Determine the infection risk of nonoperative versus operative repair of extraperitoneal bladder ruptures in patients with pelvic ring injuries. Pelvic ring injuries with extraperitoneal bladder ruptures were identified from a prospective trauma registry at two level 1 trauma centers from 2014 to 2020. Patients, injuries, treatments, and complications were reviewed. Using Fisher's exact test with significance at P value < 0.05, associations between injury treatment and outcomes were determined. Of the 1127 patients with pelvic ring injuries, 68 (6%) had a concomitant extraperitoneal bladder rupture. All patients received IV antibiotics for an average of 2.5 days. A suprapubic catheter was placed in 4 patients. Bladder repairs were performed in 55 (81%) patients, 28 of those simultaneous with ORIF anterior pelvic ring. The other 27 bladder repair patients underwent initial ex-lap with bladder repair and on average had pelvic fixation 2.2 days later. Nonoperative management of bladder rupture with prolonged Foley catheterization was used in 13 patients. Improved fracture reduction was noted in the ORIF cohort compared to the closed reduction external fixation cohort (P = 0.04). There were 5 (7%) deep infections. Deep infection was associated with nonoperative management of bladder rupture (P = 0.003) and use of a suprapubic catheter (P = 0.02). Not repairing the bladder increased odds of infection 17-fold compared to repair (OR 16.9, 95% CI 1.75 – 164, P = 0.01). Operative repair of extraperitoneal bladder ruptures substantially decreases risk of infection in patients with pelvic ring injuries. ORIF of anterior pelvic ring does not increase risk of infection and results in better reductions compared to closed reduction. Suprapubic catheters should be avoided if possible due to increased infection risk later. Treatment algorithms for pelvic ring injuries with extraperitoneal bladder ruptures should recommend early bladder repair and emphasize anterior pelvic ORIF

Abstract. Objectives. Achilles tendon ruptures are common in the UK, with data demonstrating a significant rise in incidence over the past years. Chronic Achilles ruptures have been less well defined in literature, and repair techniques vary significantly. A surge in publications reporting various management options for chronic Achilles ruptures has necessitated a review that systematically maps and summarises current evidence regarding treatments and identifies areas for future research. This scoping review aims to improve knowledge of various treatment strategies and their associated outcomes, thereby aiding clinicians in optimising treatment protocols. Methods. The Arksey and O'Malley, Levac and Peters frameworks were used. A computer-based search in PubMed, Embase, Emcare, Cinahl, ISI Web of Science and Scopus was performed for articles reporting the treatment of chronic Achilles ruptures. Two reviewers independently performed title/abstract and full text screening according to a pre-defined selection criteria. Results. A total of 747 articles were identified, of which 73 were finally included. Various management strategies were described with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer being the most common. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was the most commonly reported outcome, but 16 other measures were described within the literatures. All studies comparing pre- and post-operative outcomes reported a significant improvement. 50 studies reported complications, with an overall pooled complication rate of 168/1065 (15.8%). Conclusions. Beneficial results were reported following various techniques, but comparison between these was challenging due to the low-level study designs used and confounding factors including treatment delay and tendon gap size. Further research exploring the efficacy of different techniques is required to facilitate the development of evidenced-based treatment protocols. Such a work would allow for clinicians to better understand the suitability of specific techniques, thereby selecting the optimal management strategy for each individual patient

