Objectives. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of alterations in messenger RNAs (mRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in cartilage affected by osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. The expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in OA cartilage were assessed using whole-transcriptome sequencing. Bioinformatics analyses included prediction and reannotation of novel lncRNAs and circRNAs, their classification, and their placement into subgroups. Gene ontology and pathway analysis were performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), and differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs). We focused on the overlap of DEGs and targets of DELs previously identified in seven high-throughput studies. The top ten DELs were verified by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in articular chondrocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Results. In total, 739 mRNAs, 1152 lncRNAs, and 42 circRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in OA cartilage tissue. Among these, we identified 18 overlapping DEGs and targets of DELs, and the top ten DELs were screened by expression profile analysis as candidate OA-related genes. WISP2, ATF3, and CHI3L1 were significantly increased in both normal versus OA tissues and normal versus interleukin (IL)-1β-induced OA-like cell models, while ADAM12, PRELP, and ASPN were shown to be significantly decreased. Among the identified DELs, we observed higher expression of ENST00000453554 and MSTRG.99593.3, and lower expression of MSTRG.44186.2 and NONHSAT186094.1 in normal versus OA cells and tissues. Conclusion. This study revealed expression patterns of coding and noncoding RNAs in OA cartilage, which added sets of genes and noncoding RNAs to the list of candidate diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents for OA patients. Cite this article: H. Li, H. H. Yang, Z. G. Sun, H. B. Tang, J. K. Min. Whole-transcriptome sequencing of knee joint cartilage from osteoarthritis patients. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:290–303. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.87.BJR-2018-0297.R1

Aims. The preventive effects of bisphosphonates on articular cartilage in non-arthritic joints are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral bisphosphonates on the rate of joint space narrowing in the non-arthritic hip. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed standing whole-leg radiographs from patients who underwent knee arthroplasties from 2012 to 2020 at our institute. Patients with previous hip surgery, Kellgren–Lawrence grade ≥ II hip osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, or rheumatoid arthritis were excluded. The rate of hip joint space narrowing was measured in 398 patients (796 hips), and the effects of the use of bisphosphonates were examined using the multivariate regression model and the propensity score matching (1:2) model. Results. A total of 45 of 398 (11.3%) eligible patients were taking an oral bisphosphonate at the time of knee surgery, with a mean age of 75.8 years (SD 6.2) in bisphosphonate users and 75.7 years (SD 6.8) in non-users. The mean joint space narrowing rate was 0.04 mm/year (SD 0.11) in bisphosphonate users and 0.12 mm/year (SD 0.25) in non-users (p < 0.001). In the multivariate model, age (standardized coefficient = 0.0867, p = 0.016) and the use of a bisphosphonate (standardized coefficient = −0.182, p < 0.001) were associated with the joint space narrowing rate. After successfully matching 43 bisphosphonate users and 86 non-users, the joint narrowing rate was smaller in bisphosphonate users (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The use of bisphosphonates is associated with decreased joint degeneration in non-arthritic hips after knee arthroplasty. Bisphosphonates slow joint degeneration, thus maintaining the thickness of joint cartilage in the normal joint or during the early phase of osteoarthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(11):826–834

