Tendons mainly consist of collagen in order to withstand high tensile forces. Compared to other, high turnover tissues, cellularity and vascularity in tendons are low. Thus, the natural healing process of tendons takes long and can be problematic. In case of injury to the enthesis, the special transition from tendon over cartilage to bone is replaced by a fibrous scar tissue, which remains an unsolved problem in rotator cuff repair.

To improve tendon healing, many different approaches have been described using scaffolds, stem cells, cytokines, blood products, gene therapy and others. Despite promising in vitro and in vivo results, translation to patient care is challenging. In clinics however, tendon auto- or allografts remain still first choice to augment tendon healing if needed.

Therefore, it is important to understand natural tendon properties and natural tendon healing first. Like in other tissues, senescence of tenocytes seems to play an important role for tendon degeneration which is interestingly not age depended. Our in vivo healing studies have shown improved and accelerated healing by adding collagen type I, which is now used in clinics, for example for augmentation of rotator cuff repair. Certain cytokines, cells and scaffolds may further improve tendon healing but are not yet used routinely, mainly due to missing clinical data, regulatory issues and costs.

In conclusion, the correct diagnosis and correct first line treatment of tendon injuries are important to avoid the necessity to biologically augment tendon healing. However, strategies to improve and accelerate tendon healing are still desirable. New treatment opportunities may arise with further advances in tendon engineering in the future.

Introduction

Bereft of their optimal tissue context, cells lose their phenotype, function and therapeutic potential during in vitro culture. Despite the fact that in vivo cells are exposed simultaneously to multiple signals, traditional ex vivo cultures are monofactorial. With these in mind, herein we assessed the combined effect of surface topography, substrate rigidity, collagen type I coating and macromolecular crowding in human tenocyte, skin fibroblast and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell cultures.

Despite the development of skeletal or mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) constructs aimed at creating viable cartilage and bone, few studies have examined the effects of cytokines present in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) synovial tissues, or inhibition of these, on such constructs. This work addresses these issues using both in vitro and in vivo approaches and examines potential ways of overcoming the effects of cytokines on the integrity of cartilage and bone constructs.

Synovial samples were obtained from RA or OA (n=10) patients undergoing elective hip or knee arthroplasty at Southampton General Hospital. Full ethical approval was obtained. Control bone marrow-derived stromal cells were obtained from patients undergoing emergency fractured neck of femur repair, cultured in basal, osteogenic (ascorbate and dexamethasone) and chondrogenic (transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta3)) conditions. Differentiation towards bone and cartilage was assessed using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP and DNA biochemical assays and analysis of osteogenic/chondrogenic gene expression using real time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR). Exogenous interleukin-1 (IL-1) (10ng/mL), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) (10ng/mL) or interleukin-6 (IL-6) (100ng/mL) was added and effects on differentiation noted. RA and OA synovial samples were digested, cultured for 48 hours then centrifuged to produce supernatants. Cytokine profiles were determined using ELISA. These supernatants were then added to MSCs and their effects on differentiation assessed.

Mesenchymal cultures in osteogenic media with IL-1 showed an additive osteogenic effect on biochemical assays. TNF exerted a less marked and IL-6 no apparent effect on osteogenic differentiation. ALP expression by rt-PCR correlated with these findings. Addition of supernatants to mesenchymal cultures produced a marked osteogenic profile that was IL-1 and TNFalpha concentration dependent, correlating with lower supernatant dilutions on initial ELISA analysis.

Preliminary studies indicate that exogenous IL-1 and TNFalpha modulate the osteogenic phenotype in MSCs in vitro. OA and RA synovial supernatants affect skeletal cell differentiation. Variations in cytokine profiles between supernatants require analysis for potential confounders. A larger study is underway to investigate these effects, the effects of cytokines on skeletal cell differentiation on commercially available scaffolds both in vitro and in an in vivo murine model of bone formation.

Objectives

Matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) has been developed and applied in the clinical practice in the last decade to overcome most of the disadvantages of the first generation procedures. The purpose of this systematic review is to document and analyse the available literature on the results of MACT in the treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee.

