Evaluation of the long-term patient-reported outcomes after hip arthroplasty or joint preserving with Sugioka femoral osteotomy in patients with femoral head osteonecrosis.

PURPOSE: This study retrospectively evaluated long-term clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) who underwent transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy (TRO), curved varus osteotomy (CVO), and total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the 109 hips in 96 patients (46 men, 50 women) who underwent CVO, TRO, or THA for ONFH treatment. The mean follow-up period for the TRO, CVO, and THA groups was 14.8, 11.5, and 13.3 years, respectively. RESULTS: The THA conversion rate of the TRO patients was significantly higher than that of the patients with CVO, and the final clinical scores in the patients with TRO did not improve compared with preoperative scores. Postoperative PROMs showed that the total and pain scores of the patients with THA were significantly higher than those of patients with TRO and CVO, while the PROM score did not change between patients with TRO and CVO. The analysis further showed that the preoperative type C2, stage 3A, or postoperative type C1 and C2 were significant predictors of decreased final PROM scores. CONCLUSION: This study found that CVO and THA are clinically effective treatments for ONFH, with significant improvements compared with preoperative scores. However, THA was associated with significantly higher PROMs and pain scores than those of CVO and TRO in long-term follow-up. Furthermore, our results suggest that postoperative PROMs depend mainly on the preoperative level of collapse and postoperative transposed intact ratio of the articular surface of the femoral head.

Evaluation of articular cartilage degeneration in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head using T2 mapping magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and characterise articular cartilage degeneration in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) using T2 mapping magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: We reviewed 35 patients with ONFH (20 males and 15 females, mean age 45.7±12.9 years) without obvious cartilage abnormalities on plain MRI (ONFH group) and 25 healthy volunteers (9 males and 16 females, mean age 42.9±5.8 years) (control group). All patients underwent T2 mapping MRI after ONFH onset. The region of interest was defined as the weight-bearing portion of the articular cartilage in the femoral head and acetabulum in the coronal view. RESULTS: The T2 values of the articular cartilage of the acetabulum and femoral head, including necrotic and normal regions, were significantly higher in the ONFH group than those in the control group. These T2 values of the acetabulum and femoral head in stages 3A and 2 were significantly higher in the ONFH group than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The articular cartilage of the acetabulum and femoral head can deteriorate after the onset of ONFH, which may affect the natural history of ONFH and ONFH treatment. Our findings suggest the need for early intervention in joint preservation surgery.

Early detection of thermoacoustic instability in a staged single-sector combustor for aircraft engines using symbolic dynamics-based approach.

We experimentally conduct an early detection of thermoacoustic instability in a staged single-sector combustor using a novel methodology that combines symbolic dynamics and machine learning. We propose two invariants in this study: the determinisms of the joint symbolic recurrence plots DJ and the ordinal transition pattern-based recurrence plots DT. These invariants enable us to capture the phase synchronization between acoustic pressure and heat release rate fluctuations associated with a precursor of thermoacoustic instability. The latent space consisting of DJ and DT, which is obtained by a support vector machine in combination with the k-means clustering method, can appropriately determine a transitional regime between stable combustion and thermoacoustic instability.

Evaluation of antero-posterior instability of the hip using modified Lequesne's false profile view.

BACKGROUND: Accurate evaluation of hip instability is critical for the diagnosis and successful treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). However, dynamic evaluation of hip instability is not well established. This study aimed to use the lateral view from a radiograph to evaluate dynamic antero-posterior hip instability in patients with DDH. METHODS: Seventy-four patients (92 hips) with DDH (DDH group) and 46 patients (59 hips) without hip pain and DDH (Control group) were examined. A false profile view (FPV) according to Lequesne was taken at standard and 90° flexion with the hip of interest defined as functional FPV; the translation of the center of the femoral head (CFH) obtained from the functional FPV was measured. As a validation test, we measured the anterior translation of the CFH using ultrasonography (US). RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the two groups in the translation of the CFH (p < 0.01). The degree of CFH translation depended on the severity of DDH (lateral center edge angle, r = -0.56, p < 0.01; vertical center anterior margin angle, r = -0.57, p<0.01) and lateralization of the femoral head (head lateralization index, r = 0.54, p < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between functional FPV and US measurements (r = 0.71, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The present study confirmed that antero-posterior hip instability in DDH patients can be detected using functional FPV. Our novel measurement, as a new method for assessing hip instability, may be useful for evaluating hip dynamic instability in diagnosing the etiology, and determining and evaluating the treatment for DDH at lower cost and improved accessibility.

