Aims. This study intended to investigate the effect of vericiguat (VIT) on titanium rod osseointegration in aged rats with
We randomised 120 patients who were undergoing either primary total hip or knee arthroplasty to receive either ferrous sulphate or a placebo for three weeks after surgery. The level of haemoglobin and absolute reticulocyte count were measured at one and five days, and three and six weeks after operation. Ninety-nine patients (ferrous sulphate 50, placebo 49) completed the study. The two groups differed only in the treatment administered. Recovery of level of haemoglobin was similar at five days and three weeks and returned to 85% of the pre-operative level, irrespective of the treatment group. A small, albeit greater recovery in the level of haemoglobin was identified at six weeks in the ferrous sulphate group in both men (ferrous sulphate 5%, placebo 1.5%) and women (ferrous sulphate 6%, placebo 3%). The clinical significance of this is questionable and may be outweighed by the high incidence of reported side effects of oral
Aims. Hereditary haemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that is caused by several known mutations in the human homeostatic
Aims. Hip and knee arthroplasty is commonly performed for end-stage arthritis. There is limited information to guide golfers on the impact this procedure will have postoperatively. This study aimed to determine the impact of lower limb arthroplasty on amateur golfer performance and return to play. Methods. A retrospective observational study was designed to collect information from golfers following arthroplasty. Data were collected from 18 April 2019 to 30 April 2019 and combined a patient survey with in-app handicap data. Results. A total of 2,198 responses were analyzed (1,097 hip and 1,101 knee). Of the respondents, 1,763 (80%) were male and the mean age was 70 years (26 to 92). Hip arthroplasty was associated with a mean increase in handicap of 1.03 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 1.25). No difference was seen between isolated leading or trailing leg (p = 0.428). Bilateral hip arthroplasty increased handicap (p < 0.001). Overall, 1,025 (94%) maintained or increased the amount of golf played, 258 (23.5%) returned to
Haemophilic arthropathy is characterised by
Aims. Mendelian randomization (MR) is considered to overcome the bias of observational studies, but there is no current meta-analysis of MR studies on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of this study was to summarize the relationship between potential pathogenic factors and RA risk based on existing MR studies. Methods. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for MR studies on influencing factors in relation to RA up to October 2022. Meta-analyses of MR studies assessing correlations between various potential pathogenic factors and RA were conducted. Random-effect and fixed-effect models were used to synthesize the odds ratios of various pathogenic factors and RA. The quality of the study was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology using Mendelian Randomization (STROBE-MR) guidelines. Results. A total of 517 potentially relevant articles were screened, 35 studies were included in the systematic review, and 19 studies were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis. Pooled estimates of 19 included studies (causality between 15 different risk factors and RA) revealed that obesity, smoking, coffee intake, lower education attainment, and Graves’ disease (GD) were related to the increased risk of RA. In contrast, the causality contribution from serum mineral levels (calcium,
We explored the role of
After total hip and knee replacement arthoplasty, patients may become anaemic and may be prescribed oral
The mechanism by which synovial fluid (SF) kills bacteria has not yet been elucidated, and a better understanding is needed. We sought to analyze the antimicrobial properties of exogenous copper in human SF against We performed in vitro growth and viability assays to determine the capability of Aims
Methods
This edition of Cochrane Corner looks at some of the work published by the Cochrane Collaboration, covering pharmacological interventions for the prevention of bleeding in people undergoing definitive fixation or joint replacement for hip, pelvic, and long bone fractures; interventions for reducing red blood cell transfusion in adults undergoing hip fracture surgery: an overview of systematic reviews; and pharmacological treatments for low back pain in adults: an overview of Cochrane Reviews
The October 2023 Research Roundup360 looks at: Gut microbiota in high-risk individuals for rheumatoid arthritis associated with disturbed metabolome and initiates arthritis by triggering mucosal immunity imbalance; International Consensus on Anaemia Management in Surgical Patients (ICCAMS); Sleep disturbance trends in the short-term postoperative period for patients undergoing total joint replacement; Achilles tendon tissue turnover before and immediately after an acute rupture; Quadriceps or hip exercises for patellofemoral pain? A randomized controlled equivalence trial; Total-body MRI for screening in patients with multiple osteochondromas.
