Efficacy of lateral lumbar interbody fusion combined with posterior spinal fusion compared with three-column osteotomy for adult spinal deformity with severe lumbar sagittal deformity.

PURPOSE: The clinical and radiological results of adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients with a severe lumbar sagittal deformity undergoing multilevel lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) + posterior spinal fusion (PSF) were compared to patients undergoing three-column osteotomy (3CO). METHODS: We defined severe lumbar sagittal deformity as fulcrum backward bending (FBB) pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) ≧ 20 degrees. A total of twenty-five patients with an ASD were enrolled between 2013 and 2018. Fifteen patients were in the LLIF + PSF group, and ten patients were in the 3CO group. We evaluated patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and radiographic parameters such as the Cobb angle and spinopelvic parameters from standing X-ray films in each group. RESULTS: The LLIF + PSF group had a significantly shorter follow-up time than the 3CO group. Postoperatively, the LLIF + PSF group had significantly lower PI-LL and a shorter sagittal vertical axis than the 3CO group. Postoperative PI-LL changes in the LLIF + PSF group were significantly smaller than those in the 3CO group. There were no differences in other patient demographics, radiographic parameters, or clinical outcomes between the groups. CONCLUSION: Multilevel LLIF + PSF improved the PI-LL and SVA more than did 3CO for ASD patients with severe lumbar sagittal deformity. This indicated that the multilevel LLIF with open PSF can provide good clinical outcomes even in cases with severe lumbar sagittal deformity such as large FBB PI-LL in which 3CO techniques usually are needed.

Clinical application of intraoperative O-arm navigation in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Inaccurate fixation and positioning of the glenoid component using conventional techniques are problematic in reversed shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Our objective was to investigate the accuracy of O-arm navigation of the glenoid component in RSA. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study comprised 2 groups of 25 patients who underwent reversed shoulder arthroplasty with or without intraoperative O-arm navigation. The intraoperative goal was to place the component neutrally in the glenoid in the axial plane and 10° inferiorly tilted in the scapular plane. Glenoid version angle and inclination were measured by computed tomography obtained preoperatively and a year postoperatively. Operative time, intraoperative bleeding, and the presence of postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Compared with the ideal, the range of error for version was 7.3° (SD 3.6°) in the control group and 5.6° (SD 3.6°) in the navigated group (P = 0.278), and the range of error for inclination was 18.3° (SD 11.7°) in the control group and 4.9° (SD 3.8°) in the navigated group (P = 0.0004). The mean operative time was 164.6 (SD 21.2) min in the control group and 192.0 (SD 16.2) min in the navigated group (P = 0.001). The mean intraoperative bleeding was 201.0 (SD 37.0) mL in the control group and 185.3 (SD 35.6) mL in the navigated group (P = 0.300). There were no complications reported related to the intraoperative O-arm navigation. CONCLUSION: O-arm navigation may be a useful tool for the placement with inferior tilt of the glenoid procedure in reversed shoulder arthroplasty.

Patients majoring in a healthcare field after scoliosis surgery: Comparison with the national census in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Although scoliosis surgery early in life may affect the career choice of the patient in favor of a healthcare field, no study has analyzed this relationship. We investigated the career paths of patients after scoliosis surgery. METHODS: A total of 212 patients with scoliosis who underwent corrective surgery at 12-17 years of age were mailed a questionnaire, of whom 98 (mean age at survey: 21.0 ± 1.7, years) responded. Choice of study major was determined by the same questions used in the Japanese national census. RESULTS: Of the 98 patients, 35% chose a career in healthcare compared with 11% of the general population of the same age, based on the national census. Healthcare was the most popular career choice of patients, whereas it ranked fourth according to the national census. Furthermore, 87% of patients reported that their decision to pursue a healthcare-related career was affected by their own medical experiences. Among the healthcare-related occupations, nursing ranked first, accounting for 35% of all healthcare professions chosen by the patients. Compared with patients who chose a non-healthcare career, those choosing a healthcare career decided on their study major at a significantly lower age. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of patients with scoliosis who underwent spine surgery chose a career in a healthcare field. Furthermore, an earlier age at the time of making a career decision was a significant factor associated with choosing a healthcare career. These findings suggest that the patients' experiences in the hospital positively affected their future career paths.

