Objective To investigate whether adding 1 transverse screw (TS) to the triangular parallel cannulated screw (TPCS) fixation has a mechanical stability advantage for Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fractures by conducting finite element analysis on four internal fixation methods. Methods Based on CT data of a healthy adult male volunteer’s femur, three Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fracture models (Pauwels angle 70°, Pauwels angle 80°, and Pauwels angle 70° combined with bone defect) were constructed using Mimics 21.0 software and SolidWorks 2017 software. Four different internal fixation models were built at the same time, including TPCS, TPCS+TS, three cross screws (TCS), and TPCS+medial buttress plate (MBP). The mechanical stability of different models under the same load was compared by finite element analysis. Results The femoral model established in this study exhibited a maximum stress of 28.62 MPa, with relatively higher stress concentrated in the femoral neck. These findings were comparable to previous studies, indicating that the constructed femoral finite element model was correct. The maximum stress of internal fixation in finite element analysis showed that TCS was the lowest and TPCS+MBP was the highest in Pauwels angle 70° and 80° models, while TPCS+TS was the lowest and TCS was the highest in Pauwels angle 70° combined with bone defect model. The maximum displacement of internal fixation in each fracture model was located at the top of the femoral head, with TCS having the highest maximum displacement of the femur. The maximum stress of fracture surface in finite element analysis showed that TCS was the lowest and TPCS was the highest in the Pauwels angle 70° model, while TPCS+MBP was the lowest and TPCS/TCS were the highest in the Pauwels angle 80° model and the Pauwels angle 70° combined with bone defect model, respectively. The maximum displacement of fracture surfece analysis showed that TPCS+MBP was the lowest and TCS was the highest in Pauwels angle 70° and 80° models, while TPCS+TS was the lowest and TCS was the highest in Pauwels angle 70° combined with bone defect model. Conclusion For Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fractures, the biomechanical stability of TPCS+TS was superior to that of TPCS alone and TCS, but it has not yet reached the level of TPCS+MBP.
ObjectiveTo review the research progress of subtype H vessels in the occurrence and development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).MethodsThe relevant domestic and foreign literature was extensively reviewed. The histological features, biological mechanism of subtype H vessels involved in promoting of osteogenesis, and the role and application of the subtype H vessels in ONFH were summarized.ResultsThe subtype H vessel is a newly discovered bone vessel, mainly distributed in metaphysis and subperiosteum, highly expressing endomucin and CD31. The subtype H vessel has a dense arrangement of Runx2+ early osteoprogenitors, collagen type Ⅰα+ osteoblast cells, and Osterix+ osteoprogenitors that have the ability to induce osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Factors such as platelet-derived growth factor BB, slit guidance ligand 3, hypoxia inducible factor 1α, Notch signaling pathway, and vascular endothelial growth factor are involved in the mechanism of subtype H vessels in promoting osteogenesis.ConclusionSubtype H vessels play an important role in the regulation of angiogenesis and osteogenesis during bone tissue repair and reconstruction. The discovery of subtype H vessels provides new insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of osteogenesis and angiogenesis coupling. In the future, new techniques targeting the regulation of subtype H blood vessels may become a promising method for the treatment of ONFH.
ObjectiveTo elucidate the role of interleukin-33 (IL-33) in glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in mice, with particular emphasis on its effects on bone remodeling, inflammatory regulation, and fibrosis. Methods In vivo: Fifteen 9-week-old male C57BL/6J wild-type mice were randomly divided into a normal control group, an ONFH group, and an intervention group, with 5 mice in each group. A glucocorticoid-induced ONFH model was established in the ONFH group and intervention group using a combined administration of lipopolysaccharide and methylprednisolone. The intervention group received intraperitoneal injection of IL-33 for 4 consecutive days during the early stage of model establishment; the normal control group received saline injection at the same time points. General conditions of mice were observed during the experiment. Endogenous IL-33 and transmembrane ST2 (ST2 ligand, ST2L) expression in the femoral head was assessed via immunofluorescence, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and Western blot. Bone necrosis and fibrosis were evaluated using HE and Masson staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect osteogenic markers [osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2)] and osteoclastic marker (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, RANKL), while serum cytokine levels [tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10] were quantified by ELISA. In vitro: Murine osteoblasts were divided into control group (DMEM+PBS), IL-33 group (DMEM+10 ng/mL IL-33), and IL-33+ST2L group (DMEM+10 ng/mL IL-33+1 μg/mL ST2L antibody). After corresponding treatment, cell proliferation was detected by EdU incorporation assay. Additional osteoblasts were subjected to osteogenic induction culture, and mineralization, and the expression of osteogenesis-related genes (Runx2, collagen type Ⅰ, OCN, and OPN) were assessed by using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin red staining, and qPCR, respectively. Results In vivo: All animals survived until the completion of the experiment. Mice in the intervention group and ONFH group showed restricted mobility. Compared with the normal control group, the expressions of IL-33 and ST2L significantly upregulated at both mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05). Exogenous IL-33 administration exacerbated, rather than ameliorated, trabecular destruction and fibrosis, with the intervention group showing significantly increased fibrosis area percentage and empty lacunae rate compared with the other two groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, IL-33 treatment further suppressed the expressions of osteogenic markers (Runx2, OCN, OPN) while significantly enhancing the expression of the osteoclastic marker (RANKL) (P<0.05). ELISA results showed that compared with the ONFH group, serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-1β) were significantly lower in the intervention group (P<0.05). In vitro: Compared with control group, IL-33 significantly impaired osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, as evidenced by reduced cell proliferation rate, decreased ALP activity, and reduced calcium nodule formation (P<0.05). The expression of osteogenesis-related genes was also suppressed, with significant differences between groups (P<0.05). ST2L blockade effectively reversed these IL-33-mediated suppressive effects, leading to significant recovery of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation (P<0.05). Notably, the mRNA expression levels of collagen typeⅠand OCN were restored to normal (P>0.05). ConclusionIL-33 exacerbates ONFH by impairing osteoblast viability and function and inhibiting bone regeneration. Targeting the IL-33/ST2L signaling axis may represent a promising novel therapeutic strategy for ONFH.
