P65-mediated miR-590 inhibition modulates the chemoresistance of osteosarcoma to doxorubicin through targeting wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone tumor with high morbidity. Developing new therapeutic approaches with neoadjuvant is of great interest in OS treatment. Reportedly, ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)/ataxia telangiectasia and radiation resistance gene 3 related (ATR)-p53 signaling is considered as a critical DNA damage signaling pathway sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapies; while wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1 (WIP1), an oncogene overexpressed in diverse cancers, has been regarded as a critical inhibitor in the ATM/ATR-p53 DNA damage signaling pathway. Herein, the expression of WIP1 in OS tissues and cell lines was examined; to investigate the mechanism of WIP1 abnormal upregulation, online tools were used to predict the upstream regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting WIP1. Among the candidate miRNAs, the expression and detailed function of miR-590 were validated. Through binding to the 3'-untranslated region of WIP1, miR-590 inhibited WIP1 expression and, therefore, enhanced the effect of Dox on OS cell proliferation and apoptosis through downstream ATM-p53 signaling. Moreover, RELA could bind to the promoter region of miR-590 to inhibit its expression, thereby affecting downstream WIP1 and ATM-p53 signaling. The expression of p65 was upregulated in OS tissues, indicating that the effect of p65 inhibition on cell viability, apoptosis, and related mechanisms could be partially restored by miR-590 inhibition. Taken together, these results showed that p65-mediated miR-590/WIP1/ATM-p53 modulation might be a novel target to enhance the cellular effect of Dox on OS cell lines.

Correlation between three-dimensional medial longitudinal arch joint complex mobility and medial arch angle in stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate correlation between three-dimensional medial longitudinal arch joint complex mobility and medial arch angle in stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction flatfoot under loading. METHODS: CT scans of 15 healthy feet and 15 feet with stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction flatfoot were taken both in non- and simulated weight-bearing condition. The CT images of the hindfoot and medial longitudinal arch bones were reconstructed into three-dimensional models with Mimics and Geomagic reverse engineering software. The three-dimensional complex mobility of each joint in the medial longitudinal arch and their correlation with the medial arch angle change were calculated. RESULTS: From non- to simulated weight-bearing condition, the medial arch angle change and the medial longitudinal arch joints mobility were significant larger in stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction flatfoot (p<0.05). The eversion of the talocalcaneal joint, the proximal translation of the calcaneus relative to the talus, the dorsiflexion of the talonavicular joint, the dorsiflexion and abduction of the medial cuneonavicular joint, and the lateral translation of the medial cuneiform relative to the navicular, and the dorsiflexion of the first tarsometatarsal joint were all significantly correlated to the medial arch angle change in stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction flatfoot (all r>0.5, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is increased mobility in the medial longitudinal arch joints in stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction flatfoot and the medial arch angle change under loading causes displacement not only at hindfoot joints but also involve midfoot and forefoot joint.

Injection of synthetic mesenchymal stem cell mitigates osteoporosis in rats after ovariectomy.

Osteoporosis is a severe skeletal disorder. Patients have a low bone mineral density and bone structural deterioration. Mounting lines of evidence suggest that inappropriate apoptosis of osteoblasts/osteocytes leads to maladaptive bone remodelling in osteoporosis. It has been suggested that transplantation of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, may alter the trajectory of bone remoulding and mitigate osteoporosis in animal models. However, stem cells needed to be carefully stored and characterized before usage. In addition, there is great batch-to-batch variation in stem cell production. Here, we fabricated therapeutic polymer microparticles from the secretome and membranes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These synthetic MSCs contain growth factors secreted by MSCs. In addition, these particles display MSC surface molecules. In vitro, co-culture with synthetic MSCs increases the viability of osteoblast cells. In a rat model of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis, injection of synthetic MSCs mitigated osteoporosis by reducing cell apoptosis and systemic inflammation, but increasing osteoblast numbers. Synthetic MSC offers a promising therapy to manage osteoporosis.