Efficacy of foot orthoses as nonoperative treatment for hallux valgus: A 2-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to clarify the 2-year clinical and radiological outcomes of nonoperative treatment using foot orthosis for hallux valgus patients. METHODS: Patients who underwent nonoperative treatment using foot orthosis were surveyed prospectively. Foot orthoses were made by one certified orthotist using the standardized method. Pain and quality of life were evaluated using subjective and objective assessment measures at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Furthermore, radiological outcomes, patient satisfaction, and adherence to treatment were surveyed. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients (50 women and 3 men; median age, 63 years) were included for analysis. The pain visual analogue scale score significantly decreased over time, with the lowest score observed at 12 months. The treatment effect was maintained over 24 months (median score, 52, 21, and 27 points at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months, respectively; P < .001). The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot hallux scale, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle Scale, and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey bodily pain subscale also improved, although the treatment effects were maximal at 6 months and decreased thereafter. At 24 months, 43 (81%) patients continued to use the orthosis, with the median visual analogue scale score for patient satisfaction of 76 points. The hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle did not change during the 24-month period. CONCLUSION: Nonoperative treatment using foot orthoses decreased pain in patients with hallux valgus. The effect of treatment was maintained up to 2 years with a relatively high degree of patient satisfaction. However, treating physicians should inform patients to set realistic expectations and be aware that a limited degree of pain reduction is expected.

Accuracy of powered surgical instruments compared with manual instruments for pedicle screw insertion: Evaluation using o-arm-based navigation in scoliosis surgery.

BACKGROUND: Though powered surgical instruments for pedicle screw insertion combined with navigation have been developed to reduce time taken for spine surgery, clinical evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of powered surgical instruments is limited. The goals of the present study were to compare the accuracy of powered instruments and manual instruments using O-arm-based navigation in surgery for scoliosis. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 60 consecutive patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior corrective surgery using O-arm based navigation, collected from Jun 2013 to Feb 2015. Overall, 393 screws were tapped and inserted in 30 patients using manual instruments (group M) and 547 screws were tapped and inserted in 30 patients using powered instruments (group P). Postoperative computed tomography was used to assess screw accuracy using the established Neo classification (Grade 0, no perforation; Grade 1, perforation <2 mm, Grade 2: perforation ≥2 and <4 mm, Grade 3: perforation ≥4 mm). The time to position one screw, including registration, was calculated. RESULTS: In group M, 331 (84%) of the 393 pedicle screw placements were categorized as Grade 0, 49 (13%) were Grade 1, 13 (3.3%) were Grade 2, and 0 were Grade 3. In group P, 459 (84%) of the 547 pedicle screw placements were categorized as Grade 0, 75 (14%) were Grade 1, 13 (2.4%) were Grade 2, and 0 were Grade 3. We found no significant difference in the prevalence of Grade 2-3 perforations between groups. The time to insert one pedicle screw was 5.4 ± 1.4 min in group M, but significantly decreased to 3.4 ± 1.2 min in group P. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that powered instruments using O-arm navigation insert pedicle screws as accurately as conventional manual instruments using O-arm navigation. The use of powered instruments requires less time in O-arm surgery for scoliosis.

Effect of inhibiting MMP13 and ADAMTS5 by intra-articular injection of small interfering RNA in a surgically induced osteoarthritis model of mice.

Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS5) are thought to play critical roles in cartilage degradation at the early phase of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study is to examine the effect of chemically modified Mmp13 or Adamts5 small interfering RNA (siRNA), alone or in combination, in a mouse OA model. OA pathology was surgically induced in 9-week-old male C57/BL6 mice (n = 64) via destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). We used chemically modified siRNA (Accell siRNAs®) for Mmp13 and Adamts5, as well as a non-targeting control and evaluated their combined and individual effects after injection in the DMM model. The control group (n = 16) was injected with non-targeting siRNA and the normal group (n = 16) did not undergo any surgical induction or intra-articular injection. Histological assessment of the articular cartilage was conducted at 4 and 8 weeks post-DMM surgery to evaluate OA progression. Significant improvement in the histological score was observed at 8 weeks after DMM in all three siRNA-treated groups compared to the control siRNA-injected group. The score of the combined group was significantly lower than that of the Adamts5 siRNA-only group. No significant differences were noted between the Mmp13 siRNA-only group and the combined group. Combined intra-articular injection of Mmp13 and Adamts5 siRNA resulted in almost the same inhibitory effects as Mmp13 siRNA alone on cartilage degradation at the early phase of OA.

