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- IZKF Nachwuchsgruppe Geweberegeneration für muskuloskelettale Erkrankungen (7)
- Bernhard-Heine-Centrum für Bewegungsforschung (4)
- König-Ludwig-Haus Würzburg (3)
- Orthopädische Klinik und Poliklinik der Universität Würzburg (2)
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- Muskuloskelettales Centrum Würzburg (MCW) (1)
- Orthopädische Klinik König-Ludwig-Haus (1)
Self-assembling three-dimensional organoids that do not rely on an exogenous scaffold but maintain their native cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions represent a promising model in the field of tendon tissue engineering. We have identified dermal fibroblasts (DFs) as a potential cell type for generating functional tendon-like tissue. The glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) has been shown to regulate cell proliferation and facilitate differentiation towards other mesenchymal lineages. Therefore, we hypothesized that the administration of DEX could reduce excessive DF proliferation and thus, facilitate the tenogenic differentiation of DFs using a previously established 3D organoid model combined with dose-dependent application of DEX. Interestingly, the results demonstrated that DEX, in all tested concentrations, was not sufficient to notably induce the tenogenic differentiation of human DFs and DEX-treated organoids did not have clear advantages over untreated control organoids. Moreover, high concentrations of DEX exerted a negative impact on the organoid phenotype. Nevertheless, the expression profile of tendon-related genes of untreated and 10 nM DEX-treated DF organoids was largely comparable to organoids formed by tendon-derived cells, which is encouraging for further investigations on utilizing DFs for tendon tissue engineering.
Beinachsenfehlstellungen im Kindesalter zählen zu den häufigsten Wachstums- und Entwicklungsstörungen der unteren Extremitäten. Eine daraus resultierende Prädisposition für degenerative Erkrankungen begründet die Bedeutung der operativen Korrektur bei noch geöffneten Wachstumsfugen mittels temporärer Hemiepiphyseodese.
Zur Beurteilung des Therapieerfolges wurden insgesamt 140 Beinachsen mit idiopathischen Achsfehlstellungen retrospektiv betrachtet. In den Jahren 2017 bis 2021 wurden mit der VaWiKo® EPI-PLATTE und der PediatrOS™ FlexTack™ zwei unterschiedliche Implantate zur temporären Hemiepiphyseodese in der kinderorthopädischen Klinik des Marienstift Arnstadt verwendet. Entsprechend der verwendeten Implantate erfolgte die Einteilung in zwei Patientengruppen, die sowohl klinisch als auch radiologisch jeweils prä- und postoperativ gegenübergestellt wurden.
Bei Patienten/-innen mit einer Beinachsenkorrektur durch die VaWiKo® EPI-PLATTE ergab sich durchschnittlich eine signifikant kürzere Explantationsdauer (EP 26,05 min; FT 35,60 min) sowie eine kürzere Durchleuchtungszeit in Winkelminuten (EP 0,03; FT 0,07) im Rahmen der Explantation. Dem gegenüber steht die signifikant kürzere stationäre Aufenthaltsdauer in Tagen bei der Im- und Explantation der PediatrOS™ FlexTack™. (EP 5,43/ 3,73; FT 4,52/ 3,35). In Bezug auf die zur Wachstumskorrektur benötigten Zeit in Tagen resultiert in der Varus-Gruppe ein signifikanter Unterschied zugunsten der PediatrOS™ FlexTack™, (EP 517; FT 299) wohingegen sich in der Valgus-Gruppe kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen beiden Implantaten zeigte (EP 343; FT 334). Zusammenfassend traten zwei Komplikationen auf, die jeweils Kinder aus der PediatrOS™ FlexTack™-Gruppe betrafen.
Sowohl die PediatrOS™ FlexTack™ als auch die VaWiKo® EPI-PLATTE konnten die gewünschte Beinachsenkorrektur erzielen. Die in der Literatur mit der PediatrOS™ FlexTack™ in Verbindung gebrachten kürzeren Implantations- und Durchleuchtungszeiten sowie die kürzeren Therapiedauern des Genu valgum konnten im Vergleich zur VaWiKo® EPI-PLATTE nicht bestätigt werden.
Im Rahmen dieser retrospektiven Studie zur Madelung-Deformität wurden 23 Hände von 16 Patienten, welche in einem Zeitraum von 17,5 Jahren mit einer Radiuskorrekturosteotomie (RKO) oder eine Physiolyse mit Vickers-Band-Entfernung (PHY) behandelt wurden, nachuntersucht und bezüglich des OP-Outcomes verglichen. Die Gruppe RKO umfasste 14 Hände mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 22 Jahren und einer durchschnittlichen Follow-Up-Zeitraum von 7 Jahren. Die Gruppe PHY bestand aus 9 Händen mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 13 Jahren und einem mittleren Follow-Up-Zeitraum von 5 Jahren.
In unserem Kollektiv konnte die Radiuskorrektur eine Verbesserung bezüglich der Schmerzen, des subjektiven Gesundheitsstatus, der Beweglichkeit und der radiologischen Ausprägung der Deformität herbeiführen. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse stützen damit die aus der bisherigen Literatur ableitbare Vermutung, dass dieses Verfahren zur Therapie der Madelung-Deformität geeignet ist. Die Physiolyse mit Vickers-Band-Entfernung konnte die Progredienz der Erkrankung in unserer Stichprobe nicht suffizient aufhalten, wie es anhand der bisherigen Literatur allerdings zu erwarten gewesen wäre. Infolgedessen kam es in der Gruppe PHY zu einer Zunahme der Schmerzen und der Ausprägung der Deformität sowie einer Verschlechterung des Gesundheitsstatus. Der Grund hierfür lag wahrscheinlich im, verglichen mit der bisherigen Literatur, relativ hohen Durchschnittsalter der Gruppe. Es lässt sich schlussfolgern, dass die Physiolyse mit Vickers-Band-Entfernung ihre Wirkung vor allem im Kindesalter voll entfaltet.
Im Einklang mit der bisherigen Literatur konnte keine Korrelation zwischen den aktuellen radiologischen und klinischen Befunden beobachtet werden. Jedoch zeigte sich ein augenscheinlicher Zusammenhang zwischen der Veränderung der radiologischen Parameter und der Veränderung des klinischen Befindens, was einen Nutzen der McCarroll-Parameter im Rahmen der OP-Planung nahelegt.
Background: Unrestricted caliper-verified kinematically aligned (KA) TKA restores patient’s prearthritic coronal and sagittal alignments, which have a wide range containing outliers that concern the surgeon practicing mechanical alignment (MA). Therefore, knowing which radiographic parameters are associated with dissatisfaction could help a surgeon decide whether to rely on them as criteria for revising an unhappy patient with a primary KA TKA using MA principles. Hence, we determined whether the femoral mechanical angle (FMA), hip–knee–ankle angle (HKAA), tibial mechanical angle (TMA), tibial slope angle (TSA), and the indicators of patellofemoral tracking, including patella tilt angle (PTA) and the lateral undercoverage of the trochlear resection (LUCTR), are associated with clinical outcome scores. Methods: Forty-three patients with a CT scan and skyline radiograph after a KA TKA with PCL retention and medial stabilized design were analyzed. Linear regression determined the strength of the association between the FMA, HKA angle, PTS, PTA, and LUCTR and the forgotten joint score (FJS), Oxford knee score (OKS), and KOOS Jr score obtained at a mean of 23 months. Results: There was no correlation between the FMA (range 2° varus to −10° valgus), HKAA (range 10° varus to −9° valgus), TMA (range 10° varus to −0° valgus), TSA (range 14° posterior to −4° anterior), PTA (range, −10° medial to 14° lateral), and the LUCTR resection (range 2 to 9 mm) and the FJS (median 83), the OKS (median 44), and the KOOS Jr (median 85) (r = 0.000 to 0.079). Conclusions: Surgeons should be cautious about using postoperative FMA, HKAA, TMA, TSA, PTA, and LUCTR values within the present study’s reported ranges to explain success and dissatisfaction after KA TKA.
As the conformity of a medial ball-in-socket total knee arthroplasty (TKA) provides intrinsic anterior-posterior (A-P) stability, surgeons cannot rely on the manual examination of sagittal laxity to identify the optimal insert thickness. Instead, the present study determined whether measuring tibial axial orientation in extension and 90° flexion with an insert goniometer could identify the optimal thickness that, when implanted, provides high postoperative function. In twenty-two patients that underwent unrestricted caliper-verified kinematic alignment (KA) with a PCL retaining implant, two surgeons measured tibial orientation in extension and 90° flexion with 10, 11, 12, and 13 mm thick insert goniometers. Each TKA had one insert thickness that restored either the maximum external tibial orientation in extension, the maximum internal tibial orientation at 90° flexion, or both relative to 1 mm thinner and thicker inserts. In addition, the 6-month median [interquartile range] Forgotten Joint Score of 73 (54–87) and Oxford Knee Score of 42 (38–45) indicated high satisfaction and function. In conclusion, surgeons using a medial ball-in-socket TKA design can measure external tibial orientation in extension and internal tibial orientation at 90° flexion with an insert goniometer. Furthermore, implanting an insert with the thickness that provided the maximum orientation values resulted in high postoperative function, thereby personalizing PCL tension.
