Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing Improves Fracture Healing and Mobility in Children with Femoral Fractures.

Objective: To explore the application value and safety of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in pediatric femoral fractures (FFs), providing more reliable safety for the treatment of FFs in the future. Methods: This study selected 60 cases of pediatric FFs who completed fracture treatment in our hospital between March 2014 and January 2023, with 32 cases undergoing ESIN fixation included in the research group (RG) and another 28 cases receiving plate internal fixation assigned to the control group (CG). The operative time (OT), intraoperative blood loss (IBL), incision length, fracture healing time, fixator removal time, weight-bearing time, and hospital length of stay (HLOS) of the two groups were counted, and the pain of the children was evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The clinical efficacy and complication rate were recorded, and the hip and knee functions before and after treatment were evaluated by the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score. After the completion of treatment, the child's family was surveyed about their satisfaction with the treatment. Results: The research group had less OT, IBL, and incision length, as well as shorter fracture healing time, fixator removal time, weight-bearing time, and HLOS than the control group (P < .05), with markedly lower VAS scores at 12h-48h postoperatively (P < .05). In addition, the research group demonstrated an obviously higher overall response rate (96.88%) and a lower complication rate (15.63%) than the control group (P < .05). Furthermore, HSS scores and treatment satisfaction were higher in the research group than in the control group (P < .05). Conclusions: ESIN is a highly effective treatment for pediatric femoral fractures, leading to accelerated fracture healing, improved mobility, and exhibiting high clinical application value.

Butyrate Inhibits Osteoclast Activity In Vitro and Regulates Systemic Inflammation and Bone Healing in a Murine Osteotomy Model Compared to Antibiotic-Treated Mice.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the gut microbiota have previously been demonstrated to play a role in numerous chronic inflammatory diseases and to be key mediators in the gut-bone signaling axis. However, the role of SCFAs in bone fracture healing and its impact on systemic inflammation during the regeneration process has not been extensively investigated yet. The aim of this study was to first determine the effects of the SCFA butyrate on key cells involved in fracture healing in vitro, namely, osteoclasts and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and second, to assess if butyrate supplementation or antibiotic therapy impacts bone healing, systemic immune status, and inflammation levels in a murine osteotomy model. Butyrate significantly reduced osteoclast formation and resorption activity in a dose-dependent manner and displayed a trend for increased calcium deposits in MSC cultures. Numerous genes associated with osteoclast differentiation were differentially expressed in osteoclast precursor cells upon butyrate exposure. In vivo, antibiotic-treated mice showed reduced SCFA levels in the cecum, as well as a distinct gut microbiome composition. Furthermore, circulating proinflammatory TNFα, IL-17a, and IL-17f levels, and bone preserving osteoprotegerin (OPG), were increased in antibiotic-treated mice compared to controls. Antibiotic-treated mice also displayed a trend towards delayed bone healing as revealed by reduced mineral apposition at the defect site and higher circulating levels of the bone turnover marker PINP. Butyrate supplementation resulted in a lower abundance of monocyte/macrophages in the bone marrow, as well as reduced circulating proinflammatory IL-6 levels compared to antibiotic- and control-treated mice. In conclusion, this study supports our hypothesis that SCFAs, in particular butyrate, are important contributors to successful bone healing by modulating key cells involved in fracture healing as well as systemic inflammation and immune responses.

The Association Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Accelerated Fracture Healing: A Study on the Effects of Growth Factors and Cytokines.