To map literature on prognostic factors related to outcomes of revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA), to identify extensively studied factors and to guide future research into what domains need further exploration. We performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. The search string included multiple synonyms of the following keywords: "revision TKA", "outcome" and "prognostic factor". We searched for studies assessing the association between at least one prognostic factor and at least one outcome measure after rTKA surgery. Data on sample size, study design, prognostic factors, outcomes, and the direction of the association was extracted and included in an evidence map.Aims
Methods
The February 2023 Oncology Roundup360 looks at: Is the number of national database research studies in musculoskeletal sarcoma increasing, and are these studies reliable?; Re-excision after unplanned excision of soft-tissue sarcoma is associated with high morbidity; Adjuvant radiation in atypical lipomatous tumours; The oncological outcomes of isolated limb perfusion and neoadjuvant radiotherapy in soft-tissue sarcoma patients - a nationwide multicentre study; Can low-grade chondrosarcoma be treated with intralesional curettage and cryotherapy?; Efficacy and safety of carbon ion radiotherapy for bone sarcomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis; Doxorubicin-polymeric meshes prevent local recurrence after sarcoma resection while avoiding cardiotoxicity; How important are skip lesions in Ewing’s sarcoma?; Improving outcomes for amputees: the health-related quality of life and cost utility analysis of osseointegration prosthetics in transfemoral amputees.
Transfusion after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become rare, and identification of causative factors allows preventive measures. The aim of this study was to determine patient-specific factors that increase the risk of needing a blood transfusion. All patients who underwent elective THA were analyzed retrospectively in this single-centre study from 2020 to 2021. A total of 2,892 patients were included. Transfusion-related parameters were evaluated. A multiple logistic regression was performed to determine whether age, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, sex, or preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) could predict the need for transfusion within the examined patient population.Aims
Methods
The primary aim of this prospective, multicentre study is to describe the rates of returning to golf following hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder arthroplasty in an active golfing population. Secondary aims will include determining the timing of return to golf, changes in ability, handicap, and mobility, and assessing joint-specific and health-related outcomes following surgery. This is a multicentre, prospective, longitudinal study between the Hospital for Special Surgery, (New York City, New York, USA) and Edinburgh Orthopaedics, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, (Edinburgh, UK). Both centres are high-volume arthroplasty centres, specializing in upper and lower limb arthroplasty. Patients undergoing hip, knee, ankle, or shoulder arthroplasty at either centre, and who report being golfers prior to arthroplasty, will be included. Patient-reported outcome measures will be obtained at six weeks, three months, six months, and 12 months. A two-year period of recruitment will be undertaken of arthroplasty patients at both sites.Aims
Methods
Telehealth has the potential to change the way we approach patient care. From virtual consenting to reducing carbon emissions, costs, and waiting times, it is a powerful tool in our clinical armamentarium. There is mounting evidence that remote diagnostic evaluation and decision-making have reached an acceptable level of accuracy and can safely be adopted in orthopaedic surgery. Furthermore, patients’ and surgeons’ satisfaction with virtual appointments are comparable to in-person consultations. Challenges to the widespread use of telehealth should, however, be acknowledged and include the cost of installation, training, maintenance, and accessibility. It is also vital that clinicians are conscious of the medicolegal and ethical considerations surrounding the medium and adhere strictly to the relevant data protection legislation and storage framework. It remains to be seen how organizations harness the full spectrum of the technology to facilitate effective patient care. Cite this article:
Blood transfusion and postoperative anaemia are complications of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that are associated with substantial healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality. There are few data from large datasets on the risk factors for these complications. We retrospectively reviewed the records of TKA patients from a single tertiary care institution from February 2016 to December 2020. There were a total of 14,901 patients in this cohort with a mean age of 67.9 years (SD 9.2), and 5,575 patients (37.4%) were male. Outcomes included perioperative blood transfusion and postoperative anaemia, defined a priori as haemoglobin level < 10 g/dl measured on the first day postoperatively. In order to establish a preoperative haemoglobin cutoff, we investigated a preoperative haemoglobin level that would limit transfusion likelihood to ≤ 1% (13 g/dl) and postoperative anaemia likelihood to 4.1%. Risk factors were assessed through multivariable Poisson regression modelling with robust error variance.Aims
