Correction to: Optimized THP-1 differentiation is required for the detection of responses to weak stimuli.

After the publication of our article [1] we were made aware that in Fig. 2D the images for PMA 2.5 ng/ml and PMA 25 ng/ml are identical.

Mid-term outcomes and complications of total knee arthroplasty in haemophilic arthropathy: A review of consecutive 131 knees between 2006 and 2015 in a single institute.

INTRODUCTION: Although total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in haemophilic arthropathy can reduce severe joint pain and improve functional disability, it is technically demanding. AIM: To evaluate mid-term outcomes and complications of TKA in haemophilic arthropathy. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed 131 consecutive primary TKAs in a single institute. The mean age was 41.0 years old, and the mean follow-up period was 6.8 years. Clinical and radiographic results were evaluated. Complications were categorized according to the classification system of the Knee Society for TKA complications. RESULTS: The average Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score improved from 66.0 to 24.2. The average flexion contracture significantly decreased from 17.3° to 4.7°, but the average pre- and postoperative maximum flexion did not differ (80.9° vs 85.6°, respectively). The average mechanical axis was varus 5.2° preoperatively and valgus 0.3° postoperatively. The coronal positions of the femoral and tibial components and the sagittal positions of these components were within ±3° in 83.2%, 89.3%, 63.4% and 73.3% of cases, respectively. Complications occurred in 17 knees (13.0%): hemarthrosis (n = 7), medial collateral ligament injury (n = 1), stiffness (n = 2), deep periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (n = 3) and periprosthetic fracture (n = 4). CONCLUSIONS: The mid-term results of TKA in haemophilic arthropathy were satisfactory in pain relief, improved function and decreased flexion contracture. Bleeding and PJI continue to be major concerns for TKA in haemophilic arthropathy, and risk of periprosthetic fracture must be taken into account for patient education and appropriate prevention.

Cementless total hip arthroplasty for haemophilic arthropathy: follow-up result of more than 10 years.

The improvement of prophylaxis and adequate replacement of clotting factors, the quality of life and natural history of haemophilia have been significantly improved. However, significant functional impairment is inevitable. This study was performed to evaluate over 10 years clinical and radiographic outcomes of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) for treatment of haemophilic hip arthropathy. Between 1995 and 2003, 27 cases of cementless total hip arthroplasties were performed in 23 haemophilic patients. A total of 21 cases from 17 patients were available for follow-up analysis over 10 years. Modified Harris hip score, the range of motion of the hip joint, perioperative coagulation factor requirements and complications associated with bleeding were evaluated as part of the clinical assessment. For the radiographic assessment, fixation of component, osteolysis, loosening and other complications were evaluated. Clinically, the mean Harris hip score improved from 57 points before the operation to 94 points at the last follow-up. The mean flexion contracture was 10° preoperatively and 0.9° at the final follow-up. The further flexion improved from 68.4° to 90.5° after surgery. The mean monthly requirement of factor VIII reduced from 3150 units before surgery to 1800 units at the time of the last follow-up. There were three cases of rebleeding. In one case, a progressive haemophilic pseudotumour was found. Reoperation for any reason including revision was performed in three cases. We believe that cementless THA in patient with haemophilic hip arthropathy can bring reliable pain relief and functional improvement for longer than 10 years.

Radioisotope synoviorthesis with Holmium-166-chitosan complex in haemophilic arthropathy.

