[Clinical Efficacy of Modified Arthroscopic Revision Release of Gluteal Muscle Contracture With Residual Symptoms After Open Surgery]. / æ”¹è‰¯åŽçš„å ³èŠ‚é•œç¿»ä¿®æ¾è§£æœ¯å¯¹å¼€æ”¾æœ¯åŽæœ‰æ®‹ç•™ç—‡çŠ¶çš„è‡€è‚ŒæŒ›ç¼©ç—‡çš„ä¸´åºŠç–—æ•ˆ.

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of modified arthroscopic revision release for patients who have gluteal muscle contracture and who have poor outcomes after traditional open surgery. Methods: The data of patients who underwent modified arthroscopic revision release for residual symptoms of gluteal muscle contracture after traditional open surgery were retrospectively collected and analyzed. All subjects underwent the procedure between December 2015 and December 2022. The surgical efficacy was assessed by evaluating improvements in specific symptoms, including bilateral lower extremity inequality, hip internal rotation and adduction mobility, squatting with both knees pressed together, and the ability to cross one's legs in supine position, as well as the preoperative and postoperative results for the gluteal muscle contracture functionality scale. Paired t-test was performed to examine whether the differences between preoperative and postoperative measurements were statistically significant. Results: A total of 36 patients were followed up systematically, with the mean follow-up period being (22.4±4.9) months. All patients had significantly higher scores for assessment with the gluteal muscle contracture functionality scale at the last follow-up than their preoperative assessment results, showing an increase from the preoperative scores of 40.2±5.5 to 78.4±4.9 (P<0.05). At the follow-up, all patients showed improvement in hip adduction and internal rotation mobility compared with their preoperative status and all patients were able to squat with both knees pressed together. Moreover, only 1 patient still had difficulty in crossing his legs. A total of 27 cases (75%) had preoperative leg length inequality, all of which improved to varying degrees at follow-up. Among all the patients (72 hips/cases), 8 cases had subcutaneous hematomas and incisional ecchymosis, which were resolved after conservative treatments such as hot compresses. 3 cases showed decreased hip abductor strength, but the muscle strength gradually recovered after postoperative exercise and rehabilitation. There were no complications such as subcutaneous exudate, neurovascular injury, or surgical site infection. Conclusion: Modified arthroscopic revision release of gluteus muscle contracture is suitable for cases with poor outcomes after conventional open surgery.

Timing of proteasome inhibition as a pharmacologic strategy for prevention of muscle contractures in neonatal brachial plexus injury.

Neonatal brachial plexus injury (NBPI) causes disabling and incurable contractures, or limb stiffness, which result from proteasome-mediated protein degradation impairing the longitudinal growth of neonatally denervated muscles. We recently showed in a mouse model that the 20S proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, prevents contractures after NBPI. Given that contractures uniquely follow neonatal denervation, the current study tests the hypothesis that proteasome inhibition during a finite window of neonatal development can prevent long-term contracture development. Following neonatal forelimb denervation in P5 mice, we first outlined the minimum period for proteasome inhibition to prevent contractures 4 weeks post-NBPI by treating mice with saline or bortezomib for varying durations between P8 and P32. We then compared the ability of varying durations of longer-term proteasome inhibition to prevent contractures at 8 and 12 weeks post-NBPI. Our findings revealed that proteasome inhibition can be delayed 3-4 days after denervation but is required throughout skeletal growth to prevent contractures long term. Furthermore, proteasome inhibition becomes less effective in preventing contractures beyond the neonatal period. These therapeutic effects are primarily associated with bortezomib-induced attenuation of 20S proteasome ß1 subunit activity. Our collective results, therefore, demonstrate that temporary neonatal proteasome inhibition is not a viable strategy for preventing contractures long term. Instead, neonatal denervation causes a permanent longitudinal growth deficiency that must be continuously ameliorated during skeletal growth. Additional mechanisms must be explored to minimize the necessary period of proteasome inhibition and reduce the risk of toxicity from long-term treatment.

Tranexamic acid combined with compression dressing reduces blood loss in gluteal muscle contracture surgery.

