In Vitro and Ectopic In Vivo Studies toward the Utilization of Rapidly Isolated Human Nasal Chondrocytes for Single-Stage Arthroscopic Cartilage Regeneration Therapy.

Nasal chondrocytes (NCs) have a higher and more reproducible chondrogenic capacity than articular chondrocytes, and the engineered cartilage tissue they generate in vitro has been demonstrated to be safe in clinical applications. Here, we aimed at determining the feasibility for a single-stage application of NCs for cartilage regeneration under minimally invasive settings. In particular, we assessed whether NCs isolated using a short collagenase digestion protocol retain their potential to proliferate and chondro-differentiate within an injectable, swiftly cross-linked and matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable polyethylene glycol (PEG) gel enriched with human platelet lysate (hPL). NC-hPL-PEG gels were additionally tested for their capacity to generate cartilage tissue in vivo and to integrate into cartilage/bone compartments of human osteochondral plugs upon ectopic subcutaneous implantation into nude mice. NCs isolated with a rapid protocol and embedded in PEG gels with hPL at low cell density were capable of efficiently proliferating and of generating tissue rich in glycosaminoglycans and collagen II. NC-hPL-PEG gels developed into hyaline-like cartilage tissues upon ectopic in vivo implantation and integrated with surrounding native cartilage and bone tissues. The delivery of NCs in PEG gels containing hPL is a feasible strategy for cartilage repair and now requires further validation in orthotopic in vivo models.

High rate of maintaining self-dependence and low complication rate with a new treatment algorithm for proximal humeral fractures in the elderly population.

BACKGROUND: We modified our treatment algorithm for proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients in 2013 to a more conservative approach avoiding locking plates. This study assesses the impact of this change on patient self-dependence. METHODS: We carried out an observational comparative study including both retrospectively and prospectively collected data. For the former, 147 isolated proximal humeral fracture patients older than 65 years were treated between 2011 and 2013 at our hospital and included in a historical group. The revised treatment algorithm was applied in a similar non-concurrent, comparative patient group (n = 160) prospectively enrolled between 2015 and 2017. The primary outcome was any loss of self-dependence, with secondary outcomes including documentation of shoulder functional scores, quality of life, and adverse events. RESULTS: Historical and prospective patients had similar baseline characteristics. Nonoperative treatment was performed in 53 historical patients (36%) and 83 prospective patients (78%). Prospective patients were 1.6 times less likely to lose some level of self-dependence (risk ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-1.5; P = .292), and the local adverse event risk dropped from 12.2% to 5.7% (P = .078). Mean shoulder function and quality of life were similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: By applying our revised algorithm, a higher proportion of elderly patients maintained their premorbid level of self-dependence and returned to their previous social environment.

Minimally invasive anterior muscle-sparing versus a transgluteal approach for hemiarthroplasty in femoral neck fractures-a prospective randomised controlled trial including 190 elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: The relevance of femoral neck fractures (FNFs) increases with the ageing of numerous societies, injury-related decline is observed in many patients. Treatment strategies have evolved towards primary joint replacement, but the impact of different approaches remains a matter of debate. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the benefit of an anterior minimally-invasive (AMIS) compared to a lateral Hardinge (LAT) approach for hemiarthroplasty in these oftentimes frail patients. METHODS: Four hundred thirty-nine patients were screened during the 44-months trial, aiming at the evaluation of 150 patients > 60 yrs. of age. Eligible patients were randomised using an online-tool with completely random assignment. As primary endpoint, early mobility, a predictor for long-term outcomes, was evaluated at 3 weeks via the "Timed up and go" test (TUG). Secondary endpoints included the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), pain, complications, one-year mobility and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 190 patients were randomised; both groups were comparable at baseline, with a predominance for frailty-associated factors in the AMIS-group. At 3 weeks, 146 patients were assessed for the primary outcome. There was a reduction in the median duration of TUG performance of 21.5% (CI [- 41.2,4.7], p = 0.104) in the AMIS-arm (i.e., improved mobility). This reduction was more pronounced in patients with signs of frailty or cognitive impairment. FIM scores increased on average by 6.7 points (CI [0.5-12.8], p = 0.037), pain measured on a 10-point visual analogue scale decreased on average by 0.7 points (CI: [- 1.4,0.0], p = 0.064). The requirement for blood transfusion was lower in the AMIS- group, the rate of complications comparable, with a higher rate of soft tissue complications in the LAT-group. The mortality was higher in the AMIS-group. CONCLUSION: These results, similar to previous reports, support the concept that in elderly patients at risk of frailty, the AMIS approach for hemiarthroplasty can be beneficial, since early mobilisation and pain reduction potentially reduce deconditioning, morbidity and loss of independence. The results are, however, influenced by a plethora of factors. Only improvements in every aspect of the therapeutic chain can lead to optimisation of treatment and improve outcomes in this growing patient population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov : NCT01408693 (registered August 3rd 2011).

