[Sport activity after hip and knee arthroplasty].

Joint arthroplasty is one of the commonest surgical procedures in orthopedic surgery. In recent years there was an increase in the number of procedures, patient satisfaction and implant survival. Originally, these operations were designed for old patients in order to relieve pain and to enable ambulation. Over the past few years, these operations have become common in younger patients which desire to return to activity, including sports activities. The importance of physical activity is a well known fact. In recent years it became clear that with the proper physical activity the outcomes of the operations are better. There are several types of arthroplasty. Many factors influence the outcome of the operation apart from the post-surgery physical activity. These factors include patient factors, surgical technique and type of arthroplasty. This review summarizes the recommendations for sports activities after hip and knee arthroplasties. These activities are evaluated according to surgeons' recommendations, stress applied on the implant and long term outcomes. The recommended sports activities after joint arthroplasties are walking, swimming and cycling. Soccer, basketball and jogging are not advised. Tennis, downhill skiing and horse riding are recommended with previous experience. There are many more sports activities that patients can participate in, and it is important that the patient discuss the different options prior to the operation. Since these operations are so common, many non-orthopedic physicians encounter these patients in their practice. They should be acquainted with the recommendations for sports activities and encourage them.

[Rapidly vanishing hip--a mystery].

Rapidly destructive hip disease is a rare condition, the cause of which is yet to be clarified, and is described in the literature by scant case reports. The disease was first described by Forestier in 1957, and since then many names have been proposed to describe the rapid vanishing of the femoral head, and occasionally the acetabulum. This condition initially represents as acute hip pain, and rapidly progresses to complete vanishing of the proximal femur, within a few months. We briefly discuss the literature regarding this phenomenon, and describe a case of a female patient who suffered from complete disappearance of the femoral head within 9 weeks.

In vitro mitochondrial effects of PK 11195, a synthetic translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) ligand, in human osteoblast-like cells.

The role of the TSPO in metabolism of human osteoblasts is unknown. We hypothesized that human osteoblast metabolism may be modulated by the TSPO. Therefore we evaluated the presence of TSPO in human osteoblast-like cells and the effect of its synthetic ligand PK 11195 on these cells. The presence of TSPO was determined by [(3)H]PK 11195 binding using Scatchard analysis: Bmax 7682 fmol/mg, Kd 9.24 nM. PK 11195 did not affect significantly cell proliferation, cell death, cellular viability, maturation, [(18)F]-FDG incorporation and hexokinase 2 gene expression or protein levels. PK 11195 exerted a suppressive effect on VDAC1 and caused an increase in TSPO gene expression or protein levels. In parallel there was an increase in mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial ATP content and a reduction in ΔΨm collapse. Thus, it appears that PK11195 (10(-5) M) stimulates mitochondrial activity in human osteoblast-like cells without affecting glycolytic activity and cell death.

Arthroscopy-assisted fracture fixation.

PURPOSE: the purpose of this article was to systematically analyze the results of published studies in the literature which evaluated the use of arthroscopically assisted techniques in intra-articular fracture fixation. METHODS: published investigations to date were analyzed by classifying them according to joints that were involved with intra-articular fractures including: knee, ankle, hip, shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. The results were studied to assess the feasibility, efficiency, and outcomes of arthroscopy-assisted fracture fixation. RESULTS: arthroscopy-assisted techniques have been used successfully for the treatment of fractures of the tibial plateau, tibial eminence, malleoli, pilon, calcaneus, femoral head, glenoid, greater tuberosity, distal clavicle, radial head, coronoid, distal radius, and scaphoid. The major advantages of arthroscopic fracture fixation over open methods are direct visualization of the intra-articular space, decreased invasiveness, and the possibility for multitask interventions through which fixation of the fracture, and repair of the soft tissues and the cartilage can be performed simultaneously. The time-consuming and technically demanding nature of the procedures with a prolonged learning curve and limited fixation alternatives are the main disadvantages of this technique. CONCLUSION: arthroscopic fixation is increasingly utilized for certain intra-articular fracture types due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedures and high accuracy. Randomized controlled trials are needed to justify wider use of arthroscopy-assisted techniques for treatment of intra-articular fractures.

[Sea urchin spine injury--a case report of chronic synovitis of the foot].

