For the treatment of ununited fractures, we developed a system of delivering magnetic labelled mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) using an extracorporeal magnetic device. In this study, we transplanted ferucarbotran-labelled and luciferase-positive bone marrow-derived MSCs into a non-healing femoral fracture rat model in the presence of a magnetic field. The biological fate of the transplanted MSCs was observed using luciferase-based bioluminescence imaging and we found that the number of MSC derived photons increased from day one to day three and thereafter decreased over time. The magnetic cell delivery system induced the accumulation of photons at the fracture site, while also retaining higher photon intensity from day three to week four. Furthermore, radiological and histological findings suggested improved callus formation and endochondral ossification. We therefore believe that this delivery system may be a promising option for bone regeneration.

In vivo animal experimentation has been one of the cornerstones of biological and biomedical research, particularly in the field of clinical medicine and pharmaceuticals. The conventional in vivo model system is invariably associated with high production costs and strict ethical considerations. These limitations led to the evolution of an ex vivo model system which partially or completely surmounted some of the constraints faced in an in vivo model system. The ex vivo rodent bone culture system has been used to elucidate the understanding of skeletal physiology and pathophysiology for more than 90 years. This review attempts to provide a brief summary of the historical evolution of the rodent bone culture system with emphasis on the strengths and limitations of the model. It encompasses the frequency of use of rats and mice for ex vivo bone studies, nutritional requirements in ex vivo bone growth and emerging developments and technologies. This compilation of information could assist researchers in the field of regenerative medicine and bone tissue engineering towards a better understanding of skeletal growth and development for application in general clinical medicine. Cite this article: A. A. Abubakar, M. M. Noordin, T. I. Azmi, U. Kaka, M. Y. Loqman. The use of rats and mice as animal models in ex vivo bone growth and development studies. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:610–618. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.512.BJR-2016-0102.R2

Objectives. This systematic review aimed to assess the in vivo and clinical effect of strontium (Sr)-enriched biomaterials in bone formation and/or remodelling. Methods. A systematic search was performed in Pubmed, followed by a two-step selection process. We included in vivo original studies on Sr-containing biomaterials used for bone support or regeneration, comparing at least two groups that only differ in Sr addition in the experimental group. Results. A total of 572 references were retrieved and 27 were included. Animal models were used in 26 articles, and one article described a human study. Osteoporotic models were included in 11 papers. All articles showed similar or increased effect of Sr in bone formation and/or regeneration, in both healthy and osteoporotic models. No study found a decreased effect. Adverse effects were assessed in 17 articles, 13 on local and four on systemic adverse effects. From these, only one reported a systemic impact from Sr addition. Data on gene and/or protein expression were available from seven studies. Conclusions. This review showed the safety and effectiveness of Sr-enriched biomaterials for stimulating bone formation and remodelling in animal models. The effect seems to increase over time and is impacted by the concentration used. However, included studies present a wide range of study methods. Future work should focus on consistent models and guidelines when developing a future clinical application of this element. Cite this article: N. Neves, D. Linhares, G. Costa, C. C. Ribeiro, M. A. Barbosa. In vivo and clinical application of strontium-enriched biomaterials for bone regeneration: A systematic review. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:366–375. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.66.BJR-2016-0311.R1

Objectives. During open orthopaedic surgery, joints may be exposed to air, potentially leading to cartilage drying and chondrocyte death, however, the long-term effects of joint drying in vivo are poorly understood. We used an animal model to investigate the subsequent effects of joint drying on cartilage and chondrocytes. Methods. The patellar groove of anaesthetised rats was exposed (sham-operated), or exposed and then subjected to laminar airflow (0.25m/s; 60 minutes) before wounds were sutured and animals recovered. Animals were monitored for up to eight weeks and then sacrificed. Cartilage and chondrocyte properties were studied by histology and confocal microscopy, respectively. Results. Joint drying caused extensive chondrocyte death within the superficial regions of cartilage. Histology of dried cartilage demonstrated a loss of surface integrity at four weeks, fibrillations at eight weeks, and an increased modified Mankin score (p < 0.001). Cartilage thickness increased (p < 0.001), whereas chondrocyte density decreased at four weeks (p < 0.001), but then increased towards sham-operated levels (p < 0.01) at eight weeks. By week eight, chondrocyte pairing/clustering and cell volume increased (p < 0.05; p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions. These in vivo results demonstrated for the first time that as a result of laminar airflow, cartilage degeneration occurred which has characteristics similar to those seen in early osteoarthritis. Maintenance of adequate cartilage hydration during open orthopaedic surgery is therefore of paramount importance. Cite this article: Dr A. Hall. Drying of open animal joints in vivo subsequently causes cartilage degeneration. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:137–144. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.54.2000594

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hyperglycaemia on oxidative stress markers and inflammatory and matrix gene expression within tendons of normal and diabetic rats and to give insights into the processes involved in tendinopathy. Methods. Using tenocytes from normal Sprague-Dawley rats, cultured both in control and high glucose conditions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cell proliferation, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX) 1 and 4, interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and -2 and type I and III collagens were determined after 48 and 72 hours in vitro. In an in vivo study, using diabetic rats and controls, NOX1 and 4 expressions in Achilles tendon were also determined. Results. In tenocyte cultures grown under high glucose conditions, gene expressions of NOX1, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and -2 after 48 and 72 hours, NOX4 after 48 hours and IL-6, type III collagen and TIMP-2 after 72 hours were significantly higher than those in control cultures grown under control glucose conditions. Type I collagen expression was significantly lower after 72 hours. ROS accumulation was significantly higher after 48 hours, and cell proliferation after 48 and 72 hours was significantly lower in high glucose than in control glucose conditions. In the diabetic rat model, NOX1 expression within the Achilles tendon was also significantly increased. Conclusion. This study suggests that high glucose conditions upregulate the expression of mRNA for NOX1 and IL-6 and the production of ROS. Moreover, high glucose conditions induce an abnormal tendon matrix expression pattern of type I collagen and a decrease in the proliferation of rat tenocytes. Cite this article: Y. Ueda, A. Inui, Y. Mifune, R. Sakata, T. Muto, Y. Harada, F. Takase, T. Kataoka, T. Kokubu, R. Kuroda. The effects of high glucose condition on rat tenocytes in vitro and rat Achilles tendon in vivo. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:362–372. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.75.BJR-2017-0126.R2