Background: In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), inserts can have different levels of medial and lateral congruency determined by the acuteness of the upslopes of the anterior and posterior articular surfaces. The present study evaluated an insert with different levels of lateral congruency and a medial ball-in-socket congruency to test the hypothesis that a lateral flat (F) insert maximizes external tibial orientation at extension and internal orientation at 90° flexion and lowers the incidence of anterior lift-off relative to low-congruent (LC) and ultracongruent (UC) lateral inserts. Methods: Two surgeons treated 23 patients with unrestricted caliper-verified kinematic alignment (KA) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retention. They randomly trialed inserts with a medial radial dial that functioned as a built-in goniometer by measuring the tibial orientation relative to a sagittal line on the femoral trial component. Anterior lift-off of the insert from the baseplate indicated PCL tightness. Results: The F insert’s mean of 9° of external tibial orientation was higher than that of the LC (5°, p < 0.0001) and UC inserts (2°, p < 0.0001). The −13° of internal tibial orientation at 90° flexion was higher than that of the LC (−9°, p < 0.0001) and UC inserts (−7°, p < 0.0001). The 0% incidence of anterior lift-off was less than that of the LC (26%) and UC inserts (57%) (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Surgeons and implant manufacturers should know that adding congruency to the lateral articular surface limits external tibial orientation in extension and internal tibial orientation at 90° flexion and overtightens the PCL. These rotational limitations and flexion space tightness can adversely affect patellofemoral tracking and knee flexion.
Osteoporosis, or steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the hip, is accompanied by increased bone marrow adipogenesis. Such a disorder of adipogenic/osteogenic differentiation, affecting bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), contributes to bone loss during aging. Here, we investigated the effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from human (h)BMSCs during different stages of osteogenic differentiation on the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation capacity of naïve (undifferentiated) hBMSCs. We observed that all EV groups increased viability and proliferation capacity and suppressed the apoptosis of naïve hBMSCs. In particular, EVs derived from hBMSCs at late-stage osteogenic differentiation promoted the osteogenic potential of naïve hBMSCs more effectively than EVs derived from naïve hBMSCs (naïve EVs), as indicated by the increased gene expression of COL1A1 and OPN. In contrast, the adipogenic differentiation capacity of naïve hBMSCs was inhibited by treatment with EVs from osteogenic differentiated hBMSCs. Proteomic analysis revealed that osteogenic EVs and naïve EVs contained distinct protein profiles, with pro-osteogenic and anti-adipogenic proteins encapsulated in osteogenic EVs. We speculate that osteogenic EVs could serve as an intercellular communication system between bone- and bone-marrow adipose tissue, for transporting osteogenic factors and thus favoring pro-osteogenic processes. Our data may support the theory of an endocrine circuit with the skeleton functioning as a ductless gland.
Background: Muscle injuries are common in humans and are often associated with irrecoverable damage and disability. Upon muscle injury, TNF-α signaling pathways modulate the healing process and are predominantly associated with tissue degradation. In this study we assumed that TNF-α inhibition could reduce the TNF-α-associated tissue degradation after muscle injury. Materials and methods: Therefore, the left soleus muscle of 42 male Wistar rats was injured using a standardized open muscle injury model. All rats were treated immediately after injury either with infliximab (single i.p. injection; 10 mg/kg b.w.) or saline solution i.p. Final measurements were conducted at day one, four, and 14 post injury. The muscle force, the muscle cell proliferation, the muscle cell coverage as well as the myofiber diameter served as read out parameters of our experiment. Results: Systemic application of infliximab could significantly reduce the TNF-α levels in the injured muscle at day four upon trauma compared to saline treated animals. The ratio of muscle weight to body weight was increased and the twitch muscle force showed a significant rise 14 days after trauma and TNF-α inhibition. Quantification of myofiber diameter in the penumbra zone showed a significant difference between both groups at day one and four after injury, indicated by muscle hypertrophy in the infliximab group. Planimetric analysis of the injured muscle at day 14 revealed increased muscle tissue fraction in the infliximab group compared to the control animals. Muscle cell proliferation did not differ between both groups. Conclusions: These data provide evidence that the TNF-α blockade positively regulates the restauration of skeletal muscles upon injury.
Die Hypophosphatasie (HPP) ist eine seltene Erberkrankung, welche durch compound-heterozygote oder dominant negative heterozygote Mutationen des ALPL Gens zu einem Funktionsverlust der gewebeunspezifischen Alkalischen Phosphatase (TNAP) führt. Die daraus resultierenden Mineralisierungsstörungen betreffen sowohl den Knochen als auch in milderen Ausprägungsformen die Zähne und den Zahnhalteapparat. Das zahnmedizinische Leitsymptom und in vielen Fällen das erste Anzeichen der HPP ist dabei der vorzeitige Verlust der Milchzähne ohne physiologische Wurzelresorption. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden verschiedene TNAP defiziente immortalisierte Zellen des parodontalen Ligaments (PDL) mittels der CRISPR/Cas9 Methode generiert und anschließend fünf Zelllinien charakterisiert. Die dabei entstandenen Mutationen variierten von einer moderaten heterozygoten Punktmutation zu einer schwerwiegenden homozygoten Deletion eines einzelnen Nukleotids, welche in einem vorzeitigen Stopcodon resultierte. Analysen der ALPL Expression (qPCR), TNAP Aktivitätsmessungen (CSPD Assay) und TNAP Färbungen zeigten einen signifikanten Rückgang in allen TNAP-defizienten Zelllinien mit einer starken Korrelation zwischen der Restaktivität und dem Ausmaß der Mutation, welche in Einklang mit der komplexen Genotyp-Phänotyp Korrelation bei HPP zu bringen ist. Das Potential der osteogenen Differenzierung der hTERT PDL Zellen wurde in der homozygot mutierten Zelllinie komplett unterdrückt. Mögliche Mechanismen des vorzeitigen Zahnverlustes bei HPP Patienten ist die geminderte Formation und Mineralisation des Wurzelzements und die fehlerhafte Insertion der parodontalen Fasern. Die hier erstmalig etablierten Zellkulturmodelle liefern ein valides spenderunabhängiges in vitro Modell der HPP, welches dazu beitragen kann, die molekularbiologischen Zusammenhänge der dentalen Aspekte der Hypophosphatasie zu ergründen und daraus gegebenenfalls neue Therapieansätze abzuleiten.
Knochenmetastasen sind unter den drei häufigsten Manifestationsorten metastatischer Absiedelungen von fortgeschrittenen Tumorerkrankungen. Dabei sind insbesondere Patientinnen und Patienten mit Prostata- und Mammakarzinom von Knochenmetastasen betroffen. Diese Knochenmetastasen führen häufig zu einer deutlichen Verschlechterung der Lebensqualität und zu einer Begrenzung der Therapieoptionen auf lediglich palliative Ansätze.
Die biologisch aktive Form von Vitamin D3, 1,25(OH)2-Vitamin D3, zeigt in präklinischen Studien antiproliferative und differenzierende Effekte auf Tumorzellen (101, 102, 104), die haupsächlich durch die Bindung an den Vitamin D-Rezeptor (VDR) vermittelt werden. Darüberhinaus konnte präklinisch gezeigt werden, dass eine niedrige Expression des VDRs, ligandenunabhängig, die Knochenmetastasierung und das Tumorwachstum begünstigt (118). Eine niedrige VDR-Expression ist in Primärtumoren in klinischen Studien mit aggressiven Tumoreigenschaften assoziiert (111, 113, 115) und kann zudem mit einer erhöhten/früheren ossären Metastasierung einhergehen (167). Zudem gibt es Hinweise auf einen dysregulierten 1,25(OH)2-Vitamin D3-Katabolismus durch eine erhöhte Expression des 1,25(OH)2-Vitamin D3 katabolisierenden Enzyms CYP24A1/24-Hydroxylase in primärem Tumorzellen (70, 121, 122). Durch die Untersuchungen der Primärtumoren ist damit zu hypothetisieren, dass die Expression des VDRs und von CYP24A1 bei der Tumorprogression und Knochenmetastasierung von Bedeutung sein könnte. Entsprechende Untersuchungen des VDRs und der 24-Hydroxylase in Knochenmetastasen fehlen allerdings. Deshalb wurde in dieser Arbeit die Expression des VDRs und von CYP24A1 in Knochenmetastasen unterschiedlicher Primärtumoren von 66 Patientinnen und Patienten untersucht und mögliche Assoziationen mit aggressiven Tumoreigenschaften analysiert.
