Efficacy of acupuncture during post-acute phase of rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether acupuncture is effective in reducing pain and swelling around the knee and improving range of motion (ROM) during the post-acute phase of rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Following TKA, 80 knees in 80 patients were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture treatment group (Group A) or a control group (Group C). In Group A, the complementary treatment of acupuncture was performed three times/week from postoperative day 7 until postoperative day 21. Outcome measures were: i) pain as assessed by a visual analog scale; ii) reduction of swelling around the knee as indicated by its circumference at the center of the patella; and iii) ROM of the affected knee. RESULTS: Group A patients had significantly reduced pain and swelling around the knees and earlier recovery of ROM than did those in Group C. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture provides effective treatment during the post-acute phase of rehabilitation after TKA with respect to pain relief, reduction of swelling around the knee, and early recovery of ROM.

[Severe head injuries during Judo practice].

The goal of this study is to elucidate the characteristic features of Judo head injuries and to propose safety measures and a reaction manual on how to prevent and to deal with such accidents in Japan. Thirty cases of severe head injuries suffered during Judo practice were enrolled in this study. They have made insurance claims for damage compensation and inquiries about Judo accidents attributed to the All Japan Judo Federation, from 2003 to 2010. The average age of the patients was 16.5 year old. The incidence of injury showed 2 peaks in different academic grade levels; one is in the first year of junior high-school (30.0%, n=9) and the other is in senior high school (26.7%, n=8). Around half of them were beginners. Four cases (13.3%) had past history of head trauma or headache and dizziness before a catastrophic accident, suggesting the presence of a second impact. Lucid interval was observed in 25 cases (83.3%). Most patients (93.3%) suffered acute subdural hematoma associated with avulsion of a cerebral bridging vein. Of patients who underwent emergency removal of the hematoma, 15 patients (50%) died and 7 patients (23.3%) entered a persistent vegetative state. Based on these findings, we propose an emergency manual with safety measures for effectively preventing and treating Judo head injuries in an appropriate manner. To reduce the disastrous head injuries in Judo, the safety measures and an optimal action manual should be reconsidered and widely spread and accepted by society.

Factors affecting anteroposterior instability following cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Controversy persists concerning around posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retention in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study investigated factors affecting anteroposterior (AP) instability following cruciate-retaining (CR)-TKA. In a consecutive series of 70 knees from 52 RA patients, total displacement (TD) was measured using a KT-2000 arthrometer before and after CR-TKA under anesthesia, and changes in TD were defined as DeltaTD. TD was also measured under anesthesia in 65 knees from 48 RA patients at a mean of 7.5 years after CR-TKA. Mean postoperative TD was 9.4+/-0.95 mm, representing an increase of about 1.5-1.8 mm compared to preoperative TD, and possibly reflecting resection of the anterior cruciate ligament. Correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations between DeltaTD and both preoperative flexion angle (r=-0.67, p<0.001) and preoperative extension angle (r=-0.63, p<0.001), suggesting that TD in knees with flexion contracture increased postoperatively. At medium-term follow-up, no patients displayed AP instability, and mean TD was 8.3+/-0.48 mm. A significant correlation was found between TD and permissible flexion angle (r=0.61, p<0.001). These results indicate that TD is basically maintained during the course of CR-TKA in RA, but may be slightly affected by factors other than the PCL itself.

A role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-4 (MCP-4)/CCL13 from chondrocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.

We studied the role of monocyte chemoattractant (MCP)-4/CCL13 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MCP-4 was highly expressed in cartilage from RA patients. Interferon-gamma significantly stimulated MCP-4/CCL13 production in human chondrocytes, and this effect was enhanced in combination with interleukin-1beta or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. MCP-4/CCL13 induces the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in fibroblast-like synoviocytes and activates cell proliferation, and PD98059 completely inhibits these effects. These data suggest that interferon-gamma in combination with interleukin-1beta/tumor necrosis factor-alpha activates the production of MCP-4/CCL13 from chondrocytes in RA joints, and that secreted MCP-4/CCL13 enhances fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation by activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade.

