Effectiveness of photofunctionalized titanium alloy on osseointegration in rats with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) light-mediated photofunctionalization improves the osseointegration of pure titanium and titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). However, little is known about the effect of UV irradiation on Ti6Al4V, used frequently in orthopedic surgery, in diabetic patients. We examined the effect of UV irradiation on Ti6Al4V in rats with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Cylinder Ti6Al4V implants were used. Half the animals were Sprague Dawley rats (the control group), and the other half were Spontaneously Diabetic Torii fatty rats (the diabetes mellitus model). For radiological analysis, bone density was observed and calculated using 3D microcomputed tomography. Histological analysis was performed to calculate the bone-implant contact (BIC) ratio. We used Pearson correlation to analyze the correlation between average blood glucose level and BIC ratio, and between average blood glucose level and bone volume (BV) ratio. RESULTS: In the UV light-treated group, the BIC ratios of the normal and diabetic rats increased significantly compared with those in the untreated group at 2 weeks; at 4 weeks, the BIC ratio of the diabetic rats increased significantly, but there was no significant increase in the control animals. In both the control and diabetic groups, there was no significant difference in the BV ratios between the UV-treated and untreated implants at 2 or 4 weeks. The average blood glucose level in the 4-week group negatively correlated with the BIC and BV ratios. The average blood glucose level in the UV-treated group negatively correlated with the BIC ratio. CONCLUSION: Photofunctionalization of Ti6Al4V implants may promote osseointegration in the early stages in rats with type 2 diabetes.

Lumbar Artery Injury Related to Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Insertion.

A 75-year-old woman underwent L4-L5 lateral interbody fusion for L4-5 foraminal stenosis with the use of percutaneous pedicle screws. On the day after the surgery, she was in shock. Emergency contrast-enhanced CT showed active extravasation from the 4th lumbar artery with a transverse process fracture. A radiologist performed a successful transarterial embolization, and the patient then began walking training on the 4th day post-surgery. Close attention should be paid to the insertion of a percutaneous pedicle screw, as it may cause a lumbar artery injury; in such a case, transarterial embolization is the preferred treatment.

Preoperative Evaluation of Thenar Muscles in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Ultrasonography.

This article aims to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography for the measurement of thenar muscles in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A total of 85 patients with CTS who had a carpal tunnel release procedure were included in this study. The transducer was applied onto the palmar surface of the hand perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the first metacarpal bone. Thenar atrophy was evaluated visually and classified using the visual grading scale. A nerve conduction test was performed and classified according to the electrophysiological severity scale. This technique is more precise than visual evaluation because it is a quantitative assessment.

Medial Pelvic Migration of the Lag Screw after Intramedullary Nailing for Trochanteric Femoral Fracture.

Internal fixation with intramedullary nails has gained popularity for the treatment of trochanteric femoral fractures, which are common injuries in older individuals. The most common complications are lag screws cut-out from the femoral head and femoral fracture at the distal tip of the nail. Herein, we report a rare complication of postoperative medial pelvic migration of the lag screw with no trauma. The patient was subsequently treated by lag screw removal via laparoscopy. This case suggests that optimal fracture reduction, adequate position of the lag screw, and careful attention to set screw insertion are important to prevent complications. Additionally, laparoscopic surgery might be able to remove the lag screw more safely than removal from the femoral side.

Assessment of Early Biological Fixation of Cementless Tapered-Wedge Stems Using Digital Tomosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare radiographic and digital tomosynthesis assessments of early biological fixation of a cementless stem in primary total hip arthroplasty and to investigate the factors associated with early biological fixation. METHODS: Seventy-three patients underwent total hip arthroplasty using cementless short tapered-wedge stems. Both radiography and digital tomosynthesis were performed at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. The presence of spot welds (SW) was evaluated at each postoperative period to assess biological fixation between the stem and the femur. The area of contact between the femur and the stem was divided into seven zones based on Gruen's zone classification. RESULTS: All 73 patients had no SW 6 weeks after surgery on radiography and digital tomosynthesis. Three months postoperatively, there was no SW on radiography; however, digital tomosynthesis revealed SW in 31 (42%) patients. Six months postoperatively, radiography showed 22 SW in 18 (24.7%) patients and digital tomosynthesis showed 94 SW in 48 patients (65.8%). CONCLUSION: Digital tomosynthesis detected biological fixation between the stem and femur earlier than radiography; biological fixation may appear within 3 months after surgery.