Der VDR konnte sowohl im Zytoplasma als auch im Nukleus nachgewiesen werden, während CYP24A1 nur im Zytoplasma lokalisiert war. Dabei wiesen insgesamt 71 % der Knochenmetastasen eine hohe VDR-Expression im Nukleus und 56 % im Zytoplasma auf. 59 % der Knochenmetastasen wiesen eine hohe Expression des VDRs insgesamt auf. CYP24A1 war ebenso in 59 % der Knochenmetastasen hoch exprimiert. Bei der Auswertung des Zusammenhangs zwischen den TNM-Stadien und des Gradings zeigte sich ein nicht signifikanter Trend von schlecht differenzierten Tumoren hin zu einer niedrigeren nukleären VDR-Expression (p=0.07, siehe Abbildung 33). Bezüglich der T-Stadien zeigten sich keine Unterschiede der Expression des VDRs und von CYP24A1 in den Knochenmetastasen zwischen lokal fortgeschrittenen und kleinen Primärtumoren. Weiterhin hatten Patientinnen und Patienten mit Lymphknotenmetastasen tendenziell eine verminderte VDR- und auch CYP24A1-Expression in den Knochenmetastasen im Vergleich zu Patienten und Patientinnen ohne Lymphknotenmetastasen (pVDR=0.15, pCYP24A1=0.06, siehe Abbildung 35). Außerdem hatten Patientinnen und Patienten mit multiple metastasierten Tumoren eine signifikant niedrigere nukleäre VDR- und auch CYP24A1-Expression im Vergleich zu Patientinnen und Patienten mit ausschließlich ossärer Metastasierung (pVDR=0.03, pCYP24A1=0.01, Abbildung 36). Die Proteinexpression des VDRs- und von CYP24A1 korrelierten signifikant (p=0.001).
Somit konnte mit dieser Arbeit die Proteinexpression des VDRs und von CYP24A1 in Knochenmetastasen durch Immunhistologie nachgewiesen werden. Insgesamt wurde der VDR und CYP24A1 von Knochenmetastasen diverser Entität unterschiedlich stark exprimiert. Jedoch könnten insbesondere Patienten mit VDR-exprimierenden Knochenmetastasen von einer Vitamin D3-Supplementierung profitieren, die häufig einen 25-OH-Vitamin D3 Mangel zeigen (165, 166). Ebenso könnte eine Untersuchung auf einen niedrigen VDR-Status in Primärtumoren dabei helfen, Krebspatienten mit einem hohen Metastasierungsrisiko zu identifizieren. Allerdings sind weitere und größere Studien inbesondere mit Evaluation des gesamten Vitamin D-Metabolismus und -Signalwegs notwendig, um diesen Zusammenhang weiter zu untersuchen.
In bone tissue engineering, the design of 3D systems capable of recreating composition, architecture and micromechanical environment of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) is still a challenge. While perfusion bioreactors have been proposed as potential tool to apply biomechanical stimuli, its use has been limited to a low number of biomaterials. In this work, we propose the culture of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) in biomimetic mineralized recombinant collagen scaffolds with a perfusion bioreactor to simultaneously provide biochemical and biophysical cues guiding stem cell fate. The scaffolds were fabricated by mineralization of recombinant collagen in the presence of magnesium (RCP.MgAp). The organic matrix was homogeneously mineralized with apatite nanocrystals, similar in composition to those found in bone. X-Ray microtomography images revealed isotropic porous structure with optimum porosity for cell ingrowth. In fact, an optimal cell repopulation through the entire scaffolds was obtained after 1 day of dynamic seeding in the bioreactor. Remarkably, RCP.MgAp scaffolds exhibited higher cell viability and a clear trend of up-regulation of osteogenic genes than control (non-mineralized) scaffolds. Results demonstrate the potential of the combination of biomimetic mineralization of recombinant collagen in presence of magnesium and dynamic culture of hMSC as a promising strategy to closely mimic bone ECM.
Der adenovirale SOX9-Gentransfer induziert nach 3-wöchiger in vitro Pelletkultur die chondrogene Differenzierung humaner mesenchymaler Stammzellen in Pelletkultur wirksamer als der TGFB1 Gentransfer mit geringerer Chondrozytenhypertrophie. Eine solche Technologie könnte zukünftig in vivo die Bildung von stabilerem hyalinem Knorpelregeneratgewebe ermöglichen.
Patienten mit monoklonaler Gammopathie unklarer Signifikanz haben ein erhöhtes Risiko an einer Osteoporose, Knochenbrüchen oder einer reduzierten Leistungsfähigkeit zu leiden. Bisher hat sich noch keine Therapie zur Prävention dieser Komplikationen etabliert. Das Ziel unserer Studie war es, WBV als eine mögliche Trainingsmethode zu prüfen und den Einfluss auf die Fitness, Alltagsaktivität und Lebensqualität von Patienten mit monoklonaler Gammopathie zu untersuchen. Hierfür haben 15 Probanden mit MGUS/SMM ein Trainingsprogramm über 3 bzw. 6 Monate mit zwei Trainingseinheiten pro Woche für jeweils 30 Minuten absolviert. Die körperliche Leistungsfähigkeit wurde anhand verschiedener Funktionstests sowie der Erhebung von Körpermaßen betrachtet. Die Alltagsaktivität wurde mittels Fitnesstrackern untersucht. Anhand von 3 verschiedenen Fragebögen wurde zudem der Einfluss auf die Lebensqualität der Probanden durch das Training ermittelt. Zusammenfassend zeigte sich eine deutliche Verbesserung der Fitness und Ausdauer der Probanden, die Alltagsaktivität und die Lebensqualität wurden nicht durch das Vibrationstraining beeinflusst.
Aseptic loosening of total hip and knee joint replacements is the most common indication for revision surgery after primary hip and knee arthroplasty. Research suggests that exposure and uptake of wear by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and macrophages results in the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and local osteolysis, but also impaired cell viability and regenerative capacity of MSC. Therefore, this in vitro study compared the regenerative and differentiation capacity of MSC derived from patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (MSCprim) to MSC derived from patients undergoing revision surgery after aseptic loosening of total hip and knee joint implants (MSCrev). Regenerative capacity was examined by measuring the cumulative population doubling (CPD) in addition to the number of passages until cells stopped proliferating. Osteogenesis and adipogenesis in monolayer cultures were assessed using histological stainings. Furthermore, RT‐PCR was performed to evaluate the relative expression of osteogenic and adipogenic marker genes as well as the expression of markers for a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP). MSCrev possessed a limited regenerative capacity in comparison to MSCprim. Interestingly, MSCrev also showed an impaired osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation capacity compared to MSCprim and displayed a SASP early after isolation. Whether this is the cause or the consequence of the aseptic loosening of total joint implants remains unclear. Future research should focus on the identification of specific cell markers on MSCprim, which may influence complication rates such as aseptic loosening of total joint arthroplasty to further individualize and optimize total joint arthroplasty.
Aim
This study evaluated the oral health status of adult patients with hypophosphatasia (HPP).
Materials and Methods
Parameters of oral health assessment comprised decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level (CAL) as well as documentation of tooth loss and periodontal health status according to CCD/AAP criteria. Findings were compared with national reference data (DMS V survey) reporting oral health status in age‐related controls. Within‐group comparisons were made between the HPP patients harbouring one versus two alkaline phosphatase liver/bone/kidney type (ALPL) gene variants.
Results
Of 80 HPP patients (64 female) with a mean age of 46.4 years (range 24–78) and one (n = 55) or two (n = 18) variants (n = 7 lacking testing) within the ALPL gene, those with two variants displayed substantially higher tooth loss rate (14.0 ± 9.3) than those affected by only one ALPL variant (4.1 ± 5.4), who did not differ substantially from healthy DMS V controls. While DMFT score and severe periodontal diseases (PDs) of HPP patients with one variant only increased with progressing age, the two‐variant sub‐cohort age independently exhibited increased DMFT scores and a higher rate of severe PDs.
Conclusions
HPP patients affected by two variants of the ALPL gene exhibited a higher risk of periodontitis and tooth loss than the general population, while patients with one variant developed clinically relevant oral disease symptoms with progressing ageing.
Increase in lower limb strength after multimodal pain management in patients with low back pain
(2022)
Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a multimodal pain therapy (MPM) regarding the objective parameter muscle strength of segment-dependent lower limb muscle groups before and after such a treatment. Materials and Methods: 52 patients with a history of low back pain and/or leg pain received standardized multimodal pain management. Strength of segment indicating lower limb muscles were assessed for each patient before and after ten days of treatment by handheld dynamometry. Results: Overall strength increased significantly from 23.6 kg ± 6.6 prior to treatment to 25.4 ± 7.3 after treatment, p ≤ 0.001. All muscle groups significantly increased in strength with exception of great toe extensors. Conclusions: Despite lower basic strength values at the beginning of treatment, all investigated muscle groups, except for the great toe extensors, showed a significant increase of overall strength after completion of the multimodal pain management concept. Increased overall strength could help with avoiding further need of medical care by supporting patients’ autonomy in daily life activities, as well as maintaining working abilities. Thus, our study is the first to show a significant positive influence on lower limb strength in patients with low back pain after a conservative MPM program.
