Impact of Subtalar Distraction Arthrodesis on Ankle Joint: Radiological Insights from Modified Grice-Green Procedure.

Subtalar distraction arthrodesis (SDA) is a surgical procedure designed to treat hindfoot deformities associated with isolated subtalar joint arthritis. In 1996, Fitzgibbons was the first to observe that, in some cases, hindfoot fusion appeared to be associated with the development of tibiotalar valgus tilt. Since then, few studies have addressed this issue. Given that hindfoot fusion can be performed using various techniques, this study investigated the potential tibiotalar joint frontal or sagittal modifications resulting from the modified Grice-Green technique. All the consecutive patients who underwent the modified Grice-Green procedure were included. The patient records were reviewed to extract demographic data. Weight-bearing foot and ankle radiographs were assessed to measure the talar tilt angle and the tibiotalar ratio on the same picture archiving and communication system by three independent observers. A total of 69 patients met the criteria for inclusion. The mean talar tilt showed no substantial changes, since the increase from 1.46 ± 1.62 preoperatively to 1.93 ± 2.19 at a minimum of 8 months postoperatively was not statistically significant (p = 0.47). The average preoperative tibiotalar ratio significantly increased from 33.4 ± 4.4% to 35 ± 4% postoperatively (p = 0.007), although remaining within the normal range, indicating a possible realignment of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint. In conclusion, this study highlights the effectiveness of the modified Grice-Green procedure in achieving a favorable realignment without impacting the ankle joint, particularly regarding tibiotalar valgus tilt.

Adhesive capsulitis: the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Adhesive capsulitis (AC), more commonly known as "frozen shoulder", is a painful shoulder condition. The illness progresses through three phases: freezing, frozen and thawing. A gold standard treatment for adhesive capsulitis is not defined. The goal of any treatment is to reduce pain and restore shoulder movement. OBJECTIVE: Objective of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of gleno-humeral hydrodistension associated with physical therapy in patients with diagnosed adhesive capsulitis comparing the outcomes in term of pain and range of motion in patients with a phase 1 and a phase 2 disease. METHOD: Between January 2022 and April 2023, We evaluated 87 patients with adhesive capsulitis, 47 were excluded for others concomitant pathologies, finally 40 patients were enrolled for the study, of whom 23 had capsulitis in stage 1 and 17 in stage 2. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at 2, 4 and 6 months after infiltration recording range of motion in all planes, pain and functionality scores. RESULTS: A significant improvement was recorded in shoulder range of motion in all planes with the except of extension in both groups. Phase 2 patients were able to regain shoulder range of motion in all planes except internal rotation which was recovered with more difficulty. Pain and functionality scores improved significantly between baseline and follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-assisted hydrodistention of the glenohumeral joint combined with targeted exercise has been successful in improving pain relief, reducing disability, and increasing range of motion in subjects with stage 1 and 2 adhesive capsulitis, especially if diagnosed before phase 2 (when the range of motion is completely reduced).

A Pilot Study on Circulating, Cellular, and Tissue Biomarkers in Osteosarcopenic Patients.

Aging comes with the loss of muscle and bone mass, leading to a condition known as osteosarcopenia. Circulating, cellular, and tissue biomarkers research for osteosarcopenia is relatively scarce and, currently, no established biomarkers exist. Here we find that osteosarcopenic patients exhibited elevated basophils and TNFα levels, along with decreased aPPT, PT/INR, IL15, alpha-Klotho, DHEA-S, and FGF-2 expression and distinctive bone and muscle tissue micro-architecture and biomarker expressions. They also displayed an increase in osteoclast precursors with a concomitant imbalance towards spontaneous osteoclastogenesis. Similarities were noted with osteopenic and sarcopenic patients, including a lower neutrophil percentage and altered cytokine expression. A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) on models based on selected biomarkers showed a classification accuracy in the range of 61-78%. Collectively, our data provide compelling evidence for novel biomarkers for osteosarcopenia that may hold potential as diagnostic tools to promote healthy aging.

