Autophagy in an extruded disc compared to the remaining disc after lumbar disc herniation in the same patient.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate autophagy in an extruded disc and to compare this activity with the activity in the remaining disc after lumbar disc herniation in the same patient. METHODS: In total, 12 patients (females 4, males 8) with the extruded type of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) were surgically treated. Their mean age was 54.3 ± 15.8 years (range: 29 ~ 78 years). The mean interval from the occurrence of symptoms to the operation was 9.8 ± 9.4 weeks (range: 2 ~ 24 weeks). The extruded discs were excised, and the remaining disc material removed, to prevent recurrence of herniation. Immediately after specimen collection, all tissues were stored at -70 °C prior to analysis. Autophagy was assessed immunohistochemically and via Western blotting for Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, Atg12L1, and Beclin-1. And the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis was investigated by correlation analysis of caspase-3 with autophagy proteins. RESULTS: The expression levels of autophagic markers were significantly increased in the extruded discs compared to the remaining discs within the same patients. The mean expression levels of Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, and Beclin-1 in extruded discs were statistically significantly higher than those in the remaining discs (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, and P < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The autophagic pathway was more active in extruded disc material than in remaining disc material within the same patient. This may explain spontaneous resorption of the extruded disc after LDH.

Which is better? Early versus delayed rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the 5-year clinical and functional outcomes, including repaired tendon healing status, between early and delayed rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair METHODS: A total of 75 patients with rotator cuff tears (less than 5 cm) underwent arthroscopic repairs over a 60-month period. Participants were randomly assigned to early and delayed postoperative rehabilitation groups with distinct protocols. Clinical and functional outcome measures included Constant score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, visual analogue scale for pain and isokinetic dynamometer test for muscle strength recovery. Clinical and functional scores were compared between baseline and 5 years postoperatively. Radiologic assessment via magnetic resonance imaging was performed at a minimum of 12 months postoperatively for evaluations of tendon integrity and recurrent tears. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics showed no statistically significant differences between groups. Both groups demonstrated equivalent improvement in range of motion and pain scores with no statistical differences. Clinical scores improved significantly in both groups by postoperative 12 months and plateaued. At the postoperative 5-year mark, the early group showed better improvement in the visual analogue scale and UCLA score, while the delayed group had superior Constant scores. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed six recurrent tears, two in the early group and four in the delayed group, with no statistical differences. Muscle strength recovery showed no differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both the early and the delayed rehabilitation groups showed similar outcomes in postoperative range of motion, functional scores, muscle strength recovery and tendon healing in the short- and mid-term follow-ups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Intra-operative effect of interscalene brachial plexus block to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery.

INTRODUCTION: To determine whether the placement of an interscalene brachial plexus block (IBPB) with general anaesthesia before shoulder arthroscopy would be effective in establishing a clear visual field and in shortening the surgical procedure. METHOD: This prospective randomized control trial study included 152 patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Group A received IBPB and group B did not receive IBPB. A visual clarity scale (VCS) was determined by arthroscopic visualization. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), duration of surgical procedure, VCS, and medication that was administered for haemodynamic stability were recorded. RESULTS: The VCS was improved in group A at stages 2 and 3 of the surgical procedures (p < 0.05), but there were no significant difference at stages 1 (p = 0.288) and 4 (p = 0.062). SBP, DBP, and HR were higher in group B during surgery (p < 0.05). The administered analgesics were higher in group B (p = 0.003), but there were no differences in hypotensive agents (p = 0.287). No significant difference was observed for the duration of surgery (p = 0.704). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative IBPB with general anaesthesia for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was beneficial in maintaining haemodynamic stability and improving the VCS during surgery.

Dual plate for comminuted proximal humerus fractures.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate radiological, clinical results and complication rates of dual plate fixation for severe metaphyseal comminuted fracture of proximal humerus. 21 patients who have proximal humerus fractures with impaired posteromedial buttress were enrolled. Fractures were treated with dual plate technique using Proximal Humeral Locking plate and Variable Angle Plate. Radiographic results were analyzed based on duration of union. For evaluation of the degree of anatomical reduction, neck shaft angle on the anteroposterior view was measured by simple plain radiography using the Paavolainen method, while anterior-posterior angulation was measured on the axial view. Degree of anatomic reduction was good in 17 patients (80.95%), fair in 3 patients (14.28%), and poor in 1 patient (4.77%). One case of impingement, and one case of avascular necrosis were noted. The dual plate technique provides stable fixation and satisfactory clinical and radiological results for severely comminuted metaphyseal fracture of the proximal humerus.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique for complex tibial shaft fracture.