We have examined whether primary human muscle-derived cells can be used in ex vivo gene therapy to deliver BMP-2 and to produce bone in vivo. Two in vitro experiments and one in vivo experiment were used to determine the osteocompetence and BMP-2 secretion capacity of cells isolated from human skeletal muscle. We isolated five different populations of primary muscle cells from human skeletal muscle in three patients. In the first in vitro experiment, production of alkaline phosphatase by the cells in response to stimulation by rhBMP-2 was measured and used as an indicator of cellular osteocompetence. In the second, secretion of BMP-2 was measured after the cell populations had been transduced by an adenovirus encoding for BMP-2. In the in vivo experiment, the cells were cotransduced with a retrovirus encoding for a nuclear localised β-galactosidase gene and an adenovirus encoding for BMP-2. The cotransduced cells were then injected into the hind limbs of severe combined immune-deficient (SCID) mice and analysed radiographically and histologically. The nuclear localised β-galactosidase gene allowed identification of the injected cells in histological specimens. In the first in vitro experiment, the five different cell populations all responded to in vitro stimulation of rhBMP-2 by producing higher levels of alkaline phosphatase when compared with non-stimulated cells. In the second, the five different cell populations were all successfully transduced by an adenovirus to express and secrete BMP-2. The cells secreted between 444 and 2551 ng of BMP-2 over three days. In the in vivo experiment, injection of the transduced cells into the hind-limb musculature of SCID mice resulted in the formation of ectopic bone at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after injection. Retroviral labelling of the cell nuclei showed labelled human muscle-derived cells occupying locations of osteoblasts in the ectopic bone, further supporting their osteocompetence. Cells from human skeletal muscle, because of their availability to orthopaedic surgeons, their osteocompetence, and their ability to express BMP-2 after genetic engineering, are an attractive cell population for use in BMP-2 gene therapy approaches

Human bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells have an important role in the repair of musculoskeletal tissues by migrating from the bone marrow into the injured site and undergoing differentiation. We investigated the use of autologous human serum as a substitute for fetal bovine serum in the ex vivo expansion medium to avoid the transmission of dangerous transfectants during clinical reconstruction procedures. Autologous human serum was as effective in stimulating growth of bone-marrow stem cells as fetal bovine serum. Furthermore, medium supplemented with autologous human serum was more effective in promoting motility than medium with fetal bovine serum in all cases. Addition of B-fibroblast growth factor to medium with human serum stimulated growth, but not motility. Our results suggest that autologous human serum may provide sufficient ex vivo expansion of human bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells possessing multidifferentiation potential and may be better than fetal bovine serum in preserving high motility

We examined the mechanical properties of Vicryl (polyglactin 910) mesh in vitro and assessed its use in vivo as a novel biomaterial to attach tendon to a hydroxyapatite-coated metal implant, the interface of which was augmented with autogenous bone and marrow graft. This was compared with tendon re-attachment using a compressive clamp device in an identical animal model. Two- and four-ply sleeves of Vicryl mesh tested to failure under tension reached 5.13% and 28.35% of the normal ovine patellar tendon, respectively. Four-ply sleeves supported gait in an ovine model with 67.05% weight-bearing through the operated limb at 12 weeks, without evidence of mechanical failure. Mesh fibres were visible at six weeks but had been completely resorbed by 12 weeks, with no evidence of chronic inflammation. The tendon-implant neoenthesis was predominantly an indirect type, with tendon attached to the bone-hydroxyapatite surface by perforating collagen fibres

We have used in vivo microdialysis to monitor postoperative physiological events in the synovial membrane after arthroscopy. The levels of lactate were significantly higher in the synovial membrane than in the reference tissue (subcutaneous fat) and there was a significant increase in lactate after operation. Blood flow, measured as the ethanol ratio, was stable in both tissues. Our findings show that there was an increase in the local production of lactate since the levels of lactate in blood and the reference tissue were comparable and did not show a significant increase. There was also a consumption of glucose in the synovial membrane which was not observed in the reference tissue. The levels of pyruvate were higher in the synovial membrane. A state of reperfusion occurs in the synovial membrane after moderate trauma such as standard arthroscopy of the knee. Microdialysis should be further evaluated in studies of the in vivo physiology of the synovial membrane

We used demineralised bone matrix (DBM) to augment re-attachment of tendon to a metal prosthesis in an in vivo ovine model of reconstruction of the extensor mechanism at the knee. We hypothesised that augmentation of the tendon-implant interface with DBM would enhance the functional and histological outcomes as compared with previously reported control reconstructions without DBM. Function was assessed at six and 12 weeks postoperatively, and histological examination was undertaken at 12 weeks. A significant increase of 23.5% was observed in functional weight-bearing at six weeks in the DBM-augmented group compared with non-augmented controls (p = 0.004). By 12 weeks augmentation with DBM resulted in regeneration of a more direct-type enthesis, with regions of fibrocartilage, mineralised fibrocartilage and bone. In the controls the interface was predominantly indirect, with the tendon attached to the bone graft-hydroxyapatite base plate by perforating collagen fibres

Nanometre-sized particles of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene have been identified in the lubricants retrieved from hip simulators. Tissue samples were taken from seven failed Charnley total hip replacements, digested using strong alkali and analysed using high-resolution field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy to determine whether nanometre-sized particles of polyethylene debris were generated in vivo. A randomised method of analysis was used to quantify and characterise all the polyethylene particles isolated. We isolated nanometre-sized particles from the retrieved tissue samples. The smallest identified was 30 nm and the majority were in the 0.1 μm to 0.99 μm size range. Particles in the 1.0 μm to 9.99 μm size range represented the highest proportion of the wear volume of the tissue samples, with 35% to 98% of the total wear volume comprised of particles of this size. The number of nanometre-sized particles isolated from the tissues accounted for only a small proportion of the total wear volume. Further work is required to assess the biological response to nanometre-sized polyethylene particles

Injury to muscles is very common. We have previously observed that basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), insulin growth factor type 1 (IGF-1) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are potent stimulators of the proliferation and fusion of myoblasts in vitro. We therefore injected these growth factors into mice with lacerations of the gastrocnemius muscle. The muscle regeneration was evaluated at one week by histological staining and quantitative histology. Muscle healing was assessed histologically and the contractile properties were measured one month after injury. Our findings showed that b-FGF, IGF and to a less extent NGF enhanced muscle regeneration in vivo compared with control muscle. At one month, muscles treated with IGF-1 and b-FGF showed improved healing and significantly increased fast-twitch and tetanus strengths. Our results suggest that b-FGF and IGF-1 stimulated muscle healing and may have a considerable effect on the treatment of muscle injuries

