Itaconate reduces proliferation and migration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes and ameliorates arthritis models.

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play critical roles in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Itaconate (ITA), an endogenous metabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, has attracted attention because of its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects. This study evaluated the effect of ITA on FLS and its potential to treat RA. ITA significantly decreased FLS proliferation and migration in vitro, as well as mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis measured by an extracellular flux analyzer. ITA accumulates metabolites including succinate and citrate in the TCA cycle. In rats with type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), intra-articular injection of ITA reduced arthritis and bone erosion. Irg1-deficient mice lacking the ability to produce ITA had more severe arthritis than control mice in the collagen antibody induced arthritis. ITA ameliorated CIA by inhibiting FLS proliferation and migration. Thus, ITA may be a novel therapeutic agent for RA.

Glycosphingolipids in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage-Regeneration Therapy: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects Based on a Narrative Review of the Literature.

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs), a subtype of glycolipids containing sphingosine, are critical components of vertebrate plasma membranes, playing a pivotal role in cellular signaling and interactions. In human articular cartilage in osteoarthritis (OA), GSL expression is known notably to decrease. This review focuses on the roles of gangliosides, a specific type of GSL, in cartilage degeneration and regeneration, emphasizing their regulatory function in signal transduction. The expression of gangliosides, whether endogenous or augmented exogenously, is regulated at the enzymatic level, targeting specific glycosyltransferases. This regulation has significant implications for the composition of cell-surface gangliosides and their impact on signal transduction in chondrocytes and progenitor cells. Different levels of ganglioside expression can influence signaling pathways in various ways, potentially affecting cell properties, including malignancy. Moreover, gene manipulations against gangliosides have been shown to regulate cartilage metabolisms and chondrocyte differentiation in vivo and in vitro. This review highlights the potential of targeting gangliosides in the development of therapeutic strategies for osteoarthritis and cartilage injury and addresses promising directions for future research and treatment.

Simultaneous medial closing wedge distal femoral varus osteotomy and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the symptomatic femoral valgus deformity: A case report.

Distal femoral varus osteotomy (DFVO) is a widely recognized surgical procedure used to address valgus malalignment in patients with knee joint disorders. However, it still remains unclear whether anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can be performed in a single procedure along with DFVO. Herein, we present a 73-year-old female patient who developed lateral osteoarthritis of the knee with valgus alignment due to chronic ACL deficiency following a twisting injury during skiing. She was physiologically very active, and strongly demanded to return to sports. We performed a combined procedure involving a medial closing wedge DFVO using an anatomical locking plate, along with double-bundle ACL reconstruction. The postoperative radiograph confirmed successful correction of knee alignment, specifically achieving varus alignment with precise conformance of the anatomical plate to the medial contour of the distal femur following the osteotomy. The patient resumed her previous sports activities without experiencing knee pain. The operated knee demonstrated restored anterior stability, as indicated by negative Lachman test results, and regained full range of motion. Both the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and the 2011 Knee Society score demonstrated continuous postoperative improvements over the three-year follow-up period, indicating positive functional outcomes and joint preservation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of medial closing wedge DFVO with anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction in the symptomatic femoral valgus deformity with chronic ACL deficiency in the literature.

Amputation surgery associated with shortened survival in patients with localized extremity bone sarcoma.

Background: This study assesses survival rates among patients with localized extremity bone sarcoma who have undergone amputation, pinpointing subpopulations that are disproportionately affected by amputation-related survival disparities. Methods: Examination of data was conducted using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, analyzing records of 3765 patients diagnosed with localized extremity bone sarcoma between 2000 and 2019. Of these, 857 received amputations (Amputation cohort), and 2908 underwent limb-sparing surgeries. Propensity score matching, considering demographic and clinical features, was utilized to ensure a fair comparison. Results: Following propensity score matching, the study focused on 1714 cases. The Amputation cohort was observed to have significantly poorer survival rates (Cancer-Specific Survival [CSS]: Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.28, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.05-1.55; Overall Survival [OS]: HR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.15-1.63). Subsequent subgroup analysis indicated that individuals with tumors exceeding 8 cm in size or those located in the lower limbs were notably at a higher risk of shortened survival (for tumors >8 cm - CSS: HR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02-1.71; OS: HR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.09-1.76; for lower limb tumors - CSS: HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01-1.54; OS: HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.11-1.61). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that patients diagnosed with localized extremity bone sarcoma undergoing amputation exhibit lower survival rates, especially in cases involving tumors of greater size or those situated in the lower limbs. In patient groups where amputation is inevitable, careful follow-up is required after surgical intervention.