TTo evaluate the clinical and radiological results of the treatment of complex tibial shaft fracture (AO/OTA type 42-C) with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis(MIPO). Twenty patients diagnosed with complex tibial shaft fracture without extension to the articular surface and treated with MIPO, including 9 cases of AO/OTA type 42-C2 and 11 cases of AO/OTA type 42-C3, 6 of which were open fractures. External fixation was used for open fractures until the soft tissue damage had healed; then, 2nd stage operation with MIPO was performed to stabilize the fracture. Each patient was followed up for a minimum of 12 months. The mean time to union was 20.1 weeks. Delayed union was observed in 4 cases. Angular deformity, length shortening and non-union were not observed. Severely comminuted and open fractures of the tibial shaft may benefit from temporary external fixation prior to performing MIPO.

Arthroscopic treatment of greater tuberosity fractures : retrospective review of clinical and radiological outcomes.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes and discuss the value of arthroscopic suture bridge technique in patients with isolated greater tuberosity fractures. Between October 2009 and July 2014, 37 patients with greater tuberosity fractures were analyzed. Thirteen of these patients were treated with arthroscopic reduction and fixation. Analysis of the clinical outcome was performed by comparing final range of motion, UCLA and Constant score. Radiological outcome was analyzed with time for union. Postoperative results were analyzed by range of motion, UCLA and constant score. Each figure resulted as: UCLA from 27 to 35 (average: 29); range of motion in forward flexion from 160° to 180° (average: 173°); Constant score from 69 to 100 (average: 73). Using arthroscopic treatment with a suture-bridge technique can be a useful method in terms of clinical and functional outcomes and be considered as a viable alternative to conventional open techniques.

Factors associated with clinical and structural outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with a suture bridge technique in medium, large, and massive tears.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate clinical outcomes, maintenance of repair integrity, and retear rate after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by a suture bridge technique among patients with medium, large, and massive rotator cuff tears. METHODS: We evaluated 147 patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Clinical and functional evaluations were performed with the Constant and University of California-Los Angeles scores. All patients were confirmed to have magnetic resonance imaging evidence of tendon healing at least 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The average postoperative time to follow-up magnetic resonance imaging was 23.4 months (range, 12-48 months). A total of 25 (17.0%) retears were observed. All clinical outcome scores were improved significantly at follow-up. Larger intraoperative tear sizes were correlated with higher retear rates. The incidence of retear was also higher in cases in which the preoperative fatty degeneration grade was higher. The incidence of retear increased with age and in the heavy worker group (e.g., farmers, carriers, car mechanics) but was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by a suture bridge technique yields improvements in clinical outcome measures and a relatively high degree of patient satisfaction despite the fact that repair integrity is not maintained in many cases.

Bone Mineral Density and Clinical Outcome after Ankle Fracture.

BACKGROUND: No gold standard exists for bone mineral density (BMD) measurement of the ankle. This study aimed to determine the correlation between bone density using Hounsfield units (HU) based on computed tomography (CT) and BMD using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as well as to evaluate the correlation between HU and clinical outcome of ankle fracture. METHODS: Fifty-one patients aged ≥65 years who underwent surgical treatment for trimalleolus or bimalleolus ankle fractures were included. The HU were measured at the distal tibia metaphyseal region approximately 1 cm proximal to the plafond on the axial images of preoperative CT. BMD was measured using DXA within one year before the injury. The clinical outcome was evaluated according to the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). RESULTS: Although the HU of an osteoporosis group was lower than that of a non-osteoporosis group, we observed no significant difference between the two groups. The mean HU significantly correlated with the lumbar and total lumbar spine BMD using DXA. Increased HU significantly correlated with improved clinical outcomes in three of five FAOS subscales: symptoms, pain, activity of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL). In a linear regression analysis adjusted for age and body mass index, increased HU significantly correlated with improved clinical outcomes in three of five FAOS subscales: symptoms, pain, ADL, and QOL. CONCLUSIONS: The correlations between bone density using HU and BMD and those between HU and the clinical outcome were confirmed in ankle fractures. The HU of preoperative CT might provide valuable information for predicting postoperative clinical outcomes.