BACKGROUND: Blood loss and incision-related complications caused by the surgical procedure to release gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) put negative effects on the surgical outcomes. Current procedures to prevent blood loss and complications are not satisfactory. The current study aimed to determine whether tranexamic acid (TXA) in combination with pressure dressing reduce the amount of blood loss, the rate of incision-related complications, and the rate of readmission for patients undergoing surgeries to release GMC. METHODS: 49 GMC patients were finally included in the study and were randomly divided into two groups: study group and control group. Patients in both groups received minimally invasive surgery to release GMC except that in the study group, patients were administered a dosage of 20 mg/kg of intravenous TXA preoperatively, and 2 subsequent dosages of TXA at 10 mg/kg at two time points: 3 and 6 h after the first dose. Gauze soaked with TXA was used to pack the wound for 10 min before the incision closure. Then the wound was pressure-wrapped with a hip-spica bandage for 24 h after the surgery in the study group. RESULTS: The level of UBL in the study group was significantly lower compared to that in the control group. Similar results were also found for UMHD and UMAD. The incision-related postoperative complications were greatly decreased in the study group compared to those of the control group as well. So was the 30-day readmission rate. All patients in both groups reached "excellent" or "good" level with respect to the postoperative function evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous and topical application of TXA combined with 24 h pressure hip-spica bandage reduces perioperative blood loss, rate of incision-related complications, and the rate of readmission for GMC patients undergoing minimally invasive surgical releasing procedure. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical and Trial Registry ChiCTR2000039216, registration date 2020/10/22, retrospectively registered.

Fractional Lengthening of the Forearm Flexor Muscles: Anatomic Study.

PURPOSE: Forearm muscles can undergo contracture for a number of reasons, including spasticity. This deformity is amenable to surgical treatment in select cases. Among the different techniques available, fractional lengthening of the forearm flexor muscles involves multiple tenotomies at the musculotendinous junction. We studied the anatomy of the musculotendinous junction of all forearm flexor muscles to analyze the topography and extent of muscle-tendon overlapping for each muscle and to determine the area where fractional lengthening can be performed safely. METHODS: Dissections were performed on 20 fresh cadaveric upper limbs. For each muscle, we defined and measured the total overlapping zone, "corrected" overlapping zone, and useful zone (UZ), along with 3-dimensional mapping of the location of each tendon with respect to the muscles' fibers. RESULTS: With regard to the wrist flexors, the average UZ was very short for the flexor carpi radialis (3.5 cm) and very long for the flexor carpi ulnaris (12.2 cm). With regard to the finger flexors, the UZ of the superficialis tendons varied greatly (2.7-5.9 cm), whereas it was relatively constant for the profundi (7.6 cm) and flexor pollicis longus (6.5 cm). CONCLUSIONS: Fractional lengthening is dependent on the anatomy of the musculotendinous junction of each individual muscle. For muscles with a relatively short and variable UZ (flexor carpi radialis, flexor digitorum superficialis [FDS] II, and FDS IV), the feasibility of the procedure must be carefully evaluated intraoperatively. For FDS V, which constantly displays a very short UZ, with a thin and fragile tendon, the procedure may be risky and unreliable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When considering fractional lengthening of the forearm muscles, differences between the tendons should be considered, and surgeons should be prepared for alternative approaches, especially for FDS V.

