Quality of life of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients under brace treatment: a brief communication of literature review.

PURPOSE: To identify the life domains that are most frequently reported to be affected in scoliosis patients undergoing brace treatment. METHODS: A search within the PubMed database was conducted and a total of 60 publications were selected. We classified the studies based on the methods used to measure patients' quality of life (QoL) and categorized the life domains reported to be affected. RESULTS: Self-image/body configuration was the most reported affected domain of patients' QoL, identified in 32 papers, whilst mental health/stress was the second most reported affected domain. Mental health was identified in 11 papers, and 11 papers using the BSSQ questionnaire reported medium stress amongst their participants. Vitality was the third most reported affected domain, identified in 12 papers. CONCLUSIONS: Our review indicates that scoliotic adolescents treated with bracing suffer in their quality of life most from psychological burdens. To improve these patients' life quality, more attention should be focussed on supporting their mental health.

Biomechanical evaluation of a novel biomimetic artificial intervertebral disc in canine cervical cadaveric spines.

Background Context: Cervical disc replacement (CDR) aims to restore motion of the treated level to reduce the risk of adjacent segment disease (ASD) compared with spinal fusion. However, first-generation articulating devices are unable to mimic the complex deformation kinematics of a natural disc. Thus, a biomimetic artificial intervertebral CDR (bioAID), containing a hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA)-sodium methacrylate (NaMA) hydrogel core representing the nucleus pulposus, an ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene fiber jacket as annulus fibrosus, and titanium endplates with pins for primary mechanical fixation, was developed. Purpose: To assess the initial biomechanical effect of the bioAID on the kinematic behavior of the canine spine, an ex vivo biomechanical study in 6-degrees-of-freedom was performed. Study Design: A canine cadaveric biomechanical study. Methods: Six cadaveric canine specimens (C3-C6) were tested in flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB) axial rotation (AR) using a spine tester in three conditions: intact, after C4-C5 disc replacement with bioAID, and after C4-C5 interbody fusion. A hybrid protocol was used where first the intact spines were subjected to a pure moment of ±1 Nm, whereafter the treated spines were subjected to the full range of motion (ROM) of the intact condition. 3D segmental motions at all levels were measured while recording the reaction torsion. Biomechanical parameters studied included ROM, neutral zone (NZ), and intradiscal pressure (IDP) at the adjacent cranial level (C3-C4). Results: The bioAID retained the sigmoid shape of the moment-rotation curves with a NZ similar to the intact condition in LB and FE. Additionally, the normalized ROMs at the bioAID-treated level were statistically equivalent to intact during FE and AR while slightly decreased in LB. At the two adjacent levels, ROMs showed similar values for the intact compared to the bioAID for FE and AR and an increase in LB. In contrast, levels adjacent to the fused segment showed an increased motion in FE and LB as compensation for the loss of motion at the treated level. The IDP at the adjacent C3-C4 level after implantation of bioAID was close to intact values. After fusion, increased IDP was found compared with intact but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: This study indicates that the bioAID can mimic the kinematic behavior of the replaced intervertebral disc and preserves that for the adjacent levels better than fusion. As a result, CDR using the novel bioAID is a promising alternative treatment for replacing severely degenerated intervertebral discs.

Survival and reasons for revision of the uncemented Symax hip stem: A Dutch Arthroplasty Register study.