Risk Factors for Major Lower Limb Amputation and Effect of Endovascular Revascularization in Patients with Diabetic Foot Wound.

Objective: Major lower extremity amputation (LEA) such as below-knee or above-knee amputations can result in more physical disabilities and poorer socioeconomic functions than minor LEAs in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Therefore, identification of risk factors for major LEA and investigation of effectiveness of endovascular revascularization are critical for prevention and better prognosis of DFU patients. Methods: From January 2014 to December 2017, a total of 125 patients with DFU treated with any level of amputation were included in this study. Demographic, diabetes-related, DFU-related and -relevant laboratory information were investigated to predict major amputation. To identify risk factors for major amputation, logistic regression analysis was performed for each variable. The effectiveness of endovascular revascularization treatment was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results: Major amputation was performed for 22 of 125 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that DM duration, peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) previous amputation, abscess, Wagner grade, CRP and albumin were significant risk factors for major amputation in DFU patients. PAOD was the most important risk factor. Major amputation-free survival rate at 5 years was 97.4% in a non-PAOD group, 58.3% in a PAOD without revascularization group, and 88.0% in a PAOD with revascularization group, showing statistically significant differences among them. Conclusion: The duration of DM, PAOD, previous amputation, abscess, Wagner grade, CRP and albumin were major risk factors for major LEA in DFU patients. The most valuable and critical finding was that revascularization in diabetic foot patients with PAOD significantly improved major amputation-free survival rates.

The Incidence and Treatment Outcome of Atypical Triplane Fractures in Adolescents.

Background: Atypical triplane fractures (ATFs) defined as a triplane fracture that did not involve the weight-bearing articulating surface or as an extra-articular triplane fracture. ATFs are scarcely reported and the incidence may be underestimated. Moreover, there is no consensus on treatment. This study aimed to evaluate ATFs incidence, fracture pattern, and treatment outcome, and propose treatment recommendations. Methods: Twenty-five ATFs of 46 triplane fractures were retrospectively reviewed between 2011 and 2017. ATFs were classified according to the modified ATF classification. Treatment methods were analyzed. Radiologic outcomes were measured based on fracture displacement. Clinical outcomes included the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score, visual analogue scale, ankle range of motion, and complications at final follow-up period. Results: A total of 11 type IV, 11 type III, and three type II ATFs were identified. All type II ATFs (intra-articular fracture) were treated with operative treatment. Nine patients were treated with operative treatment and 18 patients were treated with non-operative treatment in type III or IV ATFs (extra-articular fracture). Good radiologic and clinical outcomes were observed in all patients. The residual displacement after initial trial of closed reduction was between 4 and 5 mm in ten cases of type III or IV ATFs; however, no complications were observed, and all cases had good clinical results after non-operative treatment. Conclusions: ATFs may be under-recognized. Operative treatment and non-operative treatment showed good outcome. Non-operative closed reduction and cast immobilization can be recommended for extra-articular ATF with displacement < 4 mm. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Stable internal fixation with dual plate technique for osteoporotic distal femur fractures.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic distal femur fractures are difficult in terms of fracture treatment and recovery. We hypothesized that the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with dual plate technique increased fixation stability and encouraged early mobilization and return to pre-fracture activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2016 and 2019, 22 patients were treated with the dual plate technique for osteoporotic distal femur fractures. To evaluate the clinical outcome, the modified Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) score, Tegner activity score, knee range of motion (ROM), time to pain free full weight bearing from operation and patient satisfaction score were used. To evaluate the radiological outcome, the time to radiological union and varus or valgus angulation were measured. RESULTS: The mean modified WOMAC score was 37.0 ± 6.5 (range, 26-42). There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative Tegner activity score (p = 0.436). Among 22 patients, 16 patients (72.7%) achieved preoperative activity level. The mean knee ROM was 106.1° ± 16.8° (range, 80-135). The time to pain free weight bearing was 7.4 ± 1.5 (range, 5-10) weeks. In patient satisfaction, 20 patients (90.9%) were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied. Bone union was achieved in all patients at 16.4 ± 4.3 (range, 13-22) weeks. The final follow-up valgus angle was 3.6° ± 4.0° (range, -2.5° - 10.9). CONCLUSION: MIPO with the dual plate technique can provide rigid fixation for osteoporotic distal femur fractures. This stable and rigid fixation may allow early mobilization and return to pre-fracture activity.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis with dual plating for periprosthetic distal femoral fractures following total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Adequate treatment for periprosthetic distal femur fractures is challenging because of various reasons, including severe osteoporosis and distal fragments that are too small or too distal. We have introduced a new surgical technique for dual plating of periprosthetic distal femur fractures following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and determined the clinical and radiological outcomes of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with a dual locking compression plate (LCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and July 2019, 18 patients [mean age, 74.8 (68-89) years; average follow-up period, 14.8 (12-43) months] underwent MIPO with distal femoral LCP laterally and proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) medially for periprosthetic distal femoral fractures following TKA. The minimum follow-up was 1 year. The clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed using the modified WOMAC scores, knee range of motion, time to callus formation, time to union, and complications of malunion, nonunion, and shortening. RESULTS: The average time to union was 18.4 weeks (range, 10-51 weeks) and to callus formation was 7.8 weeks (range, 2-14 weeks). At the 1-year follow-up, the average JLETS was 37.6 (range, 24-53), average knee ROM was 110.3° (range, 80-135°), and average varus-valgus angles of the distal femur were 3.2° (range, -2.9-10.5°). No nonunion, broken plates, or implant failure occurred. Malunion occurred in three patients. CONCLUSION: MIPO with dual LCP is a reliable method for stabilizing periprosthetic distal femoral fractures following TKA, with satisfactory bone union rates and low complication rates.