Bone regeneration and repair are crucial to ambulation and quality of life. Factors such as poor general health, serious medical comorbidities, chronic inflammation, and ageing can lead to delayed healing and nonunion of fractures, and persistent bone defects. Bioengineering strategies to heal bone often involve grafting of autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with biocompatible scaffolds. While BMAC shows promise, variability in its efficacy exists due to discrepancies in MSC concentration and robustness, and immune cell composition. Understanding the mechanisms by which macrophages and lymphocytes – the main cellular components in BMAC – interact with MSCs could suggest novel strategies to enhance bone healing. Macrophages are polarized into pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes, and influence cell metabolism and tissue regeneration via the secretion of cytokines and other factors. T cells, especially helper T1 (Th1) and Th17, promote inflammation and osteoclastogenesis, whereas Th2 and regulatory T (Treg) cells have anti-inflammatory pro-reconstructive effects, thereby supporting osteogenesis. Crosstalk among macrophages, T cells, and MSCs affects the bone microenvironment and regulates the local immune response. Manipulating the proportion and interactions of these cells presents an opportunity to alter the local regenerative capacity of bone, which potentially could enhance clinical outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(9):462–473

This study aimed to examine the effect of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) on the ankle and subtalar joints via analysis of static radiographic alignment. We hypothesised that surgical alteration of the alignment of the proximal tibia would result in compensatory distal changes. 35 patients recruited as part of the wider Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre Versus Arthritis HTO study between 2011 and 2018 had pre- and postoperative full-length weightbearing radiographs taken of their lower limbs. In addition to standard alignment measures of the limb and knee (mechanical tibiofemoral angle, Mikulicz point, medial proximal tibial angle), additional measures were taken of the ankle/subtalar joints (lateral distal tibial angle, ground-talus angle, joint line convergence angle of the ankle) as well as a novel measure of stance width. Results were compared using a paired T-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Following HTO, there was a significant (5.4°) change in subtalar alignment. Ground-talus angle appeared related both to the level of malalignment preoperatively and the magnitude of the alignment change caused by the HTO surgery; suggesting subtalar positioning as a key adaptive mechanism. In addition to compensatory changes within the subtalar joints, the patients on average had a 31% wider stance following HTO. These two mechanisms do not appear to be correlated but the morphology of the tibial plafond may influence which compensatory mechanisms are employed by different subgroups of HTO patients. These findings are of vital importance in clinical practice both to anticipate potential changes to the ankle and subtalar joints following HTO but it could also open up wider indications for HTO in the treatment of ankle malalignment and osteoarthritis

Abstract. OBJECTIVES. Valgus high tibial osteotomy (HTO) represents an effective treatment for patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) in a varus knee. However, the mechanisms which cause this clinical improvement are unclear. Previous studies suggest a wider stance gait can reduce medial compartment loading via reduction in the external knee adduction moment (KAM); a measure implicated in progression of medial compartment OA. This study aimed to measure whether valgus HTO is associated with a postoperative increase in static stance width. METHODS. 32 patients, recruited in the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre Versus Arthritis HTO study, underwent valgus (medial opening wedge) HTO. Weightbearing pre- and post- operative radiographs were taken showing both lower limbs. The horizontal distance, measured from a fixed point on the right talus to the corresponding point on the left, was divided by the talus width to give a standardised “stance width” for each radiograph. The difference between pre- and post- operative stance width was compared for each patient using a paired sample t-test. RESULTS. Preoperatively, mean stance was 4.00 talar-widths but postoperatively this increased to 5.41. This mean increase of 1.42 talar-widths was statistically significant (p=0.001) and represents a mean proportional increase in stance width of 35.5% following HTO. Of the 32 patients, 23 showed increased stance width and 9 decreased (range −4.64 to 6.00 talar-widths). CONCLUSIONS. These findings indicate an association of frontal plane surgical realignment at the proximal tibia via a medial opening wedge HTO with an increased stance width on postoperative radiographs. Considering both wider stance gait and HTO have been shown to affect the progression of medial compartment OA, these results may explain one mechanism contributing to the efficacy of HTO surgery. However, the range of changes in stance width suggests significant variability in how patients adapt at a whole-limb and whole-body level following HTO. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Purpose of the study and background. The preliminary study aimed to establish clinical and research expert opinion with regards to the key components of an assessment of a person with Mechanical Low Back Pain (MLBP). We aimed to identify the key subjective questions and objective tests which would be helpful for clinicians to develop the most appropriate self-management exercise programme. This is the first part of the study to develop the ‘Back-to-Fit’ digital tool offering personalised self-management exercise solutions for people with MLBP. Summary of the methods. A Bristol online survey which included a questionnaire with a series of open and closed questions was developed using the literature and was distributed among clinicians/researchers with a background in the clinical management of MLBP. The questionnaire included 6 demographic questions followed by sections related to subjective questions and objective tests of the MLBP assessment. 71 participants responded to the survey. Results. In the subjective assessment component, ≥80% level of agreement was obtained for 17 of 26 proposed subjective questions and 05 of the 21 suggested objective tests. Two more questions and two objective tests to be included in the assessment had been suggested by the partcipants. Conclusion. These expert agreements on questions and opinions provides an indication of the key subjective and objective components to be included in a self-assessment tool in a personalised self-management platform for MLBP. Further testing with a multiple round Delphi study in a large sample of experts is now required to obtain consensus for the above findings. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, Cardiff University, UK