Relationships among hip instability, iliofemoral ligament, and pain in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the relationships among hip instability, pain, and morphology of the iliofemoral ligament (ILFL) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) using ultrasonography (US). METHODS: We reviewed 86 patients (109 hips) with DDH (Group D), 40 patients (46 hips) with borderline hip dysplasia (BDDH) (Group B) and 20 patients (23 hips) without hip pain and bony abnormality (control group). Group D was classified into three subgroups-the severe (group SP), moderate (group MP), and none/mild (group NMP) hip pain groups-using the visual analogue scale (VAS). For evaluating hip instability and ILFL morphology, the distance between the anterior edge of the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) and the horizontal line to the femoral head, and ILFL thickness were measured using US. The difference between the distance in the neutral position and Patrick position was calculated and defined as the femoral head translation distance (FTD). RESULTS: FTD and ILFL thickness in group D were significantly larger than those in the control group and group B (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between FTD and ILFL thickness in three groups (r = 0.57, P < 0.05; r = 0.55, P < 0.05; r = 0.62, P < 0.05, respectively). FTD and ILFL thickness in group SP were significantly larger than those in group NMP (P < 0.05). FTD and ILFL thickness in group D had significantly negative correlations with the lateral center edge (r = -0.54, P < 0.05; r = -0.40, P < 0.05, respectively) and vertical-center-anterior angle (r = -0.51, P < 0.05; r = -0.43, P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Acetabular bony deficiency, especially in the anterior and lateral region can result in antero-posterior hip instability, leading to thickened ILFL and hip pain, even in patients with BDDH. These findings may facilitate our understanding and treatment of patients with DDH. When hip instability is suspected, hip US examination may help confirm the diagnosis and assist in providing objective clinical diagnostic evidence.

Investigating the subchondral trabecular bone microstructure in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head using multi-detector row computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the microstructural changes of subchondral trabecular bone in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) using multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT). METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 76 hips in 50 patients diagnosed with ONFH between 2017 and 2021. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 comprised hips without ONFH, ONFH without femoral head collapse (FHC), ONFH with mild collapse (<2 mm), and ONFH with severe collapse (>2 mm), respectively. All patients underwent MDCT, and the subchondral trabecular bone microstructure was assessed. Regions of interests were set at the lateral boundary of the femoral head necrotic lesion and centre of the acetabular weight-bearing portion. RESULTS: In both the femoral head and the acetabular regions, there were significant differences in Groups 2 and 3 compared to Group 1, with increased volumetric bone mineral density and apparent bone volume fraction, and more plate-like with increased connectivity, indicating that osteosclerotic changes were occurring. CONCLUSIONS: In both the femoral head and the acetabular regions, osteosclerotic changes of subchondral trabecular bone microstructure were present before FHC.

Intra-articular pathology affects outcomes after joint preserving surgery for osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

PURPOSE: Currently, knowledge regarding the intra-articular pathology and its relationship to outcomes after joint-preserving surgery in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is lacking. The purposes were to evaluate the intra-articular pathology and its relationship with outcomes of joint-preserving surgery in ONFH. METHODS: We reviewed 41 hips with ONFH in 41 patients (27 women; mean age, 34.9 years old) who underwent intertrochanteric curved varus osteotomy. Radiographic evaluations were based on pre-operative imaging studies, including radiographs, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Intra-articular pathology was evaluated by arthroscopic inspection of the femoral head, labrum, and acetabular cartilage during surgery. In addition, we performed radiographic measurements of the hip, including the collapse of the femoral head and minimal joint space width at three  years post-operatively and at final follow-up. RESULTS: Arthroscopy revealed damage to the acetabular cartilage and labrum in 22 (54%) and 13 patients (32%), respectively. However, these lesions could be detected on imaging in only 13 (32%) and ten patients (24%), respectively. The change in joint space width after surgery was significantly higher in patients with cartilage degeneration and labral injury (P = 0.02, P = 0.02). Logistic regression analysis for subsequent progression of osteoarthritis showed an association with degenerative changes of articular cartilage and the labral tear as independent predictors (P = 0.001, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate the presence of labral and acetabular cartilage lesions in ONFH patients, while images do not reveal the full extent of the tissue damage. These intra-articular pathologies can be associated with the outcomes after joint-preserving surgery.