Identification of Epigenetic Biomarkers of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Progression: A Workflow to Assess Local Gene Expression.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional structural deformity of the spine that affects 2-3% of adolescents under the age of 16. AIS etiopathogenesis is not completely understood; however, the disease phenotype is correlated to multiple genetic loci and results from genetic-environmental interactions. One of the primary, still unresolved issues is the implementation of reliable diagnostic and prognostic markers. For clinical management improvement, predictors of curve progression are particularly needed. Recently, an epigenetic contribution to AIS development and progression was proposed; nevertheless, validation of data obtained in peripheral tissues and identification of the specific mechanisms and genes under epigenetic control remain limited. In this study, we propose a methodological approach for the identification of epigenetic markers of AIS progression through an original workflow based on the preliminary characterization of local expression of candidate genes in tissues directly involved in the pathology. The feasibility of the proposed methodological protocol has been originally tested here in terms of identification of the putative epigenetic markers of AIS progression, collection of the different tissues, retrieval of an appropriate amount and quality of RNA and DNA, and identification of suitable reference genes.

Unveiling Timetable for Physical Therapy after Single-Level Lumbar Surgery for Degenerative Disc Disease: Insights from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Postoperative physical therapy emerges as a pivotal element of the rehabilitation process, aimed at enhancing functional recovery, managing pain, and mitigating the risk of further complications. The debate concerning the optimal timing of physical therapy intervention post-surgery remains unresolved; in particular, whether to initiate physical therapy immediately or to wait weeks is of particular interest. The aim of this study is to review the available literature regarding the optimal timing of physical therapy initiation and the outcomes obtained. Methods: This review was carried out in accordance with the Preferential Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. This search was carried out in February 2024. Only peer-reviewed articles were considered for inclusion. Results: Fourteen studies were included. The primary outcomes assessed in the included studies were the following: 12-week and 12-month low back pain, return to work, function and disability, psychological status, patient satisfaction, and complications associated with early physical therapy. A meta-analysis was performed concerning low back pain after lumbar discectomy at 12 weeks and 12 months and complications after early physical therapy after lumbar discectomy and lumbar interbody fusion. A significant difference was found between early and standard physical therapy in terms of low back pain at 12-18 months (p = 0.0062); no significant differences were found in terms of complications, both for discectomy and arthrodesis. Conclusions: This review indicates that employing early rehabilitation strategies for intervertebral disc disease could enhance results in terms of pain and disability without an enhanced risk of complications.

Anterior Minimally Invasive Approach (AMIS) for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Analysis of the First 1000 Consecutive Patients Operated at a High Volume Center.

(1) Background: Direct anterior approach (DAA) has recently acquired popularity through improvements such as the anterior minimally invasive surgical technique (AMIS). This retrospective study examines the first 1000 consecutive THAs performed utilizing the AMIS approach in a high-volume center between 2012 and 2017. (2) Methods: 1000 consecutive THAs performed at a single institution utilizing the AMIS approach were retrospectively analyzed with a minimum five-year follow-up. Full evaluation of demographic information, clinical parameters, intraoperative complications, and radiological examinations are reported. (3) Results: Overall complication rate was 9.4% (94/1000), including 8 dislocations, 57 femoral-cutaneous nerve injuries, 12 intraoperative femoral fractures, 9 infections and 8 leg length discrepancy. Implant survival rates were 98.5% at 1 year, 97.5% at 3 years, 97% at 5 years, and 95.3% at 7 years. Causes of failure included periprosthetic fractures (0.8%), implant dislocations (0.6%), septic loosening (0.5%), aseptic mobilizations (0.2%), and symptomatic limb length discrepancies (0.2%). (4) Conclusions: Controversies persist around the direct anterior approach (DAA) for THA, primarily regarding the increased complications rate during the learning curve. However, this study advocates for widespread adoption of the DAA approach. The results demonstrate acceptable complication rates and remarkable functional outcomes, affirming its viability in the broader orthopedic patient population.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus: What happens after 20 years?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term clinical efficacy of first-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) technique for osteochondral lesions of the ankle joint. METHODS: Eleven patients with symptomatic OLTs underwent ACI from December 1997 to October 2002. A total of 9 patients (5 men, 4 women, age 25.2 ± 6.3) were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 3, 10 years, and at final follow-up of minimum 20 years with AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, NRS for pain, and with the Tegner score. RESULTS: The AOFAS score improved significantly from the baseline value of 40.4 ± 19.8 to 82.7 ± 12.9 at the final follow-up (p < 0.0005). The NRS for pain improved significantly from 7.8 ± 0.7 at baseline to 4.8 ± 2.1 at the final follow-up (p < 0.0005). Moreover, the Tegner score underwent a modification from the pre-operative median value of 1 (range: 1-3) and from a pre-injury value of 5 (range: 3-7) to 3 (range: 2-4) at the final follow-up (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: ACI has proven to be an effective treatment option for patients suffering from OLTs, leading to a long-lasting clinical improvement even beyond 20 years of follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Similar Short-Term Outcomes of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery with or without Drainage: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis.