Identification of genes required for the spontaneous repair of partial-thickness cartilage defects in immature rats.

PURPOSE: Our previous study showed that partial-thickness articular cartilage defects (PTCDs) created in immature rats spontaneously healed to resemble normal hyaline cartilage, but that of mature rats did not. To identify molecules involved in the spontaneous cartilage repair observed in this model, gene expression was compared between PTCD and sham-operated cartilage of immature and mature rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six sets of gene comparisons were made at 12, 24, and 48 hours after the creation of PTCDs in immature and mature rats using microarrays. All the genes upregulated in immature cartilage at 12 hours were selected for further analysis if their expression pattern was not irregular such that diminished at 24 hours and re-upregulated at 48 hours. Relationships among genes selected through the above steps were analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. After deriving networks, important molecules were further narrowed down by location within a network. Genes were regarded as central if they had relationships with more than 10 molecules in a network. Protein localization in tissues was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Five networks were identified. Their functional annotations were gene expression, cell cycle, growth and proliferation, and cell signaling. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) was centrally located in the network with the highest IPA score and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog-3 (Smad3) were centrally located in the second highest ranking network. Phosphorylated Smad3 was detected in the nuclei of chondrocytes in immature cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest the possible importance of Smad3 in the TGF-ß signaling in the spontaneous healing of PTCDs in immature rats.

Quantitative Assessment of Tendon Healing by Using MR T2 Mapping in a Rabbit Achilles Tendon Transection Model Treated with Platelet-rich Plasma.

PURPOSE: To determine if magnetic resonance (MR) imaging T2 mapping can be used to quantify histologic tendon healing by using a rabbit Achilles tendon transection model treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. The Achilles tendons of 24 New Zealand white rabbits (48 limbs) were surgically transected, and PRP (in the test group) or saline (in the control group) was injected into the transection site. The rabbits were sacrificed 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Thereafter, T2 mapping and histologic evaluations were performed by using the Bonar scale. A mixed-model multivariate analysis of variance was used to test the effects of time and PRP treatment on the T2 value and Bonar grade, respectively. The correlation between the T2 value and Bonar grade was also assessed by using the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The Bonar scale values decreased in both groups during tendon healing. The T2 value also shortened over time (P < .001 for both groups). The T2 values were positively correlated with the Bonar grade (ρ = 0.78, P < .001). Both the T2 value and Bonar scale value were lower in the PRP group than in the control group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks; however, there was no significant effect of PRP treatment on the T2 value or Bonar grade. CONCLUSION: The T2 value changes reflected histologic tendon healing. While T2 and Bonar grade were lower at all time points in tendons treated with PRP, there was no significant difference between the treatment and control tendons.

Spontaneous repair of partial thickness linear cartilage injuries in immature rats.