Altered distal radioulnar joint contact (DRUJ) mechanics are thought to cause degenerative changes in the joint following injury. Much of the current research examining DRUJ arthrokinematics focuses on the effect of joint malalignment and resultant degenerative changes. Little is known regarding native cartilage contact mechanics in the distal radioulnar joint. Moreover, current techniques used to measure joint contact rely on invasive procedures and are limited to statically loaded positions. The purpose of this study was to examine native distal radioulnar joint contact mechanics during simulated active and passive forearm rotation using a non-invasive imaging approach. Testing was performed using 8 fresh frozen cadaveric specimens (6 men: 2 women, mean age 62 years) with no CT evidence of osteoarthritis. The specimens were thawed and surgically prepared for biomechanical testing by isolating the tendons of relevant muscles involved in forearm rotation. The humerus was then rigidly secured to a wrist simulator allowing for simulated active and passive forearm rotation. Three-dimensional (3D) cartilage surface reconstructions of the distal radius and ulna were created using volumetric data acquired from computed tomography after joint disarticulation. Using optically tracked motion data and 3D surface reconstructions, the relative position of the cartilage models was rendered and used to measure DRUJ cartilage contact mechanics. The results of this study indicate that contact area was maximal in the DRUJ at 10 degrees of supination (p=0.002). There was more contact area in supination than pronation for both active (p=0.005) and passive (p=0.027) forearm rotation. There was no statistically significant difference in the size of the DRUJ contact patch when comparing analogous rotation angles for simulated active and passive forearm motion (p=0.55). The contact centroid moved 10.5±2.6 mm volar along the volar-dorsal axis during simulated active supination. Along the proximal-distal axis, the contact centroid moved 5.7±2.4 mm proximal during simulated active supination. Using the technique employed in this study, it was possible to non-invasively examine joint cartilage contact mechanics of the distal radioulnar joint while undergoing simulated, continuous active and passive forearm rotation. Overall, there were higher contact area values in supination compared with pronation, with a peak at 10 degrees of supination. The contact centroid moved volarly and proximally with supination. There was no difference in the measured cartilage contact area when comparing active and passive forearm rotation. This study gives new insight into the changes in contact patterns at the native distal radioulnar joint during simulated forearm rotation, and has implications for increasing our understanding of altered joint contact mechanics in the setting of deformity

Aims

This study was performed to investigate the association between the acetabular morphology and the joint space narrowing rate (JSNR) in the non-arthritic hip.

Ouery: Matrix-coupled autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) has become increasingly widespread in the therapy of cartilage defects. The objective of this controlled prospective study was to examine the mid-term results of MACT compared to those of Microfracturing (MF) for the treatment of cartilage defects in the knee joint and to determine possible advantages or disadvantages of the two methods.

Method: In order to compare the two treatment methods, 40 patients with discrete cartilage defects were treated with MACT and 40 with MF between 4/01 – 4/03. As inclusion criterion, the patients had a chondral defect of at least 1.5 cm and as exclusion criterion, there could be no additional cartilage damage in the other areas of the knee. MRI examinations were performed preoperative (T2 gew. TSE-Sequence, fetts. FLASH-3D) and could be repeated after 6 and 12 months. Knee joint function, the activity level and the patient’s quality of life were evaluated in both groups pre- and postoperative using the modified Cincinnati Score and the Tegner Activity Index.

Results: There was significant improvement in the scores used for the study in both the MF group and the MACT group. Comparison of the two groups revealed significantly greater clinical improvement in the MACT patients than in the MF patients (3.8 point increase MACT versus 2.6 point increase MF in the Cincinnati Score). Taking the size extent of the treated cartilage damage into account, there was, however, no relevant difference in defects less than 2,5 qcm.

Conclusion: The study could demonstrate that both methods are successful in treating localized cartilage damage in the knee joint. Comparison of the two forms of therapy showed a greater extent of improvement in the MACT group. However, classification by the size of the defect revealed that this effect was relevant only in larger defects, so that the size of the defect should be a decisive criterion for the selection of therapy.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint is a complex peripheral joint disorder with multiple risk factors. We aimed to examine the relationship between the grade of knee OA and anterior thigh length (ATL). A total of 64 geriatric patients who had no total hip or knee replacement with a BMI of ≥30 were evaluated. Patients' OA severity was determined by two independent experts from bilateral standing knee radiographs according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade. Joint cartilage structure was assessed using ultrasonography (US). The ATL, the gastrocnemius medialis (GC), the rectus femoris (RF) and the rectus abdominis (RA) skeletal muscle thicknesses as well as the RF cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured with US. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the handgrip strength (HGS), 5× sit-to-stand test (5xSST) and bioelectrical impedance analysis. The median (IQR) age of participants was 72 (65–88) years. Seventy-one per cent of the patients (n=46) were female. They were divided into the sarcopenic obese (31.3 %) and the non-sarcopenic obese (68.8%) groups. KL grade of all patients correlated negatively with the ATL (mm) and the thickness of GC (mm) (r= -0,517, p<0.001 and r= -0.456, p<0.001, respectively). In the sarcopenic obese and the non-sarcopenic obese groups, KL grade of the all patients was negatively correlated with ATL (mm) and thickness of GC (mm) (r= -0,986, p<0.001; r= -0.456, p=0.05 and r= -0,812, p=0.002; r= −0,427, p=0.006). KL grade negatively correlated with the RF thickness in the sarcopenic obese group (r= -0,928, p=0.008). In conclusion, OA risk may decrease as the lower extremity skeletal muscle mass increases. Acknowledgments: Feza Korkusuz MD is a member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA)