There is currently no commercially available and clinically successful treatment for scapholunate interosseous ligament rupture, the latter leading to the development of hand-wrist osteoarthritis. We have created a novel biodegradable implant which fixed the dissociated scaphoid and lunate bones and encourages regeneration of the ruptured native ligament. To determine if scaphoid and lunate kinematics in cadaveric specimens were maintained during robotic manipulation, when comparing the native wrist with intact ligament and when the implant was installed. Ten cadaveric experiments were performed with identical conditions, except for implant geometry that was personalised to the anatomy of each cadaveric specimen. Each cadaveric arm was mounted upright in a six degrees of freedom robot using k-wires drilled through the radius, ulna, and metacarpals. Infrared markers were attached to scaphoid, lunate, radius, and 3rd metacarpal. Cadaveric specimens were robotically manipulated through flexion-extension and ulnar-radial deviation by ±40° and ±30°, respectively. The cadaveric scaphoid and lunate kinematics were examined with 1) intact native ligament, 2) severed ligament, 3) and installed implant. Digital wrist models were generated from computed tomography scans and included implant geometry, orientation, and location. Motion data were filtered and aligned relative to neutral wrist in the digital models of each specimen using anatomical landmarks. Implant insertion points in the scaphoid and lunate over time were then calculated using digital models, marker data, and inverse kinematics. Root mean squared distance was compared between severed and implant configurations, relative to intact. Preliminary data from five cadaveric specimens indicate that the implant reduced distance between scaphoid and lunate compared to severed configuration for all but three trials. Preliminary results indicate our novel implant reduced scapho-lunate gap caused by ligament transection. Future analysis will reveal if the implant can achieve wrist kinematics similar to the native intact wrist

Summary. Nearly one-third of patients in this series with an ACL rupture requiring reconstruction had evidence of MPFL injury. This should be considered when patients are seen, and when MRI scans are reviewed/reported. Introduction. The Medial Patello-Femoral Ligament (MPFL) is the largest component of the medial parapatellar ligamentous complex. The senior surgeon felt that there was an anecdotally high rate of MPFL injury amongst his patients undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) repair, but no discussion of this in the present literature. Method. A literature search was performed; although there were both scanty radiographic and anatomical studies of the MPFL, we found no literature looking at ACL and MPFL concurrent injury rates. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans of fifty consecutive ACL reconstruction patients were retrospectively reviewed. Two independent radiologists were asked to review the scans looking specifically for evidence of MPFL rupture or Injury. The degree of injury was rated as rupture or by degree of sprain as applicable. One patient was excluded due to motion artefact limiting certainty. Results. Of the remaining forty-nine patients, 35 (71%) were intact, but fourteen (29%) showed evidence of injury. Five (10%) had a low-grade sprain, six (12%) had high-grade sprain, and three (6%) had complete rupture. The radiologists also noted that there was some variation in scanning protocols, and those with fat suppressed scans had better diagnostic value; this offered an opportunity to change the scanning practice. Conclusion. Nearly one-third of patients in this series with an ACL rupture requiring reconstruction had evidence of MPFL injury. This should be considered when patients are seen, and when MRI scans are reviewed/reported. Further, we would suggest that fat suppression sequences are included as standard to improve imaging quality

Introduction. It is an example of tendon to bone healing of rotator cuff tears. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is used in pain literature, pain palliation, tendinopathies, osteoarthritis treatment, implant osteointegration in jaw surgery, wound healing, fracture healing, tendon healing, nerve healing. But; there is not a study on tendon-bone healing. It is aimed to investigate the effects of tendon to bone healing with the rotator cuff experimental tear model. Material and Methods. 60 Wistor Albino Rat right shoulders were used in our project in four groups. Effectiveness of the study in each study group to increase and use the minimum number of animals that would be significant it was planned to use 15 (6 histology + 9 biomechanical) subjects. In our study, there are 4 groups in total. 1. Group 4. Week sacrified control group 2. Group 4. Week sacrificed LLLT group 3. Group 8. Week sacrified control group 4. Group is postoperative LLLT group. The 4 round SSP tendons have been cut with a full course. A total of eight sessions of biostimulation were performed with 24 j energy per session. Biomechanical tensile test and histopathological examination were performed on rats sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks. In histological examination, cellularity at the repair site with hemotoxylin-eosin staining, extracellular matrix localization with Masson trichrome staining and fibrosis, TRAP (Tartrate Resistance Acid Phosphatase) and osteoclast activity, collagen fibril organization with picrochucine were evaluated. In immunohistological examination, proliferation activity was evaluated by CD-31 (Abcam, Cambridge, MA, USA) through vascular endothelial cells, Ki-67 (Tucson, AZ) and tendon proliferation index. Failure load for comparison of biomechanical stability between groups drawing will be done. Biomechanical pulling applications Linear pulling force over tendon It will be realized by applying. Last failure load (Newton), elongation (mm) and hardness values was recorded. Results. Two rats died in the postoperative first group and one rat died in the other groups. Six animals from each group were examined histopathologically. While the mean of stifness was higher in the patient who underwent LLLT at the 4th week biomechanically compared to the control group, there was no difference in the 8th week between the control group LLLT biomechanically. Histologically, the group with LLLT at 4 weeks showed increased fibroblastic activity and osteoclastic activity, but at 8 weeks there was no significant difference. Discussion. There are studies on the benefits of biostimulation with LLLT in fracture healing, implant integration, wound healing, tendon healing. Biostimulation experiments with LLLT for tendon healing were evaluated in rotator cuff healing as they were not available in literature. Especially early contributions were thought to be beneficial for postoperative rupture