The use of closed suction drains post posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is common practice, although evidence on its impact is limited compared to that for knee and hip arthroplasty. This study aimed to assess the effect of closed suction drainage on short-term post-operative outcomes in AIS surgery. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted, including studies comparing outcomes with and without drainage. Data on blood loss, transfusions, hospital stay, and complications were collected and subjected to meta-analysis. Five studies involving 772 patients were analyzed. The meta-analysis found no significant difference in blood transfusion rates (p = 0.107) or hospital stay (p = 0.457) between groups. Complications, including surgical site infections, were more common without drainage, though not statistically significant (p = 0.356). Reintervention rates were higher in the no-drainage group, but not significantly (p = 0.260). Overall, this review found no significant short-term outcome differences, suggesting clinical judgment should guide drainage decisions. Further research, particularly with enhanced recovery protocols, is warranted to clarify drainage's role in AIS surgery.

First metatarsophalangeal joint arthroscopy: Unearthing clinical evidence - A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (1 MTP) has gained increasing attention in the last two decades. Despite numerous studies describing the surgical technique, only a few provide clinical or radiological outcome data. This systematic review aimed to analyze studies presenting objectively measurable clinical outcomes of patients who underwent 1 MTP arthroscopy as the primary procedure, categorizing results by indication pathology. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for studies reporting outcomes of primary 1 MTP arthroscopy, regardless of underlying pathology. The selected articles were thoroughly assessed to extract data regarding the demographics of included patients, pathology, preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes, complications, and reinterventions. RESULTS: Fourteen articles, involving 405 patients (419 halluces), were included. Common indications were hallux valgus and hallux rigidus. Notably, Hallux Valgus Angle improved from 28.9° to 12.7°, and Intermetatarsal Angle improved from 13.8° to 9.2°, where reported. In hallux rigidus patients, range of motion increased from 25.15° to 71.3° post-surgery. Temporary or permanent sensory loss occurred in 3% of treated halluces, with 4.28% requiring reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on 1 MTP arthroscopy as the primary procedure is limited. It is most effective for hallux rigidus, while in hallux valgus cases, it can achieve satisfactory angular corrections but has a relatively high recurrence and reoperation rate. Although this technique is generally safe, further research should compare it with traditional surgical approaches to provide comprehensive insights. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The Forgotten Joint Score Is a Valid Outcome Measure for Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The success of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) involves objective and subjective parameters such as joint motion and implant survival. Patient-reported outcome measures provide key context from the patient's perspective so that we can evaluate the results of these procedures. The Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) has demonstrated validity and reliability in other arthroplasties, but the existing evidence on the FJS in TAA is very limited. QUESTION/PURPOSES: We aimed to assess the reliability, validity, responsiveness to change, and floor and ceiling effects, as well as to perform a gender analysis, of the FJS in patients who had undergone TAA. METHODS: A prospective, observational study enrolled patients who underwent TAA at our institution between June 2021 and May 2023. The three-component TAA was performed through an anterior approach. A total of 120 patients (mean age 62 ± 10 years) participated, which was 83% (120 of 145) of those eligible, and 77% (92 of 120) of those patients underwent follow-up assessments at 12 ± 1 months after surgery. A cross-culturally adapted and validated version of the FJS in our language (Italian) was used. Additionally, three other commonly used patient-reported outcome measures for TAA were administered: the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), and the VAS. RESULTS: Reliability was demonstrated by excellent internal consistency (Cronbach α coefficient = 0.95) and excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99; standard error of measurement = 2.7). Robust validity was observed, in that the FJS had a strong correlation with the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, the MOXFQ, and the VAS (Pearson and Spearman values consistently above 0.7 or below -0.7). Responsiveness to change was observed between 6 and 12 months (Cohen d = 0.37). Low ceiling and floor effects at both 6 months (4% and 3% reached top and bottom scores, respectively) and 12 months (10% and 0% reached top and bottom scores, respectively) were demonstrated, below the recommended 15% interpretability threshold. No association between outcomes and patient gender was observed. CONCLUSION: Test properties and validity of the FJS were strong in patients who underwent TAA. It seems suitable for clinical use, although future studies should seek to replicate or refute our findings in other patient populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study.

