Tissue engineering and future directions in regenerative medicine for knee cartilage repair: a comprehensive review.

This review evaluates the current landscape and future directions of regenerative medicine for knee cartilage repair, with a particular focus on tissue engineering strategies. In this context, scaffold-based approaches have emerged as promising solutions for cartilage regeneration. Synthetic scaffolds, while offering superior mechanical properties, often lack the biological cues necessary for effective tissue integration. Natural scaffolds, though biocompatible and biodegradable, frequently suffer from inadequate mechanical strength. Hybrid scaffolds, combining elements of both synthetic and natural materials, present a balanced approach, enhancing both mechanical support and biological functionality. Advances in decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds have shown potential in promoting cell infiltration and integration with native tissues. Additionally, bioprinting technologies have enabled the creation of complex, bioactive scaffolds that closely mimic the zonal organization of native cartilage, providing an optimal environment for cell growth and differentiation. The review also explores the potential of gene therapy and gene editing techniques, including CRISPR-Cas9, to enhance cartilage repair by targeting specific genetic pathways involved in tissue regeneration. The integration of these advanced therapies with tissue engineering approaches holds promise for developing personalized and durable treatments for knee cartilage injuries and osteoarthritis. In conclusion, this review underscores the importance of continued multidisciplinary collaboration to advance these innovative therapies from bench to bedside and improve outcomes for patients with knee cartilage damage.

Distalization of hinge site with use of hinge wire reduces hinge fracture rates in closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy.

PURPOSE: Closing wedge distal femoral osteotomies (CWDFO) are attractive treatment options for unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis with coronal plane deformity. However, it has been traditionally associated with high rates of hinge fracture that can adversely impact recovery and patient outcomes. Appropriate siting of hinge point can be an effective method of reducing the incidence of hinge fractures. This study aims to illustrate a case series of CWDFO with low rates of hinge fracture utilising our preferred hinge point site. METHODS: A retrospective study of a cohort of 39 CWDFO was performed between May 2019 and May 2022. Both medial and lateral CWDFO were included. The hinge point in all cases was placed at the level of the inferior margin of the metaphyseal flare, and inferior to the gastrocnemius origin, with a hinge thickness of 10 mm. Post-operative radiographs were obtained at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after surgery to assess for hinge fracture and union. RESULTS: Thirty-nine cases of CWDFO were performed, consisting of eighteen cases of valgus malalignment that underwent medial CWDFO and twenty-one cases of varus malalignment that underwent lateral CWDFO. At surgery, the mean age was 47.6 (± 13.9) years and mean BMI was 29.4 (± 4.9). There were 23 men and 16 women. Three cases of hinge fractures occurred intraoperatively, translating into a hinge fracture rate of 7.69%. However, union was achieved in all three cases and all patients in this case series were able to progress to weight bear as tolerated at 2 months post-osteotomy. CONCLUSION: Distal placement of the hinge at the level of the inferior metaphyseal flare margin with the use of a hinge wire can greatly reduce the rates of hinge fracture in CWDFO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Management of anterior cruciate ligament revision in adults: the 2022 ESSKA consensus: part II-surgical strategy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this ESSKA consensus is to give recommendations based on scientific evidence and expert opinion to improve the diagnosis, preoperative planning, indication and surgical strategy in Anterior Cruciate Ligament revision. METHODS: Part 2, presented herein, followed exactly the same methodology as Part 1: the so-called ESSKA formal consensus derived from the Delphi method. Eighteen questions were ultimately asked. The quality of the answers received the following grades of recommendation: Grade A (high level scientific support), Grade B (scientific presumption), Grade C (low level scientific support) or Grade D (expert opinion). All answers were scored from 1 to 9 by the raters. Once a general consensus had been reached between the steering and rating groups, the question-answer sets were submitted to the peer-review group. A final combined meeting of all the members of the consensus was then held to ratify the document. RESULTS: The review of the literature revealed a rather low scientific quality of studies examining the surgical strategy in cases of ACL reconstruction failure. Of the 18 questions, only 1 received a Grade A rating; 5, a Grade B rating; and 9, grades of C or D. The three remaining complex questions received further evaluations for each portion of the question and were looked at in more detail for the following grades: B and D; A, C and D; or A, B, C and D. The mean rating of all questions by the rating group was 8.0 + - 1.1. The questions and recommendations are listed in the article. CONCLUSION: ACL revision surgery, especially the surgical strategy, is a widely debated subject with many different opinions and techniques. The literature reveals a poor level of standardization. Therefore, this international European consensus project is of great importance and clinical relevance for guiding the management of ACL revision in adults. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Management of anterior cruciate ligament revision in adults: the 2022 ESSKA consensus part I-diagnostics and preoperative planning.