Methods
The number of females within the speciality of trauma and orthopaedics (T&O) is increasing. The aim of this study was to identify: 1) current attitudes and behaviours of UK female T&O surgeons towards pregnancy; 2) any barriers faced towards pregnancy with a career in T&O surgery; and 3) areas for improvement. This is a cross-sectional study using an anonymous 13-section web-based survey distributed to female-identifying T&O trainees, speciality and associate specialist surgeons (SASs) and locally employed doctors (LEDs), fellows, and consultants in the UK. Demographic data was collected as well as closed and open questions with adaptive answering relating to attitudes towards childbearing and experiences of fertility and complications associated with pregnancy. A descriptive data analysis was carried out.Aims
Methods
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic pathema of human joints. The pathogenesis is complex, involving physiological and mechanical factors. In previous studies, we found that ferroptosis is intimately related to OA, while the role of Sat1 in chondrocyte ferroptosis and OA, as well as the underlying mechanism, remains unclear. In this study, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was used to simulate inflammation and Erastin was used to simulate ferroptosis in vitro. We used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knock down the spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (Sat1) and arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (Alox15), and examined damage-associated events including inflammation, ferroptosis, and oxidative stress of chondrocytes. In addition, a destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) mouse model of OA induced by surgery was established to investigate the role of Sat1 inhibition in OA progression.Aims
Methods
Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) participates in various processes, such as the enhancement of immunity and inhibition of tumours. APS can affect osteoporosis (OP) by regulating the osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). This study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of APS in hBMSC proliferation and osteoblast differentiation. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were performed to determine the expression of microRNA (miR)-760 and ankyrin repeat and FYVE domain containing 1 (ANKFY1) in OP tissues and hBMSCs. Cell viability was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The expression of cyclin D1 and osteogenic marker genes (osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2)) was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Mineral deposits were detected through Alizarin Red S staining. In addition, Western blotting was performed to detect the ANKFY1 protein levels following the regulation of miR-760. The relationship between miR-760 and ANKFY1 was determined using a luciferase reporter assay.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this study was to determine the association between prior sleeve gastrectomy in patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty, and 90-day complications, incidence of revision arthroplasty, and patient-reported outcome scores at final follow-up. This is a retrospective, single-centre analysis. Patients undergoing primary hip or knee arthroplasty with a prior sleeve gastrectomy were eligible for inclusion (n = 80 patients). A morbidly obese control group was established from the same institutional registry using a 1:2 match, for cases:controls with arthroplasty based on propensity score using age, sex, pre-sleeve gastrectomy BMI, Current Procedural Terminology code to identify anatomical location, and presurgical haemoglobin A1C. Outcomes included 90-day complications, incidence of revision arthroplasty, and patient-reported outcome scores at final follow-up. Multivariable logistic regressions evaluated associations of underlying preoperative demographic and treatment characteristics with outcomes.Aims
Methods
Therapeutic agents that prevent chondrocyte loss, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and osteoarthritis (OA) progression are required. The expression level of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats and discoidin I-like domains-containing protein 3 (EDIL3) in damaged human cartilage is significantly higher than in undamaged cartilage. However, the effect of EDIL3 on cartilage is still unknown. We used human cartilage plugs (ex vivo) and mice with spontaneous OA (in vivo) to explore whether EDIL3 has a chondroprotective effect by altering OA-related indicators.Aims
Methods