In a study combining tissue mechanics and fracture morphology for the first time, we examined the ruptured surfaces of anterior cruciate ligaments of rabbits and related their appearance to the initial loading conditions. Sixteen specimens were stretched to failure at rates of displacement of 10 and 500 mm/min. We used video images to study the changes which occurred during the fracture process and SEM to examine the appearance of the ruptured surfaces. The surfaces of ligaments tested at 10 mm/min had more pulled-out collagen fibres and the fibres had more pronounced waviness compared with those tested at 500 mm/min. We have shown that the macroscopic appearance of ruptured ligaments can be related to their microscopic appearance and that it is possible to deduce whether failure was by gradual tearing of the fibres or catastrophic failure

The precise point of intradural rupture in preganglionic traction injuries to the brachial plexus has been a subject of controversy. In this study of avulsed roots we have shown that rupture occurs at varying levels. True avulsion of the root with attached spinal cord tissue was seen in two cases and in the remainder rupture was peripheral to the central-peripheral transition zone. We have further shown that corpora amylacea marked the boundary between tissue of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This observation provides a basis for renewed work towards the direct repair of intradural ruptures of the ventral and dorsal roots

Introduction. The healing of Achilles tendon rupture is slow and jogging is usually allowed already 6 months after injury. However, the metabolic status of the healing tendon is largely unknown at the time-points when increased loading is allowed. The purpose of this study was to investigate tendon metabolic response and blood flow at 3, 6 and 12 months after Achilles tendon rupture by positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound-Power Doppler (UPD). Materials and Methods. 23 patients that had surgical repair of a total Achilles tendon rupture (3 (n=7), 6 (n=7) or 12 (n=9) months earlier) participated in the study. The triceps surae complex was loaded during 20 min of slow treadmill walking. A radioactive tracer (FDG) was administered during this walking and glucose uptake was measured bilaterally by the use of PET. Blood flow was recorded by UPD and patient reported outcome scored by Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) and VISA-A. Non-parametric statistics were used for statistical analysis. Results. Metabolic activity was higher in the healing tendon compared to intact tendon at all time-points, however the activity decreased over time (510%, 260% and 62% higher on the healing side compared to the intact side at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively, p<0.001). The metabolic activity was higher in the core than the periphery of the healing tendon, at 3 and 6 months (p<0.02), but lower at 12 months (p=0.06). Interestingly, metabolic activity was negatively related to ATRS, 6 months after rupture (r=−0.89, p<0.01). UPD was also 100-fold and 61-fold higher respectively in the healing than the intact healthy tendon at 3 months (p<0.05) and 6 months (p=0.06), but not at 12 months. Discussion. These results demonstrate that the healing process measured by metabolic and blood flow activity still remains high 6 months after rupture when increased loading is allowed. In fact, PET determined metabolic activity remained elevated up to a year after injury when measures of hyper-vascularization were normalized. Although speculative, the strong negative correlation between tendon metabolism and patient reported outcome indicates that a high metabolic activity 6 months after the injury may be related to poor healing outcome

