Comparison of postoperative outcomes between bikini-incision via direct anterior approach and posterolateral approach in simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this study was to compare an oblique bikini-incision via direct anterior approach (BI-DAA) to a conventional posterolateral approach (PLA) during simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (simBTHA) in terms of early patient outcomes, postoperative functional recovery, and complications. From January 2017 to January 2020, 106 patients receiving simBTHA were enrolled and randomly allocated to the BI-DAA or PLA group. Primary outcomes were measured using hemoglobin (HGB) drop, transfusion rate, the length of stay (LOS), the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Harris hip score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the scar cosmesis assessment and rating scale. Secondary outcomes were the operative time, radiographic measurements, including femoral offset, femoral anteversion, stem varus/valgus angle, and leg length discrepancy (LLD). The occurrence of postoperative complications was also recorded. There were no differences in demographic or clinical characteristics before surgery. Compared to the PLA, the patients in the BI-DAA group had lower HGB drop (24.7 ± 13.3 g/L vs. 34.7 ± 16.7, P < .01) and transfusion rates (9/50 vs. 18/50, P = .04) and a shorter LOS (5.12 ± 1.5 vs. 6.40 ± 2.0 days, P < .01) without increasing the operative time (169.7 ± 17.3 vs. 167.5 ± 21.8 min, P = .58). The BI-DAA group yielded a smaller LLD (2.1 ± 2.3 vs. 3.8 ± 3.0 mm, P < .01) and less variability in component orientation than the PLA group (100% vs. 93%, P = .01). As for the scar, the BI-DAA group produced a shorter incision length (9.7 ± 1.6 vs. 10.8 ± 2.0 mm, P < .01) and higher postoperative recovery satisfaction than the PLA group. Furthermore, the BI-DAA group had a reduced VAS score one week after surgery and had better functional recovery in three months postoperatively. The BI-DAA group had a higher incidence of LFCN dysesthesia (12/100 vs. 0/100 thighs, P < .01), while other complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. For simBTHA, the bikini incision offers early recovery, less variance in components orientation, better postoperative outcomes, and scar healing than the PLA. Therefore, the bikini incision could be a safe and feasible option for simBTHA recipients.

Increasing Vascular Response to Injury Improves Tendon Early Healing Outcome in Aged Rats.

Tendon injuries positively correlate with patient age, as aging has significant effects on tendon homeostatic maintenance and healing potential after injury. Vascularity is also influenced by age, with both clinical and animal studies demonstrating reduced blood flow in aged tissues. However, it is unknown how aging effects vascularity following tendon injury, and if this vascular response can be modulated through the delivery of angiogenic factors. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the vascular response following Achilles tendon injury in adult and aged rats, and to define the alterations to tendon healing in an aged model following injection of angiogenic factors. It was determined that aged rat Achilles tendons have a reduced angiogenesis following injury. Further, the delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF, caused an increase in vascular response to tendon injury and improved mechanical outcome in this aged population. This work suggests that reduced angiogenic potential with aging may be contributing to impaired tendon healing response and that the delivery of angiogenic factors can rescue this impaired response. This study was also the first to relate changes in vascular response in an aged model using in vivo measures of blood perfusion to alterations in healing properties.

Modulation of vascular response after injury in the rat Achilles tendon alters healing capacity.

Tendons are relatively hypovascular but become hypervascular during both injury and degeneration. This is due to the angiogenic response, or the formation of new blood vessels, to tissue injury. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vascular modulation in the rat Achilles tendons during healing. Fischer rats received a bilateral Achilles incisional injury followed by local injections of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), anti-VEGF antibody (B20.4-1-1), or saline either early or late during the healing process. Vascular modulation and healing were evaluated using multiple in vivo ultrasound imaging modalities, in vivo functional assessment, and ex vivo measures of tendon compositional and mechanical properties. The late delivery of anti-VEGF antibody, B20, caused a temporary reduction in healing capacity during a time point where vascularity was also decreased, and then an improvement during a later time point where vascularity was increased relative to control. However, VEGF delivery had a minimal impact on healing and vascular changes in both early and late delivery times. This study was the first to evaluate vascular changes using both in vivo imaging methods and ex vivo histological methods, as well as functional and mechanical outcomes associated with these vascular changes. Clinical significance: this study demonstrates that the alteration of vascular response through the delivery of angiogenic growth factors has the ability to alter tendon healing properties.

