Aims

Electromagnetic induction heating has demonstrated in vitro antibacterial efficacy over biofilms on metallic biomaterials, although no in vivo studies have been published. Assessment of side effects, including thermal necrosis of adjacent tissue, would determine transferability into clinical practice. Our goal was to assess bone necrosis and antibacterial efficacy of induction heating on biofilm-infected implants in an in vivo setting.

Pelvic bone defect in patients with severe congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) lead to abnormalities in lumbar spine and lower limb alignment that can determine total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients' outcome. These variables may be different in uni- or bilateral CDH.

We compared the clinical outcome and the spinopelvic and lower limb radiological changes over time in patients undergoing THA due to uni- or bilateral CHD at a minimum follow-up of five years.

Sixty-four patients (77 hips) undergoing THA due to severe CDH between 2006 and 2015 were analyzed: Group 1 consisted of 51 patients with unilateral CDH, and group 2, 113 patients (26 hips) with bilateral CDH. There were 32 females in group 1 and 18 in group 2 (p=0.6). The mean age was 41.6 years in group 1 and 53.6 in group 2 (p<0.001). We compared the hip, spine and knee clinical outcomes. The radiological analysis included the postoperative hip reconstruction, and the evolution of the coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters assessing the pelvic obliquity (PO) and the sacro-femoro-pubic (SFP) angles, and the knee mechanical axis evaluating the tibio-femoral angle (TFA).

At latest follow-up, the mean Harris Hip Score was 88.6 in group 1 and 90.7 in group 2 (p=0.025). Postoperative leg length discrepancy of more than 5 mm was more frequent in group 1 (p=0.028). Postoperative lumbar back pain was reported in 23.4% of the cases and knee pain in 20.8%, however, there were no differences between groups. One supracondylar femoral osteotomy and one total knee arthroplasty were required. The radiological reconstruction of the hip was similar in both groups. The PO angle improved more in group 1 (p=0.01) from the preoperative to 6-weeks postoperative and was constant at 5 years. The SFP angle improved in both groups but there were no differences between groups (p=0.5). 30 patients in group 1 showed a TFA less than 10º and 17 in group 2 (p=0.7).

Although the clinical outcome was better in terms of hip function in patients with bilateral CDH than those with unilateral CDH, the improvement in low back and knee pain was similar. Patients with unilateral dysplasia showed a better correction of the PO after THA. All spinopelvic and knee alignment parameters were corrected and maintained over time in most cases five years after THA.

Aims

Successful cell therapy in hip osteonecrosis (ON) may help to avoid ON progression or total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the achieved bone regeneration is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate amount and location of bone regeneration obtained after surgical injection of expanded autologous mesenchymal stromal cells from the bone marrow (BM-hMSCs).

Introduction

Durable bone fixation of uncemented porous-coated acetabular cups can be observed at a long-term, however, polyethylene (PE) wear and osteolysis may affect survivorship. Accurate wear measurements correlated with clinical data may offer unique research information of clinical interest about this highly debated issue.

Background

Although the tribological characteristics are excellent, cup fixation has been one of the limitations in alumina-on-alumina total hip replacement (THR), so different types of materials and surfaces have been developing. We analysed the clinical and radiological outcome of two different uncemented cups for the same alumina-on-alumina THR.

Objectives

Implant-related infection is one of the most devastating complications in orthopaedic surgery. Many surface and/or material modifications have been developed in order to minimise this problem; however, most of the in vitro studies did not evaluate bacterial adhesion in the presence of eukaryotic cells, as stated by the ‘race for the surface’ theory. Moreover, the adherence of numerous clinical strains with different initial concentrations has not been studied.

Background and aim

Recent proposals have been introduced to modify stem design and/or femoral fixation in total hip replacement (THR). New designs need to consider previous design features and their results. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of six different designs of tapered uncemented stems implanted in our Institution.

Background

Delayed bone healing and nonunion are complications of long bone fractures, with prolonged pain and disability. Regenerative therapies employing mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and/or bone substitutes are increasingly applied to enhance bone consolidation. Within the REBORNE project, a multi-center orthopaedic clinical trial was focused on the evaluation of efficacy of expanded autologous bone marrow (BM) derived MSC combined with a CaP-biomaterial to enhance bone healing in patients with nonunion of diaphyseal fractures. To complement the clinical and radiological examination of patients, bone turnover markers (BTM) were assayed as potential predictors of bone healing or non-union.