Achilles tendon (AT) rupture may lead to complaints of heel pain. In forefoot ulcer patients AT lengthening is used to transfer pressure from forefoot to the heel. The primary aim was to investigate if AT was longer or associated with changes in pedobaric measurements, in particular heel pressure, on the injured leg 4–5 years after the injury. Methods. We invited all participants from an RCT (n=56) of conservatively treated AT Rupture (ATR) with or without early weight-bearing (early-WB, non-WB). 37 patients participated, 19 from early-WB (1 re-rupture (RR)), and 18 from non-WB (2 RR). Time from injury to follow up was 4,5 years (4,1 to 5,1). AT length was measured using ultrasound with a validated protocol. Foot pressure mapping (FPM) was measured barefoot, using an EMED platform (novel, Germany), with 5 trials for each foot. Statistics. T-test for limb to limb comparisons and linear regression for correlations was applied. Results. We found no differences in any of the variables between the early-WB and non-WB groups. Compared to the uninjured limb, the Achilles tendon was an average of 1.8 (1.2–2.3) cm longer on the injured limb (p<0.001). When comparing the ratio of the medial (1–2 ray) to lateral (3–5 ray) forefoot mean peak pressure, we found no difference between the injured and healthy limb (p=0.26). Mean heel peak pressure was not different from the injured to the healthy leg (difference was 3,9 (−1,7 – 9,45) p=0,17). Heel lift-off was delayed in the injured limb by 2% (0.4%–4.4%) of the total roll over process (ROP) (p= 0.02). Achilles tendon length could not be linked to either heels lift-off or mean peak pressure of the heel using linear regression (p 0.27 to 0.78). Conclusion. Conservatively treated Achilles tendon ruptures were approximately 1.8 cm longer. A subtle change in the time of heel rise could be detected on the injured limb, but contrary to our expectations AT length did not correlate to time of heel lift or mean heel peak pressure. This is in contrast to the common practice in diabetics, where the Achilles tendon is elongated to relieve pressure from the forefoot – a mechanism we cannot observe from elongation of the tendon after acute rupture, treated conservatively - though this study is underpowered

Background

We prospectively studied achilles tendon acute rupture cases operated over 2 years and reviewed the causes, treatment options, outcome and complications. Our Aim of the study was to look at the different suture materials used and to observe for their complications.

Introduction. Distal triceps tendon rupture is related to high complication rates with up to 25% failures. Elbow stiffness is another severe complication, as the traditional approach considers prolonged immobilization to ensure tendon healing. Recently a dynamic high-strength suture tape was designed, implementing a silicone-infused core for braid shortening and preventing repair elongation during mobilization, thus maintaining constant tissue approximation. The aim of this study was to biomechanically compare the novel dynamic tape versus a conventional high-strength suture tape in a human cadaveric distal triceps tendon rupture repair model. Method. Sixteen paired arms from eight donors were used. Distal triceps tendon rupture tenotomies and repairs were performed via the crossed transosseous locking Krackow stitch technique for anatomic footprint repair using either conventional suture tape (ST) or novel dynamic tape (DT). A postoperative protocol mimicking intense early rehabilitation was simulated, by a 9-day, 300-cycle daily mobilization under 120N pulling force followed by a final destructive test. Result. Significant differences were identified between the groups regarding the temporal progression of the displacement in the distal, intermediate, and proximal tendon aspects, p<0.001. DT demonstrated significantly less displacement compared to ST (4.6±1.2mm versus 7.8±2.1mm) and higher load to failure (637±113N versus 341±230N), p≤0.037. DT retracted 0.95±1.95mm after each 24-hour rest period and withstood the whole cyclic loading sequence without failure. In contrast, ST failed early in three specimens. Conclusion. From a biomechanical perspective, DT revealed lower tendon displacement and greater resistance in load to failure over ST during simulated daily mobilization, suggesting its potential for earlier elbow mobilization and prevention of postoperative elbow stiffness