Five types of inflammatory arthritis following total knee arthroplasty.

Joint effusion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is considered as a manifestation of certain inflammatory reactions within prosthetic joints. This study investigated causes of joint effusion following TKA and analyzed phenotypic characteristics of synovial fluid leukocytes for each cause. Forty-six TKAs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 49 TKAs for osteoarthritis (OA) displaying joint effusion were investigated. Causes of joint effusion were clinically identified and frequencies of each cause were compared between RA and OA. Synovial fluid cell phenotypes were analyzed using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Clinical diagnoses for joint effusion were classified into five different groups: deep infection (DI); increased activity of RA (IRA); particle-induced synovitis (PS); metal sensitivity (MS); and nonspecific synovitis (NS). The most frequent cause of post-TKA effusion was IRA in RA, and NS in OA. Biomaterial-related arthritis such as PS and MS were more frequent with OA than with RA. Analysis of synovial fluid cell phenotypes revealed that the characteristic cells for each diagnosis were CD16(+)CD14(-) neutrophils in IRA and DI, CD14(+) macrophages in PS, and CD3(+)CD45RO(+) T cells in MS. Post-TKA joint effusion is clinically caused by five different types of arthritis. Phenotypic characteristics of synovial fluid leukocytes reflect joint pathology and contribute to diagnosis and exclusion of biomaterial-related arthritis.

Spontaneous multiple insufficiency fractures after pelvic abscess and sepsis in a rheumatoid arthritis patient treated with high-load corticosteroid therapy: a case report.

We report the unique occurrence and treatment of spontaneous multiple insufficiency fractures after sepsis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The patient was a 53-year-old woman with a 13-year history of RA. Her disease activity was not influenced by a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) regimen that included bucillamine, D-penicillamine, gold, sulfasalazine, and methotrexate. Due to an increased disease activity, her DMARD treatment regimen was changed to leflunomide. She had also undergone corticosteroid therapy with prednisolone ranging from 10 to 15 mg daily over the previous 8 years. She first presented with a wound infection at the surgical site of resection arthroplasty on her left foot, which had caused hematogenous dissemination that led to pelvic abscess and sepsis. For the next 2 years, she experienced multiple insufficiency fractures in parts of the ilium, sacral body, sacral ala, three thoraco-lumbar vertebral bodies (T12, L1, and L2), and subcapital femoral neck without low energy trauma. Postmenopausal osteoporosis, pelvic abscess, sepsis, decreasing daily activity, high RA disease activity, and high-load corticosteroid therapy were considered to be the causes of these fractures. Nonspecific symptoms such as low back pain and fever delayed diagnosis, which may have led to secondary fractures. Although her course after treatment was satisfactory during the study period, we recommend taking repetitive radiographs to detect insufficiency fracture for RA patients with continuing pain and reducing the corticosteroid dose to prevent infection and fracture.

Phenotypic characteristics of joint fluid cells from patients with continuous joint effusion after total knee arthroplasty.

Joint effusion after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a manifestation of inflammatory reactions within the prosthetic joint. Among the various causes for joint effusion following TJA, deep infection (DI), wear particle-induced synovitis (PS) and metal sensitivity to the implant should be excluded as soon as possible, as these may result in the failure of TJA. The present study analyzed joint fluid cells from patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), and examined the feasibility of using FACS to exclude the possibility of biomaterial-related complication. A total of 72TKAs from 64 patients suffering from joint effusion were examined in this study. Joint fluid was aspirated in outpatient clinics and applied to FACS. The results indicated that patients could be clearly classified into four types based on forward/side scatter profiles. Analysis of specific CD markers revealed that leukocytes were selectively recruited from blood to inflamed prosthetic joints. Dominant cell types were CD16+neutrophils in DI and increased rheumatoid activity, CD14+macrophages in PS, and CD3+CD45RO+T cells in metal sensitivity. These findings suggest the feasibility of diagnosing joint effusion by analyzing dominant cell type recruited using FACS. In conclusion, FACS may offer a useful tool for analyzing joint fluid cells from post-TJA patients and for excluding biomaterial-related complication following TJA.