In the adult skeleton, bone remodeling is required to replace damaged bone and functionally adapt bone mass and structure according to the mechanical requirements. It is regulated by multiple endocrine and paracrine factors, including hormones and growth factors, which interact in a coordinated manner. Because the response of bone to mechanical signals is dependent on functional estrogen receptor (ER) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and is impaired in postmenopausal osteoporosis by estrogen deficiency, it is of paramount importance to elucidate the underlying mechanisms as a basis for the development of new strategies in the treatment of osteoporosis. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the activation of the ligand-dependent ER and the Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction pathways on mechanically induced bone formation using ovariectomized mice as a model of postmenopausal bone loss. We demonstrated that both pathways interact in the regulation of bone mass adaption in response to mechanical loading and that the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling considerably increased mechanically induced bone formation, whereas the effects of estrogen treatment strictly depended on the estrogen status in the mice.
(1) In vitro, bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs) demonstrate inter-donor phenotypic variability, which presents challenges for the development of regenerative therapies. Here, we investigated whether the frequency of putative BMSC sub-populations within the freshly isolated mononuclear cell fraction of bone marrow is phenotypically predictive for the in vitro derived stromal cell culture. (2) Vertebral body, iliac crest, and femoral head bone marrow were acquired from 33 patients (10 female and 23 male, age range 14–91). BMSC sub-populations were identified within freshly isolated mononuclear cell fractions based on cell-surface marker profiles. Stromal cells were expanded in monolayer on tissue culture plastic. Phenotypic assessment of in vitro derived cell cultures was performed by examining growth kinetics, chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation. (3) Gender, donor age, and anatomical site were neither predictive for the total yield nor the population doubling time of in vitro derived BMSC cultures. The abundance of freshly isolated progenitor sub-populations (CD45−CD34−CD73+, CD45−CD34−CD146+, NG2+CD146+) was not phenotypically predictive of derived stromal cell cultures in terms of growth kinetics nor plasticity. BMSCs derived from iliac crest and vertebral body bone marrow were more responsive to chondrogenic induction, forming superior cartilaginous tissue in vitro, compared to those isolated from femoral head. (4) The identification of discrete progenitor populations in bone marrow by current cell-surface marker profiling is not predictive for subsequently derived in vitro BMSC cultures. Overall, the iliac crest and the vertebral body offer a more reliable tissue source of stromal progenitor cells for cartilage repair strategies compared to femoral head.
Introduction: The long head of the biceps (LHB) is often resected in shoulder surgery. However, its contribution to inflammatory processes in the shoulder remains unclear. In the present study, inflamed and noninflamed human LHBs were comparatively characterized for features of inflammation. Materials and methods: Twenty-two resected LHB tendons were classified into inflamed (n = 11) and noninflamed (n = 11) samples. For histological examination, samples were stained with hematoxylin eosin, Azan, van Gieson, and Masson Goldner trichrome. Neuronal tissue was immunohistochemically visualized. In addition, specific inflammatory marker gene expression of primary LHB-derived cell cultures were analyzed. Results: Features of tendinopathy, such as collagen disorganization, infiltration by inflammatory cells, neovascularization, and extensive neuronal innervation were found in the tendinitis group. Compared to noninflamed samples, inflamed LHBs showed a significantly increased inflammatory marker gene expression Conclusion: Structural and biomolecular differences of both groups suggest that the LHB tendon acts as an important pain generator in the shoulder joint. These findings can, on the one hand, contribute to the understanding of the biomolecular genesis of LHB tendinitis and, on the other hand, provide possibilities for new therapeutic approaches.
Prothesennahe osteolytische Läsionen in Form von Lysesäumen und Zysten sind wegen des Risikos einer aseptischen Lockerung mitunter die häufigsten Gründe für ein Prothesenversagen in der Sprunggelenkendoprothetik.
Die Genese dieser osteolytischen Läsionen ist aktuell noch nicht abschließend geklärt, bei weitestgehender Übereinstimmung in der Literatur jedoch multifaktoriell.
Die Dissertation befasst sich mit dem Vergleich des kurz- bis mittelfristigen radiologischen Outcomes zweier unterschiedlicher Spunggelenkendoprothesen, welche jedoch - bis auf die Befestigungsart des Inlays - nahezu baugleich sind.
Dabei wurde überprüft, ob die Befestigungsart des Inlays (mobil oder fixiert) einen Einfluss auf die Ausbildung periprothetischer Lysesäume und Zysten im Nachbeobachtungszeitraum hat. Es erfolgte zudem ein Vergleich der Survival Rates beider Gruppen.
Zu den jährlichen Nachbeobachtungszeiträumen wurden die angefertigten Röntgenbilder auf die Ausbildung von relevanten prothesennahen Zysten und Lysesäumen hin untersucht.
Zusammenfassend ergab sich zwischen den beiden Gruppen in Hinsicht auf die Entstehung prothesennaher Zysten sowohl bezüglich der Gesamtzahl sowie des betroffenen Knochens kein signifikanter Unterschied, obwohl Zysten in der Gruppe mit mobilem Inlay insgesamt häufiger auftraten.
Auch in Hinsicht auf die Entstehung von Lysesäumen gab es bezüglich der Gesamtzahl keinen signifikanten Unterschied.
In der Gruppe mit fixiertem Inlay kamen allerdings prothesennahe Lysesäume in der Tibia signifikant häufiger vor als in der Gruppe mit mobilem Inlay.
In Hinsicht auf die Survival Rates zeigte sich ebenfalls kein signifikanter Unterschied.
Weitere prospektive, randomisierte Studien mit größeren Patientenkollektiven und längerem Followup werden nötig sein, um im Verlauf einen zu erwartenden signifikanten Unterschied zwischen beiden Prothesengruppen bezüglich der Entstehung prothesennaher osteolytischer Läsionen und ein konsekutives Prothesenversagen feststellen zu können.
The biology of vitamin D3 is well defined, as are the effects of its active metabolites on various cells, including mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs). However, the biological potential of its precursor, cholecalciferol (VD3), has not been sufficiently investigated, although its significance in regenerative medicine — mainly in combination with various biomaterial matrices — has been recognized. Given that VD3 preconditioning might also contribute to the improvement of cellular regenerative potential, the aim of this study was to investigate its effects on bone marrow (BM) MSC functions and the signaling pathways involved. For that purpose, the influence of VD3 on BM-MSCs obtained from young human donors was determined via MTT test, flow cytometric analysis, immunocytochemistry, and qRT-PCR. Our results revealed that VD3, following a 5-day treatment, stimulated proliferation, expression of pluripotency markers (NANOG, SOX2, and Oct4), and osteogenic differentiation potential in BM-MSCs, while it reduced their senescence. Moreover, increased sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression was detected upon treatment with VD3, which mediated VD3-promoted osteogenesis and, partially, the stemness features through NANOG and SOX2 upregulation. In contrast, the effects of VD3 on proliferation, Oct4 expression, and senescence were SIRT1-independent. Altogether, these data indicate that VD3 has strong potential to modulate BM-MSCs' features, partially through SIRT1 signaling, although the precise mechanisms merit further investigation.
Die Coxarthrose ist eine häufige degenerative Erkrankung, deren Prävalenz mit steigendem Lebensalter zunimmt. Durch die steigende Lebenserwartung der Bevölkerung nimmt dementsprechend auch die Anzahl an Patienten mit Coxarthrose zu. Die Therapie besteht konservativ u.a. aus Physiotherapie und Analgesie. Reichen die konservativen Maßnahmen nicht aus, steht der totale Gelenkersatz in Form eine Totalendoprothese zur Verfügung. Bisher gibt es keine regenerativen Therapien, die den arthrotisch degenerierten Gelenkknorpel ersetzen können. Durch die Fähigkeit, sich in Knochen-, Fett- und Knorpelzellen zu differenzieren, ist in der Vergangenheit die mesenchymale Stammzelle in den Fokus der Forschung gerückt. Es wird vermutet, dass diese Stammzellpopulation das Potential besitzen könnte, den defekten Knorpel zu ersetzen. Diese Zellpopulation ist in vivo jedoch noch nicht ausreichend charakterisiert und es fehlen belastbare Daten, wie sich die (pathologische) Umgebung auf die MSC auswirkt. In den letzten Jahren sind diverse Populationen von MSC mit unterschiedlichen Eigenschaften entdeckt worden. Um die subchondralen Populationen aus arthrotischen Hüften genauer zu charakterisieren, wurde hier Reaming aus dem Acetabulum (ein bei der Hüft-TEP Implantation anfallendes chirurgisches Abfallprodukt) untersucht. Die enthaltenen Zellen wurden im Hinblick auf die zelluläre Signatur und donorenbezogenen Eigenschaften untersucht. Parameter, die untersucht wurden, waren das Alter, das Geschlecht, der BMI und der K&L Score. Außerdem wurde die zelluläre Signatur anhand bestimmter Oberflächenmarker untersucht. Weiterhin wurden die isolierten und kultivierten MSC untersucht, ob sie sich bzgl. ihrer Fähigkeit unterscheiden, sich in die adipogene bzw. osteogene Linie zu differenzieren. Eine Eigenschaft, die bisher bei allen Populationen von möglichen MNC bzw. MSC nachgewiesen wurde, ist ihre Fähigkeit Kolonien zu bilden - sog. CFU-F. Bei den durchgeführten Untersuchungen zeigte sich, dass aus allen erhaltenen Proben MSC in Form von CFU-F gewonnen werden konnten. Weiterhin waren alle Zellen in der Lage adipogen bzw. osteogen zu differenzieren. Signifikante Unterschiede in Bezug auf die Differenzierungseigenschaften konnten nicht festgestellt werden. Eine höhere CFU-F Bildung konnte aus dem Reaming von männlichen Donoren nachgewiesen werden. Weiterhin konnte gezeigt werden, dass sich eine signifikant höhere Anzahl CD271-exprimierender Zellen im Reaming von männlichen Donoren befand. Ebenfalls konnte eine signifikante Zunahme für CD45- CD13+ CD105+ Zellen mit steigendem BMI nachgewiesen werden.