Introduction. The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the human body. Even though the tendon is so strong, it is one of the most frequently injured tendons. Treatment of patients after rupture is planned conservatively and surgically. Conservative treatment is generally applied to elderly patients with sedentary lives. If the treatment is surgical, it can be planned as open surgery or percutaneous surgery. In our study with rabbits, we wrapped a membrane made of plga (polylactic-co-glycolic acid) nanotubes impregnated with type 1 collagen around the tendon in rabbits that underwent open Achilles tendon repair surgery. After surgery, biomechanical and histological tests were performed on the tendons. Method. In the study consisting of 24 rabbits, 2 groups were created by random distribution. In the study group, after the Achilles tendon rupture was created, a type 1 collagen-impregnated plga-based membrane was placed around the tendon after the repair of 1 modified Kesslerr suture. In the control group, after the Achilles tendon rupture was created, 1 modified Kessler suture and Tendon repair was performed with the application of 3 primary sutures. At the end of the 6th week of the study, the rabbits in 2 groups were randomly distributed and histological examination was performed. Additionally, biomechanical testing was performed. Bonar and Movın scoring were used in histological examinations. Result. As a result of biomechanical tests, it was seen that the resistance of the tendon against rupture was higher in the study group than in the control group. In addition, it was observed that the tendon rupture time was longer in the study group than in the control group. Histological examinations gave supportive results from biomechanical tests. Conclusion. We think that the use of collagen-impregnated plga-based nanotubes in the surgical treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures has a positive healing effect. Although we think that the return to normal life after surgery may be faster, we believe that more clinical studies are needed

Introduction. Tendon ruptures represent one of the most common acute tendon injuries in adults worldwide, affecting millions of people anually and becoming more prevalent due to longer life expectancies and sports activities. Current clinical treatments for full tears are unable to completely restore the torn tendons to their native composition, structure and mechanical properties. To address this clinical challenge, tissue-engineered substitutes will be developed to serve as functional replacements for total tendon ruptures that closely resemble the original tissue, restoring functionality. Method. Water borne polyurethanes (WBPU) containing acrylate groups, specifically polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA) or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), were combined with mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MoMSCs) and heparin sodium to formulate bioinks for the fabrication of scaffolds via extrusion-based 3D bioprinting. Result. The biocompatibility of acrylated-WBPUs was confirmed in 2D with MoMSCs using lactate dehydrogenase assay, DNA assay and live/dead assays. Cell-laden scaffolds were 3D-bioprinted by encapsulating MoMSCs at varying cell densities within the acrylated WBPUs. The resulting 3D structures support cell viability and proliferation within the scaffolds, as confirmed by live/dead assay, lactate dehydrogenase assay and DNA assays. Differentiation studies in the 3D-bioprinted scaffolds demonstrated the phenotype transition of MoMSCs toward tenocytes through gene expression and protein deposition analysis. The inclusion of sodium heparin in the bioinks revealed increased synthesis of matrix assembly proteins within the 3D-bioprinted constructs. Conclusion. The developed bioinks were biocompatible and printable, supporting cell viability within the 3D-bioprinted scaffold. The fabricated cell-laden constructs sustained cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue formation. The addition of heparin sodium enhanced tissue formation and organization, showing promising results for the regeneration of tendon total ruptures. Principio del formularioThis work was supported by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) under grant No CPP2021-008754. The authors would like to thank their partners in the project, which are in charge of the synthesis of heparin sodium and acrylated-WBPUs

Recently, a new suture was designed to minimize laxity in order to preserve consistent tissue approximation while improving footprint compression after tendon repair. The aims of this study were: (1) to compare the biomechanical competence of two different high strength sutures in terms of slippage and failure load, (2) to investigate the influence of both knots number and different media (air, saline and fat) on the holding capacity of the knots. Alternating surgical knots of two different high-strength sutures (group1: FibreWire; group2: DynaCord; n = 105) were tied on two roller bearings with 50N tightening force. Biomechanical testing was performed in each medium applying ramped monotonic tension to failure defined in terms of either knot slippage or suture rupture. For each group and medium, seven specimens with either 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 knots each were tested, evaluating their knot slippage and ultimate load to failure. The minimum number of knots preventing slippage failure and thus resulting in suture rupture was determined in each group and medium, and taken as a criterium for better performance when comparing the groups. In each group and medium failure occurred via suture rupture in all specimens for the following minimum knot numbers: group1: air – 7, saline – 7, fat – 7; group2: air – 6; saline – 4; fat – 5. The direct comparison between the groups when using 7 knots demonstrated significantly larger slippage in group1 (6.5 ± 2.2 mm) versus group2 (3.5 ± 0.4 mm) in saline (p < 0.01) but not in the other media (p ≥0.52). Ultimate load was comparable between the two groups for all three media (p ≥ 0.06). The lower number of required knots providing sufficient repair stability, smaller slippage levels and identical suture strength, combined with the known laxity alleviation effect demonstrate advantages of DynaCord versus FibreWire