PURPOSE: The aim of this ESSKA consensus is to give recommendations based on evidence and expert opinion to improve diagnosis, preoperative planning, indication and surgical strategy in ACL revision. METHODS: The European expert surgeons and scientists were divided into four groups to participate in this consensus. A "literature group" (four surgeons); "steering group" (14 surgeons and scientists); "rating group" (19 surgeons) and finally "peer review group" (51 representatives of the ESSKA-affiliated national societies from 27 countries). The steering group prepared eighteen question-answer sets. The quality of the answers received grades of recommendation ranging from A (high-level scientific support), to B (scientific presumption), C (low level scientific support) or D (expert opinion). These question-answer sets were then evaluated by the rating group. All answers were scored from 1 to 9. The comments of the rating group were incorporated by the steering group and the consensus was submitted to the rating group a second time. Once a general consensus was reached between the steering and rating groups, the question-answer sets were submitted to the peer review group. A final combined meeting of all the members of the consensus was held to ratify the document. RESULTS: The literature review for the diagnosis and preoperative planning of ACL revision revealed a rather low scientific quality. None of the 18 questions was graded A and six received a grade B. The mean rating of all the questions by the rating group was 8.4 ± 0.3. The questions and recommendations are listed below. CONCLUSION: ACL revision surgery is a widely debated subject with many different opinions and techniques. The literature reveals a poor level of standardisation. Therefore, this international consensus project is of great importance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Ten-year survival rate of 89% after distal femoral osteotomy surgery for lateral compartment osteoarthritis of the knee.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy, safety, and survival of distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) surgery for lateral compartment OA of the knee. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single UK centre, using prospectively collected data over an 8-year period (2009-2017). All patients had pre-operative radiographic analysis and digital planning of their deformity correction in addition to post-operative analysis of the achieved correction and yearly face-to-face follow-up. Complications (defined as an undesirable medical or surgical event as a direct result of the operation), reoperations, and failure (defined as conversion to arthroplasty or revision) were recorded. RESULTS: From a total of 83 patients, 81 patients undergoing 86 primary DFOs were included in this study, with a mean follow-up of 99 months (SD 27 months). The mean pre-operative percentage Mikulicz point was 78.7% (SD 19.1%) and post-operative 35.9% (SD 14.8%). The mean accuracy of correction (intended correction - achieved correction) was an 8.2% overcorrection (SD 13.7%). The complication rate was 4.7%. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the mean survival was 113 months (95% CI 106-120) with the probability of surviving 10 years 89%. CONCLUSION: DFO for valgus alignment and lateral compartment arthritis is associated with low complications, long-term joint preservation, and the prevention of arthroplasty surgery. However, the accuracy of correction still requires improvement in intra-operative technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Age-related degeneration of lumbar muscle morphology in healthy younger versus older men.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate age-related changes in lumbar paravertebral muscle (LPM) morphology in healthy younger and older adult men. METHODS: T2-weighted axial MRI of the lumbar spine were obtained for 12 healthy older (67.3 ± 6.0 years) and younger (24.7 ± 3.1 years) men. Normalised muscle volume (NMV) and muscle fat infiltrate (MFI) were determined bilaterally for the psoas (PS), quadratus lumborum (QL), erector spinae (ES) and multifidus (MF). MANOVA was used to compare NMV and MFI between age groups. Follow-up ANOVA compared NMV and MFI for each muscle between age groups, with physical activity (PA) as a covariate. Stepwise regression was used to explore the association between muscle morphology. RESULTS: NMV of the ES and QL were significantly lower in the older group (OG) (p = 0.040 and p < 0.001, respectively). MFI across all muscles was significantly greater in the OG (p < 0.001). PA did not moderate the relationship between aging and muscle degeneration. Non-dominant handgrip strength was associated with NMV (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Age-related atrophy is muscle specific in the lumbar spine; changes in lumbar musculature is independent of PA, handgrip strength may reflect morphological changes in the postural muscles with age. This study supports establishing effective targeted exercise interventions in the lumbar musculature.