The modern prevalence of primary tumours causing metastatic bone disease is ill-defined in the oncological literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of primary tumours in the setting of metastatic bone disease, as well as reported rates of pathological fracture, postoperative complications, 90-day mortality, and 360-day mortality for each primary tumour subtype. The Premier Healthcare Database was queried to identify all patients who were diagnosed with metastatic bone disease from January 2015 to December 2020. The prevalence of all primary tumour subtypes was tabulated. Rates of long bone pathological fracture, 90-day mortality, and 360-day mortality following surgical treatment of pathological fracture were assessed for each primary tumour subtype. Patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed based upon whether patients had impending fractures treated prophylactically versus treated completed fractures.Aims
Methods
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are usually cultured in a normoxic atmosphere (21%) in vitro, while the oxygen concentrations in human tissues and organs are 1% to 10% when the cells are transplanted in vivo. However, the impact of hypoxia on MSCs has not been deeply studied, especially its translational application. In the present study, we investigated the characterizations of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in hypoxic (1%) and normoxic (21%) atmospheres with a long-term culture from primary to 30 generations, respectively. The comparison between both atmospheres systematically analyzed the biological functions of MSCs, mainly including stemness maintenance, immune regulation, and resistance to chondrocyte apoptosis, and studied their joint function and anti-inflammatory effects in osteoarthritis (OA) rats constructed by collagenase II.Aims
Methods
This study examined the relationship between obesity (OB) and osteoporosis (OP), aiming to identify shared genetic markers and molecular mechanisms to facilitate the development of therapies that target both conditions simultaneously. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we analyzed datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify co-expressed gene modules in OB and OP. These modules underwent Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment and protein-protein interaction analysis to discover Hub genes. Machine learning refined the gene selection, with further validation using additional datasets. Single-cell analysis emphasized specific cell subpopulations, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), protein blotting, and cellular staining were used to investigate key genes.Aims
Methods
One of the aims of this work was to find criteria by which the quality of bone as a supporting tissue might be judged. This inevitably involves discussion and, if possible, assessment, of the relative importance of the inorganic and organic material of the bone. It is relatively easy to measure the mineral content, and for that reason it has always received more than its due share of attention. In the present experiment the composition of the ash of all bones was remarkably constant, with a Ca/P ratio of 2. Furthermore, X-ray crystallography showed that the structure of the inorganic material was the same in all cases. The great difficulty of measuring variations in the quality of the organic material which is, of course, protein in nature makes it impossible to say how much it influences bone strength. Since at least 40 per cent. of the bone is collagen, either a quantitative or a qualitative alteration might alter bone strength. X-ray crystallography revealed no qualitative differences in the collagen material of bones of the three groups; so that for the present it would seem safer to assume that alterations in the physical properties of the bones are due to variations in the relative proportions of organic and inorganic constituents (Dawson 1946, Bell et al. 1947). These experiments show that the three diets produce highly significant differences in the percentage of ash, in S. B. , and in E. It is possible that some variations in the percentage of ash are due to variations in the absolute collagen (weight of collagen in unit volume of bone substance); but the range of variation in the percentage of ash leaves no reasonable doubt that differences in percentage ash between the diet groups are due essentially to differences in absolute ash. Presumably the collagen contributes something to the strength of the bone; but the indications are that it plays a minor part and that the relative weakness and flexibility of rachitic bones is due to decrease in the absolute ash content. Within any one diet group, the relation between percentage ash and the other two variables, S. B. and E, is masked by other sources of variation such as those associated with the many measurements involved; and thus the correlation between percentage ash and S. B. , and also between percentage ash and E, is not significant. At first sight, the scatter diagrams (Figs. 5 and 6) appear to indicate a correlation between ash and S. B. , and between ash and E. Closer inspection shows, however, that the apparent trend is due largely to differences between the means of the diet groups, and that the points within