Effect of glucosamine and its peptidyl-derivative on the production of extracellular matrix components by human primary chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Glucosamine (GlcN) and its peptidyl-derivative, 2-(N-Acetyl)-L-phenylalanylamido-2-deoxy-ß-D-glucose (NAPA), on extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in human primary chondrocytes (HPCs). METHODS: Dose-dependent effect of GlcN and NAPA on Glycosaminoglycan (GAG), Collagen type II (Col2) and Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycans (SLRPs) was examined by incubating HPCs, cultured in micromasses (3D), with various amounts of two molecules, administered as either GlcN alone or NAPA alone or GlcN plus NAPA (G + N). Immunohystochemical and immunofluorescent staining and biochemical analysis were used to determine the impact of the two molecules on ECM production. Gene expression analysis was performed by TaqMan Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. RESULTS: The lowest concentration to which GlcN and NAPA were able to affect ECM synthesis was 1 mM. Both molecules administered alone and as G + N stimulated GAGs and SLRPs synthesis at different extent, NAPA and mainly G + N stimulated Col2 production, whereas GlcN was not effective. Both molecules were able to induce Insulin Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) and to stimulate SOX-9, whereas NAPA and G + N were able to up-regulate both Hyaluronic Acid Synthase-2 and Hyaluronic acid. Very interesting is the synergistic effect observed when chondrocyte micromasses were treated with G + N. CONCLUSIONS: The observed anabolic effects and optimal concentrations of GlcN and NAPA, in addition to beneficial effects on other cellular pathways, previously reported, such as the inhibition of IKKα, could be useful to formulate new cartilage repair strategies.

Fluoroscopic freehand and electromagnetic-guided targeting system for distal locking screws of humeral intramedullary nail.

PURPOSE: The current techniques used to lock distal screws for the nailing of long bone fractures expose the surgeons, radiologists and patients to a hearty dose of ionizing radiation. The Sureshot™ Distal Targeting System is a new technique that, with the same results, allows for shorter surgery times and, consequently, less exposure to radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 59 patients (34 males and 25 females) with a simple humerus fracture diagnosis, type 1.2.A according to the AO classification, who were divided into two groups. Group 1 was treated with ante-grade intramedullary nailing with distal locking screws inserted with a freehand technique. Group 2 was treated with the intramedullary nail using the Sureshot™ Distal Targeting System. Two intra-operative time parameters were evaluated in both groups: the time needed for the positioning of the distal locking screws and the time of exposure to ionizing radiations during this procedure. RESULTS: Group 2 showed a lower average distal locking time compared to group 1 (645.48″ vs. 1023.57″) and also a lower average time of exposure to ionizing radiation than in group 1 (4.35″ vs. 28.96″). CONCLUSION: The Sureshot™ Distal Targeting System has proven to be equally effective when compared to the traditional techniques, with the added benefits of a significant reduction in both surgical time and risk factors related to the exposure to ionizing radiation for all the operating room staff and the patient.

Postoperative physiopathological analysis of inflammatory parameters in patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty.

Infection after total hip or knee arthroplasty is a major concern for the orthopedic surgeon. Because postoperative recovery in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement is always characterized by a shift in basal laboratory parameters, the value of the routine use of these parameters in the detection of this major complication is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological behavior of these parameters, the most reliable of which are C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and white blood cell count (WBC). The pattern of these parameters was observed for 60 days after surgery in 74 patients (48 males and 26 females) who underwent total hip or total knee arthroplasty. Mean age was 65.4 years. ESR reached a peak on day 5 and then decreased as much as 3-fold by day 60. CRP displayed even greater sensitivity with a peak level on day 3 followed by a rapid return to basal levels. WBC also peaked on day 1. No significant differences were found between total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Observation of the pattern of these parameters identifies any nonphysiological modifications and enables suitable measures to be adopted.

Relationship between osteoarthrosis and osteoporosis. An experimental and clinical study.