Radiographic assessment of radiolucent lines around a highly porous titanium cup (Tritanium) using digital tomosynthesis, after total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to assess radiolucent lines around a highly porous titanium cup (Tritanium) using digital tomosynthesis and to investigate the clinical and radiographic factors associated with radiolucent lines on tomosynthesis. METHODS: Fifty-five patients underwent total hip arthroplasty using a Tritanium cup, and digital tomosynthesis and plain radiography were performed at 1 week, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. The radiolucent lines around the cup were measured on both DTS and plain radiography at each postoperative period. Clinical evaluations were performed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip disease evaluation questionnaire (JHEQ), and revision surgeries were examined. Based on the presence of radiolucent lines on digital tomosynthesis at 2 years postoperatively, patients were divided into RL (+) and RL (-) groups and investigated for related factors. RESULTS: There were 20 cases in the RL (+) group and 35 cases in the RL (-) group, and no revision surgeries were required. Statistically, there were more cases with radiolucent lines on digital tomosynthesis (45.4% at 1 week and 36.3% at 2 years) than on plain radiography (9.1% at 1 week and 9.1% at 2 years) at each postoperative point. Logistic analysis showed no significant associations between the presence of radiolucent lines at 2 years on digital tomosynthesis, and the JHEQ parameters of pain (p = 0.937), movement (p = 0.266), or mental status (p = 0.404). CONCLUSION: In a short-term evaluation up to 2 years, digital tomosynthesis detected more radiolucent lines around the titanium cups than plain radiography. The occurrence of radiolucent lines was not related to the postoperative clinical evaluation.

Ulnar collateral ligament dysfunction increases stress on the humeral capitellum: a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive mechanical stress on the elbow joint during throwing is a cause of ulnar collateral ligament dysfunction that may increase the compressive force on the humeral capitellum. This study aimed to examine the effects of ulnar collateral ligament material properties on the humeral capitellum under valgus stress using the finite element method. METHODS: Computed tomography data of the dominant elbow of five healthy adults were used to create finite element models. The elbows were kept at 90° of flexion with the forearm in the neutral position, and the ulnar collateral ligament was reproduced using truss elements. The proximal humeral shaft was restrained, and valgus torque of 40 N·m was applied to the forearm. The ulnar collateral ligament condition was changed to simulate ulnar collateral ligament dysfunction. Ulnar collateral ligament stiffness values were changed to 72.3 N/mm, 63.3 N/mm, 54.2 N/mm, 45.2 N/mm, and 36.1 N/mm to simulate ulnar collateral ligament laxity. The ulnar collateral ligament toe region width was changed in increments of 0.5 mm from 0.0 to 2.5 mm to simulate ulnar collateral ligament loosening. We assessed the maximum equivalent stress and stress distribution on the humeral capitellum under these conditions. RESULTS: As ulnar collateral ligament stiffness decreased, the maximum equivalent stress on the humeral capitellum gradually increased under elbow valgus stress (P < .001). Regarding the change in the ulnar collateral ligament toe region width, as the toe region elongated, the maximum equivalent stress of the humeral capitellum increased significantly under elbow valgus stress (P < .001). On the capitellum, the equivalent stress on the most lateral part was significantly higher than that on other parts (P < .01 for all). CONCLUSION: Under elbow valgus stress with elbow flexion of 90° and the forearm in the neutral position, ulnar collateral ligament dysfunction increased equivalent stress on the humeral capitellum during the finite element analysis. The highest equivalent stress was noted on the lateral part of the capitellum.

Evaluation of carpal tunnel release outcomes by the Japanese version of the carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire compared to an electrophysiological severity grade.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of carpal tunnel release (CTR) one year postoperatively was assessed by the Japanese version of Carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire, CTSI-JSSH. Patients were further graded by the electrophysiological severity scale and the CTSI-JSSH scores were compared amongst the Stages before surgery and one-year postoperatively. METHODS: This study included 247 hands and the mean age of the patients was 68 years (range:26-91). They completed the CTSI-JSSH consisting of the two subscales of the symptom scale (CTSI-JSSH-SS) and the functional scale (CTSI-JSSH-FS) both preoperatively and at the follow-up period of one year. The change of the scores of the CTSI-JSSH-SS, CTSI-JSSH-FS and total CTSI-JSSH were examined. Electrophysiological examination was performed before CTR and graded according to the electrophysiological severity scale as Stage 1-5. The scores of the CTSI-JSSH-SS, CTSI-JSSH-FS and total CTSI-JSSH were compared amongst Stage 1-5. RESULTS: All CTSI-JSSH-SS, CTSI-JSSH-FS and total CTSI-JSSH scores improved significantly one-year postoperatively. Also, the standardized response mean (SRM) and effect size (ES) showed large responsiveness, i.e. 1.36/1.43, 1.12/1.08 and 1.43/1.45 respectively. There was no significant difference in the score of the CTSI-JSSH-SS, CTSI-JSSH-FS and total CTSI-JSSH amongst any of the Stages preoperatively, while the scores in Stage 5 were significantly inferior to the ones in Stages 3 and 4 one-year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes of CTR were favorable by assessment of the CTSI-JSSH. We suggest the postoperative inferior scores in Stage 5 may be due to the potential axonal damage which could explain the disappearance of distal motor latency and sensory nerve conduction velocity in Stage 5.

