Time elapsed from definitive diagnosis to surgery for osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a nationwide observational study in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: This study documents the time elapsed from the diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) to surgery, exploring the factors that influence ONFH severity. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study of a nationwide database. SETTING: The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests was applied to examine the period from definitive diagnosis of ONFH to surgery using any surgery as the end point. For bilateral cases, the date of the first surgery was the endpoint. PARTICIPANTS: This study included 2074 ONFH cases registered in 34 university hospitals and highly specialised hospitals of the multicentre sentinel monitoring system of the Japanese Investigation Committee between 1997 and 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome was the time from diagnosis to surgery. The secondary outcome was the proportion of subjects remaining without surgery at 3, 6 and 9 months, and at 1, 2 and 5 years after diagnosis. RESULTS: The median time to surgery was 9 months (IQR 4-22 months) after diagnosis of ONFH. The time to surgery was significantly shorter in the alcohol alone group and the combined corticosteroid and alcohol group than in the corticosteroid alone group (p=0.018 and p<0.001, respectively), in early stage ONFH with no or mild joint destruction (stages II and III, p<0.001), and with joint preserving surgery (p<0.001). The proportion without surgery was 75.8% at 3 months, 59.6% at 6 months, 48.2% at 9 months, 40.5% at 1 year, 22.2% at 2 years and 8.3% at 5 years. CONCLUSION: ONFH has been considered to be an intractable disease that often requires surgical treatment, but the fact that surgery was performed in more than half of the patients within 9 months from diagnosis suggests severe disease with a significant clinical impact. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Chiba University ID1049.

Comparison of outcomes of different osteotomy sites for hallux valgus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is a common foot deformity for which several corrective surgical procedures, with different osteotomy sites, have been reported. The purpose of the present study was to systematically review randomized (RCTs) or controlled (CCTs) clinical trials and perform meta-analysis on outcomes of different osteotomy sites of the first metatarsal. METHODS: An extensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and the Cochrane Library from January 1983 to July 2020. Studies were identified using the terms "hallux valgus" and "osteotomy". We included RCTs or CCTs comparing different locations of osteotomy for the first metatarsal bone (distal vs. mid-shaft, distal vs. proximal, and mid-shaft vs. proximal). The surgical outcomes included postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, perioperative complications and recurrence of deformity. We enrolled 10 studies with a total of 793 feet in the qualitative synthesis following full-text screening. RESULTS: A majority of patients included in the enrolled trials showed mild to moderate deformity, with mean HVA <40°. Out of the 10 enrolled studies; six compared distal osteotomies with mid-shaft osteotomies and showed no significant differences in the surgical outcomes between the scarf and chevron groups; three RCTs compared distal osteotomies with proximal osteotomies with conflicting results, one RCT showed the superiority of proximal osteotomy while the other two RCTs showed equivalent outcomes; one study that compared between mid-shaft and proximal osteotomies showed equivalent outcomes between the groups. CONCLUSION: For the management of mild to moderate HV deformity, we found no significant clinical and radiological differences between patients treated with scarf and chevron osteotomies. Further controlled trials comparing different sites of osteotomies for moderate to severe HV deformity are needed.

[Enhancement of Pesticide Peak Response in GC-MS in the Presence of Multiple Co-Existing Reference Pesticides].

We carried out a collaborative study in six laboratories to confirm the universality of the enhancing effect of co-existing reference pesticides on the GC-MS peak response to a target pesticide (malathion, procymidone, or flucythrinate). First, we confirmed the response enhancement of the target pesticides with increasing numbers of co-existing reference pesticides in solution. Then, using diluted green soybean matrix, we analyzed the target pesticides with two types of matrix-matched calibration, containing the target pesticides or 166 other pesticides. In both cases, the response-enhancing effect of co-existing pesticides was confirmed in all laboratories. The enhancement was reduced by addition of green soybean matrix to the sample and calibration solutions. Our results show that it is necessary to estimate the peak response-enhancing effect of co-existing pesticides in the calibration solution to obtain accurate results with GC-MS determination. The enhancing effect could be reduced by addition of food matrix to the sample and calibration solutions.

