Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) represent a collection of different cell types exhibiting stem cell characteristics but with notable heterogeneity. Among these, Skeletal Stem Cells (SSCs) represent a distinct matrix subgroup within BMSC and demonstrate a specialized capacity to facilitate bone formation, recruit chondrocytes, and contribute to hematopoiesis. SSCs play a pivotal role in orchestrating the functions of skeletal organs. Local ischemia has a significant impact on cell survival and function. We hypothesize that bone ischemia induces alterations in the differentiation potential of SSCs, consequently influencing changes in bone structure.

We mechanically dissected tissue from the necrotic segment in the femoral head and more normal appearing areas from the femoral neck of specimens from 5 patients diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). These tissues were enzymatically broken down into individual cell suspensions. Utilizing fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) based on specific surface markers indicative of human skeletal stem cells (hSSC), namely CD45- CD235a- CD31- TIE2- Podoplanin (PDPN)+ CD146- CD73+ CD164+, we isolated a distinct cell population. Subsequent in vitro evaluations, focusing on clonogenicity, osteogenesis, and chondrogenesis were conducted to assess the functional prowess of these SSCs. Moreover, we introduced BMP2 at a concentration of 50ng/ml to SSCs extracted from necrotic regions to potentially reinstate their osteogenic capabilities.

We effectively isolated SSCs from both Necrotic and Non-necrotic Zones. We observed an augmented clonal formation capacity and chondrogenesis ability of SSCs isolated from the necrotic region, accompanied by a significant decline in osteogenic ability (P＜0.01), an effect not reversible even with the addition of BMP2.

Ischemia adversely affects the proliferation and function of SSCs, resulting in a diminished osteogenic capacity and an insensitivity to BMP2, ultimately leading to structural alterations in bone tissue.

In total hip arthroplasty (THA), cementless cup without screw holes has the putative benefits of maximizing host bone contact and reducing osteolysis by eliminating channels to backside wear particles. However, supplemental trans-acetabular screws cannot be used. 74 hips in 60 patients receiving same model of cementless cup without screw holes (Depuy Duraloc 100 HA cup) from 6/1999 to 3/2003 were prospectively followed up. All patients were allowed to have immediate full weight bearing. Age at THA was 53 ± 13 (range 24–74) years. Osteonecrosis was the leading hip disease (45% of hips). Survivorship was assessed using revision of the cup as the end point. Radiological parameters, including lateral opening angle, vertical and horizontal migration distances of the cups were measured. Paired t-test was used to compare between the measurements in early postoperative period and at final follow up. 51 hips were assessed at minimum 20 years follow-up. The mean follow-up was 22.6 (range 21 – 25) years. All the cups were well fixed. There were two cup revisions. Conventional polyethylene (PE) was used in both hips; osteolysis occurred 17 and 18 years later. Both cups were well fixed but were revised, one due to cup mal-positioning, one due to need in upsizing the articulation. 14 other hips were revised but these cups were well fixed and not revised; 9 loosened stems (most were cemented Elite plus stems), 5 PE wear and osteolysis (all were conventional PE). At 20 years, the survivorship of cups was 96.1%. Changes in lateral opening angle, vertical and horizontal migration distances were 0.44±1.59°, 0.01±1.52mm and -0.32±1.47mm respectively, without statistical significance. This study provided evidence of excellent long-term survivorship of cementless cup without screw holes. Immediate postoperative weight-bearing also did not lead to cup migration in the long-term

Executing an extended retinacular flap containing the blood supply for the femoral head, reduction osteotomy (FHO) can be performed, increasing the potential of correction of complex hip morphologies. The aim of this study was to analyse the safety of the procedure and report the clinical and radiographic results in skeletally mature patients with a minimum follow up of two years. Twelve symptomatic patients (12 hips) with a mean age of 17 years underwent FHO using surgical hip dislocation and an extended soft tissue flap. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging producing radial cuts (MRI) were obtained before surgery and radiographs after surgery to evaluate articular congruency, cartilage damage and morphologic parameters. Clinical functional evaluation was done using the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). After surgery, at the latest follow-up no symptomatic avascular necrosis was observed and all osteotomies healed without complications. Femoral head size index improved from 120 ± 10% to 100 ± 10% (p<0,05). Femoral head sphericity index improved from 71 ± 10% before surgery to 91 ± 7% after surgery (p<0,05). Femoral head extrusion index improved from 37 ± 17% to 5 ± 6% (p< 0,05). Twenty five percent of patients had an intact Shenton line before surgery. After surgery this percentage was 75% (p<0,05). The NAHS score improved from a mean of 41 ± 18 to 69 ± 9 points after surgery (p< 0,05). The HOS score improve from 56 ± 24 to 83 ± 17 points after surgery (p< 0,05) and the mHHS score improved from 46 ± 15 before surgery to 76 ± 13 points after surgery (p< 0,05). In this series, femoral head osteotomy could be considered as safe procedure with considerable potential to correct hip deformities and improve patients reported outcome measures (PROMS). Level of evidence - Level IV, therapeutic study. Keywords - Femoral head osteotomy, Perthes disease, acetabular dysplasia, coxa plana

