances. Among them, uncontrolled CSF leakage with a fistulous condition is problematic. As a solution, we have managed these durotomies with chest drains alone without any CSF drainage by the concept of a "volume-controlled pseudomeningocele." METHODS: Between 2001 and 2009, CSF leakage occurred in 26 patients (37.7%) of the total 69 patients who underwent anterior decompression for thoracic OPLL. In the initial 11 cases, subarachnoid drainage was utilized as an augmentive measure in combination with chest tube drainage in the postoperative period (group A). In the subsequent 15 cases, the durotomy was managed in a similar manner but in the absence of any subarachnoid drainage (group B). Various parameters such as the duration of postoperative hospital stay, clinical outcome score, drainage output, resolution of CSF leakage, complications, and additional surgery performed were analyzed and compared between the 2 groups. A resolution of the CSF leakage grading system was also proposed for the residual pseudomeningocele that formed in each group. RESULTS: There were statistically no significant differences in the outcome parameters between the 2 groups and also in patients with grade I or grade II residual pseudomeningocele of the new grading system. Two complications occurred in group A. No reexploration for persistent CSF leakage was required in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: CSF leakage managed with controlled chest tube drainage can produce a comparable result with those with additional subarachnoid drainage when watertight dural repair is impossible. The concept of controlled pseudomeningocele may be a useful and practical technique for the treatment of CSF leakage after anterior thoracic OPLL surgery.

Clinical Results after Design Modification of Lospa Total Knee Arthroplasty System: Comparison between Posterior-Stabilized (PS) and PS Plus Types.

Background: Lospa posterior-stabilized (PS) Plus type is a modified version of Lospa PS, in which the polyethylene insert shape is modified to reinforce stability and prevent patella-post impingement compared to Lospa PS. However, studies comparing the clinical and radiographic results of the two designs have not been reported yet. This study aimed to compare the clinical results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the existing PS type and the modified Lospa PS Plus type. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 558 knees of 342 patients who underwent TKA using the Lospa PS or PS Plus types and were followed up for at least 2 years. Cases were divided into two groups according to the implant used: 212 cases in the PS group and 346 cases in the PS Plus group. For clinical outcome assessment, knee range of motion (ROM), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and Knee Society Score (KSS) were recorded before surgery and at the 2-year follow-up. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated according to the American Knee Society method. The incidence of postoperative complications and survival rates were compared between the two groups. Results: Both groups showed significant clinical improvement after surgery. The average KSS significantly improved from 53.4 points in the PS group and 52.3 points in the PS Plus group preoperatively to 91.3 points and 93.2 points after surgery, respectively (p < 0.001). The average WOMAC score improved from 50.4 points in the PS group and 52.3 points in the PS Plus group before surgery to 15.6 points and 14.8 points after surgery, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in ROM, the alignment of the lower limbs, and the implant position after surgery. The complication rates were also similar between the groups (p = 0.167). Conclusions: The Lospa PS Plus model is a modified design that improves the post structure from the previous PS type. Compared to the PS type, the PS Plus type showed similar statistical results at 2-year follow-up and good clinical results. The short-term average survival rate was over 98%, showing promising results.

Lipoma with osteocartilaginous metaplasia in infrapatellar fat pad: A case report and review of literature.

RATIONALE: Lipomas are tumors composed of mature adipocytes, originating from the mesoderm, and are the most common soft tissue tumor. According to the World Health Organization classification of human soft tissue and bone tumors, there are 14 types of benign tumors, including mature adipose tissue. Osteolipoma is known as the rarest subtype of lipoma. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 63-year-old female presented to our hospital for the evaluation and treatment of a palpable mass with pain in the right knee. DIAGNOSIS: The diagnosis was confirmed as lipoma with osteocartilaginous metaplasia. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical removal of the tumor was performed. OUTCOMES: The main symptoms improved immediately after the surgery and recovered without any complications or recurrence until 2 years after surgery. LESSONS: Lipoma with osteochondral degeneration is a rare variant of lipoma and it is important to differentiate it from other malignant tumors. Pathological confirmation should be performed after marginal resection of the mass.

Quantum mechanical simulation of hole transport in p-type Si Schottky barrier MOSFETs.

