[Clinical observation of virtual reality technology combined with isokinetic strength training for patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To explore application value and effectiveness of virtual reality technology combined with isokinetic muscle strength training in the rehabilitation of patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Forty patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery from December 2021 to January 2023 were selected and divided into control group and observation group according to treatment methods, 20 patients in each group. Control group was received routine rehabilitation training combined with isokinetic muscle strength training, including 15 males and 5 females, aged from 17 to 44 years old, with an average of (29.10±8.60) years old. Observation group was performed virtual reality technology combined with isokinetic muscle strength training, including 16 males and 4 females, aged from 17 to 45 years old with an average of (30.95±9.11) years old. Lysholm knee joint score, knee extension peak torque, and knee flexion peak torque between two groups at 12 (before training) and 16 weeks (after training) after surgery were compared. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 1 to 6 months with an average of (3.30±1.42) months. There were no statistically significant difference in Lysholm knee joint score, peak knee extension peak torque, and peak knee flexion peak torque between two groups (P>0.05) before training. After training, Lysholm knee joint score, knee extension peak torque, and knee flexion peak torque of both groups were improved compared to before training (P<0.05);there were significant difference in Lysholm knee joint score, knee extension peak torque, and knee flexion peak torque between two groups(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The application of virtual reality technology combined with isokinetic muscle strength training could promote recovery of knee joint function and enhance muscle strength in patients after ACL reconstruction surgery in further.

A nomogram to predict metastasis of soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities.

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities are a rare tumor. Metastases develop in about 40%-50% of patients, most of whom die from their disease. We sought to identify potential risk factors associated with metastatic diseases upon presentation for patients with STS and established a reliable nomogram model to predict distant metastasis of STS at presentation. The current study retrospectively analyzed 3884 STS of the extremities or trunk patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2015. Based on patient registration, all patients were randomly allocated to training sets and validation sets (2:1). Then, univariate and binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the significantly correlated predictors of metastasis. Finally, the nomogram model was established, using these predictors and validated it. 311 (8.21%) of the cases experienced distant metastatic disease was present at the time of presentation. The nomogram was developed from age, histology subtype, primary site, tumor size, grade and depth. Encouragingly, the nomogram showed favorable calibration with C-index 0.790 in the training set and 0.801 in validation set. The DCA showed that the novel model was clinically useful. This nomogram model had a high precision to predict the metastasis of soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities. We expect this model could be used in different clinical consultation and established risk assessment.

A Nomogram and a Risk Classification System Predicting the Cancer-Specific Survival of Patients With Initially-Diagnosed Osseous Spinal and Pelvic Tumors.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to provide a predictive model and a risk classification system that predicts cancer-specific survival (CSS) from spinal and pelvic tumors. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Primary bone tumors of the spinal and pelvic are rare, thus limiting the understanding of the manifestations and survival from these tumors. Nomograms are the graphical representation of mathematical relationships or laws that accurately predict individual survival. METHODS: A total of 1033 patients with spinal and pelvic bone tumors between 2004 and 2016 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Multivariate Cox analysis was used on the training set to select significant predictors to build a nomogram that predicted 3- and 5-year CSS. We validate the precision of the nomogram by discrimination and calibration, and the clinical value of nomogram was assessed by making use of a decision curve analyses (DCA). RESULTS: Data from 1033 patients with initially-diagnosed spinal and pelvic tumors were extracted from the SEER database. Multivariate analysis of the training cohort, predictors included in the nomogram were age, pathological type, tumor stage, and surgery. The value of C-index was 0.711 and 0.743 for the internal and external validation sets, respectively, indicating good agreement with actual CSS. The internal and external calibration curves revealed good correlation of CSS between the actual observation and the nomogram. Then, the DCA showed greater net benefits than that of treat-all or treat-none at all time points. A novel risk grouping system was established for CSS that can readily divide all patients into three distinct risk groups. CONCLUSION: The proposed nomogram obtained more precision prognostic prediction for patients with initially-diagnosed primary spinal and pelvic tumors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Comparison of 3 Treatment Methods for Distal Tibial Fractures: A Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND The choice of optimal internal fixation device for distal tibial fractures remains controversial. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of open reduction and internal fixation, minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis, and intramedullary nailing of distal tibial fractures in adults using network meta-analysis of data from clinical trials. MATERIAL AND METHODS The studies were abstracted from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomized controlled trials meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata software, version 13.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA). RESULTS Eleven randomized controlled trials were included. The total number of participants was 710 and the studies were published between 2005 and 2017. There were no significant differences in rates of delayed union, nonunion, or malunion among the various treatments (all p>0.05). The intramedullary nailing group had a lower incidence of wound complications than did the open reduction and internal fixation group and minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis technique group. The SUCRA probabilities were 28.6% for ORIF, 98.4% for IMN, and 22.9% for MIPPO. CONCLUSIONS Given the superior results for intramedullary nailing in terms of wound complications, we recommend this procedure for treatment of distal tibial fractures. More RCTs focused on distal tibial fractures are needed to support the current evidence.