The benefits of total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be significantly magnified in children, since the improvement in quality of life has a far greater exposure time and occurs during key developmental stages which may help to maximise lifetime achievement. The purpose of this study is to describe implant survival and patient reported outcomes (PROMS) in a cohort of children following THA. Retrospective cohort review of all patients treated with THA in a single centre. Routine data analysis did not require ethical approval. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and PROMs were recorded (EQ5D-S, Oxford hip score and modified Harris Hip Score) in a sub-group of patients. 66 hips in 47 patients with a median age of 16 years (range 10 to 19 years) underwent THA between 1971 and 2023. 57% (38/68) patients were female, the commonest indications were Mucopolysaccharidoses n = 15, Stills disease (n=15), and Avascular necrosis (n=12). 27 (41%) of constructs were cemented, 5 (8%) were hybrid, and 34 (51%) were cementless. 30 stems were custom made cementless stems. Median follow up was 3.8 years (range 0–34 years). Implant survival was 87% at 10 years, 61.6% at 20 years and 52.8% at 30 years. PROMS demonstrated mean preoperative OHS was 12, preoperative MHHS was 23 and EQ5Ds VAS of 38. PROMS improved steadily overtime with mean OHS of 43, MMHS of 75 and EQ5Ds VAS of 89 at one year. THA was associated with a very large change in patient reported hip function and quality of life. In this study, THA delivered a long-lasting solution to hip pain with survival similar to that seen in patients undergoing THA in the fourth and fifth decades of life. Socioeconomic benefits of THA need further investigation to establish treatment guidelines for children suffering with hip pain

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head after femoral neck fracture (ONFHpoFNFx) poses challenges in children, particularly at Ficat III stage. Limited effective treatments are available. This study explores basicervical femoral neck rotational osteotomy (BFNRO) for ONFHpoFNFx in children and adolescents and evaluates its outcomes. Children and adolescents with ONFHpoFNFx (Ficat stage III) underwent BFNRO at our center from June 2017 to September 2022 were included. Follow-up exceeded 1 year, with data on modified-Harris-hip-score (mHHS), range of motion (ROM), patient satisfaction, femoral head collapse, necrotic area repair, leg-length, and osteoarthritis progression recorded. This study included 15 cases (15 hips), with 8 males and 7 females, averaging 12.9 years in age (range: 10–17 years). Nine cases had BFNRO alone, and six had combined PAO. Rotation angles varied from 70° to 90° for anterior rotation and 110° to 135° for posterior rotation. Nine patients had femoral neck fixation in a varus position (10° to 30°). The postoperative contour of the weight-bearing area of the femoral head has significantly improved in all patients. With an average follow-up of 28.6 months (range: 12.2–72.7 months), mHHS significantly improved (65.2 to 90.2, P<0.001). Only one patient showed femoral head collapse. Patients experienced no/mild hip pain (VAS=0-3), slight restriction in range of motion, and mild limb shortening. Two patients showed osteoarthritis progression. No infections, joint replacements, or nerve injuries were observed. Even in cases of ONFHpoFNFx in the late stage, BFNRO in children and adolescents can still yield positive early to mid-term results by relocating the necrotic area and restoring the integrity of the anterior-lateral column of the femoral head, thereby preventing femoral head collapse and delaying the onset of severe osteoarthritis

Debate continues about the best treatment for patients over 65 years with non-displaced subcapital hip fractures: internal fixation (IF) or hemiarthroplasty (HA). Surgical aggression, mortality, complications and recovery of walking ability after 1year have been compared between both treatments. Match-paired comparison of 2 retrospective cohorts. 220 patients with IF vs 220 receiving a cemented bipolar HA. Matching by age (82.6±7.16 years (65–99)), sex (74.5% women), year of intervention (2013–2021) and ASA scale (24.2% ASA II, 55.8% III, 20.0% IV). Age (p=0.172), sex (p=0.912), year of intervention (p=0.638) and ASA scale (p=0.726) showed no differences. Surgical aggression smaller in IF: Surgical time (p< 0,00001), haemoglobin/haematocrit loss (p <0,00001), need for transfusion (p<0,00008), in-hospital stay (p<0,00001). Mortality: higher in-hospital for hemiarthroplasties (12 deaths (5.5%) vs 1 (0.5%) (p=0.004) (RR=12, 1.5–91.5)). But no significant differences in 1-month (13 hemiarthroplasties, 6%, vs 9 osteosynthesis, 4.1%) and 1-year mortality (33 hemiarthroplasties, 15%, vs 35, 16%). Medical complications: no differences in urinary/respiratory infections, heart failure, ictus, myocardial infarction, digestive bleeding, pressure sores or pulmonary embolus (p=0.055). Surgical complications: no significant differences. HA: 6 intraoperative (2,7%) and 5 postoperative periprosthetic fractures (2,3%), 5 infections (2,3%), 10 dislocations (4,5%), 3 neurovascular injuries. IF: 10 acute fixation failures (4,5%), 2 infections (0,9%), 9 non-unions (4,1%), 16 ischemic necrosis (7,3%). Functional results: no significant differences; 12 patients in each group (5,5%) never walked again (p=1), 110 HA (50%) and 100 IF (45.5%) suffered worsening of previous walking ability (p=0.575), 98 HA (44%) and 108 IF patients (49%) returned to pre-fracture walking ability (p=0.339). Fixation with cannulated screws may be a better option for non-displaced femoral neck fractures because recovery of walking ability and complications are similar, while surgical aggression and in-hospital mortality are lower

