Bone Remodeling in Osteoarthritis-Biological and Radiological Aspects.

Among available papers published on the given subject over the last century, various terms have been used as synonyms for one, now generally accepted-osteoarthritis, in some countries called "wear and tear" or "overload arthritis". The opsolent terms-hypertrophic arthritis, degenerative arthritis, arthritis deformans and osteoarthrosis-sought to highlight the dominant clinical signs of this ubiquitous, polymorph disease of the whole osteochondral unit, which by incidence and prevalence represents one of the leading chronic conditions that cause long-term pain and incapacity for work. Numerous in vitro and in vivo research resulted in broadened acknowledgments about osteoarthritis pathophysiology and pathology on both histological and cellular levels. However, the cause of osteoarthritis is still unknown and is currently the subject of a hypothesis. In this paper, we provide a review of recent findings on biological phenomena taking place in bone tissue during osteoarthritis to the extent useful for clinical practice. Choosing a proper radiological approach is a conditio sine qua non to the early diagnosis of this entity.

OUTCOMES OF SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR DISPLACED BOTH-COLUMN ACETABULAR FRACTURES.

Complex both-column acetabulum fractures are severe injuries, often with associated injuries and complications with uncertain clinical and functional outcome. Modern traumatological protocols point to early surgical treatment, with anatomical reduction and stable internal fixation of fragments as a prerequisite for achieving a good treatment outcome. This retrospective-prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted during the 2014-2020 period and included 24 cases that met the input parameters, using the Letournel and Judet classification, and application of a combined surgical approach, a modified Stoppa and Kocher-Langenbeck approach. The results of treatment with complications, associated injuries and functional outcome are described. Fractures were caused by high kinetic energy trauma, and the cause was traffic accident in 17/24 (70.84%), fall from a height in 5/24 (20.83%) and crash injuries in 2/24 (8.33%) cases. The sample included 18 (75.00%) male and 6 (25.00%) female, with 10/24 (41.67%) right sided and 14/24 (58.33%) left sided fractures. Their mean age was 45.06 (range, 24-62) years. The mean follow-up time was 2.8 (range, 1-5) years. Postoperative complications were detected in 14/24 (58.33%) cases, including wound infection in 4/24 (16.67%), deep vein thrombosis in 2/24 (8.33%), heterotopic ossification in 2/24 (8.33%), hip osteoarthrosis in 3/24 (12.50%), avascular necrosis of femoral head in 2/24 (8.33%), total hip arthroplasty procedures in 3/24 (12.50%), abdominal complications in 2/24 (8.33%), urologic complications in 2/24 (8.33%), iatrogenic nerve lesion in 3/24 (12.50%), and fatal pulmonary embolism in 2/24 (8.33%) cases; there was no loss of reduction or non-union acetabular fracture. Associated injuries that we recorded as major trauma were presented in 13/24 (54.17%) study patients. The final functional results according to the Harris Hip Score (HHS) were excellent in 7/22 (31.82%), good in 10/22 (45.45%), moderate in 4/22 (18.18%) patients, and poor in 1/22 (4.55%) patient. The mean HHS was 84 (range 34-98). Complications and results have led us to a conclusion that primary injuries significantly affect the clinical and functional results. A good diagnostic procedure, assessment of the general condition and application of the trauma scoring system, surgical treatment that includes early hip reduction, open reduction internal fixation and physical rehabilitation are necessary.

IMPACT OF CEMENTLESS ZWEYMÜLLER STEM ANTEVERSION ON RESISTANCE TO PERIPROSTHETIC FRACTURE IN TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY.

Total hip arthroplasty implies proper orientation of both acetabular and femoral components with a range of 25-40° of combined anteversion. The aim of the study was to examine resistance to periprosthetic fracture of the axially loaded cross section rectangular femoral stem (Zweymüller) with respect to different degrees of anteversion, implanted in the artificial bone model, in laboratory conditions. Femoral bone models with implanted femoral stems were divided into 3 groups depending on the degree of stem anteversion (A, control group 13-17°; B, stem retroverted 0°-4°; and C, stem anteverted 26-30°). The amount of axial load leading to periprosthetic fracture (PPFx) of the artificial bone model was determined experimentally for each construct. The results showed that the load at which the PPFx occurred significantly increased with the increase of the endoprosthesis anteversion angle. In our clinical practice, we are often unable to place the acetabular component in an ideal grade of anteversion for intraoperatively determined reasons. The results of this experimental study suggested that increasing rectangular femoral (Zweymüller) stem anteversion lowered the risk of PPFx. This study was limited by experimental design (laboratory conditions, artificial bone) and should be clinically verified.