INTRODUCTION. Postoperative functional limitations after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) are caused, in part, by a mismatch between a patient's natural anatomy and conventional “off-the-shelf” implants. To address this, we propose a new concept combining off-the-shelf femur and tibia implants with custom polyethylene tibial inserts designed to account for a patient's unique anatomy. Our goal in this study was to use knee specific computational modeling to determine the neutral path of motion and laxity of an intact knee under axial compression and shear forces through full flexion and compare intact motion against the same knee implanted with a conventional off-the-shelf vs. a custom tibial insert. METHODS. 3D models of a healthy knee joint were acquired from an open development repository funded by the National Institute of Biomedical Imagining and Bioengineering (Harris et al., 2016). The knee model was virtually implanted with conventional (off-the-shelf) posterior cruciate retaining (CR) components including the femoral component, tibial tray, and a conventional insert. A custom CR tibial insert was designed taking into account native articular geometry and compatibility with placement of the off-the-shelf femoral/tibial tray. Bone, cartilage and implant models were imported into ANSYS Workbench. Ligaments were calibrated using data from in-vitro experimental tests (Harris et al., 2016). The following load conditions were applied to the femur: 20 N axial compression (neutral path), 20 N axial compression with 80 N anterior shear force, and 20 N axial compression with 80 N posterior shear force. Simultaneously for each loading condition, the knee was flexed from 0 – 120 degrees. A circular axis system was used to describe the motion of the femur relative to the tibia. RESULTS. For the intact case, neutral path was characterized by greater posterior femoral displacement on the lateral side than on the medial side, especially in early flexion. Neutral path of the custom insert was closer to intact condition than the conventional insert. Overall AP laxity was similar between intact and implanted models except at 30 degrees where increased laxity occurred posteriorly for the implanted models, likely due to resection of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) as part of the TKA procedure. For intact and implanted models, AP laxity significantly decreased at the higher flexion angles. DISCUSSION. Our findings indicate that motion with a custom tibial insert was closer to intact than the conventional design. Nonetheless, custom articular surface alone may not fully reproduce intact motion due to limitations such as resection of the ACL, and such custom inserts may benefit from guiding features such as a cam, post, or retention of the native ACL to more closely reproduce normal knee function. We did not simulate specific activities of daily living. Increasing the magnitudes of compression and shear forces would not change the neutral path of motion, although, a reduction in laxity would be expected

Introduction. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and particle-induced osteolysis are closely related to peri-implant local immunity and macrophage function. We previously demonstrated that titanium particles attenuate the immune response of macrophages caused by chronic inflammation [1]. In a separate study, we have determined that UHMWPE wear particles containing vitamin E (VE) induce less osteolysis compared to HXL UHMWPE wear particles in a murine calvarium model [2]. For this study we hypothesized that macrophages exposed to HXL UHMWPE particles containing VE would better maintain their ability to respond to S. aureus compared to HXL UHMWPE without VE. Methods. A gamma-sterilized, HXL UHMWPE tibial bearing containing VE (E1, Biomet, “VE-PE”) and 100kGy irradiated and melted UHMWPE (“CISM 100”) were cryomilled to particles by Bioengineering Solutions (Oak Park, IL). In the first in vitro study, RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages were exposed (inverted co-culture) to either VE-PE particles or CISM100 particles and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 1–7 days. Macrophage viability was measured using a cell counting kit (CCK-8). Control group with no particles and a LPS group were also included. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to determine macrophage apoptosis rate in response to particle exposure over time. In the second study, macrophages were exposed to VE-PE or CISM100 particles for 48h, then exposed to LPS for 30 min. Subsequently, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) phosphorylation were measured. In a third study, after exposure to particles for 48h, fatigued macrophages were co-cultured with bioluminescent S. aureus strain Xen29 for 3h and 6h. Bioluminescence signal was determined to measure the total amount of bacteria. Bacterial live/dead staining and optical density at 600 nm (OD 600) were also performed to determine S. aureus viability. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way or two-way ANOVA with a post hoc examination. *indicates p<0.05. Results. CISM100 particles significantly decreased macrophage viability at day 5 and day 7 (p<0.05, Fig. 1A), while the viability of macrophages exposed to VE-PE particles was similar to controls (macrophages not exposed to particles). After 48h, macrophages exposed to VE-PE particles showed a lower TUNEL-positive rate (less apoptosis) compared to CISM100 particles (Fig. 1B, C). 48h-exposure to VE-PE particles increased ROS generation and ERK phosphorylation in 30 min-LPS-activated macrophages when compared to CISM100 particles (Fig. 2). This immune response caused by VE-PE particles resembles that of macrophages without particles. Furthermore, 48h exposure to E1 particles showed less S. aureus at 6h (Fig. 3). Conclusions. These results suggest that VE-PE particles cause reduced macrophage apoptosis and protect the macrophages' immune response. VE-PE particles also preserved the innate immunity of macrophages, unlike CISM100, as evidenced by the S. aureus co-culture study. Thus, patients with vitamin-E containing implants may be less likely to develop PJI

