Elution kinetics of vancomycin and gentamicin from carriers and their effects on mesenchymal stem cell proliferation: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal infections remain a major complication in orthopedic surgery. The local delivery of antibiotics provides the high levels required to treat an infection without systemic toxicity. However, the local toxicity of antibiotic carriers to the mesenchymal stem cells, as a result of both the peak concentrations and the type of carrier, may be significant. METHODS: To address this concern, the elution kinetics of vancomycin and gentamicin from several commercially available antibiotic carriers and several carriers impregnated by a surgeon (10 ml of each sterile carrier were manually mixed with a 500 mg vancomycin and an 80 mg gentamicin solution, and the duration of impregnation was 30 min) were assessed. Moreover, the effects of these antibiotic carriers on stem cell proliferation were investigated. The following two types of stem cells were used: bone marrow and dental pulp stem cells. RESULTS: The high eluted initial concentrations from antibiotic impregnated cancellous allogeneic bone grafts (which may be increased with the addition of fibrin glue) did not adversely affect stem cell proliferation. Moreover, an increased dental pulp stem cell proliferation rate in the presence of antibiotics was identified. In contrast to allogeneic bone grafts, a significant amount of antibiotics remained in the cement. Despite the favorable elution kinetics, the calcium carriers, bovine collagen carrier and freeze-dried bone exhibited decreased stem cell proliferation activity even in lower antibiotic concentrations compared with an allogeneic graft. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the benefits of antibiotic impregnated cancellous allogeneic bone grafts versus other carriers.

Pyogenic sacroiliitis: diagnosis, management and clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of diagnostic tools and management options for patients with pyogenic sacroiliitis, including potential complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 16 patients with pyogenic sacroiliitis who were admitted to a single orthopaedic centre between 2007 and 2012. The following data were collected: demographics, history, radiography, magnetic resonance images (MRI), biological data, type of pathogenic agent, abscess formation, type of management, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that only one-fifth of the patients with lumbogluteal or hip pain had established diagnoses of suspected pyogenic sacroiliitis upon admission. MRIs confirmed this diagnosis in all cases. MRI examinations revealed joint fluid in the sacroiliac joint and significant oedema of the adjacent bone and soft tissues. In 12 of the 16 cases, erosions of the subchondral bone were encountered. Contrast-enhanced MRI revealed that 9 patients had abscesses. All patients received antibiotic therapy. Antibiotic treatment was only successful in 9 cases. The other 7 patients underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided abscess drainage. Drainage was sufficient for 4 patients, but 3 patients required open surgery. One patient required sacroiliac arthrodesis. The clinical outcomes included minimal disability (n = 10), moderate disability (n = 5), and full disability (n = 1) of the spine. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced MRI is mandatory for a reliable diagnosis. Abscess formation was observed in approximately half of the MRI-diagnosed sacroiliitis cases and required minimally invasive drainage under CT guidance or frequently open surgery.

[Complications associated with joint replacements in diabetic patients]. / Komplikace endoprotéz u diabetiku.

While a joint implant is the method of choice for numerous locomotor disorders and it is indicated for diabetic patients based on the same rules as for patients without diabetes mellitus, a joint implant in diabetic patients is associated with a high risk of perioperative complications. Considering a very difficult and demanding treatment of a deep infection of a joint replacement, the prevention of complications plays the key role. A precondition for adequate perioperative preparation and correctly managed perioperative and postoperative care of patients with diabetes mellitus is the close cooperation of the orthopedist, diabetologist and anesthesiologist, who in their practice have to respect the specificities of their diabetic patients presented in submitted reports.Key words: arthroplasty - complication - diabetes mellitus.

[Orthopedic surgical management of the diabetic foot]. / Ortopedická operacní lécba syndromu diabetické nohy.