Is Platelet-rich Plasma Injection Effective for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy? A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Achilles tendinopathy is common in the general population, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is seeing increased use to treat this problem. However, studies disagree as to whether PRP confers a beneficial effect for chronic Achilles tendinopathy, and no one to our knowledge has pooled the available randomized trials in a formal meta-analysis to try to reconcile those differences. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In the setting of a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we asked: Does PRP plus eccentric strength training result in (1) greater improvements in Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) scores; (2) differences in tendon thickness; or (3) differences in color Doppler activity compared with placebo (saline) injections plus eccentric strength training in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy? METHODS: A search of peer-reviewed articles was conducted to identify all RCTs using PRP injection with eccentric training for chronic Achilles tendinopathy in the electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science (SCI-E/SSCI/A&HCI), and EMBASE from January 1981 to August 2017. Results were limited to human RCTs and published in all languages. Two reviewers assessed study quality using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. All the included studies had low risk of bias. The primary endpoint was improvement in the VISA-A score, which ranges from 0 to 100 points, with higher scores representing increased activity and less pain; we considered the minimum clinically important difference on the VISA-A to be 12 points. Secondary outcomes were tendon thickness change (with a thicker tendon representing more severe disease), color Doppler activity (with more activity representing a poorer result), and other functional measures (such as pain and return to sports activity). Four RCTs involving 170 participants were eligible and included 85 participants treated with PRP injection and eccentric training and 85 treated with saline injection and eccentric training. The patients in both PRP and placebo (saline) groups seemed comparable at baseline. We assessed for publication bias using a funnel plot and saw no evidence of publication bias. Based on previous studies, we had 80% power to detect a 12-point difference on the VISA-A score with the available sample size in each group. RESULTS: With the numbers available, there was no difference between the PRP and saline groups regarding the primary outcome (VISA-A score: mean difference [MD], 5.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.7 to 11.3; p = 0.085). Likewise, we found no difference between the PRP and saline groups in terms of our secondary outcomes of tendon thickness change (MD, 0.2 mm; 95% CI, 0.6-1.0 mm; p = 0.663) and color Doppler activity (MD, 0.1; 95% CI, -0.7 to 0.4; p = 0.695). CONCLUSIONS: PRP injection with eccentric training did not improve VISA-A scores, reduce tendon thickness, or reduce color Doppler activity in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy compared with saline injection. Larger randomized trials are needed to confirm these results, but until or unless a clear benefit has been demonstrated in favor of the new treatment, we cannot recommend it for general use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study.

Autograft or Allograft? Irradiated or Not? A Contrast Between Autograft and Allograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes and adverse events associated with irradiated and nonirradiated allografts in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched for randomized controlled trials from January 1990 to March 2018 to compare autograft with allograft in ACL reconstruction. Both objective and subjective outcomes of the function and adverse events were meta-analyzed. Two comparisons were summarized: (1) autograft and nonirradiated allograft and (2) autograft and irradiated allograft. The bias risk was based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The overall risk ratio or weighted mean difference was calculated using a fixed- or random-effects model. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated by the Q and the I2 statistics. RESULTS: Eleven trials were included in this review for meta-analysis. A total of 1,172 patients were involved (465 autograft and 461 nonirradiated allograft; 141 autograft and 138 irradiated allograft patients). The average follow-up varied from 2 to >10 years. The mean patient age varied from 22 to 32.8 years. The total failure rate was 2.5%. Our analyses demonstrated better clinical outcomes in autograft than irradiated allograft, which could be observed clearly through the International Knee Documentation Committee score (3.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.93-5.76; P < .0001; I2 = 0%), Lysholm score (2.94; 95% CI, 0.66-5.22; P = .01; I2 = 0%), and Tegner score (0.14; 95% CI, -0.08 to 0.36; P = .22; I2 = 0%) with fewer adverse events 0.20 (95% CI, 0.11-0.39; P < .00001; I2 = 0%). There were no significant differences in autograft and nonirradiated allograft groups (P = .47, P = .27, P = .24, and P = .24, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Autograft offered greater advantages in functional outcomes and adverse events than irradiated allograft in ACL reconstruction; however, there were no significant differences between autograft and nonirradiated allograft in ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, meta-analysis of Level I and Level II studies.