Partial thickness articular cartilage injuries (PTCIs) were not previously thought to heal spontaneously. Immature rats have the capacity for spontaneous repair of PTCIs, although it is a long-term process. Our aim has been to examine the spontaneous repair response mechanism in immature rats. Single linear PTCIs were created in 3-week-old and 12-week-old rats in the direction of joint motion. On day 1 and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after PTCI, evaluations of histological changes and immunohistology at the injury site and in the surrounding cartilage were performed. Anti-CD105 and anti-CD166 antibodies (as stem cell markers to identify mesenchymal stem cells in reparative cartilage tissue) were used for immunohistological evaluations. To determine whether endogenous repair ability existed in articular cartilage, an ex vivo experiment was also carried out. Femoral condyles with PTCIs were incubated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum for 1 day and for 1 and 2 weeks. Histological changes were subsequently examined. Immature cartilage showed a higher repair response than did mature cartilage, and the response occurred immediately after PTCI. In immature rats, CD105- and CD166-positive cells were found in the superficial and transitional zones of the articular cartilage. Few CD166-positive cells were identified in mature articular cartilage. No significant in vivo differences in the spontaneous repair responses to PTCIs were observed between mature and immature groups. Thus, the repair response to PTCIs seems to be associated not only with CD105- and CD166-positive cells, but also with other perichondral factors.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategy for Proximal Junctional Kyphosis in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is an acute complication of adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery and may require re-operation because of proximal junctional failure (PJF). PJK causes and prevention strategies remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the differences in the backgrounds of patients with PJK, compared to those without PJK, in ASD surgery. METHODS: We included data from 86 patients who underwent ASD surgery between 2012 and 2018. There were 40 patients (46.5%) with PJK; 46 patients did not have PJK until the last follow-up. We evaluated patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and radiographic parameters, such as Cobb angle and spinopelvic parameters on standing X-ray films, in each group. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in patient demographics, clinical outcomes, or preoperative radiographic parameters. Postoperative pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) and pelvic tilt (PT) were significantly lower in the PJK group, and thoracic kyphosis (TK) was higher. The cutoff values were 34.5° for TK, 0.5° for PI-LL, and 15.5° for PT. Other radiographic parameters were not significantly different. PJF developed in seven patients (17.5%) in the PJK group. PJF patients had significantly older age, higher postoperative TK, higher postoperative proximal junctional Cobb angle (PJA), more changes between pre- and postoperative PJA, and lower satisfaction scores on the Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire (SRS-22 satisfaction) than non-PJF patients in the PJK group. CONCLUSIONS: One risk factor for PJK was lower postoperative PI-LL that was 0° or less. In ASD surgery, the most critical factor in a PJK prevention strategy is to obtain a postoperative LL adjusted by PI, which is >0°.

Trans-web approach for fixation of avulsion fractures of the proximal phalangeal base: report of two cases.

Although displaced fractures of the lateral aspect of the base of the proximal phalanx can be treated surgically, previously described approaches to the fracture are not necessarily easily performed. We describe a trans-web approach to the metacarpophalangeal joint and report 2 clinical cases. This technique allows the fracture fragments to be reduced and fixed with minimal risk of damage to the adjacent structures.

Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fracture Using an Adjustable-Length Loop Device.

A displaced avulsion fracture at the tibial attachment of the posterior cruciate ligament is considered an indication for surgical reduction and internal fixation because nonunion and remaining posterior instability of the knee are common consequences of conservative treatment. The problems with standard open surgical techniques are that they are relatively invasive despite the limited operative field and it is impossible to explore intra-articular lesions by the posterior approach. An arthroscopic procedure has the advantage of being minimally invasive and allowing the surgeon to detect and treat associated intra-articular injuries. We present an arthroscopic reduction-internal fixation technique using an adjustable-length loop device. A trans-septal portal is created to visualize the fracture fragment directly, and the fragment is reduced and penetrated with a cannulated drill under fluoroscopic guidance. An adjustable-length loop device is relayed from the posteromedial portal and pulled out through the fragment in an anterograde fashion, placing a button on top of the fragment. By tightening the loop, downward compression can be applied to the fragment. Overall, this technique provides good reduction and bone union, and excellent clinical outcomes, including posterior knee stability, can be achieved.