Chondrocytes at the lower zone of the growth plate must be eliminated to facilitate longitudinal growth; this is generally assumed to involve apoptosis. We attempted to provide definitive electron-microscopic evidence of apoptosis in chondrocytes of physes and chondroepiphyses in the rabbit. We were, however, unable to find a single chondrocyte with the ultrastructure of ‘classical’ apoptosis in vivo, although such a cell was found in vitro. Instead, condensed chondrocytes had a convoluted nucleus with patchy chromatin condensations while the cytoplasm was dark with excessive amounts of endoplasmic reticulum. These cells were termed ‘dark chondrocytes’. A detailed study of their ultrastructure combined with localisation methods in situ suggested a different mechanism of programmed cell death. In addition, another type of death was identified among the immature chondrocytes of the chondroepiphysis. These cells had the same nucleus as dark chondrocytes, but the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum had expanded to fill the entire non-nuclear space, and all cytoplasm and organelles had been reduced to dark, worm-like inclusions. Since these cells appeared to be ‘in limbo’, they were termed ‘paralysed’ cells. It is proposed that ‘dark chondrocytes’ and ‘paralysed cells’ are examples of physiological cell death which does not involve apoptosis. It is possible that the confinement of chondrocytes within their lacunae, which would prevent phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies, necessitates different mechanisms of elimination

Mechanical loading during physical activity produces strains within bones. It is thought that these forces provide the stimulus for the adaptation of bone. Tibial strains and rates of strain were measured in vivo in six subjects during running, stationary bicycling, leg presses and stepping and were compared with those of walking, an activity which has been found to have only a minimal effect on bone mass. Running had a statistically significant higher principal tension, compression and shear strain and strain rates than walking. Stationary bicycling had significantly lower tension and shear strains than walking. If bone strains and/or strain rates higher than walking are needed for tibial bone strengthening, then running is an effective strengthening exercise for tibial bone

Wear particles commonly used for experiments may carry adherent endotoxin on their surfaces, which may be responsible for the observed effects. In this study, we attached titanium plates to the tibiae of 20 rats. After osseointegration, endotoxin-contaminated or uncontaminated high-density-polyethylene (HDPE) particles were applied. Contaminated specimens showed a dramatic resorption of bone after seven days but new bone filled the site again at 21 days. Uncontaminated specimens showed no resorption. In 18 rats we implanted intramuscularly discs of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with baseline or excess contamination of endotoxin. Excess endotoxin disappeared within 24 hours and the amount of endotoxin remained at baseline level (contamination from production). Uncontaminated titanium discs did not adsorb endotoxin in vivo. The endotoxin was measured by analytical chemistry. Locally-applied endotoxin stimulated bone resorption similarly to that in experiments with wear particles. Endotoxin on the surface of implants and particles appeared to be inactivated in situ. A clean implant surface did not adsorb endotoxin. Our results suggest that endotoxin adhering to orthopaedic implants is not a major cause for concern

We have evaluated in vivo a novel, polymer-based, matrix for tissue engineering of bone. A segmental defect of 15 mm was created in the ulna of New Zealand white rabbits to determine the regenerative properties of a porous polylactide-co-glycolide matrix alone and in combination with autogenous marrow and/or the osteoinductive protein, BMP-7. In this study four implant groups were used: 1) matrix alone; 2) matrix with autogenous marrow; 3) matrix with 20 μg of BMP-7; and 4) matrix with 20 μg of BMP-7 and autogenous marrow. The results showed that the degree of bone formation was dependent on the properties of the graft material. The osteoconductive sintered matrix structure showed significant formation of bone at the implant-bone interface. The addition of autogenous marrow increased the penetration of new bone further into the central area of the matrix and also increased the degree of revascularisation. The osteoinductive growth factor BMP-7 induced penetration of new bone throughout the entire structure of the implant. The most effective treatment was with the combination of marrow cells and osteoinductive BMP-7

There is little information about the effects of extracorporeal shock-wave about application the effects (ESWA) of on normal bone physiology. We have therefore investigated the effects of ESWA on intact distal rabbit femora in vivo. The animals received 1500 shock-wave pulses each of different energy flux densities (EFD) on either the left or right femur or remained untreated. The effects were studied by bone scintigraphy, MRI and histopathological examination. Ten days after ESWA (0.5 mJ/mm. 2. and 0.9 mJ/mm. 2. EFD), local blood flow and bone metabolism were decreased, but were increased 28 days after ESWA (0.9 mJ/mm. 2. ). One day after ESWA with 0.9 mJ/mm. 2. EFD but not with 0.5 mJ/mm. 2. , there were signs of soft-tissue oedema, epiperiosteal fluid and bone-marrow oedema on MRI. In addition, deposits of haemosiderin were found epiperiosteally and within the marrow cavity ten days after ESWA. We conclude that ESWA with both 0.5 mJ/mm. 2. and 0.9 mJ/mm. 2. EFD affected the normal bone physiology in the distal rabbit femur. Considerable damaging side-effects were observed with 0.9 mJ/mm. 2. EFD on periosteal soft tissue and tissue within the bone-marrow cavity

This review is aimed at clinicians appraising preclinical trauma studies and researchers investigating compromised bone healing or novel treatments for fractures. It categorises the clinical scenarios of poor healing of fractures and attempts to match them with the appropriate animal models in the literature.

We performed an extensive literature search of animal models of long bone fracture repair/nonunion and grouped the resulting studies according to the clinical scenario they were attempting to reflect; we then scrutinised them for their reliability and accuracy in reproducing that clinical scenario.

Models for normal fracture repair (primary and secondary), delayed union, nonunion (atrophic and hypertrophic), segmental defects and fractures at risk of impaired healing were identified. Their accuracy in reflecting the clinical scenario ranged greatly and the reliability of reproducing the scenario ranged from 100% to 40%.

It is vital to know the limitations and success of each model when considering its application.

We report the effects of local administration of osteogenic protein-1 on the biomechanical properties of the overstretched anterior cruciate ligament in an animal model. An injury in the anterior cruciate ligament was created in 45 rabbits. They were divided into three equal groups. In group 1, no treatment was applied, in group II, phosphate-buffered saline was applied around the injured ligament, and in group III, 12.5 μg of osteogenic protein-1 mixed with phosphate-buffered saline was applied around the injured ligament. A control group of 15 rabbits was assembled from randomly-selected injured knees from among the first three groups. Each rabbit was killed at 12 weeks.

The maximum load and stiffness of the anterior cruciate ligament was found to be significantly greater in group III than either group 1 (p = 0.002, p = 0.014) or group II (p = 0.032, p = 0.025). The tensile strength and the tangent modulus of fascicles from the ligament were also significantly greater in group III than either group I (p = 0.002, p = 0.0174) or II (p = 0.005, p = 0.022).

The application of osteogenic protein-1 enhanced the healing in the injured anterior cruciate ligament, but compared with the control group the treated ligament remained lengthened. The administration of osteogenic protein-1 may have a therapeutic role in treating the overstretched anterior cruciate ligament.