Paediatric proximal ACL tears managed with direct ACL repair is safe, effective and has excellent short-term outcomes.

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery in the paediatric population has long been a challenge. Non-operative treatment will result in persistent instability which can lead to chondral and meniscal injuries. The results of primary open ACL repair are poor. Concerns of growth plate disturbance with transphyseal techniques and issues with relatively small-diameter grafts in Tanner 1 and 2 patients, which are inadequate, have contributed to these challenges. With advancing instrumentation, there is renewed interest in ACL repair. The minimally invasive approach of arthroscopic primary ACL repair retains the native ligament. The objective and subjective outcomes at 2 years are presented. METHODS: Paediatric patients, less than 16 years of age, presenting acutely with complete proximal ACL ruptures underwent direct arthroscopic ACL repair, reinforced by a temporary internal brace, which was subsequently removed after 3 months. Patient-reported outcome measures including the Lysholm, Tegner and KOOS scores were collected at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years post-operatively. RESULTS: Twenty patients (age 6-16) completed data at 2 years post-operatively. There were no failures, no complications and no growth disturbance out to 2 years. The 2-year postoperative outcomes; Lysholm 95 (90-100), Tegner 7 (6-10), KOOS-Child 96.5 (88.9-100) demonstrated statistically significant improvements following surgery (p < 0.001). Objective measurements with an accelerometer did not demonstrate any significant side-to-side difference. CONCLUSION: ACL repair for proximal ACL tears in the paediatric population demonstrates the potential for excellent outcomes at short-term follow-up. This presents an attractive alternative to ACL reconstruction when an adequate ACL remnant permits direct repair. Our results demonstrate that paediatric ACL repair is safe and effective.

Good mid-term outcomes and low rates of residual rotatory laxity, complications and failures after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL) and lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET).

BACKGROUND: Residual rotational instability remains a controversial factor when analysing failure rates of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Anatomical and biomechanical studies have demonstrated a very important role of anterolateral structures for rotational control. Revision ACL is considered one of the main indications for a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). Yet, few series evaluating these procedures are published. PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review of studies that assessed outcomes in patients treated with revision ACL surgery associated with a lateral extra-articular procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in February 2018 using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Search and Cochrane. Inclusion criteria were series of ACL revision reconstructions associated with lateral extra-articular procedures. Clinical outcomes (Lysholm, subjective IKDC, KOOS, Cincinnati and WOMAC), joint stability measures (Lachman test, pivot-shift, arthrometer assessment and navigation assessment), graft type, reported chondral and meniscal injury, radiographic outcomes, complications and failures were recorded. Articles were assessed for level of evidence and methodology using a modification of the ACL Methodology Score (AMS) system. RESULTS: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria out of the 231 abstracts; 9 retrospective evaluations, two prospective cohorts and one combination of two populations (a retrospective and prospective series). A total of 851 patients evaluated with a mean age of 28.8 years (range 16-68 years) and a weighted mean follow-up of 4.9 years (range 1-10 years). The mean time from primary ACL reconstruction to revision was 5.3 years (reported in 7 studies, including 710 patients). The Lysholm, IKDC, and KOOS scores indicated favorable results in studies that reported these outcomes. Objective evaluations reported 86% objective A and B IKDC results, 2.6 mm mean side-to-side arthrometric difference and 80% negative pivot-shift. About 74% of patients returned to their previous sport (evaluated in six studies). Few studies reported radiological evaluation. Fifty-nine complications (8.0%) and 24 failures (3.6%) were reported. The mean modified ACL Methodology Score was 55.5 (range 32-72). CONCLUSION: Good mid-term results were obtained for combined revision ACL reconstruction and lateral extra-articular procedures. Despite the fact that in clinical practice LET are a common indication associated with revision ACL, there are no high-level studies supporting this technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