Utility of radial reformation of three-dimensional fat-suppressed multi-echo gradient-recalled-echo images for the evaluation of acetabular labral injuries and femoroacetabular impingement.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the utility of the radial reformation of three-dimensional fat-suppressed multi-echo gradient-recalled-echo (3D FS me-GRE) for evaluating acetabular labral injuries and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 patients with suspected acetabular labral injuries were examined using 3D FS me-GRE and radial 2D T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI) on a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The range of acetabular labral injuries was evaluated by radial reformation through the center of the acetabulum perpendicular to the plane across the entire acetabular rim (type 1 radial reformation) of 3D FS me-GRE and radial 2D T2*WI. To evaluate the FAI morphology, we performed radial reformation perpendicular to the central axis of the femoral head and neck (type 2 radial reformation) of 3D FS me-GRE. RESULTS: Acetabular labral injuries were identified in 23 patients, and no acetabular labral injury was seen in two patients on type 1 radial reformation of 3D FS me-GRE and radial 2D T2*WI. The diagnostic concordance rate for the range of acetabular labral injuries between the two imaging methods was 76.0%, and there was excellent agreement for the injured angles (r = 0.977, p < 0.001). FAI morphology could be evaluated in all patients (no FAI, n = 8; cam, n = 10; pincer, n = 4; combined cam and pincer, n = 3) using type 2 radial reformation of 3D FS me-GRE. CONCLUSIONS: Type 1 and type 2 radial reformations of 3D FS me-GRE imaging were useful for evaluating acetabular labral injuries and determining whether patients with acetabular labral injuries have FAI, respectively.

Transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy for various hip disorders.

BACKGROUND: Joint-preserving procedures should be considered as much as possible for hip disorders in pediatric and young patients. However, in patients with extensive osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head combined with severe collapse and advanced secondary osteoarthritis (OA), the optimal procedure has not been elucidated. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the postoperative outcomes of 11 patients who underwent transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy (TRO) alone or with a combination treatment for various hip disorders in young patients and to evaluate the usefulness of TRO. METHODS: Eleven patients (11 hips) with a mean age at operation of 22 years were included. The mean follow-up duration was 9.4 years. Preoperative diagnosis was secondary OA in 6 patients (pigmented villonodular synovitis, 2; after rotational acetabular osteotomy, 1; pyogenic arthritis, 1; femoroacetabular impingement, 1; acetabular dysplasia, 1) and ON in 5 patients (slipped capital femoral epiphysis, 4; femoral neck fracture, 1). Combination treatment was performed in 2 patients with distraction arthroplasty and in 6 patients with intra-articular procedures (mosaicplasty, 1; drilling, 1; microfracture, 4; cam resection, 1). Clinical evaluation was performed by using the Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score (MDPS). Joint congruency and progression of osteoarthritic change in all cases, and progression of collapse in the ON patients were evaluated radiographically. RESULTS: The mean MDPS improved from 10.3 to 14.2 in the OA patients and from 9.4 to 14.8 in the ON patients. The OA grade was maintained or improved in 10 hips (91%). Progressive collapse was prevented in all ON patients, and good remodeling was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Even in the highly degenerative cases, TRO enabled repair and prevention of the progression of OA. This procedure might be a useful salvage operation for treating secondary OA and ON of the hip even if the clinical condition is advanced, especially in young patients.

Evaluation of articular cartilage following rotational acetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia using T2 mapping MRI.

