Ingenious Synergy of a Pathology-Specific Biomimetic Multifunctional Nanoplatform for Targeted Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Based on the pathological characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis, including the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory responses, and osteoclast differentiation, a biomimetic multifunctional nanomedicine (M-M@I) is designed. Iguratimod (IGU) is loaded, which inhibits inflammatory responses and osteoclast differentiation, into mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA), which scavenges ROS. Subsequently, the nanoparticles are coated with a cell membrane of macrophages to achieve actively targeted delivery of the nanoparticles to inflamed joints. It is shown that the M-M@I nanoparticles are taken up well by lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages or bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). In vitro, the M-M@I nanoparticles effectively scavenge ROS, downregulate genes related to inflammation promotion and osteoclast differentiation, and reduce the proinflammatory cytokines and osteoclast-related enzymes. They also reduce the polarization of macrophages to a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and inhibit differentiation into osteoclasts. In mice with collagen-induced arthritis, the M-M@I nanoparticles accumulate at arthritic sites and circulate longer, significantly mitigating arthritis symptoms and bone destruction. These results suggest that the pathology-specific biomimetic multifunctional nanoparticles are effective against rheumatoid arthritis, and they validate the approach of developing multifunctional therapies that target various pathological processes simultaneously.

Decoding the "Fingerprint" of Implant Materials: Insights into the Foreign Body Reaction.

Foreign body reaction (FBR) is a prevalent yet often overlooked pathological phenomenon, particularly within the field of biomedical implantation. The presence of FBR poses a heavy burden on both the medical and socioeconomic systems. This review seeks to elucidate the protein "fingerprint" of implant materials, which is generated by the physiochemical properties of the implant materials themselves. In this review, the activity of macrophages, the formation of foreign body giant cells (FBGCs), and the development of fibrosis capsules in the context of FBR are introduced. Additionally, the relationship between various implant materials and FBR is elucidated in detail, as is an overview of the existing approaches and technologies employed to alleviate FBR. Finally, the significance of implant components (metallic materials and non-metallic materials), surface CHEMISTRY (charge and wettability), and physical characteristics (topography, roughness, and stiffness) in establishing the protein "fingerprint" of implant materials is also well documented. In conclusion, this review aims to emphasize the importance of FBR on implant materials and provides the current perspectives and approaches in developing implant materials with anti-FBR properties.

DLP Fabrication of Multiple Hierarchical Biomimetic GelMA/SilMA/HAp Scaffolds for Enhancing Bone Regeneration.

Severe bone defects resulting from trauma and diseases remain a persistent clinical challenge. In this study, a hierarchical biomimetic microporous hydrogel composite scaffold was constructed by mimicking the hierarchical structure of bone. Initially, gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA) and methacrylic anhydride silk fibroin (SilMA) were synthesized, and GelMA/SilMA inks with suitable rheological and mechanical properties were prepared. Biomimetic micropores were then generated by using an aqueous two-phase emulsification method. Subsequently, biomimetic microporous GelMA/SilMA was mixed with hydroxyapatite (HAp) to prepare biomimetic microporous GelMA/SilMA/HAp ink. Hierarchical biomimetic microporous GelMA/SilMA/HAp (M-GSH) scaffolds were then fabricated through digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing. Finally, in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate cell adhesion, proliferation, and inward migration as well as osteogenic differentiation and vascular regeneration effects. In vivo experiments indicated that the biomimetic microporous scaffold significantly promoted tissue integration and bone regeneration after 12 weeks of implantation, achieving 42.39% bone volume fraction regeneration. In summary, this hierarchical biomimetic microporous scaffold provides a promising strategy for the repair and treatment of bone defects.

