[Effectiveness analysis of revision surgery after total hip arthroplasty assisted by artificial intelligence preoperative planning system].

Objective: To explore the short-term effectiveness of hip revision surgery guided by artificial intelligence preoperative planning (AIHIP) system. Methods: The clinical data of 22 patients (23 hips) who were admitted between June 2019 and March 2023 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 10 females with an average age of 69.7 years (range, 44-90 years). There were 19 hips in the first revision, 3 hips in the second revision, and 1 hip in the third revision. The causes of revision included 12 hips with prosthesis loosening, 4 hips with acetabular cup loosening, 3 hips with osteolysis, 2 hips with acetabular dislocation, 1 hip with postoperative infection, and 1 hip with prosthesis wear. There were 6 hips in stage ⅡA, 9 hips in stage ⅡB, 4 hips in stage ⅡC, 3 hips in stage ⅢA, and 1 hip in stage ⅢB according to Paprosky staging of acetabular bone defect. The replacement of prosthesis type, operation time, hospitalization stay, ground active condition, and postoperative infection, fracture, prosthesis loosening, and other adverse events were recorded. The function of the affected limb was evaluated by Harris score before operation, at 1 week and 6 months after operation, and the range of motion of the hip joint was compared before operation and at 6 months after operation. Results: The operation time was 85-510 minutes, with an average of 241.8 minutes; the hospitalization stay was 7-35 days, with an average of 15.2 days; the time of disassociation from the walker was 2-108 days, with an average of 42.2 days. All the 22 patients were followed up 8-53 months (mean, 21.7 months). No adverse events such as prosthesis loosening or infection occurred in the rest of the patients, except for postoperative hematoma of the thigh in 1 patient and dislocation of the hip in 1 hip. The matching degree of acetabular cup was completely matched in 22 hips and mismatched in 1 hip (+2), the matching rate was 95.65%. The matching degree of femoral stem was completely matched in 22 hips and generally matched in 1 hip (-1), and the matching rate was 100%. The Harris scores were 55.3±9.8 and 89.6±7.2 at 1 week and 6 months after operation, respectively, which significantly improved when compared with before operation (33.0±8.6, P<0.05), and further improved at 6 months after operation than at 1 week after operation ( P<0.05). The function of hip joint was evaluated by Harris score at 6 months after operation, and 21 hips were good and 2 hips were moderate, which could meet the needs of daily life. The range of motion of hip joint was (111.09±10.11)° at 6 months after operation, which was significantly different from (79.13±18.50)° before operation ( t=-7.269, P<0.001). Conclusion: AIHIP system can improve the accuracy of revision surgery, reduce the difficulty of surgery, and achieve good postoperative recovery and satisfactory short-term effectiveness.

Alteration in Microcirculation With Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Study of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is commonly used in clinical practice to detect tumor blood supply, and it has recently been applied to assess skeletal vasculature. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed DCE-MRI data from 37 patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head to evaluate alterations in microvascular circulation of the femoral head. Time-intensity curves (TICs) in the region of interest were classified into different lesion stages. In the greater trochanter area, extracellular space volume per unit volume of tissue was significantly higher in Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage III than in ARCO stage II (P<.05 and power ≥ 0.8), while other parameters showed no statistical difference (P>.05 and/or power < 0.8). In the necrotic area, contrast enhancement ratio and maximum slope of increase were significantly lower in ARCO stage III than in ARCO stage II (P<.05 and power ≥ 0.8), while other parameters showed no statistical difference (P>.05 and/or power < 0.8). In the repair reaction area, all parameters were significantly higher in ARCO stage III than in ARCO stage II (P<.05 and power ≥ 0.8). TIC classification showed that the greater trochanter area mainly exhibited type C (plateau type), the necrotic area mainly exhibited type B (out-flow type), and the repair reaction area mainly exhibited type A (inflow type). We believe that the exchange capacity of the vessels has a much greater impact on femoral head necrosis than the number of vessels, while the generation of the repair area greatly affects the prognosis of femoral head necrosis. These findings suggest that DCE-MRI can provide a good assessment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head perfusion and can serve as a new reference for clinical treatment decisions. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(2):e73-e78.].