Evidence suggests that some systemic and local factors, including cytokines and growth factors in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), can play an essential role in accelerating fracture healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum levels of some inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in patients with fracture and TBI as well as healthy subjects. In this study, a total number of 30 patients with a femoral fracture, 30 cases with TBI, 30 patients with TBI and a femoral fracture (fracture + TBI group), and 30 healthy subjects were recruited. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were also determined upon their admission. Then, the serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, 12 h and 4 weeks after injury and hospital admission. The study results demonstrated that the serum levels of BMP-2, FGF-2, IL-1ß, and PDGF in the femoral fracture + TBI group increased significantly over 12 h and after 4 weeks compared with other groups, but the serum levels of IGF-I, IL-6, and TGF-ß in this group increased in a significant manner at 12 h compared with other studied groups. The findings also showed that the time to union of a femoral fracture was shorter in the fracture + TBI group than in cases with a femoral fracture alone (p = 0.03). Accordingly, it seems that elevated serum levels of BMP-2, PDGF, FGF-2, and IL-1ß may be associated with healing acceleration in fracture + TBI patients. However, further studies are needed to confirm this claim.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in bone repair: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using low-level laser influences the release of several growth factors involved in the formation of epithelial cells, fibroblasts, collagen and vascular proliferation, besides accelerating the synthesis of bone matrix due to the increased vascularization and lower inflammatory response, with significant increase of osteocytes in the irradiated bone. Considering its properties, beneficial effects and clinical relevance, the aim of this review was to analyze the scientific literature regarding the use of PBMT in the process of bone defect repair. METHODS: Electronic search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINEⓇ and Web of Science databases with combination of the descriptors low-level laser therapy AND bone repair, considering the period of publication until the year 2018. RESULTS: The literature search identified 254 references in PubMed/MEDLINE and 204 in Web of Science, of which 33 and 4 were selected, respectively, in accordance with the eligibility requirements. The analysis of researches showed articles using PBMT in several places of experimentation in the subjects, different types of associated biomaterials, stimulatory effects on cell proliferation, besides variations in the parameters of use of laser therapy, mainly in relation to the wavelength and density of energy. Only four articles reported that the laser did not improve the osteogenic properties of a biomaterial. CONCLUSIONS: Many studies have shown that PBMT has positive photobiostimulatory effects on bone regeneration, accelerating its process regardless of parameters and the use of biomaterials. However, standardization of its use is still imperfect and should be better studied to allow correct application concerning the utilization protocols.

Maintaining mobility after fracture: A biomechanical analysis of fracture consequences at the Roman Sites of Ancaster (UK) and Vagnari (Italy).

OBJECTIVE: This study uses biomechanical data from tibiae to investigate the functional consequences of lower limb fractures. Adults with malunited fractures are hypothesized to have experienced altered mobility, indicated by asymmetric tibial cross-sectional geometries (CSG). MATERIALS: Ninety-three adults from Roman (1st to 4th centuries CE) Ancaster, UK and Vagnari, Italy (Ancaster n = 16 adults with lower limb fracture:53 without fracture; Vagnari n = 5:19) METHODS: Biplanar radiographs were used to quantify and compare tibial CSG properties and asymmetries between individuals with and without fractures to femora, tibiae, and/or fibulae. The amount of angulation, rotation, and overlap, indicative of linear deformity, were measured for each fracture. Individuals who loaded their fractured leg differently than their opposite, uninjured leg were identified using outlying amounts of CSG asymmetry. RESULTS: Two Ancaster individuals had poorly aligned fractures. None of the Ancaster or Vagnari individuals with lower limb fractures had CSG properties or asymmetries outside the calculated normal ranges. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of how a fracture healed, individuals at Ancaster and Vagnari generally resumed mobility after trauma whenever possible. SIGNIFICANCE: This research contributes information about injury recovery and suggests that resilient behaviors and persistent mobility may have been valued or required responses to fracture in the study communities. This work advises that impairment should not be inferred based solely on the appearance of lesions. LIMITATIONS: Site, sex, and age patterns in injury recovery are not evaluated due to sample size limitations. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Biomechanical assessments of post-traumatic function in varied cultural contexts are advised in order to further characterize the impact that physical and social factors have on injury recovery.

Abordaje de Smith Petersen modificado para fracturas de cuello femoral Pauwels III - Garden IV / Modified Smith Petersen approach to femoral neck fracture Pauwels III - Garden IV

El abordaje de Smith Petersen modificado (SPM), permite la reducción de fracturas del cuello femoral desde anterior, manteniendo la fijación a través de un abordaje lateral. Realizar la reducción bajo visión directa mejoraría la calidad de la reducción y los resultados en fracturas complejas de cuello femoral. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de ocho pacientes con fracturas de cuello femoral Pauwels III/Garden IV secundarias a un accidente de alta energía operadas con abordaje SPM. Registramos el tiempo de evolución desde el accidente hasta la cirugía. Se realizó radiografía y tomografía axial computada postoperatoria. Seguimos los pacientes con radiografías mensuales hasta evidenciar consolidación de la fractura y casos de necrosis avascular. RESULTADOS: En promedio, los pacientes fueron operados 2,1 días tras el accidente y fueron seguidos con una mediana de 24,5 meses tras su cirugía. Siete de los ocho pacientes consolidaron. Sólo un caso presentó una no-unión que requirió de una prótesis total de cadera. No hubo casos de necrosis avascular. CONCLUSIÓN: Las fracturas de cuello femoral de alta energía en pacientes jóvenes son lesiones poco frecuentes. Aunque esta serie es pequeña, llama la atención que tratándose de lesiones desplazadas y con rasgos verticales no observamos casos de necrosis avascular, a pesar de algunos casos con prolongado tiempo de evolución desde el accidente hasta la cirugía. Creemos que esas fracturas deben operarse lo antes posible, pero que es más importante lograr una reducción anatómica en vez de retrasar algunas horas la cirugía. En nuestra experiencia, el abordaje de SPM facilita la reducción adecuada en fracturas complejas de cuello femoral.

