Randomized, double-blind, noninferiority study of diclofenac diethylamine 2.32% gel applied twice daily versus diclofenac diethylamine 1.16% gel applied four times daily in patients with acute ankle sprain.

BACKGROUND: Diclofenac diethylamine (DDEA) gel has demonstrated efficacy for treatment of ankle sprains in both the 1.16% four-times-daily (QID) and 2.32% twice-daily (BID) formulations. The objective of this study was to compare, for the first time, the efficacy of DDEA 2.32% gel BID and DDEA 1.16% gel QID. METHODS: This was a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, active-controlled, parallel-group study conducted in China from October 2019 to November 2020, designed to determine the noninferiority of DDEA 2.32% gel BID relative to DDEA 1.16% gel QID for treatment of grade I-II ankle sprain. At study entry, patients must have had pain on movement (POM) ≥50 mm on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS), and not received any pain medication. The primary efficacy endpoint was the noninferiority of DDEA 2.32% gel BID vs DDEA 1.16% gel QID for POM as assessed by the patient using the 100-mm VAS, conducted on day 5. Secondary endpoints included measures of ankle tenderness, joint function, swelling, and patient-reported pain intensity and pain relief. RESULTS: A total of 302 patients were randomized and 95.4% completed the study. The mean (SD) change in POM from baseline to day 5 using the 100-mm VAS was - 42.8 mm (19.7 mm) with DDEA 2.32% gel BID and - 43.1 mm (18.1 mm) with DDEA 1.16% gel QID for the per-protocol population. The least squares mean difference (DDEA gel 2.32% - DDEA gel 1.16%) at this timepoint was 1.11 mm (95% CI - 3.00, 5.22; P = 0.595), and the upper limit (5.22 mm) of the 95% CI was less than the noninferiority margin of 13 mm, demonstrating that DDEA 2.32% gel BID was noninferior to DDEA 1.16% gel QID. Similar trends were seen for the secondary efficacy endpoints. There was no significant difference in the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events or adverse events adjudicated as being treatment related. All treatment-related adverse events were dermatological; one patient discontinued from the DDEA 2.32% gel BID arm due to application-site inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: DDEA 2.32% gel BID offers a convenient alternative to DDEA 1.16% gel QID, with similar pain reduction and relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and tolerability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04052620.

A comparison of deltopectoral versus Judet approach for glenoid exposure.

BACKGROUND: Open reduction-internal fixation via an anterior or posterior approach is a widely used method for treating displaced glenoid fractures. This study aimed to identify the exposure range of the glenoid rim by these 2 approaches (deltopectoral and Judet approaches) and provide reference data for the choice of surgical approach. METHODS: Twelve cadaveric shoulders were dissected. Both deltopectoral and Judet approaches were performed on each shoulder to mark the glenoid fracture. In addition, the shoulder was disarticulated to record the exposure range of the glenoid rim. RESULTS: For the deltopectoral approach, the range of the exposed glenoid rim was from 5:50 to 11:30, which accounted for about 47.2% of the clock face. For the Judet approach, the range of the exposed glenoid rim was from 1:30 to 6:20, which accounted for about 40.3% of the clock face. Along the inferior glenoid, there was an area of partial overlap for the 2 approaches. The superior glenoid rim located from 11:30 to 1:30 was considered inaccessible, as it could not be exposed by the 2 approaches. CONCLUSION: Less than 50% of the glenoid rim can be exposed by the deltopectoral or Judet approach. With a single approach, it may be difficult to expose and fix some complex glenoid fractures. The superior part of the glenoid fracture is the non-access area via the deltopectoral or Judet approach.