any one group show no such obvious trend. Figure 7 shows that the position with regard to correlation between S. B. and E is very different. Here there is an obvious trend within each diet group; the amount of scatter is very much less. Calculation shows that, even when the differences between the means of diet groups is excluded, there is still a significant correlation between S. B. and E. The question of the correlation between the three variables is discussed more fully in the addendum to this paper. Although the "goodness" of a bone is usually judged by its breaking stress, the experimental findings recorded above suggest that it may be assessed equally well on the basis of elastic properties as shown by Young's modulus. Normal bones, group S in these experiments, were elastic up to 79 per cent. of their breaking stress (Table II): the poorer bones of groups R and N were, however, only a little inferior in this respect. In some cases there was no apparent deviation of the load-deflexion curve from a straight line until the bone was about to break. Such a curve was published in the first paper of this series (Bell, Cuthbertson and Orr 1941), but in the light of further experience this curve is scarcely typical. The terminal falling over of the curve is illustrated in Figure 4 and is much more marked in the bones of group R. While stress at the upper limit of elasticity varies over a wide range in the three groups (Table II and Fig. 4), the strain at this point is remarkably constant at about 1·5 per cent. This same percentage displacement must occur between the molecules of the bone material at the elastic limitâand it may be that, up to this amount of molecular displacement, the deformation is reversible; but that beyond it, plastic changes occur. We have no evidence as to whether the limiting displacement concerns mineral or protein constituents of the bone, or both. We have already commented on the remarkable strength of bone material (Bell et al., 1941). The breaking stress of normal rat bone is about the same as that of cast
This report details seven patients who had an arthropathy at presentation of their haemochromatosis. The spectrum ranged from arthralgia and normal radiographs to classic polyarthritis and the typical radiological triad of joint-space narrowing, sclerosis and cysts. Some atypical presentations are highlighted. An early diagnosis of haemochromatosis requires clinical suspicion; support can be obtained from serum
Progressive structural scoliosis in growing rabbits has been produced. Tethering the thoracic spine into the form of an asymmetric lordosis produces a slowly progressive structural scoliosis by purely mechanical means. The addition of a contralateral release of the paraspinal muscles leads to a very progressive deformity with early cardiorespiratory failure. This release, however, was performed with an electric soldering
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the biggest communicable causes of mortality worldwide. While incidence in the UK has continued to fall since 2011, Bradford retains one of the highest TB rates in the UK. This study aims to examine the local disease burden of musculoskeletal (MSK) TB, by analyzing common presenting factors within the famously diverse population of Bradford. An observational study was conducted, using data from the Bradford Teaching Hospitals TB database of patients with a formal diagnosis of MSK TB between January 2005 and July 2017. Patient data included demographic data (including nationality/date of entry to the UK), disease focus, microbiology, and management strategies. Disease incidence was calculated using population data from the Office for National Statistics. Poisson confidence intervals were calculated to demonstrate the extent of statistical error. Disease incidence and nationality were also analyzed, and correlation sought, using the chi-squared test.Aims
Methods
This review provides a concise outline of the advances made in the care of patients and to the quality of life after a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) over the last century. Despite these improvements reversal of the neurological injury is not yet possible. Instead, current treatment is limited to providing symptomatic relief, avoiding secondary insults and preventing additional sequelae. However, with an ever-advancing technology and deeper understanding of the damaged spinal cord, this appears increasingly conceivable. A brief synopsis of the most prominent challenges facing both clinicians and research scientists in developing functional treatments for a progressively complex injury are presented. Moreover, the multiple mechanisms by which damage propagates many months after the original injury requires a multifaceted approach to ameliorate the human spinal cord. We discuss potential methods to protect the spinal cord from damage, and to manipulate the inherent inhibition of the spinal cord to regeneration and repair. Although acute and chronic SCI share common final pathways resulting in cell death and neurological deficits, the underlying putative mechanisms of chronic SCI and the treatments are not covered in this review.
