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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.
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.
Purpose: Patient-specific, flanged acetabular components are used for the treatment of Paprosky type III defects during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). This monocentric retrospective cohort study analyzes the outcome of patients treated with custom made monoflanged acetabular components (CMACs) with intra- and extramedullary iliac fixation. Methods: 14 patients were included who underwent revision THA with CMACs for the treatment of Paprosky type III defects. Mechanism of THA failure was infection in 4 and aseptic loosening in 10 patients. Seven patients underwent no previous revision, the other seven patients underwent three or more previous revisions. Results: At a mean follow-up of 35.4 months (14–94), the revision rate of the implant was 28.3%. Additionally, one perioperative dislocation and one superficial wound infection occurred. At one year postoperatively, we found a significant improvement of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score (p = 0.015). Postoperative radiographic analysis revealed good hip joint reconstruction with a mean leg length discrepancy of 3 mm (−8–20), a mean lateralization of the horizontal hip center of rotation of 8 mm (−8–35), and a mean proximalization of the vertical hip center of rotation of 6 mm (13–26). Radiolucency lines were present in 30%. Conclusion: CMACs can be considered an option for the treatment of acetabular bone loss in revision THA. Iliac intra- and extramedullary fixation allows soft tissue-adjusted hip joint reconstruction and improves hip function. However, failure rates are high, with periprosthetic infection being the main threat to successful outcome.
(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.
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.
Objective
As native cartilage consists of different phenotypical zones, this study aims to fabricate different types of neocartilage constructs from collagen hydrogels and human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) genetically modified to express different chondrogenic factors.
Design
Human MSCs derived from bone-marrow of osteoarthritis (OA) hips were genetically modified using adenoviral vectors encoding sex-determining region Y-type high-mobility-group-box (SOX)9,transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) 1or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2cDNA, placed in type I collagen hydrogels and maintained in serum-free chondrogenic media for three weeks. Control constructs contained unmodified MSCs or MSCs expressing GFP. The respective constructs were analyzed histologically, immunohistochemically, biochemically, and by qRT-PCR for chondrogenesis and hypertrophy.
Results
Chondrogenesis in MSCs was consistently and strongly induced in collagen I hydrogels by the transgenesSOX9,TGFB1andBMP2as evidenced by positive staining for proteoglycans, chondroitin-4-sulfate (CS4) and collagen (COL) type II, increased levels of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, and expression of mRNAs associated with chondrogenesis. The control groups were entirely non-chondrogenic. The levels of hypertrophy, as judged by expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and COL X on both the protein and mRNA levels revealed different stages of hypertrophy within the chondrogenic groups (BMP2>TGFB1>SOX9).
Conclusions
Different types of neocartilage with varying levels of hypertrophy could be generated from human MSCs in collagen hydrogels by transfer of genes encoding the chondrogenic factorsSOX9,TGFB1andBMP2. This technology may be harnessed for regeneration of specific zones of native cartilage upon damage.
Diagnosis of chronic infection at total hip arthroplasty revision is a question of definition
(2021)
Purpose. Contradicting definitions of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) are in use. Joint aspiration is performed before total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision. This study investigated the influence of PJI definition on PJI prevalence at THA revision. Test quality of prerevision aspiration was evaluated for the different PJI definitions. Methods. 256 THA revisions were retrospectively classified to be infected or not infected. Classification was performed according to the 4 different definitions proposed by the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the International Consensus Meeting (ICM), and the European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS). Only chronic PJIs were included. Results. PJI prevalence at revision significantly correlated with the applied PJI definition (p=0.01, Cramer's V=0.093). PJI prevalence was 20.7% for the MSIS, 25.4% for the ICM, 28.1% for the IDSA, and 32.0% for the EBJIS definition. For synovial fluid white blood cell count, the best ROC-AUC for predicting PJI was 0.953 in combination with the MSIS definition. Conclusion. PJI definition significantly influences the rate of diagnosed PJIs at THA revision. Synovial fluid white blood cell count is a reliable means to rule out PJI. In cases with a borderline high synovial white blood cell count before THA revision as the only sign of chronic PJI, an extended diagnostic work-up should be considered.
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).
Background
Surgical reattachment of the tendon is still the gold standard for ruptures of the distal biceps brachii tendon. Several fixation techniques have been described in the literature, with suture anchors being one of the most common fixation techniques. Currently, there is no data available on how many anchors are required for a safe and stable refixation. In this case report clinical data of a patient with non-simultaneous bilateral distal biceps tendon ruptures treated with a different number of suture anchors for each side (one vs. two) are demonstrated.