Clinical results of isolated reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament for recurrent dislocation and subluxation of the patella.

Complications and results of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, performed between 2000 and 2003, were studied retrospectively in 24 randomised patients (24 knees). All procedures were performed for recurrent dislocation or subluxation of the patella, using an autogenous semitendinosus tendon. Two different methods of anchoring of the transplant were compared. After a 2-year follow-up, patellar stability was found to be similar, when the transplant was sutured to the fibrous tissue and periosteum overlying the patella or when it was fixed in a bone tunnel through the patella. The majority of the patients who had undergone MPFL reconstruction have returned to their previous level of sports activities. We had two cases of patella fracture and one case of persisting patella apprehension after surgery. Further studies must determine which measures are necessary to prevent these complications.

The Impaired Balance Systems Identified by the BESTest in Older Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Balance decreases and activities of daily living (ADLs) deteriorate in older people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA); however, little is known about the systems underlying poor balance control and how those impaired systems are related to decreased ADL. OBJECTIVES: To explore which balance systems are particularly impaired and to examine the relationship between physical ADL and balance in older people with KOA. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty people with KOA (mean age: 75.4 years) and 30 age-matched healthy adults (mean age: 75.4 years). METHODS: The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), consisting of 6 sections to evaluate theoretically driven balance control systems, was used for balance assessment. BESTest section scores were compared by use of the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Pain and physical ADL in the KOA group were evaluated with the Japanese edition of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Spearman correlation coefficients and partial rank correlation coefficients were used to investigate the relationship between physical ADL and the BESTest scores, pain, radiography findings, and body mass index. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The BESTest total and section scores. RESULTS: Compared with controls, 5 of 6 BESTest section scores were significantly lower in the KOA group. Physical ADL was significantly correlated with the total BESTest score (r = -0.484, P = .007), pain (r = 0.635, P < .001), Kellgren and Lawrence grade (r = 0.601, P < .001), and body mass index (r = 0.403, P = .027). Partial rank correlation coefficients between physical ADL and the total BESTest score (r = -0.443, P = .021) or section VI-Stability in Gait (r = -0.466, P = .014) were significant after we controlled for other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Most balance systems were impaired in older people with KOA, and this impairment was associated independently with decreased physical ADL.

Arthroscopic synovectomy of the elbow in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of arthroscopic synovectomy for the treatment of elbows affected by rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Arthroscopic synovectomy was performed on twenty-nine elbows (twenty-seven patients) between 1984 and 1996. Twenty-one elbows (twenty patients), followed for a minimum of forty-two months, were evaluated clinically with use of the Mayo elbow performance score and radiographic findings. The mean duration of follow-up was ninety-seven months. With use of the system of Larsen et al., we classified all elbows into three groups--Grades 1 and 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4--according to the preoperative radiographic findings. These groups were then compared. RESULTS: The mean Mayo elbow performance score improved from 48.3 points preoperatively to 77.5 points (an excellent result in two elbows, a good result in thirteen, a fair result in six, and a poor result in none) at two years after the operation and 69.8 points (an excellent result in two elbows, a good result in seven, a fair result in seven, and a poor result in five) at the final follow-up evaluation. The mean score for pain improved from 9.3 points preoperatively to 31.4 points at two years after the operation and 27.9 points at the final follow-up evaluation. Clinically apparent synovitis recurred in five of the twenty-one elbows, and two of the five required total elbow arthroplasty. Among the three groups, only elbows with Larsen Grade-1 or 2 arthritis had a favorable long-term result with regard to total function. The postoperative results were unsatisfactory for Larsen Grade-4 elbows. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic synovectomy in an elbow affected by rheumatoid arthritis is a reliable procedure that can alleviate pain. Our results suggest that one of the most favorable indications for arthroscopic synovectomy is a preoperative radiographic rating of Grade 1 or 2.

Synovial hemangioma of the knee in young children.