Modified Smith Petersen Approach (MSP) allows an anterior reduction for femoral neck fractures, keeping the fixation through a lateral approach to the hip. Performing the reduction under direct visualization would improve the quality of the reduction and the outcomes in complex fractures of femoral neck. METHODS: Retrospective study including eight patients with femoral neck fracture classified as Pauwels III / Garden IV, in which MSP was performed. We kept record of the time from the accident until the final surgery. Post-operative studies included plain radiograph and CT scan. Monthly radiographic controls were obtained until fracture healing was achieved or radiological signs of avascular necrosis were found. RESULTS: Surgery was performed in an average of 2.1 days after the accident. Postoperative follow-up was an average of 24.5 month. Consolidation was achieved in seven of the eight patients, only one patient evolved into a nonunion of femoral neck which required a total hip arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: High energy femoral neck fractures in young patients are infrequent injuries. Even though this is a small series of patients it comes to our attention that being displaced fractures with vertical fracture lines we didn't find any case of avascular necrosis despite some of the cases the prolonged timing since the accident to surgery. We believe that this type of fracture should be treated as soon as possible but is more important to achieve an anatomical reduction than pass over the 12 hours threshold. In our experience MSP approach facilitates the achievement of an adequate reduction and complex femoral neck fractures.

Malnutrition and the Orthopaedic Trauma Patient: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the available literature for associations between nutrition and outcomes after operative treatment of long bone and long bone periarticular fractures. DATA SOURCES: Systematic review of English-language articles in the MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane computerized literature databases (through December 2015) using PRISMA guidelines. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, and cohort studies (retrospective and prospective) involving long bone and long bone periarticular fractures that included the effect of nutritional status on fracture union, time to union, and any related soft-tissue complication were eligible for review. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently extracted data from the selected studies using a standardized data collection form with predefined data fields for demographics, interventions, study methods, complications, and management outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: Although one of the original aims of the study was to conduct a meta-analysis, the available literature did not offer sufficient data for meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Although our systematic review demonstrates a possible role for oral nutritional supplementation and vitamin supplementation in the orthopaedic trauma patient, there remains a need for well-designed trials to clarify this role. There is likely benefit to multidisciplinary approaches to nutritional optimization in the orthopaedic trauma patient, and this should be explored further in forthcoming work. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Evaluation of the Effects of Photobiomodulation on Partial Osteotomy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on stereological parameters, and gene expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) in repairing tissue of tibial bone defect in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (TIDM) in rats during catabolic response of fracture healing. BACKGROUND DATA: There were conflicting results regarding the efficacy of PBM on bone healing process in healthy and diabetic animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight rats have been distributed into four groups: group 1 (healthy control, no TIDM and no PBM), group 2 (healthy test, no TIDM and PBM), group 3 (diabetic control, TIDM and no PBM), and group 4 (diabetic test, no TIDM and PBM). TIDM was induced in the groups 3 and 4. A partial bone defect in tibia was made in all groups. The bone defects of groups second and fourth were irradiated by a laser (890 nm, 80 Hz, 1.5 J/cm2). Thirty days after the surgery, all bone defects were extracted and were submitted to stereological examination and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: PBM significantly increased volumes of total callus, total bone, bone marrow, trabecular bone, and cortical bone, and the numbers of osteocytes and osteoblasts of callus in TIDM rats compared to those of callus in diabetic control. In addition, TIDM increased RUNX2, and osteocalcin in callus of tibial bone defect compared to healthy group. PBM significantly decreased osteocalcin gene expression in TIDM rats. CONCLUSIONS: PBM significantly increased many stereological parameters of bone repair in an STZ-induced TIDM during catabolic response of fracture healing. Further RT-PCR test demonstrated that bone repair was modulated in diabetic rats during catabolic response of fracture healing by significant increase in mRNA expression of RUNX2, and osteocalcin compared to healthy control rats. PBM also decreased osteocalcin mRNA expression in TIDM rats.

