The purely epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

The purely epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (PNST) is a rare form of PNT possibly first described by McCormack et al. in 1954. This tumor type is distinguishable from the glandular PNT and PNT with differentiated neuroepithelium (medulloepithelioma and neuroepithelioma) and differs from the ordinary epithelioid PNT because of the absence of a spindle cell component typical of malignant PNSTs. The two examples of purely epithelioid malignant PNT we describe arose in the popliteal fossa from the sciatic and tibial nerves of men with no definite evidence of von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. Both tumors were partly mucinous, and so closely mimicked carcinoma and a few non-neurogenic myxoid sarcomas histologically that their final classification depended upon proof of a neural origin.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

PVNS is a proliferative disorder that can affect joints, tendons and bursae. Its etiology is unknown. The most widely accepted theories attribute this disorder to a chronic inflammatory response or a benign neoplasm of fibrohistiocytic origin. On gross specimens, the synovial changes are characterized by villous and/or nodular hyperplasia. This disorder occurs most frequently in the third or fourth decades of life and has no sex predilection. As a joint problem, it favors the knee and hip. As a tendon abnormality, it favors the digits. Plain film findings include 1) soft tissue swelling, 2) increased density of the synovium secondary to hemosiderin deposition, 3) multiple subchondral cysts, and 4) extrinsic cortical pressure erosions. Cartilage space narrowing, if present, is gradual and occurs later than the other plain film findings. Arthrography can demonstrate the nodular synovial changes and determine if the process is diffuse or focal. MRI can, in some cases, reveal areas of decreased signal within the hyperplastic synovium reflecting the deposition of hemosiderin. The major roentgen differential diagnoses of articular PVNS include uncalcified synovial chondromatosis, tuberculous arthritis, and hemophilic arthropathy.

The anatomy and histology of the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex of the shoulder.

The gross and histologic anatomy of the inferior glenohumeral ligament was studied in 11 fresh frozen cadaver shoulders. Arthroscopic observations of the joint capsule through the normal range of motion revealed that the inferior glenohumeral ligament is actually a complex of structures consisting of an anterior band, a posterior band, and an interposed axillary pouch. While these components of the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex were present in all 11 specimens, they were best demonstrated in some shoulders by placing the humeral head in internal or external rotation in varying degrees of abduction. Histologic examination of the joint capsule revealed that the anterior and posterior bands of the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex were readily identifiable as distinct structures comprised of thickened bands of well-organized collagen bundles. Although slight variations were noted in the attachment sites of the anterior and posterior bands to the glenoid, the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex was observed to attach to the humeral neck in one of two distinct configurations. A collar-like attachment, in which the entire inferior glenohumeral ligament complex attaches just inferior to the articular edge of the humeral head, was observed in six specimens. In the remaining five specimens, the attachment was in the shape of a "V," with the anterior and posterior bands attaching adjacent to the articular edge of the humeral head and the axillary pouch attaching at the apex of the "V" distal to the articular edge. The orientation and design of the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex supports the functional concept of this single structure as an important anterior and posterior stabilizer of the shoulder joint.

Diagnostic pathology in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Surgical pathology and cytology experience with 67 patients.

We report the pathologic findings in specimens submitted for histologic and cytologic evaluation from 67 patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A wide variety of opportunistic pathogens were identified in 41 patients. Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare evoked only a mild host response: granulomas, if present, were poorly formed. Biopsy specimens showing cytomegalovirus gastroenteritis required sections at multiple levels to demonstrate inclusions. Combined histologic and cytologic evaluation can increase the diagnostic yield in pulmonary and esophageal infections. Kaposi's sarcoma was found in biopsy specimens from 29 patients. Early lesions were often extremely subtle, yet distinct from, benign vascular proliferations in involuted lymph nodes. Malignant lymphoma was diagnosed in ten homosexual men who were suspected of having the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The lymphomas were characterized by B-cell origin, a diffuse pattern, frequent extranodal presentations, and an aggressive clinical course with prominent central nervous system involvement.

The prevalence and clinicopathological appearance of extension of osteonecrosis in the femoral head.

In about 50% of cases, osteonecrosis of the femoral head is known to occupy more than one site. There is controversy as to whether a single focus may increase in size. We have reviewed 606 consecutive femoral heads which had been surgically removed for osteonecrosis. Extension of osteonecrosis was observed in only two (0.3%) and was confirmed histopathologically by the enlargement of the necrotic segment beyond the repair zone formed for the primary necrosis into the adjacent, previously uninvolved bone. In both cases, the necrotic regions were wedge-shaped and occupied over 80% of the femoral head. It appears that an increase in size is extremely rare and that osteonecrosis is due to a single event. Our findings may be of value in assessing the use of joint-salvage procedures for osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Size of metallic and polyethylene debris particles in failed cemented total hip replacements.