Bone Density Distribution Pattern in the Lateral Wall of the Femoral Intercondylar Notch: Implications for the Direct Insertion of the Femoral ACL Attachment.

Background: The ideal position of the femoral bone tunnel in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is controversial. The functional importance of the ACL fiber varies depending on where it is attached to the femur. Functionally important fibers can cause high mechanical stress on the bone, and the Wolff law predicts that bone mineral density will increase at high mechanical stress sites. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to use computed tomography imaging to determine the distribution pattern of bone density in the lateral intercondylar wall. It was hypothesized that the high-density area (HDA) of the lateral intercondylar wall would reflect the functional insertion of the ACL as reported in previous anatomic studies. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Data from 39 knees without ACL injuries were retrospectively collected. The HDA of the lateral intercondylar wall was defined as the region containing the top 10% of the radiodensity values. The shape of the HDA was approximated as an ellipse, and the quadrant method was used to determine the center of the ellipse. The association between the ratio of the minor axis to the major axis of the ellipse and background characteristics was investigated. Results: According to the quadrant method, the center of the HDA ellipse was 33.6% in the deep-shallow direction and 23.4% in the high-low direction. The center of the ellipse was comparable to the anatomic center of the ACL footprint, as previously reported. The ratio of the minor axis to the major axis of the ellipse was 0.58 (95% CI, 0.54-0.62). There was a significant negative correlation between the ratio of the minor axis to the major axis of the HDA ellipse and the posterior tibial slope (r = -0.38, P = .02). Conclusion: The center of the HDA ellipse was found to be similar to the anatomic center of the ACL footprint. Considering the mechanical stress responses in bone, the HDA of the lateral intercondylar wall has the potential to represent the ACL insertion, especially functional insertion.

Clinical Outcomes of Total Wrist Arthroplasty in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up Study.

PURPOSE: We developed a semiconstrained total wrist prosthesis that was used in a series of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We previously reported favorable clinical outcomes for up to 5 years after surgery; however, the longer-term outcomes remain unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of this wrist prosthesis for the treatment of severe wrist rheumatoid arthritis during a minimum 10 years of follow-up. METHODS: From 2010 through 2012, total wrist arthroplasty using the semiconstrained total wrist arthroplasty device was performed in 20 wrists in 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (five men and 15 women). The mean patient age was 64 years (range, 50-84 years). Preoperative radiographs showed Larsen grade IV changes in 16 wrists and grade V changes in four wrists. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically before surgery, 5 years after surgery, and 10 years or more after surgery. Evaluated parameters were the visual analog scale for pain, range of motion, Figgie score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. RESULTS: The minimum 10-year follow-up clinical results (mean, 11.3 years) were available for all 14 surviving patients (three men and 11 women). Significant improvements in the mean visual analog scale for pain, Figgie score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, compared with those before surgery, were maintained from 5 years after surgery to the final follow-up. The mean wrist flexion angle tended to slightly decrease at 5 years after surgery compared with that before surgery but remained similar from 5 years after surgery to the final follow-up. The increase in the mean wrist extension angle, compared with that before surgery, was maintained from 5 years after surgery to the final follow-up. Radiographic evaluation had already revealed implant loosening in five of the 19 wrists at 5 years after surgery, but there were no new cases of component loosening identified at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Total wrist arthroplasty using the semiconstrained arthroplasty system achieves favorable clinical outcomes with no serious complications requiring revision for 10 years after surgery. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Subchondral Insufficiency Fracture: Recent Insights.