Sea urchin spine injuries can range from minimal local trauma to chronic synovitis and arthritis, with long term morbidity. The abundance of these marine creatures in shallow sea water exposes the potential for injury of the extremities, especially the foot, knees, and hands. Early treatment is crucial to avoid future consequences of these injuries. We report a case of chronic synovitis of the foot in an adolescent, treated surgically two years after the initial insult, with complete resolution of symptoms.

External fixation for the treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius: short-term results.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy as to which is the preferred treatment for distal radius intra-articular fractures--anatomic reduction or external fixation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the radiologic and functional outcome following external fixation of these fractures. METHODS: Between January 2003 and March 2005, 43 patients with distal radius intra-articular fractures were treated using a mini-external AO device. Follow-up of 38 of the patients included X-rays at 1 week, 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess pain levels, and the Lidstrom criteria scale to evaluate functional outcome and wrist motion. Clinical and radiographic results were correlated. RESULTS: According to the Lidstrom criteria, the results were excellent in 31%, good in 61% and fair in 5.5%; 2.5% had a poor outcome. The results of the VAS were good. Thirty-five patients gained a good range of wrist movement, but 3 had a markedly reduced range. We found statistical correlation between the radiographic and clinical results, emphasizing the value of good reduction. There was no correlation between fracture type (Frykman score) and radiologic results or clinical results. CONCLUSIONS: External fixation seems to be the preferred method of treatment for distal radius intra-articular fractures, assuming that good reduction can be achieved. The procedure is also quick, the risk of infection is small, and there is little damage to the surrounding tissues.

Treatment of articular cartilage lesions of the knee.

Treatment of articular cartilage lesions in the knee remains a challenge for the practising orthopaedic surgeon. A wide range of options are currently practised, ranging from conservative measures through various types of operations and, recently, use of growth factors and emerging gene therapy techniques. The end result of these methods is usually a fibrous repair tissue (fibrocartilage), which lacks the biomechanical characteristics of hyaline cartilage that are necessary to withstand the compressive forces distributed across the knee. The fibrocartilage generally deteriorates over time, resulting in a return of the original symptoms and occasionally reported progression to osteoarthritis. Our purpose in this study was to review the aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment options for articular cartilage lesions of the knee. At present, autologous cell therapies, growth factor techniques and biomaterials offer more promising avenues of research to find clinical answers.

[Knee injury in cyclers].

Cycling is currently one of the most popular recreational activities. Hence, there are increases in the numbers of injuries resulting from cycling. Most of the injuries are to the knee and are of non-contact nature and therefore, preventable. The majority of pain syndromes are non-traumatic and caused by overuse, inadequate preparation, inappropriate equipment, poor technique and lack of training. The treatment of non-traumatic knee injuries is regularly conservative, including: rest, ice, NSAID's training programs modification and adequate equipment. Delayed treatment can cause chronic injuries.

Nicotine modulates bone metabolism-associated gene expression in osteoblast cells.

Smoking has a broad range of physiological effects, such as being a risk factor in osteoporosis, bone fracture incidence, and increased nonunion rates. Recent studies showed that nicotine has effects at the cellular level in human osteoblast cells. To identify possible mechanisms underlying nicotine-induced changes in osteogenic metabolism, we defined changes in proliferation and osteocalcin, type I collagen, and alkaline phosphatase gene expression after treating human osteosarcoma cells (MG63), with various concentration of nicotine. Nicotine affects cell proliferation in a biphasic manner, including toxic and antiproliferative effects at high levels of nicotine and stimulatory effects at low levels. Moreover, low levels of nicotine upregulated osteocalcin, type I collagen, and alkaline phosphatase gene expression. The increased cell proliferation and gene upregulation induced by nicotine were inhibited by addition of the nicotinic receptor antagonist D: -tubocurarine. High nicotine concentrations downregulated the investigated genes. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that the addition of nicotine concentrations analogous to those acquired by a light to moderate smoker yields increased osteoblast proliferation and bone metabolism, whereas the addition of nicotine concentrations analogous to heavy smokers leads to the opposite effect. The inhibition of these effects by D: -tubocurarine suggests that nicotine acts via the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR).