A case report on Mycobacterium houstonense infection after total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium houstonense is a category of rapidly growing mycobacteria that is gram-positive, acid-fast, polycrystalline, and non-spore-forming. There have been few reports of human infection caused by Mycobacterium houstonense worldwide. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of chronic periprosthetic joint infection caused by Mycobacterium houstonense in an elderly female patient. The patient developed signs of infection after undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Despite receiving antibiotic treatment and revision surgery, the signs of infection recurred repeatedly. Multiple bacterial cultures during the treatment period were negative. Later, we identified the pathogenic bacteria Mycobacterium houstonense through mNGS testing, isolated the bacteria from the ultrasonically centrifuged fluid of the prosthesis and obtained drug sensitivity results. Finally, we performed a revision surgery and treated the patient with moxifloxacin and clindamycin. After treatment, the patient did not show signs of infection recurrence during 24 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Through a relevant literature search, we believe that Mycobacterium houstonense may show higher sensitivity to amikacin and quinolone antibiotics. Additionally, clarifying occult infection sources through methods such as gene testing will improve the diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic joint infection.

Biodegradable magnesium screw, titanium screw and direct embedding fixation in pedicled vascularized iliac bone graft transfer for osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The use of degradable magnesium screws to fix the bone flap implanted in the treatment of femoral head necrosis has achieved preliminary good therapeutic results. However, there is no conclusive evidence in the study to demonstrate whether biodegradable magnesium screws promote angiogenesis and no comparison has been made between degradable magnesium screws and traditional screws. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of biodegradable magnesium screws in pedicled vascularized iliac bone graft transfer (PVIBGT) for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of thirty-six patients (37 hips) with ONFH were recruited from March 2020 to July 2022. The study used a single-blind method, and patients who underwent PVIBGT were randomized into three groups: 12 patients (12 hips) were fixed with biodegradable magnesium screws (Group A), 12 patients (13 hips) were fixed with titanium screws (Group B), 12 patients (12 hips) were directly embedded (Group C). The operating time and the length of stay were recorded. Harris scores, radiological examinations (X-ray, CT, DCE-MRI), blood and serum tests were conducted before and after surgery. The gas yield and degradation rates of the magnesium screws were measured at the 3-months and 6-months post-operative follow-ups in Group A. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference among these three groups in terms of types, gender, age, course of disease, surgical side, operation time, the length of stay (P > 0.05). All patients were followed up for 6 months. The mean Harris scores were higher in all groups 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05). The rates of excellent and good outcomes were 66.7%, 46.2%, and 33.3% in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. PVIBGT and magnesium screws can improve the blood supply of the femoral head via DCE-MRI evaluation. Two patients with poor incision healing received prompt treatment and subsequently recovered well. No adverse events, such as hip infection or deep vein thrombosis, were reported in the patients. The patients had good biocompatibility of magnesium screws, and no fracture of the magnesium screws was observed in Group A. Liver and kidney functions (including serum magnesium) were within normal ranges. The area of the intermuscular air space was 0 cm2 in follow-ups. The degradation rate of the biodegradable magnesium screws was approximately 10.32% at the 3-months follow-up and 13.72% at the 6-months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: PVIBGT has a positive effect, especially with regard to improving blood supply of the femoral head. The fixation of biodegradable magnesium screws is reliable and safe in PVIBGT, and promote angiogenesis.

[Study of virtual reality technology combined with reduction plasty of femoral head in treatment of coxa plana].

Objective: To explore the feasibility of virtual reality (VR) technology combined with reduction plasty of the femoral head in the treatment of coxa plana and evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: Three patients with coxa plana were selected as the research objects between October 2018 and October 2020, all of them were male, aged 15-24 years. Preoperative surgical planning was performed using VR technology; 256 rows of CT data of hip joint were imported into software to generate three-dimensional (3D) imaging, simulate the surgical process, and determine the matching relationship between the femoral head and acetabulum. According to the preoperative planning, reduction plasty of the femoral head under surgical dislocation, relative lengthening of the femoral neck, and periacetabular osteotomy were performed. The reduction of osteotomy size of femoral head and rotation angle of acetabulum were confirmed by C-arm fluoroscopy. The healing of the osteotomy were assessed by radiological examination after operation. The Harris score of hip function and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were recorded before and after operation. The femoral head roundness index, center-edge (CE) angle, and femoral head coverage were measured by X-ray films. Results: Three operations were completed successfully, and the operation time was 460, 450, and 435 minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 733, 716, and 829 mL, respectively. All patients were infused with 3 U suspension oligoleucocyte and 300 mL frozen virus inactivated plasma after operation. No postoperative complication occurred, such as infection and deep vein thrombosis. Three patients were followed up 25, 30, and 15 months, respectively. CT showed good healing of the osteotomy at 3 months after operation. The VAS score and Harris score at 12 months after operation and at last follow-up, as well as the femoral head rounding index, hip CE angle, and femoral head coverage at 12 months after operation significantly improved when compared with those before operation; the hip function was evaluated by the Harris score at 12 months after operation, and all three patients were good. Conclusion: VR technology combined with reduction plasty of the femoral head can achieve satisfactory short-term effectiveness in the treatment of coxa plana.