AIMS: Previous studies have already shown early proximal ingrowth, fast osseous integration, and a stable fit of the uncemented Symax hip stem, with excellent clinical and radiographic performance. Aims were to evaluate cumulative revision rates and reasons for revision of the Symax hip stem using Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI) data and to assess possible associations between patient characteristics and revision rate of the Symax hip stem. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All total hip arthroplasties with the uncemented Symax hip stem registered in the LROI between 2007 and 2017 were included (n = 5,013). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the cumulative 1, 5 and 7-year revision percentages. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to assess the association between patient and procedural characteristics, and revision arthroplasty of the stem. RESULTS: Cumulative 1, 5, and 7-year revision rates (with 95% confidence interval (CI)) for revision of any component were 1.5% (CI 1.2%-1.8%), 3.2% (CI 2.7%-3.7%), and 3.8% (CI 3.1%-4.4%) respectively. Cumulative 1, 5, and 7-year stem revision rates of the Symax hip stem were 0.9% (CI 0.6%-1.1%), 1.5% (CI 1.1%-1.9%), and 1.7% (CI 1.3%-2.1%) respectively. Periprosthetic fractures (n = 35) and loosening of the stem (n = 30) were the most common reasons for revision of the stem. Revision of the stem was associated with acute fracture as primary diagnosis (Hazard Ratio (HR) 2.4 (CI 1.3-4.3)), or history of a previous surgery to the affected hip (HR 2.7 (CI 1.4-5.2)). CONCLUSION: This population-based registry study shows revision rates for the Symax hip stem comparable to those for best performing uncemented total hip arthroplasties in the Netherlands. Primary diagnosis of an acute fracture, and history of previous surgery on the affected hip, were significantly associated risk factors for revision of the Symax hip stem, and we discourage the use of the Symax hip stem in these patients.

No effect of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (OP-1) on the incorporation of impacted bone grafts in a realistic acetabular model.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) accelerate bone repair in experimental and clinical conditions. Impacted Morsellized Cancellous Bone grafts (MCB) are successfully used to reconstruct bone defects after failed hip implants. The main question in this study was if BMP-7 (OP-1) mixed with MCB could accelerate the incorporation of MCB and prevents the formation of a soft tissue interface after remodeling of the MCB. A large loaded defect in the acetabulum of goats was reconstructed with a wire mesh and with MCB or MCB mixed with OP-1. After 6 weeks, no differences were found in the revascularization process, in the number of osteoclasts resorbing the MCB, and in the thickness and appearance of the fibrous interface between MCB with or without OP-1. After 6 weeks, enchondral bone had formed in the bone graft layer and on the periosteal anterior and superior rim in the OP-1 group only. More periosteal bone and more bone in the holes of the mesh had been formed in most OP-1 goats. Most MCB was replaced by new lamellar bone after 15 weeks in both groups. We speculate that during or directly after impaction most of the OP-1 is released from the carrier inducing an early effect outside the reconstructive layer at the periosteal side of the acetabulum. Probably most OP-1 has left the reconstruction by the time new vessels and progenitors reached the bone graft. These results do not support the use of OP-1 in impaction bone grafting in patients.

Femoral component revision with use of impaction bone-grafting and a cemented polished stem.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of revision of the femoral component of a hip arthroplasty with use of an impaction bone-grafting technique and a cemented polished stem. METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive femoral reconstructions that were performed between March 1991 and February 1996 with use of the X-change femoral revision system, fresh-frozen morselized allograft, and a cemented polished Exeter stem were followed prospectively. Femoral bone stock defects were classified according to the Endoklinik classification. The average age of the patients at the time of the femoral component revision was sixty-three years. No patient was lost to follow-up, which was performed at a minimum of eight years, but eight patients had died. None of the deaths was related to the surgery. RESULTS: No femoral reconstruction had been rerevised at a mean of 10.4 years postoperatively. There was one unrecognized intraoperative fracture, which healed following nonoperative treatment. There were three postoperative femoral fractures, all through cortical defects at the level of the tip of the prostheses. All fractures healed after plate fixation, and all femoral implants were left in situ. The average subsidence of the stem within the cement mantle was 3 mm; seven stems migrated > or =5 mm. The average Harris hip score improved from 49 points prior to surgery to 85 points (range, 68 to 100 points) at the time of this review. Subsidence did not affect the Harris hip score. Kaplan-Meier analysis, with an end point of femoral revision for any reason, showed a survival rate of 100% (one-sided 95% confidence interval, 100% to 91.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Femoral revision with use of an impaction bone-grafting technique and a cemented polished stem resulted in an excellent prosthetic survival rate at eight to thirteen years postoperatively. The major problem that occurred was a femoral fracture in four patients.

Aquatic circuit training including aqua-cycling in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Aqua-cycling is easy to learn, acceptable, and safe for patients with knee osteoarthritis. It can therefore be an ideal component of aquatic circuit training. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of a small group-based aquatic exercise programme including aqua-cycling. DESIGN: A feasibility study using quantitative (pre-post) and qualitative (cross-sectional) assessments. PARTICIPANTS: A volunteer cohort of 10 women and men, age range 46-77 years, with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Focus group interviews explored participants' experience with the training. Pre- and post-exercise knee pain, attendance, progression in training, and adverse events were registered. RESULTS: Seventy percent of patients attended all sessions. Focus groups revealed high levels of satisfaction with the selection of exercises, and participants valued the immediate pain relief experienced. Participants progressed well. However, aqua-cycling in an out-of-the-saddle position was too demanding for most participants. CONCLUSION: An aquatic circuit training that includes aqua- cycling is feasible for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Participants reported pain reduction and were positive about the diverse exercise programme. Aqua-cycling in a seated position is a safe and controlled type of movement.

Integrated nutritional intervention in the elderly after hip fracture. A process evaluation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Within a multicentre randomized controlled trial aimed at improving the nutritional status and increase the speed of recovery of elderly hip fracture patients, we performed a process evaluation to investigate the feasibility of the intervention within the present Dutch health care system. METHODS: Patients in the intervention group received nutritional counseling during 10 contacts. Oral nutritional supplements were advised as needed until three months after hip fracture surgery. The intervention was evaluated with respect to dieticians' adherence to the study protocol, content of nutritional counseling, and patients' adherence to recommendations given. RESULTS: We included 66 patients (mean age of 76, range 55-92 years); 74% women. Eighty-three percent of patients received all 10 contacts as planned, but in 62% of the patients one or more telephone calls had to be replaced by face to face contacts. Nutritional counseling was complete in 91% of contacts. Oral nutritional supplementation was needed for a median period of 76 days; 75% of the patients took the oral nutritional supplements as recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional counseling in elderly hip fracture patients through face to face contacts and telephone calls is feasible. However, individual tailoring of the intervention is recommended. The majority of hip fracture patients needed >2 months oral nutritional supplements to meet their nutritional requirements. The trial was registered at clincialtrails.gov as NCT00523575.

Bioresorbability, porosity and mechanical strength of bone substitutes: what is optimal for bone regeneration?

Bone repair is a multi-dimensional process that requires osteogenic cells, an osteoconductive matrix, osteoinductive signalling, mechanical stability and vascularization. In clinical practice, bone substitute materials are being used for reconstructive purposes, bone stock augmentation, and bone repair. Over the last decade, the use of calcium phosphate (CaP) based bone substitute materials has increased exponentially. These bone substitute materials vary in composition, mechanical strength and biological mechanism of function, each having their own advantages and disadvantages. It is known that intrinsic material properties of CaP bone substitutes have a profound effect on their mechanical and biological behaviour and associated biodegradation. These material properties of bone substitutes, such as porosity, composition and geometry change the trade-off between mechanical and biological performance. The choice of the optimal bone substitutes is therefore not always an easy one, and largely depends on the clinical application and its associated biological and mechanical needs. Not all bone graft substitutes will perform the same way, and their performance in one clinical site may not necessarily predict their performance in another site. CaP bone substitutes unfortunately have yet to achieve optimal mechanical and biological performance and to date each material has its own trade-off between mechanical and biological performance. This review describes the effect of intrinsic material properties on biological performance, mechanical strength and biodegradability of CaP bone substitutes.

Bioactive and osteoinductive bone graft substitutes: definitions, facts and myths.

The use of artificial bone grafts has been developed over recent years and is expected to increase further, for some indications even replacing the gold standard, autograft, in trauma and reconstructive surgery. However, the effectiveness of these materials is still a subject of debate, mostly because of unclear definitions or limited market surveillance. In this overview several facts and myths regarding bone-graft substitutes are summarized.

