Knee cartilage change on magnetic resonance imaging: Should we lump or split topographical regions? A 2-year study of data from the osteoarthritis initiative.

OBJECTIVE: We challenge the paradigm that a simplistic approach evaluating anatomic regions (e.g., medial femur or tibia) is ideal for assessing articular cartilage loss on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. We used a data-driven approach to explore whether specific topographical locations of knee cartilage loss may identify novel patterns of cartilage loss over time that current assessment strategies miss. DESIGN: We assessed 60 location-specific measures of articular cartilage on a sample of 99 knees with baseline and 24-month MR images from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, selected as a group with a high likelihood to change. We performed factor analyses of the change in these measures in two ways: (1) summing the measures to create one measure for each of the six anatomically regional-based summary (anatomic regions; e.g., medial tibia) and (2) treating each location separately for a total of 60 measures (location-specific measures). RESULTS: The first analysis produced three factors accounting for 66% of the variation in the articular cartilage changes that occur over 24 months of follow-up: (1) medial tibiofemoral, (2) medial and lateral patellar, and (3) lateral tibiofemoral. The second produced 20 factors accounting for 75% of the variance in cartilage changes. Twelve factors only involved one anatomic region. Five factors included locations from adjoining regions (defined by the first analysis; e.g., medial tibiofemoral). Three factors included articular cartilage loss from disparate locations. CONCLUSIONS: Novel patterns of cartilage loss occur within each anatomic region and across these regions, including in disparate regions. The traditional anatomic regional approach is simpler to implement and interpret but may obscure meaningful patterns of change.

Variation in cartilage T2 and T2* mapping of the wrist: a comparison between 3- and 7-T MRI.

BACKGROUND: To analyze regional variations in T2 and T2* relaxation times in wrist joint cartilage and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) at 3 and 7 T and to compare values between field strengths. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy controls and 25 patients with chronic wrist pain were examined at 3 and 7 T on the same day using T2- and T2*-weighted sequences. Six different regions of interest (ROIs) were evaluated for cartilage and 3 ROIs were evaluated at the TFCC based on manual segmentation. Paired t-tests were used to compare T2 and T2* values between field strengths and between different ROIs. Spearman's rank correlation was calculated to assess correlations between T2 and T2* time values at 3 and 7 T. RESULTS: T2 and T2* time values of the cartilage differed significantly between 3 and 7 T for all ROIs (p ≤ 0.045), with one exception: at the distal lunate, no significant differences in T2 values were observed between field strengths. T2* values differed significantly between 3 and 7 T for all ROIs of the TFCC (p ≤ 0.001). Spearman's rank correlation between 3 and 7 T ranged from 0.03 to 0.62 for T2 values and from 0.01 to 0.48 for T2* values. T2 and T2* values for cartilage varied across anatomic locations in healthy controls at both 3 and 7 T. CONCLUSION: Quantitative results of T2 and T2* mapping at the wrist differ between field strengths, with poor correlation between 3 and 7 T. Local variations in cartilage T2 and T2* values are observed in healthy individuals. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: T2 and T2* mapping are feasible for compositional imaging of the TFCC and the cartilage at the wrist at both 3 and 7 T, but the clinical interpretation remains challenging due to differences between field strengths and variations between anatomic locations. KEY POINTS: •Field strength and anatomic locations influence T2 and T2* values at the wrist. •T2 and T2* values have a poor correlation between 3 and 7 T. •Local reference values are needed for each anatomic location for reliable interpretation.

Treatment of Chondral Lesions in the Knee.

Articular cartilage injuries are common and lead to early joint deterioration and osteoarthritis. Articular cartilage repair techniques aim at forming a cartilaginous neo-tissue to support the articular load and prevent progressive degeneration. Several techniques are available for this purpose, such as microfracture and chondrocyte transplantation. However, the procedural outcome is often fibrocartilage, which does not have the same mechanical resistance as cartilaginous tissue. Procedures with autologous osteochondral graft have a morbidity risk, and tissue availability limits their use. As such, larger lesions undergo osteochondral transplantation using fresh or frozen grafts. New techniques using minced or particulate cartilage fragments or mesenchymal stem cells are promising. This paper aims to update the procedures for treating chondral lesions of the knee.

[Periarticular knee osteotomies for pre-arthritic deformities in the frontal plane : Indications and surgical techniques]. / Frontale kniegelenksnahe Umstellungsosteotomien bei präarthrotischen Deformitäten : Indikationen und Operationstechniken.