Role of isolated percutaneous autologous platelet concentrate in delayed union of long bones.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous platelet concentrate (PC) injection in increasing the chances of attaining union in delayed union of long bones and to know whether the time taken for union decreases with use of PC. METHODS: Forty delayed unions (15-30 weeks old) were randomized into a study group in which autologous PC prepared by blood bank centrifuge was percutaneously injected at the fracture site under image intensifier after activation with 10% calcium gluconate and a control group where patients were observed over time. Follow-up was every 6 weeks till fracture union. At each follow-up visit clinical and radiological parameters of union were assessed. RESULTS: Percentage union was 78% (18/23) in PC group and 59% (10/17) in control group, respectively (p = 0.296). The mean time to fracture union treated with PC (15.33 ± 9.91 weeks) was not different from the control group (13.10 ± 7.21 weeks; p = 0.540). In the PC group union is seen in 12 weeks after PC injection in 60 per cent of the cases. CONCLUSION: Isolated percutaneous PC injection increases union rates in delayed union of long bones. The results were, however, not statistically significant but show high positive association. Further studies are required to recommend routine use of PC injection.

Treatment of aseptic tibial shaft non-union without bone defect.

Non-union is incomplete consolidation of a fracture, without effective formation of a uniting callus. Despite better understanding of the physiology of bone consolidation, management of tibial non-union remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Several treatments have been developed in recent decades, and we now have a range of techniques, with indications based on type of non-union, prior treatments, available equipment, and the surgeon's experience. Firstly, there are surgical techniques such as osteo-periosteal decortication, cancellous iliac graft, or inter-tibiofibular graft. The decision to fix the non-union (or revise existing fixation) and choice of type of internal fixation depend on the stability of the fracture site. There are also non-operative biological and biochemical consolidation stimulation techniques: local injection of bone-marrow, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Stimulation can also be physical, applying ultrasound or an electromagnetic field to the non-union site. Each technique may be used in isolation or association.

Comparison of Clamp Reduction and Manual Reduction of Syndesmosis in Rotational Ankle Fractures: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

An optimal outcome of surgical treatment for a syndesmotic injury depends on accurate reduction and adequate fixation. It has been suggested that the use of a reduction clamp for reduction of the syndesmosis results in better reduction and a lower rate of redisplacement than manual reduction. However, these concepts have never been scientifically evaluated. We compared these 2 methods in a prospective randomized trial. A total of 85 acute ankle rotational fractures combined with syndesmotic injury were randomized to syndesmosis reduction with either a reduction clamp or manual manipulation. Reduction of the syndesmosis was assessed radiographically by measuring the tibiofibular clear space, tibiofibular overlap, and the medial clear space immediately postoperatively and at the final follow-up examination. Ankle joint range of motion, visual analog scale score, Olerud-Molander ankle scoring system, and complications were obtained at the last follow-up visit to assess the clinical outcomes. Of the 3 radiographic measurements, the tibiofibular clear space and tibiofibular overlap differed significantly between the 2 groups (p < .05). The clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (p > .05). Although differences were found in the radiographic measurements, most syndesmoses in both groups were within the normal range at the final follow-up visit, and the 2 methods of syndesmosis reduction provided similar clinical outcomes. Accordingly, the results of the present study suggest that both of these methods are effective and reliable for reduction of the syndesmosis in rotational ankle fractures.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on open tibial fractures in rabbits after transient seawater immersion.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect and mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy of open tibial fractures in rabbits after transient seawater immersion. METHODS: Forty-eight (48) New Zealand rabbits were randomly and averagely divided into an HBO2 therapy group (Group A) and a control group (Group B). All rabbits were subjected to unilateral open tibial fractures, while immersed in artificial seawater (20-22 °C) for three hours prior to debridement and external fixation. Group A was treated with HBO2 at 2 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 50 minutes once daily for two weeks; Group B received postoperative routine treatments only. The fracture zone in each group was compared by radiological, histological and immunohistochemical examinations. RESULTS: In Group A, bony callus and mature osteocytes without infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in the fracture zone. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was expressed mainly in the cytoplasm of osteoblasts, chondrocytes and osteocytes, and exhibited significant changes at different time points. The gray value of bony callus in Group A was 190.58 ± 7.52; that of Group B was 144 ± 8.11. Difference between the groups was statistically significant (P ⟨ 0.01). The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in Group A was significantly lower than Group B (P ⟨ 0.01), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in Group A was higher than Group B (P ⟨ 0.01) at four weeks. There were no significant differences in MDA content and SOD activity between groups at eight and 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: HBO2 treatment of open tibial fractures in seawater can reduce the inflammatory reaction and reperfusion injury, and promote osteocytic proliferation and fracture healing.

Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Fractures-How Are They Different?-Classification and Treatment Algorithm.

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures constitute at least 50% of the osteoporotic fractures that happen worldwide. Occurrence of osteoporotic fractures make the elderly patient susceptible for further fractures and increases the morbidity due to kyphosis and pain; the mortality risk is also increased in these patients. Most fractures occur in the thoracic and thoracolumbar region and are often stable. Different descriptive and prognostic classification systems have been described, but none are universally accepted. Radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are useful in imaging the fracture and evaluating the bone density. In acute stages, the fractures are well treated with conservative measures including short bed rest, analgesics, bracing, and exercises. Although most fractures heal well, up to 30% of fractures can develop painful nonunion, progressive kyphosis, and neurological deficit. For patients who develop severe pain not responding to nonoperative measures and painful nonunion, percutaneous cement augmentation procedures including vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty have been suggested. For fractures with severe collapse and that lead to neurological deficit and increasing kyphosis, instrumented stabilization is advised. Prevention and management of osteoporosis is the key element in the management of osteoporotic fractures in the elderly. Guidelines for essential adequate dietary and supplemental calcium and vitamin D, and antiosteoporotic medications have been described.

Heartwood extract from Dalbergia sissoo promotes fracture healing and its application in ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of a heartwood ethanolic extract (HEE) made from the Dalbergia sissoo on facture healing and in the prevention of pathological bone loss resulting from estrogen deficiency in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats. METHODS: Heartwood ethanolic extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg per day) was administered orally immediately next day after drill-hole injury and continued for 2 weeks. Ovx rats received HEE at same doses for 12 weeks and compared with 17-ß estradiol (E2; 100 µg/kg for 5 days/week subcutaneously) group. Confocal imaging for fracture healing, micro-architecture of long bones, biomechanical strength, formation of mineralized nodule by bone marrow osteoprogenitor cells, bone turnover markers and gene expression were studied. One-way ANOVA was used to test significance. KEY FINDINGS: Heartwood ethanolic extract treatment promoted fracture healing, formation of new bone at the drill-hole site and stimulated osteogenic genes at callus region. HEE administration to the Ovx rats exhibited better micro-architectural parameters at various anatomical positions, better bone biomechanical strength and more osteoprogenitor cells in the bone marrow compared with Ovx + vehicle group. HEE exhibited no uterine estrogenicity. CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of HEE was found to promote fracture healing and exhibited osteoprotective effect by possibly stimulation of osteoblast function.

Evaluation of bone turnover markers and serum minerals variations for predicting fracture healing versus non-union processes in adult sheep as a model for orthopedic research.

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) have been considered as an auxiliary method of following the fracture healing process and for early prediction of impaired bone healing. A better understanding of the potential of BTMs in this application could allow for earlier interventions and improved patient care. The aim of this study with a large animal experimental model was to assess the variation of bone formation markers - namely the total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and its bone-specific isoform (BALP), serum concentration of intact osteocalcin (OC), N-terminal propeptide type III procollagen (PIIINP) and of bone resorption markers - namely tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and deoxypyridinoline crosslink (DPD) during the first stages of a normal fracture healing process and of a segmental critical size defect (CSD), which progresses to a non-union process. Thirty healthy female sheep (Portuguese Churra-da-Terra-Quente breed), approximately 4-years-old, were enrolled in this study. Jugular venous blood samples were collected pre-operatively and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 post-operative weeks. The animals of the CSD group showed significant lower serum levels of BALP, OC and significant higher serum PIIINP levels at early stages of the fracture healing process, compared with animals that progressed in a normal fracture healing process. Serum BALP, OC and PIIINP levels could be useful as non-invasive auxiliary tools with other complementary methods for predicting the outcome of traumatic bone fractures.