We have compared the rates of infection and resistance in an animal model of an orthopaedic procedure which was contaminated with a low-dose inoculum of Staphylococcus epidermidis. We randomised 44 Sprague-Dawley rats to have bone cement implanted subcutaneously containing either gentamicin or saline (control). The wound was inoculated with a dilute solution of gentamicin-sensitive Staphylococcus epidermidis. At two weeks the cement was retrieved and microbiologically tested. A lower overall rate of infection was seen in the gentamicin-loaded cement group, but there was a significantly higher rate of gentamicin-resistant infection in this group (Fisher’s exact test, p < 0.01). Antibiotic-impregnated cement has an optimum surface for colonisation and prolonged exposure to antibiotic allows mutational resistance to occur. Gentamicin-loaded cement may not be appropriate for revision surgery if it has been used already in previous surgery.

Objectives. We studied subchondral intraosseous pressure (IOP) in an animal model during loading, and with vascular occlusion. We explored bone compartmentalization by saline injection. Materials and Methods. Needles were placed in the femoral condyle and proximal tibia of five anaesthetized rabbits and connected to pressure recorders. The limb was loaded with and without proximal vascular occlusion. An additional subject had simultaneous triple recordings at the femoral head, femoral condyle and proximal tibia. In a further subject, saline injections at three sites were carried out in turn. Results. Loading alone caused a rise in subchondral IOP from 11.7 mmHg (. sd. 7.1) to 17.9 mmHg (. sd. 8.1; p < 0.0002). During arterial occlusion, IOP fell to 5.3 mmHg (. sd. 4.1), then with loading there was a small rise to 7.6 mmHg (. sd. 4.5; p < 0.002). During venous occlusion, IOP rose to 20.2 mmHg (. sd. 5.8), and with loading there was a further rise to 26.3 mmHg (. sd. 6.3; p < 0.003). The effects were present at three different sites along the limb simultaneously. Saline injections showed pressure transmitted throughout the length of the femur but not across the knee joint. Conclusion. This is the first study to report changes in IOP in vivo during loading and with combinations of vascular occlusion and loading. Intraosseous pressure is not a constant. It is reduced during proximal arterial occlusion and increased with proximal venous occlusion. Whatever the perfusion state, in vivo load is transferred partly by hydraulic pressure. We propose that joints act as hydraulic pressure barriers. An understanding of subchondral physiology may be important in understanding osteoarthritis and other bone diseases. Cite this article: M. Beverly, S. Mellon, J. A. Kennedy, D. W. Murray. Intraosseous pressure during loading and with vascular occlusion in an animal model. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:511–516. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.78.BJR-2017-0343.R2

Objectives. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) are a promising strategy for orthopaedic applications, particularly in bone repair. Ex vivo expansion of ADMSCs is required to obtain sufficient cell numbers. Xenogenic supplements should be avoided in order to minimise the risk of infections and immunological reactions. Human platelet lysate and human plasma may be an excellent material source for ADMSC expansion. In the present study, use of blood products after their recommended transfusion date to prepare human platelet lysate (HPL) and human plasma (Hplasma) was evaluated for in vitro culture expansion and osteogenesis of ADMSCs. Methods. Human ADMSCs were cultured in medium supplemented with HPL, Hplasma and a combination of HPL and Hplasma (HPL+Hplasma). Characteristics of these ADMSCs, including osteogenesis, were evaluated in comparison with those cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS). Results. HPL and HPL+Hplasma had a significantly greater growth-promoting effect than FBS, while Hplasma exhibited a similar growth-promoting effect to that of FBS. ADMSCs cultured in HPL and/or Hplasma generated more colony-forming unit fibroblasts (CFU-F) than those cultured in FBS. After long-term culture, ADMSCs cultured in HPL and/or Hplasma showed reduced cellular senescence, retained typical cell phenotypes, and retained differentiation capacities into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. Conclusion. HPL and Hplasma prepared from blood products after their recommended transfusion date can be used as an alternative and effective source for large-scale ex vivo expansion of ADMSCs. Cite this article: J. Phetfong, T. Tawonsawatruk, K. Seenprachawong, A. Srisarin, C. Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya, A. Supokawej. Re-using blood products as an alternative supplement in the optimisation of clinical-grade adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell culture. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:414–422. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.67.BJR-2016-0342.R1

Objectives. The present study describes a novel technique for revitalising allogenic intrasynovial tendons by combining cell-based therapy and mechanical stimulation in an ex vivo canine model. Methods. Specifically, canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were used for this study and were divided into the following groups: (1) untreated, unprocessed normal tendon; (2) decellularised tendon; (3) bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC)-seeded tendon; and (4) BMSC-seeded and cyclically stretched tendon. Lateral slits were introduced on the tendon to facilitate cell seeding. Tendons from all four study groups were distracted by a servohydraulic testing machine. Tensile force and displacement data were continuously recorded at a sample rate of 20 Hz until 200 Newton of force was reached. Before testing, the cross-sectional dimensions of each tendon were measured with a digital caliper. Young’s modulus was calculated from the slope of the linear region of the stress-strain curve. The BMSCs were labeled for histological and cell viability evaluation on the decellularized tendon scaffold under a confocal microscope. Gene expression levels of selected extracellular matrix tendon growth factor genes were measured. Results were reported as mean ± SD and data was analyzed with one-way ANOVAs followed by Tukey’s post hoc multiple-comparison test. Results. We observed no significant difference in cross-sectional area or in Young’s modulus among the four study groups. In addition, histological sections showed that the BMSCs were aligned well and viable on the tendon slices after two-week culture in groups three and four. Expression levels of several extracellular matrix tendon growth factors, including collagen type I, collagen type III, and matrix metalloproteinase were significantly higher in group four than in group three (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Lateral slits introduced into de-cellularised tendon is a promising method of delivery of BMSCs without compromising cell viability and tendon mechanical properties. In addition, mechanical stimulation of a cell-seeded tendon can promote cell proliferation and enhance expression of collagen types I and III in vitro. Cite this article: J. H. Wu, A. R. Thoreson, A. Gingery, K. N. An, S. L. Moran, P. C. Amadio, C. Zhao. The revitalisation of flexor tendon allografts with bone marrow stromal cells and mechanical stimulation: An ex vivo model revitalising flexor tendon allografts. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:179–185. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.63.BJR-2016-0207.R1