A full quantum-mechanical simulation of p-type nanowire Schottky barrier metal oxide silicon field effect transistors (SB-MOSFETs) is performed by solving the three-dimensional Schrödinger and Poisson's equations self-consistently. The non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) approach is adopted to treat hole transport, especially quantum tunneling through SB. In this work, p-type nanowire SB-MOSFETs are simulated based on the 3-band k.p method, using the k.p parameters that were tuned by benchmarking against the tight-binding method with sp3s* orbitals. The device shows a strong dependence on the transport direction, due to the orientation-sensitive tunneling effective mass and the confinement energy. With regard to the subthreshold slope, the [110] and [111] oriented devices with long channel show better performance, but they are more vulnerable to the short channel effects than the [100] oriented device. The threshold voltage also shows a greater variation in the [110] and [111] oriented devices with the decrease of the channel length.

Cervical cord compression presenting with sciatica-like leg pain.

Sciatica-like leg pain can be the main presenting symptom in patients with cervical cord compression. It is a false localizing presentation, which may lead to missed or delayed diagnosis, resulting in the wrong plan of management, especially in the presence of concurrent lumbar lesions. Medical history, physical findings and the results of imaging studies were reviewed in two cases of cervical cord compressions, which presented with sciatica-like leg pain. There was multi-level cervical spondylosis with cord compression in the first patient and the second patient had two levels of cervical disc herniation with cord compression. In both cases, there were co-existing lumbar lesions, which could be responsible for the presentation of the leg pain. Cervical blocks were diagnostic in identifying the level responsible for the leg pain and it was confirmed so after cervical decompressive surgery in both cases, which brought significant pain relief. Funicular leg pain is a rare presentation of cervical cord compression. It is a referred pain due to the irritation of the ascending spinothalamic tract. Cervical blocks were successful in identifying the cause of funicular pain in our cases and this may pave the way for further studies to establish the role of cervical blocks as a diagnostic tool for funicular pain caused by cord compression.

Incidence and Factors Affecting the Occurrence of Lateral Hinge Fracture After Medial Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Few clinical studies have reported the predictors of lateral hinge fracture (LHF) after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO). PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to compare the incidence of LHF on plain radiographs versus computed tomography (CT) scans and to investigate the factors related to the development of LHF after MOWHTO. We hypothesized that (1) a higher LHF detection rate would be seen on CT scans versus plain radiographs and (2) LHF incidence would be related to opening gap width and hinge position. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 97 MOWHTO cases were included. The presence and types of LHF were determined from plain radiographs and CT scans. Radiographic parameters were measured on plain radiographs taken 6 weeks postoperatively. Anterior and posterior opening gap widths, coronal and sagittal osteotomy slopes, and fibular height were calculated from CT scans. The wedge-hinge relationship and the zone of hinge position were assessed, and the patient and radiographic factors related to LHF occurrence were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventeen LHF cases (20.5%) were detected on plain radiographs, while significantly more (37 cases; 44.6%) were found on CT scans (P = .001). Based on Takeuchi classification, 28 LHF cases were considered type 1, 7 were type 2, and 2 were type 3. Logistic regression analysis revealed that opening gap width (odds ratio, 1.615; 95% confidence interval, 1.232-2.118; P = .001) and posterior opening gap width (odds ratio, 3.731; 95% confidence interval, 1.642-4.351; P = .008,) differed significantly between patients with versus without LHF. Other patient and radiographic factors were not significantly related to LHF occurrence. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified the opening gap width cutoff values for LHF as 11.0 mm (area under the curve, 0.81; sensitivity, 78.4%; specificity, 73.9%). CONCLUSION: The incidence of LHF after MOWHTO can be underestimated on plain radiographs compared with CT scans. Only large opening gap width, especially posterior gap width, was found to have a statistically significant relationship with occurrence of LHF. Therefore, special caution for possible LHF may be needed if a large correction is planned.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Patellofemoral Morphometry Reveals Age and Gender Variations in the Knees of Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The morphology and alignment of the patellofemoral joint are crucial risk factors for patellar instability, and the incidence of acute primary patellar dislocation is the highest in women in their second decade of life. The purpose of the study was to analyze age and gender variations of the patellofemoral joint using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: A total of 852 patients aged between 4 and 18 years with a history of knee MRI examinations were screened for eligibility and 663 patients (470 males, 193 females) were included. Patients were divided into groups according to age and sex. The age group was divided into five groups (Group 1, 4-6 years; Group 2, 7-9 years; Group 3, 10-12 years; Group 4, 13-15 years; and Group 5, 16-18 years). Three orthopaedic surgeons measured MRI parameters reflecting the patellofemoral morphology (sulcus angle, lateral trochlear inclination, trochlear facet symmetry, and femoral depth) and alignment (tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance, percent sulcus location, and percent tibia tuberosity location). RESULTS: Parameters including tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance, sulcus angle, percent tibial tuberosity location, trochlear facet symmetry, and femoral depth showed significant differences between the age groups (p < 0.05). The sulcus angle decreased fin Group 2, and the femoral depth showed an increasing trend with aging in male patients. However, the sulcus angle in females decreased first and then increased in Group 3 as the inflection point. The femoral depth showed an opposite pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Patellofemoral morphometry showed age and gender variation. Notably, the sulcus angle and femoral depth were significantly different between males and females and changed according to the development. These findings may reflect the sex difference and peak incidence of the patellar instability risk. Understanding the morphological changes and differences of the patellofemoral joint may facilitate the diagnosis of patellofemoral pathologies.