The increased incidence of osteoarthritis (OA), particularly knee and hip OA, and osteoporosis (OP), owing to population aging, have escalated the medical expense burden. Osteoarthritis is more prevalent in older women, and the involvement of subchondral bone fragility spotlights its association with OP. Notably, subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF) may represent a more pronounced condition of OA pathophysiology. This review summarizes the relationship between OA and OP, incorporating recent insights into SIF. Progressive SIF leads to joint collapse and secondary OA and is associated with OP. Furthermore, the thinning and fragility of subchondral bone in early-stage OA suggest that SIF may be a subtype of OA (osteoporosis-related OA, OPOA) characterized by significant subchondral bone damage. The high bone mineral density observed in OA may be overestimated due to osteophytes and sclerosis and can potentially contribute to OPOA. The incidence of OPOA is expected to increase along with population aging. Therefore, prioritizing OP screening, early interventions for patients with early-stage OA, and fracture prevention measures such as rehabilitation, fracture liaison services, nutritional management, and medication guidance are essential.

The alterations in nerve growth factor concentration in plasma and synovial fluid before and after total knee arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective procedure for pain relief; however, the emergence of postsurgical pain remains a concern. In this study, we investigated the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and mediators that affect NGF production and their function in the synovial fluid and plasma after TKA. This study included 19 patients (20 knees) who had rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and knee osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent TKA, categorized into OA and non-OA groups. The levels of NGF, inflammatory cytokines, and lipid mediators were analyzed before and after surgery. The intraoperative synovial fluid NGF concentration was more than seven times higher in the non-OA group than in the OA group. The intra-articular NGF levels increased significantly by more than threefold postoperatively in the OA group but not in the non-OA group. Moreover, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and lipid mediators were increased in the synovial fluid of both groups. The intra-articular cytokines or NGF concentrations positively correlated with postoperative pain. Targeted NGF control has the potential to alleviate postsurgical pain in TKA, especially in patients with OA, emphasizing the importance of understanding NGF dynamics under different knee conditions.

Clinical outcomes of perforator-based propeller flaps versus free flaps in soft tissue reconstruction for lower leg and foot trauma: a retrospective single-centre comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of perforator-based propeller flaps (PPF) versus free flaps (FF) in traumatic lower leg and foot reconstructions are debated. PPFs are perceived as simpler due to advantages like avoiding microsurgery, but concerns about complications, such as flap congestion and necrosis, persist. This study aimed to compare outcomes of PPF and FF in trauma-related distal lower extremity soft tissue reconstruction. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 38 flaps in 33 patients who underwent lower leg and foot soft tissue reconstruction due to trauma at our hospital from 2015 until 2022. Flap-related outcomes and complications were compared between the PPF group (18 flaps in 15 patients) and the FF group (20 flaps in 18 patients). These included complete and partial flap necrosis, venous congestion, delayed osteomyelitis, and the coverage failure rate, defined as the need for secondary flaps due to flap necrosis. RESULTS: The coverage failure rate was 22% in the PPF group and 5% in the FF group, with complete necrosis observed in 11% of the PPF group and 5% of the FF group, and partial necrosis in 39% of the PPF group and 10% of the FF group, indicating no significant difference between the two groups. However, venous congestion was significantly higher in 72% of the PPF group compared to 10% of the FF group. Four PPFs and one FF required FF reconstruction due to implant/fracture exposure from necrosis. Additionally, four PPFs developed delayed osteomyelitis post-healing, requiring reconstruction using free vascularized bone graft in three out of four cases. CONCLUSIONS: Flap necrosis in traumatic lower-leg defects can lead to reconstructive failure, exposing implants or fractures and potentially causing catastrophic outcomes like osteomyelitis, jeopardizing limb salvage. Surgeons should be cautious about deeming PPFs as straightforward and microsurgery-free procedures, given the increased complication rates compared to FFs in traumatic reconstruction. DATA ACCESS STATEMENT: The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Surgical Resection of Primary Tumor for Bone Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients at Initial Presentation.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether primary tumor resection in patients with bone metastatic breast cancer has an impact on survival using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, considering subtype classification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included all female patients with bone metastatic breast cancer at initial presentation between 2010 and 2016 with known hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) statuses. Cases showing unknown cause of death or unknown HR/HER2 status were excluded. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards modeling to calculate hazard ratios (HZR). RESULTS: Of the 13,450 patients included in this study, 2,073 patients were HR+/HER2+, 8,597 patients were HR+/HER2-, 797 patients were HR-/HER2+, and 1,182 patients were HR-/HER2- (triple-negative). Five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 34.5% in HR+/HER2+, 26.0% in HR+/HER2-, 29.2% in HR-/HER2+ and 8.0% in triple-negative. Triple-negative patients showed the worsen OS [HR+/HER2+: HZR=2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.9-2.3; HR+/HER2-: HZR= 2.4, 95%CI=2.2-2.6; HR-/HER2+: HZR=1.5, 95%CI=1.3-1.6]. After excluding patients who died within six months, primary tumor resection prolonged survival in each subtype classification except HR-/HER2+. CONCLUSION: Patients with triple-negative bone metastatic breast cancer showed unfavorable survival. Primary tumor resection prolonged survival in each subtype except for HR-/HER2+.