Radiosynoviorthesis is a safe and easy method for synovectomy in haemophilic arthropathy. Various agents have been used in radiosynoviorthesis, especially newly developed agent Holmium-166-chitosan complex has good clinical outcome. This study analysed clinical results and radiologic evaluation of radioisotope synoviorthesis using Holmium-166-chitosan complex in haemophilic arthropathy. From March 2001 to December 2003, 58 radiosynoviorthesis were performed in 53 haemophiliacs. The average age at procedure was 13.8 years. The Arnold and Hilgartner stage of the patients was from I to IV. Holmium-166-chitosan complex was injected in 31 ankle joints, 19 elbow joints and 8 knee joints. Average follow-up was 33 months since primary procedure. The range of motion of each joint, frequency of intra-articular bleeding and factor dose used were analysed for clinical assessment. There was no significant improvement of range of motion in affected joints. After procedure, the average frequency of bleeding of the elbow joint has decreased from 3.76 to 0.47 times per month, the knee joint from 5.87 to 1.12 times per month, and the ankle joint from 3.62 to 0.73 times per month respectively (P < 0.05). After treatment, the average coagulation factor dose injected was significantly decreased to 779.3 units per month from 2814.8 units per month before treatment (P < 0.001). Radioisotope synoviorthesis with Holmium-166-chitosan complex in haemophilic arthropathy is a very safe and simple procedure with the expectation of a satisfactory outcome without serious complication. It has excellent bleeding control effect on target joint and the need for substitution of coagulation factor concentrate can be reduced.

The outcome of cementless total hip arthroplasty in haemophilic hip arthropathy.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in haemophilic arthropathy is reported to be less successful than in non-haemophilic indications. Although preliminary results are encouraging, the survival and functional outcome of cementless THA in haemophilia are not known. The aim of this study was to analyse mid-term results of cementless THA in haemophilia. Twenty-seven consecutive cementless THAs with 23 patients performed between June 1995 and June 2003 were reviewed. Mean age at time of operation was 36 years and mean follow-up period was 92 months (range, 60-156). Radiographic assessment was done for fixation of components, loosening, osteolysis, wear and bone responses around the implants. The factor requirements, amount of transfusion and complications associated with bleeding were studied. The mean preoperative Harris hip score changed from 57 to 95.9 at the latest follow-up. The survival at mean follow-up was 95.2%. One patient with osteolysis around acetabular cup was re-operated with bone-grafting and change of polyethylene liner. One loose cup was revised with a cemented cup. All other components were deemed stable at the latest follow-up. A standardized management protocol and dedicated team approach comprising of haematologist, physicians, physical therapist, nurses and coordinators is needed for excellent results. The present retrospective study shows that the functional results of cementless THA in haemophilia are satisfactory as it happens in osteoarthritic patients according to the current literature, mainly the younger. Thus, taking into account that the majority of haemophilia patients requiring a THA are relatively young, cementless THA is currently recommended.

Circumferential osteotomy of the medial acetabular wall in total hip replacement for the late sequelae of childhood septic arthritis of the hip.

We performed 52 total hip replacements in 52 patients using a cementless acetabular component combined with a circumferential osteotomy of the medial acetabular wall for the late sequelae of childhood septic arthritis of the hip. The mean age of the patients at operation was 44.5 years (22 to 66) and the mean follow-up was 7.8 years (5 to 11.8). The mean improvement in the Harris Hip Score was 29.6 points (19 to 51) at final follow-up. The mean cover of the acetabular component was 98.5% (87.8% to 100%). The medial acetabular wall was preserved with a mean thickness of 8.3 mm (1.7 to 17.4) and the mean length of abductor lever arm increased from 43.4 mm (19.1 to 62) to 54.2 mm (36.5 to 68.6). One acetabular component was revised for loosening and osteolysis 4.5 years postoperatively, and one had radiolucent lines in all acetabular zones at final review. Kaplan-Meier survival was 94.2% (95% confidence interval 85.8% to 100%) at 7.3 years, with revision or radiological loosening as an end-point when two hips were at risk. A cementless acetabular component combined with circumferential medial acetabular wall osteotomy provides favourable results for acetabular reconstruction in patients who present with late sequelae of childhood septic hip arthritis.

Epidemiology of venous thromboembolism in Asian patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery without thromboprophylaxis. The SMART study.

