Objective To review the recent research progress on relationshi p between subchondral bone and cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA), and to predict future research directions. Methods Recent l iteratures about the pathological changes of subchondral bone in OA were reviewed and analyzed in terms of biomechanics, bone remodel ingand biological factors. Results Subchondral bone sclerosis or softening was the result of osteoarthritis and also closely related to the occurrence and development of OA. Inhibiting the bone metabol ism of subchondral bone could slow the degeneration of articular cartilage. Conclusion For the treatment of OA, it is necessary to pay close attention to cartilage changes and the prevention of subchondral bone degeneration.
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility and short-term effectiveness of lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (LUKA) through a lateral parapatellar approach for lateral compartmental osteoarthritis (LCOA). MethodsBetween November 2010 and August 2012, 15 consecutive patients (15 knees) with LCOA were treated with LUKA. There were 7 men and 8 women with a mean age of 67.3 years (range, 51-82 years). The mean duration of disease was 5.4 years (range, 3-15 years). The left knee was involved in 6 cases and the right knee in 9 cases. According to Ahlback rating, there were 2 cases (2 knees) of grade I, 8 cases (8 knees) of grade Ⅱ, and 5 cases (5 knees) of grade Ⅲ. The incision length, operation time, blood loss, drainage, and complication were recorded. The pre- and post-operative knee function was evaluated by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score system. The pre- and post-operative range of motion (ROM) and alignment of the lower limbs (hip-knee-ankle angle) were measured and compared. ResultsACL rupture or medial compartmental osteoarthritis occurred in 2 patients (2 knees) who changed to total knee arthroplasty (TKA); 1 case (1 knee) failed to follow up. The other 12 cases (12 knees) were followed up 32.5 months on average (range, 26- 45 months). The mean length of incision was 6.9 cm (range, 6-8 cm); the mean operation time was 115.8 minutes (range,90-155 minutes); the mean blood loss volume during operation was 152.2 mL (range, 105-250 mL); and mean drainage was 145.6 mL (range, 50-300 mL). At last follow-up, the average HSS score was significantly improved from 73.4±4.6 preoperatively to 94.6±2.1 postoperatively (t=14.240, P=0.000). The results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 91.7%. The hip-knee-ankle angle was significantly decreased from valgus angle of (10.08±1.38)° preoperatively to valgus angle of (5.17±0.94)° postoperatively (t=14.626, P=0.000). Postoperative ROM was significantly improved to (123.75±4.09)° from (108.67±5.10)° preoperatively (t=8.998, P=0.000). Two patients developed superficial skin infection, which was managed with anti-inflammatory therapy and dressing. No patient had complication of deep vein thrombosis, prosthesis dislocation and loosing, or development of medial osteoarthritis. ConclusionLUKA through a lateral approach has the advantages of rapid recovery of joint function, less complication, and small trauma in the treatment of LCOA. Correct patient selection and further mid- and long-term studies, however, are essential.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of inhibiting autotaxin (ATX)-lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) pathway on the cartilage of knee osteoarthritis in rats.MethodsPrimary chondrocytes within three generations of Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old, male) were randomly divided into 6 groups, including blank control group, model group, 1 μmol/L PF-8380 group, 10 μmol/L PF-8380 group, 1 μmol/L Ki16425 group, and 10 μmol/L Ki16425 group. Except for the blank control group, the other groups were modeled with osteoarthritis using interleukin-1β (10 ng/mL, 24 h), and then the experimental groups, i.e., 1 μmol/L PF-8380 group, 10 μmol/L PF-8380 group, 1 μmol/L Ki16425 group, and 10 μmol/L Ki16425 group, were intervened with 1, 10 μmol/L PF-8380 (ATX inhibitor) and 1, 10 μmol/L Ki16425 (LPA receptor antagonist) for 24 h, respectively. immunocytochemistry staining was used to determine the expression of type Ⅱ collagen (Col Ⅱ) in cytoplasm, and Western Blot was used to determine the expression of ATX, LPA, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) in chondrocytes.ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the average absorbance of Col Ⅱ in chondrocytes in the model group was significantly reduced (0.003 9±0.000 8 vs. 0.110 0± 0.009 0, P<0.05). The expression levels of ATX, LPA, and MMP-13 in chondrocytes in the model group, 1 μmol/L PF-8380 group, 10 μmol/L PF-8380 group, and 1 μmol/L Ki16425 group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group, while the expression levels of ATX, LPA, and MMP-13 in the 10 μmol/L Ki16425 group had no significant difference with those in the blank control group; the expression levels of ATX, LPA, and MMP-13 in the model group, 10 μmol/L PF-8380 group, and 1 μmol/L PF-8380 group decreased in order; the expression levels of ATX, LPA, and MMP-13 in the model group, 1 μmol/L Ki16425 group, and 10 μmol/L Ki16425 group decreased in order.ConclusionInhibiting ATX-LPA pathway may inhibit the up-regulation of MMP-13 levels in articular cartilage of osteoarthritis in rats to reduce the damage of cartilage.