1. Experiments using radio-isotope techniques show that whenever an orthopaedic appliance is inserted into the body tiny fragments of the instruments used to handle it become detached and welded on to the surface of the buried metal. 2. There is evidence that these particles of non-passive tool-metal may cause a small but continuing dissolution of the stainless metal to which they are attached, and that this dissolution, although too small to be detected as visible corrosion, may produce an adverse tissue reaction. 3. In samples of human tissue taken from sites adjacent to buried metal the greatest level of tissue reaction and the highest concentration of
The incidence of bone metastases is between 20% to 75% depending on the type of cancer. As treatment improves, the number of patients who need surgical intervention is increasing. Identifying patients with a shorter life expectancy would allow surgical intervention with more durable reconstructions to be targeted to those most likely to benefit. While previous scoring systems have focused on surgical and oncological factors, there is a need to consider comorbidities and the physiological state of the patient, as these will also affect outcome. The primary aim of this study was to create a scoring system to estimate survival time in patients with bony metastases and to determine which factors may adversely affect this. This was a retrospective study which included all patients who had presented for surgery with metastatic bone disease. The data collected included patient, surgical, and oncological variables. Univariable and multivariable analysis identified which factors were associated with a survival time of less than six months and less than one year. A model to predict survival based on these factors was developed using Cox regression.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate whether wear and backside deformation of polyethylene (PE) tibial inserts may influence the cement cover of tibial trays of explanted total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). At our retrieval centre, we measured changes in the wear and deformation of PE inserts using coordinate measuring machines and light microscopy. The amount of cement cover on the backside of tibial trays was quantified as a percentage of the total surface. The study involved data from the explanted fixed-bearing components of four widely used contemporary designs of TKA (Attune, NexGen, Press Fit Condylar (PFC), and Triathlon), revised for any indication, and we compared them with components that used previous generations of PE. Regression modelling was used to identify variables related to the amount of cement cover on the retrieved trays.Aims
Methods
Orthopaedic surgeries are complex, frequently performed procedures associated with significant haemorrhage and perioperative blood transfusion. Given refinements in surgical techniques and changes to transfusion practices, we aim to describe contemporary transfusion practices in orthopaedic surgery in order to inform perioperative planning and blood banking requirements. We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery at four Canadian hospitals between 2014 and 2016. We studied all patients admitted to hospital for nonarthroscopic joint surgeries, amputations, and fracture surgeries. For each surgery and surgical subgroup, we characterized the proportion of patients who received red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, the mean/median number of RBC units transfused, and exposure to platelets and plasma.Aims
Methods
1. A total of 564 metal components from 109 patients have been examined. 2. Corrosion was detected on 228 components. 3. Most implants were removed for reasons other than corrosion. 4. In at least twelve cases corrosion was the reason for removal of the implant. 5. No corrosion of cobalt-chromium-molybdenum implants has been detected by the methods described in this paper. 6. Corrosion of ferrous alloy implants occurs in the human body. 7. The most common site for corrosion is the junction between components of implants. 8. The most corrosion-resistant type of ferrous alloy for implant uses is 18/8/Mo steel, which falls within specification En58.J of the British Standards Institute, and specification 316/317 of the American
To evaluate the effect of ultrasound-targeted simvastatin-loaded microbubble destruction (UTMD In vitro, OA chondrocytes were treated with ultrasound (US), US-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD), simvastatin (SV), and UTMDAims
Methods
Metal allergy in knee arthroplasty patients is a controversial topic. We aimed to conduct a scoping review to clarify the management of metal allergy in primary and revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase, from their inception to November 2020, for studies evaluating TKA patients with metal hypersensitivity/allergy. All studies reporting on diagnosing or managing metal hypersensitivity in TKA were included. Data were extracted and summarized based on study design, study population, interventions and outcomes. A practical guide is then formulated based on the available evidence.Aims
Methods
Vertebrates have adapted to life on Earth and its constant gravitational field, which exerts load on the body and influences the structure and function of tissues. While the effects of microgravity on muscle and bone homeostasis are well described, with sarcopenia and osteoporosis observed in astronauts returning from space, the effects of shorter exposures to increased gravitational fields are less well characterized. We aimed to test how hypergravity affects early cartilage and skeletal development in a zebrafish model. We exposed zebrafish to 3 g and 6 g hypergravity from three to five days post-fertilization, when key events in jaw cartilage morphogenesis occur. Following this exposure, we performed immunostaining along with a range of histological stains and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine cartilage morphology and structure, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation experiments to investigate the cartilage material properties, and finite element modelling to map the pattern of strain and stress in the skeletal rudiments.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to compare ten-year longitudinal healthcare costs and revision rates for patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The Humana database was used to compare 2,383 patients undergoing UKA between 2007 and 2009, who were matched 1:1 from a cohort of 63,036 patients undergoing primary TKA based on age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. Medical and surgical complications were tracked longitudinally for one year following surgery. Rates of revision surgery and cumulative mean healthcare costs were recorded for this period of time and compared between the cohorts.Aims