Lesions in the joint surface are commonly treated with osteoarticular autograft transfer system (OATS), autologous cell implantation (ACI/MACI), or microfracture. Tissue formed buy the latter commonly results in mechanically inferior fibrocartilage that fails to integrate with the surrounding native cartilage, rather than durable hyaline cartilage. Fractional laser treatment to make sub-millimeter (<500 µm) channels has been employed for tissue regeneration in the skin to facilitate rejuvenation without typical scarring. Additionally, we have pioneered a means to generate articular cartilage matrix from chondrocytes—dynamic Self-Regenerating Cartilage (dSRC). Combining these two approaches by performing fractional laser treatment of the joint cartilage and treating with dSRC is a new paradigm for joint surface restoration. This approach was refined in a series of in vitro experiments and tested in swine knee defects during a 6-month study in 12 swine. dSRC are generated by placing 10. 7. swine knee chondrocytes into sealed 15-mL polypropylene tubes and cultured on a rocker at 40 cycles per minute for 14 days at 37°C. The chondrocytes aggregate and generate new extracellular matrix to form a pellet of dSRC. Channels of approximately 300-500 µm diameter were created by infrared laser ablation in swine cartilage (in vitro) and swine knees (in vivo). The diameter and depth of the ablated channel in the cartilage was controlled by the light delivery parameters (power, spot size, pulse duration) from a fractional 2.94 µm Erbium laser. The specimens were evaluated with histology (H&E, safranin O, toluidine blue) and polarized-sensitive optical coherence tomography for collagen orientation. We can consistently create laser-ablated channels in the swine knee and successfully implant new cartilage from dSRC to generate typical hyaline cartilage in terms of morphology and biochemical properties. The neocartilage integrates with host cartilage in vivo. These findings demonstrate our novel combinatorial approach for articular cartilage rejuvenation

Introduction. Osteoarthritis (OA) causes pain, stiffness, and loss of function due to degenerative changes in joint cartilage and bone. In some forms of OA, exercise can alleviate symptoms by improving joint mobility and stability. However, excessive training after joint injury may have negative consequences for OA development. Sensory nerve fibers in joints release neuropeptides like alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (alpha-CGRP), potentially affecting OA progression. This study investigates the role of alpha-CGRP in OA pathogenesis under different exercise regimen in mice. Method. OA was induced in C57Bl/6J WT mice and alpha-CGRP KO mice via surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) at 12 weeks of age (N=6). Treadmill exercise began 2 weeks post-surgery and was performed for 30 minutes, 5 days a week, for 2 or 6 weeks at intense (16 m/min, 15° incline) or moderate (10 m/min, 5° incline) levels. Histomorphometric assessment of cartilage degradation (OARSI scoring), serum cytokine analysis, immunohistochemistry, and nanoCT analysis were conducted. Result. OARSI scoring confirmed OA induction 4 weeks post-DMM surgery, with forced exercise exacerbating cartilage degradation regardless of intensity. No significant genotype-dependent differences were observed. Serum analysis revealed elevated cytokine levels associated with OA and inflammation in KO mice compared to WT mice 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery (VEGF-A, MCP-1, CXCL10, RANTES, MIP1-alpha, MIP1-beta, and RANKL). The observed effects were often exacerbated by intense exercise but rarely by DMM surgery. NanoCT analysis demonstrated increased sclerotic bone changes after 6 weeks of forced exercise in KO mice compared to WT mice. Conclusion. Our results suggest an OA promoting effect of exercise in early disease stages of posttraumatic OA. Intense exercise induced inflammatory processes correlated to increased cytokine levels in the serum that might exacerbate OA pathogenesis in later stages. The neuropeptide alpha-CGRP might play a role in protecting against these adverse effects