Biologic Approaches to Problems of the Hand and Wrist.

Orthobiologics are not used as frequently in the hand and wrist as in other sites. The most frequently reported is the use of bone morphogenetic protein for the treatment of Kienböck disease. Animal studies have described improved tendon healing with the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), but no clinical studies have confirmed these results. PRP has been reported to produce improvements in the outcomes of distal radial fractures and osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal in small numbers of patients. The use of orthobiologics in the hand and wrist are promising, but clinical trials are necessary to establish efficacy and safety.

Osseous Healing in Foot and Ankle Surgery with Autograft, Allograft, and Other Orthobiologics.

In the surgical treatment of foot and ankle abnormality, many problems require bone grafting for successful osseous union. Nonunion, reconstruction, and arthrodesis procedures pose specific challenges due to bony defects secondary to trauma, malunions, or previous surgery. Nonunion in foot and ankle arthrodesis is a significant risk and is well documented in recent literature. This article is a review of the recent literature regarding the use of bone graft and orthobiologics in foot and ankle surgery.

Carpal scaphoid non-union treatment: a retrospective trial comparing simple retrograde percutaneous screw fixation versus percutaneous screw fixation plus pulsed electromagnetic fields (Physiostim®).

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective comparative study was to assess whether a complementary treatment by pulsed electromagnetic field could increase the bone-healing rate of scaphoid non-union without SNAC (scaphoid non-union advanced collapse) treated by retrograde percutaneous screw fixation. CASE DESCRIPTION: Eighteen patients with scaphoid non-union were included in this retrospective study. The group 1 was made of nine cases (seven stage IIA and two stage IIB) of scaphoid non-union treated by retrograde percutaneous screw fixation and pulsed electromagnetic fields (Physiostim®). The group 2 was made of nine cases (six stage IIA and three stage IIB) treated by simple retrograde percutaneous screw fixation. RESULTS: With a 10-month follow-up in group 1 and a 9.5-month follow-up in group 2, there were three cases of non-union in group 1 and two cases in group 2. Regarding the type of non-union, there was one case among the stage IIB and four cases among the stage IIA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of the study did not show any interest in the use of pulsed electromagnetic field for the treatment of carpal scaphoid non-union. They should be dropped. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Functional block of IL-17 cytokine promotes bone healing by augmenting FOXO1 and ATF4 activity in cortical bone defect model.

We determine the effect of interleukin (IL)-17 neutralizing antibody on new bone regeneration. Anti-IL-17 antibody promoted new bone regeneration in cortical bone defect model by augmenting FOXO1 and ATF4 activity thereby decreasing oxidative stress. Our study demonstrates the bone healing and regeneration potential of neutralizing IL-17antibody in osteoporotic fractures. INTRODUCTION: The immune system plays important role in the fracture healing process. However, fracture healing is prolonged in disorders associated with systemic inflammation. Fracture healing is decelerated in osteoporosis, condition linked with systemic inflammation. Bone regeneration therapies like recombinant human BMP2 are associated with serious side effects. Studies have been carried out where agents like denosumab and infliximab enhance bone regeneration in osteoporotic conditions. Our previous studies show the osteoprotective and immunoprotective effects of neutralizing IL-17 antibody. Here, we determine the effect of IL-17 neutralizing antibody on new bone regeneration and compare its efficacy with known osteoporotic therapies. METHODS: For the study, female BALB/c mice were ovariectomized or sham operated and left for a month followed by a 0.6-mm drill-hole injury in femur mid-diaphysis. The treatment was commenced next day onwards with anti-IL-17, anti-RANKL (Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand), parathyroid hormone (PTH), or alendronate for a period of 3, 10, or 21 days. Animals were then autopsied, and femur bones were dissected out for micro-CT scanning, confocal microscopy, and gene and protein expression studies. RESULTS: Micro-CT analysis showed that anti-IL-17 antibody promoted bone healing at days 10 and 21, and the healing effect observed was significantly better than Ovx, anti-RANKL antibody, and ALN, and equal to PTH. Anti-IL-17 also enhanced new bone regeneration as assessed by calcein-labeling studies. Additionally, anti-IL-17 therapy enhanced expression of osteogenic markers and decreased oxidative stress at the injury site. CONCLUSION: Overall, our study demonstrates bone healing and regeneration potential of neutralizing IL-17 antibody in osteoporotic fractures.