Patients aged 80 and older undergoing orthopedic or urologic surgery: a prospective study focusing on perioperative morbidity and mortality.

BACKGROUND: The population is progressively aging and an increasing number of elderly patients face surgical treatment. OBJECTIVE: The current study was designed to examine the perioperative morbidity and mortality of elderly patients undergoing orthopedic or urologic surgery and look for predictors for adverse outcome. METHODS: This is a prospective study of elderly patients, 80 years of age and older, who underwent elective or emergent orthopedic or urologic surgery in our institution during a 5-month period. Data were collected on age, gender, chronic diseases, number of regular medications, whether or not the patient was bedridden before surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, type of surgery and anesthesia, duration of hospitalization, and 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality. We studied correlations between pre- and intraoperative parameters and postoperative complications. RESULTS: During the study period, 39 patients underwent urologic surgery and 147 patients underwent orthopedic surgery. Age ranged from 80 to 98 years (85 +/- 4.2 years, mean +/- SD). One patient had an intraoperative complication, 5 patients had postoperative complications within 1 day of surgery, and 23 had complications within 1 month of surgery. Five (2.7%) patients, all of whom were operated urgently, died after surgery. Postoperative complications correlated significantly to poor ASA class (p = 0.01), urgency of the procedure (p = 0.03), and extent (p = 0.02) and duration (p = 0.01) of surgery. No significant correlation was found between outcome and any other pre- or intraoperative factors. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly surgical patients with poor ASA class or following urgent, extensive or long surgery are at a higher risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality, mandating special perioperative care.

Long-term results after Ilizarov treatment for severe high-energy injuries of the elbow.

BACKGROUND: Clinical aspects, such as the long-term results after circular external fixation and functional rehabilitation after high-energy injuries of the elbow joint, have not received sufficient attention in the literature. METHODS: Fourteen patients with high-energy elbow injuries were treated in our hospital over the last 15 years with a circular external fixation frame. The mechanism of injury was blast in eight patients, gunshot wounds in two, motor vehicle crash in two, and fall from height in two. Twelve patients had high-energy open periarticular fractures, nine had Gustillo-Anderson 3B fractures, and three had Gustillo-Anderson 3C fractures. Two patients suffered from closed high-energy periarticular elbow injuries. Seven patients had associated peripheral neurologic injuries and three had vascular injuries. Average Ilizarov fixation time was 20 weeks (range, 6-47 weeks). RESULTS: The follow-up period varied from 1.5 years to 11 years. The average arc of elbow flexion was 110.4 degrees and extension was 19.6 degrees. The average arc of forearm rotation was of 63.5 degrees for pronation (range, 5-90 degrees) and 63.2 degrees for supination (range, 5-90 degrees). The average Mayo Elbow Performance Index score was 84 points (range, 60-100) and the average Khalfayan functional score was 83.4 (range, 68.7-100). CONCLUSION: Long-term follow-up proved that the hinged Ilizarov/hybrid frame represents a useful instrument to provide stabilization of the elbow joint while facilitating early movements and physiotherapy. The main indication is patients who suffered from open high-energy contaminated fractures with extensive soft-tissue damage (e.g., blast, war injuries) and combined bone and ligaments injuries.

Cerebral microemboli during hip fracture fixation: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that cerebral fat microembolism takes place during surgery for hip or knee replacement. In this study, we examined the occurrence of cerebral microembolism, solid or gas, during a standard procedure of hip fracture fixation. METHODS: This was a prospective study of patients who underwent urgent surgery with a dynamic hip screw for hip fracture fixation. During surgery, patients were monitored with transcranial Doppler for detection of microemboli from right and left middle cerebral arteries. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included in the study; their median age was 82 yr (range, 51-97 yr). In nine (41%) patients, high intensity transient signals were recorded, indicating microemboli passage in the middle cerebral arteries. All nine patients had signals of both solid and gas emboli. One of these nine patients had a postoperative cerebrovascular accident. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of cerebral microemboli during urgent surgery for hip fracture fixation is considerable. This phenomenon is not confined to hip or knee replacement surgery. The clinical implications of this finding require further investigation.

Role of bone regeneration and turnover modulators in control of fracture.