Methods
Tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) is one of the most common soft-tissue tumours of the foot and ankle and can behave in a locally aggressive manner. Tumour control can be difficult, despite the various methods of treatment available. Since treatment guidelines are lacking, the aim of this study was to review the multidisciplinary management by presenting the largest series of TGCT of the foot and ankle to date from two specialized sarcoma centres. The Oxford Tumour Registry and the Leiden University Medical Centre Sarcoma Registry were retrospectively reviewed for patients with histologically proven foot and ankle TGCT diagnosed between January 2002 and August 2019.Aims
Methods
To investigate metallosis in patients with magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) and characterize the metal particle profile of the tissues surrounding the rod. This was a prospective observational study of patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS) treated with MCGRs and undergoing rod exchange who were consecutively recruited between February 2019 and January 2020. Ten patients were recruited (mean age 12 years (SD 1.3); 2 M:8 F). The configurations of the MCGR were studied to reveal the distraction mechanisms, with crucial rod parts being the distractable piston rod and the magnetically driven rotor inside the barrel of the MCGR. Metal-on-metal contact in the form of ring-like wear marks on the piston was found on the distracted portion of the piston immediately outside the barrel opening (BO) through which the piston rod distracts. Biopsies of paraspinal muscles and control tissue samples were taken over and away from the wear marks, respectively. Spectral analyses of the rod alloy and biopsies were performed to reveal the metal constituents and concentrations. Histological analyses of the biopsies were performed with haematoxylin and eosin staining.Aims
Methods
This study aimed to determine if macrophages can attach and directly affect the oxide layers of 316L stainless steel, titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V), and cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy (CoCrMo) by releasing components of these alloys. Murine peritoneal macrophages were cultured and placed on stainless steel, CoCrMo, and Ti6Al4V discs into a 96-well plate. Cells were activated with interferon gamma and lipopolysaccharide. Macrophages on stainless steel discs produced significantly more nitric oxide (NO) compared to their control counterparts after eight to ten days and remained elevated for the duration of the experiment.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the severity of anaemia on postoperative complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. All patients who underwent primary TKA or THA between January 2012 and December 2017 were identified and stratified based upon hematocrit level. In this analysis, we defined anaemia as packed cell volume (Hct) < 36% for women and < 39% for men, and further stratified anaemia as mild anaemia (Hct 33% to 36% for women, Hct 33% to 39% for men), and moderate to severe (Hct < 33% for both men and women). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the incidence of multiple adverse events within 30 days of arthroplasty.Aims
Methods
Cementless primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with risks of bleeding and thromboembolism. Anticoagulants are effective as venous thromboprophylaxis, but with an increased risk of bleeding. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an efficient antifibrinolytic agent, but the mode and timing of its administration remain controversial. This study aimed to determine whether two intravenous (IV) TXA regimens (a three-hour two-dose (short-TXA) and 11-hour four-dose (long-TXA)) were more effective than placebo in reducing perioperative real blood loss (RBL, between baseline and day 3 postoperatively) in patients undergoing THA who receive rivaroxaban as thromboprophylaxis. The secondary aim was to assess the non-inferiority of the reduction of blood loss of the short protocol A multicentre, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken involving 229 patients undergoing primary cementless THA using a posterior approach, whose extended rivaroxaban thromboprophylaxis started on the day of surgery. There were 98 male and 131 female patients, with a mean age of 65.5 years (32 to 91). The primary outcome, perioperative RBL, was evaluated at 72 hours postoperatively. The efficacy of short- and long-TXA protocols in the reduction of perioperative RBL was compared with a placebo group.Aims
Patients and Methods
Despite declining frequency of blood transfusion and electrolyte supplementation following total joint arthroplasty, postoperative blood analyses are still routinely ordered for these patients. This study aimed to determine the rate of blood transfusion and electrolyte restoration in arthroplasty patients treated with a perioperative blood conservation protocol and to identify risk factors that would predict the need for transfusion and electrolyte supplementation. Patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty of the hip or knee between July 2016 and February 2017 at a single institution were included in the study. Standard preoperative and postoperative laboratory data were collected and reviewed retrospectively. A uniform blood conservation programme was implemented for all patients. Need for blood transfusion or potassium supplementation was determined through a coordinated decision by the care team. Rates of transfusion and supplementation were observed, and patient risk factors were noted.Aims
Patients and Methods