Importance of shear-wave elastography in prediction of Achilles tendon rupture.

PURPOSE: It was demonstrated that about 6% of patients with a ruptured Achilles tendon experience the rupture of contralateral tendon in the future; the aim of this study was to estimate the risk for rupture of contralateral tendon in patients who underwent surgical reconstruction of ruptured Achilles tendon by using subjective questionnaires and shear-wave elastography. METHODS: Twenty-four patients who underwent surgical repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon and twelve age-matched healthy controls were examined with ultrasound SWE. Functional outcomes were assessed with American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system and subjective rating system which we introduced and validated. RESULTS: The elasticity of injured tendon was markedly decreased (by 42%) compared to the contralateral tendon of the patient, as expected. Both AOFAS score and our novel subjective assessment scale positively correlate with ultrasound SWE values in ruptured Achilles tendons. The elasticity of contralateral Achilles tendons in patients was 23% lower than among healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the lack of difference in the subjective feeling assessed by AOFAS, the contralateral tendon in the patients with reconstructed Achilles tendon has significantly lower stiffness than healthy individuals. Therefore, contralateral tendons in patients who suffered from rupture are more prone to future ruptures.

HIP ARTHROSCOPY: RESIDUAL CAM DEFORMITY COMBINED WITH LOOSE BONY FRAGMENT IN HIP CAPSULE.

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive, effective and innovative orthopedic procedure with a relatively low rate of complications. In our patient, residual cam deformity and a bone fragment that remained in the front hip capsule after hip arthroscopy performed three years before caused thigh numbness, muscle fasciculations, and paresthesia. It was assumed that the loose bony fragment remained following burring on prior procedure. During hip flexion, neural structures were compressed and caused the mentioned symptoms. Revision hip arthroscopy was performed and the loose fragment in addition to residual cam deformity was removed. Resolution of pain and anterior thigh numbness was reported after the revision surgery.

TREATMENT OF UNICAMERAL BONE CYSTS IN CHILDREN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY.

Unicameral bone cysts (UBC) are benign bone tumor-like lesions. Mostly they are located in the metaphyseal-diaphyseal region of long bones in children and adolescents. The etiology of UBC is still unclear. There is no consensus about the protocol of UBC treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three different techniques for the treatment of UBC. This study included 129 pediatric patients with UBC treated at University Children's Hospital in Belgrade during the 8-year period. The mean follow up was 7.14 years. The following parameters were observed: gender, age, site, length of cyst, cyst index, cortical thickness, presentation of pathologic fracture, healing of cyst, treatment complications and length of hospitalization. These parameters were correlated to three treatment modalities, i.e. intracystic methylprednisolone acetate injection (group 1), curettage with bone grafting (group 2) and osteoinductive procedure using demineralized bone matrix (group 3). We found statistically significant differences in healing of the cysts and length of hospital treatment between groups 1 and 2, and between groups 2 and 3. In conclusion, complete healing of UBC can be achieved only using open surgery procedure. Intracystic methylprednisolone acetate instillation can be considered a good option for initial treatment of UBC.

TREATMENT OF HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURES: ANTEGRADE INTERLOCKING INTRAMEDULLARY NAILING WITH ADDITIONAL INTERLOCKING NEUTRALIZATION SCREWS THROUGH FRACTURE SITE.

The aim of this study was to compare union time between two different nail designs for the treatment of humeral shaft fracture, i.e. antegrade interlocking intramedullary nail with and without additional interlocking neutralization screws. The retrospective study included 51 patients treated with antegrade humeral intramedullary nailing between January 2015 and December 2017. The inclusion criteria of the study were proximal and middle third humeral shaft fractures. Fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria; 23 patients were treated with antegrade intramedullary nail with additional interlocking neutralization screws through fracture site (group A) and 28 patients were treated with antegrade intramedullary nail without additional interlocking neutralization screws (group B). Medical documentation and radiographic images taken preoperatively and postoperatively were reviewed. Radiological union was defined as cortical bridging of at least three of four cortices in two-plane radiographs, with disappearance of the fracture gap. There were no significant differences in union time between the groups (p>0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report of antegrade interlocking humeral nailing with additional interlocking neutralization screws through fracture site. Hypothetical advantages of fracture gap reduction by additional interlocking neutralization screws to promote union were not confirmed by this first clinical trial.

