Aim

Bone regeneration following the treatment of Staphylococcal bone infection or osteomyelitis is challenging due to the ability of Staphylococcus aureus to invade and persist within bone cells, which could possibly lead to antimicrobial tolerance and incessant bone destruction.

Here, we investigated the influence of Staphylococcal bone infection on osteoblasts metabolism and function, with the underlying goal of determining whether Staphylococcus aureus-infected osteoblasts retain their ability to produce extracellular mineralized organic matrix after antibiotic treatment.

Summary

Based upon genetic analysis, decorin is an exciting pharmacologic agent of potential anti-fibrogenic effect on arthrofibrosis in our animal model.

Single-strand medial collateral elbow ligament (MCL) reconstruction strength was evaluated using double docking (DD) and interference screw (IS) methods with either palmaris longus (PL) or Graft Jacket_ (GJ) as the reconstruction material. Thirteen upper-extremities were mounted in 90° valgus orientations, and subjected to increasing cyclic valgus loading until failure. DD reconstructions outperformed IS reconstructions (P< 0.05), while PL and GJ performed comparably (P> 0.05). The initial Graft Jacket strength makes it a potential alternative to palmaris longus tendons; Laboratory evaluation of graft strength during healing is required. For its simplicity and strength, the DD technique should be considered, clinically.

Single-strand medial collateral elbow ligament (MCL) reconstruction strength was evaluated using double docking (DD) and interference screw (IS) methods with either palmaris longus (PL) or Graft Jacket_ (GJ) as the reconstruction material.

Thirteen, fresh-frozen upper-extremities (66 ±5 years) were cleaned of all soft tissues except the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, flexed to 90° and mounted in a rigid, valgus testing system. DD or IS reconstructions were performed using either PL or GJ. A cyclic (0.5Hz) load was applied 12cm distal to the medial epicondyle. After 500 cycles, the load was increased by 10N until catastrophic failure or a length increase of 10mm.

The mean maximum load for the DD with GJ was 65 ±12N; for the IS with GJ: 45 ±5N; for the DD with PL: 59 ±11N; and for the IS with PL: 56 ±14N. The mean maximum number of cycles endured by the DD with GJ was 1292 ±562; for the IS with GJ: 356 ±292; for the DD with PL: 1104 ±479; and for the IS with PL: 924 ±690. For both the maximum load and number of cycles, the DD outperformed the IS (P< 0.05) and the GJ and PL performed comparably (P> 0.05).

Single-strand reconstructions using the double dock method outperform the interference screw technique. For its simplicity and strength, the DD technique should be considered, clinically. The initial Graft Jacket strength makes it a potential alternative to palmaris longus tendons; laboratory evaluation of graft strength during healing is required.

Funding: This study was partially funded by Wright Medical Technology (Arlington, TN) and the Canadian Institute for Health Research.

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