Synovial hemangiomas are relatively rare tumors. Clinicians are inclined to delay treatment in most cases. We encountered three cases, in which there was a delay before the patients were operated on. During the relatively long-term postoperative follow up, none of the three cases showed a recurrence of either hemoarthrosis or knee pain. However, limitations in motion or osteoarthritic changes in the affected knee joint remained. We therefore consider that synovial hemangiomas of the knee, even if found in young children, could possibly result in postoperative limitations in motion or osteoarthritic changes.

Atrophy of semitzendinosus and gracilis and flexor mechanism function after hamstring tendon harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The cross-sectional areas of individual knee flexors and isokinetic flexion measurements were evaluated using computed tomography in 13 patients following semitendinosus and gracilis tendon harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The atrophy of tendon-dissected muscles demonstrated variance with two peaks: >70% and <50%. In three patients whose semitendinosus and gracilis muscles displayed areas <50% of the contralateral area, the cross-sectional area of the entire flexor group and work at >75 degrees of knee flexion was 88.1% and 51.9%, respectively. Therefore, hamstring tendon harvest can induce atrophy of tendon-dissected muscles and decrease flexor function.

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellar instability.

The purpose of this study was to determine the value of reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) in the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation and subluxation. We retrospectively reviewed 40 randomised patients with recurrent patellar dislocation or subluxation, who had undergone realignment surgery from July 1999 to December 2001. Group E consisted of 20 patients who had undergone an Elmslie-Trillat procedure. In Group M, also consisting of 20 patients, the Elmslie-Trillat procedure was combined with reconstruction of the MPFL. Pre and postoperative data were collected and compared. At follow-up after 2 years, the apprehension sign remained positive in 6 knees of Group E, but in none of Group M. On a stress skyline radiograph, stability was significantly better in Group M than in Group E. Based on these findings, it appears that reconstruction of the MPFL is a useful addition to the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation and subluxation.

Catastrophic head and neck injuries in judo players in Japan from 2003 to 2010.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have documented catastrophic head and neck injuries in judo, but these injuries deserve greater attention. PURPOSE: To determine the features of catastrophic head and neck injuries in judo. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiological study. METHODS: This study was based on the accident reports submitted to the All Japan Judo Federation's System for Compensation for Loss or Damage. A total of 72 judo injuries (30 head, 19 neck, and 23 other injuries) were reported between 2003 and 2010. The investigated parameters were mechanism of injury, age at time of injury, length of judo experience, diagnosis, and outcome. RESULTS: Among head injuries, 27 of 30 (90%) occurred in players younger than 20 years of age. The relationship between age, mechanism, and location of injury was more relevant when players younger than 20 years incurred head injury while being thrown (P = .0026). Among neck injuries, 13 of 19 (68%) occurred in players with more than 36 months of experience. The relationship between experience, mechanism, and location of injury was more relevant when experienced players incurred neck injury while executing an offensive maneuver (P = .0294). Acute subdural hematoma was diagnosed in 94% of head injuries. The outcomes of head injury were as follows: 15 players died; 5 were in a persistent vegetative state; 6 required assistance because of higher brain dysfunction, hemiplegia, or aphasia; and 4 had full recovery. Among neck injuries, 18 players were diagnosed with cervical spine injury, 11 of whom had fracture-dislocation of the cervical vertebra; there was also 1 case of atlantoaxial subluxation. The outcomes of neck injury were as follows: 7 players had complete paralysis, 7 had incomplete paralysis, and 5 had full recovery. CONCLUSION: Neck injuries were associated with having more experience and executing offensive maneuvers, whereas head injuries were associated with age younger than 20 years and with being thrown.

The influence of sex on patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a large observational cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sex differences of various components of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Data of 4823 patients from a large observational cohort study were analyzed. Remarkable differences were noted between the sexes, and overall, women had significantly higher disease activity. RESULTS: When variables were adjusted using sex, age, and duration, Health Assessment Questionnaire, rather than Disease Activity Score, contributed most to sex difference. Further analysis showed evidence that progression of disability was approximately 3 times more rapid in female patients compared to male patients. CONCLUSION: Women overall have higher RA disease activity and are prone to greater and faster progression of disability over time.