BACKGROUND: In Asian patients undergoing surgery, the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is thought to be low relative to Western patients, and the routine use of thromboprophylaxis is controversial. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to study the epidemiology of VTE in Asian patients undergoing orthopedic surgery without thromboprophylaxis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study of a cohort of consecutive Asian patients hospitalized for total hip or knee replacement or hip fracture surgery without thromboprophylaxis. The primary study outcome was the incidence of the composite of symptomatic VTE or sudden death at hospital discharge. This outcome was also assessed at 1 month's follow-up. RESULTS: Between April 2001 and July 2002, 2420 patients were enrolled. Median age was 68 years and the median duration of hospital stay was 13 days. The rate of symptomatic VTE or sudden death as notified by investigators was 2.3%[55 patients, 99% confidence interval (CI) 1.6, 3.2] and 1.2% (28 patients, 99% CI 0.7, 1.8) after adjudication by an independent committee. Chronic heart failure, varicose veins and a history of VTE were independent risk factors (P < 0.05) for the occurrence of the primary endpoint. At 1 month's follow-up, the incidence of adjudicated symptomatic VTE or sudden death was 1.5% (35/2264 patients). CONCLUSION: In Asian patients, the incidence of symptomatic VTE after major orthopedic surgery is not low, consistent with the rates observed in Western countries. The use of thromboprophylaxis should be considered in Asian patients undergoing such high-risk surgical procedures.

NSAID-induced gastrointestinal damage. Epidemiology, risk and prevention, with an evaluation of the role of misoprostol. An Asia-Pacific perspective and consensus.

The problem of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastrointestinal toxicity was reviewed by members of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) in a consensus conference in September 1992. This paper by the participants presents the consensus conclusions incorporating knowledge from recent publications. There had been a high level of concern that much of the toxicity had resulted from extensive and indiscriminate prescribing of NSAIDs. The implementation of evidence-based guidelines was considered likely to be able to effect a substantial reduction in toxicity without significant loss of overall therapeutic benefit. The evidence from which such guidelines could be developed is critically appraised.

13C-NMR of ribosyl A-A-A, A-A-G, and A-U-G. Synthesis and assignment.

The three RNA trinucleotides; ApApA, ApApG, and ApUpG, have been synthesized in sufficient quantity to obtain natural abundance 13C(1H)-NMR spectra at strand concentrations between 4 and 100 mM. Comparisons between 70 degrees C spectra of the three trimers and their consistuent dimers ApA, ApG, ApU, and UpG allow secure assignments to be made for most of the resonances. This paper describes the syntheses and 13C assignments of the oligomers.

Ameloblastoma: clinical features and management of 21 cases.

A retrospective study of 21 patients with ameloblastoma, operated in Tikur Anbessa Hospital between September 1990 to August 1997, is reported. There were 14 male and 7 female patients. The mean age at diagnosis was 26 years. There were three paediatric patients aged 6,9 and 12 years. The average duration of illness was 4 years with a wide range of 3 months to 12 years. Complete medical record was recovered for 9 patients. Clinical features were pain on chewing in 7 out of 9 (78%) and mandibular swelling in 5 out of 9 (56%) of which there was ulceration with bloody and/or purulent discharge. Diagnosis was made by clinical presentation, x-ray of the mandible and fine needle aspiration cytology. Two patients had malignant ameloblastoma as confirmed by excisional biopsy. All patients were managed surgically. Of nine patients whose clinical records could be retrieved, five had hemimandibulectomy, two had segmental resection and two had local resection and curettage. Recurrences were seen in two patients. Post-operative stay was complicated by infection and salivary fistula in 55%; these patients were discharged after 29.6 days as compared to 14 days in those that were not complicated. One patient with malignant tumor needed tracheostomy and intensive care for one week. There were no deaths. Ameloblastoma is predominantly a benign disabling but curable disease. Radical excision is recommended to avoid recurrence.

Survey of burn admissions to the Ethio-Swedish Children's Hospital.

A retrospective analysis of burn accidents seen in Ethio-Swedish Children's Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia over 10 years from January 1978 to December 1987 is presented. A total of 347 cases were seen, accounting for 1.73% of all hospital admissions during the period studied. One hundred eighty-six (53.9%) were males. Scald was the commonest cause, 212 patients (61.1%). Second degree burns involving the extremities were the most frequent. Forty (11.5%) of the patients died. Increased mortality was seen in males with deep third degree burns, shock, a low total protein (less than 6 g%), extensive burns, and burns involving sites other than the extremities. Preventive measures such as educational programmes in schools and on the mass media, together with implementation of legislation to minimize the hazard, are recommended.