The application of the Nice knots as an auxiliary reduction technique in displaced comminuted patellar fractures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate intraoperative and early postoperative clinical outcomes using the Nice knot as an auxiliary reduction technique in displaced comminuted patellar fractures. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with unilateral closed displaced comminuted patellar fractures received open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), utilizing either Nice knot (the NK group, 24 patients) or traditional reduction (the TR group, 23 patients) techniques, were retrospectively reviewed in this study. Intra-operative surgical time and peri-operative hemoglobin were recorded. Post-operative clinical outcomes were measured using visual analgesic score, range of motion of the knee joint and the Böstman scales, and radiographic outcomes were used to evaluate fracture healing. Complications including infection, bone non-union, implant loosening, fragment displacement and painful hardware were also assessed. RESULTS: In-hospital records indicated significantly shorter surgical duration (32.6 min) in the NK group than in the TR group (63.9 min). Intraoperative blood loss was also significantly decreased in the NK group (64.7 ml) compared to the TR group (189.1 ml). Patients in the NK and TR groups were followed for mean of 12.9 months and 12.5 months respectively. The union rate was 100% (24/24) in the NK group and 91.3% (21/23) in the TR group. In the TR group, there were two non-unions, including one infected non-union. There was no difference in the visual analgesic score, the range of motion of the knee joint or the Böstman scale at last follow-up between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The sliding, self-stabilizing Nice knot was associated with reduced surgical time, decreased intraoperative blood loss, and satisfactory postoperative outcomes in the treatment of displaced patellar fractures. Future studies are needed to ensure the generalizability of these findings to additional patient populations at other institutions.

Variable-Angle Locking Compression Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Volar Rim Fractures.

Background: To compare functional and radiographic outcomes of radius fractures distal to the watershed line treated with variable-angle volar rim locking compression plates (VA-LCP) with traditional fixed-angle volar rim locking compression plates (FA-LCP). Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using either VA-LCP (19 wrists) or traditional fixation with FA-LCP (28 wrists). The average follow-up period was 14.5 months (range 11-16 months) for the VA-LCP group and 15.8 months (range 12-18 months) for the FA-LCP group. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, wrist range of motion (ROM) and grip strength relative to the uninjured side, and signs of flexor tendon irritation. Radiographic evaluation included radial height, radial inclination, volar tilt, and volar tear drop angle. All outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results: MMWS and DASH scores improved with time postoperatively in both groups. Relative ROM was improved in VA-LCP compared to the FA-LCP at 12 months. VA-LCP was associated with a decreased incidence of flexor tendon irritation compared to FA-LCP. VA-LCP also better held the volar tilt reduction compared the FA-LCP. Conclusion: VA-LCP shows improved clinical and radiographic outcomes throughout the follow up period when compared to traditional fixation. VA-LCP may be an effective alternative to traditional fixation methods to treat radius fractures distal to the watershed line.

Biceps Detachment Preserves Joint Function in a Chronic Massive Rotator Cuff Tear Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Lesions of the long head of the biceps tendon are often associated with massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs), and biceps tenotomy is frequently performed for pain relief and functional reservation. However, the efficacy and safety of biceps tenotomy regarding the effects on the surrounding tissues in chronic MRCT are unclear. HYPOTHESIS: Biceps tenotomy would result in improved mechanical and histological properties of the intact subscapularis tendon and improved in vivo shoulder function while not compromising glenoid cartilage properties. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Right supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons were detached in 25 male Sprague-Dawley rats, followed by 4 weeks of cage activity to create a chronic MRCT condition. Animals were randomly divided into 2 groups and received either biceps tenotomy (n = 11) or sham surgery (n = 14) and were sacrificed 4 weeks thereafter. Forelimb gait and ground-reaction forces were recorded 1 day before the tendon detachment (baseline), 1 day before the surgical intervention (biceps tenotomy or sham), and 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 days after the intervention to assess in vivo shoulder joint function. The subscapularis tendon and glenoid cartilage were randomly allocated for mechanical testing or histologic assessment after the sacrifice. RESULTS: Compared with sham surgery, biceps tenotomy partially restored the in vivo shoulder joint function, with several gait and ground-reaction force parameters returning closer to preinjury baseline values at 4 weeks. With biceps tenotomy, mechanical properties of the subscapularis tendons were improved, while mechanical properties and histological Mankin scores of the glenoid cartilage were not diminished when compared with the sham group. CONCLUSION: Biceps tenotomy in the presence of chronic MRCT partially preserves overall shoulder function and potentially restores subscapularis tendon health without causing detrimental effects to joint cartilage. This laboratory study adds to the growing literature regarding the protective effects of biceps tenotomy on the shoulder joint in a chronic MRCT model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides important basic science evidence supporting the use of biceps tenotomy in patients with massive rotator cuff tears.

Total Hip Arthroplasty for Crowe Type IV Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Using a Titanium Mesh Cup and Subtrochanteric Femoral Osteotomy.