BACKGROUND: Currently, periarticular knee joint osteotomies are an integral part of the treatment of early arthritic deformities in the knee joint. DIAGNOSTICS: Analysis of the deformity is performed with a standardized full-leg standing x­ray of both legs, as well as a lateral x­ray of the knee joint that includes 2/3 of the proximal tibial shaft. An MRI examination of the knee joint is obtained to assess the articular cartilage, the ligaments and menisci. Torsion angle measurements with the CT/MRT supplement the diagnostics if necessary. Knowledge of normal physiological values and their standard deviations of the mechanical leg axis and the joint angles around the knee is obligatory. THERAPY: The osteotomy is performed as close as possible to the femoral and/or tibial deformity. Postsurgical deformities including pathological patella position or a significant difference in leg length must be prevented. A description of proximal tibia opening or closing wedge osteotomies based on the nomenclature of the joint angles by Paley is presented. The indications for the various osteotomy techniques in the coronary plane are discussed in detail.

Treatment of Chondral Lesions in the Knee / Tratamento das lesões condrais no joelho

Abstract Articular cartilage injuries are common and lead to early joint deterioration and osteoarthritis. Articular cartilage repair techniques aim at forming a cartilaginous neo-tissue to support the articular load and prevent progressive degeneration. Several techniques are available for this purpose, such as microfracture and chondrocyte transplantation. However, the procedural outcome is often fibrocartilage, which does not have the same mechanical resistance as cartilaginous tissue. Procedures with autologous osteochondral graft have a morbidity risk, and tissue availability limits their use. As such, larger lesions undergo osteochondral transplantation using fresh or frozen grafts. New techniques using minced or particulate cartilage fragments or mesenchymal stem cells are promising. This paper aims to update the procedures for treating chondral lesions of the knee.

Resumo As lesões da cartilagem articular são comuns e levam à deterioração precoce da articulação e ao desenvolvimento da osteoartrite. As técnicas de reparo da cartilagem articular visam a formação de um neo-tecido cartilaginoso capaz de suportar carga articular e evitar a progressão da degeneração. Há várias técnicas disponíveis para esse fim, como a microfratura e o transplante de condrócitos. Entretanto muitas vezes o desfecho do procedimento é a formação de fibrocartilagem, que não possui a mesma resistência mecânica do tecido cartilaginoso. Em outros procedimentos, nos quais é realizado enxerto osteocondral autólogo, há risco de morbidade associada ao procedimento, além da disponibilidade limitada de tecido. Por esse motivo, o transplante osteocondral, utilizando enxertos a fresco ou congelados tem sido utilizado para lesões de maior volume. Por fim, novas técnicas utilizando fragmentos de cartilagem picada ou particulada, assim como o uso de células tronco mesenquimais se apresentam como promissores. O objetivo desse artigo é realizar uma atualização dos procedimentos para tratamento das lesões condrais do joelho.

Ultrashort echo time magnetization transfer imaging of knee cartilage and meniscus after long-distance running.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the detection of changes in knee cartilage and meniscus of amateur marathon runners before and after long-distance running using a 3D ultrashort echo time MRI sequence with magnetization transfer preparation (UTE-MT). METHODS: We recruited 23 amateur marathon runners (46 knees) in this prospective cohort study. MRI scans using UTE-MT and UTE-T2* sequences were performed pre-race, 2 days post-race, and 4 weeks post-race. UTE-MT ratio (UTE-MTR) and UTE-T2* were measured for knee cartilage (eight subregions) and meniscus (four subregions). The sequence reproducibility and inter-rater reliability were also investigated. RESULTS: Both the UTE-MTR and UTE-T2* measurements showed good reproducibility and inter-rater reliability. For most subregions of cartilage and meniscus, the UTE-MTR values decreased 2 days post-race and increased after 4 weeks of rest. Conversely, the UTE-T2* values increased 2 days post-race and decreased after 4 weeks. The UTE-MTR values in lateral tibial plateau, central medial femoral condyle, and medial tibial plateau showed a significant decrease at 2 days post-race compared to the other two time points (p < 0.05). By comparison, no significant UTE-T2* changes were found for any cartilage subregions. For meniscus, the UTE-MTR values in medial posterior horn and lateral posterior horn regions at 2 days post-race were significantly lower than those at pre-race and 4 weeks post-race (p < 0.05). By comparison, only the UTE-T2* values in medial posterior horn showed a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: UTE-MTR is a promising method for the detection of dynamic changes in knee cartilage and meniscus after long-distance running. KEY POINTS: • Long-distance running causes changes in the knee cartilage and meniscus. • UTE-MT monitors dynamic changes of knee cartilage and meniscal non-invasively. • UTE-MT is superior to UTE-T2* in monitoring dynamic changes in knee cartilage and meniscus.