Although most fractures heal in accordance with a highly regulated and well-known multistep process, 5%-10% of fractures result in delayed union or nonunion, causing morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and economic cost for the individual and society. Ongoing research has improved our understanding of genes and molecules that are expressed during fracture healing. This knowledge has been translated into preclinical/clinical trials. Unfortunately, the success of most promising agents, and therefore most preclinically/clinically tested factors, is controversial and frequently disappointing. Taking advantage of our knowledge concerning the temporal events contributing to fracture healing, and as a result of our studies, we suggest that the application of several factors in sequence will intervene in different, crucial crossroads, accelerate remodeling, and result in an improved outcome. These factors will encompass stimulated recruitment and proliferation of stem cells to enlarge the progenitor pool, facilitate its differentiation into mature chondrocytes and osteoblasts, and stimulate cartilage resorption and its remodeling into bone by endochondral ossification--a process in which blood vessels, metalloproteinases, and osteoclasts work in concert to remodel immature bone into mature bone. The aim of this article is to highlight events that contribute to and drive the dynamic healing process in order to help clinicians to find successful, novel treatment protocols.

Fracture repair: modulation of fracture-callus and mechanical properties by sequential application of IL-6 following PTH 1-34 or PTH 28-48.

Fracture healing presents a sequence of three major stages: inflammation and granulation tissue formation, callus formation and remodeling. Our working hypothesis was that fracture-repair might be enhanced by stimulating proliferation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts in the early stages of fracture healing followed by sequential acceleration of the remodeling process. In the present study we employed a novel device developed by us implementing a standardized fracture in rat tibiae. We investigated the effect of PTH 28-48 or PTH 1-34 alone or in sequence combination with IL-6 together with its soluble receptor (IL-6sR) on fracture repair. PTH 28-48 or PTH 1-34 was applied locally into the hematoma of fractures on days 4, 5 and 6 and IL-6+ its soluble receptor on days 7, 9, and 11. Post-fracture callus volume as measured 14 days post-fracture was increased significantly only by PTH 1-34 (20%; P<0.01). When one of the PTH fragments and IL-6+IL-6sR were applied sequentially callus volume was increased significantly (33%; P<0.01). X-rays radiography at 5 weeks post-fracture showed enlarged callus volume following treatment by either PTH fragments alone, and complete union following the sequential injection of both PTH fragments and IL-6+IL-6sR, only. Only the combination of one of the PTH fragments with IL-6+IL-6sR, as measured 6 weeks post-fracture by three point bending, changed dramatically the quality of the regenerating bone as presented by a 300% increase in mechanical resistance when PTH 1-34 was combined and 200% when PTH 28-48 was combined relative to vehicle-treated fractured bones. We conclude that the sequential application of IL-6+IL-6sR with both PTH fragments has the potential of enhancing fracture healing in long bones and should be further explored in preclinical and in clinical studies.

The Ilizarov technique in joint contractures and dislocations.

This study was designed to evaluate the results of treatment of joint contractures (6 patients) and dislocations (2 cases) with an Ilizarov device. Six patients with restricting joint contractures were successfully treated and after gradual scar expansion they achieved a significant improvement in their range of motion. One patient with elbow instability after closed dislocation achieved 5 degrees to 130 degrees of motion, while one patient with an open dislocation achieved a range of motion from 15 degrees to 100 degrees. These results suggest that a hinged Ilizarov external fixation frame can be a useful tool to restore function in such complex problems.

Femoral versus Multiple Nerve Blocks for Analgesia after Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The PROSPECT (Procedure-Specific Postoperative Pain Management) Group recommended a single injection femoral nerve block in 2008 as a guideline for analgesia after total knee arthroplasty. Other authors have recommended the addition of sciatic and obturator nerve blocks. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is also involved in pain syndrome following total knee arthroplasty. We hypothesized that preoperative blocking of all four nerves would offer superior analgesia to femoral nerve block alone. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, and observer-blinded clinical study. A total of 107 patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a femoral nerve block group, a multiple nerve block group, and a control group. All patients were treated postoperatively using patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with morphine. Pain intensity at rest, during flexion and extension, and morphine consumption were compared between groups over three days. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients completed the study protocol. Patients who received multiple nerve blocks experienced superior analgesia and had reduced morphine consumption during the postoperative period compared to the other two groups. Pain intensity during flexion was significantly lower in the "blocks" groups versus the control group. Morphine consumption was significantly higher in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Pain relief after total knee arthroplasty immediately after surgery and on the first postoperative day was significantly superior in patients who received multiple blocks preoperatively, with morphine consumption significantly lower during this period. A preoperative femoral nerve block alone produced partial and insufficient analgesia immediately after surgery and on the first postoperative day. (Clinical trial registration number (NIH): NCT01303120).