Clinical results of arthroscopic tight fibrous band release for adult moderate-to-severe gluteal fibrosis using anterior and posterior portals: a retrospective analysis of 118 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic tight fibrous band release in the treatment of adult moderate-to-severe gluteal fibrosis using anterior and posterior portals during mid-term follow-up. METHODS: The data of 138 patients (58 males, 80 females) aged between 18 and 42 years (mean, 28.6 years), presenting with bilateral moderate-to-severe gluteal fibrosis (GF) from October 2013 to August 2019, was retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent arthroscopic tight fibrous band release using anterior and posterior portals with radiofrequency energy. Under arthroscopic guidance through the posterior portal, we debrided the fatty tissue overlying the contracted band of the gluteal muscle and excised the contracted bands using a radiofrequency device introduced through the anterior portal. The pre- and post-operative gluteal muscle contracture disability (GD) scale and the patient satisfaction rate were compared to evaluate the curative effect of the operation. RESULTS: The average operation time was 18 min (range, 10-30 min) and the average blood loss was 4 ml (range, 2-10 ml) for unilateral arthroscopic release. Two cases of post-operative minimal hematomas, 2 cases of bruising and 2 cases of local subcutaneous edema were observed as early complications and were cured by conservative treatment. After surgery, all incisions healed in stage I, and no other complications such as wound infection, nerve and blood vessel injury were detected. One hundred eighteen patients were followed up for 6 to 72 months (mean, 36 months). No lateral instability of the hip was observed and all patients returned to normal gait. The degree of adduction of the hip joint in all these 118 patients was significantly improved relative to their pre-operative conditions. One hundred fifteen patients (97.5%) were able to crouch with knees close to each other after surgery. One hundred fourteen patients (96.6%) were able to cross the affected leg completely without any support. The GD scale was improved from 55.5 ± 10.6 before operation to 90.1 ± 5.2 at the last follow-up (p < 0.05). The patient satisfaction rate was 95.8%. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic tight fibrous band release using anterior and posterior portals is minimally invasive for adult moderate-to-severe gluteal fibrosis, with a high success rate, quick recovery after surgery and reliable medium-term effect.

Multivariate analysis of the relationship between gluteal muscle contracture and coxa valga.

BACKGROUND: Gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) is a disease characterized by the limited function of the hip joint, knee pain, and abnormal gait. There is a lack of research on the effect of GMC on the hip joint structure to date. This study aims to analyze the association between GMC and the deformity of the hip and pelvis. METHODS: Standing anteroposterior pelvic radiographs of 214 patients (152 with gluteal muscle contracture and 62 without gluteal muscle contracture) were retrospectively collected. Neck-shaft angle, lateral center edge angle, Tönnis angle, femoral head coverage index, acetabular depth, Sacro-femoral-pubic angle, and obturator foramen ratio were respectively measured and included in the following statistical analysis. The collected data were analyzed using logistical regression and multiple linear regression to explore the factors influencing coxa valga and SFP angle. RESULTS: GMC was identified as a common factor significantly associated with coxa valga and increased SFP angle. There is a difference of risk factors in logistic regression for coxa valga between the left and right sides. CONCLUSION: GMC is a significant risk factor for coxa valga and increased SFP angle. Given that GMC can cause coxa valga and likely alter the pelvis's position, GMC should be paid attention to and treated early.

Intrinsic plus hand: Painful Finger flexion and extension.

Intrinsic plus hand describes a rare and painful contracture of the intrinsic hand muscles with excessive flexion at the metacarpophalangeal joints and extension at the interphalangeal joints. Resulting from many causes to include trauma and neurologic injury, intrinsic plus hand can involve any number of fingers. Emergency department (ED) assessment should include evaluation for cerebrovascular injury, infection, compartment syndrome, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Conservative splinting is generally unsuccessful and ultimately requires operative intervention. We highlight the case of a 61-year-old otherwise healthy male who awoke to a painful and mildly swollen left hand with his fingers held in a contracted position. Evaluation in the ED found no active range of motion in the digits, severe pain with any passive motion, and a negative upper extremity ultrasound for DVT. Ultimately, orthopedic and neurology consults in the ED agreed upon a diagnosis of intrinsic plus hand.

Arthrokatadysis from post-injection gluteal muscular fibrosis case report.

BACKGROUND: Gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the contracture of gluteal muscles, iliotibial band (ITB), and related fascia. GMC is much more prevalent in China, which has been proven to be associated with repeated intramuscular injections into the buttocks and the subsequent fibrosis and contracture.Generally, GMC is manifested mild. Here, we reported a severe case with arthrokatadysis. CASE PRESENTATIONS: A 25-year old man received multiple intramuscular injections of penicillin in the buttock when he was diagnosed with acute tonsillitis at 6 years old. Since then, he was injected penicillin regularly in local hospital because of the repeated acute tonsillitis until he was in high school. When the patient was found by the physical education teacher to be running in a state of external rotation of both feet, he was suggested to go to the hospital for treatment and was initially diagnosed to have GMC. He complained of occasional pain and limited range of motion in the hip joints. X-ray showed a typical arthrokatadysis. After arthroscopic release of GMC, the patient recovered well. CONCLUSIONS: This is possibly the first reported case of arthrokatadysis that was caused by GMC after repeated intramuscular injections into the buttocks. Although the patient recovered well by arthroscopic surgical release of bilateral gluteus maximus contractures, GMC should be paid more attention and treated as early as possible.