Cocktail of Ropivacaine, Morphine, and Diprospan Reduces Pain and Prolongs Analgesic Effects after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) provides postoperative analgesia for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of a cocktail of ropivacaine, morphine, and Diprospan for TKA. Methods: A total of 100 patients from September 2018 to February 2019 were randomized into 2 groups. Group A (control group, 50 patients) received LIA of ropivacaine alone (80 ml, 0.25% ropivacaine). Group B (LIA group, 50 patients) received an LIA cocktail of ropivacaine, morphine, and Diprospan (80 ml, 0.25% ropivacaine, 0.125 mg/ml morphine, and 62.5 µg/ml compound betamethasone). The primary outcomes were the levels of inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores, opioid consumption, range of motion (ROM), functional tests, and sleeping quality. The secondary outcomes were adverse events, satisfaction rates, HSS scores, and SF-12 scores. The longest follow-up was 2 years. Results: The two groups showed no differences in terms of characteristics (P > 0.05). Group B had lower resting VAS pain scores (1.54 ± 0.60, 95% CI = 1.37 to 1.70 vs. 2.00 ± 0.63, 95% CI = 2.05 to 2.34) and active VAS pain scores (2.64 ± 0.62, 95% CI = 2.46 to 2.81 vs. 3.16 ± 0.75, 95% CI = 2.95 to 3.36) within 48 h postoperatively than Group A (P < 0.001), while none of the pain differences exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Group B had significantly lower CRP levels (59.49 ± 13.01, 95% CI = 55.88 to 63.09 vs. 65.95 ± 14.41, 95% CI = 61.95 to 69.94) and IL-6 levels (44.11 ± 13.67, 95% CI = 40.32 to 47.89 vs. 60.72 ± 15.49, 95% CI = 56.42 to 65.01), lower opioid consumption (7.60 ± 11.10, 95% CI = 4.52 to 10.67 vs. 13.80 ± 14.68, 95% CI = 9.73 to 17.86), better ROM (110.20 ± 10.46, 95% CI = 107.30 to 113.09 vs. 105.30 ± 10.02, 95% CI = 102.52 to 108.07), better sleep quality (3.40 ± 1.03, 95% CI = 3.11 to 3.68 vs. 4.20 ± 1.06, 95% CI = 3.90 to 4.49), and higher satisfaction rates than Group A within 48 h postoperatively (P < 0.05). Adverse events, HSS scores, and SF-12 scores were not significantly different within 2 years postoperatively. Conclusions: A cocktail of ropivacaine, morphine, and Diprospan prolongs the analgesic effect up to 48 h postoperatively. Although the small statistical benefit may not result in MCID, the LIA cocktail still reduces opioid consumption, results in better sleeping quality and faster rehabilitation, and does not increase adverse events. Therefore, cocktails of ropivacaine, morphine, and Diprospan have good application value for pain control in TKA. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800018372.

Efficacy and safety of two-stage revision for patients with culture-negative versus culture-positive periprosthetic joint infection: a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of two-stage revision for culture-negative PJI remain controversial. This study analyzed outcomes after two-stage revision in patients with culture-negative and culture-positive periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) during follow-up lasting at least two years. METHODS: Data were retrospectively analysed patients who underwent hip or knee revision arthroplasty from January 2008 to October 2020 at our medical center. The primary outcome was the re-revision rate, while secondary outcomes were the rates of reinfection, readmission, and mortality. Patients with culture-negative or culture-positive PJI were compared in terms of these outcomes, as well as survival time without reinfection or revision surgery, based on Kaplan‒Meier analysis. RESULTS: The final analysis included 87 patients who were followed up for a mean of 72.3 months (range, 24-123 months). The mean age was 58.1 years in the culture-negative group (n = 24) and 59.1 years in the culture-positive group (n = 63). The two groups (culture-negative versus culture-positive) did not differ significantly in rates of re-revision (0.0% vs. 3.2%, p > 0.05), reinfection (4.2% vs. 3.2%, p > 0.05), readmission (8.4% vs. 8.0%, p > 0.05), or mortality (8.3% vs. 7.9%, p > 0.05). They were also similar in survival rates without infection-related complications or revision surgery at 100 months (91.5% in the culture-negative group vs. 87.9% in the culture-positive group; Mantel‒Cox log-rank χ2 = 0.251, p = 0.616). CONCLUSION: The two-stage revision proves to be a well-tolerated and effective procedure in both culture-negative and culture-positive PJI during mid to long-term follow-up.

The learning curve of a novel seven-axis robot-assisted total hip arthroplasty system: a randomized controlled trial.

BACGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the learning curve of a novel seven-axis robot-assisted total hip arthroplasty (RaTHA) system. METHODS: A total of 59 patients who underwent unilateral total hip arthroplasty at our institution from June 2022 to September 2022 were prospectively included in the study. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, robot-assisted THA (RaTHA) and Conventional THA (CoTHA) were performed using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis to evaluate the learning curve of the RaTHA system. The demographic data, preopera1tive clinical data, duration of operation, postoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS), postoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and duration of operation between the learning stage and the proficiency stage of the RaTHA group were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The average duration of operation of the RaTHA group was increased by 34.73 min compared with the CoTHA group (104.26 ± 19.33 vs. 69.53 ± 18.38 min, p < 0.01). The learning curve of the RaTHA system can be divided into learning stage and proficiency stage, and the former consists of the first 13 cases by CUSUM analysis. In the RaTHA group, the duration of operation decreased by 29.75 min in the proficiency stage compared to the learning stage (121.12 ± 12.84 vs.91.37 ± 12.92, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the surgical team required a learning curve of 13 cases to become proficient using the RaTHA system. The duration of operation, total blood loss, and drainage gradually shortened (decreased) with the learning curve stage, and the differences were statistically significant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Number: ChiCTR2200061630, Date: 29/06/2022.

Effects of Dexamethasone on Postoperative Glycemic Control in Patients After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, the use of dexamethasone (DEX) may cause perioperative blood glucose (BG) disorders, leading to complications even in patients who do not have diabetes. We aimed to evaluate the effects of different DEX doses on perioperative BG levels. METHODS: A total of 135 patients who do not have diabetes were randomized into three groups: preoperative intravenous (IV) injection of normal saline (Group A, the placebo group), preoperative IV injection of 10 mg DEX (Group B), and preoperative IV injection of 20 mg DEX (Group C). Postoperative fasting BG (FBG) levels were designated as the primary outcome, while postoperative postprandial BG (PBG) levels were assigned as the secondary outcome. The incidence of complications was recorded. We also investigated the risk factors for FBG ≥ 140 mg/dL and PBG ≥ 180 mg/dL. RESULTS: The FBG levels were higher in Groups B and C than in Group A on postoperative days (PODs) 0 and 1. The PBG levels were lower for Groups A and B compared to Group C on POD 1. No differences in FBG or PBG were detected beyond POD 1. Elevated preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin A1c levels increased the risk of FBG ≥ 140 mg/dL and PBG ≥ 180 mg/dL, respectively. However, preoperative IV injection of DEX was not associated with FBG ≥ 140 mg/dL or PBG ≥ 180 mg/dL. No differences were found in postoperative complications among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative IV administration of 10 or 20 mg DEX in patients who do not have diabetes showed transient effects on postoperative BG after total joint arthroplasty. The preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin A1c level threshold (regardless of the administration or dosage of DEX) that increased the risk for the occurrence of FBG ≥ 140 mg/dL and PBG ≥ 180 mg/dL was 5.75 and 5.85%, respectively.

Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids Inhibit Muscular Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis and Ameliorate Muscle Atrophy in Sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is known as age-related muscle atrophy, which influences over a quarter of the elderly population worldwide. It is characterized by a progressive decline in muscle mass, strength, and performance. To date, clinical treatments in sarcopenia are limited to rehabilitative interventions and dietary supplements. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) represent a novel kind of DNA-based nanomaterial with superior antiapoptosis capacity in cells, tissues, organs, and systems. In our study, the therapeutic effect of tFNAs treatment on sarcopenia was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. Results from muscular biophysiological characteristics demonstrated significant improvement in muscle function and endurance in the aged mouse model, and histologic examinations also showed beneficial morphological changes in muscle fibers. In vitro, DEX-induced sarcopenic myotube atrophy was also ameliorated through the inhibition of mitochondria-mediated cell apoptosis. Collectively, tFNAs treatment might serve as an alternative option to deal with sarcopenia in the near future.

Staged replacement of both hips and both knees in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are an uncommon population, and their outcomes are also difficult to predict. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether both bilateral cementless THA and cemented posterior-stabilized TKA (PS-TKA) can provide reliable outcomes for RA patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 30 RA patients (60 hips and 60 knees) who underwent both elective bilateral cementless THA and cemented PS-TKA, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical, patient-reported, and radiographic data were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 84 months (range, 24-156). By the last follow-up, the post-operative range of motion, Harris Hip Score, Knee Society Score (KSS) clinical, KSS functional, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index of Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) hip, and WOMAC knee scores were significantly improved compared to the preoperative values. All patients achieved the ability to walk. In addition, overall satisfaction scores on a 100-point scale were 92.5 after THA and 89.6 after TKA. Only one patient underwent revision surgery due to knee joint instability, and all replaced hips and knees were radiographically stable by the assessment of the radiolucent line. The proportion of implants that did not suffer loosening or require revision surgery was 99.2% during the 84-month follow-up, based on Kaplan-Meier analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that bilateral cementless THA and cemented PS-TKA provides reliable mid-long-term clinical, patient-reported, and radiographic outcomes in RA patients, with high survivorship and patient satisfaction.