Granzyme B induces apoptosis of chondrocytes with natural killer cell-like cytotoxicity in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Granzyme B, an apoptosis-inducing factor, is expressed in natural killer (NK) cells, an important factor in innate immunity. We previously reported that granzyme B is expressed in arthritic cartilage and chondrocytes, and suggested that granzyme B expression is related to apoptosis distribution. We have now investigated whether granzyme B directly induces apoptosis in chondrocytes and whether chondrocytes possess NK cell-like function. METHODS: Chondrocytes included the human C-28/12 chondrocyte cell line, normal chondrocytes, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) chondrocytes. Apoptosis was analyzed by ELISA and TUNEL after C-28/12 cells were incubated with active granzyme B. NK cell markers were examined in chondrocytes by FACS and immunohistochemistry. Chondrocytes with or without Z-AAD-CMK, a known granzyme B inhibitor, were stimulated with PHA (20 microg/ml), followed by coculture with K562 cells in order to test chondrocyte cytotoxity. RESULTS: Granzyme B was successfully introduced into C-28/12 chondrocytes, and was confirmed to dose-dependently induce apoptosis. Immunohistochemically, chondrocytes expressed the surface antigens of NK cells and exhibited cytotoxicity against K562 cells, which served as an indicator of cytotoxicity. Z-AAD-CMK inhibited cytotoxicity against K562 cells in a dose-dependent manner, thus confirming that chondrocyte cytotoxicity against K562 cells is dependent on granzyme B. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that chondrocytes possess NK cell-like activity related to innate immunity, and that apoptosis is induced in these cells by granzyme B. Our findings suggest that inflammation activates granzyme B, which participates in the destruction of RA-affected joints.

Risk factors associated with incident fractures in Japanese men with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective observational cohort study.

There are limited data in the literature concerning risk factors for incident fractures in men with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated the association between potential risk factors and incident clinical fractures in male Japanese patients with RA. A total of 1050 male patients with RA were enrolled in a prospective, observational cohort study from 2000 to 2005. Participants were followed from 6 to 66 months (median follow-up, 48.7 months) and classified into three groups according to their incident fracture status from baseline: no new fracture, any new nonvertebral fracture, and new clinical vertebral fracture. The associations of potential risk factors were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards models. During follow-up, 30 patients (2.9%) developed a new nonvertebral fracture or a vertebral fracture. The baseline age, history of total knee replacement (TKR), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were associated with any nonvertebral fracture [baseline age: hazard ratio (HR), 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-1.14; history of TKR: HR 6.02, 95% CI 1.19-30.42; and CRP: HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38-0.95]. The baseline Japanese health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score and daily dose of prednisolone were also associated with the incidence of clinical vertebral fractures (HR 7.74, 95% CI 2.10-28.48, and HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.14-1.45, respectively). Older age, history of TKR, and low serum CRP levels appear to be associated with any incident nonvertebral fracture in Japanese men with RA. High HAQ disability score and baseline doses of daily prednisolone may correlate with incident clinical vertebral fracture in Japanese men with RA.

Iliopsoas bursitis-associated femoral neuropathy exacerbated after internal fixation of an intertrochanteric hip fracture in rheumatoid arthritis: a case report.

We present the case of a 63-year-old woman with a six-year history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a left iliopsoas bursitis. Radiography had detected destructive changes in her hip joint associated with her bursitis, and she had reported some paresthesia along the left anterior distal thigh. Her pain and numbness remained tolerable, and her disease activity was well controlled until she accidentally fell on the floor, which resulted in an unstable intertrochanteric fracture of left femur with displacement of the proximal portion. The fracture was successfully treated with open reduction and internal fixation, but after the surgery, her femoral nerve palsy worsened. She subsequently underwent bursa excision after the failure of conservative treatment. Accordingly, after bursa excision, the postoperative course was uneventful, and her neurological symptoms gradually disappeared. We would recommend that bursa excision be considered even in cases of iliopsoas bursitis associated with mild femoral neuropathy when destructive changes in the hip joint are also present.