Objectives. Osteophytes are products of active endochondral and intramembranous ossification, and therefore could theoretically provide significant efficacy as bone grafts. In this study, we compared the bone mineralisation effectiveness of osteophytes and cancellous bone, including their effects on secretion of growth factors and anabolic effects on osteoblasts. Methods. Osteophytes and cancellous bone obtained from human patients were transplanted onto the calvaria of severe combined immunodeficient mice, with Calcein administered intra-peritoneally for fluorescent labelling of bone mineralisation. Conditioned media were prepared using osteophytes and cancellous bone, and growth factor concentration and effects of each graft on proliferation, differentiation and migration of osteoblastic cells were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, MTS ((3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium)) assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and migration assays. Results. After six weeks, the area of mineralisation was significantly higher for the transplanted osteophytes than for the cancellous bone (43803 μm. 2. , . sd. 14660 versus 9421 μm. 2. , . sd. 5032, p = 0.0184, one-way analysis of variance). Compared with cancellous bone, the conditioned medium prepared using osteophytes contained a significantly higher amounts of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (471 pg/ml versus 333 pg/ml, p = 0.0001, Wilcoxon rank sum test), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 (47.75 pg/ml versus 32 pg/ml, p = 0.0214, Wilcoxon rank sum test) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 (314.5 pg/ml versus 191 pg/ml, p = 0.0418, Wilcoxon rank sum test). The stronger effects of osteophytes towards osteoblasts in terms of a higher proliferation rate, upregulation of gene expression of differentiation markers such as alpha-1 type-1 collagen and alkaline phosphate, and higher migration, compared with cancellous bone, was confirmed. Conclusion. We provide evidence of favourable features of osteophytes for bone mineralisation through a direct effect on osteoblasts. The acceleration in metabolic activity of the osteophyte provides justification for future studies evaluating the clinical use of osteophytes as autologous bone grafts. Cite this article: K. Ishihara, K. Okazaki, T. Akiyama, Y. Akasaki, Y. Nakashima. Characterisation of osteophytes as an autologous bone graft source: An experimental study in vivo and in vitro. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:73–81. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.62.BJR-2016-0199.R1

There are many methods for analysing wear volume in failed polyethylene acetabular components. We compared a radiological technique with three recognised ex vivo methods of measurement. We tested 18 ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene acetabular components revised for wear and aseptic loosening, of which 13 had pre-revision radiographs, from which the wear volume was calculated based upon the linear wear. We used a shadowgraph technique on silicone casts of all of the retrievals and a coordinate measuring method on the components directly. For these techniques, the wear vector was calculated for each component and the wear volume extrapolated using mathematical equations. The volumetric wear was also measured directly using a fluid-displacement method. The results of each technique were compared. The series had high wear volumes (mean 1385 mm. 3. ; 730 to 1850) and high wear rates (mean 205 mm. 3. /year; 92 to 363). There were wide variations in the measurements of wear volume between the radiological and the other techniques. Radiograph-derived wear volume correlated poorly with that of the fluid-displacement method, co-ordinate measuring method and shadowgraph methods, becoming less accurate as the wear increased. The mean overestimation in radiological wear volume was 47.7% of the fluid-displacement method wear volume. Fluid-displacement method, coordinate measuring method and shadowgraph determinations of wear volume were all better than that of the radiograph-derived linear measurements since they took into account the direction of wear. However, only radiological techniques can be used in vivo and remain useful for monitoring linear wear in the clinical setting. Interpretation of radiological measurements of acetabular wear must be done judiciously in the clinical setting. In vitro laboratory techniques, in particular the fluid-displacement method, remain the most accurate and reliable methods of assessing the wear of acetabular polyethylene

Strains applied to bone can stimulate its development and adaptation. High strains and rates of strain are thought to be osteogenic, but the specific dose response relationship is not known. In vivo human strain measurements have been performed in the tibia to try to identify optimal bone strengthening exercises for this bone, but no measurements have been performed in the distal radial metaphysis, the most frequent site of osteoporotic fractures. Using a strain gauged bone staple, in vivo dorsal metaphyseal radial strains and rates of strain were measured in ten female patients during activities of daily living, standard exercises and falls on extended hands. Push-ups and falling resulted in the largest compression strains (median 1345 to 3146 με, equivalent to a 0.1345% to 0.3146% length change) and falling exercises in the largest strain rates (18 582 to 45 954 με/s). On the basis of their high strain and/or strain rates these or variations of these exercises may be appropriate for distal radial metaphyseal bone strengthening

Objectives. Temperature is known to influence muscle physiology, with the velocity of shortening, relaxation and propagation all increasing with temperature. Scant data are available, however, regarding thermal influences on energy required to induce muscle damage. Methods. Gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were harvested from 36 male rat limbs and exposed to increasing impact energy in a mechanical test rig. Muscle temperature was varied in 5°C increments, from 17°C to 42°C (to encompass the in vivo range). The energy causing non-recoverable deformation was recorded for each temperature. A measure of tissue elasticity was determined via accelerometer data, smoothed by low-pass fifth order Butterworth filter (10 kHz). Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significance was accepted at p = 0.05. Results. The energy required to induce muscle failure was significantly lower at muscle temperatures of 17°C to 32°C compared with muscle at core temperature, i.e., 37°C (p < 0.01). During low-energy impacts there were no differences in muscle elasticity between cold and warm muscles (p = 0.18). Differences in elasticity were, however, seen at higher impact energies (p < 0.02). Conclusion. Our findings are of particular clinical relevance, as when muscle temperature drops below 32°C, less energy is required to cause muscle tears. Muscle temperatures of 32°C are reported in ambient conditions, suggesting that it would be beneficial, particularly in colder environments, to ensure that peripheral muscle temperature is raised close to core levels prior to high-velocity exercise. Thus, this work stresses the importance of not only ensuring that the muscle groups are well stretched, but also that all muscle groups are warmed to core temperature in pre-exercise routines. Cite this article: Professor A. H. R. W. Simpson. Increased risk of muscle tears below physiological temperature ranges. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:61–65. doi: 10.1302/2046-3758.52.2000484

Objectives. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are widely used in musculoskeletal disorders. There are indications that EMF might also be effective in the treatment of osteoporosis. To justify clinical follow-up experiments, we examined the effects of EMF on bone micro-architectural changes in osteoporotic and healthy rats. Moreover, we tested the effects of EMF on fracture healing. Methods. EMF (20 Gauss) was examined in rats (aged 20 weeks), which underwent an ovariectomy (OVX; n = 8) or sham-ovariectomy (sham-OVX; n = 8). As a putative positive control, all rats received bilateral fibular osteotomies to examine the effects on fracture healing. Treatment was applied to one proximal lower leg (three hours a day, five days a week); the lower leg was not treated and served as a control. Bone architectural changes of the proximal tibia and bone formation around the osteotomy were evaluated using in vivo microCT scans at start of treatment and after three and six weeks. Results. In both OVX and sham-OVX groups, EMF did not result in cancellous or cortical bone changes during follow-up. Moreover, EMF did not affect the amount of mineralised callus volume around the fibular osteotomy. Conclusions. In this study we were unable to reproduce the strong beneficial findings reported by others. This might indicate that EMF treatment is very sensitive to the specific set-up, which would be a serious hindrance for clinical use. No evidence was found that EMF treatment can influence bone mass for the benefit of osteoporotic patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:230–5