BACKGROUND: Rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) is one of the surgical treatments for acetabular dysplasia, and satisfactory results have been reported. We evaluated the postoperative changes of articular cartilage and whether the pre-operative condition of the articular cartilage influences the clinical results using T2 mapping MRI. METHODS: We reviewed 31 hips with early stage osteoarthritis in 31 patients (mean age, 39.6 years), including three men and 28 women who underwent RAO for hip dysplasia. Clinical evaluations including Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and Japanese Orthopedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ), and radiographical evaluations on X-ray were performed. Longitudinal qualitative assessment of articular cartilage was also performed using 3.0-T MRI with T2 mapping technique preoperatively, 6 months, and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no case with progression of osteoarthritis. The mean JOA score improved from 70.1 to 93.4 points, the mean postoperative JHEQ score was 68.8 points, and radiographical data also improved postoperatively. We found that the T2 values of the cartilage at both femoral head and acetabulum increased at 6 months on coronal and sagittal views. However, they significantly decreased 1 and 2 years postoperatively. The T2 values of the center to anterolateral region of acetabulum negatively correlated with postoperative JHEQ score, particularly in pain score. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that biomechanical and anatomical changes could apparently cause decreased T2 values 1-2 years postoperatively compared with those preoperatively. Furthermore, preoperative T2 values of the acetabulum can be prognostic factors for the clinical results of RAO.

Comparison of fibrin clots derived from peripheral blood and bone marrow.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fibrin clots derived from peripheral blood (pb-fibrin clot) and bone marrow (bm-fibrin clot) are thought to be effective for tissue regeneration. However, there is no report detailing the amount of growth factors in pb-/bm-fibrin clot. In this study we evaluated the amount of growth factors in human pb-/bm-fibrin clot, and prove the validity of fibrin clot for clinical use. METHODS: Human pb-/bm-fibrin clots were obtained during surgery. In the first experiment, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed for detecting the amount of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), fibroblast growth factor basic (bFGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), platelet derived-growth factors-AB (PDGF-AB), and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1). In the second experiment, the efficacy of fibrin clot on the osteogenic differentiation and fibroblast proliferation was evaluated. Pb-/bm-fibrin clots were incubated in human osteoblast derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) or human skin fibroblast. Alizarin red staining and real-time PCR (COL1A1, RUNX2) were performed for the detection of osteogenic potential. Cell-growth assay (WST-8) and real-time PCR (COL1A1) were also performed for the detection of the potential of fibroblast proliferation. RESULTS: ELISA analysis revealed that the amount of VEGF, HGF, bFGF, IGF-1, and SDF-1 of bm-fibrin clot group is higher than that of pb-fibrin clot group with statistical differences. Besides, we confirmed that bm-fibrin clot has much potential for the osteogenic differentiation and fibroblast proliferation. CONCLUSION: The positive outcomes confirm the efficacy of pb-/bm-fibrin clot, and bm-fibrin clot was proved to have much potential for tissue regeneration compared with pb-fibrin clot. The current study showed the potential of a strategy for regenerative medicine using bm-fibrin clot.

Rotational Acetabular Osteotomy for Pre- and Early Osteoarthritis Secondary to Dysplasia Provides Durable Results at 20 Years.