miR-21 and miR-19b delivered by hMSC-derived EVs regulate the apoptosis and differentiation of neurons in patients with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which were collected from differentiated PC12 cells and mesenchymal cells (MSCs), on the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). In addition, we aimed to identify miRNAs related to the inhibitory effect of EVs against cell apoptosis. METHODS: Electron microscopy was used to observe the distributions of EVs in the samples. Real-time PCR, western blot, thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and flow cytometry were performed to establish the molecular signaling pathway underlying the effect of EVs in SCI. In addition, a Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score system, Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry assay, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay were conducted to validate the molecular signaling pathway established above. RESULTS: The expression of miR-21 and miR-19b was upregulated in EVs isolated from induced PC12 cells and MSCs, along with decreased expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) messenger RNA (mRNA)/protein and a lower level of cell apoptosis. The transfection of miR-21/miR-19b precursors into the cells also exhibited an inhibitory effect on cell apoptosis. In addition, in-silicon analysis and luciferase assays validated the role of PTEN as a virtual target of miR-21/miR-19b. Finally, the BBB scores and Nissl staining also validated the therapeutic effects of EVs derived from differentiated P12 cells/MSCs in SCI rats. Accordingly, the negative correlations between miR-21/miR-19b and PTEN mRNA/protein were implicated in the post-SCI recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The increased levels of miR-21/miR-19b in the EVs derived from differentiated PC12 cells and MSCs suppresses the apoptosis of neuron cells by downregulating the expression of PTEN.

Melatonin ameliorates spinal cord injury by suppressing the activation of inflammasomes in rats.

BACKGROUND: The activation of inflammasomes plays an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI). In addition, the administration of melatonin (MT) has been shown to suppress the activation of inflammasomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of MT in the treatment of SCI. METHODS: Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotion scaling was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of MT on post-SCI locomotion recovery. In addition, the measurement of spinal cord water content was performed together with Nissl staining to evaluate the protective effect of MT against SCI. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay, Western blot analysis, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were also conducted to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of MT in the treatment of SCI. RESULTS: BBB scores of SCI + MT rats were increased compared with the BBB scores of SCI rats, thus confirming the beneficial role of MT treatment in post-SCI functional recovery. Meanwhile, the administration of MT could alleviate SCI by reducing spinal cord water content and by exerting a neuroprotective effect on motor neurons. Furthermore, in the treatment of SCI, MT also attenuated cell apoptosis. Moreover, the relative expression of NLRP3, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and caspase-1 were markedly elevated in the SCI group compared with that in the sham group, while the administration of MT reduced the expression of NLRP3 in SCI rats. CONCLUSIONS: MT treatment accelerated the recovery of SCI by suppressing the activation of inflammasomes.

A new anatomic locking plate for the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures.

BACKGROUND: Posterolateral tibial plateau fractures have become more common, and their treatment is of great importance to knee function. Additionally, there is no available literature detailing specialized anatomic locking plate for tibial plateau fractures. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of an innovative anatomic locking plate for treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: Between March 2014 and January 2016, 12 patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fracture underwent surgery with the anatomic locking plate for the posterolateral tibial plateau via the posterolateral approach. Relevant operational data for clinical evaluation were collected. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 26 months, and the mean age was 35 years for 12 patients. The mean interval between the time of injury and the surgery was 6.1 days. Radiological fracture union was evident in all patients at 12 weeks. During surgery, the blood loss ranged from 100 to 300 mL, and the duration ranged from 55 to 90 min. The Tegner-Lysholm functional score ranged from 85 to 97 at the final follow-up. Moreover, the final Rasmussen functional score ranged from 25 to 29, and Rasmussen anatomical score ranged from 13 to 18. CONCLUSIONS: The newly designed anatomic locking plate for the posterolateral tibial plateau provided adequate fixation along the posterolateral tibial plateau. It proved to be safe and effective in a small-sample-size population (12 patients) during a 12- to 34-month follow-up.

Locking plate for treating traumatic sternoclavicular joint dislocation: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic sternoclavicular joint dislocations are rare; closed reduction is the primary treatment. The failure of closed reduction or a prominent insult to the skin may require surgery to ensure the best possible outcome. METHODS: The records of 5 patients operated at our institution for sternoclavicular joint dislocation were reviewed. All patients were treated with open reduction and single 3.5-mm locking plate was used for fixation. Outcomes were evaluated with the Constant Shoulder Score (CSS) and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: All the patients had an average follow-up of 14 months (range, 11-16 months). At the final follow-up, the mean CSS score was 89.5 (range, 78-98) and the mean DASH score was 9.0 (range, 4-16). There were no early complications, including wound infection or neurologic or vascular deficits; there were also no broken or loosened screws or plates. No case of redislocation or arthrosis was observed. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that open reduction and fixation with a single locking plate for the treatment of traumatic sternoclavicular joint dislocation is a safe, relatively simple surgical procedure that can lead to satisfactory outcomes.