The August 2024 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Comparing augmented and nonaugmented locking-plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures in the elderly; Elevated five-year mortality following shoulder arthroplasty for fracture; Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol reduces discharge times compared with inhaled general anaesthesia in shoulder arthroscopy: a randomized controlled trial; The influence of obesity on outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair; Humeral component version has no effect on outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial; What is a meaningful improvement after total shoulder arthroplasty by implant type, preoperative diagnosis, and sex?; The safety of corticosteroid injection prior to shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review; Mortality and subsequent fractures of patients with olecranon fractures compared to other upper limb osteoporotic fractures.

The August 2024 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Antibiotic prophylaxis and infection rates in paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures; Clinical consensus recommendations for the non-surgical treatment of children with Perthes’ disease in the UK; Health-related quality of life in idiopathic toe walkers: a multicentre prospective cross-sectional study; Children with spinal dysraphism: a systematic review of reported outcomes; No delay in age of crawling, standing, or walking with Pavlik harness treatment: a prospective cohort study; No value found with routine early postoperative radiographs after implant removal in paediatric patients; What do we know about the natural history of spastic hip dysplasia and pain in total-involvement cerebral palsy?; Evaluating the efficacy and safety of preoperative gallows traction for hip open reduction in infants

The August 2024 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Does topical vancomycin prevent fracture-related infections in closed fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation? A randomized controlled trial; Is postoperative splinting advantageous after upper limb fracture surgery?; Does suprapatellar nailing resolve knee pain?; Locking versus non-locking plate fixation in comminuted talar neck fractures: a biomechanical study using cadaveric specimens; Revolutionizing recovery metrics: PROMIS versus SMFA in orthopaedic trauma care; Dorsal hook plating of patella fractures: reliable fixation and satisfactory outcomes; The impact of obesity on subtrochanteric femur fracture outcomes; Low-dose NSAIDs (ketorolac) and cytokine modulation in orthopaedic polytrauma: a detailed analysis.

Aims

To systematically review the predominant complication rates and changes to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation for shoulder instability.

Aims

To explore the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of osteochondral defect (OCD), and its effects on the levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, -3, -4, -5, and -7 in terms of cartilage and bone regeneration.

Aims

Proximal humeral fractures are the third most common fracture among the elderly. Complications associated with fixation include screw perforation, varus collapse, and avascular necrosis of the humeral head. To address these challenges, various augmentation techniques to increase medial column support have been developed. There are currently no recent studies that definitively establish the superiority of augmented fixation over non-augmented implants in the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent locking-plate fixation with cement augmentation or bone-graft augmentation versus those who underwent locking-plate fixation without augmentation for proximal humeral fractures.

Aims

Radiological residual acetabular dysplasia (RAD) has been reported in up to 30% of children who had successful brace treatment of infant developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Predicting those who will resolve and those who may need corrective surgery is important to optimize follow-up protocols. In this study we have aimed to identify the prevalence and predictors of RAD at two years and five years post-bracing.

Aims

In this study, we aimed to visualize the spatial distribution characteristics of femoral head necrosis using a novel measurement method.

The June 2024 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Reverse versus anatomical total shoulder replacement for osteoarthritis? A UK national picture; Acute rehabilitation following traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (ARTISAN): pragmatic, multicentre, randomized controlled trial; acid for rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials; Metal or ceramic humeral head total shoulder arthroplasty: an analysis of data from the National Joint Registry; Platelet-rich plasma has better results for long-term functional improvement and pain relief for lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials; Quantitative fatty infiltration and 3D muscle volume after nonoperative treatment of symptomatic rotator cuff tears: a prospective MRI study of 79 patients; Locking plates for non-osteoporotic proximal humeral fractures in the long term; A systematic review of the treatment of primary acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis.