Evaluation of knee cartilage based on MRI artificial intelligence reconstruction model of knee joint / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of the AI intelligent reconstruction model based on knee joint magnetic resonance data developed by Nuctech Company Limited for evaluating knee cartilage injury.Methods:Thirty-three patients (a total of forty-one knees) who were hospitalized with severe knee osteoarthritis in Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from May 2021 to April 2022 were selected. All of them were planned to be performed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Fifteen males with an average age of 71±5 years old and twenty six females with an average age of 71±9 years old were included in this study. There were 19 cases of left knee and 22 cases of right knee. Thin layer MRI examination on the patients' knee joints was performed before the surgery, and artificial intelligence model based on the thin layer MRI data of the knee joint was reconstructed. The cartilage part of the model was selected and corrected by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in order to realize model straightening. The tibial plateau cartilage of knee joint which intercepted during operation was classified according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS). Finally the results were compared with the ICRS classification results of knee artificial intelligence reconstruction model and artificial recognition of knee joint MRI images.Results:Compared with the grade of cartilage injury intercepted during our operation which was according to the ICRS classification, the sensitivity of artificial intelligence reconstruction model for the diagnosis of cartilage injury with ICRS classification grade four was 93.1%. The specificity of artificial intelligence reconstruction model was 91.4%. The positive predictive value (PPV) of artificial intelligence reconstruction model was 92.2%. And the negative predictive value (NPV) of artificial intelligence reconstruction model was 80.3%. The area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.92. The ICRS classification consistency between artificial intelligence model and physical inspection results was good with kappa value 0.81 ( P<0.001) . In the aspect of artificial recognition of cartilage injury grading in MRI images, the sensitivity of artificial recognition was 92.10% compared with the manual identification of cartilage injury classification in MRI images. The specificity of artificial recognition was 91.60%. The positive predictive value (PPV) of artificial recognition was 97.20% and the negative predictive value (NPV) of artificial recognition was 78.8%. The kappa value of the cartilage injury classification in MRI images consistency between artificial recognition and manual identification was 0.79 ( P<0.001). Conclusion:Based on the evaluation of cartilage injury by AI reconstruction model of knee joint, the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of ICRS grade IV cartilage injury can be acceptable, but still needs to be improved.

Recent advances of acellular cartilage matrix in cartilage regeneration / 中华骨科杂志

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease, and cartilage damage is often considered an early factor in irreversible joint degeneration. Repairing damaged cartilage remains a medical challenge due to its limited ability to self-repair and regenerate. In recent years, the application of tissue engineering strategies to treat cartilage defects has been recognized as an emerging therapeutic avenue. Acellular cartilage matrix (ACM) is an ideal material for cartilage repair and regeneration as it retains the extracellular matrix structure and bioactive components of natural cartilage, mimicking the extracellular environment of natural cartilage to the greatest extent. Type II collagen is the main type of hyaline cartilage and plays an important role in regulating the mechanical properties of cartilage tissue. It has been shown that type II collagen, growth factors and the hypoxic microenvironment play important roles in promoting cartilage regeneration. Type II collagen induces cell aggregation and chondrogenic differentiation in a specific way; Various growth factors contained in the ACM induce Sox9 expression and promote chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells; The hypoxic microenvironment upregulates the expression of type II collagen (COL2A1), Sox9 and maintains chondrocyte phenotype. In addition, ACM has been widely used in cartilage regeneration studies, either as a decellularized scaffold, hydrogel or 3D bioprinting technique for the repair of defective cartilage. Although the ACM-derived biomaterials discussed in this paper have many advantages, there are still some difficulties in their practical applications, such as loss of ACM components and reduced scaffold performance, which are still worth exploring in depth.

[Progress on knee cartilage repair by knee joint distraction].