Analysis of surgical admissions to the Ethio-Swedish Children's Hospital (1984-1988) in Addis Ababa.

Surgical problems in children result in significant morbidity and mortality. A retrospective analysis of all surgical patients admitted to the Ethio-Swedish Children's Hospital (ESCH) over a five year period from 1984 to 1988 was made. There were a total of 2,281 surgical patients admitted, accounting for 22% of all hospital admissions (total = 10,364). The gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems were the most common systems involved. Acute appendicitis accounted for 13.9% (N = 318), cleft-lip and palate 8% (N = 183), and burns 6.9% (N = 157) of all surgical admissions. Accidents and trauma accounted for 25% of the surgical admissions (N = 564). Of these, the most common conditions were burns, car accidents, accidental falls, and foreign body aspirations. The over all mortality rate was 4% (N = 98). Acute appendicitis, intussusception, acute laryngotracheobronchitis (ALTB), and burns were associated with a high mortality. Of the neonatal admissions, one third died shortly after surgery, probably due to anaesthetic, fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Examination of the general pattern of surgical admissions revealed that many of the conditions were preventable, or amenable to medical therapy if detected early. Health education of the public is therefore necessary in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality of these conditions.

Peri-acetabular rotational osteotomy with concomitant hip arthroscopy for treatment of hip dysplasia.

Reconstructive acetabular osteotomy is a well established and effective procedure in the treatment of acetabular dysplasia. However, the dysplasia is frequently accompanied by intra-articular pathology such as labral tears. We intended to determine whether a concomitant hip arthroscopy with peri-acetabular rotational osteotomy could identify and treat intra-articular pathology associated with dysplasia and thereby produce a favourable outcome. We prospectively evaluated 43 consecutive hips treated by combined arthroscopy and acetabular osteotomy. Intra-operative arthroscopic examination revealed labral lesions in 38 hips. At a mean follow-up of 74 months (60 to 97) the mean Harris hip score improved from 72.4 to 94.0 (p < 0.001), as did all the radiological parameters (p < 0.001). Complications included penetration of the joint by the osteotome in one patient, a fracture of the posterior column in another and deep-vein thrombosis in one further patient. This combined surgical treatment gave good results in the medium term. We suggest that arthroscopy of the hip can be performed in conjunction with peri-acetabular osteotomy to provide good results in patients with symptomatic dysplasia of the hip, and the arthroscopic treatment of intra-articular pathology may alter the progression of osteoarthritis.

Optimized THP-1 differentiation is required for the detection of responses to weak stimuli.

OBJECTIVES: The differentiation of THP-1 monocytes into macrophages is mainly conducted at a phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) concentration of 10-400 ng/ml. However, this concentration might be high enough to upregulate the expressions of some genes in differentiated macrophages, which could overwhelm gene expression increases induced by other stimuli. The present study was performed to optimize the PMA concentration required to differentiate monocytes whilst minimizing gene upregulation. METHODS: THP-1 cells were treated with 2.5-100 ng/ml PMA and analyzed for the extent of cell adherence, the surface marker of macrophages, and stable differentiation without undesirable gene upregulation. The stably differentiated THP-1 cells at the minimum PMA concentration were treated with 10 ng/ml LPS or 125 nM amyloid beta (Abeta(1-42)). RESULTS: The treatment of THP-1 with 5 ng/ml PMA was found to be sufficient to induce stable differentiation without undesirable gene upregulation. These macrophages differentiated at 5 ng/ml responded well to secondary weak stimuli like 10 ng/ml LPS or 125 nM of amyloid beta (Abeta(1-42)). CONCLUSIONS: This finding suggests that THP-1 cells are well differentiated by 5 ng/ml PMA, and that the resulting differentiated macrophages respond well to secondary weak stimuli without being overwhelmed by undesirable gene upregulation induced by PMA.