Objectives. Sustained intra-articular delivery of pharmacological agents is an attractive modality but requires use of a safe carrier that would not induce cartilage damage or fibrosis. Collagen scaffolds are widely available and could be used intra-articularly, but no investigation has looked at the safety of collagen scaffolds within synovial joints. The aim of this study was to determine the safety of collagen scaffold implantation in a validated in vivo animal model of knee arthrofibrosis. Materials and Methods. A total of 96 rabbits were randomly and equally assigned to four different groups: arthrotomy alone; arthrotomy and collagen scaffold placement; contracture surgery; and contracture surgery and collagen scaffold placement. Animals were killed in equal numbers at 72 hours, two weeks, eight weeks, and 24 weeks. Joint contracture was measured, and cartilage and synovial samples underwent histological analysis. Results. Animals that underwent arthrotomy had equivalent joint contractures regardless of scaffold implantation (-13.9° versus -10.9°, equivalence limit 15°). Animals that underwent surgery to induce contracture did not demonstrate equivalent joint contractures with (41.8°) or without (53.9°) collagen scaffold implantation. Chondral damage occurred in similar rates with (11 of 48) and without (nine of 48) scaffold implantation. No significant difference in synovitis was noted between groups. Absorption of the collagen scaffold occurred within eight weeks in all animals. Conclusion. Our data suggest that intra-articular implantation of a collagen sponge does not induce synovitis or cartilage damage. Implantation in a native joint does not seem to induce contracture. Implantation of the collagen sponge in a rabbit knee model of contracture may decrease the severity of the contracture. Cite this article: J. A. Walker, T. J. Ewald, E. Lewallen, A. Van Wijnen, A. D. Hanssen, B. F. Morrey, M. E. Morrey, M. P. Abdel, J. Sanchez-Sotelo. Intra-articular implantation of collagen scaffold carriers is safe in both native and arthrofibrotic rabbit knee joints. Bone Joint Res 2016;6:162–171. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.63.BJR-2016-0193

Wear debris was extracted from 21 worn hip and knee replacements. Its mutagenic effects were tested on human cells in tissue culture using the micronucleus assay and fluorescent in situ hybridisation. The extracted wear debris increased the level of micronuclei in a linear dose-dependent manner but with a tenfold difference between samples. The concentration of titanium +/− vanadium and aluminium within the wear debris was linearly related both to the level of centromere-positive micronuclei in tissue culture, indicating an aneuploid event, and to the level of aneuploidy in vivo in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The concentration of cobalt and chromium +/− nickel and molybdenum in the wear debris correlated with the total index of micronuclei in tissue culture, both centromere-positive and centromere-negative i.e. both chromosomal breakage and aneuploidy events. The results show that wear debris can damage chromosomes in a dose-dependent manner which is specific to the type of metal. The results from studies in vitro correlate with those in vivo and suggest that the wear debris from a worn implant is at least partly responsible for the chromosomal damage which is seen in vivo

Platelet-leucocyte gel (PLG), a new biotechnological blood product, has hitherto been used primarily to treat chronic ulcers and to promote soft-tissue and bone regeneration in a wide range of medical fields. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of PLG against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) was investigated in a rabbit model of osteomyelitis. Autologous PLG was injected into the tibial canal after inoculation with Staph. aureus. The prophylactic efficacy of PLG was evaluated by microbiological, radiological and histological examination. Animal groups included a treatment group that received systemic cefazolin and a control group that received no treatment. Treatment with PLG or cefazolin significantly reduced radiological and histological severity scores compared to the control group. This result was confirmed by a significant reduction in the infection rate and the number of viable bacteria. Although not comparable to cefazolin, PLG exhibited antimicrobial efficacy in vivo and therefore represents a novel strategy to prevent bone infection in humans

Objectives. Whilst gait speed is variable between healthy and injured adults, the extent to which speed alone alters the 3D in vivo knee kinematics has not been fully described. The purpose of this prospective study was to understand better the spatiotemporal and 3D knee kinematic changes induced by slow compared with normal self-selected walking speeds within young healthy adults. Methods. A total of 26 men and 25 women (18 to 35 years old) participated in this study. Participants walked on a treadmill with the KneeKG system at a slow imposed speed (2 km/hr) for three trials, then at a self-selected comfortable walking speed for another three trials. Paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were conducted using Stata/IC 14 to compare kinematics of slow versus self-selected walking speed. Results. Both cadence and step length were reduced during slow gait compared with normal gait. Slow walking reduced flexion during standing (10.6° compared with 13.7°; p < 0.0001), and flexion range of movement (ROM) (53.1° compared with 57.3°; p < 0.0001). Slow walking also induced less adduction ROM (8.3° compared with 10.0°; p < 0.0001), rotation ROM (11.4. °. compared with 13.6. °. ; p < 0.0001), and anteroposterior translation ROM (8.5 mm compared with 10.1 mm; p < 0.0001). Conclusion. The reduced spatiotemporal measures, reduced flexion during stance, and knee ROM in all planes induced by slow walking demonstrate a stiff knee gait, similar to that previously demonstrated in osteoarthritis. Further research is required to determine if these characteristics induced in healthy knees by slow walking provide a valid model of osteoarthritic gait. Cite this article: N. Mannering, T. Young, T. Spelman, P. F. Choong. Three-dimensional knee kinematic analysis during treadmill gait: Slow imposed speed versus normal self-selected speed. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:514–521. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.68.BJR-2016-0296.R1

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

We developed an in vivo model of the attachment of a patellar tendon to a metal implant to simulate the reconstruction of an extensor mechanism after replacement of the proximal tibia. In 24 ewes, the patellar tendon was attached to a hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium prosthesis. In 12, the interface was augmented with autograft containing cancellous bone and marrow. In the remaining ewes, the interface was not grafted. Kinematic gait analysis showed nearly normal function of the joint by 12 weeks. Force-plate assessment showed a significant increase in functional weight-bearing in the grafted animals (p = 0.043). The tendon-implant interface showed that without graft, encapsulation of fibrous tissue occurred. With autograft, a developing tendon-bone-HA-implant interface was observed at six weeks and by 12 weeks a layered tendon-fibrocartilage-bone interface was seen which was similar to a direct-type enthesis. With stable mechanical fixation, an appropriate bioactive surface and biological augmentation the development of a functional tendon-implant interface can be achieved