Knee joint distraction is a new technology for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in recent years. It could reduce knee pain and improve knee function, which is inseparable from the role of cartilage repair. The mechanism and influencing factors of knee joint distraction in repairing cartilage are the focus of current research. In this paper, the author reviewed literature and found that knee joint distraction could reduce knee joint load and provide a appropriate mechanical environment for cartilage repair, and it is resulting hydrostatic pressure fluctuation in the knee joint not only helps cartilage to absorb nutrients, but also promotes cartilage formation genes and inhibits cartilage matrix degrading enzyme gene expression. In addition, knee joint distraction creates conditions for synovial mesenchymal stem cells to be collected to cartilage injury, and improves ability of synovial mesenchymal stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into a chondrogenic lineage. Knee joint distraction could reduce inflammatory reaction and cartilage injury of knee joint by reducing content of inflammatory factors and inhibiting expression of inflammatory genes. At present, it is known that the factors affect repair of cartilage by knee joint distraction include, increasing weight-bearing activity and height and time of distraction is helpful for cartilage repair, male patients and patients with higher severity of knee osteoarthritis have better cartilage repair effect after knee joint distraction.The better efficacy of cartilage repair on the first year after knee joint distraction predicts a higher long-term survival rate of knee joint distraction with knee preservation. However, the research on the above hot spots is only at the initial stage and further exploration is still needed, in order to better guide clinical application of knee joint distraction.

3D CAIPIRINHA SPACE versus standard 2D TSE for routine knee MRI: a large-scale interchangeability study.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a large-scale interchangeability study comparing 3D controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration (CAIPIRINHA) sampling perfection with application optimized contrast using different flip angle evolutions (SPACE) TSE with standard 2D TSE for knee MRI. METHODS: In this prospective study, 250 patients underwent 3 T knee MRI, including a multicontrast 3D CAIPIRINHA SPACE TSE (9:26 min) and a standard 2D TSE protocol (12:14 min). Thirty-three (13%) patients had previous anterior cruciate ligament and/or meniscus surgery. Two radiologists assessed MRIs for image quality and identified pathologies of menisci, ligaments, and cartilage by using a 4-point Likert scale according to the level of diagnostic confidence. Interchangeability of the protocols was tested under the same-reader scenario using a bootstrap percentile confidence interval. Interreader reliability and intermethod concordance were also evaluated. RESULTS: Despite higher image quality and diagnostic confidence for standard 2D TSE compared to 3D CAIPIRINHA SPACE TSE, the protocols were found interchangeable for diagnosing knee abnormalities, except for patellar (6.8% difference; 95% CI: 4.0, 9.6) and trochlear (3.6% difference; 95% CI: 0.8, 6.6) cartilage defects. The interreader reliability was substantial to almost perfect for 2D and 3D MRI (range κ, 0.785-1 and κ, 0.725-0.964, respectively). Intermethod concordance was almost perfect for all diagnoses (range κ, 0.817-0.986). CONCLUSION: Multicontrast 3D CAIPIRINHA SPACE TSE and standard 2D TSE protocols perform interchangeably for diagnosing knee abnormalities, except for patellofemoral cartilage defects. Despite the radiologist's preference for 2D TSE imaging, a pursuit towards time-saving 3D TSE knee MRI is justified for routine practice. KEY POINTS: • Multicontrast 3D CAIPIRINHA SPACE and standard 2D TSE protocols perform interchangeably for diagnosing knee abnormalities, except for patellofemoral cartilage defects. • Radiologists are more confident in diagnosing knee abnormalities on 2D TSE than on 3D CAIPIRINHA SPACE TSE MRI. • Despite the radiologist's preference for 2D TSE, a pursuit towards accelerated 3D TSE knee MRI is justified for routine practice.

[The meaning of cartilage therapy in the treatment of FAIS : Is a specific cartilage therapy necessary or is deformity correction sufficient?] / Bedeutung der Knorpeltherapie in der Behandlung des FAIS : Ist eine spezifische Knorpeltherapie erforderlich oder reicht die Deformitätenkorrektur?

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) surgery aims to restore the natural anatomical relationships between bones and the soft tissues comprising the hip joint. Most cartilage repair methods for the hip are based on basic science and strategies that were developed for the knee. Currently, there is a lack of information in the literature regarding systematic reviews on evidence-based options in treating cartilage injuries of the hip joint. The aim of this article is to assess treatment options and their related outcomes for chondral injuries in the hip based on the available evidence whilst highlighting new and innovative techniques.

