Statement of purpose. We review the current state of development of proton therapy and the implications for beam therapy in the management of primary bone tumours. Introduction. The principle of radiotherapy is to deliver a high dose, accurately, to the tumour. Conventional photon and proton therapy irradiates adjacent tissue significantly. This is reduced with intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT). This has been demonstrably effective in treating tumours refractory to chemotherapy and conventional radiotherapy such as chrondrosarcomas and chordomas. Case Report. We present a patient with an isolated chondrosarcoma involving the anterior and posterior element of the L3 vertebral body with a significant soft tissue component displacing the IVC. The patient underwent a 2 stage en-bloc excision of the tumour: Stabilization was achieved by posterior L2-4 instrumented fusion with PEEK rods, an anterior PEEK cage and bone graft. Post-operatively the patient underwent 12 weeks of bed rest followed by rehabilitation. Due to pedicle involvement (giving a high risk of contamination) and the narrow clear margin found on histology the patient has been accepted for post-operative IMPT. Discussion. The high risk of contamination and the narrow margins presented an ideal case for post-operative IMPT. However, conventionally the stabilization would have been metallic, distorting the treatment mapping and the delivery of the IMPT, reducing any possible benefit. Thus, we used PEEK as it is proven to maintain its properties when subjected to a wide range of conditions while also being tolerant of, and not interfering with, most forms of radiation including proton therapy, maximising the chance of a positive outcome. One concern is that PEEK is less biomechanically stable then metal, hence the prolonged period of bed rest. Conclusion. This report discusses the current evidence for proton therapy while describing a successful technique for stabilization to facilitate delivery of proton treatment post-operatively

Statement of purpose. We review the current state of development of proton therapy and the implications for beam therapy in the management of primary bone tumours. Introduction. The principle of radiotherapy is to deliver a high dose, accurately, to the tumour. Conventional photon and proton therapy irradiates adjacent tissue significantly. This is reduced with intensity modulation proton therapy (IMPT). This has been demonstrably effective in treating tumours refractory to chemotherapy and conventional radiotherapy such as chrondrosarcomas and chordomas. Case Report. We present a patient with an isolated chondrosarcoma involving the anterior and posterior element of the L3 vertebral body with a significant soft tissue component displacing the IVC. The patient underwent a 2 stage en-bloc excision of the tumour: Stabilisation was achieved by posterior L2-4 instrumented fusion with Peek rods and screws, an anterior Peek cage and bone graft. Post-operatively the patient underwent 12 weeks of bed rest followed by rehabilitation. Due to pedicle involvement (giving a high risk of contamination) and the narrow clear margin found on histology the patient has been accepted for post-operative IMPT. Discussion. The high risk of contamination and the narrow margins presented an ideal case for post-operative IMPT. However, conventionally the stabilisation would have been metallic, distorting the treatment mapping and the delivery of the IMPT, reducing any possible benefit. Thus, we used Peek as it is proven to maintain its properties when subjected to a wide range of conditions while also being tolerant of, and not interfering with, most forms of radiation including proton therapy, maximising the chance of a positive outcome. One concern with Peek is that it is less biomechanically stable then metal, hence the prolonged period of bed rest. Conclusion. This report discusses the current evidence for proton therapy while describing a successful technique for stabilisation to facilitate delivery of proton treatment post-operatively. Ethics approval. None Audit/service standard in trust Ethics committee COREC number:. Interest Statement. None Local grant/National grant Commercial/industry support

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to assess N-acetyl aspartate changes in the thalamus in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Methods. Nine patients with osteoarthritis of the hip (symptomatic group, nine women; mean age 61.4 years (48 to 78)) and nine healthy volunteers (control group, six men, three women; mean age 30.0 years (26 to 38)) underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to assess the changes of N-acetyl aspartate in the thalamus. . Results. The ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus contralateral to the symptomatic hip in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip was significantly lower than the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus in the control group (1.611 (1.194 to 1.882) vs 1.355 (1.043 to 1.502), p < 0.001). And, a strong negative correlation was detected between the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus contralateral to the symptomatic hip in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and pain duration (r = -0.83, p = 0.018). Conclusions. We evaluated the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus of patients with osteoarthritis of the hip by using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We concluded that the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus contralateral to the symptomatic hip in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip were significantly lower than those in the thalamus of the control group, and that pain duration was strongly related to the decrease of the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine

Proton beam radiation (PT) is getting an increasing role in the treatment strategy of complex tumour cases and especially in children. AT PSI, over 100 children were treated so far. In this analysis we present the evaluation of 62 children treated until the end of 2007 for sarcomatous tumours. Twenty-nine girls and 33 boys were included. Median age at time of diagnosis was 8.1 yrs. (range, 0.1–19.0). The histopathologies were embryonal RMS (n = 24), Chordoma (n = 10), Ewing sarcoma (n = 6), Chondrosarcoma (n = 5), unclassified/undifferentiated RMS (n = 5), Osteosarcoma (n = 4) and miscellaneous. All, but 2 patients had localized disease at time of diagnosis. Tumour site was head and neck in 43 patients, and spine or pelvis in 19 patients. In 50 out of the 62 patients, PT was performed after biopsy or incomplete resection. Forty-four patients had received chemotherapy before or during PT. Median dose of irradiation was 54 Gy (range, 45 – 74 Gy) with 1.8–2.0 Gy fraction dose 4 – 5 times weekly. Median FU time was 20 months (1.4 – 101). 54 children were still alive at the time of analysis. Twelve patients failed, of them 9 locally and 3 patients at distant site. Acute toxicity was exceeding grade 2 (RTOG/ EORTC) mainly for bone marrow in children with parallel chemotherapy (n = 23). In 6 children skin/mucosal reaction was exceeding grade 2. Late effects were not exceeding grade 2 in the majority of children. One serious adverse event was observed in a very young girl with a parameningeal sarcoma experiencing a lethal ischemia in the pontine area after surgery, chemotherapy and PT. In the vast majority of patients proton therapy was well tolerated. Local control and survival rates are promising. Longer follow-up time and a greater cohort will help to provide more reliable data

Background: Bone sarcomas are rare primary tumors. Radiation therapy (RT) can be useful in securing local control in cases where negative surgical margins cannot be obtained or where tumors are not resected. Recent technical advances in RT offer the opportunity to deliver radiation to these tumors with greater precision and accuracy, thus allowing higher doses to the tumor target with less dose to critical normal tissues, which can improve local tumor control and/or reduce treatment-related morbidity. Results of a recently published prospective trial of patients with spine sarcoma treated with high dose photon/proton radiation +/− surgery +/− chemotherapy will be presented to illustrate these concepts. Methods: Eligible patients had nonmetastatic, thoracic, lumbar, and/or sacral spine/paraspinal sarcomas. Treatment included pre- and/or postoperative photon/proton XRT with or without radical resection; patients with osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma received chemotherapy. Shrinking fields delivered 50.4 cobalt Gray equivalent (Gy RBE) to subclinical disease, 70.2 Gy RBE to microscopic disease in the tumor bed, and 77.4 Gy RBE to gross disease at 1.8 Gy RBE qd. Doses were reduced for radiosensitive histologies, concurrent chemoradiation, or when diabetes or autoimmune disease present. Spinal cord dose was limited to 63/54 Gy RBE to surface/center. Intraoperative boost doses of 7.5 to 10 Gy could be given by dural plaque. Results: A total of 50 patients (29 chordoma, 14 chondrosarcoma, 7 other) underwent gross total (n = 25) or subtotal (n = 12) resection or biopsy (n = 13). With 48 month median follow-up, 5-year actuarial local control, recurrence- free survival, and overall survival are: 78%, 63%, and 87% respectively. Two of 36 (5.6%) patients treated for primary versus 7/14 (50%) for recurrent tumor developed local recurrence (p < 0.001). Five patients developed late radiation-associated complications; no myelopathy developed but three sacral neuropathies appeared after 77.12 to 77.4 Gy RBE. Conclusions: Local control with this treatment is high in patients radiated at the time of primary presentation. Spinal cord dose constraints appear to be safe. Sacral nerves receiving 77.12-77.4 Gy RBE are at risk for late toxicity. Similar approaches may be considered for other challenging bone and soft tissue sarcomas

Aim

Grade is the most important predictor of the biological behaviour of soft tissue sarcomas. Assigning a pathologic grade is always a difficult task as discordance rate is 30-40% even among experienced sarcoma pathologists. Many of these tumours are heterogeneously large and only small fractions are sampled for biopsy. This emphasizes the need for an objective and accurate assessment of histology. Our aim is to evaluate the role of Choline as a tumour marker in (i) differentiating benign from malignant soft tissue tumour, (ii) to distinguish recurrent/residual tumours using in-vivo MR spectroscopy.

Aim

Grade is the most important predictor of the biological behaviour of soft tissue sarcomas. Assigning a pathologic grade is always a difficult task as discordance rate is 30-40% even among experienced sarcoma pathologists. Many of these tumours are heterogeneously large and only small fractions are sampled for biopsy. This emphasizes the need for an objective and accurate assessment of histology. Our aim is to evaluate the role of Choline as a tumour marker in (i) differentiating benign from malignant soft tissue tumour, (ii) to distinguish recurrent/residual tumours using in-vivo MR spectroscopy.

Aims

The aim of the study was to compare measures of the quality of life (QOL) after resection of a chordoma of the mobile spine with the national averages in the United States and to assess which factors influenced the QOL, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and coping with pain post-operatively in these patients.

Introduction. Treatment of spinal metastatic disease has evolved with the advent of advanced interventional, surgical and radiation techniques. Spinal Oligometastatic disease is a low volume disease state where en bloc resection of the tumour, based on oncological principles, can achieve maximum local control (MLC). Hybrid therapy incorporating Separation surgery (>2mm clearance of the thecal sac) and Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) offer an alternative approach to achieving MLC. Hybrid therapy is also a viable option in patients eligible for SBRT who have failed conventional radiation therapy. En-bloc surgery may be a suitable option for those patients who are ineligible for or have failed SBRT. A multidisciplinary approach is particularly important in the decision-making process for these patients. Metal free instrumentation is aiding the optimization of these surgeries. The authors present a supra-regional centre's experience in managing spinal oligometastases. Methods. Retrospective review of oligometastatic spinal disease at a supra-regional centre between 2017 and 2021. Demographics, operative course, complications and Instrument type are examined. Results. Demographics: 24 patients with mean age 53.8y (range 12–77), 44% (40y–59y), 40% (60y–69y); 51% Male. Histology: Breast, Renal and Sarcoma accounted for 16.7% each; Thyroid, Prostate and Chordoma accounted for 8.3% each. Primary disease 7%, Synchronous 15%, Metachronous 78%. Instrumentation: Carbon-fibre (85%), TiAl (11%), Non-Instrumented (3%). Separation Surgery (70%), En-bloc resection/Tomita surgery (30%); SABR/Proton Beam Planned: 70%. Average length of hospital stays 19.1 days; twenty patients required intensive care admission for an average 2.7 days. 30 Day Mortality 8.3% (n=2: COVID-19 during admission and ventriculitis post discharge), 1y Mortality – 16.7%, 3y Mortality – 25%; Synchronous Mortality 75% (n=3) at 3 years. 30 Day infection rate 3%; 1y infection rate 7%. 1 Non-instrumented case developed proximal junctional failure post proton beam therapy and required a vascularised fibular strut graft. 2-year Revision for Local Recurrence 5% (Revision at 23 months). Conclusion. There are very few case series of oligometastatic spinal disease due to the relatively new concept of adjuvant SABR and its limited availability. Solid tumours pre-dominated the histology in our series with metachronous disease being the most commonly operated disease state. 92% of cases were eligible for SABR. The majority (85%) of cases were performed with Carbon-fibre instrumentation and has been shown to be safe with no mechanical failures in this series. Infection rates are in keeping with patients requiring radical radiotherapy with 3% early and 7% late. 30-day mortality was 8.3%, 1y=16.7% and 25% at last follow up. Mortality, as expected, is highest within the synchronous disease group and should be operated on sparingly. With the current management strategy, there was no local recurrence at 1 year and excellent local recurrence rate at 2 years (5%). Although radical en bloc surgery carries significant morbidity, it should be considered in selective cases to achieve MLC. All Oligometastatic cases deserve extra consideration and specialist MDT as not all are suitable for SABR. Multimodal Hybrid therapy, incorporating less invasive surgical techniques and SABR, represents a paradigm shift in achieving MLC in oligometastatic spinal disease

The modified Hedgehog technique was previously used to reattach pure chondral shear-off fragments in the pediatric knee. In the modified Hedgehog technique, the calcified side of chondral fragments is multiple times incised and trimmed obliquely for an interlocking fit in the defect site. Fibrin glue with or without sutures is subsequently applied to fix the fragment to the defect. This preliminary report further elucidates the potential of the technique by evaluation of its application in young adults using patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and high-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as outcome measures. Three patients with a femoral cartilage defect (2 medial, 1 lateral), and a concomitant pure chondral corpus liberum were operatively treated by the modified Hedgehog technique. Age at surgery ranged from 20.6–21.2 years, defect size ranged from 3.8–6.0 cm2. Patients were evaluated at three months and one year after surgery by PROMs and 7.0T MRI. PROMs included the Internation Knee Documentation (IKDC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) questionnaires. 7.0T MRI (Magnetom, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) using a 28-channel proton knee coil (QED, Electrodynamics LLC, Cleveland, OH) included a proton density weighted turbo spin-echo sequence with fat suppression to assess morphological tissue structure andgagCEST imaging to measure the biochemical tissue composition in terms of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Twelve months after surgery all patients reported no pain and showed full range of motion. While PROMs at three months showed large variability between patients, one year after surgery the scores were consistently improved. Over time, morphological MRI visualized improvements in integration of the cartilage fragment with the surrounding cartilage, which was supported by biochemical MRI showing increased GAG values at the defect edges. Statistics were not applied to the results because of the small sample size. The modified Hedgehog technique in young adults with an acute onset caused by a pure chondral corpus liberum can be considered promising. The improved PROM results over time were supported by 7.0T MRI that visualized improvements in tissue structure and biochemical composition. Inclusion of more patients in future studies would allow statistical analysis and more conclusive results. The etiology of loosening and time between onset of symptoms and surgery for successful graft integration may differ between pediatric and young adult patients and is subject for future studies

Cancer associated bone pain (CIBP) is a common event in patients with advanced disease with bone metastases (BM), significantly impairing their quality of life. Treatment options are limited and mainly based on the use of opioids with unacceptable side effects. Local acidosis is a well-known cause of pain since it directly stimulates nociceptors that express acid-sensing ion channels and densely innervate bone. In BM, local acidosis derives from osteoclast bone resorption activity and from the acidification by glycolytic tumor cells. Here we speculated that the pH lowering of intratumoral interstitial fluid also promotes nociceptors sensitization and hyperalgesia through the activation of cells of mesenchymal origin in BM microenvironment that might release inflammatory and nociceptive mediators. As a model of breast cancer that can metastatise to the bone we used MDA-MB-231 (MDA), and a subclone with a higher tendency to form osteolytic BM (bmMDA). We evaluated the basal expression of proton pumps/ion transporters by Real-Time PCR (Q-RT-PCR). To evaluate the effect of extracellular acidosis on mesenchymal tumor-associated stroma, we used human osteoblast primary cultures from healthy donors and cancer-associated fibroblasts isolated with specific immunobeads from the tumor biopsies of patient with BM. We exposed the cells to pH 6.8 medium at different time points (between 3 to 24 hours). After the short-term incubation with acidosis, for the expression of and acid-sensing ion channels, inflammatory cytokines and nociceptive mediators that can produce hyperalgesia, we used both a wide screening through a deep-sequencing approach and Q-RT-PCR, and ELISA. Xenograft for osteolytic BM induced by intratibial injection of bmMDA were treated with Omeprazole and monitored for CIBP through several cognitive tests. We found a significantly higher extracellular proton efflux and expression of proton pumps/ion transporters associated with the acid-base balance, the monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), the carbonic anhydrase (CA9), and the vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) V. 1. G. 1. subunit, and V. 0. c subunitin bmMDA, a subclone that is prone to form BM in respect to the parental cell line MDA-MB-231. In mesenchymal stromal cells, osteoblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts, the incubation with pH 6.8 induced the expression of the achid-sensing ion channels AISC3/ACCN3 and AICS4/ACCN4, as well as of the nociceptive modulators nerve growth factor (NGF), Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL6) and 8 (IL8), and Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5). Furthermore, the targeting of V0c subunit to inhibit intratumoral acidification significantly reduced CIBP in mice model of BM. In this study we demonstrated for the first time that, in addition to the direct acid-sensing neuronal stimulation, the acidic microenvironment of BM causes hyperalgesia through the activation of an inflammatory reaction in the tumor-associated mesenchymal stroma at the tumor site, thereby offering as a new target for palliative treatment in advanced cancer

The August 2014 Oncology Roundup. 360 . looks at: Anaesthesic modality does not affect outcomes in tumour surgery; infection predictors in orthopaedic oncology; sarcoma depth unimportant in survival; photon/proton radiotherapy surprisingly effective in chondrosarcoma control; total humerus replacement a success!; LDH simple predictor of survival in sarcoma; Denosumab again! and Oops procedures in triplicate

We describe a case of recurrent intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia involving the middle finger which was successfully-treated with photon and proton radiotherapy following two previous surgical excisions

Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) are reported in patients taking bisphosphonates (BPs). This study aims to describe demographics, potential risk factors and outcome of fixation in AFFs. Forty-three patients with AFF were identified retrospectivity from all identified patients with subtrochanteric or diaphyseal fractures within NHS Grampian between 2008–2018. Patients were identified via hospital coding and electronic search of patients undergoing femoral fixation. AFFs were diagnosed by the 2014 American Society of Mineral and Bone Research diagnostic criteria by electronic patient record review by two investigators. Within this cohort, the incidence of AFF was 8.25% with male to female ratio of 10:1 and a mean of presentation age 73.3 years. 27.9% of AFFs occurred in the diaphysis. 22% of AFFs were bilateral. Mean follow-up was 11.5 months. 87.5% of patients had documented prodromal symptoms. 35% had proven radiological changes before fracture. All patients identified were on BPs. Duration of BPs before fracture was 5 months- 13.2 years (mean 6.3 years). Concurrent use of BPs with steroid and proton pump inhibitors was seen in 58.5%. All patients had intramedullary fixation with 8 (18.6%) requiring revision for non-union. For those that united radiologically it took on average 304 days (220–513). BPs were only stopped in 45% of patients after fixation. AFFs in this cohort appear to be associated with BP use, female sex, clinical and radiological prodrome. AFF remain a difficult clinical problem with a high revision rate. Further work is required to identify the temporal relationships and to raise awareness to improve surveillance/management

Aims

The evidence demonstrating the superiority of early MRI has led to increased use of MRI in clinical pathways for acute wrist trauma. The aim of this study was to describe the radiological characteristics and the inter-observer reliability of a new MRI based classification system for scaphoid injuries in a consecutive series of patients.

Aims

Biofilm infections are among the most challenging complications in orthopaedics, as bacteria within the biofilms are protected from the host immune system and many antibiotics. Halicin exhibits broad-spectrum activity against many planktonic bacteria, and previous studies have demonstrated that halicin is also effective against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms grown on polystyrene or polypropylene substrates. However, the effectiveness of many antibiotics can be substantially altered depending on which orthopaedically relevant substrates the biofilms grow. This study, therefore, evaluated the activity of halicin against less mature and more mature S. aureus biofilms grown on titanium alloy, cobalt-chrome, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), devitalized muscle, or devitalized bone.

Tumours of the sacrum are difficult to manage. The sacrum provides the structural connection between the torso and lower half of the body and is subject to both axial and rotational forces. Thus, tumours or their treatment can compromise the stability of the spinopelvic junction. Additionally, nerves responsible for lower limb motor groups as well as bowel, bladder, and sexual function traverse or abut the sacrum. Preservation or sacrifice of these nerves in the treatment of sacral tumours has profound implications on the function and quality of life of the patient. This annotation will discuss current treatment protocols for sacral tumours.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(12):1284–1291.

Aims

Eccentric reductions may become concentric through femoral head ‘docking’ (FHD) following closed reduction (CR) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). However, changes regarding position and morphology through FHD are not well understood. We aimed to assess these changes using serial MRI.

Introduction. Oxide-based alumina (Al2O3) is used to manufacture femoral heads for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is a non-oxide ceramic used to make spinal implants. Ceramic materials are believed to be bioinert, (i.e., stable under hydrothermal conditions). Indeed, clinical data have shown 15–20 year longevity of Al2O3 bearings in THA. In this work, we examined the surfaces of Al2O3 and Si3N4 after exposure to physiologic conditions to see if these ceramics are truly inert. Materials and Methods. Four self-mated Ø28 mm diameter Al2O3 femoral heads (n=2 each of BIOLOX®forte, CeramTec, Plochingen, Germany; and BIOCERAM®, Kyocera Co., Kyoto, Japan), were retrieved during revision THA, between 7.7–10.7 years post-implantation. To simulate in vivo material aging, comparable, new Al2O3 and Si3N4 femoral heads (AMEDICA Corporation, Salt Lake City, UT, USA) were exposed to autoclave conditions (100°C-121°C; 300 hrs; n=3 heads, per material). Advanced Raman and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, and electron microscopy were used to examine surface characteristics of each specimen, and quantify oxygen ion vacancy formation and composition. Results. The naturally hydroxylated free surfaces of retrieved Al2O3 demonstrated lattice dissociation. Dehydroxylation of Al2O3 produced hydroxyls and proton radicals, which in turn promoted the formation of surface vacancies for preserving electrical charge neutrality. During frictional sliding of Al2O3, the continuous formation, subsequent adsorption, and frictional removal of hydroxylated sites repeatedly created and annihilated a population of different oxygen-vacancy sites. Moreover, protein by-products and in vivo released ions sub-valent with respect to Al3+ (e.g., Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+) were found to preferentially link to oxygen-vacancy sites, inducing irreversible stoichiometric alterations of the Al2O3 surface. Oxygen vacancy formation was seen in all samples, (i.e., all retrievals and all in vitro hydrothermally exposed samples). Cation substitution and spinel formation were only observed in retrievals because these cations are not available during in vitro testing, (i.e., Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ come from the synovial fluid). In contrast, Si3N4 surfaces showed no evidence of direct hydrogen bond formation, and therefore no dissociative interaction with water molecules, when subjected to accelerated aging conditions (Fig. 1). Discussion. Because of its molecular polarity, water can dissolve ionic substances, since the ionic compound interacts with either side of the water dipole. This phenomenon leads to dissociation of the ionic molecule by dehydroxylation. Our results show that Si3N4 surfaces are stable in hydrothermal environments. In contrast, Al2O3 surfaces demonstrate surface changes under in vivo and in vitro conditions because of modifications of the lattice structure (e.g., vacancy generation and formation of a soft MgAl2O4 spinel phase), which alters local mechanical properties and tribological wear resistance. Cations, such as Na+ are released from dilution of sodium hyaluronate; a phenomenon that occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion. These data suggest that surface dehydroxylation may lead to the long-term in vivo degradation of Al2O3 bearings in THA. Covalently-bonded bioceramics, such as Si3N4 are impervious to such degradation. Si3N4 may be truly bioinert in vivo, ensuring multi-decade durability and superior performance of orthopaedic bearings

Summary Statement. This work proved by prospective clinical and radiological controlled study that the best regimen for treatment of early KOA is combination of NSAIDS, physiotherapy, vasoprotective and vasodilator drugs, and alendronate. Introduction. There is controversy in the literatures regarding the best treatment for early knee osteoarthritis because there is a more controversy regarding the initiating factor of KOA The Objectives of this work were to evaluate the efficacy of various treatment regimens for the prevention of progression of early knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Also, to elucidate the factors for initiation and progression of KOA. Patients and Methods. Four groups of 50 patients with early KOA were treated with four treatment regimens. The first group (control) received analgesics as needed for one year. The second group received non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) plus physiotherapy for one month; with analgesics as needed for the rest of the year. The third group received NSAIDS plus physiotherapy, plus vasoprotective and vasodilator drugs for one month; vasoprotective and vasodilator drugs for the next six months, and analgesics as needed for the rest of the year. The fourth group received NSAIDS plus physiotherapy, plus vasoprotective and vasodilator drugs plus alendronate for one month; vasoprotective and vasodilator drugs plus alendronate for the next six months; and analgesics as needed for the rest of the year. The age of the patients was from 40 to45years. There were 25 males and 25 females in each group. Patients with causes of secondary KOA (e.g. rheumatoid, gouty, traumatic, etc.) were excluded. All patients were subjected to Pre- and post treatment regimens clinical and radiological evaluation Clinical evaluation included history of progressive knee pain for 3–6weeks, limping, Visual analog pain score, tenderness, and knee range of motion. Radiological evaluation included 1.0 T MRI which was performed using proton density-weighted, fat-suppressed sequences. BML size and cartilage status were scored in the same sub regions according to the WORMS system. Results. Progression of KOA in the first, second, third, and fourth group were 66%, 55%, 25%, and 19% of patients respectively No sex difference was detected. Conclusion. The best treatment regimen for early KOA is combination of NSAIDS, physiotherapy, vasoprotective and vasodilator drugs, and alendronate. Vascular and local osteoporotic factors may play a major role in progression of KOA