Articular cartilage corefucosylation regulates tissue resilience in osteoarthritis.

This study aimed to investigate the glycan structural changes that occur before histological degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA) and to determine the mechanism by which these glycan conformational changes affect cartilage degeneration. An OA model was established in rabbits using mannosidase injection, which reduced high-mannose type N-glycans and led to cartilage degeneration. Further analysis of glycome in human OA cartilage identified specific corefucosylated N-glycan expression patterns. Inhibition of N-glycan corefucosylation in mice resulted in unrecoverable cartilage degeneration, while cartilage-specific blocking of corefucosylation led to accelerated development of aging-associated and instability-induced OA models. We conclude that α1,6 fucosyltransferase is required postnatally to prevent preosteoarthritic deterioration of articular cartilage. These findings provide a novel definition of early OA and identify glyco-phenotypes of OA cartilage, which may distinguish individuals at higher risk of progression.

Secondary fracture and mortality risk with very high fracture risk osteoporosis and proximal femoral fracture.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate secondary fracture and mortality rates, and risk factors in patients with proximal femoral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study on female patients with proximal femoral fractures who underwent surgical treatment between April 2020 and March 2021. Postoperative follow-ups were performed at 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month intervals to determine the secondary fracture and mortality rates, and the risk factors and its influence were examined. RESULTS: Of the 279 registered patients, 144 patients (51.6%) were diagnosed with very high fracture risk osteoporosis. The postoperative osteoporosis rate exceeded 96%; however, osteoanabolic agents were used sparingly. The risk factor of both secondary fracture and mortality was very high fracture risk osteoporosis, and secondary fractures within 12 months were markedly occurred. Secondary fracture rates increased as the number of matched very high fracture risk osteoporosis criteria increased. Notably, secondary fractures and mortality were recorded in 21.4% and 23.5% of the patients who met all criteria, respectively. CONCLUSION: Over half of the female patients with proximal femoral fractures had very high fracture risk osteoporosis. Although, very high fracture risk osteoporosis demonstrated a notably increased risk of secondary fractures, particularly at 12 months post-surgery, the use of osteoanabolic agents was substantially low. Collectively, our findings highlight the need to consider the risk of very high fracture risk osteoporosis, expand the use of medications to include osteoanabolic agents, and reconsider the current healthcare approach for proximal femoral fractures.

Bone metastatic cancer of unknown primary at initial presentation

Introduction Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a challenging malignancy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of bone metastatic CUP using the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Methods From the SEER database, we identified 1908 patients with bone metastatic CUP at initial presentation between 2010 and 2018. Histology was subdivided following International Classification of Diseases for Oncology codes as Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell, Neuroendocrine, or Carcinoma not otherwise specified (NOS). Cox proportional hazard modeling was applied using factors of age, sex, ethnicity, histological subtype, and therapeutic intervention. Results Among the 1908 patients, histology was Neuroendocrine in 240 patients, Squamous cell in 201 patients, Adenocarcinoma in 810 patients and NOS in 657 patients. In each subtype, patients tended to be predominantly male and white. Chemotherapy was introduced for 28% of patients and radiation for 34% in the entire cohort. Survival in patients with bone metastatic CUP was unfavorable, with a median survival of 2 months. Among the histological subtypes, Adenocarcinoma showed shorter survival than the other groups. In addition, treatment interventions such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy prolonged survival, particularly for Squamous cell, Adenocarcinoma and NOS, but not for Neuroendocrine. Discussion Bone metastatic CUP showed extremely poor prognosis, but treatment interventions such as chemotherapy and radiation generally offered survival benefits. Further randomized clinical research is needed to confirm the present results (AU)