Ultraviolet irradiation improves the hydrophilicity and osteo-conduction of hydroxyapatite.

BACKGROUND: Treating a titanium or titanium alloy implant with ultraviolet (UV) light is known to improve its associated cell growth and osseointegration. However, little is known about the effect of UV irradiation on hydroxyapatite (HA), which is also used frequently in orthopaedic and dental surgery. Here we examined the effect of UV irradiation on the hydrophilicity of HA, and on its osteoconduction ability in rats. METHODS: HA implants of low and high porosity were treated with UV light, and photofunctionalisation was assessed by the contact angle of a water drop on the surface. HA implants were also inserted into rat femurs, and the rats were killed 2 or 4 weeks later. The bone volume and bone area ratio were calculated from microcomputed tomography and histological data. RESULTS: The contact angle of a water drop on HA implants of both porosities was significantly reduced after UV irradiation. In the rat femurs, there was no significant difference in the bone volume between the UV light-treated and control implants at 2 or 4 weeks. The bone area ratio for the UV light-treated versus control implants was significantly increased at 2 weeks, but there was no significant difference at 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The surface of UV-irradiated HA disks was hydrophilic, in contrast to that of non-irradiated HA disks. Photofunctionalisation accelerated the increase in the bone area ratio in the early healing stage. This technology can be applied to surgical cases requiring the early fusion of bone and HA.

Treatment of Locking of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb.

Locking of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint is a relatively rare condition. We report successful treatment in 11 cases of locking of the thumb. Ten patients were diagnosed at an average of 3.2 days (range: 0-21 days) from the injury onset, whereas one patient was diagnosed at 4 months from the injury. Seven of 11 cases underwent successful manual reduction, whereas the other four cases required surgical treatment. Among the surgically treated cases, all cases had a sharp prominent of the radial condyle of the metacarpal head. Therefore, this case series showed 1 chronic case and 4 of 10 cases with a nonround shape of metacarpal heads requiring open reduction.

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Trochlea Treated with Mosaic-type Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The majority of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow occurs in the humeral capitellum in adolescence while OCD in the humeral trochlea is relatively rare. We report a rare case of OCD in the humeral trochlea, which underwent mosaic-type osteochondral autologous transplantation. CASE REPORT: A 24-year-old man, who was a gymnastic athlete, complained of severe right elbow pain for 9 years. Image findings revealed a trochlear osteochondral defect with intra-articular loose body. Due to the large defect and duration of the disease, autologous osteochondral transplantation form femoral condyle was performed. Two years after surgery, the range of elbow motion was 0° in extension and 120° in flexion. He had no pain on his elbow. CONCLUSION: OCD in the humeral trochlea was treated with mosaic-type osteochondral autologous transplantation form femoral condyle. Despite the large trochlear defect, osteochondral transplantation yielded a satisfactory result and this treatment might be an option for treatment of trochlear OCD.

Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum Injection with Precise Needle Length Adjusted by Silicone Tube Interposition for Dupuytren Contracture.

We describe our injection method for Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum using a medical silicone tube after determining the optimal depth by ultrasonography. This procedure adjusts the exposed needle length to the planned injection depth by placing a sterilized silicone tube over the needle. The restricted depth provides not only precise injection into the middle of the cords but also avoids needle tip migration through the cord and into the vital structures, which prevents possible complications. This method is safe and simple.