BACKGROUND: Hip dysplasia is a common cause of secondary osteoarthritis (OA). Periacetabular osteotomy or rotational acetabular osteotomy has been used as joint-preserving procedures. However, only a few reports of long-term results with these operations have been reported. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Would satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes be maintained at a mean duration of 20 years after rotational acetabular osteotomy for pre- and early-stage OA; and (2) could we identify risk factors for radiographic progression of OA? METHODS: Between 1987 and 2001, we treated 159 patients (173 hips) with rotational acetabular osteotomies for the diagnosis of pre-OA or early-stage OA according to the technique of Ninomiya and Tagawa. During that period, our general indications for this approach were age younger than 60 years, center-edge angle less than 20°, and improved femoral head coverage and joint congruency on preoperative AP plain radiographs of the hip in abduction; we did not use this approach when joint congruency was not improved or no widening of the joint space was noted on preoperative AP plain radiographs of the hip in abduction. Of those patients, 21 patients with pre-OA (followup rate: 84% [27 hips]) and 110 patients in the early-stage group (followup rate: 82% [118 hips]) were available at a minimum of 15 years for a total patient group of 131 (followup rate: 82% [145 hips]). The mean age at the time of surgery was 22 years in the pre-OA group and 38 years in the early-stage group. The mean followup was 21 years in the pre-OA group and 20 years in the early-stage group. Clinical evaluation was performed with the Merle d'Aubigne and Postel rating scale, and radiographic analyses included measurements of the center-edge angle, acetabular roof angle, and head lateralization index on preoperative and postoperative AP radiographs of the pelvis. Postoperative joint congruency was also evaluated. The cumulative probabilities of radiographic signs of OA progression were estimated with use of the Kaplan-Meier product-limited method and parametric survivorship analysis using the Cox proportional-hazards model was used to determine risk factors for radiographic OA progression. RESULTS: The mean clinical score improved very slightly, from 15 (SD, 0.8) to 18 (SD, 1.1) (95% confidence interval [CI], -2.9 to -2.0; p < 0.001) in the pre-OA group and from 15 (SD, 1.0) to 16 (SD, 2.1) (95% CI, -2.0 to -1.2; p < 0.001) in the early-stage group at followup. Fourteen patients (15 hips) including one pre-OA patient (one hip) and 13 early-stage patients (14 hips) experienced worsening of their Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score, from a mean of 15 (SD, 0.9) to 12 (SD, 1.6) (95% CI, 1.8-3.3; p < 0.001). Eight patients (nine hips) with early-stage OA preoperatively underwent total hip arthroplasty at a mean duration after rotational acetabular osteotomy of 20 (SD, 2.5) years. Radiographic indices were improved after surgery in both groups. Radiographic progression of OA occurred in 24 patients (25 hips). Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis, with radiographic signs of progression of OA as the endpoint, predicted survival of 96% (95% CI, 89%-100%) at 10 years and 20 years in the pre-OA group. For the early-stage group, we found survivorship of 89% (95% CI, 83%-95%) at 10 years and 78% (95% CI, 69%-87%) at 20 years. We identified two factors associated with poor outcome: fair (rather than excellent and good) postoperative joint congruency (hazard ratio, 12.1; 95% CI, 3.8-39; p < 0.001) and age older than 46 years at the time of surgery (hazard ratio, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.9-11; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Rotational acetabular osteotomy is an effective surgical procedure for symptomatic dysplastic hips in pre- and early-stage OA, and it prevented radiographic OA progression and maintained hip function at a mean 20 years after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Bone Morphology in Hip Dysplasia and Its Effect on Hip Range of Motion in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGOUND: Despite the fact that femoral impingement against the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) is increasingly recognized, there is no description of morphologic features of the AIIS in hip dysplasia and their effect on hip range of motion (ROM) in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose is to evaluate the bone morphology of the AIIS in hip dysplasia and whether its morphology affects hip ROM in THA. METHODS: Computed tomography-based simulation software was used to create 3-dimensional bone models and perform virtual simulations. Using the computed tomographic data of 85 patients (male: n = 25, female: n = 60, mean age: 60.9) with hip osteoarthritis due to dysplasia, we measured the straight, vertical, and horizontal distances between the anteroinferior edge of the AIIS and the center of rotation in sagittal and axial views. The anterior and lateral versions of the AIIS were also measured. We calculated the ROM of flexion (Flex), and internal rotation (Int-R) in THA in the software, and analyzed the correlations among them. RESULTS: The AIIS prominence is bigger and extends more anteriorly and laterally in males than in females. Furthermore, the taller the patient, the more the AIIS extends anteriorly and laterally. We found that Flex and Int-R decreased inversely proportional to the size and lateral version of the AIIS. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that the AIIS bone morphology substantially affects the ROM of Flex and Int-R especially in patients with laterally large AIIS bony anatomy in THA. Furthermore, our result indicates that the morphologic features of AIIS in hip dysplasia may be different between males and females.