Corticosteroids are prescribed for the treatment of many medical conditions and their adverse effects on bone, including steroid-associated osteoporosis and osteonecrosis, are well documented. Core decompression is performed to treat osteonecrosis, but the results are variable. As steroids may affect bone turnover, this study was designed to investigate bone healing within a bone tunnel after core decompression in an experimental model of steroid-associated osteonecrosis. A total of five 28-week-old New Zealand rabbits were used to establish a model of steroid-induced osteonecrosis and another five rabbits served as controls. Two weeks after the induction of osteonecrosis, core decompression was performed by creating a bone tunnel 3 mm in diameter in both distal femora of each rabbit in both the experimental osteonecrosis and control groups. An in vivo micro-CT scanner was used to monitor healing within the bone tunnel at four, eight and 12 weeks postoperatively. At week 12, the animals were killed for histological and biomechanical analysis. In the osteonecrosis group all measurements of bone healing and maturation were lower compared with the control group. Impaired osteogenesis and remodelling within the bone tunnel was demonstrated in the steroid-induced osteonecrosis, accompanied by inferior mechanical properties of the bone. We have confirmed impaired bone healing in a model of bone defects in rabbits with pulsed administration of corticosteroids. This finding may be important in the development of strategies for treatment to improve the prognosis of fracture healing or the repair of bone defects in patients receiving steroid treatment

Conventional amputation prostheses rely on the attachment of the socket to the stump, which may lead to soft-tissue complications. Intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prostheses (ITAPs) allow direct loading of the skeleton, but their success is limited by infection resulting from breaching of the skin at the interface with the implant. Keratinocytes provide the skin’s primary barrier function, while hemidesmosomes mediate their attachment to natural ITAP analogues. Keratinocytes must attach directly to the surface of the implant. We have assessed the proliferation, morphology and attachment of keratinocytes to four titaniumalloy surfaces in order to determine the optimal topography in vitro. We used immunolocalisation of adhesion complex components, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to assess cell parameters. We have shown that the proliferation, morphology and attachment of keratinocytes are affected by the surface topography of the biomaterials used to support their growth. Smoother surfaces improved adhesion. We postulate that a smooth topography at the point of epithelium-ITAP contact could increase attachment in vivo, producing an effective barrier of infection

Wear of polyethylene is associated with aseptic loosening of orthopaedic implants and has been observed in hip and knee prostheses and anatomical implants for the shoulder. The reversed shoulder prostheses have not been assessed as yet. We investigated the volumetric polyethylene wear of the reversed and anatomical Aequalis shoulder prostheses using a mathematical musculoskeletal model. Movement and joint stability were achieved by EMG-controlled activation of the muscles. A non-constant wear factor was considered. Simulated activities of daily living were estimated from in vivo recorded data. After one year of use, the volumetric wear was 8.4 mm. 3. for the anatomical prosthesis, but 44.6 mm. 3. for the reversed version. For the anatomical prosthesis the predictions for contact pressure and wear were consistent with biomechanical and clinical data. The abrasive wear of the polyethylene in reversed prostheses should not be underestimated, and further analysis, both experimental and clinical, is required

Infection of human cartilage with HIV in vivo has not previously been reported. Specimens of articular cartilage taken at postmortem from ten patients who were HIV-positive were examined. Two had AIDS and eight were believed to have stage-2 disease. The standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol was modified to allow semiquantitative analysis of the samples. Oligonucleotide primers labelled with . 32. P gamma-ATP were used to detect a segment of HIV DNA and a control DNA gene segment (HLA genome) to estimate the ratio of infected cells. The . 32. P-labelled PCR products were separated on acrylamide gels and visualised directly by autoradiography and computer densitometry. Infection of human cartilage in vivo was demonstrated in nine of the ten samples in which the PCR analysis was positive. The other did not react sufficiently to produce detectable radiolabelled PCR product despite repeated DNA digestion and extraction. Cartilage infected with HIV could be a potential source of HIV when used in operations

It has been suggested that the endurance of cemented femoral reconstructions in total hip arthroplasty is affected by the creep of acrylic cement, but it is not known to what extent cement creeps under loading conditions in vivo, or how this affects load transfer. We have simulated the long-term creep properties of acrylic cement in finite-element models of femoral stem constructs and analysed their effects. We investigated whether subsidence rates measured in vivo could be explained by creep of acrylic cement, and if polished, unbonded, stems accommodated creep better than bonded stems. Our findings showed that polished prostheses subsided only about 50 μm as a result of cement creep. The long-term prosthetic subsidence rates caused by creep of acrylic cement are therefore very small and do not explain the excessive migration rates which have sometimes been reported. Cement creep did, however, relax cement stresses and create a more favourable stress distribution at the interfaces. These trends were found around both the bonded and unbonded stems. Our results did not confirm that polished, unbonded, stems accommodated creep better than bonded stems in terms of cement and interface stress patterns

Particulate wear debris can induce the release of bone-resorbing cytokines from cultured macrophages and fibroblasts in vitro, and these mediators are believed to be the cause of the periprosthetic bone resorption which leads to aseptic loosening in vivo. Much less is known about the effects of particulate debris on the growth and metabolism of osteoblastic cells. We exposed two human osteoblast-like cell lines (SaOS-2 and MG-63) to particulate cobalt, chromium and cobalt-chromium alloy at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg/ml. Cobalt was toxic to both cell lines and inhibited the production of type-I collagen, osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase. Chromium and cobalt-chromium were well tolerated by both cell lines, producing no cytotoxicity and no inhibition of type-I collagen synthesis. At the highest concentration tested (1.0 mg/ml), however, chromium inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity, and both chromium and cobalt-chromium alloy inhibited osteocalcin expression. Our results clearly show that particulate metal debris can modulate the growth and metabolism of osteoblastic cells in vitro. Reduced osteoblastic activity at the bone-implant interface may be an important mechanism by which particulate wear debris influences the pathogenesis of aseptic loosening in vivo

The aim of this study was to determine whether subchondral bone influences in situ chondrocyte survival. Bovine explants were cultured in serum-free media over seven days with subchondral bone excised from articular cartilage (group A), subchondral bone left attached to articular cartilage (group B), and subchondral bone excised but co-cultured with articular cartilage (group C). Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, fluorescent probes and biochemical assays, in situ chondrocyte viability and relevant biophysical parameters (cartilage thickness, cell density, culture medium composition) were quantified over time (2.5 hours vs seven days). There was a significant increase in chondrocyte death over seven days, primarily within the superficial zone, for group A, but not for groups B or C (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in cartilage thickness or cell density between groups A, B and C (p > 0.05). Increases in the protein content of the culture media for groups B and C, but not for group A, suggested that the release of soluble factors from subchondral bone may have influenced chondrocyte survival. In conclusion, subchondral bone significantly influenced chondrocyte survival in articular cartilage during explant culture. The extrapolation of bone-cartilage interactions in vitro to the clinical situation must be made with caution, but the findings from these experiments suggest that future investigation into in vivo mechanisms of articular cartilage survival and degradation must consider the interactions of cartilage with subchondral bone