Case presentation
A 47-year-old factory worker suffered a rupture of the distal biceps tendon on both arms following two different occasions. The left side was fixed using a single suture anchor, while refixation on the right side was performed with two anchors. The patient was prospectively followed for one year. Functional outcome was assessed using the Andrews Carson Score (ACS), the Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score after six, twelve, 24 and 48 weeks. Furthermore, an isokinetic strength measurement for flexion strength was performed after 24 and 48 weeks. After 48 weeks the patient presented with excellent functional outcome scores and no follow-up complications. During the follow-up period, no differences in the functional scores nor in the isokinetic flexion strength measurement could be detected. Furthermore, no radiological complications (like heterotopic ossifications) could be detected in the postoperative radiographs after one year.
Conclusions
Anatomic reattachment of the distal biceps tendon is a successful operative treatment option for distal biceps tendon ruptures. Suture anchor fixation remains one of the most common techniques, as it allows fast surgery and provides good results with respect to range of motion (ROM) and functional scoring according to the current literature. However, the number of anchors required for a stable fixation remains unclear. As indicated by our presented case, we hypothesize, that there are no significant differences between a one-point or a two-point fixation. In the presented case report, no intraindividual differences between the usage of one versus two suture anchors were evident in the short-term follow-up.
In vitro evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of vancomycin-loaded suture tapes and cerclage wires
(2021)
Usage of implants containing antibiotic agents has been a common strategy to prevent implant related infections in orthopedic surgery. Unfortunately, most implants with microbial repellent properties are characterized by accessibility limitations during daily clinical practice. Aim of this in vitro study was to investigate whether suture tapes and cerclage wires, which were treated with vancomycin, show a sustainable antibacterial activity. For this purpose, we used 24 stainless steel wire cerclages and 24 ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and polyester suture tape test bodies. The test bodies were incubated for 30 min. in 100 mg/ml vancomycin solution or equivalent volumes of 0.9% NaCl. After measuring the initial solution uptake of the test bodies, antibacterial efficacy via agar diffusion test with Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin elution tests were performed 1, 2, 3, and 6 days after incubation. Vancomycin-loaded tapes as well as vancomycin-loaded cerclage wires demonstrated increased bacterial growth inhibition when compared to NaCl-treated controls. Vancomycin-loaded tapes showed an additional twofold and eightfold increase of bacterial growth inhibition compared to vancomycin-loaded wires at day 1 and 2, respectively. Elution tests at day 1 revealed high levels of vancomycin concentration in vancomycin loaded tapes and wires. Additionally, the concentration in vancomycin loaded tapes was 14-fold higher when compared to vancomycin loaded wires. Incubating suture tapes and cerclage wires in vancomycin solution showed a good short-term antibacterial activity compared to controls. Considering the ease of vancomycin application on suture tapes or wires, our method could represent an attractive therapeutic strategy in biofilm prevention in orthopedic surgery.
Background:
The presented prospective randomized controlled single-centre study compares the clinical outcome up to 12 months after total hip arthroplasty using a minimally invasive single-incision direct anterior (DAA) and a direct transgluteal lateral approach.
Methods:
A total of 123 arthroplasties were evaluated utilizing the Harris Hip Score (HHS), the extra short musculoskeletal functional assessment questionnaire (XSFMA), the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey, a Stepwatch™ Activity Monitor (SAM), and a timed 25 m foot walk (T25-FW). Postoperative x-ray images after THA were reviewed to determine inclination and stem positioning.
Results:
At final follow-up, the XSFMA functional index scores were 10.3 (anterior) and 15.08 (lateral) while the bother index summed up to a score of 15.8 (anterior) and 21.66 (lateral) respectively, thus only differing significantly for the functional index (p = 0.040 and p = 0.056). The SF-36 physical component score (PCS) was 47.49 (anterior) and 42.91 (lateral) while the mental component score (MCS) summed up to 55.0 (anterior) and 56.23 (lateral) with a significant difference evident for the PCS (p = 0.017; p = 0.714). Patients undergoing THA through a DAA undertook a mean of 6402 cycles per day while those who had undergone THA through a transgluteal approach undertook a mean of 5340 cycles per day (p = 0.012). Furthermore, the obtained outcome for the T25-FW with 18.4 s (anterior) and 19.75 s (lateral) and the maximum walking distance (5932 m and 5125 m) differed significantly (p = 0.046 and p = 0.045). The average HHS showed no significant difference equaling 92.4 points in the anterior group and 91.43 in the lateral group (p = 0.477). The radiographic analysis revealed an average cup inclination of 38.6° (anterior) and 40.28° (lateral) without signs of migration.
Conclusion:
In summary, our outcomes show that after 1 year THA through the direct anterior approach results in a higher patient activity compared to THA utilizing a transgluteal lateral approach while no differences regarding hip function are evident.