The influence of stem offset and neck shaft angles on the range of motion in total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of stem offset and neck shaft angles on the range of motion before component impingement (ROMCI) and bony impingement (ROMBI), and the types of impingement in total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Using the computed tomography data of 101 patients who underwent THA, three-dimensional dynamic motion analysis was performed using a modular implant (Kinectiv(®) stem) that enabled adjustment of offset and leg length independently. We defined offset as horizontal offset (HO) and leg length as vertical offset (VO), and measured the ROMCI and ROMBI in flexion (Flex), internal rotation (Int-R) and external rotation (Ext-R) with the configuration of each horizontal/vertical offset. RESULTS: We found that HO lengthening increased the ROMCI and ROMBI in Flex and Int-R by delaying bony impingement, although excessive lengthening had minimal effect. On the contrary, VO lengthening decreased the ROMCI and ROMBI in Flex and ROMCI in Int-R. As for Ext-R, VO lengthening had positive effects on the ROMCI and ROMBI, whereas lengthening of HO had negative effects on the ROMCI and ROMBI. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that the appropriate long offset with a low shaft angle increased the ROM in Flex and Int-R, and a high neck shaft angle increased the ROM in Ext-R. We should use implants properly in accordance with the types of impingement for avoiding dislocations in THA.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria in the Diagnosis of Femoroacetabular Impingement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to clarify the criteria for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) by way of a systematic review of FAI-related articles, as well as to define more appropriate inclusion or exclusion criteria in the diagnosis of FAI. METHODS: A systematic review of FAI-related articles was performed using Web of Science. Thirty-two articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In these articles we investigated radiographic findings for the diagnosis of FAI and the prevalence of each FAI-related finding. RESULTS: The crossover sign was used in 22 articles (69%); acetabular index, 9 articles (28%); posterior wall sign, 7 articles (22%); and prominence of the ischial spine sign, 3 articles (7%). Regarding acetabular coverage, the lateral center-edge (LCE) angle was described in 13 articles (41%), in which an LCE angle either of more than 40° or of more than 30° combined with an acetabular index of less than 0° was considered an inclusion criterion for pincer impingement. Meanwhile, the alpha angle was used in 28 articles (88%), in which 50° or 55° was recommended as a positive finding of cam impingement. CONCLUSIONS: Common findings of pincer or cam deformity were used to select FAI patients with sufficient coverage of the acetabulum with an LCE angle of more than 25°. Patients with an LCE angle of less than 25° or those with local acetabular deficiency regardless of having a normal LCE angle should be excluded from the FAI criteria, even if the FAI-related findings are positive. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level I through IV studies.

The effect of administration of double stranded MicroRNA-210 on acceleration of Achilles tendon healing in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendons heal slower than other tissues, therefore requiring the developmnent of a strategy for accelerating the process. Vascular supply plays an important role in primary tendon healing, especially during the early healing phase. MicroRNA (miR)-210 has been reported as being crucial for angiogenesis, which is a key factor of tissue repair. We report herein that local injection of synthetic miR-210 into the injured Achilles tendon of a rat accelerated healing of the tendon. METHODS: Achilles tendons were transected and repaired via the Kessler suture technique in Sprague-Dawley rats. Then, double stranded (ds) miR-210 was injected into the repaired sites. The control group was injected with non-functioned dsRNA. At 2, 6 and 12 weeks, histological evaluations were performed. At two and six weeks, mechanical testing and angiogenesis were evaluated. Gene expression analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry were performed at two weeks. RESULT: At two and six weeks, regular dense collagen tissue in the miR-210 group was observed and the diameter of collagen fiber in the miR-210 group was significantly higher than in the control. At two weeks, the ultimate failure load was significantly higher than in the control group, and expression of VEGF, FGF2 and type I collagen was upregulated. Abundant vessels in the miR-210 group were observed at two weeks, but there was no significant difference in vessel numbers between the two groups at six weeks. At 12 weeks, repaired Achilles tendons in the miR-210 group consisted of parallel and dense fibers, whereas wavy and loose fibers were still observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: The current study showed that single local injection of synthetic miR-210 promotes Achilles tendon healing in the early phase.

