In this study, we aimed to visualize the spatial distribution characteristics of femoral head necrosis using a novel measurement method. We retrospectively collected CT imaging data of 108 hips with non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head from 76 consecutive patients (mean age 34.3 years (SD 8.1), 56.58% male (n = 43)) in two clinical centres. The femoral head was divided into 288 standard units (based on the orientation of units within the femoral head, designated as N[Superior], S[Inferior], E[Anterior], and W[Posterior]) using a new measurement system called the longitude and latitude division system (LLDS). A computer-aided design (CAD) measurement tool was also developed to visualize the measurement of the spatial location of necrotic lesions in CT images. Two orthopaedic surgeons independently performed measurements, and the results were used to draw 2D and 3D heat maps of spatial distribution of necrotic lesions in the femoral head, and for statistical analysis.Aims
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease worldwide, which is characterized by articular cartilage lesions. With more understanding of the disease, OA is considered to be a disorder of the whole joint. However, molecular communication within and between tissues during the disease process is still unclear. In this study, we used transcriptome data to reveal crosstalk between different tissues in OA. We used four groups of transcription profiles acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including articular cartilage, meniscus, synovium, and subchondral bone, to screen differentially expressed genes during OA. Potential crosstalk between tissues was depicted by ligand-receptor pairs.Aims
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Multifocal osteonecrosis (ON) was defined by Mont et al. as a disease involving three or more anatomic sites. Few papers have been published on the Chinese experience. The purpose of this study was to characterize the experience with multifocal ON in order to make an earlier diagnosis for more patients with this disorder. From 2003 to 2008, thirty nine patients with multifocal ON were identified in our clinical practice. Among them, thirty seven patients were post-SARS rehabilitating patients and two patients were found in clinic. All patients had a history of high dose corticosteroid therapy. The diagnosis was done by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiographs. All patients were treated by drug or other joint-salvaging procedure. Three patients had bilateral total hip arthroplasties.Introduction
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