Introduction. Tendon ruptures are a common injury and often require surgical intervention to heal. A refixation is commonly performed with high-strength suture material. However, slipping of the thread is unavoidable even at 7 knots potentially leading to reduced compression of the sutured tendon at its footprint. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical properties and effectiveness of a novel dynamic high-strength suture, featuring self-tightening properties. Method. Distal biceps tendon rupture tenotomies and subsequent repairs were performed in sixteen paired human forearms using either conventional or the novel dynamic high-strength sutures in a paired design. Each tendon repair utilized an intramedullary biceps button for radial fixation. Biomechanical testing aimed to simulate an aggressive postoperative rehabilitation protocol stressing the repaired constructs. For that purpose, each specimen underwent in nine sequential days a daily mobilization over 300 cycles under 0-50 N loading, followed by a final destructive test. Result. After the ninth day of cyclic loading, specimens treated with the dynamic suture exhibited significantly less tendon elongation at both proximal and distal measurement sites (-0.569±2.734 mm and 0.681±1.871 mm) compared to the conventional suture group (4.506±2.169 mm and 3.575±1.716 mm), p=0.003/p<0.002. Gap formation at the bone-tendon interface was significantly lower following suturing using dynamic suture (2.0±1.6 mm) compared to conventional suture (4.5±2.2 mm), p=0.04. The maximum load at failure was similar in both treatment groups (dynamic suture: 374± 159 N; conventional suture: 379± 154 N), p=0.925. The predominant failure mechanism was breakout of the button from the bone (dynamic suture: 5/8; conventional suture: 6/8), followed by suture rupturing, suture unraveling and tendon cut-through. Conclusion. From a biomechanical perspective, the novel dynamic high-strength suture demonstrated higher resistance against gap formation at the bone tendon interface compared to the conventional suture, which may contribute to better postoperative tendon integrity and potentially quicker functional recovery in the clinical setting

The number of seven needed knots to provide secure hold of high strength sutures was previously reported. New technologies like tape sutures and sutures with a salt infused silicon core have been developed, potentially reducing the number of needed knots. Study aims: To investigate the influence of (1) throw number and (2) different ambient conditions on knot security in two different high-strength sutures, and (3) to compare their biomechanical competence. Two sutures (SutureTape (FT); n=56 and DynaTape (DT); n=56) were assigned for knot tying. Specimens were exposed to different media during tying, namely air, saline solution, and fat. A monotonic tensile ramp was applied. For each suture and ambient condition, seven specimens with 3 to 7 throws each were tested (n=7), evaluating their slippage and ultimate force to failure. The minimum number of throws preventing suture unraveling was determined in each suture and condition. For each suture type and condition failure occurred via rupturing in all specimens for the following minimum number of throws: FT: dry–6, wet–6, fatty-wet–6; DT: dry–6; wet–4; fatty-wet–5. No significant differences were found comparing ultimate load to rupture of the two groups with minimum number of needed throws in each media. (FT dry-6 vs. DT dry-6; p<0.07); (FT wet-6 vs. DT wet-4; p<0.20); (FT fat-6 vs. DT fat-5; p<0.58). Knot slippage of DT was significantly higher in wet and fatty conditions compared to ST p<0.001 and p<0.004. In fatty-wet conditions DT requires 5 throws to achieve a secure knot. In wet conditions this number can be reduced to 4 throws. FT needs 6 throws to provide a stable knot in all conditions. The biomechanical competence of both sutures in terms of knot slippage and peak force are comparable