Zinc improves Denosumab and eldecalcitol efficacy for bone mineral density in patients with hypozincemia.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the effects of zinc deficiency and zinc medication in osteoporosis patients undergoing denosumab (DMAb). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at a single hospital. The participants were female osteoporosis patients visiting between April 2019 and April 2020. All patients were treated with DMAb and eldecalcitol and recommended zinc-rich food. Based on zinc medication and serum zinc levels at the 12th month of dietary guidance, patients were categorized into the following four groups: hypozincemia with zinc medication, latent zinc deficiency with zinc medication, without zinc medication, and control without zinc medication. Longitudinal serum zinc concentrations, bone mineral density (BMD), and occurrence of fractures were measured. We investigated the factors influencing no response to DMAb and eldecalcitol treatment. RESULTS: Among the 145 patients followed up for 24 months, dietary guidance did not change the serum zinc concentration; however, zinc medication significantly increased these levels. The hypozincemia group did not show a significant BMD increase in the lumbar spine and femoral neck after DMAb and eldecalcitol treatment during dietary guidance; however, zinc medication increased these to the same levels as the other groups. In multivariate analyses, hypozincemia and thyroid disease were identified as the factors affecting no response. While 28.2% of patients with latent zinc deficiency without zinc medication suffered fractures, no fractures occurred in hypozincemia patients with zinc medication. CONCLUSION: Hypozincemia may reduce the efficacy of DMAb and eldecalcitol in increasing BMD and fracture prevention.

Effect of longer femoral head on leg length, offset, and range of motion in total hip arthroplasty: a simulation study.

In this study, we investigated the relationship between head length, leg length, offset, and dislocation resistance using range of motion (ROM) simulations based on computed tomography data to examine if a longer femoral head reduces the risk of dislocation. The femoral components were set to eliminate leg length differences with a + 0 mm head, and variations for + 4-, + 7-, and + 8-mm heads were analyzed. Offset and ROM were assessed when longer heads were used, with the leg length adjusted to be similar to that of the contralateral side. While internal rotation at flexion and external rotation at extension increased with + 4-mm longer heads, the + 7- and + 8-mm heads did not increase dislocation resistance. When adjusting for leg length, the longer heads showed no significant differences in offset and ROM. Enhancing dislocation resistance by solely increasing the offset with a longer head, while simultaneously adjusting the depth of stem insertion, may be a beneficial intraoperative technique. Although a + 4-mm longer head possibly increases ROM without impingement, heads extended by + 7 or + 8 mm may not exhibit the same advantage. Therefore, surgeons should consider this technique based on the implant design.

Effect of urgent surgery within 8 hours compared to surgery between 8 and 24 hours on perioperative complications and neurological prognosis in patients older than 70 years with cervical spinal cord injury: a propensity score-matched analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of surgery within 8 hours on perioperative complications and neurological prognosis in older patients with cervical spinal cord injury by using a propensity score-matched analysis. METHODS: The authors included 87 consecutive patients older than 70 years who had cervical spinal cord injury and who had undergone posterior decompression and fusion surgery within 24 hours of injury. The patients were divided into two groups based on the time from injury to surgery: surgery within 8 hours (group 8 hours) and between 8 and 24 hours (group 8-24 hours). Following the preliminary study, the authors established a 1:1 matched model using propensity scores to adjust for baseline characteristics and neurological status on admission. Perioperative complication rates and neurological outcomes at discharge were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Preliminary analysis of 87 prematched patients (39 in group 8 hours and 48 in group 8-24 hours) revealed that the motor index score (MIS) on admission was lower for lower extremities (12.3 ± 15.5 vs 20.0 ± 18.6, respectively; p = 0.048), and total extremities (26.7 ± 27.1 vs 40.2 ± 30.6, respectively; p = 0.035) in group 8 hours. In terms of perioperative complications, group 8 hours had significantly higher rates of cardiopulmonary dysfunction (46.2% vs 25.0%, respectively; p = 0.039). MIS improvement (the difference in scores between admission and discharge) was greater in group 8 hours for lower extremities (15.8 ± 12.6 vs 9.0 ± 10.5, respectively; p = 0.009) and total extremities (29.4 ± 21.7 vs 18.7 ± 17.7, respectively; p = 0.016). Using a 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis, 29 patient pairs from group 8 hours and group 8-24 hours were selected. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, neurological status on admission, and perioperative complications between the two groups, including cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Even after matching, MIS improvement was significantly greater in group 8 hours for upper extremities (13.0 ± 10.9 vs 7.8 ± 8.3, respectively; p = 0.045), lower extremities (14.8 ± 12.7 vs 8.3 ± 11.0, respectively; p = 0.044) and total extremities (27.8 ± 21.0 vs 16.0 ± 17.5, respectively; p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Results of the comparison after matching demonstrated that urgent surgery within 8 hours did not increase the perioperative complication rate and significantly improved the MIS, suggesting that surgery within 8 hours may be efficient, even in older patients.