Comparable rates of lumbar disc degeneration at long-term following adolescent idiopathic scoliosis spinal fusion extended to L3 or L4: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) requires a careful choice of fusion levels. The usual recommendation for the selection of the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) for double major or thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curves falls on L3 or L4. The aim of the present study is to assess if the spinal fusion with LIV selection of L3 or L4 in AIS patients has a clinical or radiological impact in terms of degenerative disc disease (DDD) in distal unfused segments at long-term follow-up. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases from eligible articles was conducted. Only studies regarding long-term follow-up of AIS patients treated with spinal fusion were included. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were extracted and summarized. Meta-analysis on long-term follow-up MRI studies was performed. p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included, for a total of 1264 patients. Clinical assessment of included patients showed a slight tendency to have worse clinical outcomes if spinal fusion is extended to L4 rather than L3. Despite that, meta-analysis could not be performed on clinical parameters because of heterogeneity of evaluated PROMs in included studies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation at long-term follow-up showed no significant difference in terms of disc degeneration rate at overall meta-analysis (p = 0.916) between patients fused to L3 and L4. CONCLUSION: The LIV selection of L3 rather than L4, according to current literature, does not prevent disc degeneration in distal unfused segments over the long term. Long-term studies of patients treated with contemporary spinal instrumentation are needed.

Are there gender-specific differences in hip and knee cartilage composition and degeneration? A systematic literature review.

The aim of the present review is to systematically analyse the current literature about gender differences in hip or knee cartilage composition and degeneration, to help explaining how and why osteoarthritis affects women more often and more severely than men. A systematic review of the literature in English was performed. Eleven studies on 1962 patients (905 females and 787 males) that reported differences on cartilage composition between males and females were included. Nine evaluated the knee, one the hip, and one both. They were heterogeneous in their methods: one conducted histological analyses, and all the others evaluated cartilage characteristics (volume, width, and composition) through magnetic resonance imaging. All authors reported gender differences in both volume and morphology of the cartilage, from infancy to menopause. In fact, a study on 92 healthy children statistically showed significant gender differences in cartilage thickness at all sites, even after adjustment for age, body, and bone size. Gender differences become more evident after menopause, when women have a lower cartilage volume and a higher cartilage loss. Men show significantly higher knee and hip cartilage volumes than women, and women carry a significantly greater risk to develop osteoarthritis. This is in part due to body and bone size, but also depends on qualitative and quantitative differences in the composition of cartilage and its degeneration rate after menopause. Structural changes in cartilage that occur between genders during ageing have significance in the development of osteoarthritis.

Unveiling dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (Trevor's disease) in the foot and ankle: A systematic review.

Background: Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica is a rare non-inherited condition characterized by the unilateral predominance of osteochondromas in one or more epiphyses, with ankles and knees being the most affected joints. Treatment approaches vary based on the localization of the disease, encompassing both conservative and surgical options. Due to its rarity, there is a lack of definitive surgical guidelines or specific treatment modalities. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to thoroughly investigate dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica to provide evidence-based guidance for managing this condition, specifically focusing on the foot and ankle. Methods: A systematic search was performed on PubMed and the Cochrane Library to identify all published articles related to dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica of the foot and ankle. Individual patient information, such as gender, age, disease type, follow-up, localization, clinical presentation, intervention, and complications, were systematically extracted from each article and analyzed. Results: Twenty-five eligible publications were included in the review, involving a total of 70 patients (16 females, 53 males). The mean age was 9.6 years (SD 7.3). The talus was the most prevalent location and clinical presentations included mass and pain in 54% of cases. Surgical procedures were chosen in 92% of patients, with 95% undergoing mass excision. Recurrence was the most frequent complication, observed in 9% of cases. Conclusions: Raising awareness about dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment, positively impacting clinical outcomes. Vigilant monitoring is essential during observational management, as unchecked mass growth can complicate surgical intervention. Surgical treatment focuses on mass excision, feasible even at a young age but requiring precision to prevent recurrence or secondary arthritis. Level of evidence: IV.