Single lateral versus medial and lateral plates for treating displaced scapular body fractures: a retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the outcomes and complications of single lateral plating vs. dual plating for treating displaced scapular body fractures. METHODS: Open reduction and internal fixation using locking plates was performed in 45 patients with displaced scapular fractures. A single lateral plate fixed in the lateral border was used in 22 patients (group A), and dual plates fixed in both the lateral and medial borders were used in 23 (group B). RESULTS: The average follow-up duration in both groups was 20 months. A remarkable difference was seen between the 2 groups in mean operative time and blood loss, although the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Constant Shoulder scores at the final follow-up were similar. The prominence rate of the hardware was 27.3% (6 of 22) in group A and 65.2% (15 of 23) in group B. The plate removal rate was 31.8% (7 of 22) in group A and 78.3% (18 of 23) in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction using a single plate on the lateral border for treating displaced scapular body fractures can lead to good functional outcomes, shorter operative time, less blood loss, and fewer plate-related complications compared with the dual-plating technique.

The Bare Area of the Proximal Ulna: An Anatomic Study With Relevance to Chevron Osteotomy.

PURPOSE: A chevron osteotomy of the ulna is widely used to obtain intra-articular access to the elbow in the treatment of type C distal humerus fractures. The trochlear notch of the proximal ulna is divided into 2 articular parts by the "bare area." Ideally, the olecranon osteotomy should be centered on the bare area to minimize damage to the joint cartilage. The goals of this study were to describe the anatomy of the bare area and design an ideal chevron-shaped osteotomy. METHODS: We dissected 38 cadaver elbows and measured the width of the bare area, the distance between the tip of the triceps insertion and the area on the olecranon cortex corresponding to the bare area. We then designed a chevron osteotomy to stay within the bare area and measured the distance from the tip of the triceps insertion to the osteotomy apex as well as the angle of the osteotomy plane and the angle of the chevron cuts. RESULTS: The bare area existed in all 38 cadavers. The mean longitudinal and transverse widths were 4.0 mm (range, 1.0-8.6 mm) and 19.0 mm (range, 16.9-23.8 mm), respectively. The mean distance between the tip of the triceps insertion and the area on the olecranon cortex corresponding to the bare area was 19.0 mm (range, 16.0-23.0 mm). The mean transverse and longitudinal widths of the cortical notch were 3.0 mm (range, 1.6-4.5 mm) and 8.0 mm (range, 6.5-14.8 mm), respectively. The mean distance between the tip of the triceps insertion and the osteotomy apex was 22.0 mm (range, 18.0-24.0 mm) and the mean angle between the osteotomy surface and the vertical plane corresponding to the tangent plane was 20° (range, 10° to 25°). The mean angle of the V shape was 140° (range, 130° to 150°). CONCLUSIONS: Using the narrowest edge lacking cartilage (lateral or medial side) as a point of reference to locate the bare area, the designed chevron osteotomy entered the joint in the bare area in most specimens and decreased associated damage to the joint cartilage. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study describes the anatomy of the bare area and the design of the ideal chevron-shaped osteotomy to treat type C distal humerus fractures.

A-769662 protects osteoblasts from hydrogen dioxide-induced apoptosis through activating of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

Here we report that 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist A-769662 inhibited hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced viability loss and apoptosis of human and mouse osteoblast cells. H2O2-induced moderate AMPK activation in osteoblast cells, which was enhanced by A-769662. Inactivation of AMPK by its inhibitor compound C, or by target shRNA-mediated silencing and kinase dead (KD) mutation exacerbated H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in osteoblast cells. A-769662-mediated protective effect against H2O2 was also blocked by AMPK inhibition or depletion. A-769662 inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation by H2O2 in osteoblast cells. Meanwhile, H2O2-induced ATP depletion was inhibited by A-769662, but was aggravated by compound C. Further, H2O2 induced AMPK-dependent and pro-survival autophagy in cultured osteoblast cells, which was enhanced by A-769662. Our results suggested that activation of AMPK by H2O2 is anti-apoptosis and pro-survival in osteoblast cells, probably due to its anti-oxidant, pro-autophagy and ATP preservation abilities, and A-769662-mediated cell-protective effect in osteoblast cells requires AMPK activation. Our study suggests that A-769662 might be further investigated as a novel anti-osteonecrosis agent.