The use of intraoperative cell salvage in total hip arthroplasty with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy for the treatment of high hip dislocation: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) is an important component of blood management in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. However, the role of ICS is less well defined in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (SSO) which is a common surgical technique to manage high hip dislocation. This study aimed to determine the effect of ICS during THA with SSO and to identify factors associated with the ability to salvage sufficient collection for reinfusion in patients with high hip dislocation. METHODS: We identified 178 patients who underwent THA with SSO for high hip dislocation between November 2010 and April 2021. The consecutive cohort was analyzed by logistic regression to determine the effect of ICS on postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) and to explore the associations between patient demographics, clinical and radiographic characteristics, preoperative laboratory examination, and surgical variables with the ability to generate adequate blood salvage to reinfuse. RESULTS: In the consecutive cohort of 178 patients, cell salvage was reinfused in 107 patients (60.1%) and postoperative allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion within 3 days of implantation was administrated in 40 patients (22.5%). In multivariate analysis, the reinfusion of ICS (OR (95%CI) 0.17 (0.07-0.47)), center of rotation (COR) height ≥ 60 mm (OR (95%CI) 3.30 (1.21-9.01)), the length of SSO ≥ 30 mm (OR (95%CI) 2.75 (1.05-7.22)) and the use of drainage (OR (95%CI) 2.28 (1.04-5.03)) were identified as independent factors of postoperative allogeneic RBC transfusion. In addition, the following variables were identified as independent factors associated with the ability to generate sufficient blood salvage volume for reinfusion: COR height ≥ 60 mm (OR (95%CI) 3.47 (1.58-7.61)), limb-length discrepancy (LLD) ≥ 25 mm (OR (95%CI) 2.55 (1.15-5.65)) and length of SSO ≥ 30 mm (OR (95%CI) 2.75 (1.33-5.69)). CONCLUSIONS: ICS was efficacious in reducing the exposure rate of postoperative RBC transfusion for high hip dislocation during THA with SSO. In addition, patients with greater COR height, larger LLD, and longer length of SSO were predisposed to generate sufficient collection for reinfusion in THA with SSO.

Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Optimizable Risk Factor for Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Elective Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Whether symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (sBPH), which is common among middle-aged and older men, affects the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains controversial. The present study explored this question among men undergoing total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty (TKA and THA). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical data from 948 men who underwent primary TKA or THA at our institution between 2010 and 2021. We compared the incidence of postoperative complications such as PJI, urinary tract infection (UTI), and postoperative urinary retention (POUR) between 316 patients (193 hips and 123 knees) who did and 632 patients who did not have sBPH; the 2 groups of patients were matched to each other in a 1:2 ratio based on numerous clinical demographic variables. In the subgroup analyses, we stratified sBPH patients according to whether they began anti-sBPH medical therapy prior to arthroplasty. RESULTS: PJI following primary TKA was significantly more common among sBPH patients than among patients who did not have sBPH (4.1 vs 0.4%; P = .029), as were UTI (P = .029), and POUR (P < .001). Patients who had sBPH also had an increased incidence of UTI (P = .006) and POUR (P < .001) following THA. Among sBPH patients, those who started anti-sBPH medical therapy before TKA suffered significantly lower incidence of PJI than those who did not. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia is a risk factor for PJI after primary TKA among men, and starting appropriate medical therapy before surgery can reduce the risk of PJI following TKA and postoperative urinary complications following TKA and THA.