Hallux Valgus Plantar Pressure Distribution before and after a Distal Metatarsal Osteotomy.

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) morphological alterations impact forefoot kinetics. Surgery aims to restore both the morphology and function. Plantar pressure (PP) distribution systems represent an innovative additional tool to evaluate the hallux functional outcome after surgery in order to assess the hallux dorsiflexion, coupled with plantar flexion of the first ray. However, the literature reports limited evidence regarding the rebalancing of the plantar pressure distribution following surgery. The purpose of the present study was to examine the PP distribution in HV patients before and after a distal metatarsal osteotomy using a novel anatomically based protocol for in-shoe plantar load analysis during gait. Methods: A consecutive series of 18 patients with mild-to-moderate symptomatic HV who underwent a distal metatarsal osteotomy (S.E.R.I. technique) were prospectively evaluated using clinical scores (AOFAS and NRS), radiographic parameters (hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle), and PP measurements via W-INSHOE© (Medicapteurs, Balma, France). Data were collected preoperatively and 12 months after surgery. Results: At 12 months follow-up, 3 patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 15 patients (24 HV) for examination. Both clinical and radiographical outcomes showed significant improvements from the pre- to postoperative periods. The PP distribution pattern revealed a significant increase in the peak pressure under the first metatarsal head associated with a significant increase in the peak pressure under the central metatarsals area between the pre- and postoperative periods. Conclusions: PP measurement systems hold promise as an additional clinical tool, yet current findings remain inconclusive. Further long-term follow-up studies that incorporate additional parameters are warranted.

Restoration of Spinopelvic Alignment After Reduction of High-grade Spondylolisthesis: Myth or Reality? A Systematic Review of the literature and Meta-analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of literature. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the presented study is to assess whether the reduction of high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) through the correction of lumbosacral kyphosis leads to a decrease in the sagittal spinopelvic compensatory mechanisms. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: HGS is as an anterior translation of a vertebra, >50%. It is also characterized by a kyphotic deformity of the affected level. This combination of translation and kyphosis leads to compensatory mechanisms on the sagittal plane [pelvic retroversion, increased lumbar lordosis (LL), reduction in thoracic kyphosis (TK)]. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of HGS (Meyerding >II, Slip% >50%), partial or complete reduction surgery (with a significant decrease in Slip%), and report of spinopelvic parameters (pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, or sacral slope). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were extracted and summarized. Meta-analyses were performed to estimate the differences between preoperative and postoperative spinopelvic alignment measures. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included. PT showed a statistically significant decrease of -2.1217 (95% CI: -3.4803 to -0.7630), while SS showed a significant increase of 4.8349 (95% CI: 2.7462-6.9236). Conversely, both LL and TK showed nonsignificant changes, -4.7043 (95% CI: -10.4535 to 1.0449) and 6.3881 (95% CI: -0.8344 to 13.6106), respectively. VAS significantly decreased by -3.1950 (95% CI: -4.9462 to -1.4439). CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis showed mild, yet statistically significant, decrease of PT and an increase in SS after HGS reduction. Conversely, nonstatically significant decrease in LL and an increase in TK occurred. The clinical significance of these results remains questionable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Indications, Associated Procedures, and Results of Ankle Plafond-Plasty for Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUNDS: Plafond-plasty is a joint-preserving procedure to treat varus ankle osteoarthritis (OA) with asymmetrical joint involvement. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate indications, different surgical techniques, associated procedures, and results of plafond-plasty in varus ankle OA and to analyze the level of evidence (LOE) and quality of evidence (QOE) of the included studies. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane. RESULTS: Five studies evaluating 99 ankles were included. A non-rigid varus ankle deformity and an ankle OA Takakura stage 3b or less were the most recommended pre-operative indications. Meta-analysis showed a significant post-operative improvement in clinical and radiological parameters. Many associated surgical procedures have been reported, the most frequent being medial additional supramalleolar osteotomy and lateral ankle ligament reconstruction. The level of evidence and methodological quality assessment of the included studies showed an overall low quality. CONCLUSION: Plafond-plasty seems to be a promising surgical option when managing varus ankle OA with asymmetrical joint involvement, extending the indications for joint sparing surgery. Additional associated procedures should be carefully evaluated case-by-case. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Hip-spine relationship: clinical evidence and biomechanical issues.