The basic prerequisite for the successful treatment of the diabetic foot is a multidisciplinary approach. Ideally, the diagnosis and treatment is managed by a podiatrist, who is also responsible for a cost-effective and well-managed setting. General concern of diabetics is the fear of losing a limb. On the basis of multidisciplinary approach is pos-sible to prevent major amputations in many cases, or in case of them to ensure the prosthetic and rehabilitation care. New possibilities of revascularization and cooperation with antibiotic centers increase the success of surgical treatment of diabetic foot syndrome. Surgical procedures could be divided into four classes: elective, prophylactic, curative, emergent. The aim of elective operations is the correction of painful deformities that are at risk for the formation of ulcers. Surgical procedures are the same as in non-diabetics. Prophylactic procedures comprises reconstruction of Charcot foot. Special surgical procedures described the concept of "superconstruct". Curative procedures help to heal ulcers when conservative treatment fails. Type of procedure is planned with regard of the extent of osteomyelitis and of the intervention in architectonics of the foot to prevent a recurrence of the ulcer. Emergent procedures are performed in case of acute infection. Radical revision of all affected compartments with evacuation of the abscesses, adequate antibiotic therapy and revascularization are essential.Key words: amputation - diabetic foot - Charcot neuroarthropathy - osteomyelitis.

The peripheral chimerism of bone marrow-derived stem cells after transplantation: regeneration of gastrointestinal tissues in lethally irradiated mice.

Bone marrow-derived cells represent a heterogeneous cell population containing haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. These cells have been identified as potential candidates for use in cell therapy for the regeneration of damaged tissues caused by trauma, degenerative diseases, ischaemia and inflammation or cancer treatment. In our study, we examined a model using whole-body irradiation and the transplantation of bone marrow (BM) or haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to study the repair of haematopoiesis, extramedullary haematopoiesis and the migration of green fluorescent protein (GFP(+)) transplanted cells into non-haematopoietic tissues. We investigated the repair of damage to the BM, peripheral blood, spleen and thymus and assessed the ability of this treatment to induce the entry of BM cells or GFP(+) lin(-) Sca-1(+) cells into non-haematopoietic tissues. The transplantation of BM cells or GFP(+) lin(-) Sca-1(+) cells from GFP transgenic mice successfully repopulated haematopoiesis and the haematopoietic niche in haematopoietic tissues, specifically the BM, spleen and thymus. The transplanted GFP(+) cells also entered the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) following whole-body irradiation. Our results demonstrate that whole-body irradiation does not significantly alter the integrity of tissues such as those in the small intestine and liver. Whole-body irradiation also induced myeloablation and chimerism in tissues, and induced the entry of transplanted cells into the small intestine and liver. This result demonstrates that grafted BM cells or GFP(+) lin(-) Sca-1(+) cells are not transient in the GIT. Thus, these transplanted cells could be used for the long-term treatment of various pathologies or as a one-time treatment option if myeloablation-induced chimerism alone is not sufficient to induce the entry of transplanted cells into non-haematopoietic tissues.

Surgical reconstruction of charcot foot neuroarthropathy, a case based review.

Our case-based review focuses on limb salvage through operative management of Charcot neuroarthropathy of the diabetic foot. We describe a case, when a below-knee amputation was considered in a patient with chronic Charcot foot with a rocker-bottom deformity and chronic plantar ulceration. Conservative treatment failed. Targeted antibiotic therapy and operative management (Tendo-Achilles lengthening, resectional arthrodesis of Lisfranc and midtarsal joints, fixation with large-diameter axial screws, and plaster cast) were performed. On the basis of this case, we discuss options and drawbacks of surgical management. Our approach led to healing of the ulcer and correction of the deformity. Two years after surgery, we observed a significant improvement in patient's quality of life. Advanced diagnostic and imaging techniques, a better understanding of the biomechanics and biology of Charcot neuroarthropathy, and suitable osteosynthetic material enables diabetic limb salvage.

Osteointegration of an uncemented modular revision stem implanted during revision hip surgery.