The Effect of Cartilage Fragments on Femoral Tunnel Widening After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of cartilage fragments on tunnel widening and tendon-bone integration at 2 years' follow-up after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled study was performed in 116 patients who underwent ACLR with autologous hamstring tendons augmented with cartilage fragments (study group, n = 56) or without any augmentation (control group, n = 60). All patients were followed up for 25.6 months (range, 24-28 months), and the International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm score, and visual analog scale score were determined. Computed tomography scans of all patients were obtained 2 years after surgery to evaluate the diameter of the femoral tunnel and thereby assess the amount of tunnel widening. Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation was performed 2 years postoperatively to evaluate the status of the graft in the femoral tunnel. In addition, 5 patients underwent biopsy of the tendon-bone interface at 24 months postoperatively with histologic assessment and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients completed the follow-up. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of International Knee Documentation Committee score (P = .07), Lysholm score (P = .10), and visual analog scale score (P = .57) at 24 months' follow-up. The femoral tunnel diameter and the tunnel widening percentage in the study group were significantly smaller than those in the control group (P < .001). The signal-noise quotient value of the graft in the femoral tunnel was 10.4 ± 7.0 in the study group, which was significantly lower than that in the control group (19.5 ± 9.2, P < .001). Histologic studies of the tendon-bone interface showed that there were more bone formations containing chondroid cells with aligned connective tissue in the study group compared with the control group; in addition, the diameter of the collagen fibrils in the study group was considerably thicker than that in the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of cartilage fragments was effective in preventing femoral tunnel widening and seemed to promote the tendon-bone integration process after ACLR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective randomized controlled study.

Bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical features and prognostic factors.

BACKGROUND: Bone metastases (BMs) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasingly common disease in Asia. We assessed the clinical features, prognostic factors, and differences in outcomes related to BMs among patients with different treatments for HCC. METHODS: Forty-three consecutive patients who were diagnosed with BMs from HCC between January 2010 and December 2014 were retrospectively enrolled. The clinical features were identified, the impacts of prognostic factors on survival were statistically analyzed, and clinical data were compared. RESULTS: The median patient age was 54 years; 38 patients were male and 5 female. The most common site for BMs was the trunk (69.3%). BMs with extension to the soft tissue were found in 14 patients (32.5%). Most (90.7%) of the lesions were mixed osteolytic and osteoblastic, and most (69.8%) patients presented with multiple BMs. The median survival after BMs diagnosis was 11 months. In multivariate analyses, survival after BM diagnosis was correlated with Karnofsky performance status (P=0.008) and the Child-Pugh classification (P<0.001); BM-free survival was correlated with progression beyond the University of California San Francisco criteria (P<0.001) and treatment of primary tumors (P<0.001). BMs with extension to soft tissue were less common in liver transplantation patients. During metastasis, the control of intrahepatic tumors was improved in liver transplantation and hepatectomy patients, compared to conservatively treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The independent prognostic factors of survival after diagnosis of BMs were the Karnofsky performance status and Child-Pugh classification. HCC patients developed BMs may also benefit from liver transplantation or hepatectomy.