Finite Element Analysis of Channel Screw and Conventional Plate Technique in Tile B2 Pelvic Fracture.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of tile B2 pelvic fractures using finite element analysis when the superior ramus of the pubis was fixed by a plate or hollow screws in standing and sitting positions, respectively. METHODS: A three-dimensional digital model of the tile B2 pelvic fracture was obtained by CT scanning the patient. The main ligament structure was then reconstructed based on the anatomical characteristics to create a finite element model of the tile B2 pelvic fracture. The posterior pelvic ring was fixed by sacroiliac joint screws, while the anterior ring injury of the superior ramus of the pubis was fixed by plates and hollow compression screws, respectively. The degrees of freedom of the bilateral acetabulum or two sides of the ischial tuberosity were constrained in the two models. A vertical load of 600 N was applied to the upper surface of the sacrum to measure the displacement and stress distribution of the pelvis in the standing and sitting positions. RESULTS: The displacement distribution of both the healthy and the affected side of the pelvis was relatively uniform in both the plate group and the hollow screw group according to the finite element simulation results. The maximum displacement value in the sitting position was greater than the standing position, and the maximum displacement value of the hollow screw fixation was greater than that of the plate fixation. In the four groups of fixation models, the maximum displacement value of the pelvis in the hollow screw sitting position group was 1616.80 × 10-3 mm, which was greater than that of the other three groups, and in this group the total displacement value of the hollow screw in the anterior ring was 556.31 × 10-3 mm. The stress distribution of the pelvis in the various models was similar in the four groups of models, in which the maximum stress of the pelvis in the hollow screw sitting position group was the largest, which was 201.33 MPa, while the maximum stress in the standing position was 149.85 MPa greater than that in the sitting position of the hollow screw fixation. CONCLUSION: The anterior ring of patients with Tile B2 pelvic fractures fixed with hollow screws or plates in both standing and sitting positions can achieve satisfactory biomechanical results with significant safety margins for plates and screws.

Bifunctional Hydrogel-Integrated 3D Printed Scaffold for Repairing Infected Bone Defects.

The clinical treatment of infectious bone defects is difficult and time-consuming due to the coexistence of infection and bone defects, and the simultaneous control of infection and repair of bone defects is considered a promising therapy. In this study, a dual-drug delivery scaffold system was fabricated by the combination of a three-dimensional (3D) printed scaffold with hydrogel for infected bone defects repair. The 3D printed polycaprolactone scaffold was incorporated with biodegradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles containing the small molecular drug fingolimod (FTY720) to provide structural support and promote angiogenesis and osteogenesis. The vancomycin (Van)-loaded hydrogel was prepared from aldehyde hyaluronic acid (AHA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCC) by the Schiff base reaction, which can fill the pores of the 3D-printed scaffold to produce a bifunctional composite scaffold. The in vitro results demonstrated that the composite scaffold had Van concentration-dependent antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the FTY720-loaded composite scaffold demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, vascularization, and osteogenic ability in vitro. In the rat femoral defect model with bacterial infection, the dual-drug composite scaffold showed a better outcome in both infection control and bone regeneration compared to other groups. Therefore, the prepared bifunctional composite scaffold has potential application in the treatment of infected bone defects.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound-Loaded Materials in Bone Regeneration.