Risk Factors for Loosening of S2 Alar Iliac Screw: Surgical Outcomes of Adult Spinal Deformity.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To determine the risk factors for S2 alar iliac (S2AI) screw loosening and its association with lumbosacral fusion in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: S2AI screws have been widely used for ASD surgery in recent years. However, no studies have analyzed the risk factors for loosening of S2AI screws and its association with lumbosacral fusion. METHODS: Cases of 50 patients with ASD who underwent long spinal fusion (>9 levels) with S2AI screws were retrospectively reviewed. Loosening of S2AI screws and S1 pedicle screws and bone fusion at the level of L5-S1 at 2 years after surgery were investigated using computed tomography. In addition, risk factors for loosening of S2AI screws were determined in patients with ASD. RESULTS: At 2 years after surgery, 33 cases (66%) of S2AI screw loosening and six cases (12%) of S1 pedicle screw loosening were observed. In 40 of 47 cases (85%), bone fusion at L5-S1 was found. Pseudarthrosis at L5-S1 was not significantly associated with S2AI screw loosening (19.3% vs. 6.3%, p=0.23), but significantly higher in patients with S1 screw loosening (83.3% vs. 4.9%, p<0.001). On multivariate logistic regression analyses, high upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) level (T5 or above) (odds ratio [OR], 4.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-18.6; p=0.045) and obesity (OR, 11.4; 95% CI, 1.2-107.2; p=0.033) were independent risk factors for S2AI screw loosening. CONCLUSIONS: High UIV level (T5 or above) and obesity were independent risk factors for S2AI screw loosening in patients with lumbosacral fixation in surgery for ASD. The incidence of lumbosacral fusion is associated with S1 screw loosening, but not S2AI screw loosening.

Chronic recurrent dislocation of the distal interphalangeal joint of the finger: case report.

We present a case of chronic, recurrent dislocation of the distal interphalangeal joint of the little finger after traumatic dislocation. Intraoperative findings showed complete avulsion of the volar plate from the base of the distal phalanx and laxity of the ulnar collateral ligament. The volar plate was reattached by the suture anchor technique and reinforced by the ulnar half of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon.

Comparative Analysis of Gene Expression between Cartilage and Menisci in Early-Phase Osteoarthritis of the Knee-An Animal Model Study.

Cartilage degeneration is believed to be the primary event in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). On the other hand, meniscal degeneration is observed with high prevalence, and some researchers have pointed out that pathological changes in menisci precede that of cartilage. The purpose of the present study is to investigate comprehensive gene expression pattern of cartilage and menisci in the initial phase of surgically induced OA and to compare them. Secondary OA was surgically induced in 10-week-old male Wistar rats by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Articular cartilage and menisci were separately dissected from six ACLT- and six sham-operated rats. Each specimen was analyzed by microarray, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis 3 weeks after surgery. Of the 36,685 transcripts detectable by microarray, the number of upregulated transcripts in ACLT menisci was >2.5-fold compared with that in ACLT menisci in any given threshold. Cluster analysis using the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) showed genes related to OA, such as response to stimulus, angiogenesis, and apoptosis, which were predominantly found in menisci in ACLT rats. Representative proteases including Adamts2, 4, Mmp2, 12, 13, 14, 16, extracellular matrix genes including versican (Vcan), lumican (Lum), syndecan1 (Sdc1), and Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase2 (Ptgs2) were up-regulated in menisci, but were not up-regulated in cartilage. Our results indicated that the molecular changes that occurred in menisci preceded those occurred in cartilage in the very early phase of surgically induced OA models.

Quality of Life in Patients With Untreated and Symptomatic Hallux Valgus.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were to compare the quality of life (QOL) of subjects who had untreated symptomatic hallux valgus with the QOL of the general population and to investigate factors associated with the QOL of the subjects. METHODS: One hundred sixteen subjects with previously untreated and symptomatic hallux valgus were surveyed. QOL was assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Additionally, clinical evaluations (the visual analog scale for pain, Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot Scale, lesser toe pain, and pain in other parts of the body) and radiographic evaluations (hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals, and dislocation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint) were performed. Differences in the SF-36 between the subjects and the general population were tested using independent t tests. Correlations between the QOL measurements, clinical evaluations, and radiographic evaluations were assessed using Spearman rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: All SF-36 subscales and physical component summary scores for the subjects were significantly lower than those of the general population. Notably, the standardized physical function subscale (38.2 ± 15.8, P < .001) and physical component summary scores (38.9 ± 14.5, P < .001) were more than 10 points lower than those of the general population. Most QOL and clinical evaluation parameters were not correlated or were negligibly correlated with radiographic evaluations. Similarly, lesser toe pain or pain in other parts of the body was not correlated with QOL or clinical evaluations. CONCLUSION: The QOL of untreated and symptomatic hallux valgus subjects was lower than that of the general population. All QOL and clinical evaluation parameters were not significantly or negligibly correlated with the severity of toe deformities. Surgical decision making should not be based on the severity of the deformity alone, but rather patient QOL should also be carefully assessed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative series.