Reports of differing failure rates of total hip prostheses made of various metals prompted us to measure the size of metallic and polyethylene particulate debris around failed cemented arthroplasties. We used an isolation method, in which metallic debris was extracted from the tissues, and a non-isolation method of routine preparation for light and electron microscopy. Specimens were taken from 30 cases in which the femoral component was of titanium alloy (10), cobalt-chrome alloy (10), or stainless steel (10). The mean size of metallic particles with the isolation method was 0.8 to 1.0 microns by 1.5 to 1.8 microns. The non-isolation method gave a significantly smaller mean size of 0.3 to 0.4 microns by 0.6 to 0.7 microns. For each technique the particle sizes of the three metals were similar. The mean size of polyethylene particles was 2 to 4 microns by 8 to 13 microns. They were larger in tissue retrieved from failed titanium-alloy implants than from cobalt-chrome and stainless-steel implants. Our results suggest that factors other than the size of the metal particles, such as the constituents of the alloy, and the amount and speed of generation of debris, may be more important in the failure of hip replacements.

The tissue diagnosis of metabolic bone disease. Role of histomorphometry.

Those aspects of bone histology and histomorphometry that need to be understood by clinicians to put histomorphometry into proper perspective are presented. An increasingly important component of the histologic diagnosis of the metabolic diseases of bone is the quantification of the various histologic features as seen in undecalcified bone biopsies. This article is intended to review some of the histologic features of the metabolic diseases of bone and their corresponding histomorphometric parameters as they are used in diagnosis. The methods of obtaining both direct and derived values as well as the reporting of the results are presented in detail.

Pathologic studies of total joint replacement.

Articular endoprostheses are, in effect, foreign bodies designed to re-establish functioning articulations and are, therefore, capable of eliciting a local or systemic response to their presence. This article discusses the body's reactions to foreign bodies in general, and to endoprostheses in particular, and attempts to place those reactions into perspective regarding survival and failure of articular endoprostheses. The effects of size, shape, and composition of the materials used in the prosthetic components, and the mechanical factors acting on them to produce debris, are presented.

Anatomy of the plantar plate and its attachments in the lesser metatarsal phalangeal joint.

The plantar plate is a rarely seen, yet central structure to the lesser metatarsal phalangeal (MP) joint. Thirty cadaver lesser MP joints were studied to obtain a detailed description of the plate, including its dimensions, connections, and histology. The plate was found to be made of fibrocartilage with fiber orientation which suggests that it withstands tensile loads in line with the plantar fascia as well as the compressive loads from the metatarsal head. The plantar plate was the most substantial distal insertion of the plantar fascia. Impressive plantar plate attachments were noted to the proximal phalanx, the major longitudinal bands of the plantar fascia, and the collateral ligaments. The plate and collateral ligaments formed a substantial soft tissue box connected to the sides of the metatarsal head. From the dissections, it is apparent that malposition of the toe at the MP joint is likely over time to be associated with pathology in both the collateral ligaments and the plate. Because of these attachments and a close association with the flexor tendons to the lesser toe, the plate can be compared with the sesamoid mechanism of the first MP joint.

Chronic ankle pain caused by osteoid osteoma of the neck of the talus.

Five patients with osteoid osteomas of the talar neck were treated at the Hospital for Special Surgery between 1981 and 1992. The course of care leading to definitive diagnosis and treatment was reviewed. All five of the patients had night pain relieved by aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. One of the five reported associated trauma. The average time from onset of symptoms to correct diagnosis was 2.5 years. Juxta-articular osteoid osteoma can cause a small spur that resembles a traction spur on the neck of the talus. Anterior ankle impingement was the most common misdiagnosis. Initial treatments included arthroscopic spur debridement or synovectomy, casting for fracture, and repeated nerve blocks for reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The five patients were cured by en bloc excision of the lesion. In the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma, a history of relief of pain with aspirin is important. Plain radiographs and a bone scan are useful. Fine cut computed tomography scanning or magnetic resonance imaging are the best studies for making a definitive diagnosis. Localization by computed tomography guided needle placement or intraoperative radionuclide scanning are recommended to find the lesion for excision. Intraoperative radiographs of the excised lesion should be used to confirm complete removal.

Painful os peroneum syndrome: a spectrum of conditions responsible for plantar lateral foot pain.