Objective To study the effect of simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty in a single procedure. Methods From October 1999 to March 2004, 15 patients (30 hips) underwent simultaneous sequential bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THAs) in a single procedure. Of the 15 patients, 11 were male (22 hips) and 4 were female (8 hips). Their ages ranged from 35 to 70 years. Their courses of disease ranged from 1 year to 50 years (4.8 years on average). The Harris scores of the joint function before the operation ranged from 12 to 45 points (27 points on average). Five were done with Smith-Peterson and 10 were done with Moore. Results The operative time was 3 hours and 25 minutes to 5 hours (4 hours and 10 minutes on average). The volume of blood transfusion during operation was 400 to 2 400 ml (1 160 mlon average). All the 15 patients were followed up for 3 to 35 months (18 monthson average). The Harris scores of the joint function after the operation rangedfrom 70 to 100 points (86 points on average). There was significant difference in the scores between before and after operations (Plt;0.05). There was only 1death within 1 months of the operation and no serious between complications such as infection, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein plug. All the patients were still ambulant in the community and gained significant pain relief. Conclusion Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty in a single procedure is a safe and effective method. However, the decision of performing singlestage bilateral total hip arthroplasty should be carefully made and preoperative preparation should be sufficiently made.
ObjectiveTo evaluate mid-term results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for treatment of osteoarthritis secondary to hip sepsis. MethodsBetween February 2003 and January 2009, 62 patients (62 hips) with osteoarthritis secondary to hip sepsis underwent THA. There were 32 males and 30 females with an average age of 39.9 years (range, 18-67 years). The original infection included pyogenic arthritis in 40 hips and tuberculosis in 22 hips. After infection, 35 patients underwent non-operative treatment, and 27 patients received operative management. The average time interval between initial infection and THA was 28.7 years (range, 12-53 years). The preoperative Harris hip score was 24.6±9.2. The Trendelenburg sign was positive in all hips. Leg discrepancy was observed in 25 cases, and the mean discrepancy of bilateral lower extremities was 3.8 cm (range, 2.6-6.5 cm) preoperatively. All hips had no evidence of active hip sepsis. ResultsAll patients were followed up 72 months on average (range, 54-115 months). Intraoperative complications included sciatic nerve injury (2 cases) and femoral shaft fractures (2 cases); postoperative complications included hip anterior dislocation (1 case) and periprosthetic infection (1 case). At last follow-up, 1 hip, 5 hips, 18 hips, and 38 hips were found to have severe pain, moderate pain, slight pain, and no pain respectively. Claudication occurred in 30 patients (mild in 19, moderate in 8, and severe in 3). The Trendelenburg sign was positive in 18 hips. After THA, only 5 patients had a leg length discrepancy of 2.9 cm on average (range, 2.6-3.5 cm). The Harris score was significantly increased to 82.3±11.4 at last follow-up when compared with preoperative one (t=-31.241, P=0.000). The results of subjective satisfaction were very satisfactory in 43 cases, satisfactory in 12 cases, unsatisfactory in 4 cases, and unsatisfactory at all in 3 cases. No sign of aseptic loosening of prosthesis was found during follow-up period. Roentgenographic results showed no radiolucent line or osteolysis in the other patients except 2 patients having local radiolucent. After THA, 12 hips had heterotopic ossification. ConclusionThe mid-term clinical and radiographic results of THA for treatment of osteoarthritis secondary to hip sepsis are good, with the advantages of high satisfactory rate, good function recovery, and low complication incidence.
Objective To summarize the role of chondrocytes mitochondrial biogenesis in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), and analyze the applications in the treatment of OA. Methods A review of recent literature was conducted to summarize the changes in mitochondrial biogenesis in the course of OA, the role of major signaling molecules in OA chondrocytes, and the prospects for OA therapeutic applications. Results Recent studies reveales that mitochondria are significant energy metabolic centers in chondrocytes and its dysfunction has been considered as an essential mechanism in the pathogenesis of OA. Mitochondrial biogenesis is one of the key processes maintaining the normal quantity and function of mitochondria, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) is the central regulator of this process. A regulatory network of mitochondrial biogenesis with PGC-1α as the center, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, sirtuin1/3, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein as the main upstream regulatory molecules, and nuclear respiratory factor 1, estrogen-related receptor α, and nuclear respiratory factor 2 as the main downstream regulatory molecules has been reported. However, the role of mitochondrial biogenesis in OA chondrocytes still needs further validation and in-depth exploration. It has been demonstrated that substances such as puerarin and omentin-1 can retard the development of OA by activating the damaged mitochondrial biogenesis in OA chondrocytes, which proves the potential to be used in the treatment OA. ConclusionMitochondrial biogenesis in chondrocytes plays an important role in the pathogenesis of OA, and further exploring the related mechanisms is of great clinical significance.