Abstract. Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease/rupture is a highly prevalent orthopaedic disease in dogs and common cause of pain, lameness, and secondary joint osteoarthritis (OA). Previous experiments investigating the role of glutamate receptors (GluR) in arthritic degeneration and pain revealed that OA biomarkers assessing early bone turnover and inflammation, including osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) are more likely to be influenced by glutamate signalling. Moreover, interleukin-6 (IL-6) has a complex and potentially bi directional (beneficial and detrimental) effect, and it is a critical mediator of arthritic pain, OA progression and joint destruction. Objectives. 1) to recruit dogs undergoing CrCL disease/rupture surgery and obtain discarded synovial fluid (SF) and serum/plasma (ethics approval, RCVS:2017/14/Alves); 2) to quantify the biomarkers listed above in the SF and serum/plasma by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); 3) to assess radiographic OA at the time of surgery and correlate it with the biomarkers and clinical findings. Methods. Abnova, Abcam and AMSBIO ELISA kits were tested using a validation protocol relating the standard curve to a dilution series of SF and serum/plasma (1× to 1/50×), with and without SF hyaluronidase treatment to evaluate linearity, specificity and optimal dilutions. Validated ELISA kits were used to measure [IL-6], glutamate [glu], [RANKL] and [OPG] in SF and serum/plasma. For each dog, CrCL disease pre-operative lameness scores were graded as: (1) mild, (2) moderate (easily visible), (3) marked (encumbered), (4) non-weightbearing lameness. Blinded OA scoring was performed on radiographs [15–60, normal-severe OA]. Results. canine population (n=14) was of various breeds, aged between 2–10 years and weighing 17.1–45.5Kg; 42.86% male; 57.14% female; 83.33% males and 62.5% females were neutered. Lameness scores varied from 1 and 4 (average 2.07±1.12) and radiographic OA scores from 18 and 36 (average 27.86±5.11). Individual correlations in concentrations with respect to age, weight, lameness score (1–4) and OA scores (15–60) were tested. SF [glu] and lameness score were inversely correlated with higher levels of lameness corresponding to lower SF [glu] (P=0.0141). SF [RANKL] inversely correlated with weight (P=0.0045) and lameness score (P=0.0135), and serum [RANKL] inversely correlated with weight (P=0.0437). There was also a negative correlation between SF and serum [OPG] and weight (P=0.0165 and P=0.0208, respectively). No other significant correlations were detected. Overall, [glu] and [IL-6] are increased in SF compared to serum/plasma, by 12.84 and 1.28, respectively, whereas all the remaining biomarkers are higher (2–3 times) in the serum/plasma compared to SF. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation coefficient matrix [IL-6/glu/RANKL/OPG] (n=7) showed SF [IL-6] correlates with SF [glu] (rs=0.64) and strong positive correlations between SF/serum [RANKL] and SF/serum [OPG] (rs 0.68–0.96). Conclusions. Dogs with CrCL disease show an association between the bone remodelling markers RANKL and OPG, and the inflammatory cytokine IL-6, and to a lesser extent SF [glu]. Therapeutics targeting bone remodelling, IL-6 or GluR/[glu] may be of interest for the management of OA in dogs. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Introduction and Objective. The surgical strategy for acetabular component revision is determined by available host bone stock. Acetabular bone deficiencies vary from cavitary or segmental defects to complete discontinuity. For segmental acetabular defects with more than 50% of the graft supporting the cup it is recommended the application of reinforcement ring or ilioischial antiprotrusio devices. Acetabular reconstruction with the use of the antiprotrusion cage (APC) and allografts represents a reliable procedure to manage severe periprosthetic deficiencies with highly successful long-term outcomes in revision arthroplasty. Objective. We present our experience, results, critical issues and technical innovations aimed at improving survival rates of antiprotrusio cages. Materials and Methods. From 2004 to 2019 we performed 69 revisions of the acetabulum using defrosted morcellized bone graft and the Burch Schneider anti-protrusion cage. The approach was direct lateral in 25 cases, direct anterior in 44. Patients were re-evaluated with standard radiography and clinical examination. Results. Eight patients died from causes not related to surgery, and two patients were not available for follow up. Five patients were reviewed for, respectively, non-osseointegration of the ring, post-traumatic loosening with rupture of the screws preceded by the appearance of supero-medial radiolucency, post-traumatic rupture of the distal flange, post-traumatic rupture of the cemented polyethylene-ceramic insert, and dislocation treated with new dual-mobility insert. Among these cases, the first three did not show macroscopic signs of osseointegration of the ring, and the only areas of stability were represented by the bone-cement contact at the holes in the ring. Although radiographic studies have shown fast remodeling of the bone graft and the implant survival range from 70% to 100% in the 10-year follow up, the actual osseointegration of the ring has yet to be clarified. To improve osseointegration of the currently available APC whose metal surface in contact with the bone is sandblasted, we combined the main features of the APC design long validated by surgical experience with the 3D-Metal Technology for high porosity of the external surface already applied to and validated with the press fit cups. The new APC design is produced with the 3D-Metal technology using Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V ELI) that Improves fatigue resistance, primary stability and favorable environment for bone graft ingrowth. We preview the results of the first cases with short-term follow up. Conclusions. Acetabular reconstruction with impacted morcellized bone graft and APC is a current and reliable surgical technique that allows the restoration of bone loss with a high survival rate of the implant in the medium to long term. The new 3D Metal Cage is designed to offer high friction for the initial stability. The high porosity of the 3D Metal structure creates a favorable environment for bone growth, thus providing valid secondary fixation reproducing the results achieved with the 3D metal press fit cup