Nasal chondrocyte-based engineered autologous cartilage tissue for repair of articular cartilage defects: an observational first-in-human trial.

BACKGROUND: Articular cartilage injuries have poor repair capacity, leading to progressive joint damage, and cannot be restored predictably by either conventional treatments or advanced therapies based on implantation of articular chondrocytes. Compared with articular chondrocytes, chondrocytes derived from the nasal septum have superior and more reproducible capacity to generate hyaline-like cartilage tissues, with the plasticity to adapt to a joint environment. We aimed to assess whether engineered autologous nasal chondrocyte-based cartilage grafts allow safe and functional restoration of knee cartilage defects. METHODS: In a first-in-human trial, ten patients with symptomatic, post-traumatic, full-thickness cartilage lesions (2-6 cm2) on the femoral condyle or trochlea were treated at University Hospital Basel in Switzerland. Chondrocytes isolated from a 6 mm nasal septum biopsy specimen were expanded and cultured onto collagen membranes to engineer cartilage grafts (30 × 40 × 2 mm). The engineered tissues were implanted into the femoral defects via mini-arthrotomy and assessed up to 24 months after surgery. Primary outcomes were feasibility and safety of the procedure. Secondary outcomes included self-assessed clinical scores and MRI-based estimation of morphological and compositional quality of the repair tissue. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01605201. The study is ongoing, with an approved extension to 25 patients. FINDINGS: For every patient, it was feasible to manufacture cartilaginous grafts with nasal chondrocytes embedded in an extracellular matrix rich in glycosaminoglycan and type II collagen. Engineered tissues were stable through handling with forceps and could be secured in the injured joints. No adverse reactions were recorded and self-assessed clinical scores for pain, knee function, and quality of life were improved significantly from before surgery to 24 months after surgery. Radiological assessments indicated variable degrees of defect filling and development of repair tissue approaching the composition of native cartilage. INTERPRETATION: Hyaline-like cartilage tissues, engineered from autologous nasal chondrocytes, can be used clinically for repair of articular cartilage defects in the knee. Future studies are warranted to assess efficacy in large controlled trials and to investigate an extension of indications to early degenerative states or to other joints. FUNDING: Deutsche Arthrose-Hilfe.

Implantation of Stromal Vascular Fraction Progenitors at Bone Fracture Sites: From a Rat Model to a First-in-Man Study.

Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) cells freshly isolated from adipose tissue include osteogenic- and vascular-progenitors, yet their relevance in bone fracture healing is currently unknown. Here, we investigated whether human SVF cells directly contribute to the repair of experimental fractures in nude rats, and explored the feasibility/safety of their clinical use for augmentation of upper arm fractures in elderly individuals. Human SVF cells were loaded onto ceramic granules within fibrin gel and implanted in critical nude rat femoral fractures after locking-plate osteosynthesis, with cell-free grafts as control. After 8 weeks, only SVF-treated fractures did not fail mechanically and displayed formation of ossicles at the repair site, with vascular and bone structures formed by human cells. The same materials combined with autologous SVF cells were then used to treat low-energy proximal humeral fractures in 8 patients (64-84 years old) along with standard open reduction and internal fixation. Graft manufacturing and implantation were compatible with intraoperative settings and led to no adverse reactions, thereby verifying feasibility/safety. Biopsies of the repair tissue after up to 12 months, upon plate revision or removal, demonstrated formation of bone ossicles, structurally disconnected and morphologically distinct from osteoconducted bone, suggesting the osteogenic nature of implanted SVF cells. We demonstrate that SVF cells, without expansion or exogenous priming, can spontaneously form bone tissue and vessel structures within a fracture-microenvironment. The gained clinical insights into the biological functionality of the grafts, combined with their facile, intra-operative manufacturing modality, warrant further tests of effectiveness in larger, controlled trials. Stem Cells 2016;34:2956-2966.