Plantar lateral foot pain may be caused by various entities and the painful os peroneum syndrome (a term coined by the authors) should be included in the differential diagnosis. Painful os peroneum syndrome results from a spectrum of conditions that includes one or more of the following: (1) an acute os peroneum fracture or a diastasis of a multipartite os peroneum, either of which may result in a discontinuity of the peroneus longus tendon; (2) chronic (healing or healed) os peroneum fracture or diastasis of a multipartite os peroneum with callus formation, either of which results in a stenosing peroneus longus tenosynovitis; (3) attrition or partial rupture of the peroneus longus tendon, proximal or distal to the os peroneum; (4) frank rupture of the peroneus longus tendon with discontinuity proximal or distal to the os peroneum; and/or (5) the presence of a gigantic peroneal tubercle on the lateral aspect of the calcaneus which entraps the peroneus longus tendon and/or the os peroneum during tendon excursion. Familiarity with the various clinical and radiographic findings and the spectrum of conditions represented by the painful os peroneum syndrome can prevent prolonged undiagnosed plantar lateral foot pain. Clinical diagnosis of the painful os peroneum syndrome can be facilitated by the single stance heel rise and varus inversion stress test as well as by resisted plantarflexion of the first ray, which can localize tenderness along the distal course of the peroneus longus tendon at the cuboid tunnel.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Gross, histological, and microvascular anatomy and biomechanical testing of the spring ligament complex.

In recent years there has been an increased interest in the treatment of acquired pes planus. The breakdown of the medial longitudinal arch is most often seen at the talonaviculocalcaneal articulation. This suggests a relationship between the ligamentous complex at this articulation and acquired pes planus. This study was undertaken to gain a better understanding of the gross, histologic, and microvascular anatomy, as well as the biomechanics of the ligamentous structures surrounding the talonaviculocalcaneal articulation. Cadaver dissections of 38 fresh-frozen feet were performed. Detailed descriptions of the gross anatomy of the superomedial calcaneonavicular ligament, inferior calcaneonavicular ligament, and the superficial deltoid ligament were recorded. Their relationships to the posterior tibialis tendon and to the bones of the talonaviculocalcaneal articulation are described. The histology and microvascularity of these structures were also studied. Preliminary biomechanical testing was performed. It was found there are two definitive anatomic structures that are commonly called the spring ligament: the superomedial calcaneonavicular ligament (SMCN) and the inferior calcaneonavicular ligament (ICN). The SMCN ligament was found to have histologic properties that suggest significant load bearing. The histology of the ICN ligament suggests a pure tensile load function. The deltoid ligament and the posterior tibialis tendon had direct attachments to the SMCN ligament in all specimens. An articular facet composed of fibrocartilage was found in each SMCN ligament specimen. The microvascular structures showed an avascular articular facet present in the ligament. The biomechanical testing showed that the SMCN ligament and ICN ligament had strength similar to ankle ligaments. This study suggests this "spring ligament complex" has more of a "sling" function for the talar head. It is hoped that the better understanding of this region will add to our understanding of the etiology of pes planus and possible treatment alternatives.

In vivo evaluation of autologous cartilage fragment-loaded scaffolds implanted into equine articular defects and compared with autologous chondrocyte implantation.

BACKGROUND: Current autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) techniques require 2 surgical procedures: 1 for cell harvest and 1 for reimplantation of cultured cells. A 1-step procedure is more desirable. PURPOSE: A 1-step surgical procedure using autologous cartilage fragments on a polydioxanone scaffold, or CAIS (cartilage autograft implantation system), in a clinically relevant defect (15-mm diameter) within equine femoral trochlea was compared with a 2-step ACI technique as well as with empty defects and defects with polydioxanone foam scaffolds alone. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Ten skeletally mature horses were used. Articular cartilage from the lateral trochlea of the femur was harvested arthroscopically (n = 5), and chondrocytes were cultured on small intestinal submucosa to produce ACI constructs. The CAIS procedure had cartilage harvested during defect creation to prepare minced cartilage on polydioxanone-reinforced foam. The ACI and CAIS constructs were placed in defects using polydioxanone/polyglycolic acid staples. Defects were examined arthroscopically at 4, 8, and 12 months and with gross, histological, and immunohistochemical examination at 12 months. RESULTS: Arthroscopic, histologic, and immunohistochemistry results show superiority of both implantation techniques (ACI and CAIS) compared with empty defects and defects with polydioxanone foam alone, with CAIS having the highest score. CONCLUSION: This is the first demonstration of long-term healing with strenuous exercise using ACI and CAIS in a critically sized defect. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Given these results with the CAIS procedure, testing in human patients is the next logical step (a phase 1 human clinical study has proceeded from this work).