Alterations of Subchondral Bone Progenitor Cells in Human Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Lead to a Bone Sclerosis Phenotype.

Subchondral bone tissue plays a key role in the initiation and progression of human and experimental osteoarthritis and has received considerable interest as a treatment target. Elevated bone turnover and remodeling leads to subchondral bone sclerosis that is characterized by an increase in bone material that is less mineralized. The aim of this study was to investigate whether perturbations in subchondral bone-resident progenitor cells might play a role in aberrant bone formation in osteoarthritis. Colony formation assays indicated similar clonogenicity of progenitor cells from non-sclerotic and sclerotic subchondral trabecular bone tissues of osteoarthritic knee and hip joints compared with controls from iliac crest bone. However, the osteogenic potential at the clonal level was approximately two-fold higher in osteoarthritis than controls. An osteogenic differentiation assay indicated an efficient induction of alkaline phosphatase activity but blunted in vitro matrix mineralization irrespective of the presence of sclerosis. Micro-computed tomography and histology demonstrated the formation of de novo calcified tissues by osteoblast-like cells in an ectopic implantation model. The expression of bone sialoprotein, a marker for osteoblast maturation and mineralization, was significantly less in sclerotic progenitor cells. Perturbation of resident progenitor cell function is associated with subchondral bone sclerosis and may be a treatment target for osteoarthritis.

Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Disease of the Vertebral Column

Spinal metastatic disease is a rather common occurrence and definitely warrants attention and treatment due to the high likelihood of leaving cancer patients severely disabled in their final months of life. Recent developments in the understanding of the behavior of different tumor types, as well as advances in surgical treatment, are allowing for the evolution of treatment algorithms, especially when surgical treatment is to be considered. This paper gives an overview of the decision-making process and the array of surgical options currently available.

Association of TGFB1 29C/T and IL6 -572G/C polymorphisms with developmental hip dysplasia: a case-control study in adults with severe osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) increases the risk of severe adult hip osteoarthritis (OA). Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-beta1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are included in pathogenesis of OA, as well as in development of the musculoskeletal system. We investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) known to reflect on the circulating levels of the two cytokines, specifically, 29 T → C transition in the TGFB1 signal sequence (rs1800470) and -572G → C transversion in the IL6 promoter (rs1800796), with DDH. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study in consecutive unrelated adults with severe hip OA scheduled for total hip arthroplasty. Cases, patients with OA secondary to DDH (n = 68) and controls, patients with OA unrelated to DDH (n = 152) were genotyped at the two loci. RESULTS: With adjustment for age, sex and genotype at the concurrent locus, cases were more likely (OR = 2.42, 95%CI 1.08-5.43; p = 0.032) to be transition homozygous at TGFB1 locus 29, and also more likely (OR = 6.36, 95%CI 2.57-15.7; p < 0.001) to be transversion homozygous at IL6 locus -572 than controls. Cases were also more likely (OR = 11.3, 95%CI 4.25-29.8; p < 0.001) than controls to carry one of the three genotypes combining transition/transversion homozygosity at both loci, or transition/transversion homozygosity at one and heterozygosity at the concurrent locus. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest association between TGFB1 29 T → C transition (rs1800470) and IL6 -572G → C transversion (rs1800796) with DDH, and also a possibility of TGF-beta1 and IL-6 interaction in DDH pathogenesis.

Can Croatian medicine do without palliative medicine?--Study investigating the need for formal education.