Free vascularized fibula grafting for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

A variety of joint-preserving operations have been devised to preserve the necrotic femoral head with varying success. Since 1979, the authors studied the effectiveness of vascularized fibula grafting in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) for joint preservation. Eighty-one of 121 hips with a minimum follow-up period ranged from three years to ten years eight months (mean, five years two months). All patients were evaluated clinically and roentgenographically on the basis of the causes and the stages of the disease. In the clinical assessment, 60 (74%) of 81 hips were rated excellent, 14 (17%) were rated good, six (7%) were rated fair, and one (2%) was rated poor. Overall satisfactory results, including excellent and good, were seen in 74 hips (91%). In the roentgenographic assessment, 57 hips (71%) had improved radiologically, 15 (18%) were unchanged, and nine (11%) were worse. Seventy-two hips (89%) showed roentgenographic improvement or unchange. Roentgenographic results had no significant correlation with the etiologic factors. Vascularized fibula grafting is one of the better alternatives for treating ONFH. It is highly expected that vascularized fibula grafting can prevent the necrotic femoral head from progressing to collapse and promote directly restored vascularization and new bone formation.

A prospective randomized study on the use of nadroparin calcium in the prophylaxis of thromboembolism in Korean patients undergoing elective total hip replacement.

Because of the belief that post-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is rare in Asian patients, thromboprophylaxis is not usually prescribed for surgical patients. This study reports an open multi-centre controlled study of the use of a low molecular weight heparin, nadroparin calcium (Fraxoparine Sanofi France), as opposed to no prophylaxis in 100 patients undergoing uncemented total hip replacement. The patients had bilateral venography performed preoperatively and 10 days after operation. Eight patients (16%) developed DVT in the control group of 50 patients and 1 (2%) in the treatment group, also of 50 patients. Pulmonary embolus occurred in 1 patient in the treatment group and in 3 in the control group. Intraoperative and postoperative blood loss did not differ significantly between the two groups. Our study suggests that the incidence of DVT in Asian patients, though somewhat less than in their Western counterparts, is still considerable. It confirms the safety and efficacy of nadroparin calcium in preventing post-operative DVT in patients undergoing elective total hip replacement.

Hemophilic pseudotumor of the ulna treated with low dose radiation therapy: a case report.

We report a case of hemophilic pseudotumor in the ulna of a 6-year-old boy treated with radiation therapy. A total dose of 900 cGy in 6 fractions was given in 6 consecutive days. Progression of cystic changes was halted within a month. New bone formation and trabeculation were found on the 4th month. Complete healing of the lesion and bony replacement were found on the 12th month. The patient was followed up to 72 months and there was no evidence of recurrence and no bone growth disturbance. Radiation therapy can be an effective alternative modality in treating hemophilic pseudotumor.

Ischemic necrosis of the entire femoral head and rapidly destructive hip disease: potential causative relationship.

OBJECTIVE: Rapidly destructive hip disease (RDHD) is an uncommon disorder of the hip that has been considered a disease of unknown cause and distinct from ischemic necrosis of the femoral head. The objective of this study was to investigate ischemic necrosis of the femoral head as one potential cause of RDHD. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: In 600 patients who underwent MR imaging of the hip, 20 cases of ischemic necrosis involving the entire femoral head in 18 patients (3%) were retrospectively studied with routine radiography and MR imaging. All patients had surgically confirmed ischemic necrosis of the femoral head. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: All patients showed rapid destruction of the femoral head on routine radiography and MR imaging as compared with the gradual onset of clinical symptoms. Plain radiographs showed several bone fragments at the inferomedial aspect of the femoral head (75%), acetabular erosions (55%), eccentric depression at the lateral articular surface of the femoral head conforming to the adjacent acetabulum (35%), and mild osteoarthritis (15%). Bone sclerosis was often present at sites of impaction between the femoral head and the acetabulum. MR imaging showed marked distention of the joint capsule in all cases. In 14 of 20 cases, the contents of the joint space showed predominantly low or intermediate signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. Ischemic necrosis involving the entire femoral head may represent one of the causes of RDHD.