The lifetime prevalence of symptomatic osteoarthritis at the knee is 50% osteoarthritis of the ankle occurs in only 1% of the population. This variation in prevalence has been hypothesised to result from the differential responsiveness of the joint cartilages to catabolic stimuli. Human cartilage explants were taken from the talar domes (n=12) and the femoral condyles (n=7) following surgical amputation. Explants were cultured in the presence of either a combination of high concentration cytokines (TNFα, OSM, IL-1α) to resemble a post traumatic environment or low concentration cytokines to resemble a chronic osteoarthritic joint. Cartilage breakdown was measured by the percentage loss of Sulphated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) from the explant to the media during culture. Expression levels of the pro-inflammatory molecules nitric oxide and prostaglandin E. 2. were also measured. Significantly more sGAG was lost from knee cartilage exposed to TNFα (22.2% vs 13.2%, P=0.01) and TNFα in combination with IL-1α (27.5% vs 16.0%, P=0.02) compared to the ankle; low cytokine concentrations did not affect sGAG release. Significantly more PGE. 2. was produced by knee cartilage compared to ankle cartilage however no significant difference in nitrite production was noted. Cartilage from the knee and ankle has a divergent response to stimulation by pro-inflammatory cytokines, with high concentrations of TNFα alone, or in combination with IL-1α amplifying cartilage degeneration. This differential response may account for the high prevalence of knee arthritis compared to ankle OA and provide a future pharmacological target to treat post traumatic arthritis of the knee

Aims. This study aimed to investigate whether human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) can prevent articular cartilage degradation and explore the underlying mechanisms in a rat osteoarthritis (OA) model induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). Methods. Human UC-MSCs were characterized by their phenotype and multilineage differentiation potential. Two weeks after MIA induction in rats, human UC-MSCs were intra-articularly injected once a week for three weeks. The therapeutic effect of human UC-MSCs was evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue, Safranin-O/Fast green staining, and Mankin scores. Markers of joint cartilage injury and pro- and anti-inflammatory markers were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results. Histopathological analysis showed that intra-articular injection of human UC-MSCs significantly inhibited the progression of OA, as demonstrated by reduced cartilage degradation, increased Safranin-O staining, and lower Mankin scores. Immunohistochemistry showed that human UC-MSC treatment down-regulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP13) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS-5), and enhanced the expression of type II collagen and ki67 in the articular cartilage. Furthermore, human UC-MSCs significantly decreased the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while increasing TNF-α-induced protein 6 and IL-1 receptor antagonist. Conclusion. Our results demonstrated that human UC-MSCs ameliorate MIA-induced OA by preventing cartilage degradation, restoring the proliferation of chondrocytes, and inhibiting the inflammatory response, which implies that human UC-MSCs may be a promising strategy for the treatment of OA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(3):226–236