BACKGROUND: Though mid-term survival rates of over 95% in several series have been published, there is still a paucity of related literature regarding the role of vertical stem instability in the osteointegration of fluted tapered stems. This paper presents a comprehensive and prospective assessment on short-term experiences with uncemented modular femoral stem in the treatment of defective femur during revision surgery of total hip replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and radiological monitoring of 20 consecutive patients with implanted tapered fluted revision stem (Lima Corporate, Udine, Italy) was of 27 months in average (20-35 months). The average pre-operative Merle d'Aubigné and Postel method score was 6.3 points (3-10 points). The frequency of femur defects, classified according to Paprosky, was IIIA = 9 and IIIB = 11. RESULTS: During last follow-up, the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel hip score was on average 11.7 (6-16 points). Compared to post-operation radiograph, stem migration of 1.9 mm (0-11 mm) on average was found. This vertical stem migration was observed only when comparing hip radiographs immediately after surgery, and at 6 weeks post-surgery. The Paprosky IIIA defects group, presented a subsided stem by an average of 1.5 mm. In the group of Paprosky IIIB defects, the stem subsidence was on average 2.3 mm. All 20 patients in the study showed excellent osteointegration of the uncemented revision modular stem. CONCLUSIONS: This study found and excellent osteointegration of the Lima uncemented tapered fluted revision modular stem in defective femur with a cortical bone segment present in the diaphyseal isthmus area. The initial vertical instability leading to stem migrating during the first six weeks following surgery did not, however, affect its osteointegration.

The role of mesenchymal stem cells in bone repair and regeneration.

Despite the undisputed modern development of synthetic biomaterials that range from bioactive unresorbable to restorable materials, clinically applied osteoconduction bone substitutes still have limitations in the treatment of bone defects. These are the result of the physical and chemical properties of the utilized materials and the biological interactions associated with both local and general reactions of the organism. Mesenchymal stem cells constitute a promising treatment alternative in orthopedics. Preclinical studies regarding the use of mesenchymal stem cells have shown good therapeutic results. However, it is still necessary to advance further in this area and enable the treatment of patients with critically large bone defects. The aim of this review is to describe the role of mesenchymal stem cells in bone repair and regeneration, describe the techniques used in the clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells and outline future research endeavors in this area.

Histological assessment of tissue from large human bone defects repaired with ß-tricalcium phosphate.

This report describes the histological characteristics of large human bone defects that were implanted with ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP). Samples were obtained longer after the primary operation than in the earlier studies. We assessed a total of nine biopsies taken 33-208 weeks after implantation. The tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for general observation, with Gomori stain to visualize the reticulin fibers, and with an antibody against tartrate-resistant alkaline phosphatase (TRAP) to characterize the cells. Ongoing bone remodeling was observed even 208 weeks after implantation as determined by the presence of osteoclasts and active osteoblasts and new woven and lamellar bone. We observed multinuclear giant cells phagocytosing the biomaterial and the attachment of osteoclasts to the ß-TCP. The osteoclasts showed intense TRAP positivity, while the giant cells showed variable TRAP positivity. There was a zonal pattern in the original defects: The central regions showed granules and fibrous septa, while peripheral areas showed a layer of new bone formation. These data demonstrate ongoing bone remodeling long after implantation in the peripheral regions of the original defects as well as fibrous changes in the central regions and phagocytosis of biomaterial by multinuclear giant cells.

Rethinking risk prediction: The role of albumin and other parameters in implant-associated complications after hip or knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total hip (THA) or knee (TKA) arthroplasty is still a traumatic and challenging operation that induces inflammation, with a particularly high risk of acute-phase reaction. The aim of this study was to predict the likelihood of implant-associated complications during the preoperative and postoperative course. METHODS: The prospective observational, non-interventional study of patients diagnosed with primary knee or hip osteoarthrosis undergoing THA or TKA during the study period was conducted. The inflammatory and malnutrition parameters were collected for each patient one day before surgery, two days after surgery, and in outpatient follow-up. RESULTS: Of 159 patients analysed, 12 developed implant-associated complications. The albumin, prealbumin, Intensive Care Infection Score (ICIS), Nutritional Risk Index, and white blood cell counts were found to be potential predictors. Notably, preoperative albumin levels significantly differed between groups with and without complications (P-value = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Our study definitively shows that WBC, prealbumin, Nutritional Risk Index, ICIS as a novel marker, and significantly albumin, outperform C-reactive protein in predicting implant-associated complications in hip and knee arthroplasty.