A Computed Tomography-based Radiomics Nomogram for Predicting Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures: A Longitudinal Study.

CONTEXT: Fractures are a serious consequence of osteoporosis in older adults. However, few longitudinal studies have shown the role of computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics in predicting osteoporotic fractures. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the performance of a CT radiomics-based model for osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) in a longitudinal study. METHODS: A total of 7906 individuals without OVF older than 50 years, and who underwent CT scans between 2016 and 2019 were enrolled and followed up until 2021. Seventy-two cases of new OVF were identified. A total of 144 people without OVF during follow-up were selected as controls. Radiomics features were extracted from baseline CT images. CT values of trabecular bone, and area and density of erector spinae were determined. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the independent associated factors. The predictive performance of the nomogram was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve. RESULTS: CT value of vertebra (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.07-3.89), radiomics score (aHR = 6.56; 95% CI, 3.47-12.38), and area of erector spinae (aHR = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.02-2.78) were independently associated with OVF. Radscore was associated with severe OVF (aHR = 6.00; 95% CI, 2.78-12.93). The nomogram showed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.77-0.87). The area under the curve of nomogram and radscore were both higher than osteoporosis + muscle area for 3-year and 4-year risk of fractures (P < .05). The decision curve also demonstrated that the radiomics nomogram was useful. CONCLUSION: Bone radiomics is associated with OVF, and the nomogram based on radiomics signature and muscle provides a tool for the prediction of OVF.

[Study on bone microstructure and pathology of type L2 and L3 osteonecrosis of the femoral head specimens classified by China-Japan Friendship Hospital classification based on "three-columns structure"].

Objective: To analyze the similarities and differences of bone microstructure and apoptosis phenotype of lateral column, middle column, and medial column in type L2 and L3 osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) specimens classified by China-Japan Friendship Hospital (CJFH) classification, so as to carry out a quantitative study of ONFH "three-columns structure theory" and to provide research support for the treatment of ONFH by rotational osteotomy through the base of femoral neck. Methods: Discarded femoral head specimens from 16 patients (16 hips) with CJFH type L2 and L3 ONFH undergone total hip arthroplasty between April 2020 and February 2021 were selected as the research objects. First, the "three-column structure" of the femoral head was three-dimensionally segmented by Micro-CT, and the bone volume to total volume (BV/TV), bone surface area to bone volume ratio (BS/BV), trabecular spacing/separation (Tb.Sp), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular number (Tb.N) in the lateral column, middle column, and medial column were analyzed to compare the similarities and differences of parameters related to bone mass and trabecular structure among the three columns. Then, the specimens were cut with a oscillating saw and made into paraffin sections for HE staining and immunohistochemical staining of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax). The differences of apoptosis phenotype between the three columns of ONFH samples of CJFH type L2 and L3 were evaluated by comparing the rate of empty lacunae and the rate of positive cells of immunohistochemical staining. Results: There were significant differences in BV/TV, Tb.Th, and Tb.N among the three columns of CJFH type L2 ONFH femoral head ( P<0.05), with the largest in the medial column and the smallest in the lateral column; BS/BV and Tb.Sp of the lateral column were significantly greater than those of the medial column and middle column ( P<0.05), no significant difference was found between the middle column and medial column ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the bone parameters between the three columns of the CJFH type L3 ONFH femoral head ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of empty lacunae between the three columns of the CJFH type L2 and L3 ONFH femoral head ( P>0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that a large number of tissue sections were detached, and only a small amount of non-specific staining was found in the sections without detachment, so the positive cell rate could not be calculated. Conclusion: The middle and medial columns of the CJFH type L2 ONFH has better trabecular structures than the lateral column, and there is no significant difference in trabecular structures among the three columns of the CJFH type L3 ONFH.