The Penrod score: a prognostic instrument to balance an increasing geriatric fracture caseload with diminishing health care resources?

INTRODUCTION: Geriatric hip fracture patients are a highly heterogeneous collective, what distinctly aggravates the best possible treatment. Consequently, it is becoming more important to identify selection criteria that can distinguish those patients who can benefit the most from treatment in a geriatric fracture center. In our pilot study, we assessed the 2007 published Penrod score for its utility as a useful selection tool by prospectively comparing our own patient's outcome with the Penrod study. METHODS: 77 patients treated for geriatric hip fracture were preoperatively classified according to the Penrod score. Patients were divided into three clusters by age (1: <75 years, 2: 75-84 years, 3: ≥85 years). Clusters 2 and 3 were then classified according to their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL's) and cognitive status (presence or absence of dementia). In 51 out of these 77 patients, the ability to perform ADLs could be assessed 6 months postoperatively and was compared with the Penrod scores. RESULTS: 58 % of cluster 1 patients were able to perform 4 ADLs independently 6 months postoperatively (52.9 % Penrod study). In clusters 2A and 3A, 48 and 50 %, respectively, were able to perform 4 ADLs independently, compared with 40.6 and 31.5 % (Penrod collective). 22 % of our patients in 2B performed all ADLs independently (3.6 % Penrod) and 25 % in cluster 3B (9.4 % Penrod). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results support the prognostic value of the Penrod score in the treatment of geriatric hip fracture patients. With the help of the Penrod score, it may be possible to identify patients, who are expected to significantly profit from an intensified treatment in a geriatric fracture center (clusters 2B, 3A, and 3B). By utilizing this score, improved outcomes and simultaneously a more effective utilization of valuable health care resources could be achieved.

Engineered autologous cartilage tissue for nasal reconstruction after tumour resection: an observational first-in-human trial.

BACKGROUND: Autologous native cartilage from the nasal septum, ear, or rib is the standard material for surgical reconstruction of the nasal alar lobule after two-layer excision of non-melanoma skin cancer. We assessed whether engineered autologous cartilage grafts allow safe and functional alar lobule restoration. METHODS: In a first-in-human trial, we recruited five patients at the University Hospital Basel (Basel, Switzerland). To be eligible, patients had to be aged at least 18 years and have a two-layer defect (≥50% size of alar subunit) after excision of non-melanoma skin cancer on the alar lobule. Chondrocytes (isolated from a 6 mm cartilage biopsy sample from the nasal septum harvested under local anaesthesia during collection of tumour biopsy sample) were expanded, seeded, and cultured with autologous serum onto collagen type I and type III membranes in the course of 4 weeks. The resulting engineered cartilage grafts (25 mm × 25 mm × 2 mm) were shaped intra-operatively and implanted after tumour excision under paramedian forehead or nasolabial flaps, as in standard reconstruction with native cartilage. During flap refinement after 6 months, we took biopsy samples of repair tissues and histologically analysed them. The primary outcomes were safety and feasibility of the procedure, assessed 12 months after reconstruction. At least 1 year after implantation, when reconstruction is typically stabilised, we assessed patient satisfaction and functional outcomes (alar cutaneous sensibility, structural stability, and respiratory flow rate). FINDINGS: Between Dec 13, 2010, and Feb 6, 2012, we enrolled two women and three men aged 76-88 years. All engineered grafts contained a mixed hyaline and fibrous cartilage matrix. 6 months after implantation, reconstructed tissues displayed fibromuscular fatty structures typical of the alar lobule. After 1 year, all patients were satisfied with the aesthetic and functional outcomes and no adverse events had been recorded. Cutaneous sensibility and structural stability of the reconstructed area were clinically satisfactory, with adequate respiratory function. INTERPRETATION: Autologous nasal cartilage tissues can be engineered and clinically used for functional restoration of alar lobules. Engineered cartilage should now be assessed for other challenging facial reconstructions. FUNDING: Foundation of the Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel; and Krebsliga beider Basel.