Dexmedetomidine Prolongs the Analgesic Effects of Periarticular Infiltration Analgesia following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Periarticular infiltration analgesia (PIA) is widely administered to relieve postoperative pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of prolonging the analgesic duration by adding dexmedetomidine to PIA for pain management after TKA. METHODS: One hundred and sixteen patients were randomly allocated into 3 groups based on PIA regimens including group R (ropivacaine), group E (ropivacaine plus epinephrine), and group D (ropivacaine plus dexmedetomidine). The primary outcomes were postoperative visual analog scale scores, time until the administration of first rescue analgesia, and opioid consumption. The secondary outcomes included postoperative inflammatory biomarkers and functional recovery. The tertiary outcomes were postoperative complications and adverse events. RESULTS: The patients in group D had significantly lower resting visual analog scale scores than those in groups R and E at 6 hours after surgery. Group R showed the higher pain scores at rest and motion than groups D and E 12 hours postoperatively. The use of dexmedetomidine or epinephrine postponed the time until the administration of first rescue analgesia and led to lower opioid consumption in the first 24 hours after TKA. The levels of interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α in groups D and E were significantly lower than those in group R on postoperative day 3. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in functional recovery, postoperative complications, or adverse events among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adding dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to PIA could potentiate and prolong the analgesic effect in the early stage following TKA without increasing the risk of adverse events.

Addition of Infiltration Between the Popliteal Artery and the Capsule of the Posterior Knee (IPACK) to Local Infiltration Analgesia for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is a popular analgesic technique commonly administered during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recent studies have demonstrated that the infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) can be complementary to analgesic modalities. However, the combined and relative efficacy of LIA and IPACK is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the analgesic and functional outcomes among LIA, IPACK, and LIA + IPACK. METHODS: A total of 120 patients undergoing primary TKA were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: LIA (50 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine and 2.0 µg/mL epinephrine); IPACK (20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine and 2.0 µg/mL epinephrine); and LIA + IPACK. The primary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score. Secondary outcomes were opioid use, knee range of motion (ROM), quadriceps muscle strength, mobilization distance, timed up and go (TUG) test, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The mean VAS pain scores were significantly higher after using IPACK alone than after using LIA + IPACK and LIA within 24 hours (all P＜.05). LIA + IPACK had lower mean VAS pain scores than LIA when the knees were at rest (within 12 hours, P < .05) and flexion (within 8 hours, P＜.05). Patients receiving LIA + IPACK and LIA had significantly lower morphine equivalents (ME) than those receiving IPACK alone within 24 hours (26.3, 28.9 versus 47.8, both P＜.05) and during hospitalization (98, 101.6, versus 128.4 both P＜.05). Both LIA + IPACK and LIA had higher ROM (within 2 days), higher level of muscle strength (within 12 hours), longer mobilization distances (within 1 day), and shorter TUG time (till discharge) compared with IPACK alone (all P＜.05), while LIA + IPACK only had a higher knee ROM than LIA on the first postoperative day (P＜.05). There was no significant difference in any other outcomes. CONCLUSION: This randomized controlled trial demonstrated that there were significantly lower pain scores, less opioid consumption, and better functional results with LIA + IPACK and LIA when compared with IPACK alone, suggesting that IPACK alone was inferior for pain control.

The Impact of Perioperative Use of Nonbiologic Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs on Perioperative Blood Loss and Complications in Patients Who Have Rheumatoid Arthritis Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) before total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was associated with increased risk of postoperative periprosthetic joint and wound infections as well as worse platelet function in patients who have knee rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study investigated the effects of DMARDS on perioperative blood loss, complications, and blood transfusion in patients undergoing TKA for knee RA. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled patients undergoing TKA for knee RA at our hospital between 2017 and 2021 who received DMARDs (n = 73) or not (n = 84). Every RA patient was matched with patients who had osteoarthritis (OA) in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2. Primary outcomes were intraoperative and perioperative blood losses, while secondary outcomes were complications and allogeneic transfusions. RESULTS: The mean total (804 versus 728 mL (mL), P = .114), mean intraoperative (113 versus 101 mL, P = .488), or hidden blood losses (705 versus 640 mL, P = .340) did not differ statistically between RA patients who received DMARDs versus those who did not. RA patients who received DMARDs showed significantly greater mean total (804 versus 654 mL, P = .001), intraoperative (113 versus 75 mL, P = .002), and hidden blood losses (705 versus 560 mL, P = .016) than OA patients. No statistical differences were found in complications or allogeneic transfusions. CONCLUSION: Although RA patients experienced greater perioperative blood loss than OA patients, there was no statistical difference in perioperative blood loss, complications, or allogeneic transfusions between RA patients who received DMARDs and those who did not.