Low femoral antetorsion and total hip arthroplasty: a risk factor.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether femoral antetorsion affects the range of motion (ROM) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) using 3D dynamic analysis. METHODS: Using 3D computed tomography (CT) data of 71 patients (71 hips) who underwent THA, we calculated antetorsion of the femoral neck, flexion range of motion (Flex ROM), internal rotation (Int-R) and external rotation (Ext-R). Evaluation of the relationship between antetorsion, ROM and the impingement site was performed. As for implant position, anteversion of the femoral implant was set to be the same as natural antetorsion of the femoral neck, and the acetabular component was set 45° of total anteversion in all cases. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in Flex ROM and Int-R inversely proportional to femoral antetorsion. In patients with lower antetorsion, Flex ROM and Int-R decreased due to bony impingement (the anterior great trochanteric region of the femur impinges on the anteroinferior edge of the anteroinferior iliac spine). However, in Ext-R, there was no relationship between ROM and femoral antetorsion. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that lower femoral antetorsion substantially affects Flex ROM and Int-R due to bony impingement. For these patients, consideration must be given to retaining femoral anterior offset in THA.

The clinical and radiographic results of intertrochanteric curved varus osteotomy for idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

PURPOSE: In this study, postoperative results of intertrochanteric curved varus osteotomy (CVO) for idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ION) were studied retrospectively and optimal indication of CVO was considered. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2011, CVO was performed in 51 patients (53 hips) for the treatment of ION in our department. The patients who had the potential to obtain acetabular coverage of more than one-third of the intact articular surface on pre-operative AP hip radiographs in maximum abduction were considered suitable for this operation. For radiological assessment, a ratio of necrotic volume, a ratio of postoperative intact surface on the weight-bearing area, progression of collapse, shortening length of the lower limb, and lateralization of great trochanter were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean ratio of necrotic volume was 16.9 %. The mean ratio of postoperative intact surface on the weight-bearing area of the femoral head was 51.7 %. The progression of collapse was observed in two hips (ratio of necrotic volume 10.4, 39.8 %; ratio of postoperative intact area 36.5, 38.1 %). The mean shortening length of the lower limb was 9 mm, and the mean lateralization of great trochanter was 3 mm. One hip (ratio of necrotic volume 11.6 %, ratio of intact area 35.8 %) was converted to THA because of the progression of osteoarthritis at 55 months after CVO. CONCLUSION: The results of CVO for ION were successful, if this procedure was indicated for cases with intact load-bearing area more than 40 %.

A 30-year follow-up study of rotational acetabular osteotomy for pre- and early-stage osteoarthritis secondary to dysplasia of the hip.

Aims: The objective of this study was to present the outcomes of rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) over a 30-year period for osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to dysplasia of the hip in pre- or early-stage OA. Methods: Between September 1987 and December 1994, we provided treatment to 47 patients (55 hips) with RAO for the management of pre- or early-stage OA due to developmental hip dysplasia. Of those, eight patients (11 hips) with pre-OA (follow-up rate 79%) and 27 patients (32 hips) with early-stage OA (follow-up rate 78%), totalling 35 patients (43 hips) (follow-up rate 78%), were available at a minimum of 28 years after surgery. Results: In the pre-OA group, the mean Merle d'Aubigné score improved significantly from 14.5 points (SD 0.7) preoperatively to 17.4 points at final follow-up (SD 1.2; p = 0.004) and in the early-stage group, the mean score did not improve significantly from 14.0 (SD 0.3) to 14.6 (SD 2.4; p = 0.280). Radiologically, the centre-edge angle, acetabular roof angle, and head lateralization index were significantly improved postoperatively in both groups. Radiological progression of OA was observed in two patients (two hips) in the pre-OA group and 17 patients (18 hips) in the early-stage group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, with radiological progression of OA as the primary outcome, projected a 30-year survival rate of 81.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 1.00) for the pre-OA group and 42.2% (95% CI 0.244 to 0.600) for the early-stage group. In all cases, the overall survival rate stood at 51.5% (95% CI 0.365 to 0.674) over a 30-year period, and when the endpoint was conversion to total hip arthroplasty, the survival rate was 74.0% (95% CI 0.608 to 0.873). Conclusion: For younger patients with pre-OA, joint preservation of over 30 years can be expected after RAO.