Use of peripheral blocks and tourniquets in foot surgery: A survey of Australian orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons.

BACKGROUND: The most common reasons for unplanned admission to the hospital from outpatient surgery have the potential to be minimised or eliminated by peripheral nerve blocks (PNB). Tourniquets are commonly used in elective extremity surgery but it's use is mostly guided by personal preferences and does no correlate with the existing literature. Our aim was to explore the current practice of PNB and tourniquet use by foot and ankle surgeons in Australia. METHODS: The Australian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery Society (AOFAS) annual meeting was held in Adelaide in 2011. Members were asked to complete an electronic survey on their current use of peripheral nerve blocks and tourniquets. Two specific elective case scenarios were included for comment, one pertaining to forefoot pathology, the other hindfoot pathology. RESULTS: Twenty-three AOFAS members replied to the survey, an overall response rate of 76.6%. Of these, only two surgeons did not use ankle blocks in elective surgery and none were prepared to operate without a tourniquet. Most Australian foot and ankle surgeons were reluctant to use local anaesthetic techniques without an accompanying GA. CONCLUSIONS: While the literature suggests that GA may add to complications without any benefit for the procedure and that distally based tourniquets may add benefit, these are not the favoured techniques in Australian foot and ankle surgeons.

The triceps reflecting approach (Bryan-Morrey) for distal humerus fracture osteosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: "Chevron"-Olecranon osteotomies are commonly used for the approach to intraarticular distal humerus fractures but are often associated with procedure related complications. We studied the triceps reflecting approach (TRA) with preservation of the extensor apparatus as a safe alternative giving a sufficient exposure to the elbow joint and helping to achieve anatomical fracture reduction with the intact olecranon as a template. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review at two trauma centres and identified 31 skeletally mature distal humerus fractures treated with a TRA. 24 of the patients returned to follow-up including history recording, physical examination with functional analysis of the operated vs the normal site with the DASH and Mayo scores, measurement of range of motion, isometric elbow strength measurement and radiographic documentation. RESULTS: Mean duration of FU was 51 months (24 months-12 years) in 24 patients, 13 female, 11 male with an average age of 57.7 years (range 17-89). AO Classification showed five A2, one B2, two C1, 9 C2 and 7 C3 fractures. Radiologic control showed adequate reduction, distal humeral alignment and fracture healing in all patients. The strength analysis of flexion and extension revealed no statistically relevant loss of strength at last FU. Range of motion was excellent. CONCLUSION: The TRA is a valuable option for ORIF in distal intraarticular humerus fractures. It preserves the normal joint anatomy of the olecranon and avoids the potential complications associated with olecranon osteotomy. The clinical outcome parameters of our series revealed excellent maintenance of strength compared to the contralateral side.

Intraoperative engineering of osteogenic grafts combining freshly harvested, human adipose-derived cells and physiological doses of bone morphogenetic protein-2.

Engineered osteogenic constructs for bone repair typically involve complex and costly processes for cell expansion. Adipose tissue includes mesenchymal precursors in large amounts, in principle allowing for an intraoperative production of osteogenic grafts and their immediate implantation. However, stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells from adipose tissue were reported to require a molecular trigger to differentiate into functional osteoblasts. The present study tested whether physiological doses of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) could induce freshly harvested human SVF cells to generate ectopic bone tissue. Enzymatically dissociated SVF cells from 7 healthy donors (1 x 10(6) or 4 x 10(6)) were immediately embedded in a fibrin gel with or without 250 ng rhBMP-2, mixed with porous silicated calcium-phosphate granules (Actifuse(®), Apatech) (final construct size: 0.1 cm(3)) and implanted ectopically for eight weeks in nude mice. In the presence of rhBMP-2, SVF cells not only supported but directly contributed to the formation of bone ossicles, which were not observed in control cell-free, rhBMP-2 loaded implants. In vitro analysis indicated that rhBMP-2 did not involve an increase in the percentage of SVF cells recruited to the osteogenic lineage, but rather induced a stimulation of the osteoblastic differentiation of the committed progenitors. These findings confirm the feasibility of generating fully osteogenic grafts using an easily accessible autologous cell source and low amounts of rhBMP-2, in a timing compatible with an intraoperative schedule. The study warrants further investigation at an orthotopic site of implantation, where the delivery of rhBMP-2 could be bypassed thanks to the properties of the local milieu.