A nomogram to predict prognosis in Ewing sarcoma of bone.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to develop a nomogram for assessing the survival of patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES). METHODS: Data from patients diagnosed with ES between 2004 and 2013 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Based on patient registration, the primary cohort was divided into a training set (n = 479, data from 17 cancer registries) and a validation set (n = 137, data from 1 cancer registry). Then, the prognostic effects of variables were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model. Moreover, nomograms were established for estimating 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and cancer-special survival (CSS) based on Cox regression model. Last, nomogram was validated by training set and validation set. RESULTS: According to the multivariate analysis of training set, nomogram which combined age, race, stage, tumor site, tumor size and chemotherapy was identified. The internal bootstrap resampling approach suggested the nomogram had sufficient discriminatory power with the C-index of OS: 0.754 (95% CI, 0.705-0.802) and CSS: 0.759 (95% CI, 0.700-0.800). The calibration plots also demonstrated good consistence between the prediction and the observation. CONCLUSION: Our nomogram is a reliable and powerful tool for distinguishing and predicting the survival of ES patients, thus helping to better select medical examinations and optimize treatment options in collaboration with medical oncologists and surgeons.

[Preliminary analysis of the effect of different administration routes of tranexamic acid on blood loss after total hip arthroplasty for female femur neck fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To study curative effect of different administration routes of tranexamic acid (TXA) on blood loss of elderly female patients with femoral neck fracture in total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: From December 2015 to January 2018, 77 elderly women with femoral neck fractures undergoing total hip replacement were divided into four groups: group A, group B, group C, and group D. The group A (intravenous medication group) included 21 patients with an average age of (77.10±7.02) years old. The patients in group A received 15 mg/kg TXA intravenously 5 minutes before skin incision and intraoperative infusion of saline into the joint cavity. The group B(local medication group) included 18 cases, with an average age of (73.83±6.56) years old. The patients in group B received saline intravenously 5 minutes before skin incision and intraoperative infusion of 3 g TXA into the joint cavity. The group C (combined medication group) included 19 cases, with an average age of (74.26±6.04) year old. The patients in group C received 15 mg/kg TXA intravenously before operation and intraoperative infusion of 1.5 g TXA into the joint cavity. The group D (control group) included 19 cases, with an average age of (76.69±9.27) years old. The patients in group D received saline intravenously 5 minutes before skin incision and intraoperative infusion of saline into the joint cavity. The postoperative wound drainage volume, hemoglobin value, and the total blood loss calculated according to the height and weight and the hematocrit (HCT) before and after operation were observed and compared. RESULTS: In group A, the postoperative drainage was(111.91±35.02)ml; the change of hemoglobin was(26.86±12.99) g/L; and total blood loss was(628.60±306.78) ml. In group B, postoperative drainage was(108.89±36.61) ml; change of hemoglobin was(26.28±8.59) g/L; and the total blood loss was (584.41±250.86) ml. In group C, postoperative drainage was(102.63±47.36) ml; change of hemoglobin was (26.89±12.47) g/L; and total blood loss was(634.78±384.89) ml. In group D, postoperative drainage was(107.37±40.53) ml; change of hemoglobin was(40.95±12.48) g/L; and total blood loss was(1 005.24±483.37) ml. There were no significant differences among 4 groups in postoperative drainage volume (P>0.05). The hemoglobin and total blood loss in group A, B, and C were less than those in the group D(P<0.05), however, there were no significant differences among three groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Application of TXA can effectively reduce blood loss during perioperative period of total hip arthroplasty for elderly women with femoral neck fracture. The best administration route and dosage should be further studied.