The management of Charcot midfoot deformities in diabetic patients.

Charcot foot neuropathic osteoarthropathy is a disorder affecting the soft tissues, joints, and bones of the foot and ankle. The disease is triggered in a susceptible individual through a process of uncontrolled inflammation leading to osteolysis, progressive fractures and articular malpositioning due to joint subluxations and dislocations. The progression of the chronic deformity with a collapsed plantar arch leads to plantar ulcerations because of increased pressure on the plantar osseous prominences and decreased plantar sensation. Subsequent deep soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis may result in amputation. The Charcot foot in diabetes represents an important diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in clinical practice. Conservative treatment remains the standard of the care for most patients with neuropathic disorder. Offloading the foot and immobilization based on individual merit are essential and are the most important recommendations in the active acute stage of the Charcot foot. Surgical realignment with stabilization is recommended in severe progressive neuropathic deformities consisting of a collapsed plantar arch with a rocker-bottom foot deformity.

Results of treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty.

Periprosthetic fractures are the third most common reason for revision total hip arthroplasty. Surgical treatment of periprosthetic fractures belongs to the most difficult procedures due to the extensive surgery, elderly polymorbid patients and the high frequency of other complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of operatively treated periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty. We evaluated 47 periprosthetic fractures in 40 patients (18 men and 22 women) operated on between January 2004 and December 2010. The mean follow-up period was 27 months (within a range of 12-45 months). For the clinical evaluation, we used modified Merle d'Aubigné scoring system. In group of Vancouver A fractures, 3 patients were treated with a mean score of 15.7 points (good result). We recorded a mean score of 14.2 points (fair result) in 6 patients with Vancouver B1 fractures, 12.4 points (fair result) in 24 patients with Vancouver B2 fractures and 12.7 points (fair result) in 7 patients with Vancouver B3 fractures. In group of Vancouver C fractures, we found a mean score of 16.2 points (good result) in 7 patients. Therapeutic algorithm based on the Vancouver classification system is, in our opinion, satisfactory. Accurate differentiation of B1 and B2 type of fractures is essential. Preoperative radiographic images may not be reliable. If in doubt, checking the stability of the prosthesis fixation during surgery should be performed.

Total HIP arthroplasty in patients with Parkinson's disease.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of total hip arthroplasty in patients with Parkinson's disease during a period of five years, focusing on the assessment of the risks and benefits of surgery. During this period we performed total hip arthroplasty in 14 patients (15 hips) with Parkinson's disease. Patients were evaluated by subjective symptoms and objective findings, with a focus on the use of support while walking and walking distance, severity of Parkinson's disease before surgery and at the time of the last follow-up. During the postoperative period, the following parameters were assessed: length of ICU stay, mobilization, complications, the total duration of hospitalization and follow-up care after discharge. Of the 11 patients (12 hips) followed-up 1-5 years with an average of 3 years after operation 8 cases showed progression of neurological disability. 5 patients (6 hips) showed an increased dependence on the use of support when walking and reduced distance that the patient was able to walk. Subjectively, 10 hip joints were completely painless and 2 patients complained of only occasional mild pain in the operated hip. Complications that were encountered were urinary tract infection (5 patients), cognitive impairment (3 patients) and pressure ulcer (2 patients). We did not observe any infection or dislocation of the prosthesis. Three patients fell and fractured the femur and 3 patients in our cohort died during follow up. Implantation of total replacement is possible with judicious indication after careful evaluation of neurological finding in patients with minimal or mild functional impairment of the locomotor system. Prerequisite for a good result is precise surgical technique and optimal implant position with balanced tension of the muscles and other soft tissues around the hip.