Durch diese umfassende Versuchsreihe konnte dargelegt werden, dass es in arthrotischen Hüften Unterschiede in der MSC Zahl im Vergleich der Geschlechter gibt und dass bestimmte Populationen von MSC mit steigendem BMI zunehmen. Um diese Ergebnisse einordnen zu können ist es in Zukunft notwendig zu untersuchen, ob diese Unterschiede allein durch die Arthrose bedingt sind oder ob dieser Unterschied auch im gesunden Knochenmark vorliegt.
After starting an orthopedic practice, a surgeon with a fellowship in mechanically aligned (MA) TKA initiated this study to characterize their learning curve after they switched to unrestricted kinematic alignment (KA) TKA using manual instruments. Accordingly, the present study determined for the inexperienced (IE) surgeon the number of cases required to achieve consistent femoral resections and operating times, and whether the femoral resection accuracy, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and component alignment were different from an experienced (E) surgeon. This prospective cohort study analyzed the IE surgeon's first 30 TKAs, all performed with KA, and 30 consecutive KA TKAs performed by an E surgeon. The resection accuracy or deviation was the calipered thickness of the distal and posterior medial and lateral femoral resections minus the planned resection thickness, which was the thickness of the corresponding condyle of the femoral component, minus 2 mm for cartilage wear, and 1 mm for the kerf of the blade. Independent observers recorded the femoral resection thickness, operative times, PROMs, and alignment. For each femoral resection, the deviation between three groups of patients containing ten consecutive KA TKAs, was either insignificant (p = 0.695 to 1.000) or within the 0.5 mm resolution of the caliper, which indicated no learning curve. More than three groups were needed to determine the learning curve for the operative time; however, the IE surgeon's procedure dropped to 77 min for the last 10 patients, which was 20 min longer than the E surgeon. The resection deviations of the IE and E surgeon were comparable, except for the posterolateral femoral resection, which the IE surgeon under-resected by a mean of −0.8 mm (p < 0.0001). At a mean follow-up of 9 and 17 months, the Forgotten Joint Score, Oxford Knee Score, KOOS, and the alignment of the components and limbs were not different between the IE and E surgeon (p ≥ 0.6994). A surgeon that switches to unrestricted KA with manual instruments can determine their learning curve by computing the deviation of the distal and posterior femoral resections from the planned resection. Based on the present study, an IE surgeon could have resection accuracy, post-operative patient outcomes, and component alignment comparable to an E surgeon.
Adult stem cells in aging
(2022)
The signal modelling framework JimenaE simulates dynamically Boolean networks. In contrast to SQUAD, there is systematic and not just heuristic calculation of all system states. These specific features are not present in CellNetAnalyzer and BoolNet. JimenaE is an expert extension of Jimena, with new optimized code, network conversion into different formats, rapid convergence both for system state calculation as well as for all three network centralities. It allows higher accuracy in determining network states and allows to dissect networks and identification of network control type and amount for each protein with high accuracy. Biological examples demonstrate this: (i) High plasticity of mesenchymal stromal cells for differentiation into chondrocytes, osteoblasts and adipocytes and differentiation-specific network control focusses on wnt-, TGF-beta and PPAR-gamma signaling. JimenaE allows to study individual proteins, removal or adding interactions (or autocrine loops) and accurately quantifies effects as well as number of system states. (ii) Dynamical modelling of cell–cell interactions of plant Arapidopsis thaliana against Pseudomonas syringae DC3000: We analyze for the first time the pathogen perspective and its interaction with the host. We next provide a detailed analysis on how plant hormonal regulation stimulates specific proteins and who and which protein has which type and amount of network control including a detailed heatmap of the A.thaliana response distinguishing between two states of the immune response. (iii) In an immune response network of dendritic cells confronted with Aspergillus fumigatus, JimenaE calculates now accurately the specific values for centralities and protein-specific network control including chemokine and pattern recognition receptors.
(1) Background: The mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) of different tissue origins are applied in cell-based chondrogenic regeneration. However, there is a lack of comparability determining the most suitable cell source for the tissue engineering (TE) of cartilage. The purpose of this study was to compare the in vitro chondrogenic potential of MSC-like cells from different tissue sources (bone marrow, meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament, synovial membrane, and the infrapatellar fat pad removed during total knee arthroplasty (TKA)) and define which cell source is best suited for cartilage regeneration. (2) Methods: MSC-like cells were isolated from five donors and expanded using adherent monolayer cultures. Differentiation was induced by culture media containing specific growth factors. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 was used as the growth factor for chondrogenic differentiation. Osteogenesis and adipogenesis were induced in monolayer cultures for 27 days, while pellet cell cultures were used for chondrogenesis for 21 days. Control cultures were maintained under the same conditions. After, the differentiation period samples were analyzed, using histological and immunohistochemical staining, as well as molecularbiological analysis by RT-PCR, to assess the expression of specific marker genes. (3) Results: Plastic-adherent growth and in vitro trilineage differentiation capacity of all isolated cells were proven. Flow cytometry revealed the clear co-expression of surface markers CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105 on all isolated cells. Adipogenesis was validated through the formation of lipid droplets, while osteogenesis was proven by the formation of calcium deposits within differentiated cell cultures. The formation of proteoglycans was observed during chondrogenesis in pellet cultures, with immunohistochemical staining revealing an increased relative gene expression of collagen type II. RT-PCR proved an elevated expression of specific marker genes after successful differentiation, with no significant differences regarding different cell source of native tissue. (4) Conclusions: Irrespective of the cell source of native tissue, all MSC-like cells showed multipotent differentiation potential in vitro. The multipotent differentiation capacity did not differ significantly, and chondrogenic differentiation was proven in all pellet cultures. Therefore, cell suitability for cell-based cartilage therapies and tissue engineering is given for various tissue origins that are routinely removed during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study might provide essential information for the clinical tool of cell harvesting, leading to more flexibility in cell availability.
Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) for stiffness within 6 to 12 weeks after mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) generally yields better outcome scores than an MUA performed later. However, the timing of MUA after unrestricted, caliper-verified, kinematically aligned (KA) TKA remains uncertain. A retrospective review identified 82 of 3558 (2.3%) KA TKA patients treated with an MUA between 2010 and 2017. Thirty patients treated with an MUA within 3 months of the TKA (i.e., early) and 24 in the late group (i.e., >3 months) returned a questionnaire after a mean of 6 years and 5 years, respectively. Mean outcome scores for the early vs. late group were 78 vs. 62 for the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) (p = 0.023) and 42 vs. 39 for the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) (p = 0.037). Subjectively, the early vs. late group responses indicated that 83% vs. 67% walked without a limp, 73% vs. 54% had normal extension, and 43% vs. 25% had normal flexion. An MUA within 3 months after unrestricted KA TKA provided excellent FJS and OKS at final follow-up relative to a late MUA. A late MUA performed after 3 months is worth consideration because of the good FJS and OKS scores, albeit with a risk of a persistent limp and limitation in knee extension and flexion.
Purpose
Despite much improved preoperative planning techniques accurate intraoperative assessment of the high tibial valgus osteotomy (HTO) remains challenging and often results in coronal over- and under-corrections as well as unintended changes of the posterior tibial slope. Noyes et al. reported a novel method for accurate intraoperative coronal and sagittal alignment correction based on a three-dimensional mathematical model. This is the first study examining preliminary data via the proposed Noyes approach for accurate intraoperative coronal and sagittal alignment correction during HTO.
Methods
From 2016 to 2020 a total of 24 patients (27 knees) underwent HTO applying the proposed Noyes method (Noyes-Group). Radiographic data was analyzed retrospectively and matched to patients that underwent HTO using the conventional method, i.e., gradual medial opening using a bone spreader under fluoroscopic control (Conventional-Group). All operative procedures were performed by an experienced surgeon at a single orthopaedic university center.
Results
From the preoperative to the postoperative visit no statistically significant changes of the posterior tibial slope were noted in the Noyes-Group compared to a significant increase in the Conventional-Group (p = 0.01). Regarding the axial alignment no significant differences between both groups were observed pre- and postoperatively. The number of over- and under-corrections did not differ significantly between both groups. Linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation of the postoperative medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) with the position of the weightbearing line on the tibial plateau.
Conclusion
The 3-triangle method by Noyes seems to be a promising approach for preservation of the posterior tibial slope during HTO.