[Anatomic and clinical study of virtual reality technology assisted modified transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the modified transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), clarify the key points of the operation, and then explore the effectiveness of modified transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy in the treatment of ONFH assisted by virtual reality (VR) technology. METHODS: A 70-year-old adult female cadaver without formaldehyde fixation was taken. It was confirmed by anatomical study and simulated operation that the modified transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy was suitable for type C1 (patients with involvement of the lateral column of the femoral head but partial integrity) classified by the Japanese Osteonecrosis Investigation Committee (JIC). Between October 2018 and August 2020, 11 patients (17 hips) with ONFH who met the selection criteria were treated with modified transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy. VR technology was used to simulate varus osteotomy before operation to predict the angle of valgus of lower limbs and pronation of femoral head. Osteotomy, valgus, and pronation were performed according to the results of preoperative planning. After operation, X-ray films were used to evaluate the changes of varus and neck-shaft angle after VR assisted surgery, and Harris score was used to evaluate the hip function. RESULTS: The anteroposterior pelvic X-ray film was rechecked at 2 days after operation, of which 3 hips were consistent with the planned varus angle of VR preoperative planning, and the error value of varus angle of the remaining 14 hips was 1°-4°. The difference between VR preoperative planning and 2 days after operation was 6°-16°. All 11 patients were followed up 11-28 months, with an average of 19.2 months. All incisions healed by first intension. During the follow-up, 1 case (1 hip) developed greater trochanter fracture at 2 months after operation and was treated with open reduction and plate and screw internal fixation; 1 case (1 hip) had delayed healing at osteotomy at 4 months after operation and healed at 3 months after local injection of platelet rich plasma and oral supplementation of kidney blood-strengthening soup. At last follow-up, 17 hip osteotomies healed. The Harris score was 84.0±5.6, which was significantly higher than that before operation (57.2±5.5) ( t=-14.107, P=0.000); hip function was excellent in 2 hips, good in 13 hips, and fair in 2 hips. CONCLUSION: The modified transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy for the treatment of ONFH is theoretically feasible, and the short-term effectiveness of this operation combined with VR technology is satisfactory.

[Artificial intelligence assisted total hip arthroplasty for patients with Crowe type â £ developmental dysplasia of the hip].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the early effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) system (AIHIP) in the treatment of patients with Crowe type Ⅳ developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). METHODS: The clinical data of 23 patients with Crowe type Ⅳ DDH who met the selection criteria between May 2019 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 3 males and 20 females, the age ranged from 44 to 74 years, with an average of 52.65 years. The absolute value of the lower limbs discrepancy before operation was (15.17±22.17) mm. The preoperative Harris score was 62.4±7.2. The AIHIP system was used for preoperative planning, and the operations were all performed via conventional posterolateral approach. Thirteen patients with difficulty in reduction during operation underwent subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (SSOT). The operation time, hospital stay, and adverse events were recorded; Harris score was used to evaluate the function of the affected limb at 1 day before operation and 1 week and 6 months after operation; pelvic anteroposterior X-ray film was taken at 1 day after operation to evaluate the position of the prosthesis. The matching degree of prosthesis was evaluated according to the consistency of intraoperative prosthesis model and preoperative planning. RESULTS: The matching degree of acetabular cup model after operation was 16 cases of perfect matching, 4 cases of general matching (1 case of +1, 3 cases of -1), and 3 cases of mismatch (all of them were +2), the coincidence rate was 86.96%. The matching degree of femoral stem model was perfect matching in 22 cases and general matching in 1 case of -1, and the coincidence rate was 100%. One patient had a periprosthesis fracture during operation, and was fixed with a wire cable during operation, and walked with the assistance of walking aid at 6 weeks after operation; the rest of the patients walked with the assistance of walking aid at 1 day after operation. The operation time was 185-315 minutes, with an average of 239.43 minutes; the hospital stay was 8-20 days, with an average of 9.96 days; and the time of disengagement from the walking aid was 2-56 days, with an average of 5.09 days. All patients were followed up 6 months. All incisions healed by first intension, and there was no complication such as infection, dislocation, refracture, and lower extremity deep venous thrombosis; X-ray films at 1 day and 6 months after operation showed that the acetabular and femoral prostheses were firmly fixed and within the safe zone; the absolute value of lower limbs discrepancy at 1 day after operation was (11.96±13.48) mm, which was not significantly decreased compared with that before operation ( t=0.582, P=0.564). All osteotomies healed at 6 months after operation. The Harris scores at 1 week and 6 months after operation were 69.5±4.9 and 79.2±5.7 respectively, showing significant differences between pre- and post-operation ( P<0.05). At 6 months after operation, the hip function was evaluated according to Harris score, and 13 cases were good, 9 cases were fair, and 1 case was poor. CONCLUSION: AIHIP system-assisted THA (difficult to reposition patients combined with SSOT) for adult Crowe type Ⅳ DDH has high preoperative planning accuracy, easy intraoperative reduction, early postoperative landing, and satisfactory short-term effectiveness.

Comparison of surgical dislocation and impacting bone graft and surgical dislocation and rotational osteotomy for the treatment of ARCO III femoral head necrosis.