Introduction Osteochondral lesions of the talus are a common occurrence especially in sports injuries. The biomechanical nature of the ankle joint makes it susceptible to sprains which can cause damage not only to the capsulo-ligamentous structures, but also to the joint cartilage and subchondral bone. As it is known, joint cartilage is a highly specialized and multitask tissue. Because joint cartilage has poor reparative capability, damage may be irreversible and as a consequence, can also lead to osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study is to review the results of a series of patients treated with autologous chondrocytes implantation (A.C.I.) and to describe the evolution in surgical technique that we have been implemented in the last 8 years. Methods Thirty-nine patients with a mean age of 27 8 years affected by osteochondral lesions of the talus > 1.5 cm2, were treated by autologous chondrocyte implantation. All patients were checked clinically and by MRI up to 4 years follow-up. The first 9 patients received the ACI by open technique and the remaining 30, arthroscopically. In the last 10 patients the cartilage harvested from the detached osteochondral fragment was used for the colture. All patients were checked clinically (AOFAS score), radiographically and by MRI, before surgery, at 12 months and at follow-up. Eleven patients underwent a second arthroscopy with a bioptic cartilage harvest at 1 year follow-up. Samples were stained with Safranin-O and Alcian Blue. Immunohistochemical analysis for collagen type II was also performed. Results Before surgery the mean score was 48.4 17 points, at 12 months 90.9 12 (p< 0.0005), while at follow up was 93.8 8 (p< 0.0005) demonstrating an improvement over time. The histological and immunohistological analyses performed on the cartilage samples using Safranin-O, Alcian Blue staining and anti-human collagen type II antibody respectively showed a typical cartilage morphology, were positive for collagen type II and for proteoglycans expression. Conclusions The clinical and histological results have confirmed the validity of the technique utilized, with laboratory data confirming the newly formed cartilage was of hyaline type for all the cases evaluated

Background. Over 30 million people run marathons annually. The impact of marathon running on hips is unclear with existing literature being extremely limited (only one study of 8 runners). Aim and Objectives. We aimed to better understand the effect of marathon running on the pelvis and hip joints by designing the largest MRI study of asymptomatic volunteers. The objectives were to evaluate the pelvis and both hip joints before and after a marathon. Materials and Methods. This was a prospective cohort study, Fig.1. We recruited 44 asymptomatic volunteers who were registered for the Richmond Marathon. They were divided into novice and experienced marathoners, Fig.2. All volunteers underwent 3T MRI of pelvis and hips with Dixon sequences 4 months before, and within 2 months after the marathon. Outcome measures were: 1. change in radiological score of each hip joint structure and muscle from the pre- to the post-marathon MRI; 2. change in the self-reported hip function questionnaire score (HOOS) between the two timepoints. Results Pre-marathon, Asymptomatic novice marathoners' hips showed few joint abnormalities (cartilage, bone marrow, labrum), while minimal fatty muscle atrophy of the abductors and CAM-type hip impingement were common (68%; 34%, respectively). Experienced marathoners had no cartilage lesions and slightly lower prevalences of abnormalities than novice runners. Post-marathon, Hip joint cartilage, bone edema and labrum did not worsen in neither novice nor experienced marathoners. Abductor muscles were unaffected post-marathon. Self-reported hip outcomes were not significantly different after the run for both groups. Conclusion. This is the largest MRI study of long-distance runners. We showed that marathon running has no negative impact on the pelvis and hip joints. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Purpose: Joint cartilage repair is one of the most widely studies aspects of orthopedic care. The tissue’s intrinsic capacity to repair degenerative, inflammatory or trauma-induce damage is low. The purpose of this study was to report early results obtained with an allograft using a hybrid biocartilage in the rabbit. Material and methods: Chondrocytes obtained by successive enzymatic digestion of joint cartilage from the knee joint were implanted via medial arthrotomy into an osteo-cartilaginous knee defect measuring 4 cm in diameter and 3 mm in depth produced by trepanation of the tronchlea. Both knees were operated in six adult New Zealand rabbits. After eight weeks, the animals were assessed clinically then sacrificed. The femoral condyles were removed for histological study. All grafted joints were mobile and had normal function without risk of self-mutilation. Results: The joint samples did not show any evidence of effusion. The implant site was still visible macroscopically and presented a cartilaginous surface continuous with the healthy cartilage. After HES staining, the distal pole of the implant was found to be colonised with young cartilage continuous with the trochlear cartilage. Enchondral ossification appeared to be present in the distal part of certain cartilaginous nodules with a bony lamina continuous with the adjacent subchondral bone. There was no evidence of an inflammatory reaction of the synovial and the patellar cartilage was normal. Discussion: These preliminary results of a hybrid biocartilage graft combined with cartilage surface reconstruction and osteointegration of the deep implant without in vivo supply of growth factors are encouraging. The safety of the supporting material was demonstrated. We are currently working on developing an autograft from progenitor cells