Im Rhön-Klinikum wurden von 2012 bis 2015 49 Patient*innen wegen eines Glenoiddefektes mittels offenem Beckenkammspantransfer mit Kapselshift bei anteriorer Schulterinstabilität behandelt. 27 Patienten konnten in dieser Studie eingeschlossen werden (Einschlusskriterien: Follow-up von mindestens 12 Monaten, kompletter präoperativer 3D-CT-Datensatz / Ausschlusskriterien: traumatische Schulterluxation oder Voroperation der kontralateralen Schulter). Ziel der Studie war es, das kurz- bis mittelfristige klinische Outcome dieser Kohorte zu erfassen, der Vergleich mit Ergebnissen anderer Arbeitsgruppen und der Vergleich von präoperativ verwendeten Messmethoden (Chuang- bzw. Wambacher-Methode) für den Glenoiddefekt. Bei einem mittleren Follow-up von 27,11 Monaten zeigten sich überwiegend gute bis exzellente kurz- bis mittelfristige OP-Ergebnisse (Rowe-Score: 84,81, Oxford-Shoulder-Score: 20,56, WOSI-Score: 371, Constant-Score: 86,74). Die OP-Methode eignet sich gut für Patient*innen, die mehrfach voroperiert sind, multiple Luxationsereignisse hatten sowie für diejenigen mit relevanter Hyperlaxizität, bei denen eine Latarjet-Operation kontraindiziert ist. Die OP-Methode ist gut anwendbar bei Patient*innen mit subkritischem Glenoidverlust < 20 %, wenn zusätzliche Sekundärfaktoren vorliegen. Eine postoperative Omarthrose ist ein Risikofaktor für ein signifikant schlechteres Outcome. Die Gesamtkomplikationsrate lag bei 25,9%, der Großteil hiervon (18,3%) waren innerhalb kurzer Zeit reversibel. Die Reluxationsrate lag bei 3,7%. Bei allen Studienteilnehmenden kam es zum Span-Remodelling ohne Schraubenlockerung oder Spanbruch. Eine übermäßige Spanresorbtion erfolgt antero-inferior, während um die Osteosyntheseschrauben eine Überkontur persistiert. Die Glenoiddefekte lagen bei 23,39 % (Chuang) bzw. 22,06 % (Wambacher). Es zeigte sich eine gute Übereinstimmung der Messergebnisse beider Methoden, allerdings lagen die Werte nach Chuang signifikant höher.
Bisphenol A-related effects on bone morphology and biomechanical properties in an animal model
(2022)
Bisphenol A (BPA), which is contained in numerous plastic products, is known to act as an endocrine-disruptive, toxic, and carcinogenic chemical. This experimental series sought to determine the influence of BPA exposure on the femoral bone architecture and biomechanical properties of male and female Wistar rats. BPA was applied subcutaneously by using osmotic pumps. After 12 weeks, the bones were analyzed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and a three-point bending test. Comparing the female low- and high-dose groups, a significantly greater marrow area (p = 0.047) was identified in the group exposed to a higher BPA concentration. In addition, the trabecular number tended to be higher in the female high-dose group when compared to the low-dose group (p > 0.05). The area moment of inertia also tended to be higher in the male high-dose group when compared to the male low-dose group (p > 0.05). Considering our results, BPA-related effects on the bone morphology in female Wistar rats are osteoanabolic after high-dose exposure, while, in male rats, a tendency toward negative effects on the bone morphology in terms of a reduced cross-sectional cortical area and total area could be demonstrated.
Background
Joint aspiration with analysis of synovial fluid white blood cell count (WBC) and microbiological culture is a widely established aspect in the diagnosis of shoulder joint infections (SJI). In case of a two stage revision for SJI, joint aspiration before re−/implantation of a total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) was used to rule out persistent infection for years but its value is under debate. Shoulder specific data on all aspects is rare. The current study aims to answer the following research questions: Does joint aspiration have an insufficient predictive value in the diagnosis of SJI in (1) initial workup and (2) before definite arthroplasty with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-Spacer in place?
Methods
This retrospective evaluation investigates 35 patients that were treated for SJI with a two staged implantation of a TSA after debridement and implantation of an PMMA-Spacer. Joint aspirations were performed preoperatively (PA) and before re−/implantation of the prosthesis while spacer was in place (interstage aspiration, IA). Samples were taken for microbiological culture and analysis of WBC. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated with reference to intraoperative microbiological samples. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), Area-Under-Curve analysis (AUC) and calculation of the Youden index were performed to find optimum cut-off for WBC.
Results
The sensitivity of microbiological cultures from PA was 58.3% and the specificity was 88.9%. The mean WBC was 27,800 leucocytes/mm3 (range 400-96,300). The maximum Youden index (0.857) was a cut-off of 2600 leucocytes/mm3 with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 100.0%. The sensitivity and specificity of IA were 0.0% and 88.5%, respectively.
Conclusions
Preoperative aspiration is likely to miss Cutibacteria spp. and CoNS and cannot rule out infection for sure. However, we recommend it for its advantages of targeted antibiotic therapy in case of germ identification. Empiric antibiotic therapy should cover Cutibacteria and CoNS even if aspiration showed negative microbiological cultures. In contrast, the diagnostic value of interstage aspiration does not qualify for its routine use.
Purpose: To treat patients with tricompartimental knee osteoarthritis (OA), a customized cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (CCR-TKA) system can be used, including both individualized instrumentation and implants. The objective of this monocentric cohort study was to analyze patient-reported and functional outcomes in a series of patients implanted with the second generation of this customized implant. Methods: At our arthroplasty center, we prospectively recruited a cohort of patients with tricompartmental gonarthrosis to be treated with total knee replacement (TKA) using a customized cruciate-retaining (CCR) implant design. Inclusion criteria for patients comprised the presence of intact posterior cruciate and collateral ligaments and a knee deformity that was restricted to <15° varus, valgus, or flexion contracture. Patients were assessed for their range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster University osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), and short form (SF)-12 physical and mental scores, preoperatively, at 3 and 6 months, as well as at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years of follow-up (FU) postoperatively. Results: The average age of the patient population was 64 years (range: 40–81), the average BMI was 31 (range: 23–42), and in total, 28 female and 45 male patients were included. Implant survivorship was 97.5% (one septic loosening) at an average follow-up of 2.5 years. The KSS knee and function scores improved significantly (p < 0.001) from, respectively, 41 and 53 at the pre-operative visit, to 92 and 86, respectively, at the 5-year post-operative time point. The SF-12 Physical and Mental scores significantly (p < 0.001) improved from the pre-operative values of 28 and 50, to 50 and 53 at the 5-year FU, respectively. Patients experienced significant improvements in their overall knee range of motion, from 106° at the preoperative visit to 122°, on average, 5 years postoperatively. The total WOMAC score significantly (p < 0.001) improved from 49.1 preoperatively to 11.4 postoperatively at 5-year FU. Conclusions: Although there was no comparison to other implants within this study, patients reported high overall satisfaction and improvement in functional outcomes within the first year from surgery, which continued over the following years. These mid-term results are excellent compared with those reported in the current literature. Comparative long-term studies with this device are needed. Level of evidence 3b (individual case–control study).
Influence of Vitamin D and C on bone marrow edema syndrome — A scoping review of the literature
(2022)
Bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) is a rare disease with a largely unknown etiology. The aim of this scoping review is to systematically evaluate and combine the available evidence about vitamin D and C and BMES. The analysis of the manuscripts was based on country of origin, number of patients, gender, study type, epidemiology, localization, bone mineral density measurements, vitamin status and therapy. Sixty studies were included. The overall number of patients was 823 with a male-to-female ratio of 1.55:1 and a mean age of 40.9 years. Studies were very heterogeneous and of diverging scientific scope with a weak level of evidence. The hip was the most affected joint, followed by the foot and ankle and the knee; 18.3% of patients suffered from multifocal BMES. Sixteen studies reported on vitamin D levels, resulting in a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (47%) and insufficiency (17.9%) among BMES patients. Three BME manuscripts were associated with vitamin C deficiency. Current therapeutic interventions include conservative measures (mainly unloading), various osteoactive drugs and iloprost. In summary, data about BMES in association with vitamin status is limited. A causal relationship between vitamin D or vitamin C status, osteopenia, and BMES cannot be determined from the existing literature.
PMMA bone cement: antibiotic elution and mechanical properties in the context of clinical use
(2022)
This literature review discusses the use of antibiotic loaded polymethylmethacrylate bone cements in arthroplasty. The clinically relevant differences that have to be considered when antibiotic loaded bone cements (ALBC) are used either for long-term implant fixation or as spacers for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections are outlined. In this context, in vitro findings for antibiotic elution and material properties are summarized and transferred to clinical use.