Mechanical overloading causes mitochondrial superoxide and SOD2 imbalance in chondrocytes resulting in cartilage degeneration.

Mechanical stress and aging are major risk factors of cartilage degeneration. Human studies have previously reported that oxidative damage increased, while SOD2 protein was reciprocally downregulated in osteoarthritic degenerated cartilage. However, it remains unclear whether mitochondrial superoxide imbalance in chondrocytes causes cartilage degeneration. We herein demonstrate that mechanical loading promoted mitochondrial superoxide generation and selective Sod2 downregulation in chondrocytes in vivo and that mitochondrial superoxide inducer also downregulated Sod2 expression in chondrocytes in vitro. A genetically manipulated model revealed that Sod2 deficiency in chondrocytes also resulted in mitochondrial superoxide overproduction and dysfunction, thus leading to cartilage degeneration. Intra-articular injection of a permeable antioxidant effectively suppressed the mechanical loading-induced mitochondrial superoxide generation and cartilage degeneration in mice. Our findings demonstrate that mitochondrial superoxide plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis, and the mitochondrial superoxide balance may therefore be a promising target for the treatment of cartilage degeneration.

Accuracy of high-resolution ultrasound in the detection of meniscal tears and determination of the visible area of menisci.

BACKGROUND: Imaging is of great importance in diagnosing meniscal tears. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of high-resolution ultrasound in the diagnosis of meniscal tears, with arthroscopic examination as the standard reference, after resolution was confirmed with a target-mounted reference phantom. An additional goal was to elucidate the area of the meniscus that could be visualized with the same ultrasound machine after placement of markers into the menisci of cadaveric knees. METHODS: Seventy patients were included for the assessment of the accuracy of a high-resolution ultrasound machine with a 14.0 to 6.0-MHz linear transducer. The preoperative ultrasound diagnosis, in terms of the presence and type of tear, was compared with that in the surgical reports. In the cadaveric studies, nine needles were placed in the peripheral zone of the menisci at regular intervals and the number of needles that could be observed with the system was recorded. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of ultrasound examination for meniscal tears were 88%, 85%, 85%, and 88%, respectively. These statistical parameters did not differ significantly between the medial and lateral menisci. The sensitivity for diagnosing horizontal, vertical, radial, flap, bucket-handle, and complex tears and for detecting discoid lateral menisci was 83%, 64%, 0%, 64%, 54%, 90%, and 80%, respectively. Ten percent of the lateral menisci could not be evaluated because of poor images. The cadaveric studies revealed that the ultrasound visualized the entire meniscus except for the anterior horn. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that ultrasound examination may be suitable for screening for meniscal tears. The fact that almost 10% of the lateral menisci could not be evaluated because of poor images appears to be a weakness of ultrasound.

Effective knock down of matrix metalloproteinase-13 by an intra-articular injection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in a murine surgically-induced osteoarthritis model.

This study investigated the effect of MMP-13 gene knock down on cartilage degradation by injecting small interfering RNA (siRNA) into knee joints in a mouse model of osteoarthritis (OA). OA was induced in male C57BL/6 mice by destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. Change of Mmp13 expression over time was determined by qPCR analysis from 3 days to 6 weeks after surgery. Mmp13 and control chemically modified siRNA were injected into the knee joint 1 week after surgery and expression levels were assessed in synovium by qPCR 48 h later. Cartilage degradation was histologically assessed 8 weeks after DMM surgery according to OARSI recommendations. Mmp13 expression levels were elevated 1 week after surgery and peaked at 77 fold at 2 weeks compared to expression at 3 days. A 55% decrease of Mmp13 levels in cartilage was observed 48 h after injection of Mmp13 siRNA (p = 0.05). Significant reduction in the histological score at 8 weeks after surgery was observed in the Mmp13 siRNA-treated group compared to the control siRNA group (p < 0.001). Intra-articular injection of Mmp13 siRNA at the early phase of OA development resulted in effective knock down of Mmp13 expression and delay in cartilage degradation in vivo.