Treatment of Crowe Type-IV Hip Dysplasia Using Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty and Double Chevron Subtrochanteric Shortening Osteotomy: A 5- to 10-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic results of patients with Crowe type-IV hip dysplasia treated by cementless total hip arthroplasty and double chevron subtrochanteric osteotomy. METHODS: From January 2000 to February 2006, cementless total hip arthroplasty with a double chevron subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy was performed on 18 patients (22 hips) with Crowe type-IV dysplasia. The acetabular cup was placed in the position of the anatomic hip center, and subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy was performed with the use of a double chevron design. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 6.5 years (5-10 years). RESULTS: The mean amount of femoral subtrochanteric shortening was 38 mm (25-60 mm). All osteotomy sites were healed by 3-6 months without complications. The mean Harris Hip Score improved significantly from 47 points (35-65 points) preoperatively to 88 points (75-97 points) at the final follow-up. The Trendelenburg sign was corrected from a positive preoperative status to a negative postoperative status in 12 of 22 hips. No acetabular and femoral components have loosened or required revision during the period of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Cementless total hip arthroplasty using double chevron subtrochanteric osteotomy allowed for restoration of anatomic hip center with safely functional limb lengthening, achieved correction of preoperative limp, and good functional and radiographic outcomes for 22 Crowe type-IV dislocation hips at the time of the 5- to 10-year follow-up.

Surgically treated solitary giant gluteal and retroperitoneal neurofibroma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Giant neurofibromas in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 involve multiple regions and are often difficult to surgically extirpate. However, surgical intervention is the most effective means for improving quality of life. The case reported herein is unique in that it involves a giant neurofibroma, involving the patient's peritoneal and pelvic cavities, retroperitoneal space, and buttock, which was causing compressive displacement of abdominal and pelvic organs. A challenging surgical intervention was required to accomplish near-total resection to relieve organ compression while preserving visceral and genitoanal function. CASE PRESENTATION: The case reported is of a patient presenting with a solitary giant retroperitoneal neurofibroma that threatened to obliterate both peritoneal and pelvic cavities and protruded conspicuously into the right gluteal region. The enormous dumbbell-shaped mass was surgically removed in three parts. Postoperative pathology studies confirmed a diagnosis of neurofibroma. Follow-up computed tomography images taken three months postoperatively revealed residual tumor in the perianal region. The patient's quality of life had measurably improved on follow-up at eight months. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical intervention in such extraordinary circumstances of a giant neurofibroma causing compressive displacement of critical organs reduces tumor burden, restores appearance and function of patient's body and internal organs, and improves the patient's quality of life.

One-Step Cartilage Repair Technique as a Next Generation of Cell Therapy for Cartilage Defects: Biological Characteristics, Preclinical Application, Surgical Techniques, and Clinical Developments.

PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive overview of the basic science rationale, surgical technique, and clinical outcomes of 1-step cartilage repair technique used as a treatment strategy for cartilage defects. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in the main medical databases to evaluate the several studies concerning 1-step procedures for cartilage repair. The characteristics of cell-seed scaffolds, behavior of cells seeded into scaffolds, and surgical techniques were also discussed. Clinical outcomes and quality of repaired tissue were assessed using several standardized outcome assessment tools, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and biopsy histology. RESULTS: One-step cartilage repair could be divided into 2 types: chondrocyte-matrix complex (CMC) and autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC), both of which allow a simplified surgical approach. Studies with Level IV evidence have shown that 1-step cartilage repair techniques could significantly relieve symptoms and improve functional assessment (P < .05, compared with preoperative evaluation) at short-term follow-up. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging showed that 76% cases in all included case series showed at least 75% defect coverage in each lesion, and 3 studies clearly showed hyaline-like cartilage tissue in biopsy tissues by second-look arthroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The 1-step cartilage repair technique, with its potential for effective, homogeneous distribution of chondrocytes and multipotent stem cells on the surface of the cartilage defect, is able to regenerate hyaline-like cartilage tissue, and it could be applied to cartilage repair by arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level II and IV studies.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation: Is it likely to become a saviour of large-sized and full-thickness cartilage defect in young adult knee?