Aims

The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) was introduced in 1997 to address the needs of young active patients using a historically proven large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing. A single designer surgeon’s consecutive series of 130 patients (144 hips) was previously reported at five and ten years, reporting three and ten failures, respectively. The aim of this study was to extend the follow-up of this original cohort at 25 years.

Aims

This study aims to assess the relationship between history of pseudotumour formation secondary to metal-on-metal (MoM) implants and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) rate, as well as establish ESR and CRP thresholds that are suggestive of infection in these patients. We hypothesized that patients with a pseudotumour were at increased risk of infection.

Aims

The localization of necrotic areas has been reported to impact the prognosis and treatment strategy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Anteroposterior localization of the necrotic area after a femoral neck fracture (FNF) has not been properly investigated. We hypothesize that the change of the weight loading direction on the femoral head due to residual posterior tilt caused by malunited FNF may affect the location of ONFH. We investigate the relationship between the posterior tilt angle (PTA) and anteroposterior localization of osteonecrosis using lateral hip radiographs.

INTRODUCTION. Stimulation of angiogenesis via the delivery of growth factors (GFs) like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a promising strategy for the treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN). Tyraminated poly-vinyl-alcohol hydrogels (PVA-Tyr), which have the ability to covalently incorporate GFs, were proposed as a platform for the controlled delivery of therapeutic levels VEGF to the necrotic areas[1]. Nevertheless, PVA hydrophilicity and bioinertness limits its integration with the host tissues. The aim of this study was to investigated the effectiveness of incorporating gelatin, an FDA-approved, non-immunogeneic biomaterial with biological recognition sites, as a strategy to facilitate blood vessels invasion of PVA-Tyr hydrogels and to restore the vascular supply to necrotic tissues. METHODS. Progressively higher gelatin concentrations (0.01–5wt%) were incorporated in the PVA-Tyr network. Hydrogel physico-chemical properties and endothelial cell attachment were evaluated. Afterwards, the capability of the released VEGF and gelatin to promote vascularization was evaluated via chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. VEGF-loaded PVA-Tyr hydrogels with or without gelatin (n=7) were implanted in a subcutaneous mouse model for 3 weeks. Vascularization (CD31+ cells) and cell infiltration (H&E) were evaluated. Finally, AVN was induced in 6 weeks old male piglets as previously described [2]. A transphyseal hole (3mm) was drilled and PVA-Tyr hydrogels with 1% gelatin were delivered in the defects. Piglets were euthanized after 4 weeks and microCT analysis was performed. RESULTS. The incorporation of 1% gelatin significantly enhanced cell attachment without compromising hydrogels physical properties, degradation time, VEGF retention and release. Thus, this gelatin concentration was selected for further analysis. Additionally, the covalent incorporation of VEGF or gelatin to the PVA-Tyr network does not hamper their bioactivity, as both still promoted neo-angiogenesis in a CAM assay. Following subcutaneous implantation, the presence of gelatin did not increase the cellular infiltration in the PVA-Tyr hydrogels. Nevertheless, higher vascular infiltration was observed in the groups where either gelatin or VEGF were included. Additionally, preliminary microCT results indicated that the delivery of PVA-Tyr hydrogels containing 1% gelatin in an AVN model was effective in preventing the necrosis-associated resorption of the bone. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONS. These results indicated that the presence of either gelatin or VEGF was sufficient to promote vascular infiltration. Additionally, preliminary results suggested the suitability of the developed hydrogels to treat AVN

Talar body fractures are high energy intraarticular injuries that are best management by anatomical reduction and secure fixation to improve outcomes. The talus is relatively inaccessible surgically and requires extensive soft tissue dissection and/or osteotomies to gain adequate open visualisation. There are a small number of case reports on arthroscopic assisted fixation in the literature. This case series reports on the technique and early outcomes of six patients all of whom presented with significant intraarticular displacement and who were managed entirely arthroscopically. The fractures were of the main body of the talus involving the ankle and subtalar joints and all had preoperative CT scans. All six patients underwent posterior ankle and subtalar arthroscopy with cannulated screws used to stabilise the fractures after reduction. Visualisation of the fracture reduction was excellent. After 10 days in a backslab, the patients were protected in a boot and encouraged to actively move their ankles. Weight bearing was permitted once union appeared complete. There were no early complications of infection, avascular necrosis or VTE. There was one patient that had a non-clinically significant migration of a screw. Two patients were lost to follow up early due to being visitors. The mean length of follow up was 12 months in the remainder. The remaining four patients all returned to their preoperative level of activity. All had demonstrable subtalar stiffness. There was no early post-traumatic arthritis. This series represents the largest so far published. The main flaw in this report is the lack of long term follow up. While this report cannot state superiority over open techniques it is a safe, effective and acceptable technique that has significant conceptual benefits