India ink artifact on Dixon out-of-phase images can be used as a landmark to measure joint space width at MRI.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of joint space width (JSW) measurement on Dixon MR images with the "India ink" artifact between cartilage and bone marrow as a landmark for the subchondral plate and to correlate it with radiographic JSW. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both hands of six volunteers (three women, three men; mean age, 36.7 ± 10.4 [SD] years) and 24 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (16 women, 8 men; mean age, 45.7 ± 14.5 [SD] years) were imaged with MRI Dixon sequences and radiographs. Two radiologists (R1, R2) separately measured JSW in 11 joints per hand on all Dixon images in volunteers, on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted out-of-phase images in patients and on radiographs in both groups. Inter-technique, intra-observer and inter-observer agreements were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland Altman analysis. RESULTS: In volunteers, agreement between JSW measurements on MRI and radiographs was the highest with T1-weighted Dixon out-of-phase images (mean ICC ranging from 0.69 to 0.76 for R1 and 0.65 to 0.74 for R2). In patients, median bias between JSW measurements at first and second readings was not statistically significantly different from 0 on T1-weighted Dixon out-of-phase images (mean bias of 0.00 and + 0.01 mm) and radiographs (mean bias of 0.00 and +0.01 mm). Median bias of the difference between measurements of R1 and R2 was statistically significantly different from 0 on T1-weighted Dixon out-of-phase images (mean bias of -0.11 and -0.09 mm; P < 0.039) and radiographs (mean bias of -0.24 and -0.20 mm; P < 0.035). CONCLUSION: Measurement of hand JSW on T1-weighted Dixon out-of-phase images using India ink artifact as a landmark for the subchondral plate is repeatable and reproducible.

Visualization of wrist anatomy-a comparison between 7T and 3T MRI.

OBJECTIVE: Injuries to the wrist are, due to its small size and complex anatomical structures, difficult to assess by MR, and surgical interventions such as diagnostic arthroscopy are often necessary. Therefore, improved visualization using non-invasive methods could be of clinical value. As a first step of improvement, the purpose of this study was to evaluate visualization of anatomical structures at 7T compared with 3T MR. METHODS: Eighteen healthy volunteers (three males and three females from each age decade between 20 and 49 years) were examined with 7T and 3T MR. Four musculoskeletal radiologists graded 2D and 3D images on a five-level grading scale for visibility of ligaments, cartilage, nerves, trabecular bone, and tendons, as well as overall image quality (i.e., edge sharpness, perceived tissue contrast, and presence of artefacts). Statistical analysis was done using a visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis. RESULTS: Visibility of cartilage, trabecular bone, tendons, nerves, and ligaments was graded significantly higher at 7T with an area under the curve (AUCVGC) of 0.62-0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-0.97, p = < 0.0001-0.03) using either 2D or 3D imaging. Imaging with 3T was not graded as superior to 7T for any structure. Image quality was also significantly superior at 7T, except for artefacts, where no significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: Tendons, trabecular bone, nerves, and ligaments were all significantly better visualized at 7T compared to 3T. KEY POINTS: • MRI of the wrist at 7T with a commercially available wrist coil is feasible at similar acquisition times as for 3T MRI. • The current study showed 7T to be superior to 3T in the visualization of anatomical structures of the wrist, including ligaments, tendons, nerves, and trabecular bone. • Image quality was significantly superior at 7T, except for artefacts, where no significant differences were found.

Short-term MRI texture features of medial femoral cartilage after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate MRI texture features reflecting short-term medial femoral cartilage variations after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.Methods:A retrospective case series analysis was conducted referring to the data of 20 patients who received ACL reconstruction at First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2017 to January 2020 including 17 males and 3 females, aged 23-43 years [(32.1±5.4)years]. The patients were evaluated before operation and at 1, 4, 12, 24, 48 weeks after operation: (1) the region of interest (ROI) in medial femoral cartilage was divided into ROI1 (meniscus anterior horn cartilage), ROI2 (meniscus body cartilage) and ROI3 (meniscus posterior horn cartilage) according to MRI image acquisition of the affected knee. The texture feature parameters were extracted for screening and analyzing to obtain the parameters reflecting sensitivity to cartilage variations; (2) the level of urinary C-telopeptide of type II collagen (uCTX-II) was measured by ELISA. At different time points, differences in texture feature parameters were compared to screen the parameters most sensitive to cartilage variations, and uCTX-II level were compared as well. Then, Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between texture feature parameters most sensitive to cartilage variations and uCTX-II level.Results:After screening and analyzing, the horizontal direction of gray level non-uniformity (Horzl_GlevNonU) and Skewness of histogram (Skewness) of ROI3 were selected as sensitive texture feature parameters reflecting sensitivity to cartilage variations. There were significant difference in the Horzl_GlevNonU and Skewness of ROI3 before operation and at 1, 4, 12, 24, 48 weeks after operation (all P<0.05). Meanwhile, the Horzl_GlevNonU and Skewness of ROI3 were gradually increased over time, with a more significant tendency in the Horzl_GlevNonU. The Horzl_GlevNonU of ROI3 was similar at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after operation ( P>0.05), with significant differences at other time points (all P<0.05). The Skewness of ROI3 was significantly different at 1 week and 48 weeks after operation ( P<0.05), with insignificant differences at other time points (all P>0.05). The Horzl_GlevNonU of ROI3 was selected as the most sensitive texture feature parameter reflecting cartilage variations. Significant difference was reported in uCTX-II level before operation and at 1, 4, 12, 24, 48 weeks after operation (all P<0.05). After Pearson correlation analysis, the Horzl_GlevNonU of ROI3 was positively correlated with uCTX-II level before operation and at 1, 4, 12, 24, 48 weeks after operation ( r=0.554, 0.596, 0.550, 0.632, 0.756, 0.514, P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusion:The Horzl_GlevNonU of ROI3 is the most sensitive texture feature parameter that reflects the early variations of medial femoral cartilage after ACL reconstruction and is positively correlated with uCTX-II level.