Prophylactic external fixation and extensive bone debridement for chronic osteomyelitis.

There is universal agreement that treatment of osteomyelitis should consist of debridement, obliteration of dead space, tissue coverage and antibiotic therapy, with debridement as the most important factor for therapeutic success. Four patients, 27 to 72 years old, with chronic osteomyelitis after a fracture of the femur (two), or of the tibia (two), were included in this study. The patients had already undergone 5 to 15 (mean: 9) surgical procedures. The same surgical technique was used in all of them: sinuses were carefully excised down to the bone, and necrotic bone was aggressively resected until normal bleeding was seen. A prophylactic circular external fixation frame, built on one proximal and one distal ring connected to the bone by thin wires and half pins, was used to protect and support the limbs, significantly weakened by radical debridement. Bone grafting or distraction osteogenesis was not necessary. All wounds healed without complications, and the infection did not recur. The average follow-up period was 43 months (range: 38 to 54).

Extreme bone lengthening using distraction osteogenesis after trauma: a case report.

We are reporting herein the result of a 22 cm tibial lengthening after using an acute shortening technique with acute temporary angulation for salvage of a posttraumatic lower limb injury. The patient was referred to our center 2 weeks after a Gustilo IIIB open complex injury to the lower limb that included bone and soft-tissue loss. After surgical debridement, the tibial gap was 22 cm and the soft-tissue defect on the anterior aspect of the calf measured 12 x 20 cm. An acute shortening using a 50 degrees angulation (apex posteriorly) of the tibia in an Ilizarov frame was done after a full assessment of all reconstructive surgical options. After complete wound healing, a progressive correction of the angulation was done. Bilevel tibial distraction at a rate of 1.75 mm/day restored the original lower limb length. The 22 cm tibial elongation included 17 cm proximal lengthening and 5 cm distal lengthening. The fractures consolidated after 371 days, all wounds had closed, and no signs of osteomyelitis were present. Good aesthetic and functional results were obtained. The patient had no leg discrepancy compared to his normal limb and he returned to his previous occupation as a garage mechanic and to his favorite sport, boxing. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the English literature of tibial lengthening of this magnitude following acute trauma.

[The treatment of meniscal tear with bio-absorbable arrow--3 years follow-up].

BACKGROUND: The introduction of bio-absorbable materials has improved the ability to offer a simple fast and friendly solution to meniscal tears. The technique of meniscal suture with bio-absorbable arrows is associated with lower morbidity and complication rates. AIM: The clinical evaluation of treatment of meniscal tear by suture with bio-absorbable arrows. METHODS: During the period 1997-2004, 14 patients underwent arthroscopic all-inside meniscus repair. The "Biofix" bio-absorbable arrows fixation technique was used. Fourteen patients were followed--11 males and 3 females. Their mean age was 23 years (range 16-34 years). Follow-up period was an average of 34 months (range 6-72 months). Sport injuries were the main cause of meniscal tear (60%). Other causes included: work accidents (20%) and military accidents (20%). All the tears were located in an area suitable for suture in the "red-red" or "red-white" zone. RESULTS: One patient had a tear of the lateral meniscus. Four patients had anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The mean length of the tear was 9.6 mm. Tears were fixed with 2.5 arrows in average. The clinical evaluation was by the Lysholm Score. Excellent results were reported in 10 patients, good in one patient, fair in 2 patients and poor in 1 patient. One patient suffered from a transient tender point on the medial joint line due to protruded arrow tip, one patient needed a menisectomy due to unresolved symptoms and one patient underwent ACL reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Meniscal suture with bio-absorbable arrows is an easy and reliable suture technique compared to the classical methods and it seems to have a lower complication rate. Further studies are needed to establish the quality of the repair and the associated morbidity.