Purpose. Detection of infection persistence during the two-stage exchange of the knee for periprosthetic joint infection is challenging. Synovial fluid culture (SFC) and synovial white blood cell count (SWBCC) before joint reimplantation are widespread diagnostic means for this indication. The sensitivity and specificity of SFC and of SWBCC for infection persistence before planned reimplantation were evaluated. Methods. 94 two-stage exchanges of the knee with synovial fluid aspiration performed after a drug holiday of at least 14 days and before reimplantation or spacer exchange (planned reimplantation) were retrospectively analyzed. Only cases with at least 3 intraoperative samples at planned reimplantation were included. SFC and SWBCC were compared to pathogen detection (SFC\(_{(culture)}\)/SWBCC\(_{(culture)}\) and to histopathological signs of infection persistence (SFC\(_{(histo)}\)/SWBCC\(_{(histo)}\) from intraoperative samples at planned reimplantation. For SFC, the sensitivity and specificity were calculated. For SWBCC, the optimal cut-off value with its sensitivity and specificity was calculated with the Youden-Index. Results. Sensitivity and specificity of SFC\(_{(culture)}\) were 0.0% and 98.9%. Sensitivity and specificity of SFC\(_{(histo)}\) were 3.4% and 100%. The optimal cut-off value for SWBCC\(_{(culture)}\) was 4450 cells/μl with a sensitivity of 50.0% and a specificity of 86.5%. The optimal cut-off value for SWBCC\(_{(histo)}\) was 3250 cells/μl with a sensitivity of 35.7% and a specificity of 92.9%. Conclusion. The detection of infection persistence remains challenging and a consented approach is lacking. The results do not warrant the routine performance of SFC during the two-stage exchange at the knee. SWBCC can be used to confirm infection persistence at high cut-offs, but they only occur in few patients and are therefore inappropriate for the routine use.
Purpose
This study investigates the redislocation rate and functional outcome at a minimum follow-up of five years after medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with soft tissue patellar fixation for patella instability.
Methods
Patients were retrospectively identified and knees were evaluated for trochlea dysplasia according to Dejour, for presence of patella alta and for presence of cartilage lesion at surgery. At a minimum follow-up of five years, information about an incident of redislocation was obtained. Kujala, Lysholm, and Tegner questionnaires as well as range of motion were used to measure functional outcome.
Results
Eighty-nine knees were included. Follow-up rate for redislocation was 79.8% and for functional outcome 58.4%. After a mean follow-up of 5.8 years, the redislocation rate was 5.6%. There was significant improvement of the Kujala score (68.8 to 88.2, p = 0.000) and of the Lysholm score (71.3 to 88.4, p = 0.000). Range of motion at follow-up was 149.0° (115–165). 77.5% of the knees had patella alta and 52.9% trochlear dysplasia types B, C, or D. Patellar cartilage legions were present in 54.2%. Redislocations occurred in knees with trochlear dysplasia type C in combination with patella alta.
Conclusion
MPFL reconstruction with soft tissue patellar fixation leads to significant improvement of knee function and low midterm redislocation rate. Patients with high-grade trochlear dysplasia should be considered for additional osseous correction.
Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern that is estimated to afflict over one billion people globally. The major role of vitamin D is that of a regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism, thus, being essential for proper bone mineralisation. Concomitantly, vitamin D is known to exert numerous extra-skeletal actions. For example, it has become evident that vitamin D has direct anti-proliferative, pro-differentiation and pro-apoptotic actions on cancer cells. Hence, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased cancer risk and worse prognosis in several malignancies. We have recently demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency promotes secondary cancer growth in bone. These findings were partly attributable to an increase in bone remodelling but also through direct effects of vitamin D on cancer cells. To date, very little is known about vitamin D status of patients with bone tumours in general. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess vitamin D status of patients with diverse bone tumours. Moreover, the aim was to elucidate whether or not there is an association between pre-diagnostic vitamin D status and tumour malignancy in patients with bone tumours.
In a multi-center analysis, 25(OH)D, PTH and calcium levels of 225 patients that presented with various bone tumours between 2017 and 2018 were assessed. Collectively, 76% of all patients had insufficient vitamin D levels with a total mean 25(OH)D level of 21.43 ng/ml (53.58 nmol/L). In particular, 52% (117/225) of patients were identified as vitamin D deficient and further 24% of patients (55/225) were vitamin D insufficient. Notably, patients diagnosed with malignant bone tumours had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels than patients diagnosed with benign bone tumours [19.3 vs. 22.75 ng/ml (48.25 vs. 56.86 nmol/L); p = 0.04).
In conclusion, we found a widespread and distressing rate of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in patients with bone tumours. However, especially for patients with bone tumours sufficient vitamin D levels seem to be of great importance. Thus, we believe that 25(OH)D status should routinely be monitored in these patients. Collectively, there should be an increased awareness for physicians to assess and if necessary correct vitamin D status of patients with bone tumours in general or of those at great risk of developing bone tumours.