Comparison between intramedullary nailing and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for tibial shaft fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is currently considered the gold standard in the surgical treatment of tibial shaft fractures in adult patients. In this case-control comparative study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and IMN in treating tibial shaft fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and radiological outcomes, such as a modified trauma scale, operation time, fracture healing, rate of re-operation, and complications such as malunion, nonunion, shortening, and infection were assessed between IMN and MIPO for the treatment of tibial shaft fractures. RESULTS: Seventy-three skeletally mature patients who underwent IMN (group I) or MIPO (group M) for a closed extra-articular tibial shaft fracture (AO/OTA type 42) from June 2010 to May 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age was 51.16 (18~79) years, and the mean follow-up period was 22 (12~50) months. Bony union was achieved in all cases but one for each group - group I (35 cases) and group M (36 cases) (p > 0.05). Mean callus formation was observed in 12 (8 - 16) weeks in both groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in operative time, hospital stay, bone healing, and the rate of complications among the two groups (p > 0.05). There was also no postoperative difference in functional evaluation between the two methods (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No discrepancy was found in radiological and clinical outcomes between IMN and MIPO for tibial shaft fractures. It can be concluded that both IMN and MIPO are equally effective treatment modalities for tibial shaft fractures.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for mid-shaft fracture of the tibia (AO/OTA classification 42): A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: There is abundance of literature regarding the treatment of tibial mid-shaft fracture, and intramedullary nailing (IMN) is described as the treatment of choice. However, problems such as malunion and knee pain are known disadvantages of this approach. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique is another treatment option for tibial mid-shaft fracture.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical, radiological results, and complication rates of tibial mid-shaft fractures treated with MIPO technique. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty-seven skeletally mature patients who underwent MIPO for a mid-shaft fracture of tibia (AO/OTA classification 42) from June 2016 to May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 37 patients (12 females, 25 males) with a mean age of 52.7 years (range 28-78 years) were included. The clinical and radiological outcomes, such as the Jeju Lower Extremity Trauma Scale (JLETS), time to callus formation, time to bony union, and complications such as delayed union, malunion, nonunion, and infection were assessed. RESULTS: Bony union was achieved in all cases but one (36 cases). Average callus formation was observed in 10.7 (6.5-14.5) weeks. The average time to union was 19.8 (11.5-26.5) weeks. The average JLETS score was 46.9 (40-53) point. Malunion deformities were observed in 3 cases (8.1%). Two superficial infection cases all resolved spontaneously. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical and radiographic outcomes by different AO/OTA fracture types. CONCLUSION: The MIPO technique with locking compression plate provides stable fixation and satisfactory clinical and radiological results for mid-shaft fractures of tibia irrespective of the fracture type. Future study should aim to compare MIPO and IMN cases directly to clarify the differences and similarities between the two treatment modalities.