Introduction. UHMWPE particle-induced osteolysis is one of the major causes of arthroplasty revisions. Recent in vitro findings have suggested that UHMWPE wear particles containing vitamin-E (VE) may have reduced functional biologic activity and decreased potential to cause osteolysis (Bladed C. L. et al, JBMR B 2012 and 2013). This is of significant importance since VE-stabilized cross-linked UHMWPEs were recently introduced for clinical use, and there is no in vivo data determining the effects of wear debris. In this study we hypothesized that particles from VE-stabilized, radiation cross-linked UHMWPE (VE-UHMWPE) would cause reduced levels of osteolysis in a murine calvarial bone model when compared to virgin gamma irradiated cross-linked UHMWPE. Methodology. Study groups were the following: 1). Radiation cross-linked VE-UHMWPE (0.8% by weight) diffused after 100 kGy; 2). Radiation cross-linked virgin UHMWPE (virgin UHMWPE); 3). Sham controls. Particle generation and implantation: UHMWPE was sent to Bioengineering Solutions (Oak Park, IL) for particle generation. After IACUC approval, C57BL/6 mice (n=12 for each group) received equal amount of particulate debris (3mg) overlying the calvarium and were euthanized after 10 days. Micro-CT scans: High resolution micro-CT scans were performed using a set voltage of 70 kV and current of 70 µA. Topographical Grading Scale: Each calvarial bone was blindly scored using the following scale: 0=No osteolysis, defined as intact bone; 1=Minimal osteolysis, affecting 1/3 or less of the bone area; 2=Moderate osteolysis, affecting at least 2/3 of the bone area; 3=Severe osteolysis, defined as completely osteolytic bone. Histology: H&E and TRAP staining was done on tissue to confirm micro-CT findings and quantify osteoclasts. Statistical Analysis: Inter-rater analysis was done using Cohen's kappa analysis. An inter-rater coefficient >0.65 was considered as high inter-rater agreement. Comparison between groups was made using one-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Correlations are reported as Spearman's rho. P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. More than 83% of the VE-UHMWPE and more than 85% of the virgin UHMWPE particles measured less than 1 µm in mean particle size. There was a statistically significant greater level of osteolysis visualized on the topographical grading scale in calvaria implanted with virgin UHMWPE wear particles. Micro-CT findings were confirmed histologically (Fig. 1). A greater amount of inflammatory tissue overlaying the calvaria was observed in the virgin UHMWPE group when compared to both shams and VE-UHMWPE groups. Post hoc analysis revealed significant difference between VE-UHMWPE and virgin UHMWPE for the topographical osteolysis grading score (p=0.002) but no difference in osteoclast counts (p=0.293). Discussion and Conclusion. This is the first in vivo study reporting the effects of clinically-relevant UHMWPE particles generated from a VE-UHMWPE implant that is in current clinical use. These results suggest that VE-UHMWPE particles have reduced osteolysis potential in vivo when compared to virgin, highly cross-linked UHMWPE in a murine calvarial bone model. Arthroplasty procedures using VE-UHMWPE might be less susceptible to peri-prosthetic loosening caused by wear debris

Aims

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as crucial regulators in osteoporosis (OP). Nonetheless, the effects and potential molecular mechanism of lncRNA PCBP1 Antisense RNA 1 (PCBP1-AS1) on OP remain largely unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role of lncRNA PCBP1-AS1 in the pathogenesis of OP.