Hip preserving procedures are still a challenge in late-stage osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) patients. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of surgical dislocation and impaction bone graft and surgical dislocation and rotational osteotomy for treatment of ONFH in Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage III patients.We retrospectively reviewed 30 ARCO stage III patients (33 hips) who had surgical dislocation and impaction bone graft or surgical dislocation and rotational osteotomy in our center from June 2012 to December 2017. Baseline characteristics, clinical evaluation using Harris score and radiologic evaluation up to 12 months after surgery were recorded and compared.Fifteen patients (17 hips) were in the surgical dislocation and impaction bone graft group and 15 patients (16 hips) were in the surgical dislocation and rotational osteotomy group. No significant differences in age, gender, etiology, ARCO stage, duration of illness, operation time, and length of hospitalization were observed between the 2 groups. Compared to preoperation Harris score, the Harris score of 6 months postoperation and 12 months postoperation significantly improved. At 12 months postoperation, the excellent and good rate was 76.5% in the impaction bone graft group and 87.5% in the rotational osteotomy group. No significant difference in Harris scores was detected in the 2 groups.Surgical dislocation and impaction bone graft and surgical dislocation and rotational osteotomy had satisfactory 1-year efficacy for ARCO III ONFH patients. Surgical dislocation and rotational osteotomy had better short-term efficacy than surgical dislocation and impaction bone graft.

Three-dimensional-printed titanium alloy porous scaffold combined with trans-cinnamaldehyde for repairing osteonecrosis of the femoral head in a dog model.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common disorder that may be idiopathic, caused by trauma, or associated with alcohol or glucocorticoid use. The goals of early treatment include delaying or avoiding hip replacement, but there are no effective treatments for early-stage disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of treatment with 3D-printed porous titanium alloy scaffold combined with daily intraperitoneal trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA) in a dog model of ONFH. Four weeks after creation of the ONFH model, MRI examination of the femoral head showed the characteristic "double line sign" of ONFH, verifying the validity of our model. After another 12 weeks, femoral head specimens were harvested and examined by gross inspection; micro-computed tomography; histologic staining (hematoxylin and eosin; Masson); immunohistochemical analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Gross inspection of the femoral head in untreated ONFH animals at 16 weeks after model creation showed pale, exfoliating articular cartilage and disordered trabecular bone. Treatment with 3D-printed titanium alloy porous scaffold combined with TCA ameliorated the pathologic ONFH changes and significantly reduced inmature bone tissue as well as imature collagen in the femoral head, as shown by Masson staining. This treatment also increased VEGF, BMP2, ß-catenin, b-FGF, and RUNX2 expression and decreased PPARγ expression, compared with untreated ONFH. In conclusion, 3D-printed titanium alloy porous scaffold combined with TCA can effectively improve ONFH, which may be related to local repair. This provides the theoretical basis for a new treatment strategy for ONFH.

[Hip preservation experience of avascular necrosis of femoral head according to China-Japan Friendship Hospital classification].

OBJECTIVE: To sum up staging treatment experiences of hip preservation for avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) according to China-Japan Friendship Hospital Classification (CJFH Classification). METHODS: The literature about hip preservation of ANFH was extensively reviewed, and a staging treatment method for ANFH was set up base on CJFH Classification and the 28 years of clinical experience in this research group. RESULTS: According to CJFH Classification, the ANFH can be rated as types M, C, and L. And the type L is rated as L1, L2, and L3 subtypes. The staging treatment method for ANFH based on CJFH Classification is set up. Conservative treatment was selected for CJFH-M patients because the necrotic area is small and in the medial non-weight-bearing area. Minimally invasive sequestrum clearance, impacting bone graft, and supporting allogenic fibular graft is selected for CJFH-C patients because the necrotic area is also small and in the lateral non-weight-bearing area. If patients are in CJFH-L1, normal bone area is less than 1/3 on hip abduction radiograph, the sequestrum clearance and impacting bone graft via surgical hip dislocation approach can be selected. If patients are in CJFH-L1, normal bone area is more than 1/3 on hip abduction radiograph, the transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy can be selected. The rotational osteotomy on the base of femoral neck via surgical hip dislocation approach is for CJFH-L2 patients. Total hip arthroplasty via direct anterior approach is for CJFH-L3 patients. CONCLUSION: The staging treatment method for ANFH according to CJFH Classification has good short-term effectiveness. But the long-term effectiveness needs further follow-up.