The aim of this study was to determine the public's, i.e. citizens' attitude on one hand, and health-care professionals' attitude on the other, regarding the public education in palliative care. Also, the assessment of health-care professionals' attitude regarding the need to establish a sub-specialty in palliative medicine in Croatia was performed. The study was carried out during 2007 and 2008 in the capitals of 7 Croatian counties, involving 2353 participants. Two types of anonymous questionnaire were distributed. Citizens were surveyed at public places, business offices, waiting rooms, while health-care professionals were surveyed in medical centers. The survey was conducted personally by the authors, i.e. "face to face" with the respondents. The collected data were entered into a database and analyzed, taking into account the anonymity, privacy and data confidentiality. The response rate was 99% for the public and 97% for health-care professionals. 44% of the public thought that educating the public in palliative care is absolutely necessary, and 42% that it is mostly necessary; compared with 47% of health-care professionals who thought education was absolutely necessary, and 45% who thought it is mostly necessary. In addition, health-care professionals were asked about their opinion regarding the establishment of a sub-specialty in palliative medicine and 76% of respondents considered it absolutely necessary. Both the public and health-care professionals recognize the need for public education in palliative care. The authors wish to especially emphasize health-care professionals' perception of a great need for the establishment of an official medical curriculum and a medical sub-specialty in palliative medicine.

How nurses and physicians face ethical dilemmas--the Croatian experience.

The aim of this study was to assess nurses' and physicians' ethical dilemmas in clinical practice. Nurses and physicians of the Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka were surveyed (N=364). A questionnaire was used to identify recent ethical dilemma, primary ethical issue in the situation, satisfaction with the resolution, perceived usefulness of help, and usage of clinical ethics consultations in practice. Recent ethical dilemmas include professional conduct for nurses (8%), and near-the-end-of-life decisions for physicians (27%). The main ethical issue is limiting life-sustaining therapy (nurses 15%, physicians 24%) and euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (nurses 16%, physicians 9%). The types of help available are similar for nurses and physicians: obtaining complete information about the patient (37% vs. 50%) and clarifying ethical issues (31% vs. 39%). Nurses and physicians experience similar ethical dilemmas in clinical practice. The usage of clinical ethics consultations is low. It is recommended that the individual and team consultations should be introduced in Croatian clinical ethics consultations services.

An increasing older population dictates the need to organise palliative care and estabilish hospices.

The aim of this study is to assess population needs for the organisation of palliative care and establishment of hospices. An opinion poll was created to investigate these needs. The research was carried out in 2007/2008 among 1564 citizens not working in health services, and 789 health service workers--a total of 2353 people questioned in 7 towns of the Republic of Croatia. The significant results obtained using adequate statistical methods confirm that 90.6% of all respondents favour the introduction of a palliative care system and 88% favour the establishment of hospices. This leads us to conclude that the need to establish a palliative care system and hospices has been recognised by citizens and health service workers, thus their implementation in the Republic of Croatia without further delay should be recommended.

Treatment of Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures after Total Hip Arthroplasty Vancouver Type B.

The rate of periprosthetic femoral fractures following total hip replacement has been growing steadily in the last 20 years and ranges from 0.1% to 2.1%. These fractures are mostly related to older patients with the presence of chronic diseases and frequently poor bone quality. The treatment is surgically very complex and demanding, followed by a series of complications. The evaluation in this retrospective study included 23 patients who were medically treated from January 2004 to December 2015 with the mean follow-up of 14.5 (range, 9-25) months. There were 17 patients with cement total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 6 with cementless THA. During treatment of fractures, different techniques were implemented including the use of wire cerclage, dynamic compression plates (DCP), a locking compression plate (LCP) system, and long revision stem. For the purpose of distinguishing fractures, we used the Vancouver classification by Duncan and Masri. For clinical evaluation, we used the modified Merle d'Aubigne score system and monitored complications during treatment. The aim is to show treatment results of the type B periprosthetic femoral fractures by using different operative treatment techniques. According to the Vancouver classification within type B, 10 (43.47%) patients had type B1 fractures, another 10 (43.47%) patients had type B2 fractures, and three (13.04%) patients had type B3 fractures. According to gender distribution, there were eight (34.8%) male and 15 (65.2%) female patients, mean age 59.5 (range, 47-86) years. Twelve (52.2%) and 11 (47.8%) patients had left- and right-sided fractures, respectively. The mean length of hospital stay was 16 (range, 9-26) days. According to the Merle d'Aubigne score system, 10 patients with type B1 fractures had the mean score of 11.5 points, which is poor result. Poor result was also recorded in patients with type B2 fractures, with the mean score of 10.6 points. The three patients with type B3 fractures had the mean score of 12 points, which is considered fair score. In conclusion, Vancouver classification has been widely accepted and using the protocols makes decision making during treatment much easier. During treatment of this type of fracture, we used various implants, wire cerclage, DCP and LCP, as well as long stem revision. In certain cases, we applied surgical techniques, implants that are not recommended by the Vancouver protocol by which we treated periprosthetic femoral fractures; in these case, we recorded nonunion bone, malunion and breaking of implants, which resulted in poor treatment outcome.