Background: Treatment of Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with total hip arthroplasty (THA) reconstructs the true acetabulum, which improves hip biomechanics and function. However, restoration of the native acetabulum may lead to limb lengthening and traction neuropraxia. The purpose of this study is to describe the short term results of a retrospectively reviewed series of patients with Crowe IV DDH treated with THA using a titanium mesh cup, cemented liner, and subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy. Methods: Eighteen patients (21 hips) with an average age of 47 years (age range: 28-61 years) with Crowe IV DDH underwent reconstructive THA and subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy between September 2005 and February 2014. Follow up was assessed at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post operatively and then annually after the first year. The average follow up was 3.5 years (range 0.5-9 years). At each follow up visit, radiographs were used to assess for osteolysis and subsidence. Preoperative and postoperative patient reported outcomes including Harris Hip Score and Modified Merle d'Aubigne Hip Score were compared. Results: At the minimum 6 month follow up, all radiographic assessments showed no signs of osteolysis or subsidence of the implants. Both the Harris Hip Score and Modified Merle d'Aubigne Hip Score improved from preoperative assessments (p<0.05). Three patients developed symptoms of sciatic nerve neuropraxia that subsequently resolved. Conclusion: THA of Crowe IV DDH by reconstructing the acetabulum with bone graft, a titanium mesh cup, cemented liner, and subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy demonstrated no osteolysis or subsidence and improved function with a low incidence of sciatic nerve palsy at short term follow up.Level of evidence: IV.

Icariin doped bioactive glasses seeded with rat adipose-derived stem cells to promote bone repair via enhanced osteogenic and angiogenic activities.

AIMS: Cell communication between mesenchymal stem cells and blood vessel cells are crucial for bone repair. We have previously shown that the phyto-molecule icariin significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation of rat adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between icariin induced osteogenic differentiation of ASCs and angiogenesis of rat endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Besides, we used icariin doped 45S5 Bioglass seeded with ASCs to promote bone healing in rat calvarial bone defect models. MAIN METHODS: The conditioned medium from undifferentiated ASCs (ASCs-CM) and icariin induced ASCs (Icariin-ASCs-CM) was obtained and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein secretion level was measured. The angiogenic capacity and molecular mechanism of ASC-CM and Icariin-ASCs-CM on rat EPCs was analyzed. Rat calvarial bone defect models were established and treated with scaffolds implantation. Micro-CT imaging, histological and immunohistological staining were performed on the isolated specimens at 12 weeks post-surgery. KEY FINDINGS: VEGF protein expression was significantly increased after icariin treatment with the highest expression in the 10-7 M icariin group. Icariin-ASCs-CM obviously increased the angiogenesis of rat EPCs and this capacity was inhibited by a VEGF/VEGF receptor-specific binding inhibitor bevacizumab. Results of the in vivo investigations showed that all scaffolds promoted bone healing compared to the Control group. Icariin significantly improved the healing capacity of 45S5 Bioglass seeded with ASCs. SIGNIFICANCE: Implantation of Icariin/45S5 Bioglass seeded with rat ASCs could obviously promote both osteogenesis and angiogenesis and therefore represents an ideal candidate bone substitutes for bone repair and regeneration.

Outcomes observed during a 1-year clinical and radiographic follow-up of patients treated for 1- or 2-level cervical degenerative disease using a biodegradable anterior cervical plate.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to present an initial surgical experience in the management of 1- or 2-level degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine using biodegradable anterior cervical plates (bACPs) in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The authors also aimed to provide insight into this critical and controversial clinical issue by clarifying outcomes for patients receiving bACPs and by comparing their outcomes with those achieved using a traditional metallic anterior cervical plate (mACP) implant. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted for 2 series of patients who had undergone ACDF using either bACP (31 patients, 38 segments) or mACP (47 patients, 57 segments) instrumentation. The patients were followed up for a mean 13.5 ± 0.9 months (range 12-18 months) in the bACP group and 14.8 ± 1.5 months (range 14-22 months) in the mACP group. Clinical outcomes were determined according to scores on the visual analog scale (VAS), the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system, and Odom's criteria. Radiological images were used to assess fusion rates, intervertebral height, Cobb's angle, and the width of prevertebral soft tissue. RESULTS Both VAS and mJOA scores were significantly improved at each follow-up in both groups. Excellent or good results according to Odom's criteria were achieved in 93.5% (29/31) of patients in the bACP group and 93.6% (44/47) of patients in the mACP group. At 6 months postoperatively, the fusion rate was 94.7% (36/38) in the bACP group and 96.5% (55/57) in the mACP group, but subsidence of the intervertebral space at the surgical level was more evident in the bACP group. Angulation, as measured by Cobb's angle, demonstrated obvious healing in both groups, while better maintenance was observed in the mACP group. The local inflammatory reaction was uneventful during follow-up. Dysphonia and dysphagia were observed in both groups during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The relatively comparable early clinical and radiographic outcomes and the overall acceptable complication rates for bACP and mACP use suggest that bACPs could be used as alternative instruments in ACDF. Mild graft resorption was noted without evidence of symptoms. However, the prospective efficacy of biodegradable instrumentation can only be elucidated with longer-term observation.