Larger bone graft size and washing of bone grafts prior to impaction enhances the initial stability of cemented cups: experiments using a synthetic acetabular model.

BACKGROUND: Bone defects after failed total hip arthroplasty can be reconstructed with impacted morselized bone grafts and a cemented cup. On the acetabular side, the effects on initial cup stability of washing bone grafts prior to impaction and bone graft size remain unclear. Related to these variables, cement penetration and inter-particle shear resistance have been suggested to be critical factors to ensure initial cup stability. METHODS: Using a synthetic acetabular model, we studied the effects of (1) washing bone grafts prior to impaction, and (2) bone graft size on the initial stability of cemented cups. In addition, cement penetration was measured using CT scans. RESULTS: Reconstructions with large, washed bone grafts provided the highest stability during mechanical compression and in a lever-out situation. Washing of the bone grafts had a positive effect on initial cup stability, but the size of the bone grafts appeared to be more important. Cement penetration was affected by bone graft size but not by washing. INTERPRETATION: From a mechanical standpoint, large bone grafts that have been washed prior to impaction may be preferable in order to obtain optimal cup stability using the bone impaction grafting technique.

Femoral component revision with use of impaction bone-grafting and a cemented polished stem. Surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of revision of the femoral component of a hip arthroplasty with use of an impaction bone-grafting technique and a cemented polished stem. METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive femoral reconstructions that were performed between March 1991 and February 1996 with use of the X-change femoral revision system, fresh-frozen morselized allograft, and a cemented polished Exeter stem were followed prospectively. Femoral bone stock defects were classified according to the Endoklinik classification. The average age of the patients at the time of the femoral component revision was sixty-three years. No patient was lost to follow-up, which was performed at a minimum of eight years, but eight patients had died. None of the deaths was related to the surgery. RESULTS: No femoral reconstruction had been rerevised at a mean of 10.4 years postoperatively. There was one unrecognized intraoperative fracture, which healed following nonoperative treatment. There were three postoperative femoral fractures, all through cortical defects at the level of the tip of the prostheses. All fractures healed after plate fixation, and all femoral implants were left in situ. The average subsidence of the stem within the cement mantle was 3 mm; seven stems migrated 5 mm. The average Harris hip score improved from 49 points prior to surgery to 85 points (range, 68 to 100 points) at the time of this review. Subsidence did not affect the Harris hip score. Kaplan-Meier analysis, with an end point of femoral revision for any reason, showed a survival rate of 100% (one-sided 95% confidence interval, 100% to 91.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Femoral revision with use of an impaction bone-grafting technique and a cemented polished stem resulted in an excellent prosthetic survival rate at eight to thirteen years postoperatively. The major problem that occurred was a femoral fracture in four patients.

No negative effects of bone impaction grafting with bone and ceramic mixtures.

Reconstructing large loaded bone defects with ceramic bone graft extenders is tempting considering the expected future donor bone shortage. However, whether there are negative effects is unknown. Standardized large defects in the acetabulum of goats were created and subsequently reconstructed with metal mesh and impacted morselized cancellous bone grafts or a 50/50% volume mixture of tricalcium phosphate-hydroxyapatite granules and morselized cancellous bone grafts using the bone impaction grafting technique. Subsequently, a cemented total hip prosthesis was inserted. Clinically, no differences were observed between groups. Most of the morselized cancellous bone graft had been resorbed and incorporated into new bone after 15 weeks. The large tricalcium phosphate-hydroxyapatite granules were integrated, the smaller crushed tricalcium phosphate-hydroxyapatite granules were surrounded by osteoclasts or engulfed by macrophages and giant cells. The cement penetration into the reconstructive layer and the quality of the bone based on a semiquantitative score were similar in both groups. We found no suggestion of tricalcium-hydroxyapatite granule-induced third-body wear in this short-term followup study. No negative effects were observed in this study, and therefore, it seems reasonable to use tricalcium-hydroxyapatite granules in a 50/50% volume mix with morselized cancellous bone graft as a bone graft extender in acetabular revision surgery with the bone impaction grafting technique.