Bone is a dynamic organ that has the ability to repair minor injuries via regeneration. However, large bone defects with limited regeneration are debilitating conditions in patients and cause a substantial clinical burden. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is an alternative method that mainly involves three factors: scaffolds, biologically active factors, and cells with osteogenic potential. However, active factors such as bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are costly and show an unstable release. Previous studies have shown that compounds of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) can effectively promote regeneration of bone defects when administered locally and systemically. However, due to the low bioavailability of these compounds, many recent studies have combined TCM compounds with materials to enhance drug bioavailability and bone regeneration. Hence, the article comprehensively reviewed the local application of TCM compounds to the materials in the bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo. The compounds included icariin, naringin, quercetin, curcumin, berberine, resveratrol, ginsenosides, and salvianolic acids. These findings will contribute to the potential use of TCM compound-loaded materials in BTE.

Ring-Pins combined with cable cerclage for the fixation of displaced inferior patellar pole fractures.

Objective: The study aimed to present the clinical results and complication rates of ring-pins with cable cerclage for treating the inferior pole of patella fracture. Method: A study that retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients of the displaced inferior pole of patella fracture (AO/OTA 34-A1) operated with a ring-pin tension band using cable cerclage between October 2015 and October 2017 was performed. The duration of surgery, motion range of the knee, function outcomes, and complications were recorded. Results: The average follow-up of 31 patients was 21 months. The mean operation time was 50 min. Fractures in all 31 patients healed at a mean duration of 8 weeks. There was no infection, no withdrawing of ring-pins, no implant breakage, and no loss of fracture reduction. The mean range of motion was 120°, and no patient complained of implant irritation at the final follow-up. The average Bostman score was 29.0 points, and 28 patients graded clinical outcomes excellent and 3 patients graded clinical outcomes good at the last follow-up. Conclusions: Ring-pin combined with cable cerclage for treating the displaced inferior pole of patellar fracture is simple, and the postoperative internal fixation-related complication rate is low. It is a good choice for treating the displaced inferior pole of the patellar fracture.

Oxyresveratrol induces apoptosis and inhibits cell viability via inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway in Saos­2 cells.

Oxyresveratrol (ORES) is a natural phenolic compound with multiple biological functions including antioxidation, anti­inflammation and neuroprotection; however, the inhibitory effect of ORES on osteosarcoma remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to determine the effects of ORES on osteosarcoma cell Saos­2. Cell Counting Kit­8 assay was performed to detect Soas­2 cell viability. Annexin­FITC/PI staining and JC­1 staining were used to measure cell apoptosis and the change of mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, western blotting was conducted to determine the expression levels of apoptotic proteins and the phosphorylation of STAT3. It was found that ORES inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis of osteosarcoma Saos­2 cells in a concentration­dependent manner. In addition, ORES increased the expression levels of apoptotic proteases caspase­9 and caspase­3 and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. In response to ORES treatment, the expression levels of pro­apoptotic proteins, Bad and Bax, were enhanced, whereas those of anti­apoptotic proteins, Bcl­2 and Bcl­xL, were reduced. In addition, the phosphorylation of STAT3 was attenuated in Saos­2 cells after treatment with ORES. Inhibition of cell viability and apoptosis induction by ORES were rescued by enhancement of STAT3 activation upon treatment with IL­6. Collectively, the present study indicated that ORES induced apoptosis and inhibited cell viability, which may be associated with the inhibition of STAT3 activation; thus, ORES represents a promising agent for treating osteosarcoma.

Modified Anatomic Locking Plate for the Treatment of Posteromedial Tibial Plateau Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of a modified anatomic locking plate for the treatment of posteromedial tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in our department. Between January 2014 and February 2017, 11 patients with posteromedial tibial plateau fractures underwent surgery with the new anatomic locking plate for the posteromedial tibial plateau via the posteromedial approach. The study included 7 male and 4 female patients, with a mean age at the time of the operation of 39 years. During surgery, operation time and blood loss were recorded. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Tegner-Lysholm functional score, the Rasmussen functional score, and the Rasmussen anatomical score. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time of the study was 35 months. The mean interval between the time of injury and the surgery was 7.4 days. Radiological fracture union was evident in all patients at 14 weeks. During surgery, the blood loss ranged from 50 to 150 mL, and the duration ranged from 55 to 90 min. The Tegner-Lysholm functional score ranged from 80 to 96 at the final follow up. Moreover, the final Rasmussen functional score ranged from 25 to 28, and the Rasmussen anatomical score ranged from 15 to 18. The mean knee arc of motion was 137° (range, 122°-153°). Symptoms of knee instability or severe pain were not found in any cases. No flexion contractures or extensor lag was seen. No infection, deep vein thrombosis, or graft site morbidity was seen at the follow up. No case of reduction loss or internal fixation failure was reported during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: With the clinical data of the small-sample-size population (11 patients) during a 19 to 60-month follow-up, the modified anatomic locking plate for the posteromedial tibial plateau proved to be safe and effective and is an adequate fixation method for the treatment of posteromedial tibial plateau fractures.