Estrogen prevents articular cartilage destruction in a mouse model of AMPK deficiency via ERK-mTOR pathway.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the mechanism underlying the chondroprotective effect of estrogen in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) deficiency mice. METHODS: Female cartilage-specific AMPKα double knockout (AMPKα cDKO) mice were generated and subjected to ovariectomy (OVX). The model of osteoarthritis (OA) was induced by destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM). Histopathological changes were evaluated by using OARSI scoring systems. Autophagy changes were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Human chondrocytes were subjected to mechanical stress to mimic OA development. and incubated in presence of or absence of 17ß-estradiol or/and compound C (AMPK inhibitor) or/and U0126 (ERK inhibitor). The expression levels of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, p70S6K phosphorylation and light chain 3 (LC3) were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with in OVX-sham AMPKα cDKO and OVX-sham WT mice, DMM-induced OA is more severe, and significantly low level of LC3 was observed in articular cartilage in OVX AMPK cDKO mice. Both mechanical stress and compound C were shown to induce an increase in phosphorylation of p70S6K, respectively. 17ß-estradiol stimulation led to a reduction in the basal level of p70S6K phosphorylation as well as in the compound C or mechanical stress-induced level of p70S6K phosphorylation. 17ß-estradiol stimulation not only led to an increase in LC3 conversion but also overrode the inhibitory effect of compound C on LC3 conversion. The effects of 17ß-estradiol were abrogated by blocking ERK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that estrogen can protect articular cartilage from damage during OA development by promoting chondrocyte autophagy via ERK-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, and give new insight into the mechanism of the chondroprotective effect of estrogen.

[Value of virtual reality technology in preoperative planning of transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy for avascular necrosis of femoral head in adults].

OBJECTIVE: To research the value of virtual reality (VR) technology in the preoperative planning of transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy for avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) in adults. METHODS: Between June 2018 and November 2018, 7 patients (11 hips) with ANFH, who were treated with transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy, were enrolled in the study. There were 4 males (7 hips) and 3 females (4 hips) with an average age of 31.9 years (range, 14-46 years). Among them, 3 patients were unilateral ANFH and 4 patients were bilateral ANFH. There was 1 patient (1 hip) of traumatic ANFH, 2 patients (4 hips) of alcohol-induced ANFH, 2 patients (3 hips) of hormonal ANFH, and 2 patients (3 hips) of idiopathic ANFH. All hips were Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage Ⅲ. There were 5 hips for Japanese Investigation Committee (JIC) type C1 and 6 hips for type C2. There were 5 hips for China-Japan Friendship Hospital (CJFH) type L1,1 for type L2, and 5 for type L3. The disease duration ranged from 5 to 12 months (mean, 8 months). Preoperative Harris score was 53.91±7.66. The neck-shaft angle ranged from 128 to 143° (mean, 133.9°). VR technology was adopted for the preoperative planning. CT data were imported into the software to construct the morphology of necrotic area, and the transrtrochanteric varus osteotomy was simulated. The varus angle was designed according to the integrity rate of femoral head. The planned varus angle was 6 to 16° (mean, 9.7°). The transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy was performed according to the preoperative planning, and the varus angle and loading area were confirmed under fluoroscopy. If the planned varus angle was too small, it would continue to increase under the fluoroscopy until a satisfactory varus angle. Postoperative changes of the neck-shaft angle were calculated and compared with the preoperative planned varus angle (error). The hip function was assessed by using the Harris score. RESULTS: All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-11 months with an average of 8 months. The X-ray film at 2 days after operation showed that the neck-shaft angle was 112-135° (mean, 123.4°). The difference of the neck-shaft angle between pre- and post-operation was 6-16° (mean, 11.0°). Among them, the difference of the neck-shaft angle was consistent with planned varus angle in 5 hips, while the error of the remaining 6 hips was 1-4°. There was 1 patient (1 hip) of osteotomy nonunion at 4 months after operation, 1 patient (1 hip) of proximal femur fracture at 2 months after operation. The rest 5 patients (9 hips) obtained union at the osteotomy. At last follow-up, the Harris score was 82.18±16.35, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score ( t=-5.195, P=0.000). CONCLUSION: VR technology is a brand-new preoperative planning method for transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy in treating ANFH.