A protective hinge wire, intersecting the osteotomy plane, can reduce the occurrence of perioperative hinge fractures in medial opening wedge osteotomy.

PURPOSE: A recent study reported that positioning a K-wire to intersect the cutting plane at the theoretical lateral hinge location increases the lateral hinge's resistance to fracture during the opening of opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of the use of this K-wire and its benefits in terms of lateral hinge protection during OWHTO in daily practice. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study identified 206 patients who underwent OWHTO from January 2014 to December 2017. Among these patients, 71 had an additional K-wire (HK + group), whereas 135 did not (HK- group). The subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were included in a matched pairing process, which identified 60 patients in the HK + group and 60 patients in the HK- group. Mean follow-up time was 2.3 ± 1.0 years (range 2-4.2). Radiographic outcomes were evaluated with intraoperative and postoperative fluoroscopic imaging and with CT imaging at 6 weeks post OWHTO surgery. The knee osteoarthritis outcomes score (KOOS) was used and time needed to return to work and any kind of sports was collected. RESULTS: Thirty six patients (30%) were found to have a LHF. Among these patients, 26 (72%) did not have an additional K-wire positioned at their theoretical lateral hinge location (HK- group) during the procedure. LHF rate for patients without additional K-wire group (HK-) was 43.3%, whereas it was 16.7% for the patients with an additional K-wire (HK +) [Odd ratio 3.8 95% CI 1.6-8.3; p = 0.005]. The mean time to return to work, return to any kind of sports, and bone union was significantly shorter for HK + group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that during OWHTO, positioning a K-wire intersecting the cutting plane at the theoretical lateral hinge location reduced the number of intraoperative lateral hinge fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III retrospective case-control study.

Correction to: Paediatric proximal ACL tears managed with direct ACL repair is safe, effective and has excellent short-term outcomes.

Authors would like to update the full author names.

ACL graft compression: a method to allow reduced tunnel sizes in ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: A common problem during ACL reconstruction is asymmetry of proximal-distal graft diameter leading to tunnel upsizing and graft-tunnel mismatch. Compression downsizing provides a graft of uniform size, allowing easy passage into a smaller tunnel. The purpose of this study was to quantify the graft compression technique and its effects on graft biomechanics and stability. It was hypothesised that compression downsizing would significantly reduce cross-sectional area (CSA); that no significant changes in graft biomechanics would occur; graft fixation stability would be improved. METHOD: Sixty-eight non-irradiated peroneus longus (PL) tendons were investigated. Twenty were halved and paired into ten four-strand grafts, 20 strands were compressed by 0.5-1 mm diameter and changes in CSA recorded using an alginate mould technique. The following properties were compared with 20 control strands: cyclic strain when loaded 70-220 N for 1000 cycles; stiffness; ultimate tensile load and stress; Young's modulus. 24 PL tendons were quadrupled into grafts, 12 were compressed and all 24 were submerged in Ringer's solution at 37 °C and the CSA recorded over 12 h. Twelve compressed and 12 control quadrupled grafts were mounted in porcine femurs, placed in Ringer's solution for 12 h at 37 °C and graft displacement at the bone tunnel aperture recorded under cyclic loading. RESULTS: Mean decreases in CSA of 31% under a stress of 471 kPa and 21% under a stress of 447 kPa were observed for doubled and quadrupled grafts, respectively. Compressed grafts re-expanded by 19% over 12 h compared to 2% for controls. No significant differences were observed between compressed and control grafts in the biomechanical properties and graft stability; mean cyclic displacements were 0.3 mm for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: No detrimental biomechanical effects of graft compression on allograft PL tendons were observed. Following compression, the grafts significantly increased in size during in vitro joint simulation. No significant difference was observed in graft stability between groups. Graft compression did not cause adverse mechanical effects in vitro. Smaller tunnels for compressed grafts reduce bone loss and ease anatomical placement.