The authors conducted two studies to demonstrate the presence of a relationship between osteoporosis and arthrosis: the first study was experimental involving thirty femoral heads removed during hip arthroplasty, and the second was a clinical study conducted on forty patients with coxarthrosis. The results obtained confirm how the presence of one of the two pathologies may prevent or delay occurrence of the other, and on this basis the authors review the literature. Finally, also taking into account the interpretations of other authors, possible hypotheses on the inverse relationship that links the two pathologies are proposed.

Insertion of distal locking screws of tibial intramedullary nails: a comparison between the free-hand technique and the SURESHOT™ Distal Targeting System.

INTRODUCTION: Positioning of the distal locking screws of an intramedullary nail is often challenging and time consuming because of difficult localisation of the distal locking holes, potential screw malalignment and nail deformation during insertion. The standard free-hand technique under fluoroscopic control involves considerable radiation exposure of both the patient and the surgical team. In this study, we aimed to compare the free-hand technique with a new system that utilises electromagnetic (EM) tracking data (SURESHOT™ Distal Targeting System) to localise distal locking holes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients admitted from March 2010 to January 2013 for tibial fracture that required intramedullary nailing were analysed retrospectively. We compared intraoperative radiation exposure time and distal locking time in patients treated with the standard free-hand technique and distal locking using the EM field-generating device. Intraoperative radiation exposure time and distal locking time were used for comparison. RESULTS: Data from a total of 50 patients were analysed. The standard free-hand technique and the EM field-generating device were used in 25 (group 1) and 25 (group 2) patients, respectively. Mean distal locking time was 1258.6 (450-2289) s in group 1 and 603.5 (360-1140)s in group 2. Mean radiation exposure time was 19.4 (6-33) s in group 1 and 4.6 (1-10) s in group 2. CONCLUSION: The EM field-generating device significantly reduces distal locking time and, more importantly, significantly decreases duration of exposure to ionising radiation.

MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) ablation for the treatment of nonspinal osteoid osteoma: a prospective multicenter evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a novel imaging-guided surgical technique that allows the performance of noninvasive and radiation-free ablation. Presently, computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency ablation, a minimally invasive percutaneous technique, is the standard for treating symptomatic osteoid osteomas. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of MRgFUS ablation for the treatment of nonspinal osteoid osteomas in terms of technical success, complications, and clinical success through one year of follow-up. METHODS: In this prospective multicenter study, thirty consecutive patients with a nonspinal osteoid osteoma were enrolled between May 2010 and April 2012 at three different university centers; twenty-nine of the patients were treated with use of MRgFUS. Lesions had been previously diagnosed on the basis of imaging, including dynamic contrast-enhanced MR. The mean number of sonications and energy deposition were determined. Technical success was evaluated through an assessment of complications immediately after treatment. Clinical success was determined on the basis of pain reduction as measured with a visual analog scale (VAS), recurrence, and long-term complications through twelve months. RESULTS: Technical success of MRgFUS was observed for all twenty-nine patients. The mean number of sonications (and standard deviation) was 7 ± 3, and the mean delivered acoustic energy was 1180 ± 736 J. At the twelve-month follow-up, complete clinical success was observed in twenty-six (90%) of the twenty-nine patients (95% confidence interval [CI] = 84 to 95; mean VAS, 0 ± 0 points). Partial success was observed in three (10%) of the twenty-nine patients (95% CI = 5 to 16; mean VAS score, 5 ± 0 points); two of these patients subsequently underwent CT-guided radiofrequency ablation, and one underwent open surgery. Pain score values showed a significant reduction (p < 0.001) between baseline (mean VAS score, 8 ± 1 points) and post treatment (mean VAS score, 1 ± 2 points). No complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: MRgFUS may be an effective and safe alternative approach in the treatment of nonspinal osteoid osteoma. A complete clinical success rate of 90% was demonstrated without adverse events. MRgFUS is totally noninvasive and eliminates radiation exposure.

Traumatic breakage of the ceramic head of prosthesis in total hip replacement.