Interleukin-1ß modulates endochondral ossification by human adult bone marrow stromal cells.

Inflammatory cytokines present in the milieu of the fracture site are important modulators of bone healing. Here we investigated the effects of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) on the main events of endochondral bone formation by human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSC), namely cell proliferation, differentiation and maturation/remodelling of the resulting hypertrophic cartilage. Low doses of IL-1ß (50 pg/mL) enhanced colony-forming units-fibroblastic (CFU-f) and -osteoblastic (CFU-o) number (up to 1.5-fold) and size (1.2-fold) in the absence of further supplements and glycosaminoglycan accumulation (1.4-fold) upon BM-MSC chondrogenic induction. In osteogenically cultured BM-MSC, IL-1ß enhanced calcium deposition (62.2-fold) and BMP-2 mRNA expression by differential activation of NF-κB and ERK signalling. IL-1ß-treatment of BM-MSC generated cartilage resulted in higher production of MMP-13 (14.0-fold) in vitro, mirrored by an increased accumulation of the cryptic cleaved fragment of aggrecan, and more efficient cartilage remodelling/resorption after 5 weeks in vivo (i.e., more TRAP positive cells and bone marrow, less cartilaginous areas), resulting in the formation of mature bone and bone marrow after 12 weeks. In conclusion, IL-1ß finely modulates early and late events of the endochondral bone formation by BM-MSC. Controlling the inflammatory environment could enhance the success of therapeutic approaches for the treatment of fractures by resident MSC and as well as improve the engineering of implantable tissues.

[Postoperative course following open reduction and internal fixation of fractures]. / Postoperative Betreuung nach operativer Frakturbehandlung.

The postoperative management after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of fractures is addressed with this article. The topics selected focus on topics that are of relevance for the family practitioner. Because of large differences in the treatment of adult - and geriatric fracture patients these two groups are separately looked at in Part 1 and Part 2 of the article. Fractures in children or fractures of the growing skeleton are not addressed. In the early postoperative phase, the fracture patient might seek for advice in case of complications, such as wound infection or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). After fracture healing, the decision on implant removal has to be made. Geriatric fracture patients mostly cannot return back home directly from the hospital. Instead they are transferred to a rehabilitation center. In these patients secondary fracture prevention should be in the focus of the family practitioner. This means osteoporosis diagnostics and treatment shall be initiated, if not done before. Another important task is to guarantee for compliance with the therapy once it is initiated.

Comparing a Sensor for Movement Assessment with Traditional Physiotherapeutic Assessment Methods in Patients after Knee Surgery-A Method Comparison and Reproducibility Study.

Wearable sensors offer the opportunity for patients to perform a self-assessment of their function with respect to a variety of movement exercises. Corresponding commercial products have the potential to change the communication between patients and physiotherapists during the recovery process. Even if they turn out to be user-friendly, there remains the question to what degree the numerical results are reliable and comparable with those obtained by assessment methods traditionally used. To address this question for one specific recently developed and commercially available sensor, a method comparison study was performed. The sensor-based assessment of eight movement parameters was compared with an assessment of the same parameters based on test procedures traditionally used. Thirty-three patients recovering after arthroscopic knee surgery participated in the study. The whole assessment procedure was repeated. Reproducibility and agreement were quantified by the intra class correlation coefficient. The height of a one-leg vertical jump and the number of side hops showed high agreement between the two modalities and high reproducibility (ICC > 0.85). Due to differences in the set-up of the assessment, agreement could not be achieved for three mobility parameters, but even the correlation was only fair (r < 0.5). Knee stability showed poor agreement. Consequently, the use of the sensor can currently only be recommended for selected parameters. The variation in degree of agreement and reproducibility across different parameters clearly indicate the need for developing corresponding guidance for each new sensor put onto the market.