Biomechanical comparison of graft structures in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction may offer kinematic restoration superior to anatomic single bundle (SB), but it remains technically challenging. The femoral attachment site has the most effect on ACL graft isometry, so a simplified three-socket (3S) construct which still uses two sockets to cover the femoral ACL attachment is attractive. It was hypothesised that ACL reconstruction using three- and four-socket techniques would more closely restore native knee kinematics compared to anatomic two-socket (SB) surgery. METHODS: Nine cadaveric knees were used to evaluate the kinematics of ACL-intact, ACL-deficient, anatomic SB, three-socket, and DB arthroscopic ACL reconstructions. Suspensory fixation was used, and grafts were tensioned to match the anterior draw of the intact knee at 20°. A six-degree-of-freedom robotic system measured knee laxity under 90 N anterior tibial force and rotational laxity under 5 N-m torque. Combined moments were applied to simulate the pivot-shift subluxation: 4 N-m internal rotation and 8 N-m valgus. RESULTS: Significant differences between reconstructions were not found during anterior tibial loading, apart from SB being more lax than DB at 60° flexion. All reconstructions produced comparable laxity to the intact state, apart from SB at 60°. Significant differences between reconstructions were not found at any flexion angle during tibial internal/external applied torques. Under combined loading, DB produced significantly less laxity than SB constructs apart from anterior tibial translation at 0° and internal rotation at 45°. 3S and DB were comparable to the native knee throughout. CONCLUSION: Although 3S restored laxities to a similar extent to DB, significant superiority over SB surgery was not observed. Although statistically significant differences were found between SB and DB surgery during anterior tibial and simulated pivot-shift loading, both remained similar to the native knee. The clinical relevance is that this study did not support an ACL graft construct more complex than an anatomic single bundle.

Anterolateral Ligament Expert Group consensus paper on the management of internal rotation and instability of the anterior cruciate ligament - deficient knee.

Purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the latest research on the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and present the consensus of the ALL Expert Group on the anatomy, radiographic landmarks, biomechanics, clinical and radiographic diagnosis, lesion classification, surgical technique and clinical outcomes. A consensus on controversial subjects surrounding the ALL and anterolateral knee instability has been established based on the opinion of experts, the latest publications on the subject and an exchange of experiences during the ALL Experts Meeting (November 2015, Lyon, France). The ALL is found deep to the iliotibial band. The femoral origin is just posterior and proximal to the lateral epicondyle; the tibial attachment is 21.6 mm posterior to Gerdy's tubercle and 4-10 mm below the tibial joint line. On a lateral radiographic view the femoral origin is located in the postero-inferior quadrant and the tibial attachment is close to the centre of the proximal tibial plateau. Favourable isometry of an ALL reconstruction is seen when the femoral position is proximal and posterior to the lateral epicondyle, with the ALL being tight upon extension and lax upon flexion. The ALL can be visualised on ultrasound, or on T2-weighted coronal MRI scans with proton density fat-suppressed evaluation. The ALL injury is associated with a Segond fracture, and often occurs in conjunction with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Recognition and repair of the ALL lesions should be considered to improve the control of rotational stability provided by ACL reconstruction. For high-risk patients, a combined ACL and ALL reconstruction improves rotational control and reduces the rate of re-rupture, without increased postoperative complication rates compared to ACL-only reconstruction. In conclusion this paper provides a contemporary consensus on all studied features of the ALL. The findings warrant future research in order to further test these early observations, with the ultimate goal of improving the long-term outcomes of ACL-injured patients. Level of evidence Level V-Expert opinion.