Significant Analgesic Benefits of Perioperative Duloxetine in Patients Who Have Depressive Symptoms Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Major symptoms of depression are commonly observed in patients requiring total hip arthroplasty (THA), and this is associated with increased pain scores and opioid consumption. We aimed to investigate the analgesic effect of duloxetine in these high-risk patients. METHODS: Among 263 patients scheduled for primary unilateral THA, 67 patients who scored at least 8 on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized to the duloxetine group (60 mg daily, from the day of surgery to postoperative day 6) or the placebo group. The postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score during walking, the VAS score during hip flexion, and resting VAS score was measured. Postoperative morphine consumption, hip range of motion (ROM), Harris hip score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function, postoperative length of stay (LOS), and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: The duloxetine group had significantly lower VAS scores during walking and hip flexion from postoperative day 3 to week 3 than the placebo group. With regard to the resting VAS score, duloxetine showed a better analgesic effect from postoperative day 3 to week 2 than placebo. Patients in the duloxetine group had less consumption of morphine. The duloxetine group exhibited better hip function scores, including ROM, HHS, and WOMAC function scores than the placebo group. No significant difference was observed in LOS or adverse events between groups. CONCLUSION: Perioperative short-term duloxetine provides advantages in decreasing pain, reducing morphine consumption, and increasing hip function in THA patients who have depressive symptoms.

More complications and higher transfusion rate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than osteoarthritis undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection, periprosthetic fractures, dislocations, and post-operative blood transfusion. However, higher post-operative blood transfusion is unclear whether it reflects peri-operative blood loss or is characteristic of RA. This study aimed to compare the complications, allogenic blood transfusion, albumin use, and peri-operative blood loss between patients who underwent THA because of RA or osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Patients undergoing cementless THA for hip RA (n = 220) or hip OA (n = 261) at our hospital between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, calf muscular venous thrombosis, wound complications, deep prosthetic infection, hip prosthesis dislocation, periprosthetic fractures, 30-day mortality, 90-day readmission, allogeneic blood transfusion, and albumin infusions were considered as primary outcomes, while secondary outcomes included the number of perioperative anaemia patients as well as total, intra-operative, and hidden blood loss. RESULTS: Compared to the OA group, patients with hip RA showed significantly higher rates of wound aseptic complications, hip prosthesis dislocation, homologous transfusion, and albumin use. RA patients also showed a significantly higher prevalence of pre-operative anemia. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in total, intra-operative, or hidden blood loss. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that RA patients undergoing THA are at a higher risk of wound aseptic complications and hip prosthesis dislocation than patients with hip OA. Pre-operative anaemia and hypoalbuminaemia in patients with hip RA place them at a significantly higher risk of post-operative blood transfusion and use of albumin.

Description of surgical treatment methods of hip and knee periprosthetic joint infections in the Chinese mainland: a national multi-centre survey.

PURPOSE: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious hip and knee arthroplasty complication. Despite the increased incidence of primary joint replacements, there is no clear guideline for treating PJI in the Chinese mainland yet. We aim to measure the current situation and basis for surgical treatment methods of PJI in major orthopaedic hospitals in the Chinese mainland. METHODS: We conducted a national survey on PJI treatment in Mainland China. Forty-one top arthroplasty centers were included, with 82.9% (34/41) response rate. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel version 20.0 and described as numbers and percentages. RESULTS: For acute infections, prosthesis-preserving procedures (DAIR) are used in all centres. For hip and knee PJI, 20.5% (7/34) and 35% (12/34) of the centres used a one-stage exchange. If applied, this treatment will necessitate the previous patients' selection for a satisfactory outcome. All centres execute the two-stage exchange. Between phases, the majority of centres implant a cemented spacer. Revisions for infected hips included 21 (4.3%) cases of DAIR, 95 (19.9%) cases of single-stage exchange, 362 (75.2%) cases of two-stage exchange, and 2 (0.007%) cases of hip dissection. Revisions for infected knee comprised 88 (19.0%) cases of DAIR, 48 (10.3%) cases of single-stage exchange, 324 (69.8%) cases of two-stage exchange, and 5 (0.02%) cases of knee fusion. CONCLUSIONS: The centers do not have a uniform PJI standard. Most patients have two-stage revision with a cemented spacer in China. These concepts can help establish treatment guidelines.