Progress on knee cartilage repair by knee joint distraction / 中国骨伤

Knee joint distraction is a new technology for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in recent years. It could reduce knee pain and improve knee function, which is inseparable from the role of cartilage repair. The mechanism and influencing factors of knee joint distraction in repairing cartilage are the focus of current research. In this paper, the author reviewed literature and found that knee joint distraction could reduce knee joint load and provide a appropriate mechanical environment for cartilage repair, and it is resulting hydrostatic pressure fluctuation in the knee joint not only helps cartilage to absorb nutrients, but also promotes cartilage formation genes and inhibits cartilage matrix degrading enzyme gene expression. In addition, knee joint distraction creates conditions for synovial mesenchymal stem cells to be collected to cartilage injury, and improves ability of synovial mesenchymal stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into a chondrogenic lineage. Knee joint distraction could reduce inflammatory reaction and cartilage injury of knee joint by reducing content of inflammatory factors and inhibiting expression of inflammatory genes. At present, it is known that the factors affect repair of cartilage by knee joint distraction include, increasing weight-bearing activity and height and time of distraction is helpful for cartilage repair, male patients and patients with higher severity of knee osteoarthritis have better cartilage repair effect after knee joint distraction.The better efficacy of cartilage repair on the first year after knee joint distraction predicts a higher long-term survival rate of knee joint distraction with knee preservation. However, the research on the above hot spots is only at the initial stage and further exploration is still needed, in order to better guide clinical application of knee joint distraction.

Application value of magnetic resonance T2mapping in the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the application value of magnetic resonance T2mapping in the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods:The MRI data of the knees of 148 patients with KOA who underwent diagnosis and treatment between January 2017 and December 2020 in Benxi Central Hospital (KOA group) and 30 healthy volunteers (control group) were retrospectively analyzed. T2 values of cartilage in each sub-region of the knee were measured, grouped, and statistically analyzed.Results:There was no significant difference in the T2 value of cartilage in each sub-region of the knee between male and female patients in mild and severe KOA groups (all P > 0.05). T2 values in the medial anterior, middle, and posterior areas of the tibia, lateral anterior, middle and posterior areas of the tibia, medial middle, posterior and lateral areas of the femur, and lateral posterior area of the femur were (44.47 ± 2.35) ms, (46.52 ± 3.12) ms, (45.47 ± 2.40) ms, (43.68 ± 2.12) ms, (46.33 ± 3.36) ms, (43.92 ± 3.42) ms, (43.58 ± 2.40) ms, (45.53 ± 3.91) ms, (44.36 ± 3.15) ms, (46.41 ± 3.04) ms, respectively in the control group. They were (49.56 ± 2.05) ms, (51.67 ± 2.38) ms, (50.47 ± 2.53) ms, (48.68 ± 3.05) ms, (51.33 ± 4.62) ms, (48.92 ± 2.53) ms, (48.58 ± 3.15) ms, (50.53 ± 3.72) ms, (48.36 ± 2.41) ms, and (51.41 ± 3.64) ms, respectively in the mild KOA group, and (53.47 ± 2.46) ms, (56.52 ± 3.57) ms, (54.85 ± 2.89) ms, (52.68 ± 3.57) ms, (56.33 ± 3.91) ms, (52.92 ± 3.04) ms, (53.58 ± 3.36) ms, (55.53 ± 3.42) ms, (52.36 ± 4.13) ms, and (56.41 ± 3.56) ms, respectively in the severe KOA group. There were significant differences in abovementioned indices among the three groups ( F = 38.768, 39.412, 38.981, 40.432, 38.416, 38.635, 38.347, 40.712, 38.158, 39.418, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:The T2 value of knee cartilage in patients with KOA is unrelated to gender and related to the severity of the disease. Magnetic resonance T2 mapping can help diagnose KOA, and provide information about the changes in cartilage components of patients with early KOA.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Chondral Injuries In Young Patients.