Engineered nasal cartilage for the repair of osteoarthritic knee cartilage defects.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disorder, causing pain and disability predominantly in the aging population but also affecting young individuals. Current treatments are limited to use of anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate symptoms or degenerated joint replacement by a prosthetic implant at the end stage of the disease. We hypothesized that degenerative cartilage defects can be treated using nasal chondrocyte­based tissue-engineered cartilage (N-TEC). We demonstrate that N-TEC maintained cartilaginous properties when exposed in vitro to inflammatory stimuli found in osteoarthritic joints and favorably altered the inflammatory profile of cells from osteoarthritic joints. These effects were at least partially mediated by down-regulation of the WNT (wingless/integrated) signaling pathway through sFRP1 (secreted frizzled-related protein-1). We further report that N-TEC survive and engraft in vivo in ectopic mouse models reproducing a human osteochondral OA tissue environment, as well as in sheep articular cartilage defects that mimic degenerative settings. Last, we tested the safety of autologous N-TEC for the treatment of osteoarthritic cartilage defects in the knees of two patients with advanced OA (Kellgren and Lawrence grades 3 and 4) who were otherwise considered for unicondylar knee arthroplasty. No adverse reactions were recorded, and patients reported reduced pain as well as improved joint function and life quality 14 months after surgery. Together, our findings indicate that N-TEC can directly contribute to cartilage repair in osteoarthritic joints. A suitably powered clinical trial is now required to assess its efficacy in the treatment of patients with OA.

Kinesiotaping for postoperative oedema - what is the evidence? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative oedema is a common condition affecting wound healing and function. Traditionally, manual lymphatic drainage is employed to reduce swelling. Kinesiotaping might be an alternative resource-sparing approach. This article explores current evidence for the effectiveness of kinesiotaping for the reduction of oedema in the postoperative setting. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed on the basis of five databases (Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov) for studies published between January 2000 and October 2019.Only prospective controlled trials were included. Case studies, uncontrolled case series, studies on oedema caused by other etiologies than by surgery, as well as studies on malignant disease related oedema (especially breast cancer related oedema) were excluded.Articles were screened by title, abstract, and full text and the references were searched for further publications on the topic. A narrative and quantitative (using STATA) analysis was performed. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred sixty-three articles were screened, twelve were included in the analysis. All studies evaluated either oedema after extremity surgery or maxillofacial interventions, and showed relevant methodological flaws. Only three studies employed an active comparator. Of the twelve included studies ten found positive evidence for kinesiotape application for the reduction of swelling and beneficial effects on secondary outcome parameters such as pain and patient satisfaction. The available trials were heterogenic in pathology and all were compromised by a high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: There is some evidence for the efficacy of kinesiotaping for the treatment of postoperative oedema. This evidence is, however, not yet convincing given the limitations of the published trials. Methodologically sound comparison to standard of care or an active comparator is indispensable for an evaluation of effectiveness. In addition, assessments of patient comfort and cost-benefit analyses are necessary to evaluate the potential relevance of this novel technique in daily practice. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) ID 114129).

Mid-term results of minimally invasive deltoid-split versus standard open deltopectoral approach for PHILOS™ (proximal humeral internal locking system) osteosynthesis in proximal humeral fractures.

PURPOSE: Only a few reports compare the mid- and long-term outcome of the minimally invasive deltoid split (MIDS) with the classic anterior deltopectoral (DP) approach for osteosynthesis in proximal humeral fractures. This study compared the mid-term functional and the radiological results in patients with proximal humeral fractures undergoing osteosynthesis with the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS™). METHODS: All patients undergoing osteosynthesis between 2008 and 2015 were clinically and radiologically examined with a minimal follow-up period of 1 year. Functional outcomes were analyzed using the DASH- and Constant Shoulder Scores (CSS). Radiological results were analyzed using a newly developed score. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients underwent PHILOS™ osteosynthesis with the MIDS and twenty-three with the DP approach. Follow-up time was 41 months in the MIDS group and 62 months in the DP group, respectively. The median CSS was similar with 79 points in the MIDS group and 82 points in the DP group (p = 0.17). The MIDS group showed a significant lower power measurement in the CSS. In four-part fractures, a substantially lower CSS in absolute numbers in the MIDS group was detected. The median DASH score was 26.7 points in the MIDS group and 25.8 points in the DP group (p = 0.48). There was no difference in the radiological score. More patients with partial avascular necrosis (AVN) were found in the MIDS group, most with three- and four-part fractures. However, this was not statistically significant. Morbidity was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: The results of the two surgical approaches are statistically comparable. Some differences such as a lower power measurement in the MIDS group, a higher partial AVN frequency and more plate removals are observed. In four-part fractures, the CSS was lower in the MIDS compared to the DP cohort. The MIDS technique might not be a solution for all fracture types, and the surgeon should be careful to analyze the morphology of the fracture before deciding upon the approach. Four-part fractures might be better treated with a DP approach.