Paediatric ACL repair reinforced with temporary internal bracing.

PURPOSE: Instability following non-operative treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in young children frequently results in secondary chondral and/or meniscal injuries. Therefore, many contemporary surgeons advocate ACL reconstruction in these patients, despite the challenges posed by peri-articular physes and the high early failure rate. We report a novel management approach, comprising direct ACL repair reinforced by a temporary internal brace in three children. METHODS: Two patients (aged 5 and 6 years) with complete proximal ACL ruptures and a third (aged seven) with an associated tibial spine avulsion underwent direct surgical repair, supplemented with an internal brace that was removed after 3 months. RESULTS: Second-look arthroscopy, examination and imaging at 3 months confirmed knee stability and complete ACL healing in all cases. Normal activities were resumed at 4 months, and excellent objective measures of function, without limb growth disturbance, were noted beyond 2 years. CONCLUSION: ACL repair in young children using this technique negates the requirement and potential morbidity of graft harvest and demonstrates the potential for excellent outcome as an attractive alternative to ACL reconstruction, where an adequate ACL remnant permits direct repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Combined anterolateral ligament and anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the knee.

Although anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is established for the surgical treatment of anterolateral knee instability, there remains a significant cohort of patients who continue to experience post-operative instability. Recent advances in our understanding of the anatomic, biomechanical and radiological characteristics of the native anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee have led to a resurgent interest in reconstruction of this structure as part of the management of knee instability. This technical note describes our readily reproducible combined minimally invasive technique to reconstruct both the ACL and ALL anatomically using autologous semitendinosus and gracilis grafts. This method of ALL reconstruction can be easily integrated with all-inside ACL reconstruction, requiring minimal additional operative time, equipment and expertise. Level of evidence V.

Changes in lumbar muscle diffusion tensor indices with age.

Objective: To investigate differences in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) in the spinal muscles of younger and older adult males. Methods: Twelve younger (19-30 years) and 12 older (61-81years) healthy, physically active male participants underwent T1W, T2W, Dixon and DTI of the lumbar spine. The eigenvalues (λ1, λ2, and λ3), fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD) from the DTI together with the PDFF were determined in the multifidus, medial and lateral erector spinae (ESmed, ESlat), and quadratus lumborum (QL) muscles. A two-way ANOVA was used to investigate differences with age and muscle and t-tests for differences in individual muscles with age. Results: The ANOVA gave significant differences with age for all DTI parameters and the PDFF (P < .01) and with muscle (P < .01) for all DTI parameters except for λ1 and for the PDFF. The mean of the eigenvalues and MD were lower and the FA higher in the older age group with differences reaching statistical significance for all DTI measures for ESlat and QL (P < .01) but only in ESmed for λ3 and MD (P < .05). Conclusions: Differences in DTI parameters of muscle with age result from changes in both in the intra- and extra-cellular space and cannot be uniquely explained in terms of fibre length and diameter. Advances in knowledge: Previous studies looking at age have used small groups with uneven age spacing. Our study uses two well defined and separated age groups.