We compared the quality of debridement of chondral lesions performed by four arthroscopic (SH, shaver; CU, curette; SHCU, shaver and curette; BP, bipolar electrodes) and one open technique (OPEN, scalpel and curette) which are used prior to autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). The ex vivo simulation of all five techniques was carried out on six juvenile equine stifle joints. The OPEN, SH and SHCU techniques were tested on knees harvested from six adult human cadavers. The most vertical walls with the least adjacent damage to cartilage were obtained with the OPEN technique. The CU and SHCU methods gave inferior, but still acceptable results whereas the SH technique alone resulted in a crater-like defect and the BP method undermined the cartilage wall. The subchondral bone was severely violated in all the equine samples which might have been peculiar to this model. The predominant depth of the debridement in the adult human samples was at the level of the calcified cartilage. Some minor penetrations of the subchondral end-plate were induced regardless of the instrumentation used. Our study suggests that not all routine arthroscopic instruments are suitable for the preparation of a defect for ACI. We have shown that the preferred debridement technique is either open or arthroscopically-assisted manual curettage. The use of juvenile equine stifles was not appropriate for the study of the cartilage-subchondral bone interface

We used an in vivo model to assess the use of an autogenous cancellous bone block and marrow graft for augmenting tendon reattachment to metallic implants. We hypothesised that augmentation of the tendon-implant interface with a bone block would enable retention of the graft on the implant surface, enhance biological integration, and result in more consistent functional outcomes compared with previously reported morcellised graft augmentation techniques. A significant improvement in functional weight-bearing was observed between six and 12 weeks. The significant increase in ground reaction force through the operated limb between six and 12 weeks was greater than that reported previously with morcellised graft augmented reconstructions. Histological appearance and collagen fibre orientation with bone block augmentation more closely resembled that of an intact enthesis compared with the morcellised grafting technique. Bone block augmentation of tendon-implant interfaces results in more reliable functional and histological outcomes, with a return to pre-operative levels of weight-bearing by 24 weeks

Objectives. In order to ensure safety of the cell-based therapy for bone regeneration, we examined in vivo biodistribution of locally or systemically transplanted osteoblast-like cells generated from bone marrow (BM) derived mononuclear cells. Methods. BM cells obtained from a total of 13 Sprague-Dawley (SD) green fluorescent protein transgenic (GFP-Tg) rats were culture-expanded in an osteogenic differentiation medium for three weeks. Osteoblast-like cells were then locally transplanted with collagen scaffolds to the rat model of segmental bone defect. Donor cells were also intravenously infused to the normal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats for systemic biodistribution. The flow cytometric and histological analyses were performed for cellular tracking after transplantation. Results. Locally transplanted donor cells remained within the vicinity of the transplantation site without migrating to other organs. Systemically administered large amounts of osteoblast-like cells were cleared from various organ tissues within three days of transplantation and did not show any adverse effects in the transplanted rats. Conclusions. We demonstrated a precise assessment of donor cell biodistribution that further augments prospective utility of regenerative cell therapy. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:76–81

Objectives

Platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) has been proved to enhance tenocyte proliferation but has mixed results when used during rotator cuff repair. The optimal PRFM preparation protocol should be determined before clinical application. To screen the best PRFM to each individual’s tenocytes effectively, small-diameter culture wells should be used to increase variables. The gelling effect of PRFM will occur when small-diameter culture wells are used. A co-culture device should be designed to avoid this effect.

We compared the bulking and tensile strength of the Pennington modified Kessler, Cruciate and the Savage repairs in an ex vivo model. A total of 60 porcine tendons were randomised to three groups, half repaired using a core suture alone and the remainder employing a core and peripheral technique. The tendons were distracted to failure. The force required to produce a 3 mm gap, the ultimate strength, the mode of failure and bulking for each repair were assessed. We found that there was a significant increase in strength without an increase in bulk as the number of strands increased. The Cruciate repair was significantly more likely to fail by suture pullout than the Pennington modified Kessler or Savage repairs. We advise the use of the Savage repair, especially in the thumb, and a Cruciate when a Savage is not possible. The Pennington modified Kessler repair should be reserved for multiple tendon injuries

The aim of this randomised, controlled in vivo study in an ovine model was to investigate the effect of cylic pneumatic pressure on fracture healing. We performed a transverse osteotomy of the right radius in 37 sheep. They were randomised to a control group or a treatment group where they received cyclic loading of the osteotomy by the application of a pressure cuff around the muscles of the proximal forelimb. Sheep from both groups were killed at four or six weeks. Radiography, ultrasonography, biomechanical testing and histomorphometry were used to assess the differences between the groups. The area of periosteal callus, peak torsional strength, fracture stiffness, energy absorbed over the first 10° of torsion and histomorphometric analysis all showed that the osteotomies treated with the cyclic pneumatic pressure at four weeks were not significantly different from the control osteotomies at six weeks

An injectable material consisting of calcium sulphate mixed with hydroxyapatite was investigated as a possible alternative to autograft in the restoration of bone defects. The material was studied both in vitro in simulated body fluid (SBF) and in vivo when implanted in rat muscles and into the proximal tibiae of rabbits. Variation in the strength and weight of the material during ageing in SBF was measured. Tissue response, material resorption and bone ingrowth were studied in the animal models. A good tissue response was observed in both the rat muscles and rabbit tibiae without inflammatory reactions or the presence of fibrous tissue. Ageing in SBF showed that during the first week carbonated hydroxyapatite precipitated on the surfaces of the material and this may enhance bone ingrowth

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.

Our aims were to describe the distribution of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-containing cells in Dupuytren’s tissue in vivo and to determine the effects of selected agents in regulating the expression of SMA in Dupuytren’s cells in vitro. In selected hypercellular zones of Dupuytren’s nodules up to 40% of the cells contained SMA, as shown by immunohistochemistry. A lower percentage (20%) of SMA-containing cells was found in regions of lower cellularity. A notable finding was that treatment in vitro of Dupuytren’s cells with platelet-derived growth factor significantly reduced the content of SMA. Cells from the same patients showed a significant increase in expression of SMA in response to treatment with transforming growth factor, which confirmed recent findings. In addition, interferon-γ, which has been previously used as a treatment for Dupuytren’s disease in a clinical study, had no reproducible effect on the expression of this actin isoform. Our findings are of significance for the conservative management of contractures