Application of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Improved the Interrater Reliability of the AO/OTA Classification Decision in a Patellar Fracture.

We investigated whether interrater reliabilities of the AO/OTA classification of patellar fracture change with the imaging modalities applied, including plain radiography and two- and three-dimensional (2-D and 3-D) computed tomography (CT). Seven orthopedic specialists and four orthopedic residents completed a survey of 50 patellar fractures to classify the fractures according to the AO/OTA classification for patellar fractures. Initially, the survey was conducted using plain radiography only, then with 2-D CT introduced three weeks later and 3-D CT introduced six weeks later. Fleiss' Kappa coefficients were calculated to determine interrater reliability. The overall interrater reliability of the AO/OTA classifications was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.38-0.42) with plain radiography only and 0.43 (95% CI, 0.41-0.45) with the addition of 2-D CT. With the addition of 3-D CT, the reliability was significantly improved to 0.54 (95% CI, 0.52-0.56). In specialists, interrater reliability of the classifications was moderate with all three imaging modalities. With the use of 3-D CT, interrater reliability of the classification was 0.53 (95% CI, 0.50-0.56), which was significantly higher than that with the use of 2-D CT (κ = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.42-0.48). In residents, interrater reliability of the classification was 0.30 (95% CI, 0.24-0.36) with plain radiography. The reliability improved to 0.49 (95% CI, 0.43-0.56) with the addition of 2-D CT, which was significantly higher than that with plain radiography only. The use of 3-D CT imaging improved interrater reliability of the classification. Therefore, surgeons, especially residents, may benefit from using 3-D CT imaging for classifying and planning the treatment of patellar fractures.

Effectiveness of iron supplementation in the perioperative management of total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of iron supplementation during total knee arthroplasty (TKA): (1) Is the iron supplementation necessary during TKA? (2) When is the optimal timing of iron supplementation? (3) Which is better, between orally and intravenously administered iron supplementation? And (4) What is the optimal dose of iron supplementation? MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rigorous and systematic approach was used and each of the selected studies was evaluated for methodological quality. Data about study design, total number of cases enrolled, iron administration method, timing, and dose were extracted. Change in hemoglobin and transfusion rates were extracted to evaluate the effectiveness of iron supplementation. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in the final analysis. Most of studies reported that hemoglobin change between iron and control group did not show any difference. Only one study reported that iron supplementation could reduce the decrease in hemoglobin. However, transfusion rate showed a decrease in the iron supplementation group compared with the control group. There was no clear consensus on the optimum timing and dose of iron supplementation and intravenously administered iron was more effective than orally administered iron, especially in anemic patients. CONCLUSION: Iron supplementation is not clear as a way to raise hemoglobin levels after TKA, but an effective treatment for lowering transfusion rate, especially in patients with anemia. We could not determine the optimal timing and dose of the iron. Intravenously administered iron was similar to, or better than, orally administered iron for improving hemoglobin levels and transfusion rate.

Spinal cord glioblastoma multiforme of conus medullaris masquerading as high lumbar disk herniation.

BACKGROUND: A case of primary intramedullary glioblastoma occurring at conus medullaris is presented, which was initially undetected and misdiagnosed as L1 through L2 disk herniation. CASE DESCRIPTION: After the performance of L1 through L2 discectomy, the patient's initial painful symptom did not subside. The patient then developed a progressive paraparesis. The outside surgeons only predicted the possibility of reherniation or hematoma collection at the former operated level as the diagnosis for the paraparesis. After the patient was transferred to our hospital and after a thorough review of initial and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging with enhancement before second operation, an enlarged conus medullaris with mixed signal intensity was noted without evidence of re-herniation or hematoma collection. The patient underwent reoperation with biopsy of the intramedullary lesion, which was histologically confirmed as primary glioblastoma. CONCLUSION: Careful neurologic and radiologic evaluations should precede before any decision of surgical intervention as intramedullary and degenerative pathologies may coexist in the upper lumbar spine.