Microstructural analysis of subchondral bone in knee osteoarthritis.

The results of this study show increased formation of bone in the subchondral areas in advanced stages of osteoarthritis of the knee. These changes seem to be influenced by mechanical factors. INTRODUCTION: Subchondral bone changes seem to contribute to the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to analyze subchondral bone microstructure in specimens of late-stage knee OA in respect to articular cartilage damage, meniscus integrity, and knee joint alignment. METHODS: Thirty proximal tibiae of 30 patients (20 female and 10 male) with late-stage OA retrieved during total knee arthroplasty were scanned using a high-resolution micro-computed tomography. The scans were semi-automatically segmented into five volumes of interest. The volumes of interest were then further analyzed using commercially available software. The degree of articular cartilage damage was assessed semi-quantitatively by magnetic resonance imaging before surgery. RESULTS: The mean bone fraction volume (bone volume/total volume (BV/TV)) in all weight-bearing locations was significantly higher compared to the non-weight-bearing reference point below the anterior cruciate ligament (p = 0.000). The mean BV/TV in the medial compartment was significantly higher compared to the lateral compartment (p = 0.007). As for the BV/TV in intact menisci, there was a significantly lower subchondral bone fraction volume compared to subluxated or luxated menisci in the medial (p = 0.020) and lateral compartment (p = 0.005). Varus alignment had a significantly higher subchondral BV/TV in the medial compartment, whereas valgus alignment had a significantly higher subchondral BV/TV in the lateral compartment (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The results show significant differences of subchondral bone microstructural parameters in respect to cartilage damage, meniscus' structural integrity, and knee joint alignment. Therefore, subchondral bone changes seem to be a secondary process in the late-stage OA of the knee caused by mechanical changes.

Clinical Results and Serum Metal Ion Concentrations following Ceramic-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty at a Mean Follow-Up of 60 Months.

Background. Increased metal ion levels following total hip arthroplasty (THA) with metal-on-metal bearings are a highly debated topic. Local soft tissue reactions with chronic pain and systemic side effects such as neuropathy are described. The aim of the current study was to determine the serum metal ion concentrations of Cobalt (Co) and Chrome (Cr) after THA with a ceramic-on-metal (CoM) bearing. Patients and Methods. Between 2008 and 2010, 20 patients underwent THA using a CoM bearing. Clinical function was evaluated by standardized scores systems (Harris Hip Score and WOMAC Score) and radiological examination included X-rays. Patient's blood samples were obtained for metal ion analysis and correlation analysis was done between these results and implant position. Results. Overall, 13 patients with 14 CoM devices were available for the current series. The mean age at time of surgery was 61 years (range, 41 to 85). The postoperative follow-up ranged from 49 to 68 months (mean, 58). Metal ion determination showed mean concentrations of 3,1 µg/L (range, 0,3-15,2 µg/L) for Co and 1,6 µg/L (range, 0,1-5,5 µg/L) for Cr, respectively. A correlation between cup anteversion and Co and Cr concentrations was shown. Conclusion. The current series showed increments for Co and Cr following CoM THA. However, these levels are lower compared to metal ion concentrations in patients with metal-on-metal bearings and the international accepted threshold for revision of MoM devices. We recommend routine follow-up including at least one obligatory evaluation of serum metal ion concentrations and an MRI once to exclude local soft tissue reactions.

Langerhans cell sarcoma: a case report and review of the literature.

We present the case of a 62-year-old male patient with a three-month history of pain in the left shoulder. Magnetic resonance imaging of the left scapula showed an osteo-destructive lesion. H and E stained sections revealed a Langerhans cell sarcoma, and immunohistochemistry was performed additionally; CD68, CD163, CD14, fascin, HLA-DR, lysozyme, S100 CD1a and langerin showed a positive reaction, while CD20, CD30, CD34, CD31, pan-cytokeratin, AE/1AE3, SMA, desmin, EMA, ERG, INI-1, CD21, CD4, PLAP, MPO and CD117c were negative. We suggested palliative treatment with chemotherapy and radiation. The patient refused any treatment and died 2 weeks later.

[Collagenase Clostridum histolyticum in the management of Dupuytren's contracture]. / Kollagenase Clostridium histolyticum im Management der Dupuytrenschen Kontraktur.

Dupuytren's contracture is a fibroproliferate disease of the palmar aponeurosis with a formation of nodules and cords. Surgical treatment is the gold standard for Dupuytren's contracture at the moment. A short while ago Collagenase clostridium histolyticum was licensed as a non-surgical method to treat Dupuytren's contracture. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum is injected directly into the Dupuytren's cord and after 24 h the contracture is distended by manual rupturing. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum causes a depletion of collagen, however neurovascular structures are spared. 2 clinical phase III studies showed that contractures could be effectively reduced when using Collagenase clostridium histolyticum. However, there are no long-term results regarding effectiveness and side effects, or comparative studies using surgical methods. This paper presents a review of Collagenase clostridium histolyticum and its role in the management of Dupuytren's contracture. Indication, technical procedure, treatment results and complications are described.