Atelocollagen-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation for the repair of large cartilage defects of the knee: Results at three to seven years.

BACKGROUND: Recently, various types of engineered autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) have been developed. Atelocollagen-associated ACI (A-ACI) is the only ACI procedure covered by Japanese Health Insurance since 2013. The indications of the A-ACI are traumatic cartilage defects and osteochondral dissecans (OCD) for knee joints. PURPOSE: To evaluate midterm clinical results after A-ACI for the treatment for full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee. METHODS: Thirteen consecutive patients who underwent A-ACI between 2014 and 2018 had been prospectively enrolled in this study. There were 11 men and 2 women with a mean age of 34 years at the time of surgery. The causes of the cartilage defect were trauma in 10 knees and OCD in 3 knees. The total number of lesions was 15, which were comprised of the medial femoral condyle in 5 knees, the lateral femoral condyle in 5 knees, and the femoral trochlea in 5 knees. The mean size of the lesion was 5.3 cm2. Each knee was clinically and radiologically evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean Lysholm score improved significantly from 74.0 points to 94.0 points (p = 0.008) and each subscale in Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score improved significantly (p < 0.001) at the mean final follow-up period of 51 months (range, 36-84 months). The magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue 2.0 score at the mean follow-up of 38 months was significantly higher than that at 2 months postoperatively (p = 0.014). According to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading scale, 3 knees were graded as normal, 3 knees as nearly normal, and 1 knee as severely abnormal in second-look arthroscopic evaluation at a mean of 22 months (range, 8-41 months) after A-ACI. CONCLUSION: The present study showed a significant subjective and objective clinical improvement in the A-ACI for large cartilage defects of the knee at a mean follow-up of 51 months (range, 36-84 months).

Joint instability in patients with borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND: The treatment strategy for developmental dysplasia of the hip is determined based on the lateral center-edge angle. Nonetheless, an evaluation of joint instability may be important in determining the treatment strategy. This study classified the displacement patterns of the femoral head center during hip abduction. METHODS: Ten patients with borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip, 10 patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip, and 10 patients with normal hips were analyzed. Image matching was performed using X-ray images of hip abduction with a three-dimensional hip model. The displacement of the femoral head center and its trajectory length were measured. A cluster analysis was conducted to classify the displacement pattern of the femoral head center, and trajectory lengths were compared. FINDINGS: Displacement was classified into three patterns: medialization, hinge abduction, and centering. Patients with borderline developmental hip dysplasia exhibited all three patterns. Almost all patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip showed medialization and hinge abduction, whereas all normal patients had the centering type. The mean trajectory length indices for the medialization and hinge abduction types were significantly longer than those for the centering type (P = 0.01 and P = 0.016, respectively). INTERPRETATION: Borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip is a heterogeneous condition characterized by varying hip instability levels. Our findings suggest that uniform evaluation based on the lateral center-edge angle is inappropriate and that joint instability must be evaluated in each patient with borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip.