Objectives. The role of mechanical stress and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is important in the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not clearly known. Methods. In this study, TGF-β1 from osteoclasts and knee joints were analyzed using a co-cultured cell model and an OA rat model, respectively. Five patients with a femoral neck fracture (four female and one male, mean 73.4 years (68 to 79)) were recruited between January 2015 and December 2015. Results showed that TGF-β1 was significantly upregulated in osteoclasts by cyclic loading in a time- and dose-dependent mode. The osteoclasts were subjected to cyclic loading before being co-cultured with chondrocytes for 24 hours. Results. A significant decrease in the survival rate of co-cultured chondrocytes was found. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay demonstrated that mechanical stress-induced apoptosis occurred significantly in co-cultured chondrocytes but administration of the TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor, SB-505124, can significantly reverse these effects. Abdominal administration of SB-505124 can attenuate markedly articular cartilage degradation in OA rats. Conclusion. Mechanical stress-induced overexpression of TGF-β1 from osteoclasts is responsible for chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage degeneration in OA. Administration of a TGF-β1 inhibitor can inhibit articular cartilage degradation. Cite this article: R-K. Zhang, G-W. Li, C. Zeng, C-X. Lin, L-S. Huang, G-X. Huang, C. Zhao, S-Y. Feng, H. Fang. Mechanical stress contributes to osteoarthritis development through the activation of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Bone Joint Res 2018;7:587–594. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.711.BJR-2018-0057.R1

Wear is an important factor in the long term success of total knee arthroplasty. Therefore, wear testing methods and machines become a standard in research and implant development. These methods are based on two simulation concepts which are defined in standards ISO 14243-1 and 14243-3. The difference in both concepts is the control mode. One is force controlled while the other has a displacement controlled concept. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical stresses within the different ISO concepts. Furthermore the force controlled ISO was updated in the year 2009 and should be compared with the older which was developed in 2001. A finite element model based on the different ISO standards was developed. A validation calculated with kinematic profile data of the same implant (Aesculap, Columbus CR) in an experimental wear test setup (Endolap GmbH) was done. Based on this model all three different ISO standards were calculated and analysed. Validation results showed Pearson correlation for anterior posterior movement of 0.3 and for internal external rotation 0.9. Two main pressure maximums were present in ISO 14243-1:2001 (force controlled) with 17.9 MPa and 13.5 MPa for 13 % and 48 % of the gait cycle. In contrast ISO 14243-1:2009 (force controlled) showed three pressure maximums of 18.5 MPa (13 % of gait cycle), 16.4 MPa (48 % of gait cycle) and 13.2 MPa (75 % of gait cycle). The displacement controlled ISO (14243-3:2014) showed two pressure maximums of 16.0 MPa (13 % of gait cycle) and 17.2 MPa (48 % of gait cycle). The adapted force controlled ISO of the year 2009 showed higher mechanical stress during gait cycle which also might lead to higher wear rates. The displacement controlled ISO leads to higher mechanical stress because of the constraint at the end of the stance phase of the gait cycle. Future studies should analyse different inlay designs within these ISO standards

In this study we used subject-specific finite element analysis to investigate the mechanical effects of rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) on the hip joint and analysed the correlation between various radiological measurements and mechanical stress in the hip joint. We evaluated 13 hips in 12 patients (two men and ten women, mean age at surgery 32.0 years; 19 to 46) with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) who were treated by RAO. Subject-specific finite element models were constructed from CT data. The centre–edge (CE) angle, acetabular head index (AHI), acetabular angle and acetabular roof angle (ARA) were measured on anteroposterior pelvic radiographs taken before and after RAO. The relationship between equivalent stress in the hip joint and radiological measurements was analysed. The equivalent stress in the acetabulum decreased from 4.1 MPa (2.7 to 6.5) pre-operatively to 2.8 MPa (1.8 to 3.6) post-operatively (p < 0.01). There was a moderate correlation between equivalent stress in the acetabulum and the radiological measurements: CE angle (R = –0.645, p < 0.01); AHI (R = –0.603, p < 0.01); acetabular angle (R = 0.484, p = 0.02); and ARA (R = 0.572, p < 0.01). The equivalent stress in the acetabulum of patients with DDH decreased after RAO. Correction of the CE angle, AHI and ARA was considered to be important in reducing the mechanical stress in the hip joint. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:492–7

The meniscus is a fibrocartilaginous tissue that plays an important role in controlling the complex biomechanics of the knee. Many histological and mechanical studies about meniscal attachment have been carried out, and medial meniscus (MM) root repair is recommended to prevent subsequent cartilage degeneration following MM posterior root tear. However, there are only few studies about the differences between meniscus root and horn cells. The goal of this study was to clarify the differences between these two cells. Tissue samples were obtained from the medial knee compartments of 10 patients with osteoarthritis who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Morphology, distribution, and proliferation of MM root and horn cells, as well as gene and protein expression levels of Sry-type HMG box (SOX) 9 and type II collagen (COL2A1) were determined after cyclic tensile strain (CTS) treatment. Horn cells had a triangular morphology, whereas root cells were fibroblast-like. The number of horn cells positive for SOX9 and COL2A1 was considerably higher than that of root cells. Although root and horn cells showed similar levels of proliferation after 48, 72, or 96 h of culture, more horn cells than root cells were lost following 2-h CTS (5% and 10% strain). SOX9 and COL2A1 mRNA expression levels were significantly enhanced in horn cells compared with those in root cells after 2- and 4-h CTS (5%) treatment. This study demonstrates that MM root and horn cells have distinct characteristics and show different cellular phenotypes. Our results suggest that physiological tensile strain is important for activating extracellular matrix production in horn cells. Restoring physiological mechanical stress may be useful for promoting healing of the MM posterior horn

Objectives. In total hip arthroplasty (THA), the cementless, tapered-wedge stem design contributes to achieving initial stability and providing optimal load transfer in the proximal femur. However, loading conditions on the femur following THA are also influenced by femoral structure. Therefore, we determined the effects of tapered-wedge stems on the load distribution of the femur using subject-specific finite element models of femurs with various canal shapes. Patients and Methods. We studied 20 femurs, including seven champagne flute-type femurs, five stovepipe-type femurs, and eight intermediate-type femurs, in patients who had undergone cementless THA using the Accolade TMZF stem at our institution. Subject–specific finite element (FE) models of pre- and post-operative femurs with stems were constructed and used to perform FE analyses (FEAs) to simulate single-leg stance. FEA predictions were compared with changes in bone mineral density (BMD) measured for each patient during the first post-operative year. Results. Stovepipe models implanted with large-size stems had significantly lower equivalent stress on the proximal-medial area of the femur compared with champagne-flute and intermediate models, with a significant loss of BMD in the corresponding area at one year post-operatively. Conclusions. The stovepipe femurs required a large-size stem to obtain an optimal fit of the stem. The FEA result and post-operative BMD change of the femur suggest that the combination of a large-size Accolade TMZF stem and stovepipe femur may be associated with proximal stress shielding. Cite this article: M. Oba, Y. Inaba, N. Kobayashi, H. Ike, T. Tezuka, T. Saito. Effect of femoral canal shape on mechanical stress distribution and adaptive bone remodelling around a cementless tapered-wedge stem. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:362–369. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.2000525

1. When cortisone is administered to rabbits there is early rapid resorption of bone and a partial inhibition of new bone formation. After a few days the effect becomes less obvious, so that, if observations are made at later stages, the results may be ascribed then to simple inhibition of bone growth. 2. The effect of mechanical stress has been studied in the jaw. When tooth movement is induced mechanically there is, in ordinary circumstances, a resorption of bone on the side to which the tooth is moving (the "pressure" side) and bone formation on the opposite side (the "tension" side). After administration of cortisone there is increased resorption on the "pressure" side and there is greater resorption of connective tissues here. On the "tension" side there is resorption and inhibition of bone formation. 3. In the areas of stress, when cortisone is administered, collagen fibres are no longer in apposition, being separated by spaces presumably filled with altered ground substance; this kind of change may be responsible for many of the observed phenomena. 4. A.C.T.H. does not produce a demonstrable resorptive effect on bone or connective tissue until it has been administered for periods longer than is required for cortisone (three weeks); even then the change is not pronounced. 5. In the guinea pig there is slight delay in bone formation with large doses of both cortisone and A.C.T.H., but no significant bone resorption occurs

Aims. The presence of facet tropism has been correlated with an elevated susceptibility to lumbar disc pathology. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of facet tropism on chronic lumbosacral discogenic pain through the analysis of clinical data and finite element modelling (FEM). Methods. Retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data, with a specific focus on the spinal units displaying facet tropism, utilizing FEM analysis for motion simulation. We studied 318 intervertebral levels in 156 patients who had undergone provocation discography. Significant predictors of clinical findings were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Loading conditions were applied in FEM simulations to mimic biomechanical effects on intervertebral discs, focusing on maximal displacement and intradiscal pressures, gauged through alterations in disc morphology and physical stress. Results. A total of 144 discs were categorized as ‘positive’ and 174 discs as ‘negative’ by the results of provocation discography. The presence of defined facet tropism (OR 3.451, 95% CI 1.944 to 6.126) and higher Adams classification (OR 2.172, 95% CI 1.523 to 3.097) were important predictive parameters for discography-‘positive’ discs. FEM simulations showcased uneven stress distribution and significant disc displacement in tropism-affected discs, where loading exacerbated stress on facets with greater angles. During varied positions, notably increased stress and displacement were observed in discs with tropism compared to those with normal facet structure. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that facet tropism can contribute to disc herniation and changes in intradiscal pressure, potentially exacerbating disc degeneration due to altered force distribution and increased mechanical stress. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(9):452–461

Military personnel operating on high speed marine craft are exposed to Whole-Body Vibration (WBV). Additionally planing craft operate at speeds with minimal contact of the hull with warer making the crew vulnerable to mechanical shock. An association between Low Back Pain (LBP) and exposure to WBV has been extensively reported in civilian literature. LBP is reported by military personnel operating on planing craft leading to downgrades and potential discharge. There is a clear need to understand the impact prolonged exposure has on our population operating these craft. We performed a bibliographical search of the PubMed database for records using a combination of keywords. Abstracts were screened for relevance and references cited in retrieved papers reviewed. There is no consensus in the literature on the potentially pivotal pathological process behind the association. Evidence from professional driving suggests current safe operating exposure levels require review to protect against long-term damage however with little evidence concerning the unique environment in which boats crews operate, the parity of these environments require investigation to allow direct comparison. Due to the prevalence of LBP in this population a need exists to establish the pathological process and add to the evidence base driving safe operating exposure levels.

A recently developed parametric geometrical finite element model (p-FEM) was adapted to the specific hip geometric measurements of a group of patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). The objective was to analyze the stress distribution in the growth plate of these patients and to evaluate differences for those patients who developed bilateral disease.

Different geometric parameters were measured in the healthy proximal femur of 18 adolescents (mean age, 12,1 yr) with unilateral SCFE and in 23 adolescents matched in age without hip disease (control group). Five patients developed SCFE in the contralateral side during follow-up. Different geometric measurements were taken from hip conventional X-ray studies. The p-FEM of the proximal femur permits modifications of different geometrical parameters, therefore the X-ray measurements taken from each patient were applied to the model obtaining a subject-specific model for each case. In each model, different mechanical situations such as walking, stairs climbing and sitting were simulated by applying loads on the femoral head corresponding to each own weight. The risk for growth plate failure was estimated by the Tresca, von Misses and Rankine stresses.

In summary, the models shows important differences between the stresses computed at the healthy femurs of patients with unilateral SCFE and femurs that further underwent bilateral SCFE. So, the 95% confidence interval of the percentage of volume of the growth plate subjected to stresses higher than 2MPa was almost similar for the control group and patients with unilateral SCFE. However, those patients who developed bilateral disease had statistically significant large physeal areas with more than 2.0 MPa (p< 0.005). Stresses were also strongly dependent on the geometry of the proximal femur, especially on the posterior sloping angle of the physis and the physeal sloping angle.

In spite of simplifications of the developed p-FEM, this tool has been able to show the influence of femur geometry in growth plate stresses and to predict the sites where growth plate starts to fail.

Introduction. Mechanical loading has been hypothesized to play an important role in the development, remodeling and in diseases of many skeletal tissues, including cartilage. In order to study the metabolic response of cartilage to physical forces, in vitro systems have often been used because of the precise control with which mechanical loads can be applied. We developed a new mechanical loading system, in which we were able to load the intact femoral condyle in order to preserve the native cartilage/subchondral bone structure. This system represents a more ‚in vivo‘ situation than cartilage explants or chondrocyte cell culture systems. Our approach focused on changes in mRNA expression of type II collagen, type VI collagen, and aggrecan in loaded versus adjacent unloaded cartilage in order to analyse the early response of chondrocytes to well-defined mechanical stresses. Methods. Femoral condyles were obtained from two-year-old cows. The integrity of the cartilage surface was controlled by staining with safranin O. The femoral condyles were compressed in an Instron 8501 material testing machine. Cyclic compression pressure was applied for 2000 cycles in a sinusoidal waveform of 0. 5 Hz-frequency with a peak stress of 0. 2 to12. 5 MPa. Following loading, full depth cartilage sections were cut out and one half immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen for RNA isolation and the other half soaked in 4% paraformaldehyde for paraffin embedding. As control, the adjacent unloaded cartilage was collected and treated in the same way. Total RNA was isolated and changes in mRNA expression were quantitated by competitive quantitative PCR, using an internal standard of a C-terminal truncated version of the corresponding genes. The PCR-reactions were separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and amplified fragments quantified using video-densitometry analysis. The results were expressed as the ratio of mRNA from loaded to unloaded cartilage. Results. Cyclic compression with peak stresses of 12. 5, 6. 3, 2. 5 and 0. 6 MPa lead to a two-fold decrease in the mRNA expression of type II collagen and aggrecan and a threefold decrease of type VI collagen, in consideration of the intra-assay variability of about 30%. Compression with peak stresses of 0. 3 and 0. 2 MPa lead to a three-fold increase of the mRNA expression of type II collagen, a four-fold increase of aggrecan and a slight decrease of type VI collagen. Low compression strength leads to an increase of the mRNA expression of the major components of cartilage, type II collagen and aggrecan, whereas high loading leads to a decrease of the mRNA expression. Conclusion. The results show that our system can be used to analyze early responses of chondrocytes to well-defined mechanical stresses in an intact cartilage/bone-system and therefore will enable us to investigate the role of physiological and non-physiological high loading on the induction of cartilage degradation and regeneration in joint trauma and osteoarthritis. Since the cartilage/bone samples are incubated in medium during the experiment, this system will also offer us the opportunity to investigate additives to the medium as potential pharmacological therapeutics in osteoarthritis

Abstract. Source of Study: London, United Kingdom. This intervention study was conducted to assess two developing protocols for quadriceps and hamstring rehabilitation: Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training (NMES). BFR involves the application of an external compression cuff to the proximal thigh. In NMES training a portable electrical stimulation unit is connected to the limb via 4 electrodes. In both training modalities, following device application, a standardised set of exercises were performed by all participants. BFR and NMES have been developed to assist with rehabilitation following lower limb trauma and surgery. They offer an alternative for individuals who are unable to tolerate the high mechanical stresses associated with traditional rehabilitation programmes. The use of BFR and NMES in this study was compared across a total of 20 participants. Following allocation into one of the training programmes, the individuals completed training programmes across a 4-week period. Post-intervention outcomes were assessed using Surface Electromyography (EMG) which recorded EMG amplitude values for the following muscles: Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Rectus Femoris and Semitendinosus. Increased Semitendinosus muscle activation was observed post intervention in both BFR and NMES training groups. Statistically significant differences between the two groups was not identified. Larger scale randomised-controlled trials are recommended to further assess for possible treatment effects in these promising training modalities

Low back pain is the single most common cause for disability in individuals aged 45 years or younger, it carries tremendous weight in socioeconomic considerations. Degenerative aging of the structural components of the spine can be associated with genetic aspects, lifetime of tissue exposure to mechanical stress & loads and environmental factors. Mechanical consequences of the disc degenerative include loss of disc height, segment instability and increase the load on facets joints. All these can lead to degenerative changes and osteophytes that can narrow the spinal canal. Surgery is indicated in patients with spinal stenosis who have intractable pain, altered quality of life, substantially diminished functional capacity, failed non-surgical treatment and are not candidates for non-surgical treatment. The aim was to determine the reasons for refusal of surgery in patients with established degenerative lumber spine pathology eligible for surgery. All patients meeting the study criteria, patients older than 18 years, patients with both clinical and radiological established symptomatic degenerative lumbar spine pathology and patients eligible for surgery but refusing it were recruited. Questionnaire used to investigate reasons why they are refusing surgery. Results 59 were recruited, fifty-one (86.4 %) females and eight (13.6 %) males. Twenty (33.8 %) were between the age of 51 and 60 years, followed by nineteen (32.2 %) between 61 and 70 years, and fourteen (23.7 %) between 71 and 80 years. 43 (72 %) patients had lumber spondylosis complicated by lumber spine stenosis, followed by nine (15.2 %) with lumbar spine spondylolisthesis and four (6.7 %) had adjacent level disease. 28 (47.4 %) were scared of surgery, fifteen (25.4 %) claimed that they are too old for surgery and nine (15.2 %) were not ready. Findings from this study outlined that patients lack information about the spinal surgery. Patients education about spine surgery is needed

Objective. Excessive mechanical stress on synovial joints causes osteoarthritis (OA) and results in the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a key molecule in arthritis, by synovial fibroblasts. However, the relationship between arthritis-related molecules and mechanical stress is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the synovial fibroblast response to cyclic mechanical stress using an in vitro osteoarthritis model. Method. Human synovial fibroblasts were cultured on collagen scaffolds to produce three-dimensional constructs. A cyclic compressive loading of 40 kPa at 0.5 Hz was applied to the constructs, with or without the administration of a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective inhibitor or dexamethasone, and then the concentrations of PGE2, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-8 and COX-2 were measured. Results. The concentrations of PGE2, IL-6 and IL-8 in the loaded samples were significantly higher than those of unloaded samples; however, the concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α were the same as the unloaded samples. After the administration of a COX-2 selective inhibitor, the increased concentration of PGE2 by cyclic compressive loading was impeded, but the concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 remained high. With dexamethasone, upregulation of PGE2, IL-6 and IL-8 was suppressed. Conclusion. These results could be useful in revealing the molecular mechanism of mechanical stress in vivo for a better understanding of the pathology and therapy of OA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:280–8

Varus malalignment increases the susceptibility of cartilage to mechanical overloading, which stimulates catabolic metabolism to break down the extracellular matrix and lead to osteoarthritis (OA). The altered mechanical axis from the hip, knee to ankle leads to knee joint pain and ensuing cartilage wear and deterioration, which impact millions of the aged population. Stabilization of the remaining damaged cartilage, and prevention of further deterioration, could provide immense clinical utility and prolong joint function. Our previous work showed that high tibial osteotomy (HTO) could shift the mechanical stress from an imbalanced status to a neutral alignment. However, the underlying mechanisms of endogenous cartilage stabilization after HTO remain unclear. We hypothesize that cartilage-resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) dampen damaged cartilage injury and promote endogenous repair in a varus malaligned knee. The goal of this study is to further examine whether HTO-mediated off-loading would affect human cartilage-resident MSCs' anabolic and catabolic metabolism. This study was approved by IACUC at Xi'an Jiaotong University. Patients with medial compartment OA (52.75±6.85 yrs, left knee 18, right knee 20) underwent open-wedge HTO by the same surgeons at one single academic sports medicine center. Clinical data was documented by the Epic HIS between the dates of April 2019 and April 2022 and radiographic images were collected with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Medial compartment OA with/without medial meniscus injury patients with unilateral Kellgren /Lawrence grade 3–4 was confirmed by X-ray. All incisions of the lower extremity healed well after the HTO operation without incision infection. Joint space width (JSW) was measured by uploading to ImageJ software. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) toolkit was applied to assess the pain level. Outerbridge scores were obtained from a second-look arthroscopic examination. RNA was extracted to quantify catabolic targets and pro-inflammatory genes (QiaGen). Student's t test for two group comparisons and ANOVA analysis for differences between more than 2 groups were utilized. To understand the role of mechanical loading-induced cartilage repair, we measured the serial changes of joint space width (JSW) after HTO for assessing the state of the cartilage stabilization. Our data showed that HTO increased the JSW, decreased the VAS score and improved the KOOS score significantly. We further scored cartilage lesion severity using the Outerbridge classification under a second-look arthroscopic examination while removing the HTO plate. It showed the cartilage lesion area decreased significantly, the full thickness of cartilage increased and mechanical strength was better compared to the pre-HTO baseline. HTO dampened medial tibiofemoral cartilage degeneration and accelerate cartilage repair from Outerbridge grade 2 to 3 to Outerbridge 0 to 1 compared to untreated varus OA. It suggested that physical loading was involved in HTO-induced cartilage regeneration. Given that HTO surgery increases joint space width and creates a physical loading environment, we hypothesize that HTO could increase cartilage composition and collagen accumulation. Consistent with our observation, a group of cartilage-resident MSCs was identified. Our data further showed decreased expression of RUNX2, COL10 and increased SOX9 in MSCs at the RNA level, indicating that catabolic activities were halted during mechanical off-loading. To understand the role of cartilage-resident MSCs in cartilage repair in a biophysical environment, we investigated the differentiation potential of MSCs under 3-dimensional mechanical loading conditions. The physical loading inhibited catabolic markers (IL-1 and IL-6) and increased anabolic markers (SOX9, COL2). Knee-preserved HTO intervention alleviates varus malalignment-related knee joint pain, improves daily and recreation function, and repairs degenerated cartilage of medial compartment OA. The off-loading effect of HTO may allow the mechanoregulation of cartilage repair through the differentiation of endogenous cartilage-derived MSCs

Hip instability is one of the most common complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Among the possible techniques to treat and prevent hip dislocation, the use of constrained liners is a well-established option. However, there is concern regarding the longevity of these devices due to higher mechanical stress caused by limited hip motion. The primary aim of this paper is to analyze the failure rate of a specific constrained liner in a series of consecutive cases. This study is a retrospective consecutive case series of THA and revision hip arthroplasty (RHA), in which a constrained polyethylene insert was used to treat or prevent hip instability. Patients were divided in 3 different groups (THA for hip fracture, THA for osteoarthrosis, and RHA). Survival analysis was performed for failure, defined as at least one episode of hip dislocation or radiographical signs of acetabular loosening. Logistical regression was used to investigate risk factors for failure. A total of 103 patients were included in the study. Fourteen patients (13,6%) were THA for osteoarthrosis, 60 (58,3%) were THA for hip fracture, and 29(28,2%) were RHA. The median follow-up was 28 months (ranging 12 − 173 months). Failure occurred in 4 cases (3,9%) comprehending 2 dislocations (1,9%) and 2 early acetabular loosening (1,9%). Amongst the groups, there were no cases of failures in the THA due to osteoarthrosis, in the THA for hip fracture there were 3 cases (5%) and in the RHA one case (3,4%). Failure-free survival was not statistically different between groups. There were no risk factors statistically related to failure. The use of constrained acetabular insert to prevent or treat instability achieved an adequate survival time with a low rate of complications. Further studies are necessary to corroborate our findings

Biomechanical analysis is important to evaluate the effect of orthopaedic surgeries. CT-image based finite element method (CT-FEM) is one of the most important techniques in the computational biomechanics field. We have been applied CT-FEM to evaluate resorptive bone remodeling, secondary to stress shielding, after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We compared the equivalent stress and strain energy density to postoperative BMD (bone mineral density) change in the femur after THA, and a significant correlation was observed between the rate of changes in BMD after THA and equivalent stress. For periacetabular osteotomy cases, we investigated mechanical stress in the hip joint before and after surgery. Mechanical stress in the hip joint decreased significantly after osteotomy and correlated with the degree of the acetabular coverage. For arthroscopic osteochondroplasty cases, we examined mechanical strength of the proximal femur after cam resection using CT-FEM. The results suggested that both the depth and area of the resection at the distal part of femoral head-neck junction correlated strongly with fracture risk after osteochondroplasty. This talk consists of our results of clinical application studies using CT-FEM, and importance of application of CT-FEM to biomechanical studies to assess the effect of orthopaedic surgeries

Introduction and Objective. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with tendon autografts is the “gold standard” technique for surgical treatment of ACL injuries. Common tendon graft choices include patellar tendon (PT), semitendinosus/gracilis “hamstring” tendon (HT), or quadriceps tendon (QT). Healing of the graft after ACLR may be affected by graft type since the tissue is subjected to mechanical stresses during post-operative rehabilitation that play important roles in graft integration, remodeling and maturation. Abnormal mechanical loading can result in high inflammatory and degradative processes and altered extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and remodeling, potentially modifying tissue structure, composition, and function. Because of the importance of load and ligamentization for tendon autografts, this study was designed to compare the differential inflammatory and degradative metabolic responses to loading by three tendon types commonly used for autograft ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods. With IRB approval (IRB # 2009879) and informed patient consent, portions of 9 QT, 7 PT and 6 HT were recovered at the time of standard of care ACLR surgeries. Tissues were minced and digested in 0.2 mg/ml collagenase solution for two hours and were then cultured in 10% FBS at 5% CO. 2. , 37°C, and 95% humidity. Once confluent, cells were plated in Collagen Type I-coated BioFlex® plates (1 × 10. 5. cells/well) and cultured for 2 days prior to the application of strain. Then, media was changed to supplemented DMEM with 2% FBS for the application of strain. Fibroblasts were subjected to continuous mechanical stimulation (2-s strain and 10-s relaxation at a 0.5 Hz frequency) at three different elongation strains (mechanical stress deprivation-0%, physiologic strain-4%, and supraphysiological strain-10%). 9. for 6 days using the Flexcell FX-4000T strain system. Media was tested for inflammatory biomarkers (PGE2, IL-8, Gro-α, and MCP-1) and degradation biomarkers (GAG content, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2). Significant (p<0.05) difference between graft sources were assessed with Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc analysis. Results are reported as median± interquartile range (IQR). Results. Differences in Inflammation-Related Biomarker Production (Figure 1): The production of PGE2 was significantly lower by HT fibroblasts compared to both QT and PT fibroblasts at all timepoints and strain levels. The production of Gro-α was significantly lower by HT fibroblasts compared to QT at all time points and strain levels, and significantly lower than PT on day 3 at 0% strain, and all strain levels on day 6. The production of IL-8 by PT fibroblasts was significantly lower than QT and HT fibroblast on day 3 at 10% strain. Differences in Degradation-Related Biomarker Production (Figure 2): The production of GAG by HT fibroblasts was significantly higher compared to both QT and PT fibroblasts on day 6 at 0% strain. The production of MMP-1 by the QT fibroblasts was significantly higher compared to HT fibroblasts on day 3 of culture at all strain levels, and in the 0% and 10% strain levels on day 6 of culture. The production of MMP-1 by the QT fibroblasts was significantly higher compared to PT fibroblasts at in the 0% and 4% strain groups on day 3 of culture. The production of TIMP-1 by the HT fibroblasts was significantly lower compared to PT fibroblasts on day 3 of culture. Conclusions. The results of this study identify potentially clinically relevant difference in the metabolic responses of tendon graft fibroblasts to strain, suggesting a lower inflammatory response by hamstring tendon fibroblasts and higher degradative response by quadriceps tendon fibroblasts. These responses may influence ACL autograft healing as well as inflammatory mediators of pain in the knee after reconstruction, which may have implications regarding graft choice and design of postoperative rehabilitation protocols for optimizing outcomes for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Introduction. The low-contact stress (LCS) knee prosthesis is a mobile-bearing design with modifications to the tibial component that allow for meniscal-bearing (MB) or rotating-platform (RP). The MB design had nonconstrained anteroposterior and rotational movement, and the RP design has only nonconstrained rotational movement. The anterior soft tissues, including patellar tendon (PT), prevent anterior dislocation of the MB. The PT may consistently be exposed to overstressing. Therefore, we hypothesized that the PT thickness and width in MB prosthesis revealed more morphological changes than those of RP prosthesis due to degeneration of the PT induced by much mechanical stress of the MB movement. To confirm this hypothesis, we analyze the PT thickness and width induced by mobile-bearing inserts. Objectives. Sixty LCS prostheses in 30 patients were analyzed. The average follow-up time was 61 months. MB prosthesis was used on one side of the knee and RP prosthesis was used on the contralateral side of the knee. All patients were chosen from group with no clinical complication, and all had achieved passive full extension and at least 90°of flexion. The average Hospital for Special Surgery Score was 94.6 ± 2.7. Methods. We measured the thickness and width of PT at joint line level, which were confirmed by sagittal section using ultrasound in knee extension between MB and RP design prosthesis. Results. The mean thickness of PT was 4.7 mm (1.2) with MB and 4.7 mm (1.0) with RP design prosthesis. The mean width of PT was 30.6 mm (3.2) with MB and 31.3 mm (3.5) with RP design prosthesis. No significant differences were found between both groups. Conclusion. The current results showed that the PT thickness and width in MB prosthesis did not reveal more morphological changes than those of RP prosthesis due to degeneration of the PT induced by much mechanical stress of the MB movement. The possible reasons are the following: (1) We did not remove infra-patellar fat pad, which might play shock absorber of mechanical stress from MB, and prevent from significant degeneration of PT, (2) MB inserts did not stimulate the middle of the PT directly, unlike LCS A/P-Glide inserts, and might come into contact with the both ends of the PT and (3) MB inserts did not move so as to cause degeneration in the PT

Background. Medical applications of nanotechnology are promising because it allows the surface of biomaterial to be tailored to optimise the interfacial interaction between the biomaterial and its biological environment. Such interfaces are of interest in the domain of orthopaedic surgery as they could have anti-bacterial functions or could be used as drug delivery systems. The development of orthopaedics is moving towards better integration of biology in implants and surgical techniques, but the mechanical properties of implanted materials are still important for orthopaedic applications. During clinical implantation, implants are subjected to large mechanical stresses. In order to obtain the best performance during clinical use, mechanical properties of implants need to be investigated and understood. Method. We modified the topography of commercial titanium orthopaedic screws using electrochemical anodization in a 0.4 wt% hydrofluoric acid solution to produce titanium dioxide nanotube layers. The morphology of the nanotube layers were characterised using scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the nanotube layers were investigated by screwing and unscrewing an anodized screw into several different types of human bone while the torsional force applied to the screwdriver was measured using a torque screwdriver. The range of torsional force applied to the screwdriver was between 5 and 80 cN·m. Independent assessment of the mechanical properties of the same surfaces was performed on simple anodized titanium foils using a triboindenter. Results. The fabricated nanotube layers can resist mechanical stresses close to those found in clinical situations. Conclusion. The mechanical characteristics of this surface treatment appear to be sufficiently robust to withstand realistic clinical operating conditions that our in vitro experiments were designed to simulate. These results show that the nanotube layers remain intact after the implantation process. This may allow for the exciting possibility of nanotubes being loaded with molecules. Level of Evidence. II

Introduction: Two second generation highly crosslinked UHMWPEs have been cleared by the FDA for clinical use in the United States: sequentially crosslinked UHMWPE (X3™ UHMWPE, Stryker Inc., Mahwah, NJ, USA) and α-tocopherol stabilized UHMWPE (E-Poly™ UHMWPE, Biomet, Inc., Warsaw, IN, USA). Both have been shown to be oxidatively stable under standardized aging methods (ASTM F2003); however, these conventional aging methods did not consider the effect of mechanical loading on the oxidative behavior of the materials. By coupling the adverse effects of thermal aging and mechanical stress, we sought to investigate if either material was prone to environmental stress cracking (ESC). We hypothesize that the residual free radicals remaining in sequentially crosslinked PE will lead to oxidative degradation in this adverse test; furthermore, we hypothesized that the α-tocopherol infused in E-Poly™ will continue to protect the highly crosslinked PE even under such unfavorable conditions. Materials and Methods: Three materials were tested:. Conventional: UHMWPE gamma sterilized in inert,. SXL: sequentially irradiated and annealed UHMWPE irradiated to a cumulative dose of 100kGy (33 kGy irradiation + 8 hour annealing in air, repeated 3 times) and gas plasma sterilized, and. E-Poly: UHMWPE irradiated to 100kGy, stabilized with α-tocopherol, and gamma sterilized in inert. Four specimens from each group were subjected to a reciprocating mechanical stress of 10 MPa at a frequency of 0.5 Hz in an environmental chamber maintained at 80°C. Control samples were placed in the chamber but not subjected to cyclic mechanical stress. When a visible crack was observed on a sample’s surface or when a sample fractured, it and its corresponding control sample were analyzed by FTIR to quantify oxidation. Results: All conventional specimens, half (2 of 4) of the SXL specimens, and none of the E-Poly specimens failed prior to the completion of 1,530,000 cycles (5 weeks of testing at 0.5 Hz). Cyclic loading had an adverse effect on the oxidation of the conventional and the SXL groups; the peak oxidation levels were higher in the cyclically loaded samples as compared to the control samples removed at the same time which were not loaded, likely due to an increase in chain scission induced by the mechanical load. The E-Poly specimens did not fail during the 5 weeks of testing, and FTIR did not reveal detectable oxidation in either control or loaded samples. Discusssion and conclusion: Though the sequential processing of SXL creates a material with a lower free radical content compared to once-annealed material, it still yields a material prone to oxidation under extreme conditions, raising questions about its long-term oxidative stability. E-Poly™, protected by α-tocopherol, continues to exhibit high oxidation resistance even under adverse conditions

The structure and extracellular matrix composition of the interface are complex and allow for a gradual mechanical stress transfer between tendons and bone. In this study, biphasic silk fibroin scaffolds designed to mimic the gradient in collagen molecule alignment present at the interface. The scaffolds had two different pore alignments: anisotropic at the tendon side and isotropic at the bone side. Total porosity ranged from 50–80% and the majority of pores were <100–300 µm. Young's modulus varied from 689–1322 kPa. In addition, human adMSC were cultured on the scaffolds to evaluate the effect of pore morphology on cell proliferation and gene expression. Biphasic scaffolds supported cell attachment and influenced cytoskeleton organization depending on pore alignment. In addition, the gene expression of tendon, enthesis and cartilage markers significantly changed in each region of the scaffolds. We functionalized those scaffolds with heparin and explored their ability to deliver TGF-β2 and GDF5. TGF-β2 and pore anisotropy synergistically increased the expression of tendon/ligament markers and collagen I protein content. The combined delivery of TGF-β2 and GDF5 enhanced the expression of cartilage markers and collagen II protein content on substrates with isotropic porosity, whereas enthesis markers were enhanced in areas of mixed anisotropic/isotropic porosity

In recent years, novel therapies for intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration have been developed that are based on the delivery of cells, biomaterials or bioactive molecules. The efficacy of these biological therapies depends on the type and degree of IVD degeneration. Whole organ culture bioreactors provide an attractive platform for pre-clinical testing of IVD therapeutics, since the cells are maintained within their native extracellular matrix, and the endplate remains intact to fulfil its function. Moreover, defined regimes of mechanical stress are applied to the IVD, representing either physiological or degenerative, detrimental loading. Different degrees of degeneration can be induced by high load, low nutrition, enzyme injection, and/or mechanical damage; while recent organ culture models also implement an inflammatory component. Using whole organ culture models, we found that mesenchymal stem cell injection into nucleotomized IVDs had an anabolic effect on the IVD cells. Furthermore, hyaluronan hydrogels were beneficial for cell delivery and mechanical support. We also found that anti-inflammatory treatment could partially prevent the induction of cytokines in an inflammatory model. However, chemokine delivery did not induce a significant repair response in an annulus fibrosus defect. In line with 3R principles, relevant ex-vivo models are essential to reliably test biological IVD treatments

Previous studies have shown that low-density, rod-like trabecular structures develop in regions of low stress, whereas high-density, plate-like trabecular structures are found in regions of high stress. This phenomenon suggests that there may be a close relationship between the type of trabecular structure and mechanical properties. In this study, 160 cancellous bone specimens were produced from 40 normal human tibiae aged from 16 to 85 years at post-mortem. The specimens underwent micro-CT and the microstructural properties were calculated using unbiased three-dimensional methods. The specimens were tested to determine the mechanical properties and the physical/compositional properties were evaluated. The type of structure together with anisotropy correlated well with Young’s modulus of human tibial cancellous bone. The plate-like structure reflected high mechanical stress and the rod-like structure low mechanical stress. There was a strong correlation between the type of trabecular structure and the bone-volume fraction. The most effective microstructural properties for predicting the mechanical properties of cancellous bone seem to differ with age

[Introduction]. It is said that the mechanical stress is a main factor to advance degenerative osteoarthritis. Therefore, to keep the joint stability is very important to minimize mechanical stress. Methods to evaluate bone-related factor are almost established, especially in hip dysplasia. On the other hand, it is unclear how much each soft tissue contribute to the joint stability. In this study we evaluated the soft tissue contribution for hip joint stability by distraction testing using MTS machine. [Materials & Methods]. We used seven fresh frozen hips from four donors, whose race was all western and reason of death was not related to hip disease in all cases. Average age of them at death was 83 years old. Mean average weight and height were each 52 kg and 162 cm. We retrieved hemi pelvis and proximal femur which kept hip joint intact. We removed all other soft tissue except iliofemoral ligament, pubofemoral ligament, ischiofemoral ligament and capsule. The hemi-pelvis mounted on angular-changeable fixator and the femur fixed to MTS machine (Figure 1). XY sliding table was used to minimize the horizontal direction stress during distraction. MTS machine was set to pull the femur parallel to its shaft by 0.4 mm/sec velocity against pelvis after 10N compression and to keep 5 mm distance for 5 seconds. We measured the force at 1 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm distraction. In case the joint was dislocated, the maximum force just before dislocation was recorded. The specimen was changed its posture as neutral (flexion0° abduction0° external rotation0°), flexion (flexion60° abduction0° external rotation0°), abduction (flexion0° abduction30° external rotation0°) and extension (extension20° abduction0° external rotation0°). Each position was measured in six sequential conditions, which are normal, Incised iliofemoral ligament, Circumferentially incised capsule, resected capsule, labral radial tear and resected labrum. After measurement joint surface was observed to evaluate the joint condition. [Results]. We excluded the one specimen two hips by osteoarthritic change of joint surface. The average force needed for 5 mm distraction in normal condition at neutral, flexion, extension and abduction posture was each 95.8N, 52.7N, 162.8N and 94.2N. The force was biggest in extension posture and smallest in flexion posture. The force was statistically reduced from 95.8N to 31.5N after iliofemoral ligament incision in neutral position. The force was also statistically reduced from 145.6N to 31.9N after Circumferential capsule incision in extension posture (Figure 2). In all posture, traction force was reduced after capslotomy and all hip dislocated in all cases. [Discussion]. We could conclude that iliofemoral ligament works much in neutral and extension posture, and capsule helps its work in extension more than in neutral posture. We have reported the zona orbicularis will be important as joint stabilizer before. Capsule including zona orbicularis makes hip joint more stable in any posture because dislocation happened easily after capsule resection in all posture

Introduction: In a photoelasticimetric model Ondrouch suggested a correlation between stress in arthritic joints, microfractures and bone cysts. Other authors believe in a causative role of access of joint ßuid to bone in periarticular osteolysis. In our opinion mechanical stress induced by cartilage defects induces microfractures followed by cystic bone degradation. Materials and Methods: A þnite element analysis using the well described parameters for cancellous and cortical bone as also cartilage was performed. Several typical situations of localized and general cartilage pathologies were calculated in a schematic hip joint situation. Results: A signiþcant impact of cartilage defect size and resulting stress distribution correlating well to cystic lesions of patients with osteoarthritis of the hip could be shown. In localized cartilage defects max. stress was calculated at the rims of the lesions in the subchondral bone. Assuming a situation with an allready preformed cyst either in the acetabulum or the femoral head, further enlargement of the cyst will appear due to a maximal stress at the rims of the lesions. Femoral lesions have a comparable small tendency to grow, thereas acetabular lesions will grow rapidly. Discussion and Conclusion: These þndings þt very well with the clinical observations. Cartilage lesions inducing microfractures by mechanical stress may be able to explain the process of subchondral cyst formation. A process involving osteoclasts and myxomatous cells within the bone marrow seems to be a subsequent mechanism of remodelling and formation of myxomatous cyst content

Aims

Circular RNA (circRNA) is involved in the regulation of articular cartilage degeneration induced by inflammatory factors or oxidative stress. In a previous study, we found that the expression of circStrn3 was significantly reduced in chondrocytes of osteoarthritis (OA) patients and OA mice. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to explore the role and mechanism of circStrn3 in osteoarthritis.

The amount of bone loss due to implant failure, loosening, or osteolysis can vary greatly and can have a major impact on reconstructive options during revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Massive bone loss can threaten ligamentous attachments in the vicinity of the knee and may require use of components with additional constraint to compensate for associated ligamentous instability. Classification of bone defects can be helpful in predicting the complexity of the reconstruction required and in facilitating preoperative planning and implant selection. One very helpful classification of bone loss associated with TKA is the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) Bone Defect Classification System as it provides the means to compare the location and extent of femoral and tibial bone loss encountered during revision surgery. In general, the higher grade defects (Type IIb or III) on both the femoral and tibial sides are more likely to require stemmed components, and may require the use of either structural graft or large augments to restore support for currently available modular revision components. Custom prostheses were previously utilised for massive defects of this sort, but more recently have been supplanted by revision TKA component systems with or without special metal augments or structural allograft. Options for bone defect management are: 1) Fill with cement; 2) Fill with cement supplemented by screws or K-wires; 3) Morselised bone grafting (for smaller, especially contained cavitary defects); 4) Small segment structural bone graft; 5) Impaction grafting; 6) Porous metal cones or sleeves 7) Massive structural allograft-prosthetic composites; 8) Custom implants. Of these, use of uncemented highly porous metal metaphyseal cones in combination with an initial cemented or partially cemented implant has been shown to provide versatile and highly durable results for a range of bone defects including those previously requiring structural bone graft. The hybrid fixation combination of both cement and cementless fixation of an individual tibial or femoral component has emerged as a frequent and often preferred technique. Initial secure and motionless interfaces are provided by the cemented portions of the construct, while subsequent bone ingrowth to the cementless porous metal portions is the key to long term stable fixation. As bone grows into the porous portions there is off loading and protection of the cemented interfaces from mechanical stresses. While maximizing support on intact host bone has been a longstanding fundamental principle of revision arthroplasty, this is facilitated by the use of metaphyseal cones or sleeves in combination with initial fixation into the adjacent diaphysis. Preoperative planning is facilitated by good quality radiographs, supplemented on occasion by additional imaging such as CT. Fluoroscopically controlled x-ray views may assist in diagnosing the loose implant by better revealing the interface between the implant and bone and can facilitate accurate delineation of the extent of bone deficiency present. Part of the preoperative plan is to ensure adequate range and variety of implant choices and bone graft resources for the planned reconstruction allowing for the potential for unexpected intraoperative findings such as occult fracture through deficient periprosthetic bone. While massive bone loss may compromise ligamentous attachment to bone, in the majority of reconstructions, the degree of revision implant constraint needed for proper balancing and restoration of stability is independent of the bone defect. Thus, some knees with minimal bone deficiency may require increased constraint due to the status of the soft tissues while others involving very large bone defects, especially of the cavitary sort, may be well managed with minimal constraint

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is the current standard of care for ACL tears. However, the results are not consistently successful, autografts or allografts have certain disadvantages, and synthetic grafts have had poor clinical results. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of tissue engineering decellularized tibialis tendons by recellularization and culture in a dynamic tissue bioreactor. To determine if recellularization of decellularized tendons combined with mechanical stimulation in a bioreactor could replicate the mechanical properties of the native ACL and be successfully used for ACL reconstruction in vivo. Porcine tibialis tendons were decellularized and then recellularized with human adult bone marrow-derived stem cells. Tendons were cultured in a tissue bioreactor that provided biaxial cyclic loading for up to 7 days. To reproduce mechanical stresses similar to hose experienced by the ACL within the knee joint, the tendons were subjected to simultaneous tension and torsion in the bioreactor. Expression of tendon-specific genes, and newly synthesized collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) were used to quantify the efficacy of recellularization and dynamic bioreactor culture. The mechanical strength of recellularized constructs was measured after dynamic stimulation. Finally, the tissue-engineered tendons were used to reconstruct the ACL in mini-pigs and mechanical strength was assessed after three months. Dynamic bioreactor culture significantly increased the expression of tendon-specific genes, the quantity of newly synthesized collagen and GAG, and the tensile strength of recellularized tendons. After in vivo reconstruction, the tensile strength of the tissue-engineered tendons increased significantly up to 3 months after surgery and were within 80% of the native strength of the ACL. Our translational study indicates that the recellularization and dynamic mechanical stimuli can significantly enhance matrix synthesis and mechanical strength of decellularized porcine tibialis tendons. This approach to tissue engineering can be very useful for ACL reconstruction and may overcome some of the disadvantages of autografts and allografts

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent degenerative joint disorder characterized by joint pain and physical disability. Aberrant subchondral bone induces pathological changes and is a major source of pain in OA. In the subchondral bone, which is highly innervated, nerves have dual roles in pain sensation and bone homeostasis regulation. The interaction between peripheral nerves and target cells in the subchondral bone, and the interplay between the sensory and sympathetic nervous systems, allow peripheral nerves to regulate subchondral bone homeostasis. Alterations in peripheral innervation and local transmitters are closely related to changes in nociception and subchondral bone homeostasis, and affect the progression of OA. Recent literature has substantially expanded our understanding of the physiological and pathological distribution and function of specific subtypes of neurones in bone. This review summarizes the types and distribution of nerves detected in the tibial subchondral bone, their cellular and molecular interactions with bone cells that regulate subchondral bone homeostasis, and their role in OA pain. A comprehensive understanding and further investigation of the functions of peripheral innervation in the subchondral bone will help to develop novel therapeutic approaches to effectively prevent OA, and alleviate OA pain.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(7):439–452.

Objectives. Enhanced micromotions between the implant and surrounding bone can impair osseointegration, resulting in fibrous encapsulation and aseptic loosening of the implant. Since the effect of micromotions on human bone cells is sparsely investigated, an in vitro system, which allows application of micromotions on bone cells and subsequent investigation of bone cell activity, was developed. Methods. Micromotions ranging from 25 µm to 100 µm were applied as sine or triangle signal with 1 Hz frequency to human osteoblasts seeded on collagen scaffolds. Micromotions were applied for six hours per day over three days. During the micromotions, a static pressure of 527 Pa was exerted on the cells by Ti6Al4V cylinders. Osteoblasts loaded with Ti6Al4V cylinders and unloaded osteoblasts without micromotions served as controls. Subsequently, cell viability, expression of the osteogenic markers collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin, as well as gene expression of osteoprotegerin, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand, matrix metalloproteinase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, were investigated. Results. Live and dead cell numbers were higher after 25 µm sine and 50 µm triangle micromotions compared with loaded controls. Collagen type I synthesis was downregulated in respective samples. The metabolic activity and osteocalcin expression level were higher in samples treated with 25 µm micromotions compared with the loaded controls. Furthermore, static loading and micromotions decreased the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand ratio. Conclusion. Our system enables investigation of the behaviour of bone cells at the bone-implant interface under shear stress induced by micromotions. We could demonstrate that micromotions applied under static pressure conditions have a significant impact on the activity of osteoblasts seeded on collagen scaffolds. In future studies, higher mechanical stress will be applied and different implant surface structures will be considered. Cite this article: J. Ziebart, S. Fan, C. Schulze, P. W. Kämmerer, R. Bader, A. Jonitz-Heincke. Effects of interfacial micromotions on vitality and differentiation of human osteoblasts. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:187–195. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.72.BJR-2017-0228.R1

The April 2024 Spine Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Lengthening behaviour of magnetically controlled growing rods in early-onset scoliosis: a multicentre study; LDL, cholesterol, and statins usage cause pseudarthrosis following lumbar interbody fusion; Decision-making in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis of L4/L5; Does the interfacing angle between pedicle screws and support rods affect clinical outcomes after posterior thoracolumbar fusion?; Returning to the grind: how workload influences recovery post-lumbar spine surgery; Securing the spine: a leap forward with s2 alar-iliac screws in adult spinal deformity surgery.

The August 2024 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: ESWT versus surgery for fifth metatarsal stress fractures; Minimally invasive surgery versus open fusion for hallux rigidus; Diabetes and infection risk in total ankle arthroplasty; Is proximal medial gastrocnemius recession useful for managing chronic plantar fasciitis?; Fuse the great toe in the young!; Conservative surgery for diabetic foot osteomyelitis; Mental health and outcome following foot and ankle surgery.

Aims

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease. The osteocyte transcriptome is highly relevant to osteocyte biology. This study aimed to explore the osteocyte transcriptome in subchondral bone affected by OA.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of instrumentation failure (IF) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES), and to analyze risk factors for IF.

Aims

Postoperative complication rates remain relatively high after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The extent to which modifiable patient-related factors influence complication rates in patients with ASD has not been effectively evaluated. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the association between modifiable patient-related factors and complications after corrective surgery for ASD.

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Knee osteoarthritis (OA) involves a variety of tissues in the joint. Gene expression profiles in different tissues are of great importance in order to understand OA.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) for the treatment of larger cartilage lesions and deformity correction in hips suffering from symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Aims

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint disorder with inflammatory response and cartilage deterioration as its main features. Dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA), a bioactive component extracted from natural plant (gynura bicolor), has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in various diseases. We aimed to explore the chondroprotective effect of DHCA on OA and its potential mechanism.

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This study aimed, through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiment validation, to identify the key extracellular proteins of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).

Aims

This study aimed to explore the biological and clinical importance of dysregulated key genes in osteoarthritis (OA) patients at the cartilage level to find potential biomarkers and targets for diagnosing and treating OA.

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a disorder of high socio-economic relevance. The causes of hip osteoarthritis are multifactorial; however, the epidemiological literature regularly cites occupational tasks, such as heavy lifting and carrying, as a risk factor for the development of hip OA. The level of mechanical stresses upon the hip joint caused by occupational tasks remain largely unclear, however. This project sought to quantify the levels of stresses upon the hip joint during occupational tasks. In particular we were interested in comparing load as well as stress levels from everyday activities with occupational tasks typically performed by blue collar workers. Sectors and occupational activities presenting a high potential for stress upon the hip joint were identified by means of a survey conducted among accident insurance institutions. Lifting, carrying and load transfer (25 to 50 kg), ladder climbing and stair climbing (without additional load and with an additional load of 25 kg) were selected from among these sectors and activities for the purpose of the study. Laboratory measurements were performed in which motion capturing and a range of force measurement apparatus were used to record and evaluate the performance of the selected tasks by 12 skilled workers from a number of sectors. multi-body simulation was used to calculate the stress in the form of hip-joint contact forces. The contact pressures and their geometric distribution on the cartilage surfaces of the hip joint were then calculated from these results by means of finite-element analysis. This produced an indicator for the strain upon the hip joint. The highest hip-joint forces, at (637±148)% of the body weight, occurred during handling of the 50 kg load. This corresponded to 1.7 times the stress arising during walking, at (368±78)% of the body weight. Significantly higher hip-joint forces compared to those arising during walking were observed for the carrying of loads of 40 kg and 50 kg, the handling of loads of 25 kg, 40 kg and 50 kg, and stair climbing with an additional load of 25 kg. Maximum contact pressures of 24.1 MPa were computed during the finite-element analysis (lifting of 50 kg); only very small regions of the joint surface were however affected by these high pressures. During walking, the maximum pressure reached 15 MPa. The results obtained provide a quantitative overview of the strains upon the hip joint during occupational and everyday tasks. They constitute an aid to future quantitative exposure assessments in a range of sectors and occupational fields, and thus contribute to improving estimation of the relevance of stresses of occupational origin to the incidence of hip OA

Introduction. Wear and survival of total joint replacements do not depend on the duration of the implant in situ, but rather on the amount of its use, i.e. the patient's activity level [1]. With this in mind, the present study was driven by two questions: (1) How does total knee replacement (TKR) respond to the simulation of daily highly demanding activities? (2) How does implant size affect wear response of total knee replacement (TKR)?. Materials & Methods. Two sets of the same total knee prosthesis (TKP), different in size (#2 and #6), equal in design, were tested on a three-plus-one knee joint simulator for two million cycles using a highly demanding daily load waveform [2], replicating a stair-climbing movement. The results were compared with two sets of TKP previously tested with the ISO level walking task. Gravimetric and micro-Raman spectroscopic analyses were carried out on the polyethylene inserts. Visual comparison with in vivo explants was carried out and digital microscopy was used to characterize the superficial structure of all the TKPs and explanted components. Results. The average volumetric loss of the UHMWPE inserts tested for 2Mc under ISO standard level walking were 21.36 ±1 mm3 and 41 ±2 mm3 for the size #2 and size #6, respectively. The average volumetric mass loss after two million cycles for the size #2 under the stair climbing simulation was 44 ±6 mm3. Microscope examinations showed some deep scratches along the flexion/extension movements for all the components. A decrease in crystallinity, induced by mechanical stress was observed on all polyethylene components and was quantitatively confirmed by the orthorhombic fraction αo value. Conclusion. These preliminary results showed that under more severe conditions for size #2, the material properties change according to a different wear mechanism and a decrease in crystallinity occurs. Under the ISO 14243-2 load profile, an increase in crystallinity was observed; whereas under the more demanding conditions, a decrease in crystallinity occurs. Analyses on the size #6 component are in progress

In addition to mechanical stresses, an inflammatory mediated association between obesity and knee osteoarthritis (OA) is increasingly being recognised. Adipokines, such as adiponectin and leptin, have been postulated as likely mediators. Clinical and epidemiological differences in OA by race have been reported. What contributes to these differences is not well understood. In this study, we examined the profile of adipokines in knee synovial fluid (SF) and the gene expression profile of the infra-patellar fat pad (IFP) by race among patients with end-stage knee OA scheduled for knee arthroplasty. Age, sex, weight and height (used to derive body mass index (BMI)) and race (White, Asian and Black) were elicited through self-report questionnaire prior to surgery. SF and IFP samples were collected at the time of surgery. Adipokines (adiponectin and leptin) were examined in the SF using MAGPIX Multiplex platform. IFP was profiled using Human Adipogenesis PCRArray and genes of interest were further validated via quantitative relative RT-PCR using Student's t-test. Overall differences in adiponectin and leptin concentrations were tested across race. Linear regression modeling was used to investigate the association between adiponectin and leptin concentrations (outcomes) and race (predictor; referent group: White), adjusting for age, sex and BMI. 67 patients (18 White, 33 Asian, 16 Black) were included. Mean SF adiponectin concentration was greatest in Whites (1175.05 ng/mL), followed by Blacks (868.53 ng/mL) and Asians (702.23 ng/mL) (p=0.034). The mean SF leptin concentration was highest in Blacks (44.88 ng/mL), followed by Whites (29.86 ng/mL) and Asians (20.18 ng/mL) (p=0.021). Regression analysis showed Asians had significantly lower adiponectin concentrations compared to Whites (p<0.05). However, leptin concentrations did not differ significantly by race after adjusting for covariates. Testing of the IFP, using the Adipogenesis PCRArray, showed significant higher expression of LEP gene (leptin, p=0.03) in Asians (n=4) compared to Whites (n=4). There appears to be important racial differences in the SF adiponectin profile among individuals with end-stage knee OA. Differential gene expression in the IFP across racial groups could be a potential contributory source for the noted SF variations. Further work to determine the source and function of adipokines in knee OA pathophysiology across racial groups is warranted

Aims

Pelvic incidence (PI) is considered an important anatomical parameter for determining the sagittal balance of the spine. The contribution of an abnormal PI to hip osteoarthritis (OA) remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between PI and hip OA, and the difference in PI between hip OA without anatomical abnormalities (primary OA) and hip OA with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH-OA).

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease resulting from progressive joint destruction caused by many factors. Its pathogenesis is complex and has not been elucidated to date. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a series of irreversible and stable macromolecular complexes formed by reducing sugar with protein, lipid, and nucleic acid through a non-enzymatic glycosylation reaction (Maillard reaction). They are an important indicator of the degree of ageing. Currently, it is considered that AGEs accumulation in vivo is a molecular basis of age-induced OA, and AGEs production and accumulation in vivo is one of the important reasons for the induction and acceleration of the pathological changes of OA. In recent years, it has been found that AGEs are involved in a variety of pathological processes of OA, including extracellular matrix degradation, chondrocyte apoptosis, and autophagy. Clearly, AGEs play an important role in regulating the expression of OA-related genes and maintaining the chondrocyte phenotype and the stability of the intra-articular environment. This article reviews the latest research results of AGEs in a variety of pathological processes of OA, to provide a new direction for the study of OA pathogenesis and a new target for prevention and treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(5):292–300.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects an estimated 250 million people worldwide, with a cure yet to be found. Consequently, there is an urgent need to improve our understanding of OA physiopathology. While knee OA has long been mostly described as a loss of cartilage thickness (CTh) and research has focused on this characteristic, the role of bone alterations is rapidly gaining in interest. Analyzing subchondral bone mineral density (sBMD) is particularly interesting because this could inform on the mechanical environment at the knee. However, there is a paucity of data on sBMD in literature mainly because of the lack of prior methods to measure this parameter. A method for 3D sBMD assessment based on computed tomography (CT) scans was recently proposed, thus allowing testing for sBMD differences in knee OA. This study aimed at comparing non-OA and medial OA knees in terms of tibial sBMD and CTh. Specifically, it was hypothesized that sBMD and CTh differ with OA. Ten knees with severe medial OA and 10 matched non-OA knees were analyzed after ethical approval (50% male; 60 ± 3 years old). The arthro-CT scans of the 20 knees were segmented using custom software to build 3D mesh models of the tibial bone and cartilage. CTh maps were obtained by calculating the distance between cartilage and bone meshes, while sBMD maps were calculated based on the intensity of the CT in the first 3mm of bone. For each knee, the average CTh and sBMD values over the entire medial and lateral compartments were calculated and used to determine the medial-to-lateral (M/L) CTh and sBMD ratios. Unpaired t-tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were used for statistical analysis. The M/L sBMD ratio was significantly higher in OA compared to non-OA knees (1.14 ± 0.04 vs. 1.08 ± 0.03; p<0.01), whereas the CTh ratio was not significantly different between groups (0.70 ± 0.21 vs. 0.85 ± 0.10; p=0.06). No significant differences were found between OA and non-OA knees for the average medial CTh and sBMD (p>0.4). High classification performance was obtained for the sBMD ratio and low performance for the average sBMD in the medial compartment (areas under the ROC curve of 0.9 and 0.6, respectively). CTh ratio and medial compartment average provided medium classification performances (areas under the curve of 0.7). This study showed that sBMD differed between non-OA and severe medial OA knees and that sBMD M/L ratio was more sensitive to OA severity than CTh variables. These results brought new insights into the pathogenesis of knee OA, by supporting the idea that sBMD is altered with OA and suggesting that sBMD could play a role in disease development. Indeed, the mechanical stresses on the cartilages are related to the mechanical characteristics of the bones. Indirectly, this study also demonstrated the value of arthro-CT scans to simultaneously assess sBMD and CTh. Additional studies with larger cohorts of patients at different stages of the disease are necessary to better understand when changes in sBMD occur

Introduction. Acute poliomyelitis is a very rare disease in western countries, however the remnant of the pathology can be find among the adult patients. In poliomyelitis, sensation is normal and patients may suffer from painful etiologies. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with non-hinged or semi hinged prosthesis systems may be a good options to relief the pain in poliomyelitic patients, however the knee remains unstable. Using the hinged system implant may be the good option to resolve the late. Although the main concern in case of hinged implant usage is the mechanical stress which is directly transferred to the bone surface in contact with the implant. This may leads to implant mobilization and consequently failure. Methods and Materials. From 2004 to 2014, 14 TKA were performed in poliomyelitic patients with secondary knee pain. All patients were presented with extensor compartment hyposthenia and reduced antigravity function. In all patients a third generation rotating hinged knees (RHK) implant system (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN, USA) was applied. Bilateral TKA was performed in only one case. The mean age at the time of surgery was 56 years (ranged 48–77). Mean follow-up was 60 months (24–112). Results Due to post-operative infection, one patient underwent knee arthrodesis and excluded from the study. In one case, patellar fracture occurred 3 month following the surgery and treated non-surgically. Pain relief was observed in all patients following the surgery without any major complication. Mean objective score according to knee society knee scoring system was improved from 28 (16–51) preoperatively to 79 (72–88) postoperatively. Mean functional score was improved from 24 (5–35) preoperatively to 66 (50–70) postoperatively. At last follow up the mean range of motion was 90° (75°−100°). Following radiographic control at last follow-up all implants was stable without any sign of failure such as mobilization, radiolucency line or osteolysis. Conclusion. Providing stable knee implant system is the most important factor in addition to pain relief in case of poliomyelitic patients with knee pain. In our experience, third generation RHK supplied satisfactory clinical results in poliomyelitic patients supplying good implant stability without interfere with existing intrinsic stability of the lower limb. We believe that good results were achieved due to particular specification of RHK implant including mild 3° of hyperextension and weight distribution mode in which 95% transfer to polyethylene insert and only 5% to hinged compartment that help to restore the stability in such a particular patients also in case of late post-polio syndrome

Introduction. Modern hip replacements all have encapsulated the design concept of proximal modularity. The factors contributing to the increased wear and corrosion at the taper junction are trunnion geometry, surface characteristics, head size, impaction forces, and material coupling. This study maps the inferior and superior region of the trunnion and bore to provide a visual identification of the corrosion severity. The corrosion/wear generated inferiorly and superiorly at the bore and trunnion will be quantified to understand how corrosion is affected by mechanical stresses in relation to anatomical orientation. Methodology. Three neck tapers generated from bar stock containing a threaded trunnion Ti-6Al-4V and 3× 32mm femoral heads (Co-Cr-Mo) with a +4 offset manufactured by Signature Orthopaedics were used within this study. Rectangular Rozzette strain gauges (Tokyo Sokki Kenkyujo Co., Ltd.) were adhered onto the inferior and superior sections of the neck section. The tapers were fatigued in accordance to ISO 7206 at 5Hz for 5 million cycles at 37 degrees Celsius in phosphate buffered saline. The tapers were sectioned from the center of the femoral head to split both trunnion and bore into superior and inferior components. SEM imaging of all surface areas for each component, per taper (4) was done under ×100 magnification. The images were used to quantify the corrosion present across the surface area using a MATLAB based program called Histomorph. To obtain a visual observation of the variation of corrosion across the bore and trunnion the proximal, medial, and distal regions were mapped together for both the superior and inferior sections. Results. The superior region of the trunnion had a dominant tensile strain in comparison to the inferior region, which had a dominant compressive strain. Corrosion/wear of the inferior section of the trunnion was significantly higher (p<0.05) in comparison to the superior section (Figure 1). The bore had more corrosion/wear on the superior side in comparison to the inferior side however the difference was not significant. The mapping of the trunnion shows corrosion/wear along the whole length of the inferior side and dominantly at the distal region for the superior side (Figure 2 & 3). The superior section of the trunnion had higher corrosion/wear damage across the center and distal regions of the trunnion. The subdivision of the superior section reveals that the majority of the distal section contains higher wear/corrosion damage. However the central region also has sufficient corrosion/wear extending across the width of the bore. Conclusion. The corroded regions have shown that the type of stress present on the regions of the taper junction determines the severity of corrosion. The inferior section of the trunnion under compressive stress has significantly (p<0.05) higher corrosion/wear in comparison to the superior section dominated by tensile stress

Aims

This study reports updates the previously published two-year clinical, functional, and radiological results of a group of patients who underwent transfibular total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), with follow-up extended to a minimum of five years.