A combination of stem cell therapy and tissue engineering is emerging as one of the most promising approaches for skeletal tissue repair and regeneration. Osteoinduction of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is initiated through local signals or growth factors, of which the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are the best characterised. Cytomodulin-1 (CM-1), a synthetic heptapeptide with functional similarity to members of the TGF-B super family, has been classified as a novel growth factor associated with osteoinduction of MSCs. However, the effects of CM-1 on human bone MSCs are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine any effects for CM-1 and its scrambled control (CM-1 SCRAM) on the proliferation and differentiation of human bone marrow MSCs along the osteogenic lineage. Primary human bone marrow MSCs were cultured in the presence of CM-1 and CM-1 SCRAM at a range of concentrations (10-8M – 10-6M) in vitro for up to three weeks. 100 ng/mL of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) was used as a positive control. At the end of the culture period, histological and biochemical assays were carried out on the cultures. Biochemical assays revealed that 10-7M of CM-1 significantly stimulated alkaline phosphatase specific activity compared with the negative control group (P< 0.05) in a similar way to the rhBMP-2 positive control group. These data were supported by an observed increase in positive alkaline phosphatase staining in the 10-7M of CM-1 and rhBMP-2 treated cells. However, total DNA content was not significantly different between any of the groups. This study indicated the potential of using CM-1 as an osteogenic growth factor for skeletal tissue regeneration which may provide an alternative approach to meet the major clinical need in orthopaedics and craniofacial surgery. * Cytomodulin-1 and the scrambled control were genuine gifts from Professor (emeritus) Rajendra S. Bhatnagar at the Department of Bioengineering, University California Berkley, USA

Introduction. In vitro findings (Bladed CL et al. ORS 2011 and J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater, 2012) have suggested that UHMWPE wear particles containing vitamin-E (VE) may have reduced functional biologic activity and decreased osteolytic potential. Currently, there is no in vivo data determining the effects of wear debris from this new generation of implants. In this study we hypothesized that particles from VE-stabilized, radiation cross-linked UHMWPE (VE-UHMWPE) would cause reduced levels of osteolysis in a murine calvarial bone model when compared to virgin gamma irradiated cross-linked UHMWPE. Methods. Study groups: 1). Radiation cross-linked VE-UHMWPE, 0.8% by weight, diffused after 100 kGy; 2). Radiation cross-linked virgin UHMWPE (virgin UHMWPE); 3). Shams. Particle generation and implantation: UHMWPE was sent to Bioengineering Solutions for particle generation. After IACUC approval, C57BL/6 mice (n = 12 for each group) received 3 mg of particulate debris overlying the calvarium and euthanized after 10 days. Micro-CT scans: Performed using an X-Tek-HMX-ST-225 with 70 kV voltage and 70 μA current. Topographical Grading Scale: Each calvarial bone was blindly scored with the following scale: 0 = No osteolysis, defined as intact bone; 1 = Minimal osteolysis, affecting 1/3 or less of the bone area; 2 = Moderate osteolysis, affecting at least 2/3 of the bone area; 3 = Severe osteolysis, defined as completely osteolytic bone. Histology H&E and TRAP staining was performed. Statistical Analysis: Inter-rater analysis was performed using Cohen's kappa analysis. Inter-rater coefficient >0.65 was considered as high inter-rater agreement. Comparison between groups was made using one-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Correlations are reported as Spearman's rho. A p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. More than 83% of the VE-UHMWPE and more than 85% of the virgin UHMWPE particles measured less than 1 μm in mean particle size. There was a statistically significant greater level of osteolysis visualized on the topographical grading scale in calvaria implanted with virgin UHMWPE wear particles. The micro-CT findings were confirmed histologically (Fig. 1). A greater amount of inflammatory tissue overlaying the calvaria was observed in the virgin UHMWPE group when compared to both shams and VE-UHMWPE groups. Post hoc analysis revealed significant difference between VE-UHMWPE and virgin UHMWPE for the topographical osteolysis grading score (p = 0.002) but no difference in osteoclast count (p = 0.293). Discussion/Conclusion. This is the first in vivo study reporting the effects of clinically-relevant UHMWPE particles generated from a VE-UHMWPE implant that is in current clinical use. These results suggest that VE-UHMWPE particles have reduced osteolysis potential in vivo when compared to virgin, highly cross-linked UHMWPE in a murine calvarial bone model

Aims

This study intended to investigate the effect of vericiguat (VIT) on titanium rod osseointegration in aged rats with iron overload, and also explore the role of VIT in osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation.