Rotator cuff tear healing process with graft augmentation of fascia lata in a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Fascia lata augmentation of massive rotator cuff tears has shown good clinical results. However, its biological effect during the early healing process is not clearly understood. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the biological efficacy of fascia lata augmentation during the early healing process of rotator cuff tears using a rabbit rotator cuff defect model. METHODS: The infraspinatus tendon was resected from the greater tuberosity of a rabbit to create a rotator cuff tear. The tendon edge was directly sutured to the humeral head. The rotator cuff repaired site was augmented with a fascia lata autograft (augmentation group, group A). The rotator cuff defect in the contralateral shoulder was repaired without augmentation (reattachment group, group R). A group with intact rotator cuff was set as the control group. Histological examinations and mechanical analysis were conducted 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: In the HE staining, the tendon maturing score of group A was higher than that of group R at 4 weeks postoperatively. In the safranin O staining, proteoglycan staining at the repaired enthesis in group A at 4 weeks postoperatively was stronger than that in group R. Picrosirius red staining showed that type III and type I collagen in group A was more strongly expressed than that in group R at 4 weeks postoperatively. The ultimate failure load of the infraspinatus tendon-humeral head complex in group A was statistically higher than that in group R at 4 weeks postoperatively. The ultimate failure load of group A was similar to that of the control group. CONCLUSION: The biological and mechanical contribution of fascia lata augmentation for massive rotator cuff tears was analyzed in this study. Type III collagen was reported to be expressed during the tendon healing process. Although the biological action similar to natural ligament healing occurred around the fascia lata grafts, type III collagen was gradually replaced by type I collagen as the tissue matured. Our results suggest that fascia lata augmentation could stimulate biological healing and provide initial fixation strength of the repaired rotator cuff.

Rotator cuff repair using cell sheets derived from human rotator cuff in a rat model.

To achieve biological regeneration of tendon-bone junctions, cell sheets of human rotator-cuff derived cells were used in a rat rotator cuff injury model. Human rotator-cuff derived cells were isolated, and cell sheets were made using temperature-responsive culture plates. Infraspinatus tendons in immunodeficient rats were resected bilaterally at the enthesis. In right shoulders, infraspinatus tendons were repaired by the transosseous method and covered with the cell sheet (sheet group), whereas the left infraspinatus tendons were repaired in the same way without the cell sheet (control group). Histological examinations (safranin-O and fast green staining, isolectin B4, type II collagen, and human-specific CD31) and mRNA expression (vascular endothelial growth factor; VEGF, type II collagen; Col2, and tenomodulin; TeM) were analyzed 4 weeks after surgery. Biomechanical tests were performed at 8 weeks. In the sheet group, proteoglycan at the enthesis with more type II collagen and isolectin B4 positive cells were seen compared with in the control group. Human specific CD31-positive cells were detected only in the sheet group. VEGF and Col2 gene expressions were higher and TeM gene expression was lower in the sheet group than in the control group. In mechanical testing, the sheet group showed a significantly higher ultimate failure load than the control group at 8 weeks. Our results indicated that the rotator-cuff derived cell sheet could promote cartilage regeneration and angiogenesis at the enthesis, with superior mechanical strength compared with the control. Treatment for rotator cuff injury using cell sheets could be a promising strategy for enthesis of tendon tissue engineering. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:289-296, 2017.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma on degeneration change of rotator cuff muscles: In vitro and in vivo evaluations.

Atrophy with fatty degeneration is often seen in rotator cuff muscles with torn tendons. PRP has been reported to enhance tissue repair processes after tendon ruptures. However, the effect of PRP on atrophy and fatty degeneration of the muscle is not yet known. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of PRP on degeneration change of rotator cuff muscles in vitro and in vivo. A murine myogenic cell line and a rat rotator cuff tear model were used in this study and PRP was administrated into subacromial space which is widely used in clinical practice. In in vitro study, administration of PRP to C2C12 cells stimulated cell proliferation while inhibited both myogenic and adipogenic differentiation. In in vivo study, administration of PRP suppressed Oil Red-O positive lipid droplet formation. The expression of adipogenic genes was also decreased by PRP administration. In conclusion, PRP promoted proliferation of myoblast cells, while inhibiting adipogenic differentiation of myoblast cells and suppressing fatty degeneration change in rat torn rotator cuff muscles. Further investigations are needed to determine the clinical applicability of the PRP. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1806-1815, 2017.

Association of clinical and radiographic signs of femoroacetabular impingement in the general population.

BACKGROUND: The relationships between the clinical and radiographic signs of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between hip pain, a positive anterior impingement sign (AIS), and radiographic signs of FAI in a general Japanese population. METHODS: A total of 616 individuals participated in this study. Hip pain was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip-Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ) pain category score and the AIS was used as a provocation test. Participants were divided into a positive AIS group (at least one positive hip) and a negative AIS group. Radiographs were assessed for the cross-over sign (COS), ischial spine sign (ISS), posterior wall sign (PWS), and pistol grip deformity (PGD). Then, the relationships between the clinical and radiographic signs of FAI were evaluated. RESULTS: JHEQ pain scores did not differ between men and women. Seven men (3.4%) and 29 women (7.1%) had a least one hip with a positive AIS. The mean JHEQ pain scores were 22.9 ± 7.2 for the positive and 27.3 ± 2.2 for the negative AIS group (P < 0.01). The prevalences of COS, ISS, PWS, and PGD were 8.9%, 17.2%, 21.8%, and 1.9%, respectively. There were no significant associations between degree of hip pain, AIS, and each radiographic finding. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic signs of FAI were not associated with the degree of hip pain or a positive AIS, which suggests that radiographic findings may not be important in the clinical diagnosis of FAI.