The authors describe breakage of the 32 mm alumina AL2 O3 ceramic head in 3 cases of total hip replacement using two different models of prosthesis (Charnley-Müller and Mittelmeier). All three patients were of average height, weight, and activity (Brown et al., 1985; Callaghan et al., 1988), and the breakage had been caused by an accidental fall. The same mechanism of injury, in people the same age as our subjects, can cause femoral neck fractures. Reoperation was necessary in order to replace the component. The implants all appeared to be positioned correctly, and the patients had reported no symptoms. Before the trauma that caused breakage, there had been no other injuries worth noting. All patients were satisfied with their hip replacements.

The functional brace in the treatment of delayed union and non-union.

After years of experience in the treatment of fresh diaphyseal fractures of the tibia and humerus using functional braces, we began to use them in cases of delayed union and pseudarthrosis. This decision was encouraged by the excellent results obtained in fresh fractures and by the favourable effects of function on the repair process. The 15 cases reviewed, 13 in the tibia and 2 in the humerus, had previously been treated by various traditional methods. Treatment by functional bracing consisted of removing any plates or other devices, sometimes in association with "minimal" surgery such as fibular osteotomy, prior to the application of the functional brace. Total weightbearing was allowed ab initio until there was complete radiographic healing. All the cases resulted in complete healing over a period ranging from two to five months, with total functional recovery of the limb involved.

A case of non-ossifying fibroma.

The authors describe a case of non-ossifying fibroma which, because of its particular clinical and radiographic features, had previously been diagnosed as osteoid osteoma. Taking this as the starting point, the relationship and the differential diagnosis between these two well-known disorders is discussed.

A mould arthroplasty revision: a 43-year follow-up.

We present the outcome of a mould arthroplasty implanted for a congenital hip dysplasia in 1955 to revise a previous cup arthroplasty. This type of prosthesis, which has been developed on the basis of the concept of Smith-Peterson, by Prof. Marino-Zuco in Rome in the early 1940s, showed excellent results and was widely used until the advent of Charnley low-friction arthroplasty.

The importance of clinical semiotics and instrumental investigations in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of osteoid osteoma. A report of 6 cases.

The authors emphasize the importance of a complete examination, including history, symptomatology and instrumental tests in the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma (O.O.). This lesion is often difficult to diagnose, particularly at unusual sites. However, by the use of accurate radiography, stratigraphy, bone scan and CAT, a pre-operative accurate diagnosis is usually possible. The authors emphasize the importance of the least invasive surgical approach and the complete removal of the lesion with generous curettage. This is not always easy, as illustrated in the present study, which includes atypical sites, sometimes in delicate anatomical situations. They also illustrate a particular method used for removal.

Markers of connective tissue activation in aseptic hip prosthetic loosening.

The fundamental role played by macrophages and fibroblasts of the synovial-like membrane in aseptic hip prosthesis loosening (AHPL) has recently been confirmed by numerous studies. In this study, the activity of these cells in patients with prosthetic loosening was analyzed by evaluating the main markers of fibroblast and macrophage activation in sera and in supernatants of cultured fibroblasts obtained from AHPL patients who underwent revision of a loose total hip arthroplasty implant. In these patients interleukin-1, hyaluronic acid (HA), and type III procollagen peptide were evaluated. The results were compared with those obtained in 13 patients with firmly fixed implants and 13 patients with osteoarthritis. Serum HA levels were significantly higher (779.3 +/- 951.6 micrograms/L) in patients with AHPL as compared with patients with firmly fixed implants (112.9 +/- 84.9 micrograms/L) and osteoarthritis (115.3 +/- 107.8 micrograms/L). Type III procollagen peptide levels were elevated in only 33.3% of patients with AHPL, whereas interleukin-1-beta (IL-1 beta) was detectable in 4 patients with AHPL but not in patients with firmly fixed implants or osteoarthritis. In supernatants, IL-1 beta was measurable in 4 of 6 fibroblast cultures, whereas type III procollagen peptide and HA were measurable in all cultures. The data confirm the existence of an inflammatory process in AHPL patients in which macrophages and fibroblasts play a key role. The detection, in these patients, of high circulating levels of IL-1 beta and HA is very important from a clinical point of view because they could be considered specific markers of inflammation.