Clinical outcomes and complications of cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty during the early learning curve period.

BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a treatment option for patients with severe osteoarthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, or massive rotator cuff tear with pseudoparalysis. We are to deduce not only the early functional outcomes and complications of cementless RTSA during the learning curve period but also complication-based, and operation time-based learning curve of RTSA. METHODS: Between March 2010 and February 2014, we retrospectively evaluated 38 shoulders (6 male, 32 female). The average age of the patients was 73.0 years (range, 63 to 83 years), and the average follow-up was at 24 months (range, 12-53 months). The visual analog scale (VAS), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score and constant score were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes. We evaluated patients radiographically at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and then annually thereafter for any evidence of complications. RESULTS: The VAS score improved from 4.0 to 2.8 (p = 0.013). The UCLA score improved from 16.0 to 27.9 (p = 0.002), and the constant score improved from 41.4 to 78.9 (p < 0.001), which were statistically significant. While active forward flexion, abduction, and internal rotation improved (p value = 0.001, < 0.01, 0.15), external rotation did not show significant improvement (p = 0.764). Postoperative complications included acromion fracture (one case), glenoid fracture (one case), peripristhetic humeral fracture (one case), axillary nerve injury (one case), infection (one case), and arterial injury (one case). Our study presented an intraoperative complication-based learning curve of 20 shoulders, and operation time-based learning curve of 15 shoulders. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes of RTSA were satisfactory with overall complication rates of 15.7%. An orthopedic surgeon within the learning curve period for the operation of RTSA should be cautious when selecting the patients and performing RTSA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

Treatment of Large and Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: Does Infraspinatus Muscle Tear Affect Repair Integrity?

BACKGROUND: Clinical outcomes and prognosis of large and massive rotator cuff tears are known to be unpredictable not only in degeneration of the rotator cuff, but also due to a high rate of retear. METHODS: Totally, 81 patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from May 2008 to February 2016 were evaluated in our study. Clinical and functional evaluations were performed with the Constant score and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, as well as full physical examination of the shoulder. All patients were confirmed to have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of tendon healing at least 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The average age at the time of surgery was 65 years (range, 47-78 years). The average duration of postoperative time in which a follow-up MRI was performed was 36.1 months (range, 12-110 months). Large tears were present in 48 cases (59.3%) and massive tears in 33 cases (40.7%). Overall, there were 33 retear cases (40.7%). All the average clinical outcome scores were significantly improved at the last follow-up (p<0.001), although repair integrity was not maintained. Compared to type A, types C, and D of the Collin's classification showed significantly higher retear rates (p=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair yields improved clinical outcomes and a relatively high degree of patient satisfaction, despite the repair integrity not being maintained. Involvement of the subscapularis muscle or infraspinatus muscle had no effect on the retear rate.

Early and Delayed Postoperative Rehabilitation after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Comparative Study of Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The duration of immobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and the optimal time to commence rehabilitation are still the subject of ongoing debates. This study was undertaken to evaluate the functional outcome and rotator cuff healing status after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by comparing early and delayed rehabilitation. METHODS: Totally, 76 patients with small, medium, and large sized rotator cuff tears underwent arthroscopic repair using the suture-bridge technique. In early rehabilitation group, 38 patients commenced passive range of motion at postoperative day 2 whereas 38 patients assigned to the delayed rehabilitation group commenced passive range of motion at postoperative week 3. At the end of the study period, clinical and functional evaluations (Constant score, the University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] shoulder score) were carried out, subsequent to measuring the range of motion, visual analogue scale for pain, and isokinetic dynamometer test. Rotator cuff healing was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging at least 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: No significant difference was obtained in range of motion and visual analogue scale between both groups. Functional outcomes showed similar improvements in the Constant score (early: 67.0-88.0; delayed: 66.9-91.0; p<0.001) and the UCLA shoulder score (early: 20.3-32.3; delayed: 20.4-32.4; p<0.001). Furthermore, rotator cuff healing showed no significant differences between the groups (range, 6-15 months; average, 10.4 months). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed passive rehabilitation does not bring about superior outcomes. Therefore, early rehabilitation would be useful to help patients resume their daily lives.