Objective To analyze the effect of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining or not on knee-joint proprioception by comparing the proprioceptive difference between PCL retaining and no PCL retaining in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Between June 2009 and June 2010, 38 osteoarthritis patients meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into PCL retaining group (group A, n=19) and PCL-substituting group (group B, n=19) according to the random number table. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, the range of motion of the knee between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The effectiveness and the knee-joint proprioception were separately assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and the passive angle reproduction test (30, 60, and 90° of knee flexion) preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Results All incisons healed by first intention, without complications of infection, fracture, and deep vein thrombosis of lower limb. The patients were followed up 12-17 months (mean, 14.1 months). The knee function after operation was obviously improved when compared with preoperative one; significant differences were observed in the WOMAC scores and the results of passive angle reproduction test between at preoperation and at 12 months after operation (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between group A and group B (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Whether PCL retaining or not in TKA both can improve knee-joint proprioception, and no obvious difference between them.
ObjectiveTo review the pathological effects of cellular senescence in the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis (OA) and potential therapeutic targets.MethodsThe role of chondrocyte senescence, synovial cell senescence, mesenchymal stem cells senescence in OA, and the biological mechanism and progress of chondrocyte senescence were summarized by consulting relevant domestic and abroad literature.ResultsThe existing evidence has basically made clear that chondrocyte senescence, mesenchymal stem cells senescence, and cartilage repair abnormalities, and the occurrence and development of OA have a certain causal relationship, and the role of the senescence of synovial cells, especially synovial macrophages in OA is still unclear. Transcription factors and epigenetics are the main mechanisms that regulate the upstream pathways of cellular senescence. Signal communication between cells can promote the appearance of senescent phenotypes in healthy cells. Targeted elimination of senescent cells and promotion of mesenchymal stem cells rejuvenation can effectively delay the progress of OA.ConclusionCellular senescence is an important biological phenomenon and potential therapeutic target in the occurrence and development of OA. In-depth study of its biological mechanism is helpful to the early prevention and treatment of OA.
Objective To evaluate the results of rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) combined with debridement under arthroscope in the treatment of adult developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods Between April 2002 and August 2007, 24 cases (29 hips) of DDH were treated with RAO combined with debridement under arthroscope. There were 2 males (2 hips) and 22 females (27 hips) with an average age of 37.7 years (range, 21-50 years). The locations were the left hip in 7 cases, the right hip in 12 cases, and both hips in 5 cases. The course of hip pain was 8-216 months (median, 30.5 months). According to Crowe DDH classification, there were 24 hips of type I and 5 hips of type II. According to Touml;nnis hip osteoarthritis classification, there were 20 hips of stage I and 9 hips of stage II. Results The mean operation time was 150 minutes (range, 120-180 minutes); the mean intraoperative blood loss was 600 mL (range, 500-700 mL); and the mean postoperative drainage volume was 200 mL(range, 50-400 mL). All incisions healed by first intention. Twenty-four cases were followed up 4.5 years on average (range, 3-8 years). At last follow-up, claudication disappeared in 16 hips and was improved in 8 hips. The Harris hip score was improved from 79.4 ± 9.8 preoperatively to 95.1 ± 8.6 postoperatively, showing significant difference (t=2.467, P=0.010). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was improved from 5.1 ± 0.8 preoperatively to 1.1 ± 0.6 postoperatively, showing significant difference (t=2.118, P=0.011). The X-rayfilms showed union was achieved at 12-16 weeks (mean, 13.5 weeks). There were significant differences in the centre edge angle, Sharp angle, acetabular coverage rate, and acetabulum-head index between preoperation and postoperation (P lt; 0.05). Twenty hips at Touml;nnis stage I maintained after operation, among 9 hips at Touml;nnis stage II, 5 hips was improved to stage I and 4 hips maintained. Conclusion It has a satisfactory result to treat adult DDH by RAO combined with debridement under arthroscope, which may increase the congruency of hip joint, delay or prevent the progression of hip osteoarthritis.
Objective To review the research progress of C terminal propeptide of collagen type II (CTX-II), a osteoarthritis (OA) biomarker. Methods Domestic and international l iterature about CTX-II was reviewed extensively and summarized. Results CTX-II is investigated broadly and has the best performance of all currently available biomarkers. CTX-II is a truly useful biomarker for early diagnosis, prognosis, and measurement of treatment response in OA. Conclusion Single CTX-II may be not sufficient for early diagnosis and prognosis of OA, so a combination of CTX-II and other biomarkers or diagnosis methods is needed.