Tendinopathy is a disease associated with pain and tendon degeneration, leading to a decreased range of motion and an increased risk of tendon rupture. The etiology of this frequent disease is still unknown. In other musculoskeletal tissues like cartilage and intervertebral discs, transient receptor potential channels (TRP- channels) were shown to play a major role in the progression of degeneration. Due to their responsiveness to a wide range of stimuli like temperature, pH, osmolarity and mechanical load, they are potentially relevant factors in tendon degeneration as well. We therefore hypothesize that TRP- channels are expressed in tendon cells and respond to degeneration inducing stimuli. By immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and western blot analyses, we found three TRP channel members, belonging to the vanilloid (TRPV), and ankyrin (TRPA) subfamily, respectively, to be expressed in healthy human tendon tissue as well as in rodent tendon, with expression being located to cells within the dense tendon proper, as well as to endotenon resident cells. In vitro-inflammatory and ex vivo-mechanical stimulation led to a significant upregulation of TRPA1 expression in tendon cells, which correlates well with the fact that TRPA1 is considered as mechanosensitive channel being sensitized by inflammatory mediators. This is the first description of TRP- channels in human and rodent tendon. As these channels are pharmacologically targetable by both agonists and antagonists, they may represent a promising target for novel treatments of tendinopathy

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the connective tissue located at the end of long bones providing stability to the knee joint. After tear or rupture clinical reconstruction of the tissue remains a challenge due to the particular mechanical properties required for proper functioning of the tissue. The outstanding mechanical properties of the ACL are characterized by a viscoelastic behavior responsible of the dissipation of the loads that are transmitted to the bone. These mechanical properties are the result of a very specialized graded extracellular matrix that transitions smoothly between the heterotypic cells, stiffness and composition of the ACL and the adjacent bone. Thus, mimicking the zonal biochemical composition, cellular phenotype and organization are key to reset the proper functioning of the ACL. We have previously shown how the biochemical composition presented to cells in electrospun scaffolds results in haptokinesis, reverting contact-guidance effects. [1]. Here, we demonstrate that contact guidance can also be disrupted by structural parameters in aligned wavy scaffolds. The presentation of a wavy fiber arrangement affected the cell organization and the deposition of a specific ECM characteristic of fibrocartilage. Cells cultured in wavy scaffolds grew in aggregates, deposited an abundant ECM rich in fibronectin and collagen II, and expressed higher amounts of collagen II, X and tenomodulin as compared to aligned scaffolds. In-vivo implantation in rabbits of triphasic scaffolds accounting for aligned-wavy-aligned zones showed a high cellular infiltration and the formation of an oriented ECM, as compared to traditional aligned scaffolds. [2]