Aims

This study examined whether systemic administration of melatonin would have different effects on osseointegration in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, depending on whether this was administered during the day or night.

Aims

Exosomes (exo) are involved in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to investigate the function of dysfunctional chondrocyte-derived exo (DC-exo) on OA in rats and rat macrophages.

Summary Statement. Vitamin E-UHMWPE particles have a reduced osteolysis potential in vivo when compared to virgin, highly cross-linked UHMWPE in a murine calvarial bone model. Introduction. Ultra high-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particle-induced osteolysis is one of the major causes of arthroplasty revisions. The lack of particle clearance from the joint inevitably leads to the upregulation of the inflammatory cascade, resulting in bone resorption and implant loosening. Recent in vitro findings (Bladed CL et al. ORS 2011 and J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater, 2012) have suggested that UHMWPE wear particles containing vitamin-E (VE) may have reduced functional biologic activity and decreased potential to cause osteolysis. This is of significant importance since VE-stabilised cross-linked UHMWPEs were recently introduced for clinical use, and there is no in vivo data determining the effects of wear debris from this new generation of implants. In this study we hypothesised that particles from VE-stabilised, radiation cross-linked UHMWPE (VE-UHMWPE) would cause reduced levels of osteolysis in a murine calvarial bone model when compared to virgin gamma irradiated cross-linked UHMWPE. Methods. Study groups were the following: 1) Radiation cross-linked VE-UHMWPE, approximately 0.8% by weight, diffused after 100 kGy; 2). Radiation cross-linked virgin UHMWPE (virgin UHMWPE); 3). Shams. Particle generation and implantation: UHMWPE was sent to Bioengineering Solutions (Oak Park, IL) for particle generation. After IACUC approval, C57BL/6 mice (n=12 for each group) received equal amount of particulate debris (3mg) overlying the calvarium and were euthanised after 10 days. Micro-CT scans: High resolution micro-CT scans were performed using an X-Tek HMX ST 225 with a set voltage of 70 kV and current of 70 µA. Topographical Grading Scale: Each calvarial bone (interparietal, right and left parietal, right and left frontal) was blindly scored using the following scale: 0=No osteolysis, defined as intact bone; 1=Minimal osteolysis, affecting 1/3 or less of the bone area; 2=Moderate osteolysis, affecting at least 2/3 of the bone area; 3=Severe osteolysis, defined as completely osteolytic bone. Histological Analysis: H&E and TRAP staining was performed on tissue to confirm the micro-CT findings and to quantify osteoclasts. Statistical Analysis: Inter-rater analysis was performed using Cohen's kappa analysis. An inter-rater coefficient >0.65 was considered as high inter-rater agreement. Comparison between groups was made using one-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Correlations are reported as Spearman's rho. A p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. More than 83% of the VE-UHMWPE and more than 85% of the virgin UHMWPE particles measured less than 1 µm in mean particle size. The mean particle size for VE-UHMWPE was 1.12 µm (range 0.28 to 79.08 µm), while virgin UHMWPE particles measured 1.22 µm (range 0.28 to 82.04 µm). There was a statistically significant greater level of osteolysis visualized on the topographical grading scale in calvaria implanted with virgin UHMWPE wear particles. The micro-CT findings were confirmed histologically. A greater amount of inflammatory tissue overlaying the calvaria was observed in the virgin UHMWPE group when compared to both shams and VE-UHMWPE groups. Post hoc analysis revealed significant difference between VE-UHMWPE and virgin UHMWPE for the topographical osteolysis grading score (p = 0.002) but no difference in osteoclast count (p = 0.293). Discussion/Conclusion. This is the first in vivo study reporting the effects of clinically-relevant UHMWPE particles generated from a VE-UHMWPE implant that is in current clinical use. These results suggest that VE-UHMWPE particles have reduced osteolysis potential in vivo when compared to virgin, highly cross-linked UHMWPE in a murine calvarial bone model. Arthroplasty procedures using VE-UHMWPE might be less susceptible to peri-prosthetic loosening caused by wear debris

Aims

To evaluate the effect of ultrasound-targeted simvastatin-loaded microbubble destruction (UTMD_SV) for alleviation of the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in rabbits through modulation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ).

Aims

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling joint disorder and mechanical loading is an important pathogenesis. This study aims to investigate the benefits of less mechanical loading created by intermittent tail suspension for knee OA.