Trans-Cinnamaldehyde Inhibits IL-1ß-Stimulated Inflammation in Chondrocytes by Suppressing NF-κB and p38-JNK Pathways and Exerts Chondrocyte Protective Effects in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA), a compound from Cinnamomum cassia Presl, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effect. However, its effect on cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis is unclear. This study is designed to examine the effects of TCA on cartilage in vitro and in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: SW1353 cells and human primary chondrocytes were treated with varying concentrations of TCA (2-20 µg/ml) for 2 h followed by IL-1ß stimulation. Cell viability was examined by the MTT assay. Expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and ADAMTS-5 was examined by Western blot and RT-qPCR. Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA was established in rats to assess the chondrocyte protective effects of intraperitoneal injection of TCA (50 mg/kg). RESULTS: TCA at a concentration of 10 µg/ml had no significant effect on cell viability. MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and ADAMTS-5 were decreased by TCA 2-10 µg/ml in a dose-dependent manner (all P<0.05). Pretreatment with TCA decreased the degradation of IκBα and increased the expression of p-IκBα, indicating that NF-κB inactivation was induced by TCA in IL-1ß-stimulated SW1353 cells. Pretreatment with TCA decreased the levels of p-p38 and p-JNK, while the levels of p-ERK were not significantly affected. TCA 10 µg/ml significantly decreased expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and ADAMTS-5. In vivo results showed that TCA alleviated cartilage destruction and the OARSI scores. CONCLUSION: TCA possesses anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and exerts chondrocyte protective effects in vivo, in which NF-κB and p38-JNK were involved.

[Effectiveness comparison between impacting bone graft and rotational osteotomy via surgical hip dislocation approach for avascular necrosis of femoral head at ARCO stage â ¢].

OBJECTIVE: To compare effectiveness between sequestrum clearance and impacting bone graft and rotational osteotomy on the base of femoral neck via surgical hip dislocation approach for avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH) at Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO ) stage Ⅲ. METHODS: A clinical data of 24 patients (27 hips) with ANFH at ARCO stage Ⅲ, who met the inclusion criteria between June 2012 and November 2017, was retrospectively analysed. Of all patients, 12 patients (14 hips) were treated with sequestrum clearance and impacting bone graft via surgical hip dislocation approach (group A); and 12 patients (13 hips) were treated with rotational osteotomy on the base of femoral neck via surgical hip dislocation approach (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, and affected side, type, and stage of the ANFH between 2 groups ( P>0.05). The operation time of each hip and hospitalization stays of each patient in 2 groups were recorded and compared. Imaging examination was performed to observe the blood supply around femoral head, healing of the osteotomy, and the femoral head collapsed. The function of the hip was evaluated by Harris score. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in operation time and hospitalization stays ( t=-0.262, P=0.797; t=-0.918, P=0.411). All patients were followed up, the follow-up time of group A was 12-28 months (mean, 19.7 months), and the follow-up time of group B was 14-24 months (mean, 17.8 months). The Harris score in groups A and B increased significantly at 6 months and 12 months after operation when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between 2 groups at 6 months and 12 months ( P>0.05). At 12 months after operation, according to the Harris scoring, there were 3 hips of excellent, 7 hips of good, and 4 hips of poor, with the excellent and good rate of 71.4% in group A; there were 5 hips of excellent, 7 hips of good, and 1 hip of poor, with the excellent and good rate of 92.3% in group B. Digital substraction angiography was performed at 1 week after operation and indicated that the blood supply around the femoral head was not destroyed during the operation. Imaging examination after operation showed that the osteotomy of the greater trochanter all healed in 2 groups and the osteotomy of the femoral neck healed in group B. Hip collapse occurred in 2 patients (2 hips) of group A at 12 months after operation. No hip collapse occurred in group B. CONCLUSION: The rotational osteotomy on the base of femoral neck via surgical hip dislocation approach is superior to sequestrum clearance and impacting bone graft in delaying the collapse and improving the hip function for patients with ANFH at ARCO stage Ⅲ.

The effectiveness of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells therapy for knee osteoarthritis in pigs.

BACKGROUND: Intraarticular injection of the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown to be successful for treating osteoarthritis (OA). Nevertheless, many studies have been focusing on autologous MSCs. The following study investigates the safety and effectiveness of intraarticular injection of allogenic MSCs in a pig OA model. METHODS: Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles were labelled with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) to allow cells tracking using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A pig OA model was established by bilateral medial meniscectomy. Next, SPIO-BM-MSCs were injected into the right knee, while the left knee was left untreated. MRI and radiography were used to assess the degree of OA and to evaluate the effectiveness of allogenic MSCs. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), safranin-o fast green staining, toluidine blue, and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the injections. RESULTS: At concentration of ≤20 µg/mL, SPIO caused no toxicity to BM-MSCs. Four weeks after surgery, OA changes were observed on MRI scan. The SPIO labeled BM-MSCs were found moving towards the impaired part of the cartilage 8 to 24 h after injections. In addition, no significant differences between the right side (therapeutic side) and the left side (untreated side) were observed following histological and immunohistochemistry analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The suitable concentration of SPIO for labelling BMSCs was 20 µg/mL, while the allogenic MSCs could move towards and accumulate around the impaired cartilage. No significant difference was found between treatment and control group.