Risk factors for failure of revision total hip arthroplasty using a Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) failure using a Kerboull-type (KT) plate. METHODS: We analyzed 77 revision THAs using cemented acetabular components with a KT plate for aseptic loosening between May 2000 and March 2012. We examined the association of bone graft type, acetabular bone defects, age at the time of surgery, preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, postoperative JOA hip score, and body mass index, with radiographic failure as the outcome. RESULTS: The 7.4-year radiographic failure survival rate was 81.6%. The survival rate was significantly different between the beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) group and the bulk allograft group (p = 0.019). The survival curves were also significantly different between the ß-TCP group and bulk allograft group (p = 0.036). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons type IV was significantly associated with radiographic failure (odds ratio [OR]: 15.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-175.4; p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: The midterm outcomes of revision THA indicate that type of bone graft and bone defect size may affect radiographic survival rate when using a KT plate.

Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and matrix loss of chondrocytes is inhibited by eicosapentaenoic acid.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an antioxidant and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines. We evaluated the role of EPA in chondrocyte apoptosis and degeneration. Normal human chondrocytes were treated with EPA and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and that of apoptosis-related proteins was detected by western blotting. Chondrocyte apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. C57BL/6J mice were used for the detection of MMP expression by immunohistochemistry and for investigation of chondrocyte apoptosis. EPA inhibited SNP-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, caspase 3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and p53, and expression of MMP3 and MMP13. Intra-articular injection of EPA prevented the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) by inhibiting MMP13 expression and chondrocyte apoptosis. EPA treatment can control oxidative stress-induced OA progression, and thus may be a new approach for OA therapy.

Clinical importance of impingement deformities for hip osteoarthritis progression in a Japanese population.

PURPOSE: Femoroacetabular impingement is a new disease concept for hip disorders in young adults suggested as a major cause of primary hip osteoarthritis in Western countries. However, significant controversy exists regarding the prevalence and contribution of impingement deformities to osteoarthritis in Japan, owing to the higher prevalence of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Therefore, the aims of this study were to: (1) determine the prevalence of structural abnormalities associated with hip disorders in patients undergoing total hip replacement and (2) analyse the contribution of impingement deformities to osteoarthritis. METHODS: We analysed 250 patients from two different medical centres who underwent primary total hip replacement except those which were due to femoral head necrosis, posttraumatic osteoarthritis and systemic inflammatory disease. The average patient age at surgery was 64 years (range, 40-89 years), with 35 men and 215 women. RESULTS: Radiographic abnormality related to developmental dysplasia of the hip was associated with the majority of osteoarthritic hips (62%). Hips with femoroacetabular impingement deformities were present within the cases categorized as unknown etiology. Cam impingement deformity was present in 22% of unknown aetiology cases when cases with reactive osteophytes were excluded from all cam deformity cases (pistol grip deformity and aspherical femoral heads). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement within primary osteoarthritis cases and gender predominance of impingement deformities are relatively similar to those reported previously in Western populations. This finding indicates that femoroacetabular impingement deformities are associated with osteoarthritis in the Japanese population, although it has a lower frequency among all hip failure patients.

Flexible hinge silicone implant with or without titanium grommets for arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

PURPOSE: To review outcomes of 37 patients who underwent arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint using flexible hinge silicone implants with or without titanium grommets. METHODS: 36 women and one man (63 feet) underwent arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using Swanson flexible hinge silicone toe implants with or without titanium grommets. 20 women (35 feet) aged 31 to 72 (mean, 52) years with Steinbrocker grade II (n=4), grade III (n=6), and grade IV (n=10) RA of the feet were treated with the implant without grommets, whereas 16 women and one man (28 feet) aged 48 to 73 (mean, 60) years with Steinbrocker grade III (n=4) and grade IV (n=13) RA of the feet were treated with the implant with grommets. Pain levels were self-rated. Degenerative changes and the presence of osteophytes or deformity were recorded, as were breakage or deformation of the implants, radiolucencies around the implant, implant loosening, silicone-induced synovitis, and sclerosis around the implant. RESULTS: All patients reported pain relief from severe to mild or moderate. Respectively for the feet with and without grommets, the rates of implant deformation were 25% and 63% (p=0.031), whereas the rates of moderate-to-severe radiolucencies (>2 mm) were 4% and 34% (p=0.004). Sclerosis developed around the implant in all feet. CONCLUSION: Titanium grommets appear to protect the implant and improve clinical outcomes.

PTEN regulates matrix synthesis in adult human chondrocytes under oxidative stress.

Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) was identified as an important tumor suppressor gene. PTEN functions as a negative regulator of phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt and MEK/ERK signaling. The PI3K-Akt pathway is critical for cell survival, differentiation, and matrix synthesis. Oxidative stress is considered a critical factor in the onset and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, we investigated the function of PTEN in OA chondrocytes under oxidative stress. Chondrocytes were treated with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and/or tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP), which causes oxidative stress. The expression levels of type2 collagen (Col2a1) and aggrecan were analyzed by real-time PCR, and phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 was analyzed by Western blotting. Chondrocytes were treated with PTEN-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA), as well as IGF-1 and/or tBHP. PTEN and IGF-1 expressions in OA chondrocytes were increased. The downregulation of PTEN expression increased the expression levels of Col2a1 and aggrecan, and increased proteoglycan synthesis under oxidative stress. Oxidative stress decreased the phosphorylation of Akt and increased that of ERK1/2. The downregulation of PTEN expression increased Akt phosphorylation, but did not increase that of ERK 1/2. Our results suggest that PTEN regulates matrix synthesis via the PI3K-Akt pathway under oxidative stress.

Evaluation of the accuracy of femoral component orientation by the CT-based fluoro-matched navigation system.

PURPOSE: Accurate orientation of acetabular and femoral components are important during THA. However, no study has assessed the use of the CT-based fluoro-matched navigation system during THA. Therefore, we have evaluated the accuracy of stem orientation by CT-based fluoro-matched navigation. METHODS: The accuracy of stem orientation by CT-based fluoro-matched navigation was assessed by postoperative CT data. Furthermore, we compared the postoperative stem orientation with the intraoperative registration errors. RESULTS: The average antetorsion error of the stem (navigation records - postoperative CT) was -0.5° ± 5.2°. The stem valgus error was 0.4° ± 2.7°. The accuracy of the navigation record for the orientation of the stem valgus was dependent on the intraoperative registration errors. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical accuracy of CT-based fluoro-matched navigation is adequate for stem alignment orientation, and the intraoperative verification of registration errors is valuable for checking the accuracy of stem orientation by navigation.

Automated pelvic anatomical coordinate system is reproducible for determination of anterior pelvic plane.

Most of computer-assisted planning systems need to determine the anatomical axis based on the anterior pelvic plane (APP). We analysed that our new system is more reproducible for determination of APP than previous methods. A pelvic model bone and two subjects suffering from hip osteoarthritis were evaluated. Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) images were scanned with various rotations by MDCT scanner. The pelvic rotation was calibrated using silhouette images. APP was determined by an optimisation technique. The values of variation of APP caused by pelvic rotation were analysed with statistical analysis. APP determination with calibration and optimisation was most reproducible.The values of variance of APP were within 0.05° in model bone and 0.2° even in patient pelvis. Furthermore, the values of variance of APP with calibration/optimisation were significantly lower in comparison without calibration/optimisation. Both calibration and optimisation are actually required for determination of APP. This system could contribute to the evaluation of hip joint kinematics and computer-assisted surgery.

Leg edema due to a mass in the pelvis after a large-diameter metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty.

We report the case of a patient with leg edema after large-diameter metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty. At 1 year and 2 months after primary left large-diameter metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty, the patient complained of left leg edema. At first, we suspected deep venous thrombosis. However, deep venous thrombosis was not detected by venous ultrasonographic examination. Computed tomography imaging revealed a mass in front of the iliac fossa. The mass compressed the left iliac artery and vein. We therefore believed that this lesion was the cause of the leg edema and performed resection of the mass. The resected mass consisted of necrotic tissue infiltrating inflammation cells, so it was diagnosed as pseudotumor. Unilateral leg edema disappeared gradually after the resection.

Predicting leg-length change after total hip arthroplasty by measuring preoperative hip flexion under general anaesthesia.

