Expression of Chondrogenic Potential Markers in Cultured Chondrocytes from the Human Knee Joint.

OBJECTIVES: While substantial progress has been made in engineering cartilaginous constructs for animal models, further research is needed to translate these methodologies for human applications. Evidence suggests that cultured autologous chondrocytes undergo changes in phenotype and gene expression, thereby affecting their proliferation and differentiation capacity. This study was designed to evaluate the expression of chondrogenic markers in cultured human articular chondrocytes from passages 3 (P3) and 7 (P7), beyond the current clinical recommendation of P3. METHODS: Cultured autologous chondrocytes were passaged from P3 up to P7, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to assess mRNA expression of chondrogenic markers, including collagen type I (COLI), collagen type II (COLII), aggrecan (AGG), bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), transcription factor SOX-9 (SOX9), proteoglycan 4 (PGR4), and transformation-related protein 53 (p53), between P3 and P7. RESULTS: Except for AGG, no significant differences were found in the expression of markers between passages, suggesting the maintenance of chondrogenic potential in cultured chondrocytes. Differential expression identified between SOX9 and PGR4, as well as between COLI and SOX9, indicates that differences in chondrogenic markers are present between age groups and sexes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, expression profiles of younger and male chondrocytes exhibit conversion of mature cartilage characteristics compared to their counterparts, with signs of dedifferentiation and loss of phenotype within-group passaging. These results may have implications in guiding the use of higher passaged chondrocytes for engineering constructs and provide a foundation for clinical recommendations surrounding the repair and treatment of articular cartilage pathology in both sexes.

Comparison of major spine navigation platforms based on key performance metrics: a meta-analysis of 16,040 screws.

PURPOSE: The objective of this meta-analysis is to compare available computer-assisted navigation platforms by key performance metrics including pedicle screw placement accuracy, operative time, neurological complications, and blood loss. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using major databases for articles comparing pedicle screw accuracy of computer-assisted navigation to conventional (freehand or fluoroscopy) controls via post-operative computed tomography. Outcome data were extracted and pooled by random-effects model for analysis. RESULTS: All navigation platforms demonstrated significant reduction in risk of breach, with Stryker demonstrating the highest accuracy compared to controls (OR 0.16 95% CI 0.06 to 0.41, P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%) followed by Medtronic. There were no significant differences in accuracy or most surgical outcome measures between platforms; however, BrainLab demonstrated significantly faster operative time compared to Medtronic by 30 min (95% CI - 63.27 to - 2.47, P = 0.03, I2 = 74%). Together, there was significantly lower risk of major breach in the navigation group compared to controls (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.27-0.63, P < 0.0001, I2 = 56%). CONCLUSIONS: When comparing between platforms, Stryker demonstrated the highest accuracy, and Brainlab the shortest operative time, both followed by Medtronic. No significant difference was found between platforms regarding neurologic complications or blood loss. Overall, our results demonstrated a 60% reduction in risk of major breach utilizing computer-assisted navigation, coinciding with previous studies, and supporting its validity. This study is the first to directly compare available navigation platforms offering insight for further investigation and aiding in the institutional procurement of platforms. LEVEL 3 EVIDENCE: Meta-analysis of Level 3 studies.

Subsidence of a Single-Taper Femoral Stem in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Characterization, Associated Factors, and Sequelae.

BACKGROUND: We characterized subsidence of an uncemented single-taper femoral stem in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), determined factors associated with subsidence, and evaluated the impact of subsidence on outcome. METHODS: This retrospective study included 502 primary THAs performed using a single-taper stem in Dorr type-A and type-B femora between 2014 and 2018. Subsidence was measured based on distance from the greater trochanter to stem shoulder on calibrated X-rays. Demographics, case-specific data, and outcomes were collected. Changes in subsidence and variables associated with subsidence were determined. RESULTS: Stem subsidence was 1.5 ± 2.3 mm, 1.6 ± 2.0 mm, 2.0 ± 2.6 mm, 2.3 ± 2.3 mm, 2.6 ± 2.5 mm, and 2.7 ± 3.0 mm at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and ≥3 years from THA, respectively. Subsidence across all patients at final mean follow-up of 24 months (range, 1 to 101 months) was 2.2 ± 2.6 mm. Pairwise comparison demonstrated that subsidence occurred predominantly within the first 6 months. Significant subsidence (≥5 mm) occurred in 17.3% and was associated with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 (P = .04). Dorr type, age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class were not associated with subsidence. There were 2 patients (0.4%) who underwent a revision that could be attributed to subsidence. There was no association between subsidence and pain, limp, need for ambulatory aid, or analgesic use. CONCLUSION: In primary THAs performed using a single-taper prosthesis, average subsidence was 2.2 mm and significant subsidence occurred in 17.3%. Patient BMI was associated with subsidence. Revision surgery related to subsidence was infrequent (0.4%).

HSP72 expression is specific to skeletal muscle contraction type.

Exercise is capable of inducing the cellular stress response and increasing skeletal muscle heat shock protein (HSP) content. HSPs function as molecular chaperones and play roles in facilitating protein folding thereby contributing to muscle proteostasis. To determine the relationship between muscle contraction types, muscle damage, and HSP content, one tibialis anterior (TA) muscle from male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 5/group) was electrically stimulated while actively lengthening (LC), shortening (SC), or remaining to stagnate (IC) for 15 repetitions (3 sets of five). Two additional LC groups underwent 5 and 10 repetitions. Maximal tetanic tension (MTT) was recorded prior to (pre) and at 5 min after (post) the last contraction. Twenty-four hours after stimulation, TA muscles were removed, processed, and assessed for damage and for HSP25 and HSP72 content. Post-MTT was significantly decreased following 15 LCs, (24%; p < 0.05) but not following 15 SCs or 15 ICs. Post-MTT was also decreased by 8% (p < 0.05), and 18% (p < 0.05) for muscles subjected to 5 and 10 LCs, respectively. HSP72 content increased after all LCs conditions but not following ICs or SCs. HSP25 content remained unchanged following all contractions. Similarly, muscle damage was observed only after LCs and not after other contraction types. In conclusion, muscle HSP72 content can be increased with as few as 5 maximal lengthening contractions and appears to be related to muscle damage. This may have important implications for muscle rehabilitation and exercise training programs.