Evaluation of autologous chondrocyte transplantation via a collagen membrane in equine articular defects: results at 12 and 18 months.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a technique of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) similar to the other techniques using cell-seeded resorbable collagen membranes in large articular defects. METHODS: Autologous cartilage was harvested arthroscopically from the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur in fifteen 3-year-old horses. After culture and expansion of chondrocytes the newly created ACI construct (autologous chondrocytes cultured expanded, seeded on a collagen membrane, porcine small intestine submucosa) was implanted into 15mm defects on the medial trochlear ridge of the femur in the opposite femoropatellar joint. Using two defects in each horse, the ACI technique was compared to collagen membrane alone (CMA) and empty cartilage defects (ECDs). RESULTS: Arthroscopic evaluations at 4, 8, 12 and 18 months demonstrated that CMA was significantly worse compared to ACI or ECD treatments, with ACI having the best overall subjective grade. Overall raw histological scores demonstrated a significant improvement with ACI compared to either CMA or ECD treated defects and ACI defects had significantly more immunohistochemical staining for aggrecan than CMA or ECD treated defects (with significantly more type II collagen in ACI and ECD compared to CMA defects) at 12 and 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Histologic and immunohistochemistry results from this long-term randomized study are particularly encouraging and demonstrate superiority with the ACI technique. Although there is no comparable study published with the traditional ACI technique in the horse (or with such a large defect size in another animal model), the use of a solid autologous cell-seeded-constructed implant would appear to offer considerable clinical advantages.

Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels are associated with local inflammatory findings in patients with osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: C-reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with disease progression in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), but the reasons for this remain unclear. We hypothesized that higher CRP would be related to local inflammatory findings in the joints of patients with OA. METHODS: Plasma and synovial membrane specimens from 54 OA patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty or arthroscopy were obtained. Synovial fluid was obtained from 25 of these patients. Hematoxylin and eosin stained synovial membrane sections were scored for degree of inflammatory cell infiltration. Plasma high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) levels, and serum and synovial fluid interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1beta levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Fifty-seven percent of patients with idiopathic OA had inflammatory infiltrates within the synovial membrane. The mean hsCRP level in patients with inflammatory infiltrates was significantly higher than those without inflammation (4.7 +/- 5.0 mg/L vs 1.7 +/- 3.6 mg/L, P = 0.003). There were significant correlations between hsCRP levels and synovial fluid IL-6 (r = 0.64, P = 0.0006), degree of synovial inflammatory infiltration (r = 0.43, P = 0.002), and body mass index (r = 0.31, P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis indicated that only degree of inflammatory infiltrate was significantly associated with hsCRP level (P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that systemic hsCRP levels reflect synovial inflammation in OA patients, perhaps by means of synovial IL-6 production. Future studies are needed to clarify how these infiltrates and their products may contribute to disease pathogenesis.

Subchondral avascular necrosis: a common cause of arthritis.

(1) Subchondral avascular necrosis is an important cause of joint pain and disability and accounts for upwards of 20% of total hip replacements done in our hospital. (2) Early diagnosis may be made with the aid of magnetic resonance imaging and radioactive isotope studies. (3) Although the signs and symptoms are similar to those of osteoarthritis, there are significant differences--namely, (a) a history of sudden onset of pain, present in more than half the patients; (b) a younger age group; (c) a shorter duration of symptoms at time of surgery; (d) clinically the limiting factor is pain rather than actual joint deformity to account for restriction of movement; (e) a high incidence of multiple sites of involvement. (4) The disease is commonly associated with steroid treatment or alcohol abuse. Although many other causes are recognised, they are rare in Western urban practice. (5) Patients with stage I-II subchondral avascular necrosis, especially of the knee, are better treated conservatively. (6) Surgical treatment gives less satisfactory results than the treatment of osteoarthritis by similar modalities.

Pathophysiology of immobilization osteoporosis.

The reduction of gravity-related forces on the skeleton creates a type of osteoporosis that is unique because its severity is dependent on the mechanical stress bearing function of the skeleton as well as the length of time that the forces are absent or reduced. Bones that bear weight under normal conditions are more affected than bones that normally do not bear weight. The cytokine environment and the cells in the affected bones are altered in time so that stem cells produce fewer new cells and the differentiated cells tend to be less active. These alterations in the local environment of the affected parts appear to resemble those of age- and disease-associated systemic forms of osteoporosis. The osteoporosis produced as a result of the loss of normal activity however, appears to be at least partially reversible through remobilization, strenuous exercise, and--possibly in the future--cytokine therapy.

The biologic responses to orthopedic implants and their wear debris.

The use of artificial materials in the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, most notably arthritis, over the past few decades has been increasing dramatically. Such use makes an understanding of the tissue responses to the various materials necessary to determine their effectiveness and acceptability. This review concentrates on the studies of the biological responses to the materials that are used mainly in joint replacements and fixation of fractures. In-vivo and in-vitro experimental studies of various metals, polymers and ceramics and their constituents are first presented with discussions regarding their clinical importance. Studies of clinically successful implants are then presented to illustrate the expected morphological features of incorporation and acceptance by the host tissues. The local and systemic effects complicating the use of the implanted materials as well as the failure of the implant are then presented.

Myopathy complicating the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

A case of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome complicated by a severe myopathy is reported. All efforts aimed at documenting an infectious etiology for the myopathy were negative. The relationship of myopathy to AIDS is discussed.