Effect of lesser trochanter posteromedial wall defect on the stability of femoral intertrochanteric fracture using 3D simulation.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of posteromedial fracture fragments on the postoperative stability of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur by analyzing the quantity and range of fragments in CT 3D reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with femoral lesser trochanter fractures were collected from September 2015 to February 2018. CT 3D reconstruction was applied to evaluate the quantity and extension of posteromedial fragments and the presence of isolated medial fragments. The stability of postoperative fracture was evaluated by comparing the changes of "neck-shaft angle" and "telescoping" from 1 week to 1 year after operation. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients were finally confirmed, in which 63 patients contained isolated fragments on the medial side, and the average number of fragments in the posteromedial side was 1.93 ± 0.34, which accounted for an average of about 86.11% ± 8.20% in the whole posteromedial wall. When the number of posteromedial fragments was > 2 and the range of posteromedial fragments was > 75%, then the changes in the neck-shaft angle and "telescoping" showed statistical significance (12.27 ± 4.18 mm and 10.13 ± 6.17°, respectively), and when there were isolated medial isolated fragments, then the change in the neck-shaft angle was 10.66 ± 4.27°, showing statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: These findings revealed a certain correlation between the quantity and the range of posteromedial fragments and the postoperative "shortening" and "collapse" of femoral intertrochanteric fractures.

Three dimensionally printed pearl powder/poly-caprolactone composite scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Pearl has great potential as a natural biomaterial for bone tissue engineering, but it suffers from low porosity, difficulty in molding, and poor anti-buckling property. In this study, we used the 3-D printing technique to fabricate original pearl powder and PCL composite scaffolds with different concentrations of pearl powder. The four groups of scaffolds were termed PCL, 30% Pearl/PCL, 50% Pearl/PCL and 80% Pearl/PCL scaffolds according to the proportion of pearl powder. The samples were systematically investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide-angle XRD, liquid substitution, Zwick static materials testing, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Biological characterization included SEM, fluorescent staining using calcein-AM, cell counting kit-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase and qRT-PCR analysis. The results show that the pore size and the pore morphology of the scaffolds are closely controlled via 3-D printing. This is very beneficial for tissue growth and nutrition transmission. The regular and uniform square macropore structure ensured that the pearl powder/PCL scaffolds had favorable mechanical strength. As the concentration of pearl powder in the scaffolds increase, the compressive strength and apatite formation increase as well as cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. These results show that pearl powder/PCL scaffolds fit the requirements of bone tissue engineering. The structures as well as physicochemical and biological properties of pearl powder/PCL composite scaffolds are positively associated with pearl powder concentrations.

Acromial approach for treating glenoid fractures: A report of two cases and a literature review.

Surgery is usually recommended for displaced glenoid fractures, with open reduction and internal fixation as the standard operative treatment. Three approaches have been recommended in the reduction of glenoid fractures: Anterior, posterior and combined; however, a traditional approach may be difficult due to a high position or a comminuted Ideberg type III fracture. The combined approach results in a longer incision and more soft tissue injury when associated with an acromial fracture. The present study describes two complicated glenoid fractures: One case was a comminuted Ideberg type III fracture associated with an Ogawa type II acromial fracture; the second case was an Ideberg type IV fracture with associated superior shoulder suspensory complex injuries. In these cases, the acromial approach was modified to achieve satisfactory exposure and fixation of the complicated fracture. After a 1-year follow-up, the patients had a satisfactory outcome.