Tourniquets can further reduce perioperative blood loss in patients on dexamethasone and tranexamic acid during cemented total knee arthritis: a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Multiple doses of dexamethasone and tranexamic acid can inhibit postoperative inflammation and reduce fibrinolysis and perioperative blood loss in total knee arthroplasty. In this single-center, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, the aim was to investigate whether applying a tourniquet to patients on dexamethasone and tranexamic acid could further reduce perioperative blood loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent cemented total knee arthroplasty at our hospital were randomized to receive a tourniquet (n = 71) or not (n = 70) during the procedure. All patients received multiple doses of dexamethasone and tranexamic acid perioperatively. The primary outcome was perioperative blood loss, while secondary outcomes were surgery duration, postoperative laboratory indices of inflammation and fibrinolysis, range of knee motion, VAS pain score, knee circumference, knee swelling rate, homologous transfusion, albumin use, and complications. RESULTS: Using a tourniquet was associated with significantly lower intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001) and total blood loss (P = 0.007) as well as significantly shorter surgery duration (P < 0.001). In contrast, the tourniquet did not significantly affect hidden blood loss, postoperative inflammation or fibrinolysis, range of knee motion, VAS pain score, knee circumference, knee swelling rate, homologous transfusion, albumin use, or complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this randomized clinical trial demonstrate that applying a tourniquet during cemented total knee arthroplasty to patients receiving multiple doses of dexamethasone and tranexamic acid can further reduce perioperative blood loss without increasing the risk of inflammation, fibrinolysis, or other complications. Thus, it is advised to use tourniquets combined with dexamethasone and tranexamic acid to reduce perioperative blood loss and avoid tourniquet-related adverse events. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trail Registry, ChiCTR2200060567. Registered 5 June 2022-retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=171291.

Rhythm disturbance in osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the main causes of disabilities among older people. To date, multiple disease-related molecular networks in OA have been identified, including abnormal mechanical loadings and local inflammation. These pathways have not, however, properly elucidated the mechanism of OA progression. Recently, sufficient evidence has suggested that rhythmic disturbances in the central nervous system (CNS) and local joint tissues affect the homeostasis of joint and can escalate pathological changes of OA. This is accompanied with an exacerbation of joint symptoms that interfere with the rhythm of CNS in reverse. Eventually, these processes aggravate OA progression. At present, the crosstalk between joint tissues and biological rhythm remains poorly understood. As such, the mechanisms of rhythm changes in joint tissues are worth study; in particular, research on the effect of rhythmic genes on metabolism and inflammation would facilitate the understanding of the natural rhythms of joint tissues and the OA pathology resulting from rhythm disturbance. Video Abstract.

Plasma fibrinogen: a sensitive biomarker for the screening of periprosthetic joint infection in patients undergoing re-revision arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although serum C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), plasma fibrinogen and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are promising biomarkers for screening PJI in patients undergoing revision arthroplasty, their efficacy with respect to re-revision arthroplasty remains unclear. METHODS: We included patients who underwent re-revision arthroplasty at our hospital during 2008-2020, and stratified them into two groups whether they had been diagnosed with PJI (infected) or aseptic failure (non-infected) according to the 2013 International Consensus Meeting criteria. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of CRP, ESR, fibrinogen and NLR, both individually and in combinations, based on sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Of the 63 included patients, 32 were diagnosed with PJI. The area under the ROC curve was 0.821 for CRP, 0.794 for ESR, 0.885 for fibrinogen and 0.702 for NLR. CRP gave a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 74.2% with an optimal predictive cut-off of 8.50 mg/mL. ESR gave a sensitivity of 81.3% and specificity of 71.0% with an optimal predictive cut-off of 33 mm/h. Plasma fibrinogen gave a comparatively higher sensitivity of 93.8% and specificity of 77.4% with an optimal predictive cut-off of 3.55 g/L, while NLR gave a moderate sensitivity of 84.4% but low specificity of 54.8% with an optimal predictive cut-off of 2.30. The combination of fibrinogen and CRP gave a high AUC of 0.897, an acceptable sensitivity of 75% and a high specificity 93.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma fibrinogen is a cost-effective, convenient biomarker that can be used to rule out PJI in patients scheduled for re-revision arthroplasty. In combination with CRP, it may be effective in diagnosing PJI in such patients.