Objective The present study aimed to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of hyaluronic acid (HA) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applications to treat young patients with knee chondral lesions with no arthrosis. Methods Prospective clinical and functional evaluation of 30 young adult patients with knee chondral lesions submitted to conservative treatment with HA or PRP for a minimum follow-up time of 12 months. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used for the evaluation. Results According to the WOMAC score, the PRP group showed significant improvement in all evaluated points, whereas the HA group presented no score improvement. In the VAS, the PRP group showed improvement in all evaluated points, and the HA group presented improvement at 6 and 12 months. Compared to the HA group, the PRP group presented better WOMAC scores at all evaluated points and better VAS scores up to 6 months after treatment. Conclusion Platelet-rich plasma application resulted in better clinical and functional outcomes at both the WOMAC and VAS scores when applied to knees from young patients with chondral lesions, but no arthrosis. These outcomes were sustained for up to 12 months. Level of evidence Randomized clinical trial (Type 2B).

Which clinical outcome scores are more frequently used in the literature on osteochondral lesions of the talus? a systematic review / Quais escores de desfechos clínicos são usados com mais frequência na literatura lesões osteocondrais do tálus? uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to identify the most used scales in the assessment of the clinical outcomes for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the PubMed/MEDLINE databases from September 1999 to September 2019, based on the guidelines established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The research strategy was: osteochondral [All Fields], AND ("talus" [MeSH Terms] OR "talus" [All Fields]) AND lesion [All Fields]. Of the 364 articles found in the literature, 166 (45%) were included in the study and 198 (55%) excluded. In total, 23 clinical assessment tools were used in the studies. Results: We found 49.4% of the studies to use the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale) and 29.5% the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Conclusion: The use of AOFAS increased in relation to VAS in the last 6 years (p = 0.046), and these two scales, either alone or combined, were the most used for studying osteochondral lesions of the talus. Level of Evidence III, Systematic Review of Level II studies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo propõe revisar sistematicamente a literatura para identificar as escalas mais utilizadas da avaliação clínica de resultados do tratamento das LOTs. Métodos: Foi realizada revisão sistemática das bases de dados do PubMed/MEDLINE, desde setembro de 1999 a setembro 2019 baseado nas diretrizes PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses). A estratégia de pesquisa foi: osteochondral [All Fields], AND ("talus" [MeSH Terms] OR "talus" [All Fields]) AND lesion [All Fields]. De 364 artigos, foram incluídos no estudo 166 (45%) e excluídos 198 (55%). Foram observadas 23 escalas de avaliação clínica utilizadas. Resultados: A escala AOFAS e EVA de dor foram as mais utilizadas, ocorrendo em 49,4% e 29,5% dos artigos, respectivamente. Foi observado aumento de uso de AOFAS e diminuição EVA nos últimos 6 anos (p = 0,046). Conclusão: As ferramentas Escala AOFAS e EVA para dor demonstraram ser as mais usadas na literatura para avaliação de resultados do tratamento da lesão osteocondral de tálus, tanto isoladamente, quanto combinadas. Nível de Evidência III, Revisão Sistemática de Estudos de Nível II.

WHICH CLINICAL OUTCOME SCORES ARE MORE FREQUENTLY USED IN THE LITERATURE ON OSTEOCHONDRAL LESIONS OF THE TALUS? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the most used scales in the assessment of the clinical outcomes for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the PubMed/MEDLINE databases from September 1999 to September 2019, based on the guidelines established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The research strategy was: osteochondral [All Fields], AND ("talus" [MeSH Terms] OR "talus" [All Fields]) AND lesion [All Fields]. Of the 364 articles found in the literature, 166 (45%) were included in the study and 198 (55%) excluded. In total, 23 clinical assessment tools were used in the studies. RESULTS: We found 49.4% of the studies to use the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale) and 29.5% the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). CONCLUSION: The use of AOFAS increased in relation to VAS in the last 6 years (p = 0.046), and these two scales, either alone or combined, were the most used for studying osteochondral lesions of the talus. Level of Evidence III, Systematic Review of Level II studies.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo propõe revisar sistematicamente a literatura para identificar as escalas mais utilizadas da avaliação clínica de resultados do tratamento das LOTs. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada revisão sistemática das bases de dados do PubMed/MEDLINE, desde setembro de 1999 a setembro 2019 baseado nas diretrizes PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses). A estratégia de pesquisa foi: osteochondral [All Fields], AND ("talus" [MeSH Terms] OR "talus" [All Fields]) AND lesion [All Fields]. De 364 artigos, foram incluídos no estudo 166 (45%) e excluídos 198 (55%). Foram observadas 23 escalas de avaliação clínica utilizadas. RESULTADOS: A escala AOFAS e EVA de dor foram as mais utilizadas, ocorrendo em 49,4% e 29,5% dos artigos, respectivamente. Foi observado aumento de uso de AOFAS e diminuição EVA nos últimos 6 anos (p = 0,046). CONCLUSÃO: As ferramentas Escala AOFAS e EVA para dor demonstraram ser as mais usadas na literatura para avaliação de resultados do tratamento da lesão osteocondral de tálus, tanto isoladamente, quanto combinadas. Nível de Evidência III, Revisão Sistemática de Estudos de Nível II.