Defects of the joint cartilage are of enormous medical and socio-economic impact. Meanwhile is widely acknowledged that untreated cartilage defects lead to an early onset of osteoarthritis. Intrinsic factors for the genesis of osteoarthritis are unknown. It is wellknown however that joint cartilage has only a limited capacity of regeneration. The conservative treatment of early osteoarthritis should focus on the following principles: Limit the pain. Various drugs are available for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis (e.g. NSAIR, cortison, herbal preparations). Intrarticular injections with antiinflammatory agents (e.g. hyaluronan, cortison, IL-1 antagonists) have been proven to reduce pain and dysfunction. Orthetic devices are able to unload joint compartments destroyed by osteoarthritic cartilage lesions. Arthroscopic lavage and debridement eliminate inflammation mediating substances and balance the synovial environment. Maintain the function. Physiotherapy and massage fight the stiffness of the joint and enhance the periarticular circulation. Daily activity should be encouraged and supported e.g. by walking aids and custom-made shoewear. Reduce factors for progression. A successful dietary program can minimize overload of osteoarthritic joints. Surgical procedures to restore and maintain meniscal function, joint stability and physiological loading are beneficial to prevent further cartilage deterioration. Regeneration of cartilaginous surfaces e.g. by marrow stimulation techniques or autologous chondrocyte transplantation will ease joint function and inhibit enzymatic degradation of healthy cartilage. In the last 10 years modern biochemical and cell biological techniques opened new horizons for the treatment of cartilage defects and osteoarthritis Future will teach us the value of cartilage regeneration to treat osteoarthritis. The biologic approach of cell based therapies and the arthroscopic application of resorbable implants widen the indications for the conservative surgical treatment of osteoarthritis

Arthrography is a valuable diagnostic tool in pediatric orthopaedics. Although it is considered safe for systemic use of water-soluble contrast media, toxicities in some tissues have been identified. The goal of this study is to describe the ultrastructural alterations induced by intra-articular two water soluble contrast media, namely Dimeglumine and Iopromide, in rabbit joint cartilage. 60 rabbit knees were used in this study, 20 receiving 1 ml injections of Dimeglumine, 20 receiving 1 ml injections of Iopromide and the remainder of the knees served as control and injected 1 ml physiological saline. The animals were killed after 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week and 2 weeks and a specimen of the knee cartilage were immersed in to %5 Glutaraldehyde + Phosphate buffer solution and fixed for overnight at +5° C. Tissues were postfixed in %1 Osmium Tetroxide solution for 1 hour and samples were routinely proccessed for electron microscopy. In the knees injected with SF, the cartilage appeared normal on transmission EM examination and only rare chondrocytes with small glycogen and lipid vacuoles were observed, whereas in those injected with Dimeglumine and Iopromide, increased activation of cells, glycogen and lipid accumulation, collagen fibrils in matrix and especially in those injected with Iopromide decreased matrix around the cells were present in the cartilage. There were very rare picnotic cells in these samples. Contrast agents have local effects as well as systemic effects. In this study detrimental local effects of contrast agents have been demonstrated by high dose exposure in rabbit joint cartilage. We concluded that further work is needed to determine if these effects are of clinical importance