Hibernoma is a rare benign lipomatous tumor showing differentiation of brown fatty tissue. To the author’s best knowledge, there is no known case of malignant transformation or metastasis. Due to their slow, noninfiltrating growth hibernomas are often an incidental finding in the third or fourth decade of life. The vast majority are located in the thigh, neck, and periscapular region. A diagnostic workup includes ultrasound and contrast-enhanced MRI. Differential diagnosis is benign lipoma, well-differentiated liposarcoma, and rhabdomyoma. An incisional biopsy followed by marginal resection of the tumor is the standard of care, and recurrence after complete resection is not reported. The current paper presents diagnostic and intraoperative findings of a hibernoma of the upper arm and reviews similar reports in the current literature.
In bone tissue engineering, the design of in vitro models able to recreate both the chemical composition, the structural architecture, and the overall mechanical environment of the native tissue is still often neglected. In this study, we apply a bioreactor system where human bone-marrow hMSCs are seeded in human femoral head-derived decellularized bone scaffolds and subjected to dynamic culture, i.e., shear stress induced by continuous cell culture medium perfusion at 1.7 mL/min flow rate and compressive stress by 10% uniaxial load at 1 Hz for 1 h per day. In silico modeling revealed that continuous medium flow generates a mean shear stress of 8.5 mPa sensed by hMSCs seeded on 3D bone scaffolds. Experimentally, both dynamic conditions improved cell repopulation within the scaffold and boosted ECM production compared with static controls. Early response of hMSCs to mechanical stimuli comprises evident cell shape changes and stronger integrin-mediated adhesion to the matrix. Stress-induced Col6 and SPP1 gene expression suggests an early hMSC commitment towards osteogenic lineage independent of Runx2 signaling. This study provides a foundation for exploring the early effects of external mechanical stimuli on hMSC behavior in a biologically meaningful in vitro environment, opening new opportunities to study bone development, remodeling, and pathologies.
Inpatient rehabilitation (IR) is a common postoperative protocol after total knee replacement (TKA). Because IR is expensive and should therefore be justified, this study determined the difference in knee function one year after TKA in patients treated with IR or outpatient rehabilitation, fast-track rehabilitation (FTR) in particular, which also entails a reduced hospital length of stay. A total of 205 patients were included in this multi-center prospective cohort study. Of the patients, 104 had primary TKA at a German university hospital and received IR, while 101 had primary TKA at a Canadian university hospital and received FTR. Patients receiving IR or FTR were matched by pre-operative demographics and knee function. Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) determined knee function one year after surgery. Patients receiving IR had a 2.8-point lower improvement in OKS (p = 0.001), a 6.7-point lower improvement in WOMAC (p = 0.063), and a 12.3-point higher improvement in EQ-VAS (p = 0.281) than patients receiving FTR. IR does not provide long-term benefits to patient recovery after primary uncomplicated TKA under the current rehabilitation regime.
Active vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) is known to exert direct anti-cancer actions on various malignant tissues through binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). These effects have been demonstrated in breast, prostate, renal and thyroid cancers, which all have a high propensity to metastasise to bone. In addition, there is evidence that vitamin D catabolism via 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) is altered in tumour cells, thus, reducing local active vitamin D levels in cancer cells. The aim of this study was to assess VDR and CYP24A1 expression in various types of bone metastases by using immunohistochemistry. Overall, a high total VDR protein expression was detected in 59% of cases (39/66). There was a non-significant trend of high-grade tumours towards the low nuclear VDR expression (p = 0.07). Notably, patients with further distant metastases had a reduced nuclear VDR expression (p = 0.03). Furthermore, a high CYP24A1 expression was detected in 59% (39/66) of bone metastases. There was a significant positive correlation between nuclear VDR and CYP24A1 expression (p = 0.001). Collectively, the VDR and CYP24A1 were widely expressed in a multitude of bone metastases, pointing to a potential role of vitamin D signalling in cancer progression. This is of high clinical relevance, as vitamin D deficiency is frequent in patients with bone metastases.
The fate and behavior of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSC) is bidirectionally influenced by their microenvironment, the stem cell niche, where a magnitude of biochemical and physical cues communicate in an extremely orchestrated way. It is known that simplified 2D in vitro systems for BM-MSC culture do not represent their naïve physiological environment. Here, we developed four different 2D cell-based decellularized matrices (dECM) and a 3D decellularized human trabecular-bone scaffold (dBone) to evaluate BM-MSC behavior. The obtained cell-derived matrices provided a reliable tool for cell shape-based analyses of typical features associated with osteogenic differentiation at high-throughput level. On the other hand, exploratory proteomics analysis identified native bone-specific proteins selectively expressed in dBone but not in dECM models. Together with its architectural complexity, the physico-chemical properties of dBone triggered the upregulation of stemness associated genes and niche-related protein expression, proving in vitro conservation of the naïve features of BM-MSC.