Talipes Equinus Deformity Caused by Fibrous Gastrocnemius Muscle Contracture After Direct Contusion in Football Players: Report of Two Cases.

Two main causes of gastrocnemius contracture have been considered: 1) congenital deformities in pediatric patients, such as limb-length discrepancy, cerebral palsy, flatfoot, and clubfoot; and 2) secondary conditions such as immobilization for trauma or a nonfunctional limb. Talipes equinus deformity caused by fibrous gastrocnemius contracture after a direct muscle contusion is extremely rare. We describe 2 cases of talipes equinus deformity caused by fibrous gastrocnemius muscle contracture after a direct contusion in football players. Both of the players had a talipes equinus deformity with a severe restriction of ankle dorsiflexion, and a cord-like structure was observed at the proximal part of the lateral gastrocnemius head. Both patients' histological examinations revealed fibrous tendon-like tissue within the structure. After discission of the cord-like structures, the restriction of ankle dorsiflexion was completely resolved, and the patients were able to fully return to playing football without any discomfort in their calves.

Imaging finding and arthroscopic treatment of isolated contracture of the rectus femoris muscle: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Isolated rectus femoris (RF) contracture is encountered very rarely in orthopaedic practices. There are few reports on its imaging manifestations and no cases reported to be treated with arthroscopy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 11-year-old girl with a more than 7 years history of restricted left knee flexion was presented. The clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were detailed here. A strip-like induration was palpated in the left thigh, which tends to be more obvious with knee flexion. MRI demonstrated a hypointensity band connected the anterior inferior iliac spine with the patella, and marked atrophy of the left RF muscle. Fibrosis contracture band was confirmed with arthroscope, then divided by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) under arthroscopic observation. Followed by debridement of the fibrillar connective tissue and hemostasis around the broken ends. The movement of left knee joint significantly improved after the operation, and the patient recovered nearly full range of motion of this joint after 6 months. CONCLUSION: The specific MRI findings could assist in confirming clinical early diagnosis of isolated RF contracture. Arthroscopic RFA treatment is an effective technique to treat this disorder with minimally incision.

Development of muscle contractures and spasticity during subacute rehabilitation after severe acquired brain injury: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: This study investigated the development of contractures, passive stiffness, and spasticity in the ankle joint in patients with severe acquired brain injury (ABI) from admission to rehabilitation unit until 1-year post-injury compared to healthy controls. Design: An observational longitudinal cohort study Methods and procedures: Nineteen patients (26 affected ankle joints) with severe ABI >17 years old and with paresis of a lower limb admitted to sub-acute neurorehabilitation were compared to 14 healthy controls (28 ankle joints). Passive and reflex-mediated ankle joint stiffness was obtained measuring torque, range of motion, velocity and acceleration of the ankle movements. Data was collected at inclusion, after 4-5 weeks, after 8-9 weeks and at 1-year follow-up. Outcomes and results: At admittance to rehabilitation range of motion and stiffness was significantly lower compared to controls. Range of motion decreased by one degree in three weeks and passive ankle joint stiffness increased significantly by 1% per week. More patients than controls had no stretch reflex. Conclusion: Patients with severe ABI show reduced mobility and increased passive stiffness despite less spasticity in the ankle joint compared to healthy controls. Research and clinical practice should therefore focus intensively on the prevention of contractures in the ankle joint. ISRCTN17910097.