Problematic Imaging Diagnostics of Musculoskeletal Gossypiboma with Chronic Expanding Hematoma Mimicking Malignant Lesion.

Both musculoskeletal gossypibomas and chronic expanding hematomas have been rarely reported; the reports that do exist are usually case reports. Our objective is to demonstrate problematic imaging diagnostics of an unusual presentation mimicking a malignant lesion. We report the case of a 47-year-old man who underwent bone graft harvesting from the iliac crest for spinal fusion due to scoliosis at 18 years of age, and 29 years later, he developed a growing, painful tumor at the original donor site (a bone defect in the iliac crest). It was challenging to differentiate a hematoma from a malignant tumor based solely on clinical and radiological workup, including an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy focused on viable tissue. The definitive diagnosis of a gossypiboma with a chronic expanding hematoma was based on histopathological assessment after wide surgical resection-a chronic expanding hematoma with multiple foamy macrophages and giant cells engulfing foreign material (original surgical hemostatic sponge).

Our experience with double metatarsal osteotomy in the treatment of hallux valgus.

Adolescent hallux valgus (HV) is a progressive deformity of adolescent age consisting of metatarsus primus varus and hallux valgus. It has a high recurrence rate after conventional surgical correction. Ten feet in nine patients (two males, seven females) were treated surgically with the Peterson Newman bunion procedure, with a minimum follow-up of one year. During the final follow-up all these patients had no complaints of pain, joint stiffness or limping. Even though the patients had some mild loss of range of movements at the MTPjoints 4-6 degrees compared to preoperative value, it did not cause any functional impairment and all were satisfied with the final outcome. The double ostetomy for treatment ofhallux valgus is technically precise procedure, provides excellent correction and stability and has low rate of recurrence of deformity. We had an excellent outcome in 10 feet in our study without residual deformity or complications.

Challenges of total knee arthroplasty in osteogenesis imperfecta: case report and literature review.

The majority of adults with mild osteogenesis imperfecta report significant functional impairment due to musculoskeletal concerns. Knee osteoarthritis is common in these patients. Although total knee arthroplasty has become a highly efficient surgical technique for osteoarthritis, this procedure remains uncommon in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. This current case report describes the important clinical aspects of osteogenesis imperfecta that must be considered during the planning and performance of a total knee replacement. A 62-year-old female patient with a history of osteogenesis imperfecta suffered from severe osteoarthritis of the knee with valgus deformity. Two years after posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty, her Hospital for Special Surgery knee score had improved from preoperative 53 points to 85 points at the final follow-up. The current case report describes the crucial technical aspects of a successful total knee replacement in this uncommon scenario. Underlying deformities and concomitant pathologies constitute specific surgical challenges. Special care should be taken to protect the patient from potential complications.

In vivo behaviour of low-temperature calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite: comparison with deproteinised bovine bone.