PURPOSE: A literature review of the first-, second- and third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) technique for the treatment of large-sized (>4 cm(2)) and full-thickness knee cartilage defects in young adults was conducted, examining the current literature on features, clinical scores, complications, magnetic resonance image (MRI) and histological outcomes, rehabilitation and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: A literature review was carried out in the main medical databases to evaluate the several studies concerning ACI treatment of large-sized and full-thickness knee cartilage defects in young adults. RESULTS: ACI technique has been shown to relieve symptoms and improve functional assessment in large-sized (>4 cm(2)) and full-thickness knee articular cartilage defect of young adults in short- and medium-term follow-up. Besides, low level of evidence demonstrated its efficiency and durability at long-term follow-up after implantation. Furthermore, MRI and histological evaluations provided the evidence that graft can return back to the previous nearly normal cartilage via ACI techniques. Clinical outcomes tend to be similar in different ACI techniques, but with simplified procedure, low complication rate and better graft quality in the third-generation ACI technique. CONCLUSION: ACI based on the experience of cell-based therapy, with the high potential to regenerate hyaline-like tissue, represents clinical development in treatment of large-sized and full-thickness knee cartilage defects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Ifosfamide-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA-dextran polymeric nanoparticles to improve the antitumor efficacy in Osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is a typical bone cancer that primarily affects adolescents. The therapeutic activity of drugs is limited by their severe drug-related toxicities, therefore, a therapeutic approach which is less toxic and highly effective in tumor is of utmost importance. METHOD: In this study, ifosfamide-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-dextran polymeric nanoparticles (PD/IFS) was developed and studied its anticancer efficacy against multiple osteosarcoma cancer cells. The drug-loaded nanoparticle was characterized for physical and biological characterizations. RESULTS: The formulated PD/IFS showed a high drug loading capacity and displayed a pH-sensitive release pattern, with a sustained release profile of the IFS. PD/IFS nanoparticles exhibited remarkable in vitro anticancer activity comparable to that of free IFS solution in a concentration dependent manner in MG63 and Saos-2 cancer cells. PLGA-dextran by itself did not affect cell viability of cancer cells indicating its excellent biocompatibility. The formulation exhibited significantly higher PARP and caspase-3/7 expression in both the cancer cells. CONCLUSION: Our study successfully demonstrated that nanoparticulate encapsulation of antitumor agent will increase the therapeutic efficacy and exhibit a greater induction of apoptosis and cell death.

Long non-coding RNA-DANCR in human circulating monocytes: a potential biomarker associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a common disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and low trauma fractures, mainly resulting from exceeding bone resorption by osteoclasts over bone formation by osteoblasts. Circulating monocytes are directly involved in osteoclastogenesis, and lncRNAs are believed to be involved in the osteoblast differentiation. However, no study has been conducted to identify the roles of lncRNA in circulating monocytes associated with human osteoporosis. In this study, we found significant upregulation of DANCR in the blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) from low-BMD patients with the qRT-PCR analyses. We further found that DANCR promoted the expression of IL6 and TNF-α at both mRNA level and protein level in MNCs. After deletion of DANCR with siRNAs, the levels of IL6 and TNF-α are decreased in the MNCs from low-BMD postmenopausal women. Moreover, DANCR level was correlated with IL6 and TNF-α in postmenopausal women with low BMD. Furthermore, we found that DANCR-induced IL6 and TNF-α in MNCs had bone-resorbing activity. These results indicate that DANCR is involved in the pathology of osteoporosis and may be as a biomarker for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

An endovascular treatment of a thoracic aortic injury caused by a misplaced pedicle screw: Case report and review of the literature.

Aortic injuries are devastating complications after spinal surgery. We here would like to share our experience with a successful endovascular treatment of an iatrogenic thoracic aortic injury caused by misplaced pedicle screw after spinal surgery. A patient underwent posterior spinal surgery for L1 burst fracture was transferred to our department for instrumentation removal. An iatrogenic thoracic aortic injury at T11 level caused by a pedicle screw was recognized after routine CT scans. Complete screw extraction and instrumentation removal were performed after the placement of a thoracic aortic stent graft covering the injured region. The patient had an uneventful postoperative period and no complications were observed in the 1 and 12-month follow-up by contrast-enhanced CT scans. For the delayed thoracic aortic injuries which usually were usually shown on CT scans as pseudoaneurysm or penetration of the aorta, stent graft implantation would provide a preferred solution with high-effectiveness, low-invasiveness and fewer complications compared with conventional open surgery.

Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an innovative clinical therapy, especially in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical improvement and tendon-to-bone healing with and without PRP therapy in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: A systematic search was done in the major medical databases to evaluate the studies using PRP therapy (PRP+) or with no PRP (PRP-) for the treatment of patients with rotator cuff tears. We reviewed clinical scores such as the Constant score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Rating Scale, the Simple Shoulder Test, and the failure-to-heal rate by magnetic resonance imaging between PRP+ and PRP- groups. RESULTS: Five studies included in this review were used for a meta-analysis based on data availability. There were no statistically significant differences between PRP+ and PRP- groups for overall outcome scores (P > .05). However, the PRP+ group exhibited better healing rates postoperatively than the PRP- group (P = .03) in small/moderate full-thickness tears. CONCLUSION: The use of PRP therapy in full-thickness rotator cuff repairs showed no statistically significant difference compared with no PRP therapy in clinical outcome scores, but the failure-to-heal rate was significantly decreased when PRP was used for treatment of small-to-moderately sized tears. PRP therapy may improve tendon-to-bone healing in patients with small or moderate rotator cuff tears.

Refracture of osteoporotic vertebral body concurrent with cement fragmentation at the previously treated vertebral level after balloon kyphoplasty: a case report.

Kyphoplasty has been shown to provide symptomatic relief of vertebral compression fractures refractory to medical therapy. However, few reports have focused on refracture of cemented vertebrae after kyphoplasty. The presence of cemented vertebrae refracture concurrent with cement fragmentation is an extremely rare condition. We reported an 86-year-old man with a T12 osteoporotic compression fracture undergoing the kyphoplasty treatment. The patient postoperatively continued to have back pain at the same level. The solid lumped polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) mass and inadequate use and insufficient filling of PMMA cement were observed in postoperative radiographs and magnetic resonance image (MRI) examination. He refused to receive the surgical intervention, but had not strict compliance with oral anti-osteoporotic medications. Ten months postoperatively, refracture of osteoporotic vertebral body concurrent with cement fragmentation occurred at the previously kyphoplasty-treated vertebral level. Bone mineral analysis showed severe osteoporosis with a T-score of -4.0. The patient finally obtained therapeutic benefit of pain relief and bony union of T12 vertebral body by consistently adhering to anti-osteoporotic medication treatment. This case illustrated that patients who underwent kyphoplasty to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with intravertebral fracture should be strictly followed up and supervised in their anti-osteoporotic medication treatment. The interdigitation injection pattern of PMMA and sufficient PMMA filling with trabeculae in the kyphoplasty procedure also might prevent refracture of the cemented vertebrae concurrent with PMMA fragmentation.

Kyphoplasty versus vertebroplasty in the treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: two-year follow-up in a prospective controlled study.

A total of 112 patients with a single-level osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture who did not respond to conservative therapy were included and allocated to either kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty treatment. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to assess back pain and disability. Anterior, midline, posterior vertebral body heights, and kyphotic angle at the fractured vertebra were measured for radiographic evaluation. Clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations were performed postoperatively at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Complications and patient satisfaction with the surgical procedure were also recorded. The follow-up rate was 73.3% in the kyphoplasty group and 80.8% in the vertebroplasty group (P = 0.737). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to improvement in VAS and ODI scores (P > 0.05) at all postoperative intervals. Both treatment groups achieved marked vertebral height restoration and kyphotic angle reduction, but the radiographic parameters were significantly better in the kyphoplasty group (P < 0.05). The incidence of asymptomatic cement leakage per treated vertebrae in the kyphoplasty group was 11.4% versus 31% in the vertebroplasty group (P < 0.001). Three adjacent level fractures in the kyphoplasty group and 2 in the vertebroplasty group occurred during 2-year follow-up, and no difference in patient satisfaction was detected between the 2 groups. Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty achieved similar improvement of clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction at 2 years after surgery, albeit kyphoplasty had more ability to markedly reduce vertebral deformity and resulted in less cement leaks compared with vertebroplasty.