The hip-spine relationship is a critical consideration in total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures. While THA is generally successful in patient, complications such as instability and dislocation can arise. These issues are significantly influenced by the alignment of implant components and the overall balance of the spine and pelvis, known as spinopelvic balance. Patients with alteration of those parameters, in particular rigid spines, often due to fusion surgery, face a higher risk of THA complications, with an emphasis on complications in instability, impingement and dislocation. For these reasons, over the years, computer modelling and simulation techniques have been developed to support clinicians in the different steps of surgery. The aim of the current review is to present current knowledge on hip-spine relationship to serve as a common platform of discussion among clinicians and engineers. The offered overview aims to update the reader on the main critical aspects of the issue, from both a theoretical and practical perspective, and to be a valuable introductory tool for those approaching this problem for the first time.

Collagen VI Deficiency Impairs Tendon Fibroblasts Mechanoresponse in Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy.

The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a specialized extracellular matrix that surrounds cells. Interactions with the PCM enable the cells to sense and respond to mechanical signals, triggering a proper adaptive response. Collagen VI is a component of muscle and tendon PCM. Mutations in collagen VI genes cause a distinctive group of inherited skeletal muscle diseases, and Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD) is the most severe form. In addition to muscle weakness, UCMD patients show structural and functional changes of the tendon PCM. In this study, we investigated whether PCM alterations due to collagen VI mutations affect the response of tendon fibroblasts to mechanical stimulation. By taking advantage of human tendon cultures obtained from unaffected donors and from UCMD patients, we analyzed the morphological and functional properties of cellular mechanosensors. We found that the length of the primary cilia of UCMD cells was longer than that of controls. Unlike controls, in UCMD cells, both cilia prevalence and length were not recovered after mechanical stimulation. Accordingly, under the same experimental conditions, the activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is related to cilia activity, was impaired in UCMD cells. Finally, UCMD tendon cells exposed to mechanical stimuli showed altered focal adhesions, as well as impaired activation of Akt, ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and mechanoresponsive genes downstream of YAP. By exploring the response to mechanical stimulation, for the first time, our findings uncover novel unreported mechanistic aspects of the physiopathology of UCMD-derived tendon fibroblasts and point at a role for collagen VI in the modulation of mechanotransduction in tendons.

Arthroscopic surgery for scaphoid nonunion: a 10-year systematic literature review.

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether arthroscopic treatment of carpal scaphoid nonunions by osteosynthesis with bone grafting represents a successful surgical technique. This systematic literature review, conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, explores the past 10 years of clinical studies concerning the arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid nonunions. The most relevant keywords were used to search the databases, and the Downs and Black 27-item checklist has been used as quality assessment tool. Twelve papers that meet the premised eligibility criteria have been identified. These studies demonstrate the efficacy of this surgical solution, achieving a postoperative union rate of 96% in the average time of 13.5 weeks. Regardless of the method of synthesis and the origin of the graft used, excellent results were obtained. Patients who underwent this procedure reported a pain reduction of almost 80% compared to the preoperative level, improvement in grip strength close to 40%, and recovery in wrist function during daily activities. Arthroscopy has numerous advantages compared to the open approach. These are technically recognized by the surgeon and by the patient. Some disadvantages include a longer intraoperative time and considerable significant technical difficulty. Arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid nonunion by osteosynthesis with bone graft achieves a 96% union rate of the treated scaphoid with satisfying clinical results.