PURPOSE: To measure preoperative hip flexion under general anaesthesia in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip and analyse its correlation with leg-length change. METHODS: 79 women and 6 men aged 27 to 82 (mean, 59) years underwent 92 total hip arthroplasties for severe developmental dysplasia of the hip of Crowe types II (n=60), III (n=17), and IV (n=15). All such patients had severe pain and/or considerable difficulty in walking and performing daily activities. 16 of the hips were treated with transverse subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy, whereas the remaining 76 had no femoral osteotomy. Preoperative passive hip flexion was measured under general anaesthesia with a goniometer by a single investigator. Its mean value in patients with Crowe type-III deformity was 60.3º. Therefore, >60º of flexion was defined as high. Postoperative leg-length change was measured radiographically. The distraction of the greater trochanter was equal to the leg-length change in patients treated without femoral osteotomy, whereas leg-length change was calculated by subtracting the amount of resection of the femur from the distraction of the greater trochanter in patients treated with femoral osteotomy. RESULTS: Of the 16 hips treated with a transverse subtrochanteric shortening femoral osteotomy, 2, 2, and 12 were Crowe types II, III, and IV, respectively. In these 16 hips, hip flexion was high in 10 (mean, 86º) and low in 6 (mean, 36º). Leg-length change was significantly greater in the high than low flexion groups (31 vs. 13 mm, p<0.01). In the 76 hips without osteotomy, hip flexion was high in 54 (mean, 85º) and low in 22 (mean, 40º). Leg-length change was significantly greater in the high than low flexion groups (25 vs. 19 mm, p=0.016). Preoperative hip flexion under general anaesthesia correlated with leg-length change in hips with osteotomy (r=0.850, p=0.0002) and without osteotomy (r=0.267, p=0.019). CONCLUSION: Preoperative hip flexion measured under general anaesthesia may predict leg-length change after THA.

A Case of Acute Prosthesis Migration after Femoral Head Replacement due to Osteomalacia by FGF23-Induced Tumor.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) was recently identified as an important factor involved in the development of hypophosphatemic rickets and osteomalacia. We experienced a rare case of acute prosthesis migration after hemihip arthroplasty due to FGF23-induced tumor. The patient underwent femoral head replacement because of femoral neck fracture, but prosthesis migration was occurred at 1 week after operation. The patient took various examinations, and FGF23-induced tumor was found in his right wrist. The tumor was resected, and he underwent total hip arthroplasty 8 month later. Finally, he was able to obtain free gait without pain.

Long-term results of intertrochanteric varus osteotomy for the dysplastic hip.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a well established treatment for arthrosis of the hip, however many problems remain which have not yet been resolved, including component loosening and infection. Therefore, surgeons hesitate to perform THA in younger patients showing early signs of the disease. Intertrochanteric varus osteotomy was developed for osteoarthrosis with coxa valga. This procedure has been commonly used in patients with dysplastic hips. However, femoral head coverage is not sufficiently improved by this procedure. In order to overcome the disadvantages of this procedure, since 1972 we performed intertrochanteric varus osteotomy simultaneously combined with acetabuloplasty for the treatment of osteoarthrosis secondary to dysplasia. Between 1969 and 1994, we performed 104 intertrochanteric varus osteotomies for prearthrosis and early stage arthrosis of the hip due to acetabular dysplasia in 84 patients. In this study, we reviewed these patients clinically and radiographically, over 15 years. The intertrochanteric varus osteotomy alone was employed in 38 hips (varus group). Combined intertrochanteric varus osteotomy and acetabuloplasty was employed in 63 hips (combined group). The average Harris hip score at the latest follow-up in the combined group significantly higher than that in the 'varus' group. Postoperative centre-edge angle and age at operation were correlated with the Harris hip score at the most recent follow-up. The results of the present study indicate that this combined intertrochanteric varus osteotomy and acetabuloplasty for dysplastic hip should be considered in young patients when the disease is at an early stage.

Obese patients may have more soft tissue impingement following primary total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Several studies have reported a risk of dislocation in obese patients after total hip arthroplasty. In this study, we evaluated the interaction between obesity and dislocation by kinematic analysis using a navigation system. METHODS: The intraoperative range of motion (ROM) and postoperative impingement-free ROM were measured in 38 patients, and we compared the impingement-free ROM in obese and non obese patients. RESULTS: The postoperatively simulated ROM was similar in the obese and non obese groups. The intraoperative ROM was smaller in the obese group. The difference values between the intraoperative ROM and postoperatively simulated ROM were larger in the obese group. These results indicate that obese patients have less ROM following primary total hip arthroplasty even when the implant positioning is performed correctly. CONCLUSIONS: Dislocations are multifactorial problems including soft tissue impingement. Therefore, the risk of dislocation caused by soft tissue impingement in obese patients may be increased.

Leg length change in total hip arthroplasty with subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy for Crowe type IV developmental hip dysplasia.

Primary total hip arthroplasties were performed in 70 hips for the treatment of Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip. The patients were subdivided into 2 groups with or without iliofemoral osteoarthritis. Leg length change was measured radiographically. Preoperative hip motion was reviewed from medical records and defined as either higher or lower motion groups. The leg length change in patients without iliofemoral osteoarthritis was significantly greater than that in patients with iliofemoral osteoarthritis, and the higher hip motion group had greater leg length change in total hip arthroplasty than the lower motion group. The current study identifies several features that might help predict leg length change during the preoperative planning of total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type IV developmental hip dysplasia.

Avulsion-fracture of the anterior superior iliac spine with meralgia paresthetica: a case report.

We present a rare case of avulsion-fracture of the anterior superior iliac spine with meralgia paresthetica in a 16-year-old male basketball player. He had sensory disturbance affecting his left lateral thigh 10 days after the injury. Tinel's sign was elicited on percussing the avulsed bony fragment of the anterior superior iliac spine. He underwent open reduction and internal fixation. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was noted to be entrapped by one third of the avulsed bony fragment. That fragment was removed, and the remaining portion was reduced and fixed with 2 screws. At week 6, the patient had returned to basketball playing without pain. At week 8, sensory distribution in the left lateral thigh had returned to normal.

Evaluation of intra-pelvic screw position prior to revision total hip arthroplasty--a report of 2 cases.

Neurovascular injury during total hip revision arthroplasty is rare, but potentially catastrophic. We report two patients requiring revision total hip arthroplasty with intrapelvic screw tips located close to the iliac artery. The screw tips were separated from artery by a retroperitoneal exposure prior to revision surgery. Assessment of screw position by computed tomography (CT) is important prior to revision total hip arthroplasty.

Role of p53 in human chondrocyte apoptosis in response to shear strain.

OBJECTIVE: Chondrocyte apoptosis plays an important role in cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA), and mechanical injury to cartilage induces chondrocyte apoptosis. In response to DNA damage, p53 expression is up-regulated, transcription activity is increased, and apoptosis signals are initiated. The p53-regulated apoptosis-inducing protein 1 (p53AIP-1) is one of the p53-regulated genes, and is activated in response to DNA damage. This study was undertaken to analyze p53 function after induction of apoptosis by shear strain in chondrocytes. METHODS: OA cartilage samples were obtained from subjects undergoing total knee replacement surgery, and normal cartilage samples were obtained from subjects undergoing surgery for femoral neck fracture. Chondrocytes were isolated from human cartilage and cultured. Expression of p53 and p53AIP in chondrocytes was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Shear strain was introduced in normal human knee chondrocytes. To explore p53 function, normal human knee chondrocytes were pretreated with pifithrin-alpha or p53 small interfering RNA (siRNA) before induction of shear strain. Chondrocyte apoptosis was detected by expression of cleaved caspase 9 with Western blotting and TUNEL staining. Expression of p53 and p53AIP-1 was analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: OA and normal chondrocytes expressed p53. OA chondrocytes showed much higher expression of p53 and p53AIP-1 than did normal chondrocytes. TUNEL-positive cells and expression of p53, p53AIP-1, and cleaved caspase 9 were increased by shear strain, but chondrocyte apoptosis was suppressed after pretreatment with pifithrin-alpha or p53 siRNA. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that p53 and p53AIP-1 play important roles in human chondrocyte apoptosis. Down-regulation of p53 expression prevents cartilage from undergoing apoptosis introduced by shear strain.

Effect of etidronate on COX-2 expression and PGE(2) production in macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by titanium particles.

BACKGROUND: The most common failure of total joint replacement is aseptic loosening in association with osteolysis. Previous reports have shown that prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) secreted from macrophages that phagocytosed wear debris induced periprosthetic osteolysis. Many clinical studies have reported that bisphosphonate therapy reduced periprosthetic bone loss and loosening of the implants after total joint replacements. Bisphosphonates are synthetic compounds with the ability to decrease bone resorption. In addition, some bisphosphonates have been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the mechanism of bisphosphonates that reduces periprosthetic bone resorption remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate one of the mechanisms by which etidronate (EHDP) inhibits periprosthetic bone resorption. METHODS: Macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells were treated with EHDP at concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 microM together with the titanium particles at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. After a 24-h culture period, total mRNA was isolated and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was done to examine the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The supernatants were also collected and production of PGE(2), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Analyses showed that COX-2 expression and PGE(2) production were suppressed by EHDP in a dose-dependent manner. By 100 microM of EHDP, PGE(2) production of the cells was suppressed approximately to the level of the nonstimulated cells. Production of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in the supernatant was also suppressed by EHDP. CONCLUSIONS: The blockage effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a possible etidronate mechanism that reduces bone resorption around implants.