Background

Definitive proof is lacking on mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) cellular therapy to regenerate bone if biological potential is insufficient. High number of MSCs after GMP expansion may solve the progenitor insufficiency at the injury but clinical trials are pending.

Background and aim

Despite good survivorship analysis for most uncemented tapered straight stems, new proposals modifying stem design in total hip replacement (THR) are being introduced in order to facilitate femoral revision surgery.

We have evaluated the clinical and radiological results of four different designs of uncemented tapered straight stems implanted in our institution in order to assess: operative complications, clinical results, survivorship analysis for aseptic loosening and radiographic findings

Total hip replacement (THR) in young patients has been associated to higher revision rates than in older population. Different conditions may lead to end-stage arthritis of the hip in these patients. We compared the clinical and radiological outcome of two different groups of young and very young patients who underwent a ceramic-on-ceramic THR.

120 hips were prospectively followed for a mean of 10.4 years (range, 5 to 17). 38 patients (46 hips) were less than 30 years old (group 1), and, 68 (74 hips) were between 31 and 40 years old (group 2). Weight (p<0.001) and physical activity level were greater in group 2 (p<0.001). Preoperative function (p=0.03) and range of mobility (p=0.03) were worse in group 1. Primary osteoarthritis was not found in any case. Rheumatoid juvenile arthritis was the most frequent diagnosis in group 1 and avascular necrosis of the femoral head in group 2. A femoral funnel-shaped type 1 according to Dorr was more frequent in group 2 (p=0.04). The same ceramic-on-ceramic uncemented THR was used in all cases. Screws for cup fixation were only used when strictly needed. We analysed the clinical results according to the Merle-D´Aubignè and Postel scale, the postoperative radiological reconstruction of the hip and the radiological appearance of cup loosening. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was used to estimate the cumulative probability of not having a revision surgery.

Screw use required to obtain a secured interference fit of the acetabular component was found more frequently in group 1 (p=0.01). Postoperative pain (p=0.002) and function (p=0.002) were better in group 1. Mean acetabular abduction angle of the cup was greater in group 1 (p=0.03) and reconstruction to the hip rotation center according to Ranawat (p=0.01) was better in group 2. Placement of the acetabular component inside the Lewinnek´s zone and stem position were similar in both groups. No hips were revised due to complications related to ceramic or to stem loosening. Three cups were revised for aseptic loosening in group 1 and four in group 2. The survival rate for cup aseptic loosening at 15 years was 92.3% (95% CI: 83.7 to 100) for group 1 and 93.1% (95% CI: 85.3 to 99.9) for group 2 (Log rank, p=0.88).

Ceramic-on-ceramic uncemented THR is an excellent option for young and very young patients. Despite worse preoperative conditions in patients under the age of 30 years, a similar clinical outcome was found in this series.

Although cemented fixation provides excellent results in primary total hip replacement (THR), particularly in patients older than 75 years, uncemented implants are most commonly used nowadays. We compare the rate of complications, clinical and radiological results of three different designs over 75-years-old patients.

433 hips implanted in patients over 75 years old were identified from our Local Joint Registry. Group A consisted of 139 tapered cemented hips, group B of 140 tapered grit-blasted uncemented hips and group C of 154 tapered porous-coated uncemented hips. A 28 mm femoral head size on polyethylene was used in all cases. The mean age was greater in group A and the physical activity level according to Devane was lower in this group (p<0.001 for both variables). Primary osteoarthritis was the most frequent diagnoses in all groups. The radiological acetabular shape was similar according to Dorr, however, an osteopenic-cylindrical femur was most frequently observed in group A (p<0.001). The pre- and post-operative clinical results were evaluated according to the Merle-D'Aubigne and Postel scale. Radiological cup position was assessed, including hip rotation centre distance according to Ranawat and cup anteversion according to Widmer. We also evaluated the lever arm and height of the greater trochanter distances and the stem position. Kaplan-Meier analysis was done for revision for any cause and loosening.