Introduction. The prevalence of symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) in the knee is 11–11% compared to 3.4–4.4% in the ankle. In addition to this, 70% of ankle arthritis is post-traumatic while the vast majority of knee arthritis is primary OA. Several reports have previously implicated biochemical differences in extracellular matrix composition between these joint cartilages; however, it is unknown whether there is an inherent difference in their transcriptome and how this might affect their respective functionality under load, inflammatory environment etc. Therefore, we have analysed the transcriptome of ankle and knee cartilage chondrocytes to determine whether this could account for the lower prevalence and altered aetiology of ankle OA. Methods. Human full-depth articular cartilage was taken from the talar domes (n=5) and the femoral condyles (n=5) following surgical amputation. RNA was extracted and next generation sequencing (NGS) performed using the NextSeq®500 system. Statistical analysis was performed to identify differentially regulated genes (p adj < 0.05). Data was analysed using Integrated Pathway Analysis software and genes of interest validated by quantitative PCR. Results. 809 genes were differentially expressed in this NGS study: 781 genes were significantly up-regulated and 27 significantly down-regulated in ankle cartilage with respect to knee. Preliminary analysis has identified several pathways which are differentially regulated including ‘inflammation mediated by cytokines’, ‘glutamate receptor pathway, ‘heterotrimeric-G-protein signalling pathways’, ‘WNT signalling’ and ‘integrin signalling’. Discussion. This is the first report identifying genes that are differentially expressed in ankle cartilage compared to the knee. Validation is currently being performed to ascertain the importance of these gene changes and correlation with their protein expression in the different joints. An understanding of the inherent biological differences in the cartilage between these two joints will provide invaluable insight into why the ankle is relatively spared from primary OA and the majority of ankle arthritis occurs following trauma

Aims

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease characterized by chronic inflammatory articular cartilage degradation. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been previously indicated to play an important role in inflammation-related diseases. Herein, the current study set out to explore the involvement of lncRNA H19 in OA.

Aims

CRP is an acute-phase protein that is used as a biomarker to follow severity and progression in infectious and inflammatory diseases. Its pathophysiological mechanisms of action are still poorly defined. CRP in its pentameric form exhibits weak anti-inflammatory activity. The monomeric isoform (mCRP) exerts potent proinflammatory properties in chondrocytes, endothelial cells, and leucocytes. No data exist regarding mCRP effects in human intervertebral disc (IVD) cells. This work aimed to verify the pathophysiological relevance of mCRP in the aetiology and/or progression of IVD degeneration.

Aims

In the treatment of basal thumb osteoarthritis (OA), intra-articular autologous fat transplantation has become of great interest within recent years as a minimally invasive and effective alternative to surgical intervention with regard to pain reduction. This study aims to assess its long-term effectiveness.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA) is chronic inflammation commonly occurs in early childhood. Recently, biological therapies are used in JIA at the early stage as same as rheumatoid arthritis, due to retain joint cartilage. However, some of young patients have painful knee problems requiring knee replacement. We experienced 4 cases of JIA treated by knee arthroplasty. The average age at surgery was 33.5 years (range, 26–38 years) with a mean follow-up of 9.5 years (range, 5–18 years). We evaluated the knee range of motion and functional outcomes by the Knee Society Score (KSS), implant selection, postoperative complication, surgery of another joint. Mean range of motion improved from 76.3° (0°–120°) at pre-operation to 110.6° (80°–130°) at post-operation (P<0.05). Mean KSS increased from 47.3 ±20.1 preoperatively to 86.9 ±11.1 (P<0.01) at last follow-up and the mean KSS function from 27.5 ±25.9 to 62.5±20.2 at last follow-up (P<0.05). All of the TKAs were cemented, 5 were cruciate-retaining implant designs, whereas 2 TKAs had constrained posterior stabilized implant designs. Patellar resurfacing was undergone in all knees. Bone graft required in 1 knee within severe knee deformity. Complication were occurred in 5 knees. Medial instability in 2 knees. Skin necrosis, MCL avulsion, recurrence of the synovitis are one in each. All cases had polyarticular type. Previous THA had undergone in 5 hips, synovectomy in 3 knees, foot surgery in 2 feet. At latest follow-up, 1 of 8 TKAs (12.5%) had been revised, and had revision of its polyethylene exchange only. Patients with JIA often have valgus alignment with a flexion contracture and poor bone quality is also frequently compromised. Prescribed immunosuppressive medication or biological agents may cause to infection. In our series there were no infection, but some of these need much more soft tissue release because of severe deformity and flexion contracture. TKA survivorship for JIA is inferior to that typically seen in younger patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The knee of conservative therapy were often caused to severe functional limitations. Timimg of TKA may be indicated no matter how young the patient is. Extending timing of TKA may leads to worse outcome and postoperative function. But it may be caution that the surgical exposure can be difficult, because of stiffness, flexion contracture, bony deformity, osteopenia