Relationship between extensibility and collagen expression in immobilized rat skeletal muscle.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated longitudinal changes in muscle extension and collagen expression in an immobilized rat soleus muscle, and assessed the relationship between both elements. METHODS: Soleus muscles of the control and immobilization groups (1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks) were used for analysis of muscle extensibility and collagen expression. RESULTS: The slope value/physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA; a parameter for muscle extensibility) and hydroxyproline (a parameter for collagen expression) were significantly higher in the immobilization group than in the control group for all experimental time points. In the immobilization group, both factors were significantly higher at 4, 8, and 12 weeks than at 1 and 2 weeks after immobilization. A significant positive correlation was observed between the slope value/PCSA and hydroxyproline expression. DISCUSSION: The present study indicated that a decrease in muscle extensibility depended on collagen overexpression in immobilized rat soleus muscles. Muscle Nerve 57: 672-678, 2018.

Arthroscopic release using F and C method versus conventional open release method in the treatment of gluteal muscle contracture: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Gluteal muscle contracture (GMC), a debilitating disease, usually starts in early childhood after variable dose of injections around the buttock, if left untreated it worsens gradually and persists throughout the life. Because the disease mostly affects adolescents and adults, there is always an aesthetic concerns. Purposeof the study was to introduce the arthroscopic F and C method of GMC release, and to compare its clinical efficiency with conventional open surgery in terms of clinical outcome, rate of complications, patient's satisfactions, and recurrence. METHODS: Between Jan 2013 and July 2015, 75 patients received an arthroscopic release with F and C release method and 71 patients received conventional open release of GMC. Primary surgeries in 16 years or older patients were included in the study. Two groups were compared clinically using Hip Outcome Scores - Activities of Daily Living Subscale (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Scores - Sports Subscale (HOS-Sports), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Ye et al. evaluation criteria. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in Hip Outcome Scores - Activities of Daily Living Subscale (HOS-ADL) (P = 0.078), Hip Outcome Scores - Sports Subscale (HOS-Sports) (P = 0.340), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (P = 0.524) between the two groups. 74 (98.7%) patients in the arthroscopic surgery group had good to excellent results, whereas 69 (97.1%) patients in the conventional open surgery group had good to excellent results (P = 0.727). No statistically significant difference was observed in recurrence rate (P = 0.612). Statistically significant differences were observed in incision length, use of post-operative analgesia, post-operative off-bed activity, and hospital stay. Complications were significantly higher in the conventional open surgery group (n = 21) than in the arthroscopic surgery group (n = 10) (P = 0.016). More importantly, cosmetic satisfaction was 100% in arthroscopic release group, whereas only 71% had cosmetic satisfaction in conventional open surgery group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both, arthroscopic surgery and conventional open surgery, are highly effective tools for the GMC release in adolescent and adult patients. Arthroscopic GMC release with F and C method allows precise and selective release of contracture bands with small surgical trauma resulting fewer complications, high cosmetic satisfaction and minimal recurrence.

Arthroscopic revision release of gluteal muscle contracture after failed primary open surgery.

PURPOSE: The treatment of gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) after failed primary open release surgery has rarely been reported in the literature. GMC is a troublesome health problem in some developing countries, and it can result in the limitation of patients' hip function, leading to the development of inferiority complexes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of arthroscopic revision surgery after failed primary open release on patients with GMC. METHODS: A total of 278 hips of 140 patients who underwent arthroscopic revision procedures after failed primary open surgeries were gathered from the department files. All patients were treated using a "three-step" arthroscopic release procedure by the same surgeon group. RESULTS: The mean follow-up for the 136 patients was 38.9 months. There was significant difference (P < 0.05) between the patients' mean post-revision and pre-operative results on the Harris scoring system. Unreleased contracture tissues that needed revision operations included the gluteus maximus, tensor fasciae latae muscle, and gluteus medius in all patients, and the gluteus minimus and hip capsule in 11.0% and 8.1% of patients, respectively. Short-term complications included subcutaneous bruising of the abdomen in 11 patients, extensive ecchymosis in the lateral thigh in 12 patients, and a transient reduction of muscle strength in all patients. No complications involving postoperative incision infection, nerve and blood vessel damage, or positive Trendelenburg sign occurred. Symptoms of hip snapping and limitation of range of motion (ROM), combined with a positive Trendelenburg sign in two patients after the primary open surgery, were all resolved except for the Trendelenburg sign through arthroscopic revision release. The overall satisfaction rate of the revision operations was 90.4%. CONCLUSION: The three-step arthroscopic release procedure is effective for failed primary open GMC surgeries as shown by improved post-operative function and patient satisfaction regardless of which primary procedure was performed.