The hip rotation centre distance was greater and the height of the greater trochanter was lower in group B (p=0.003, p<0.001, respectively). The lever arm distance was lower in group C (p<0.001). A varus stem position was more frequently observed in group B (p<0.001). There were no intra- or post-operative fractures in group A, although there were five intra-operative fractures in the other groups plus two post-operative fractures in group B and four in group C. The rate of dislocation was similar among groups and was the most frequent cause for revision surgery (8 hips for the whole series). The mean post-operative clinical score improved in all groups. The overall survival rate for revision for any cause at 120 months was 88.4% (95% CI 78.8–98), being 97.8% (95% CI 95.2–100) for group A, 81.8% (95% CI 64.8–98.8) for group B and 95.3% (95% CI 91.1–99.6) for group C (log Rank: 0.416). Five hips were revised for loosening. The overall survival rate for loosening at 120 months was 91.9% (95% CI 81.7–100), being 99.2%(95% CI 97.6–100) for group A, 85.5 (95% CI 69.9 −100) for group B and 100% for group C (Log Rank 0.093).

Despite a more osteopenic bone in the cemented group, the rate of peri-prosthetic fractures was higher after uncemented THR in patients older than 75 years. Although the overall outcome is good with both types of fixation, the post-operative reconstruction of the hip, which might be more reliable after cemented fixation, may affect the rate of complications in this population.

Summary

Attachment, proliferation and osteogenic maturation of hMSCs are enhanced on a sub-micron grooved Ti6Al4V alloy, while osteoblasts are less sensitive. These effects are attributed to their different maturation stage and may be mediated through differential activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway.

Summary Statement

Description of an original in vitro protocol for assessing combined bacteria and cell competitive adherence on the surface of biomaterials of medical interest

Summary Statement

Combination of antibiotics with N-acetylcisteine and sub-MIC concentration of erythromycin was evaluated in two collection and 16 clinical strains of staphylococci isolated from PJI. The results were strain-dependent, so it evidences the necessity of perform individual studies of biofilm susceptibility.

Summary Statement

Parathytorid hormone-related protein (107–111) loaded onto biopolymer-coated nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA_Glu) improves the bone repair in a cavitary defect in rat tibiae.

INTRODUCTION

Biomaterial-related infections are an important complication in orthopaedic surgery [1], and Staphylococcus sp. accounts for more than half of the prosthetic joint infection cases [2]. Adhesion of bacteria to biomaterial surfaces is a key step in pathogenesis of such infections [3]. Titanium alloys are widely used in orthopaedic implants because their biocompatibility [4]. Surface incorporation of ions with antimicrobial properties, like fluorine, is one strategy previously studied with good results [5].

INTRODUCTION

Prosthetic joint related-infections (PJRI) are severe complications in orthopaedic surgery. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the most commonly isolated pathogens from implants (1). The variable antimicrobial susceptibility found in these microorganisms, makes it necessary to perform individual susceptibility studies in order to select the best antibiotic combination for clinical management (2).

Aim: Osteoarthritis can be a progressive disabling disease, which results from the pathological imbalance of degradative and reparative processes. The synovium, bone, and cartilage are each well established sites involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to progressive joint degeneration. However, the role of meniscus is not known enough. We studied the distribution of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in man menisci and its changes in osteoarthritis

Patients and Methods: We studied 30 internal menisci from patients with knee osteoarthritis that underwent a total knee arthroplasty and meniscal tissue get from partial arthroscopic meniscectomy in 5 young patients that suffered internal meniscus tear within three months after the damage.

Meniscal samples were processed for histology, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, for assessment of cell density, cells actively dividing as well as apoptotic cells, distribution of COMP and estimate the proteoglycan content.

Results: Osteoarthritic meniscus demonstrated areas depleted of cells and significant decrease in COMP immunostaining. Cell clusters were found around meniscal tears. We did not find cells activity dividing in the osteoarthritic group, but there were dividing cells in meniscectomy group. Proteoglycan staining was decreased in meniscus from osteoarthritis group.

Conclusions: Osteoarthritis leads to decrease cell population in menisci, loose of COMP as well as altered matrix organization. The role of meniscus in osteoarthritis of the knee is no clear but our results demonstrate changes in COMP and cells in osteoarthritis menisci. These changes reveal an altered scaffold and changes in the meniscus function. Perhaps these alterations have influence on development of knee osteoarthritis.