Objective To compare the effects of double-channel core decompression (CD) combined with medullary cavity irrigation with those of simple CD on progression of collapse and clinical outcomes in non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 19 patients (30 hips) with non-traumatic ONFH who underwent double-channel CD combined with medullary cavity irrigation and admitted between January 2024 and October 2024 (CD+irrigation group). According to a 1: 2 ratio, 54 patients (60 hips) who underwent simple CD and were matched in terms of age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were included as the control (CD group). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as age, gender, BMI, affected side, ONFH type, preoperative Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage, bone marrow edema stage, visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, and Harris score between the two groups (P>0.05). The postoperative discharge time and occurrence of complications were recorded for both groups. The VAS scores before operation and at discharge after operation were compared, and the differences between pre- and post-operation (change values) were calculated for intergroup comparison. The Harris scores before operation and at discharge and 3 months after operation were also compared. During follow-up, X-ray film, CT, and MRI were performed for reexamination. The ARCO stage and bone marrow edema stage were evaluated at 3 months after operation and compared with those before operation to determine whether there was radiological progression or relief. Results All incisions in both groups healed by first intention after operation, with no infection, femoral neck fracture, or other operation-related complications. All patients were followed up, and the follow-up time of the CD+irrigation group was (146.8±27.7) days, and that of the CD group was (164.3±48.2) days; there was no significant difference between the two groups (t=1.840, P=0.069). There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). At discharge after operation, the VAS score of the CD+irrigation group was significantly lower than that of the CD group (P<0.05), and the change value was significantly higher than that of the CD group (P<0.05). The Harris scores at discharge and 3 months after operation in the CD+irrigation group were significantly higher than those in the CD group (P<0.05). The Harris score gradually increased with time, and the differences between different time points were significant (P<0.05). Radiological reexamination showed that there was no significant difference in the ARCO stage and the incidence of radiological progression between the two groups at 3 months after operation (P>0.05); however, the bone marrow edema stage and the degree of bone marrow edema relief in the CD+irrigation group were better than those in the CD group, with significant differences (P<0.05).Conclusion Double-channel CD combined with medullary cavity irrigation can significantly alleviate hip joint pain and improve joint function in patients with non-traumatic ONFH, reduce the degree of bone marrow edema in the femoral head, and delay the progression of ONFH.
Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of ascending aorta banding technique combined with typeⅠhybrid aortic arch repair for the aortic arch diseases. Methods The clinical data of patients undergoing ascending aorta banding technique combined with type Ⅰ hybrid arch repair for aortic arch diseases from March 2019 to March 2022 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The technical success, perioperative complications and follow-up results were evaluated. Results A total of 44 patients were collected, including 35 males and 9 females, with a median age of 63.0 (57.5, 64.6) years. The average EuroSCORE Ⅱ score was 8.4%±0.7%. The technical success rate was 100.0%. All patients did not have retrograde type A aortic dissection and endoleaks. One patient died of multiple organ failure 5 days after operation, the in-hospital mortality rate was 2.3%, and the remaining 43 patients survived and were discharged from hospital. The median follow-up period was 14.5 (6-42) months with a follow-up rate of 100.0%. One patient with spinal cord injury died 2 years after hospital discharge. One patient underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair at postoperative 3 months due to new entry tears near to the distal end of the stent. Conclusion Ascending aorta banding combined with typeⅠhybrid arch repair for the aortic arch diseases does not need cardio-pulmonary bypass. Ascending aorta banding technique strengthens the proximal anchoring area of the stent to avoid risks such as retrograde type A dissection, endoleak and migration. The operation owns small trauma, rapid recovery, low mortality and a low rate of reintervention, which may be considered as a safe and effective choice in the treatment of the elderly, high-risk patients with complex complications.