[Case-control study on effects of vacuum drainage on perioperative blood loss after total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of femoral neck fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative blood loss under different negative pressures of drainage after total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of femoral neck fractures. METHODS: From January 1st to December 30th 2013, 74 patients with femoral neck fractures treated with total hip arthroplasty were randomly divided into two groups: high negative pressure drainage group and low negative pressure drainage group. In high negative pressure drainage group, there were 34 cases including 10 males and 24 females, with a mean age of (75.94 ± 9.02) years old, and the patients were treated with 60 kPa negative pressure of drainage. In the low negative pressure drainage group, there were 40 cases including 13 males and 27 females, with an average age of (74.93 ± 8.90) years old, and the patients were treated with 30 kPa negative pressure of drainage. The amount of total drainage, total blood loss, and hemoglobin change were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: All the patients got primary healing without infections. In high negative pressure drainage group,the change of hemoglobin was (41.74 ± 15.69) g/L, total blood loss was (1,217.73 ± 459.50) ml and the drainage volume was (312.94 ± 103.44) ml; while in low negative pressure drainage group,the results were (34.90 ± 12.90) g/L, (904.01 ± 381.58) ml and (129.25 ± 44.25) ml separately. All the results in high negative pressure drainage group were higher than those in the other group. Three days after operation, the change of hemoglobin was (46.00 ± 13.29) g/L and total blood loss was (1,304.72 ± 421.75) ml; while in low negative pressure drainage group, the changes of hemoglobin was (43.87 ± 11.39) g/L and total blood loss was (1,196.78 ± 344.20) ml; there were no statistically significant differences between two groups. CONCLUSION: When placing drainage devices after total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of femoral neck fractures, the level of negative pressure should be chosen according to preoperative level of hemoglobin and HCT in patients. For old patients with femoral neck fracture, low negative pressure is more suitable.

Antitumor and anti-angiogenesis effects of thymoquinone on osteosarcoma through the NF-κB pathway.

Thymoquinone (TQ), the predominant bioactive constituent derived from the medicinal spice Nigella sativa (also known as black cumin), has been applied for medical purposes for more than 2,000 years. Recent studies reported that thymoquinone exhibited inhibitory effects on the cell proliferation of several cancer cell lines. This study was performed to investigate the antitumor and anti-angiogenic effects of thymoquinone on osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that thymoquinone induced a higher percentage of growth inhibition and apoptosis in the human osteosarcoma cell line SaOS-2 compared to that of control, and thymoquinone significantly blocked human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation in a dose-dependent manner. To investigate the possible mechanisms involved in these events, we performed electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and western blot analysis, and found that thymoquinone significantly downregulated NF-κB DNA-binding activity, XIAP, survivin and VEGF in SaOS-2 cells. Moreover, the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Smac were upregulated in SaOS-2 cells after treatment with thymoquinone. In addition to these in vitro results, we also found that thymoquinone inhibits tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth through suppressing NF-κB and its regulated molecules. Collectively, our results demonstrate that thymoquinone effectively inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, inhibition of NF-κB and downstream effector molecules is a possible underlying mechanism of the antitumor and anti-angiogenic activity of thymoquinone in osteosarcoma.

[Proliferation, differentiation and BMP-2 expression of osteoblasts cultured in the plane under suitable electrical stimulation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts cultured in the plane on appropriate electrical stimulation, to specify whether it promote the proliferation, and observe expression of BMP-2 on electrical stimulation. METHODS: Osteoblasts were extracted from the skull of rabbit offspring and cultured. Cells after the 2nd generations were cultured. In experimental group, cells had electrical stimulation, and same stimulation time and intensity were given. In control group cells had not electrical stimulation. The proliferation and differentiation were detected at different time, and BMP-2 protein expression was analyzed. RESULTS: The cell morphology of experimental group in 8 days under the light microscope was observed and showed a lot of proliferation of osteoblasts, pleomorphic changes, in 6 to 8 days a small amount of Calcified spots was also observed; while in the control group, proliferation was slower. Differentiation of the experimental group was significantly, alkaline phosphatase staining and calcium nodules were positive, quantitative analysis of alkaline phosphatase increaseed significantly. Experimental group showed that BMP-2 was gradually increased by immunohistochemistry analysis. CONCLUSION: Electrical stimulation can promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and achieved the increasement the number of cells in short-term, intracellular staining by immunohistochemistry showed the increasement in expression of BMP-2.

Calcium citrate: a new biomaterial that can enhance bone formation in situ.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a new biomaterial combining calcium citrate and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on bone regeneration in a bone defect rabbit model. METHODS: Totally 30 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly and equally divided into calcium citrate-rhBMP-2 (CC-rhBMP-2) group and rhBMP-2 only group. Two 10 mm-long and 5 mm-deep bone defects were respectively created in the left and right femoral condyles of the rabbits. Subsequently 5 pellets of calcium citrate (10 mg) combined with rhBMP-2 (2 mg) or rhBMP-2 alone were implanted into the bone defects and compressed with cotton swab. Bone granules were obtained at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after procedure and received histological analysis. LSD t-test and a subsequent t-test were adopted for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Histomorphometric analysis revealed newly formed bones, and calcium citrate has been absorbed in the treatment group. The percent of newly formed bone area in femoral condyle in control group and CC-rhBMP-2 group was respectively 31.73%+/-1.26% vs 48.21%+/-2.37% at 2 weeks; 43.40%+/-1.65% vs 57.32%+/-1.47% at 4 weeks, and 51.32%+/-7.80% vs 66.74%+/-4.05% at 6 weeks (P less than 0.05 for all). At 2 weeks, mature cancellous bone was observed to be already formed in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: From this study, it can be concluded that calcium citrate combined with rhBMP-2 signifcantly enhances bone regeneration in bone defects. This synthetic gelatin matrix stimulates formation of new bone and bone marrow in the defect areas by releasing calcium ions.