This study aims to evaluate in detail the biological osteoconductive properties of the low-temperature synthetic porous calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite and to compare it with the biological apatite. Bone reactions to granules of similar sizes of the low-temperature hydroxyapatite and commercially available non-sintered deproteinized bovine bone were compared. Two different temperatures were used to fabricate two batches of newly developed porous hydroxyapatite with different carbonate groups content and specific surface area. The histological analysis of specimens with histomorphometry was performed at different time after in vivo implantation. Based on histological analysis, the level of bone formation in the spaces between the implanted granules and through the interconnected pores of all implanted materials within a cortical region (bone area ingrowth 72-85 %) was several-fold higher than within a cancellous bone site (bone area ingrowth 16-28 %) at three and six months after implantation. Within the cancellous bone site, bone coverage of the implanted material at six months was significantly higher in hydroxyapatite material fabricated using low-temperature synthesis and subsequent processing at 150°C than in hydroxyapatite scaffold developed using low-temperature synthesis with subsequent processing at 700°C or deproteinized bovine bone. According to our study, the bioactive properties of the low-temperature calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite are comparable with the biological apatite. The favourable influence of a high specific surface area of a low-temperature calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite on in vivo bone formation was emphasized.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia with Irreducible Congenital Dislocation of the Patella: Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia is the clinical term applied to a group of rare genetic disorders with primary involvement of the vertebrae and epiphyses, predisposing the afflicted individuals toward the premature development of osteoarthritis. There are few reports concerning joint replacement therapy in these patients, particularly describing the role of total hip arthroplasty. In this report, we describe the anatomical and technical aspects of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia that must be considered during surgical planning and performance of total knee arthroplasty. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year old woman with a history of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia suffered from severe osteoarthritis of the knee and irreducible congenital dislocation of the patella. After careful preoperative evaluations and planning, the knee joint deformity was solved by knee joint replacement with realignment of the extensor mechanism using quadricepsplasty. After 2 years of surgery, the patient showed no pain and was able to walk with the help of elbow crutches. The Hospital for Special Surgery knee score increased from preoperative 51 points to 85 points during the final follow-up. The postoperative range of motion increased to final flexion of 0-115°. CONCLUSION: The advances made so far in the medical care for patients with skeletal dysplasia have improved their overall survival during adulthood. The case report described herein demonstrates the numerous challenges and technical aspects of a successful total knee arthroplasty in cases of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, highlighting the need to consider skeletal and soft tissue abnormalities of skeletal dysplasia during the planning and performance of joint replacement surgery.

The Outcomes of Cemented Femoral Revisions for Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures in the Elderly: Comparison with Cementless Stems.

INTRODUCTION: The present study compares the outcome of the long cemented stem and the revision uncemented stem used in periprosthetic femoral fractures. We propose that the revision with a long stem cemented prosthesis does not compromise fracture healing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of 37 patients, operated between 2010 and 2017, were enrolled in a retrospective analysis. A long cemented stem was implanted in 21 patients (study group; age at operation: 63 to 89 years). A distally tapered fluted uncemented stem was used in 16 patients (control group; age at operation: 35 to 77 years). The clinical outcome was evaluated with Merle d'Aubigné and Postel scoring system. Standard radiographs were taken before surgery, at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and last follow-up. Any and all complications during the follow-up period were recorded. RESULTS: Although a significant difference (P = 0.006) was observed in the post-operative Merle d´Aubigné score over the 12-month follow-up period, no significant difference (P = 0.066) was found in the post-operative pain score between the study and control groups. Periodic radiographic assessments showed the disappearance of radiolucent lines and the diaphyseal part of the fracture was healed in all 34 followed-up cases during the first annual follow-up. Early surgical complications were seen in both groups, the medical complications were observed only in the study group. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, periprosthetic fractures of the femur after a total hip arthroplasty were associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality in elderly patients. Revision with a long-stem cemented prosthesis provided early pain-free weight-bearing without compromising the healing of femoral fractures in elderly patients with osteoporotic bone, altered mobility, poor balance, and reduced cognitive capacity.

Behaviour of nonresorbable bioactive glass-ceramic implanted into long bone defects: comparison with cancellous allografts.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this retrospective study was to compare the long-term results after implantation of the nonresorbable glass-ceramic material and transplantation of the cancellous allografts into the defects of long bones. METHOD: The bone cysts were excochleated and filled using granules of glass-ceramic material or cancellous allografts. Clinical, radiographic and scintigraphic examinations of 30 patients were carried out 2-14 years after their surgery. RESULTS: Though signs of complete incorporation allowing full weight-bearing capacity were observed on plain radiographs, we detected pain in six out of nine patients after diaphyseal implantation of nonresorbable glass-ceramic. We found an increase in (99) (m)Tc-methylene diphosphonate uptake on the delayed images in the area of glass-ceramic implantation, mainly in its diaphyseal location. In patients after bone transplantation, the cancellous allografts were completely integrated and the scintigraphic findings were physiological. CONCLUSION: The implantation of the nonresorbable glass-ceramic material into the diaphyseal defects of long bones is not suitable based on our study.