Cell metabolism under different intensity exercises in sports medicine / O metabolismo celular sob exercícios de diferentes intensidades na medicina do esporte / El metabolismo celular bajo ejercicios de diferentes intensidades en la medicina del deporte

ABSTRACT Introduction: Articular cartilage is an essential structure for joint weight-bearing and movement. If it is always under a specific mechanical stimulation, it will cause osteoarthritis (OA) and even involve the articular cartilage. Sports can affect articular cartilage thickness, cartilage surface morphology, and cartilage cell metabolism. Objective: This thesis studies the cell metabolism of knee cartilage tissue with exercises of different intensities. Methods: We divided 40 rats into four groups according to exercise intensity. The control group exercised freely, while the experimental group exercised with different intensities. After eight weeks of exercise, we extracted the knee joint cartilage to observe its cell metabolism. Results: We found that the cartilage surface of the rats was complete after exercise, and the thickness of the cartilage layer was significantly greater than that of rats without exercise. Conclusion: Exercises of different intensities have different effects on the metabolism of cartilage cells in the knee joint of rats. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: A cartilagem articular é uma estrutura essencial para o suporte de peso e movimento de juntas. Quando a articulação está constantemente sob estímulos mecânicos específicos, a osteoartrite (OA) pode resultar, envolvendo inclusive a cartilagem articular. O esporte pode afetar a espessura da cartilagem articular, a morfologia da superfície da cartilagem e o metabolismo celular da cartilagem. Objetivo: Este estudo analisa o metabolismo celular do tecido cartilaginoso do joelho com exercícios de diferentes intensidades. Métodos: Dividimos 40 ratos em quatro grupos de acordo com a intensidade do exercício. O grupo de controle praticou exercícios livremente, enquanto o grupo experimental exercitou com diferentes intensidades. Após oito semanas de exercícios, extraímos a cartilagem da junta do joelho para observar seu metabolismo celular. Resultados: Descobrimos que a superfície cartilaginosa dos ratos se desenvolveu após o exercício, e que a espessura da camada de cartilagem aumentou muito mais do que aquela dos ratos sem exercício. Conclusão: Exercícios de diferentes intensidades tem diferentes efeitos no metabolismo de células cartilaginosas nas juntas de joelhos de ratos. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação de resultados de tratamento.

Resumen Introducción: El cartílago articular es una estructura esencial para el soporte de peso y movimientos de articulaciones. Cuando la articulación está constantemente bajo estímulos mecánicos específicos, puede causar la osteoartritis (OA) e incluso involucrar el cartílago articular. El deporte puede afectar el espesor del cartílago articular, la morfología de la superficie del cartílago y el metabolismo celular del cartílago. Objetivo: Este estudio analiza el metabolismo celular del tejido cartilaginoso de la rodilla con ejercicios de diferentes intensidades. Métodos: Dividimos 40 ratones en cuatro grupos de acuerdo a la intensidad del ejercicio. El grupo de control practicó ejercicios libremente, mientras el grupo experimental ejercitó con diferentes intensidades. Tras ocho semanas de ejercicios, extraemos el cartílago de la articulación de la rodilla para observar su metabolismo celular. Resultados: Descubrimos que la superficie cartilaginosa de los ratones se desarrolló tras el ejercicio, y que el espesor de la camada de cartílago aumentó mucho más que aquella de los ratones sin ejercicio. Conclusiones: Ejercicios de distintas intensidades tienen diferentes efectos en el metabolismo de células cartilaginosas en las articulaciones de rodillas de ratones. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados de tratamiento.