Effect of calcium citrate on bone integration in a rabbit femur defect model.

OBJECTIVE: To explore effect of calcium citrate on bone integration in a rabbit femur defect model, and to compare the bone formation with different sizes by radiological and histological study. METHODS: Twenty-four male Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (Group A, B, C) in this study. Under anesthesia, defects of four sizes (1.2, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mm) were created in each of the rabbits. Commercially pure calcium citrate powder was placed inside the medullary compartment of the femur (Experimental), while in the contralateral femur (Control) nothing was implanted. The defects were analyzed using radiography and histological analysis by using Imagepro-Plus 6.0 software after animal was sacrificed at 4th(Group A), 6th(Group B) and 8th(Group C) weeks postoperatively. Four samples were analyzed for each size of defect and each healing period. RESULTS: The histological and the radiologic evaluation were performed after sacrification of all rabbits on postoperative 4th and 6th weeks, It showed significant difference between the experimental group and the control group when these defects were less than or equal to 2.0 mm. No statistical difference was observed when these defects were larger than 2.0 mm at all healing periods except at the 4th week. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium citrate affects the early periods of bone defects healing mechanism in Japanese white rabbits positively, especially when the defect is not too large. We suggest further studies on calcium citrate to determine the effects of various dosages, administration ways and the experimental time on the bone defects.

Osteogenic capability of autologous rabbit adipose-derived stromal cells in repairing calvarial defects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo osteogenic capability of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs). METHODS: ASCs were isolated from New Zealand white rabbits and determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, von Kossa staining and alizarin red staining. Some specific markers of osteogenic differentiation, including ALP, osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In vivo, demineralized bone matrix (DBM)-ASCs composites were implanted into the rabbit calvarial defects created at each side of the longitudinal midline. After 6 weeks, histologic properties of the transplants were analyzed. RESULTS: ASCs were successfully induced into osteogenesis. ALP staining, von Kossa staining and alizarin red staining showed positive results. The expressions of ALP, OCN and OPN were detected in ASCs after cultivation in osteogenic medium. Extensive new bone was observed in the defects transplanted with DBM-ASCs composites. CONCLUSION: ASCs have the potential to differentiate into osteogenic lineage and DBM-ASCs constructs are a promising method for regeneration in bone defects.

Coccygectomy for stubborn coccydynia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preliminary clinical outcomes of coccygectomy in patients with coccydynia after a failure of conservative treatment. METHODS: From May 2002 to January 2010, 31 patients with coccydynia were treated by coccygectomy in our department after conservative measures had failed to produce significant relief. A questionnaire, which included the extent of relief in the painful area, improvement in quality of life, intensity of pain in the sitting position, and pain score during daily activities, was used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 1 to 6 years (mean 3.3 years). The results were excellent in 20 patients (64.5%), good in 7 patients (22.6%), moderate in 3 patients (9.7%) and poor in 1 patient (3.2%). The excellent and good rates amounted to 87.1%. All patients except one had complete resolution of their symptoms and were subjectively highly satisfied with the outcomes of the surgery. Only 2 cases of superficial infection were observed postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Coccygectomy is a feasible management option for patients with coccygodynia that has no response to conservative treatments.

K-wire and tension band wire fixation in treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation by K-wire and tension band wire fixation, and to improve the safety and stability of this technique. METHODS: This study consisted of 9 cases, 6 males and 3 females with the mean age of 25 years (range, 9-62 years). The causes were traffic accident in 7 cases, falling in 1 case and fight in 1 case. The duration from injury to operation was 2 hours to 7 days. There were 5 left dislocations and 4 right dislocations; 8 anterior dislocations and 1 posterior dislocation, including one combined with left scapular fracture and one with left olecranon fracture. Open reduction and internal fixation using K-wires and tension band wires were performed to treat dislocations. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months, 10 months on average. According to Rockwood's rating scale on postoperative sternoclavicular joint, 8 cases achieved excellent outcomes with an average score of 13.88, and the rest case achieved a good outcome with the score of 12. Anatomical reduction was obtained in all cases. There were no such postoperative complications as severe infection, injury to blood vessel and nerve, failure of fixation, etc. Patients were all satisfied with the anatomical reduction and functional recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of K-wire and tension band wire fixation is safe, simple, effective, less invasive and has been successfully used in orthopedic surgery. It is effective in treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation though it has some disadvantages.