Subscapularis Z-lengthening in children with brachial plexus birth palsy loses efficiency at mid-term follow-up: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate early and mid-term clinical outcomes after isolated subscapularis Z-lengthening in children with shoulder internal rotation contractures resulting from brachial plexus birth palsy. METHODS: Children with brachial plexus birth palsy treated with subscapularis tendon Z-lengthening from 2001 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Over this period, 31 patients were identified. Primary outcome was improvement in Mallet score after surgery, and secondary outcome measures were active range of motion and Mallet sub-scores. Clinical outcomes were collected at three time intervals: pre-operatively, one-year post-operative and at latest follow-up. RESULTS: After exclusion, 21 patients remained for further analysis. Mean age at surgery was 3.7 years (range, 1.2-8.7), and mean follow-up length was 6.5 years (2.9-9.7). Moderate improvements were found for mean Mallet score, active external rotation, active abduction and hand-to-mouth movement at one year and latest follow-up. However, improvements in active external rotation and Mallet score were not fully maintained at final follow up. CONCLUSION: Isolated subscapularis Z-lengthening is effective at early follow-up, but results are not maintained at mid-term follow-up.

Upregulation of interleukin-1ß/transforming growth factor-ß1 and hypoxia relate to molecular mechanisms underlying immobilization-induced muscle contracture.

INTRODUCTION: In this study we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying muscle contracture in rats. METHODS: The rats were divided into immobilization and control groups, and soleus muscles of the right and left sides were selected for analyses. RESULTS: The levels of CD11b and α-SMA protein, IL-1ß, and TGF-ß1 mRNA, and type I and III collagen protein and mRNA were significantly greater in the immobilization group than in the control group at all time-points. HIF-1α mRNA levels were significantly higher in the immobilization group at 4 weeks. Moreover, HIF-1α, α-SMA, and type I collagen levels were significantly higher at 4 weeks than at 1 and 2 weeks in the immobilization group. CONCLUSIONS: In the early stages of immobilization, upregulation of IL-1ß/TGF-ß1 via macrophages may promote fibroblast differentiation that could affect muscle contracture. The soleus muscle became hypoxic in the later stages of immobilization, suggesting that hypoxia influences the progression of muscle contracture.

Roles of TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway in pathogenesis and development of gluteal muscle contracture.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) is a chronic fibrotic disease of gluteal muscles which is characterized by excessive deposition of collagen in the extracellular matrix. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-ßs have been shown to play an important role in the progression of GMC. However, the underlying mechanisms are not entirely clear. We sought to explore the expression of TGF-ß/Smad pathway proteins and their downstream targets in gluteal muscle contracture disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression levels of collagens type I/III, TGF-ß1, Smad2/3/4/7 and PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1) in gluteal muscle contraction (GMC) patients were measured using immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot assays. RESULTS: The expressions of collagens type I/III and TGF-ß1 were significantly increased in the contraction band compared with unaffected muscle. In addition, R-Smad phosphorylation and Smad4 protein expression in the contraction band were also elevated, while the expression of Smad7 was significantly decreased in the fibrotic muscle of the GMC patients compared to the unaffected adjacent muscle. The protein and mRNA levels of PAI-1 were also remarkably increased in the contraction band compared with adjacent muscle. Immunohistochemical analysis also demonstrated that the expression levels of TGF-ß1 and PAI-1 were higher in contraction band than those in the adjacent muscle. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the stimulating effects of the TGF-ß/Smad pathway in gluteal muscle contracture disease and reveal the internal changes of TGF-ß/Smad pathway proteins and their corresponding targets in gluteal muscle contracture patients.

Human relevance framework evaluation of a novel rat developmental toxicity mode of action induced by sulfoxaflor.