Intra-individual comparison of human nasal chondrocytes and debrided knee chondrocytes: Relevance for engineering autologous cartilage grafts.

OBJECTIVE: Implantation of autologous chondrocytes for cartilage repair requires harvesting of undamaged cartilage, implying an additional joint arthroscopy surgery and further damage to the articular surface. As alternative possible cell sources, in this study we assessed the proliferation and chondrogenic capacity of debrided Knee Chondrocytes (dKC) and Nasal Chondrocytes (NC) collected from the same patients. METHODS: Matched NC and dKC pairs from 13 patients enrolled in two clinical studies (NCT01605201 and NCT026739059) were expanded in monolayer and then chondro-differentiated in 3D collagenous scaffolds in medium with or without Transforming Growth Factor beta 1 (TGFß1). Cell proliferation and amount of cartilage matrix production by these two cell types were assessed. RESULTS: dKC exhibited an inferior proliferation rate than NC, and a lower capacity to chondro-differentiate. Resulting dKC-grafts contained lower amounts of cartilage specific matrix components glycosaminoglycans and type II collagen. The cartilage forming capacity of dKC did not significantly correlate with specific clinical parameters and was only partially improved by medium supplemention with TGFß1. CONCLUSIONS: dKC exhibit a reproducibly poor capacity to engineer cartilage grafts. Our in vitro data suggest that NC would be a better suitable cell source for the generation of autologous cartilage grafts.

Radiographic evaluation of frontal talar edge configuration for osteochondral plug transplantation.

For successful reconstruction of osteochondral lesions of the talus, the anatomic configuration of the talar edge must be respected. This study evaluated the radiographic configuration of the talar edge in the anterior-posterior (AP) view by analyzing medial and lateral talar edge angles and radii in 81 patients with a true AP view and without ankle pathology. The mean lateral talar edge angle was 91.8 degrees , and the mean medial talar edge angle was 110.0 degrees . The medial frontal talar edge radius was 4.8 mm and the lateral 3.5 mm, respectively. No correlation between angle and radius was found. These results revealed a significant difference between the medial and the lateral talar edge configuration. This may be due to the three-dimensional function of the human ankle joint. No study so far has addressed these differences radiologically. These differences should be addressed in the reconstruction of osteochondral lesions and be included in the preoperative planning.

Routine patient surveys: Patients' preferences and information gained by healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND: Patient feedback after contact with a hospital is regarded as an important source of information for the improvement of local healthcare services. Routine patient surveys are in widespread use to obtain such feedback. While general principles for the composition of this kind of surveys have been described in the literature, it is unknown which method of contact and topics of feedback are important to patients in postcontact healthcare surveys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We invited 2931 consecutive patients who had in- or outpatient contact with the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at the University Hospital Basel to an anonymous survey. They were asked whether they were generally in favor of feedback surveys. They also had the opportunity to state their preferred form of contact (text message, app, email, online or letter) and provide up to three topics that they regarded as specifically important in patient surveys. RESULTS: A total of 745 patients participated in the survey (25.4%), of these 61.9% expressed the preference to be surveyed, and 69.1% selected `letter' as one of the preferred forms of contact. Favoring only `letter' contact increased substantially with age. Overall 54.6% of patients stated at least one topic that they wished to give feedback on. The most frequent topics were related to treatment and rather general aspects regarding staff and overall impression. The wish to include suggestions for improvements was rarely mentioned as specific topic. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients seem to be rather indifferent to the existence and content of patient surveys. They mention a wide range of topics from general to specific ones, but do not express interest in the opportunity to suggest changes. There is a need to effectively engage patients in healthcare planning using new approaches to obtain valuable feedback on patients' hospital stay and contact experiences. These new approaches should ideally be more informative and cost-effective than the current practice.