[Effectiveness of double-plane high tibial osteotomy in treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of double-plane high tibial osteotomy in treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis. Methods: The clinical data of 65 patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis who were treated with double-plane high tibial osteotomy between January 2014 and January 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 28 males and 37 females. The age ranged from 46 to 75 years with an average of 53.2 years. There were 30 cases in the left knee and 35 cases in the right knee. The disease duration was 3-7 years (mean, 4.0 years). The patients had different degrees of pain in the knee joint and difficulty walking. The knee joint compression test was positive. The knee joint function was evaluated by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and knee society score (KSS) clinical and functional scores. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was adopted to pain measurement. The healing of osteotomy was observed by X-ray films during follow-up; the femur tibia angle (FTA), posterior tibial slope (PTS), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and knee varus angle (KVA) were also calculated. Results: All the incisions healed by first intention after operation. Only 1 case had numbness of the toe, and the symptoms disappeared after symptomatic treatment. All patients were followed up 13-18 months with an average of 15.4 months. X-ray examination showed that all patients had bone healing at 12 weeks after operation. There were significant differences in MPTA, FTA, PTS, and KVA between pre- and post-operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in above parameters among 1 week, 6 months, and 12 months after operation ( P>0.05). There was no loosening and rupture of the fixator during the follow-up. The HSS score and KSS clinical and functional scores at 12 months after operation were significantly higher than those before operation ( P<0.05). The VAS scores at 1 week, 6 months, and 12 months after operation were significantly lower than that before operation ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Double-plane high tibial osteotomy for medial compartment osteoarthritis can effectively relieve pain symptoms and improve joint function.

Clinical reports of surgical dislocation of the hip with sequestrum clearance and impacting bone graft for grade IIIA-IIIB aseptic necrosis of femoral head (ANFH) patients.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the treatment effect of surgical dislocation of the hip with sequestrum clearance and impacting bone graft in grade IIIA-IIIB aseptic necrosis of femoral head (ANFH) patients. METHODS: From June 2012 to December 2014, 6 patients (total 8 hips) with grade IIIA-IIIB ANFH were retrospectively followed. All the patients were operated with surgical dislocation of the hip with sequestrum clearance and impacting bone graft. Collapse of the femoral head, healing of the osteotomy, along with Harris hip scores were observed after surgeries. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, the osteotomies were all healed. Only 1 of the 8 hips (12.5%) was collapsed by the last follow-up. Harris hip scores were improved from 54.52 ± 8.16 to 80.53 ± 7.62 (P <0.001). The excellent rate was 87.5%. CONCLUSION: For grade IIIA-IIIB ANFH patients, surgical dislocation with sequestrum clearance and impacting bone graft could possibly achieve satisfactory clinical benefit, particularly for the young patients.

Upregulated expression of CCR3 in rheumatoid arthritis and CCR3-dependent activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes.

It is recognized that CC chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) is associated with numerous inflammatory conditions and fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) invasiveness correlates with articular damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, little is known of the expression and action of CCR3 on FLS in RA. In the present study, we investigated the expression of CCR3 on dispersed synovial tissue and peripheral blood cells in RA and influence of eotaxin-1 on FLS functions by using flow cytometry analysis, FLS challenge, and real-time PCR techniques. The results showed that approximately 7.0 % dispersed synovial cells are CCR3+ cells. Among those CCR3+ cells, 38.1, 23.8, and 20.6 % cells are CD90+CD14-CD3- (representing FLS), CD14+, and CD8+ cells, respectively, indicating that FLS is one of the major populations of CCR3+ cells in the synovial tissue of RA. In peripheral blood, CD14+ CCR3+ cells are elevated, but CD8+CCR3+ cells are reduced in RA. It was found that eotaxin-1 induced upregulated expression of CCR3 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in FLS. Since an antagonist of CCR3 suppressed the action of eotaxin-1, the event appeared CCR3 dependent. Moreover, we observed that interleukin (IL)-1ß induced markedly enhanced eotaxin-1 release from FLS, but TNF-α reduced eotaxin-1 release at 12 and 24 h following incubation. In conclusion, enhanced expression of CCR3 on synovial cells and increased levels of eotaxin-1 in plasma and synovial fluid (SF) of RA indicate that CCR3-mediated mechanisms may play an important role in RA. Blockage of eotaxin-1 provoked CCR3 and MMP-9 expression in FLS by antagonist of CCR3, implicating that anti-CCR3 agents may have therapeutic use for RA.