The Role of Electrophysiological Severity Scales for Decision-making with Regard to Surgery in Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The distribution of electrophysiological severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in an outpatient setting and whether electrophysiological severity could be an objective tool for decision-making regarding choice of surgery were investigated. During conservative treatment, 1079 outpatients with idiopathic CTS were classified according to the electrophysiological severity scale (Stage 1-5). The results were provided to the patients and explained, but they were not indicated a treatment protocol intentionally. We recommended surgery to those outpatients who presented with difficulty in pinching due to severe thenar atrophy and/ or showing poor response to conservative treatment. However, the decision-making of surgical or nonsurgical treatment remained with patients. In the distribution of severity stages, Stage 4 was the most common (34%). Two hands were not classifiable. Surgery was chosen in 443 of 1077 hands (41.1%): The operation selection rate increased with severity of the stage and the patients with Stage 5 showed the greatest preference among Stage 1-5 (p<0.0001). This was shown in both female and male groups in gender analysis, and in both ≤ 69 y.o. and ≥70 y.o. groups in the age analysis. There was no significant difference between female and male hands, and ≤ 69 y.o. and ≥70 y.o. hands. Among varied reasons for the decision-making process for surgical treatment in CTS, electrophysiological severity scale plays an important role as an objective tool without being influenced by subjective elements; gender and age.

High-resolution ultrasound in the diagnosis of trigger finger and evaluation of response to steroid injection.

OBJECTIVE: No studies have reported the use of ultrasound for the evaluation of trigger finger after steroid injection. We evaluated the clinical features and ultrasound appearance of trigger finger before and after steroid injection under ultrasound guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight digits with triggering were included. A single steroid injection into the tendon sheath was administered. Ultrasound findings and clinical symptoms, including pain, triggering, and the Quinnell score, were analyzed before injection and at 1 and 3 weeks after injection. RESULTS: Ultrasound indicated that the thickness of the flexor tendons and the thickness of A1 pulleys were significantly greater in the trigger fingers than in controls before steroid injection. Three weeks after injection, these two parameters decreased, and there was no significant difference in the two parameters between the trigger finger and the controls. The visual analogue scales at 1 and 3 weeks after the injection were significantly lower than those before the injection. The Quinnell grading system scores significantly improved at 1 and 3 weeks after injection compared with the scores before injection. Moreover, a tendency was seen for the more clinically severe cases to show more swelling of the tendon and pulley. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, ultrasound assessments could reveal that the thickened A1 pulley and flexor tendon significantly improved after steroid injection, which enables us to confirm the therapeutic effects of the steroid injection. Therefore, ultrasound assessments can be a useful adjunct to understand the response to treatment with the steroid injection.

Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Protect Rat Achilles Tendons From the Deleterious Effects of Triamcinolone Acetonide?

BACKGROUND: Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections are widely used for tendinitis but have deleterious effects, including tendon degeneration or tendon rupture. PURPOSE: To investigate whether adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a blood fraction that participates in tissue repair processes, to TA can prevent its deleterious effects. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Rat Achilles tendons were injected with TA, TA + PRP, PRP alone, or saline (control). Biomechanical testing and histological analyses were performed on Achilles tendons 1 week after injections. RESULTS: The maximum failure loads in the control, TA, TA + PRP, and PRP groups were 31.7 ± 2.3, 19.0 ± 3.6, 31.0 ± 7.1, and 30.2 ± 6.8 N, respectively. The tendon stiffness in the control, TA, TA + PRP, and PRP groups was 12.1 ± 1.8, 7.5 ± 1.8, 11.0 ± 2.8, and 11.3 ± 2.5 N/mm, respectively. The maximum failure load and stiffness were significantly lower in the TA group compared with the other 3 groups. There was no significant difference between the TA + PRP and control groups. Cell invasions, vacuolation, collagen attenuation, and increased type III collagen expression were histologically observed in the TA group; however, these changes were prevented by the simultaneous administration of PRP. CONCLUSION: Administering PRP may prevent deleterious effects caused by TA; therefore, PRP may be used as a protective agent in clinical situations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PRP can be useful as a protective agent for sports injury patients receiving local corticosteroid injections.