HUMERAL NAIL: COMPARISON OF THE ANTEGRADE AND RETROGRADE APPLICATION.

Application of humeral nail in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures is a relatively novel method of fracture fixation. Its application at Clinical Department of Traumatology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center began in 2001. The operative procedure should be performed using a minimally invasive technique without fracture opening in order to maintain optimal conditions for fracture healing including hematoma management. However, in everyday practice it is often impossible to obtain satisfactory fracture reduction using the closed procedure, so open reduction and additional fixation with wires or screws are mandatory. Over the last 14 years, fixation of fractures with the locking nail was performed in more than 400 patients. Cases of pseudarthrosis and pathological fractures were also managed successfully. There were more female patients. The mean time from injury to surgery was 2.4 days. Surgery was performed immediately upon admission to the emergency service whenever possible. This study comprised 234 patients with humeral shaft fractures treated with the humeral nail (antegrade insertion was applied in 103 and retrograde in 131 patients). The aim of the study was to stress out the complexity of appropriate operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures using intramedullary fixation, as well as the importance of proper reduction and stable fixation.

CURRENT PERSPECTIVES OF POTTER'S GLOBAL BIOETHICS AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN CLINICAL (PERSONALIZED) AND PUBLIC HEALTH ETHICS.

In the context of modern scientific and technological developments in biomedicine and health care, and the potential consequences of their application on humans and the environment, Potter's global bioethics concept resurfaces. By actualizing Potter's original thoughts on individual bioethical issues, the universality of two of his books, which today represent the backbone of the world bioethical literature, "Bioethics--Bridge to the Future" and "Global Bioethics: Building on the Leopold Legacy", is emphasized. Potter's global bioethics today can legitimately be viewed as a bridge between clinical personalized ethics on the one hand and ethics of public health on the other.

Anesthetic management of acute cervical spinal cord injury in pregnancy.

The incidence of traumatic spinal cord injury is 11,000 per year, with 55% of the injuries occurring between the age of 16 and 33, 18% of these in women of reproductive age. Diagnostic and early spinal decompression along with maintaining the mean arterial pressure to improve spinal cord perfusion and a high progesterone level in pregnancy for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effect have the leading role in neurological recovery and clinical outcome. We present a case of a patient in the 17th week of pregnancy who sustained luxation fracture of the C5 and C6 vertebrae and tetraplegia as passenger in a road accident. The early operative treatment and appropriate anesthetic procedure resulted in good clinical outcome with complete neurological recovery.

Clinical ethics in Croatia: an overview of education, services and research (an appeal for change).

The aim of this paper is to delineate current position of clinical ethics in the Croatian healthcare system by analyzing the following: representation of clinical ethics contents in the curricula of medical and associated schools; composition and role of clinical ethics consultations; and establishment of an ethical/legal framework for the conduct of research. Curriculum investigation, literature review, arid analysis of the Croatian Act on the Protection of Patients' Rights were performed. The contents of clinical ethics are offered through 63 obligatory and elective subjects at 12 institutions. It is wrongly placed either too early or too late within the curriculum. Continuity at all levels of health professional education is needed. Croatian experience with clinical ethics consultations is shaped only by ethics committees. Problematic is the review of research protocols indicated as their main activity. Inclusion of team and individual consultations would increase the availability and facilitate the usage of ethics support services. The Act on the Protection of Patients' Rights is based on the principles of humanity and availability, ensuring the right to protection when participating in clinical trials. Unfortunately, the outdated paradigm of paternalistic medicine aggravates the respect for patients' rights in cure, care and research. A shift towards the patient/person-centered healthcare system would put the Act into everyday practice. Although clinical ethics has entered the Croatian healthcare system in a formal and practical way, the authors wish to emphasize the need to approach the European and other international standards regarding the recent Croatian accession to the European Union.