Clinical Outcomes Following Use of Tranexamic Acid in High Tibial Osteotomy: A Systematic Review.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes following administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) through a systematic review of current available evidence. A systematic database search of PubMed, Embase and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) was performed from inception up to December 2022, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Inclusion criteria were (i) randomised control trials, cohort studies or case-control studies that had more than 10 patients; (ii) studies reporting outcomes after TXA administration, of any route, before or after HTO, compared to placebo, control and different doses or routes; and (iii) studies reporting blood loss, including haemoglobin (Hb) drop, estimated blood loss, transfusion requirement and complications. Case reports, reviews, abstracts, non-HTO studies, non-human studies and duplicates were excluded. A synthesized comparison of drain output, wound complications, transfusion requirement and pooled analyses of blood loss and Hb drop was performed. Eleven studies involving 974 patients were included. Nine studies had placebo comparison, and two used single-dose TXA versus multiple doses. All studies reported on postoperative hemoglobin and nine on blood loss. In the six TXA versus placebo studies reporting on total blood loss, the TXA group had a pooled, estimated standardised mean difference (SMD) in blood loss of -2.37 (95% confidence interval (CI) -3.67, -1.07; P = 0.0004). For the Hb drop, on postoperative days (PODs) one, two, and five, the SMDs were -0.97 (95% CI -1.19, -0.75; P < 0.00001) for POD1, -0.74 (95% CI -1.03, -0.46; P < 0.00001) for POD2 and -0.87 (95% CI -1.10, -0.64; P < 0.00001) for POD5. TXA administration in HTO significantly reduces perioperative blood loss. This can greatly improve recovery, reduce complications and shorten length of stay. This is especially pertinent given supply shortages of NHS blood resources.

Large Versus Small Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomies Performed With a Protective Wire Over the Lateral Hinge: Incidence of Lateral Hinge Fracture and Early Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of lateral hinge fractures (LHFs) during medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOW-HTO) is unacceptably high, especially with distractions >10 mm. LHFs result in malunion, loss of correction, and recurrence of symptoms adversely affecting clinical outcomes. PURPOSE: (1) To investigate the incidence of LHF when a protective guide wire is utilized during MOW-HTO in small and large corrections and (2) to study the effect of correction size on early clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 96 knees that underwent MOW-HTO between 2019 and 2020. A protective wire applied intraoperatively across the lateral hinge point before opening wedge distraction was performed for all patients. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on opening wedge sizes: group A (opening distraction <10 mm) and group B (opening distraction ≥10 mm). LHF and wound complications were recorded. Prospective Knee Score and Function Score (Knee Society), Oxford Knee Score, and Physical and Mental Component Summaries of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire were recorded preoperatively and at 6 months and 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: Incidence of LHF was low in group A (n = 2; 6.1%) and group B (n = 3; 9.1%). A single case of intraoperative LHF was noted in each group, with each case resulting in a type 1 fracture. The incidence of postoperative fractures was comparable between groups (groups A vs B, n = 1 vs 2). At 6 months, clinical outcomes in group A were superior to those of group B (Knee Score, 85.7 ± 14.7 vs 73.1 ± 20.3, P = 0.028; Function Score, 73.5 ± 16.5 vs 63.1 ± 19.5, P = 0.047; Oxford Knee Score, 20.2 ± 4.7 vs 25.6 ± 8.5, P = 0.008; Physical Component Summary, 46.8 ± 8.1 vs 40.2 ± 10.9, P = 0.018). However, clinical outcomes were comparable at 2 years (P > .05). CONCLUSION: A protective wire was associated with a low incidence of LHF, even in larger MOW-HTO corrections. Large corrections had poorer clinical outcomes as compared with small corrections at 6 months. However, clinical outcomes between groups were comparable at 2 years.

Comparison of the Effect of MFAT and MFAT + PRP on Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis: An Observational, Intention-to-Treat Study at One Year.

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a major contributor to reduced quality of life and concomitant disability associated with lost working life months. Intra-articular injection of various biological materials has shown promise in alleviating symptoms and potentially slowing down the degenerative process. Here, we compared the effects of treatment of a cohort of 147 patients suffering from grade 1-4 hip OA; with either micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT), or a combination of MFAT with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). We found significant improvements in both the visual analogue score for pain (VAS) and Oxford hip score (OHS) that were similar for both treatments with over 60% having an improvement in the VAS score of 20 points or more. These results suggest a positive role for intra-articular injection of MFAT + PRP as a treatment for hip osteoarthritis which may be important particularly in low body mass index (BMI) patients where the difficulty in obtaining sufficient MFAT for treatment could be offset by using this combination of biologicals.