Sulfoxaflor (CAS# 946578-00-3) is a novel active substance with insecticidal properties mediated via its agonism on the highly abundant insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). In developmental and reproductive toxicity studies, gestational exposure caused fetal abnormalities (primarily limb contractures) and reduced neonatal survival in rats, but not rabbits, following high-dose dietary exposure. Sulfoxaflor induced these effects via a novel mode of action (MoA) mediated by the fetal-type muscle nAChR with the following key events: (1) binding to the receptor, (2) agonism on the receptor, causing (3) sustained muscle contracture in the near-term fetus and neonatal offspring. This sustained muscle contracture results in misshapen limbs, bent clavicles, and reduced diaphragm function, which compromises respiration in neonatal rats at birth, reducing their survival. This review evaluates the weight of evidence for this MoA based upon the Bradford Hill criteria, includes a cross-comparison of applied and internal doses in a variety of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo study designs, examines alternative MoAs, and applies a Human relevance framework (HRF) to ascertain human risk for this rat MoA. The review indicated, with a high level of confidence, that the sulfoxaflor-induced fetal abnormalities and neonatal death in rats occur via a single MoA comprising sustained activation of the rat fetal-type muscle nAChR resulting in a sustained muscle contracture. This MoA is considered not relevant to humans, given fundamental qualitative differences in sulfoxaflor agonism on the rat versus the human muscle nAChR. Specifically, sulfoxaflor does not cause agonism on either the human fetal- or adult-type muscle nAChR.

Comparison of open surgery versus endoscopic-assisted release for gluteal muscle contracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of open surgery and arthroscopic release in gluteal muscle contracture (GMC). METHODS: Two independent reviewers YM and WL conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify clinical trials that adhered to the PRISMA guidelines (Appendix A), spanning from inception to July 2023. Search items included (("gluteal" OR "gluteus") AND ("contracture" OR "fibrosis")). Research comparing open surgery or arthroscopic release was included. Clinical outcomes were compared using the risk ratio for dichotomous variables and the standardized mean difference for continuous variables. A P value < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. RESULTS: Four studies with 453 patients met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Compared with open surgery, in the case of similar postoperative functional satisfaction (1.21, 95% CI = 0.46-3.17, P = 0.70), the arthroscopic release achieved advantages in postoperative complications (3.5, 95% CI = 1.75-7.03, P = 0.0004), cosmetic satisfaction (0.07, 95% CI = 0.01-0.65, P = 0.02), length size (5.65, 95% CI = 4.11-7.19, P < 0.001), and hospitalization duration (1.57, 95% CI = 0.89 to 2.26, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This research shows that both open surgery and arthroscopic release improve functional satisfaction. The arthroscopic release could result in fewer complications, better cosmetic satisfaction, shorter length size, and shorter hospitalization duration. Registration and protocol There is no registration and protocol for this meta-analysis.

Abnormal genes and pathways that drive muscle contracture from brachial plexus injuries: Towards machine learning approach.

In order to clarify the pathways closely linked to denervated muscle contracture, this work uses IoMT-enabled healthcare stratergies to examine changes in gene expression patterns inside atrophic muscles following brachial plexus damage. The gene expression Omnibus (GEO) database searching was used to locate the dataset GSE137606, which is connected to brachial plexus injuries. Strict criteria (|logFC|≥2 & adj.p < 0.05) were used to extract differentially expressed genes (DEGs). To identify dysregulated activities and pathways in denervated muscles, gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used. Hub genes were found using Cytoscape software's algorithms, which took into account parameters like as proximity, degree, and MNC. Their expression, enriched pathways, and correlations were then examined. The results showed that 316 DEGs were predominantly concentrated in muscle-related processes such as tissue formation and contraction pathways. Of these, 297 DEGs were highly expressed in denervated muscles, whereas 19 DEGs were weakly expressed. GSEA showed improvements in the contraction of striated and skeletal muscles. In addition, it was shown that in denervated muscles, Myod1, Myog, Myh7, Myl2, Tnnt2, and Tnni1 were elevated hub genes with enriched pathways such adrenergic signaling and tight junction. These results point to possible therapeutic targets for denervated muscular contracture, including Myod1, Myog, Myh7, Myl2, Tnnt2, and Tnni1. This highlights treatment options for this ailment which enhances the mental state of patient.