The trauma center of the University Hospital Wuerzburg has developed an advanced trauma pathway based on a dual-room trauma suite with an integrated movable sliding gantry CT-system. This enables simultaneous CT-diagnostics and treatment of two trauma patients. The focus of this study was to investigate the quality of the concept based on defined outcome criteria in this specific setting (time from arrival to initiation of CT scan: tCT; time from arrival to initiation of emergency surgery: tES). We analyzed all trauma patients admitted to the hospital’s trauma suite from 1st May 2019 through 29th April 2020. Two subgroups were defined: trauma patients, who were treated without a second trauma patient present (group 1) and patients, who were treated simultaneously with another trauma patient (group 2). Simultaneous treatment was defined as parallel arrival within a period of 20 min. Of 423 included trauma patients, 46 patients (10.9%) were treated simultaneously. Car accidents were the predominant trauma mechanism in this group (19.6% vs. 47.8%, p < 0.05). Prehospital life-saving procedures were performed with comparable frequency in both groups (intubation 43.5% vs. 39%, p = 0.572); pleural drainage 3.2% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.708; cardiopulmonary resuscitation 5% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.387). At hospital admission, patients in group 2 suffered significantly more pain (E-problem according to Advanced Trauma Life Support principles©; 29.2% vs. 45.7%, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the clinical treatment (emergency procedures, vasopressor and coagulant therapy, and transfusion of red blood cells). tCT was 6 (4–10) minutes (median and IQR) in group 1 and 8 (5–15.5) minutes in group 2 (p = 0.280). tES was 90 (78–106) minutes in group 1 and 99 (97–108) minutes in group 2 (p = 0.081). The simultaneous treatment of two trauma patients in a dual-room trauma suite with an integrated movable sliding gantry CT-system requires a medical, organizational, and technical concept adapted to this special setting. Despite the oftentimes serious and life-threatening injuries, optimal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be guaranteed for two simultaneous trauma patients at an individual medical level in consistent quality.
Purpose
The AMADEUS (Area Measurement And DEpth and Underlying Structures) scoring and grading system has been proposed for the MRI based evaluation of untreated focal chondral defects around the knee. The clinical practicability, its correlation with arthroscopically assessed grading systems (ICRS – International Cartilage Repair Society) and thereby its clinical value in terms of decision making and guiding prognosis was yet to determine.
Methods
From 2008 to 2019 a total of 89 individuals were indicated for high tibial valgus osteotomy (HTO) due to tibial varus deformity and concomitant chondral defects of the medial compartment of the knee. All patients received a preoperative MRI (1.5 Tesla or 3.0 Tesla) and pre-osteotomy diagnostic arthroscopy. Chondral defects of the medial compartment were scored and graded with the MRI based AMADEUS by three independent raters and compared to arthroscopic defect grading by the ICRS system. Interrater and intrarater reliability as well as correlation analysis with the ICRS classification system were assessed.
Results
Intraclass correlation coefficients for the various subscores of the AMADEUS showed an overall good to excellent interrater agreement (min: 0.26, max: 0.80). Intrarater agreement turned out to be substantially inferior (min: 0.08, max: 0.53). Spearman correlation revealed an overall moderate correlative association of the AMADEUS subscores with the ICRS classification system, apart from the defect area subscore. Sensitivity of the AMADEUS to accurately identify defect severity according to the ICRS was 0.7 (0.69 for 3.0 Tesla MRI, 0.67 for 1.5 Tesla MRI). The mean AMADEUS grade was 2.60 ± 0.81 and the mean ICRS score 2.90 ± 0.63.
Conclusions
Overall, the AMADEUS with all its subscores shows moderate correlation with the arthroscopic chondral grading system according to ICRS. This suggests that chondral defect grading by means of the MRI based AMADEUS is well capable of influencing and guiding treatment decisions. Interrater reliability shows overall good agreement.
Objectives
Handball is associated with a high risk of overuse shoulder injury. This study investigated if an injury prevention programme effectively reduces overuse injury to the throwing shoulder of handball athletes.
Methods
61 men’s and women’s handball teams (u-19 and senior athletes) were cluster-randomised into an intervention and a control group in the 2019–2020 season. Players of the intervention group regularly carried out an injury prevention programme. Both groups documented overuse shoulder injuries via an online questionnaire every second week. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of overuse injury to the throwing shoulder. Secondary endpoints were the influence of compliance on the primary endpoint and intensity of overuse shoulder symptoms measured by a shortened, handball-specific Western Ontario Shoulder Index (WOSI).
Results
31 teams (295 players) in the intervention group and 30 teams (284 players) in the control group were included for analyses. The overall questionnaire response rate was 61%. The average prevalence of overuse shoulder injury did not significantly differ between the intervention group (n=109, 38.4% (95% CI 32.9% to 44.2%)) and the control group (n=106, 35.9% (95% CI 30.7% to 41.6%), p=0.542). Compliance with the intervention programme did not significantly affect overuse shoulder injury (p=0.893). Using generalised estimating equations for WOSI, the estimated mean for the intervention group was 44.6 points (95% CI 42.0 to 47.1) and 47.6 points for the control group (95% CI 44.9 to 50.3, p=0.111).
Conclusions
A multicomponent exercise programme using rubber bands and stretching did not significantly reduce the prevalence or symptoms of overuse throwing shoulder injury in handball athletes of both sexes. Randomised controlled study; level of evidence I.
Humane mesenchymale Stromazellen (hMSCs) sind Interessengebiet der Forschung im Bereich des Tissue Engineering und werden häufig in Bezug auf Knorpelregeneration untersucht. Hierbei sind bereits mehrere potentielle Quellen nachgewiesen worden. Fokus dieser Disseration war die Vergleichende in vitro-Charakterisierung des Differenzierungspotentials von hMSCs von sechs verschiedenen Geweben des Kniegelenkes bei Patientinnen mit Gonarthrose um zu erforschen, welches Gewebe das meiste Potential für eine mögliche Extraktion von hMSCs birgt.
Hierfür wurden Zellen aus der Spongiose, dem Knorpelgewebe, des vorderen Kreuzbandes, der Menisken, der Synovialmebran sowie des Hoffa’schen Fettkörpers von fünf verschiedenen Spenderinnen isoliert und apidogen, osteogen sowie chondrogen differenziert sowie anschließend histologisch, immunhistochemisch und molekularbiologisch untersucht und die Ergebnisse miteinander verglichen. Hierbei wurde die zunächst der Nachweis erbracht, dass es sich bei allen Zellen um hMSCs handelt sowie anschließend gezeigt, dass alle Zellen ein multipotentes Differenzierungspotential aufweisen. Während kein statistisch relevanter Nachweis erbracht werden konnte, dass eine Zellquelle hierbei überlegen ist, scheinen die Zellen der Spongiosa sowie der Synovialmembran das vielversprechendste Potential zu bieten und eigenen sich somit als Quelle für weitere Forschung.
Die periprothetische Infektion (PPI) ist eine seltene aber schwerwiegende Komplikation nach Implantation einer Hüftprothese. Diese Arbeit hat verschiedene Aspekte bezüglich der Diagnostik und Definition der PPI untersucht. Der primäre Fokus lag auf der mikrobiologischen Punktionsdiagnostik und seiner Korrelation mit mikrobiologischen Befunden aus intraoperativen Proben. Zudem war die Gegenüberstellung der verschiedenen Definitionen einer PPI ein weiterer Schwerpunkt der Arbeit. Des Weiteren wurden auch einige weitere Untersuchungsparameter der PPI untersucht und gegenübergestellt.
Bone marrow lesions (BML) represent areas of deteriorated bone structure and metabolism characterized by pronounced water‐equivalent signaling within the trabecular bone on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). BML are associated with repair mechanisms subsequent to various clinical conditions associated with inflammatory and non‐inflammatory injury to the bone. There is no approved treatment for this condition. Bisphosphonates are known to improve bone stability in osteoporosis and other bone disorders and have been used off‐label to treat BML. A randomized, triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase III trial was conducted to assess efficacy and safety of single‐dose zoledronic acid (ZOL) 5 mg iv with vitamin D 1000 IU/d as opposed to placebo with vitamin D 1000 IU/d in 48 patients (randomized 2:1) with BML. Primary efficacy endpoint was reduction of edema volume 6 weeks after treatment as assessed by MRI. After treatment, mean BML volume decreased by 64.53% (±41.92%) in patients receiving zoledronic acid and increased by 14.43% (±150.46%) in the placebo group (p = 0.007). A decrease in BML volume was observed in 76.5% of patients receiving ZOL and in 50% of the patients receiving placebo. Pain level (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and all categories of the pain disability index (PDI) improved with ZOL versus placebo after 6 weeks but reconciled after 6 additional weeks of follow‐up. Six serious adverse events occurred in 5 patients, none of which were classified as related to the study drug. No cases of osteonecrosis or fractures occurred. Therefore, single‐dose zoledronic acid 5 mg iv together with vitamin D may enhance resolution of bone marrow lesions over 6 weeks along with reduction of pain compared with vitamin D supplementation only.