[Analyses of segment motor function in patients with degenerative lumbar disease on the treatment of WavefleX dynamic stabilization system].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes of range-of-motion (ROM) in patients with degenerative lumbar disease on the treatment of WavefleX dynamic stabilization system and examine the postoperative lumbar regularity and tendency of ROM. METHODS: Nine patients with degenerative lumbar disease on the treatment of WavefleX dynamic stabilization system were followed up with respect to ROMs at 5 timepoints within 12 months. Records of ROM were made for instrumented segments, adjacent segments and total lumbar. RESULTS: Compared with preoperation, ROMs in non-fusional segments with WavefleX dynamic stabilization system decreased statistical significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) at different timepoints; ROMs in adjacent segments increased at some levels without wide statistical significance. The exception was single L3/4 at Month 12 (P < 0.05) versus control group simultaneously at the levels of L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1, ROMs decreased at Months 6 and 12 with wide statistical significance (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). ROMs in total lumbar had statistical significant decrease (P < 0.01) in both group of non-fusional segments and hybrid group of non-fusion and fusion. The trends of continuous augments were observed during follow-ups. Statistically significant augments were also acquired at 4 timepoints as compared to control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases with WavefleX dynamic stabilization system may limit excessive extension/inflexion and preserve some motor functions. Moreover, it can sustain physiological lordosis, decrease and transfer disc load in adjacent segments to prevent early degeneration of adjacent segment. Trends of motor function augment in total lumbar need to be confirmed during future long-term follow-ups.

Cementless total hip arthroplasty with a double chevron subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy in patients with Crowe type-IV hip dysplasia.

The authors describe a modified double chevron subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy combined with cementless total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type-IV hip dysplasia. Shortening the femur allows to relax the shortened musculature. This operation was performed in 18 patients (22 hips) between January 2000 and February 2006. The mean follow-up period was 5.6 years (range: 3 to 8 years). The mean amount of femoral subtrochanteric shortening was 38 mm (range: 25 to 60 mm). The mean Harris hip score improved from 47 (range: 35 to 65) preoperatively to 88 points (range: 75 to 97) at final follow-up. The Trendelenburg sign was corrected from positive to negative in 12 of 22 hips. No acetabular or femoral components loosened or required revision during the follow-up period. All osteotomy sites healed in 3 to 6 months without complications. Cementless total hip arthroplasty using the modified double chevron subtrochanteric osteotomy provided good short- to midterm results in all 22 Crowe type-IV hip dislocations. Moreover, it restored the anatomic hip center and the limb length, which contributed to correction of the preoperative limp.

Injectable silk fibroin/polyurethane composite hydrogel for nucleus pulposus replacement.

In degenerative disc disease, an injectable hydrogel can fill a degenerate area completely, reduce the risk of implant migration and subsequent loss of height of the intervertebral disc, and minimise surgical defects. Here, we propose a method of preparing an injectable silk fibroin/polyurethane (SF/PU) composite hydrogel by chemical cross-linking under physiological conditions. Mechanical testing was used to determine the mechanical strength of the hydrogel. The impact of hydrogel height on the biomechanical properties was discussed to estimate the working capacity of the hydrogel for further clinical application. Rheological properties were also examined to assess the practical ability of the hydrogel for clinical application. Hydrogel injection and cell assessment is also of interest for clinical application. An SF/PU composite hydrogel can be injected through a small incision. A cell proliferation assay using bone marrow stromal cells showed positive cell viability and increased proliferation over a seven-day period in culture. Importantly, the hydrogel can be monitored in real-time using X-ray fluoroscopy during and after surgery according to the results of X-ray fluoroscopy examination, and shows good visibility based on X-ray assays. In particular, the hydrogel offers the clinically important advantage of visibility in CT and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Based on the results of the current study, the SF/AU composite hydrogel may offer several advantages for future application in nucleus pulposus replacement.