Autologous Bone Marrow Cell Stimulation and Allogenic Chondrocyte Implantation for the Repair of Full-Thickness Articular Cartilage Defects in a Rabbit Model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of autologous bone marrow cell stimulation and allogenic chondrocyte implantation using 3-dimensional gel-type fibrin matrix in an animal model. DESIGN: Eighteen rabbits were divided into 2 treatment groups. One group was treated with a microfracture and covering of it with gel-type fibrin (AutoBMS; n = 9), and the other group was treated with allogenic chondrocytes mixed gel-type fibrin at the cartilage defect (AlloCI; n = 9). The control group was untreated cartilage defect at the other side knee of each object. Twelve weeks after treatment, the cartilage was evaluated using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scoring system, immunohistochemical staining, and modified O'Driscoll grading system. RESULTS: The ICRS scores were similar in the AutoBMS (9.44 ± 2.44) and the AlloCI (9.33 ± 1.67) groups ( P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining confirmed higher expression of cartilaginous collagen for both groups. The average difference (AutoBMS, 31.89 ± 6.54; AlloCI, 32.89 ± 5.25) in the modified O'Driscoll scores appeared to be nonsignificant ( P > 0.05); however, both treatment groups showed significantly higher scores with respect to their control group (18.45 ± 1.65; 18.97 ± 1.58) ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This experimental study suggests autologous bone marrow cells stimulation and implantation of allogenic chondrocytes are both useful methodologies for regenerating hyaline-like cartilage in full-thickness cartilage defects in animal model.

Clinical and arthroscopic outcome of single bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Comparison of remnant preservation versus conventional technique.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and second-look arthroscopic findings of remnant preservation technique with those of conventional anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in single bundle ACL reconstructions. METHODS: One hundred sixty two consecutive patients underwent ACL reconstruction by one surgeon, with 93 patients receiving remnant preservation technique (Group A) and 69 patients receiving conventional ACL reconstruction (Group B). The mean follow-up was 15months. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Lysholm scores and the International Knee Documentation Committee form (IKDC form) evaluation. Post-operative knee stability was evaluated through manual knee laxity evaluation, pivot-shift test, and a Telos device. RESULTS: Differences in post-operative stability (manual knee laxity, pivot shift test and Telos device) were not significant between the groups (p=0.681, p=0.610, p=0.696). And also no significant differences were noted with respect to the IKDC form and the latest Lysholm scores. But in the second-look arthroscopic findings, synovial coverage was confirmed to be excellent in 36% (22/61) of Group A patients and 23% (7/30) of Group B patients. CONCLUSIONS: ACL reconstruction with both techniques was found to result in acceptable stability, clinical outcomes and second-look arthroscopic findings. With regard to synovial coverage, the remnant reservation techniques were found to be superior to conventional ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

A case of unusual septic knee arthritis with Brucella abortus after arthroscopic meniscus surgery.

We present a 51-year-old male patient with Brucella abortus septic arthritis in the right knee following arthroscopic meniscus surgery. He had eaten a traditional dish of raw minced cattle conceptus (bovine fetus) that was prepared after the cow was slaughtered. Despite treatment with empirical antibiotics and debridement of the postoperative surgical wound, the infection persisted without improvement. Polymerase chain reaction sequencing identified Brucella abortus from tissue samples obtained from the patient. After confirmation of the diagnosis of brucellar infection, antibiotics were replaced with doxycycline and rifampin, which were used for 4 months. In patients with a non-specific arthralgia who eat raw meat or live close to animals, it is important to consider the possibility of septic arthritis due to infection with Brucella spp.