Background: The primary aim of this study was to identify modifiable patient-related predictors of blood transfusions and perioperative complications in total hip and knee arthroplasty. Individual predictor-adjusted risks can be used to define preoperative treatment thresholds. Methods: We performed this retrospective monocentric study in orthopaedic patients who underwent primary total knee or hip arthroplasty. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the predictive value of patient-related characteristics. Predictor-adjusted individual risks of blood transfusions and the occurrence of any perioperative adverse event were calculated for potentially modifiable risk factors. Results: 3754 patients were included in this study. The overall blood transfusion and complication rates were 4.8% and 6.4%, respectively. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb, p < 0.001), low body mass index (BMI, p < 0.001) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, p = 0.004) were the strongest potentially modifiable predictors of a blood transfusion. EGFR (p = 0.001) was the strongest potentially modifiable predictor of a complication. Predictor-adjusted risks of blood transfusions and acute postoperative complications were calculated for Hb and eGFR. Hb = 12.5 g/dL, BMI = 17.6 kg/m\(^2\), and eGFR = 54 min/mL were associated, respectively, with a 10% risk of a blood transfusion, eGFR = 59 mL/min was associated with a 10% risk of a complication. Conclusion: The individual risks for blood transfusions and acute postoperative complications are strongly increased in patients with a low preoperative Hb, low BMI or low eGFR. We recommend aiming at a preoperative Hb ≥ 13g/dL, an eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min and to avoid a low BMI. Future studies must show if a preoperative increase of eGFR and BMI is feasible and truly beneficial.
Einleitung:
Der Oberflächenersatz (OE) stellt eine knochensparende alternative Operationstechnik zu der konventionellen Totalendoprothese (TEP) bei Hüftgelenksarthrose dar. Insbesondere für sehr aktive und junge Patienten werden dem OE Vorteile bei Stabilität und Materialverschleiß zugesprochen. Heterogene Studienergebnisse und eine unzureichende Datenlage hinsichtlich der Langzeitrisiken der Metall-auf-Metall-Gleitpaarung limitieren derzeit den Einsatz des OE. Diese Studie untersucht, ob Patienten nach OE tatsächlich aktiver sind.
Methodik:
Es handelt sich um eine retrospektive Arbeit mit prospektiver Datenerhebung im Rahmen eines Telefoninterviews. 40 OEs wurden mit 40 TEPs basierend auf präoperativem University of California Arthroplasty Score (UCLA), BMI, Alter zum Zeitpunkt der Operation und Alter bei Follow-up abgeglichen. Die durchschnittliche Nachuntersuchungsperiode war 56 Monate (24–87 Monate).
Ergebnisse:
OE Patienten zeigten signifikant höhere Werte im High-Activity Arthroplasty Score (HAAS) (14.9 vs. 12.9, p < 0.001) und Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS) (15.9 vs. 14.1, p = 0.001) und erreichten signifikant höhere Werte im Hip Cycle Score (HCS) (44.7 vs. 35.7 p = 0.037) und Impact Score (IS) (40.9 vs. 29.6, p = 0.002) als Patienten nach TEP. Es waren keine signifikanten Unterschiede im HOOS Abschnitt Funktionalität (91.4 vs. 90.3, p = 0.803 und Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) (0.6 vs. 0.9 p = 0.169) nachweisbar. OE-Patienten zeigten minimal, jedoch signifikant höhere Werte im modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) (88,8 vs. 86,6, p = 0.015)
Zusammenfassung:
Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass OE-Patienten mittelfristig aktiver sind und häufiger High-Impact-Sportarten ausüben als Patienten nach TEP.
Cartilage offers limited regenerative capacity. Cell-based approaches have emerged as a promising alternative in the treatment of cartilage defects and osteoarthritis. Due to their easy accessibility, abundancy, and chondrogenic potential mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) offer an attractive cell source. MSCs are often combined with natural or synthetic hydrogels providing tunable biocompatibility, biodegradability, and enhanced cell functionality. In this review, we focused on the different advantages and disadvantages of various natural, synthetic, and modified hydrogels. We examined the different combinations of MSC-subpopulations and hydrogels used for cartilage engineering in preclinical and clinical studies and reviewed the effects of added growth factors or gene transfer on chondrogenesis in MSC-laden hydrogels. The aim of this review is to add to the understanding of the disadvantages and advantages of various combinations of MSC-subpopulations, growth factors, gene transfers, and hydrogels in cartilage engineering.
In contrast to postmenopausal women, evidence for a favorable effect of exercise on Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is still limited for men. This might be due to the paucity of studies, but also to the great variety of participants and study characteristics that may dilute study results. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of exercise on BMD changes with rational eligibility criteria. A comprehensive search of six electronic databases up to 15 March 2021 was conducted. Briefly, controlled trials ≥6 months that determined changes in areal BMD in men >18 years old, with no apparent diseases or pharmacological therapy that relevantly affect bone metabolism, were included. BMD changes (standardized mean differences: SMD) of the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) were considered as outcomes. Twelve studies with 16 exercise and 12 control groups were identified. The pooled estimate of random-effect analysis was SMD = 0.38, 95%-CI: 0.14–0.61 and SMD = 0.25, 95%-CI: 0.00–0.49, for LS and FN, respectively. Heterogeneity between the trials was low–moderate. Funnel plots and rank and regression correlation tests indicate evidence for small study publication bias for LS but not FN-BMD. Subgroup analyses that focus on study length, type of exercise and methodologic quality revealed no significant difference between each of the three categories. In summary, we provided further evidence for a low but significant effect of exercise on BMD in men. However, we are currently unable to give even rough exercise recommendations for male cohorts.
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of high intensity dynamic resistance exercise (HIT-DRT) and whey protein supplementation (WPS) on bone mineral density (BMD) and sarcopenia parameters in osteosarcopenic men. Men ≥ 72 years with osteosarcopenia (n = 43) were randomly assigned to a HIT-RT (HIT-RT: n = 21) or a non-training control group (n = 22). Supervised HIT-RT twice/week was applied for 18 months, while the control group maintained their habitual lifestyle. Supplying WPS, total protein intake amounted to 1.5–1.6 (HIT-RT) and 1.2 g/kg/body mass/d (control). Both groups were supplied with calcium and vitamin D. Primary study outcomes were BMD and the sarcopenia Z-score. After adjusting for multiplicity, we observed significant positive effects for sarcopenia Z-score (standardized mean difference (SMD): 1.40), BMD at lumbar spine (SMD: 0.72) and total hip (SMD: 0.72). In detail, effect sizes for skeletal muscle mass changes were very pronounced (1.97, p < 0.001), while effects for functional sarcopenia parameters were moderate (0.87, p = 0.008; handgrip strength) or low (0.39, p = 0.209; gait velocity). Apart from one man who reported short periods of temporary worsening of existing joint pain, no HIT-RT/WPS-related adverse effects or injuries were reported. We consider HIT-RT supported by whey protein supplementation as a feasible, attractive, safe and highly effective option to fight osteosarcopenia in older men.
Background: The diagnosis of periprosthetic shoulder infection (PSI) requires a thorough diagnostic workup. Synovial fluid aspiration has been proven to be a reliable tool in the diagnosis of joint infections of the lower extremity, but shoulder specific data is limited. This study defines a threshold for synovial fluid white blood cell count (WBC) and assesses the reliability of microbiological cultures. Methods: Retrospective study of preoperative and intraoperative fluid aspiration of 31 patients who underwent a revision of a shoulder arthroplasty (15 with PSI defined by IDSA criteria, 16 without infection). The threshold for WBC was calculated by ROC/AUC analysis. Results: WBC was significantly higher in patients with PSI than in other patients. A threshold of 2800 leucocytes/mm\(^3\) showed a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 88% (AUROC 0.92). Microbiological cultures showed a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 100%. Conclusions: A threshold of 2800 leucocytes/mm\(^3\) in synovial fluid can be recommended to predict PSI. Microbiological culture has an excellent specificity and allows for targeted antibiotic therapy. Joint aspiration presents an important pillar to diagnose PSI.
Introduction: The calipered kinematically-aligned (KA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) strives to restore the patient's individual pre-arthritic (i.e., native) posterior tibial slope when retaining the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Deviations from the patient's individual pre-arthritic posterior slope tighten and slacken the PCL in flexion that drives tibial rotation, and such a change might compromise passive internal tibial rotation and coupled patellofemoral kinematics. Methods: Twenty-one patients were treated with a calipered KA TKA and a PCL retaining implant with a medial ball-in-socket and a lateral flat articular insert conformity that mimics the native (i.e., healthy) knee. The slope of the tibial resection was set parallel to the medial joint line by adjusting the plane of an angel wing inserted in the tibial guide. Three trial inserts that matched and deviated 2°> and 2°< from the patient's pre-arthritic slope were 3D printed with goniometric markings. The goniometer measured the orientation of the tibia (i.e., trial insert) relative to the femoral component. Results: There was no difference between the radiographic preoperative and postoperative tibial slope (0.7 ± 3.2°, NS). From extension to 90° flexion, the mean passive internal tibial rotation with the pre-arthritic slope insert of 19° was greater than the 15° for the 2°> slope (p < 0.000), and 15° for the 2°< slope (p < 0.000). Discussion: When performing a calipered KA TKA with PCL retention, the correct target for setting the tibial component is the patient's individual pre-arthritic slope within a tolerance of ±2°, as this target resulted in a 15–19° range of internal tibial rotation that is comparable to the 15–18° range reported for the native knee from extension to 90° flexion.