Joint Changes Research Articles

Intra- and interlimb effects of gait retraining in individuals with knee hyperextension

BackgroundGait retraining, which typically focuses on the most severely affected limb or joint, has shown promising results in treating faulty running and walking patterns. The closed-chain nature of gait during the stance phase may influence kinematic changes in the adjacent joints of the trained leg. In addition, the coupled nature of the lower extremity motion of gait suggests that changes in one leg may transfer to the other. This study aimed to assess the intra- and inter-limb transfer of kinematic changes following gait retraining to reduce knee extension in individuals with hyperextension walking patterns. MethodsSeventeen women with knee hyperextension gait patterns participated in six treadmill retraining sessions. All participants received verbal and real-time visual kinematic feedback in the form of knowledge of results. This intervention study took place at the Gait Analysis Laboratory at the University of Iowa. Mean peak sagittal-plane lower extremity joint kinematics during overground walking at pretraining, post-training, and 1- and 8-month follow-ups were calculated for analysis and comparisons. FindingsThe post-training changes in ankle range of motion returned to baseline values by the 8-month follow-up. There was a significant transfer effect of kinematic changes to the untrained knee following gait retraining. InterpretationTraining one knee did not result in long-term compensatory kinematic changes in the other joints. In addition, the improvements in knee extension range of motion were transferred to the untrained knee and retained at the 8-month follow-up. This study supports the use of gait retraining as an effective clinical intervention.

Postoperative Calcaneocuboid Joint Subluxation and Midtarsal Joint Changes in Pediatric Idiopathic Flexible Flatfoot Treated With Calcaneal Lengthening Osteotomy: A Midterm Follow-up Study.

Calcaneal lengthening osteotomy (CLO) is one of the main surgical options for treatment of pediatric idiopathic flexible flatfoot (FFF). Reportedly, calcaneocuboid (CC) joint subluxation occurs after CLO; however, its effect on the midfoot remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the radiologic midterm results after CLO treatment in pediatric idiopathic FFF. We evaluated 23 pediatric patients with idiopathic FFF aged ≥8 years, who underwent CLO from 1999 to 2017 owing to moderate to severe flatfoot deformity (assessed by visual inspection). Patients aged between 8 and 14 years were included (mean follow-up: 6.3 years; range, 3.1-11.4 years). Anteroposterior and lateral weightbearing foot radiographs were assessed for radiologic parameters preoperatively and at the 3-month, 1-year, and final follow-ups postoperatively. All patients had immediate postoperative radiologic correction of the flatfoot deformity, and these improvements were maintained until the final follow-up. The mean allograft length inserted was 9 (range, 8-10) mm. There was increased CC joint subluxation after CLO, but it improved continuously until the final follow-up. A CC joint spur was newly noted in 1 case. There were 24 cases (24/39, 61.5%) of talonavicular (TN) joint spurs at the final follow-up, but 19 of these were already present on the preoperative radiographs (19/24, 79.2%). Further, the new-onset TN joint spurs were not associated with preoperative clinicoradiologic factors. In pediatric patients with idiopathic FFF receiving CLO treatment, preoperative radiologic angles improved. CC joint subluxation increased after surgery; however, it gradually reduced without evidence of CC joint arthritic changes over the time period studied in this cohort.

The Added Value of T2 Mapping in Assessment of Chondromalacia Patellae and Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis in Patients with Anterior Knee Pain

Abstract Background Cartilage mapping using Magnetic Resonance Imaging T2 is a functional non- invasive scanning procedure delivering cartography of the cartilage T2 relaxation time without using any contrast. It is tissue anisotropy sensitive, and compositional data on the collagen network of cartilage, content of water and concentration of proteoglycans are provided by it. Aim of the Work there is limited studies for evaluation the T2 mapping role in detection of chondromalacia and osteoarthritis in knee pain patients, therefore the aim of this work is to evaluate the additional value of T2 mapping overusing a baseline standard knee MRI to detect patellofemoral cartilage lesions including chondromalacia patella and knee osteoarthritis in patients presented with anterior knee pain. Patients and Methods This Cross-Sectional Study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospital, Radio diagnosis department on 35 patients with anterior knee pain for at least 6 months. Results Among the study population 27 (77.1 %) of patients were diagnosed with OA by conventional MRI & T2 mapping with accuracy 85.7%, while only 13 (37.1%) of patients were diagnosed with chondromalacia by MRI & T2 mapping with accuracy 74.3%. In the comparison between conventional MRI & MRI T2 mapping to detect OA & chondromalacia lesions the sensitivity and specificity for OA 84.4% & 100%, while it was 59.1% & 100% for chondromalacia respectively. Conclusion T2 mapping may offer added value in the assessment of knee joint conditions such as OA and chondromalacia, with higher sensitivity and accuracy rates compared to conventional MRI. T2 mapping may be particularly useful in detecting early degenerative changes in the knee joint, which may allow for earlier intervention and management of these conditions.

Bone assessment of the sacroiliac joint in ankylosing spondylitis: Comparison between computed tomography and zero echo time MRI

PurposeTo demonstrate the clinical applicability of zero echo time magnetic resonance imaging (ZTE MRI) in bone assessment of the sacroiliac joint in ankylosing spondylitis. MethodBetween January 2021 and November 2021, twenty-one ankylosing spondylitis patients underwent clinically indicated MRI including ZTE sequence, in addition, all patients underwent a CT scan covering the sacroiliac joints within 6 months of the MRI examination. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ZTE MRI were calculated using CT as the reference standard. Cohen’s κappa tests were applied to assess the agreement of positive imaging findings (including erosions, osteosclerosis, bony cystic changes, and joint space changes) between MRI and CT as well as the inter-reader agreement for the grading of sacroiliitis in AS patients. ResultsThere was no statistical significance between ZTE MRI and CT in detecting of ankylosing spondylitis(p＞0.05). The consistency of the diagnosis of positive imaging findings between ZTE MRI and CT was moderate to excellent (ranging from 0.611 to 0.889), and the consistency of the scores of positive imaging was good to excellent (ranging from 0.857 to 0.979). ConclusionsZTE MRI provides “CT-like” contrast for bony changes of the sacroiliac joint in ankylosing spondylitis and could simplify and reduce costs for some AS patients when both MRI and CT are typically required.

Temporomandibular Joint Discectomy in Patients With Disc Displacement: Assessment of Osteoarthritis at 10- and 30-Year Follow-Up.

Few ≥ 10-year follow-up studies of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discectomy without replacement in patients with disc displacement (DD) analyse the relationship between the surgery and osteoarthritis (OA) exist. To radiologically evaluate bony joint changes and OA development 10 and 30 years after TMJ discectomy as well as 30-year clinical outcome. Twenty-two discectomy patients at the University of Oslo, Norway, with records confirming initial TMJ diagnosis and attendance of 10-year radiological follow-up were evaluated and eligible for 30-year follow-up. Primary variables: discectomy and CT-/CBCT-diagnosed OA at follow-ups. Secondary variables: perioperative TMJ diagnoses and remodelling at follow-up. Unoperated TMJs (Unop-TMJs) in unilaterally operated patients were controls. Statistical association and correlation analyses were performed for the 10-year follow-up (significance level p < 0.05). Twenty-two patients attended the 10-year follow-up (mean follow-up 11 years) with 27 operated TMJs (Op-TMJs) and 17 Unop-TMJs. OA perioperatively was associated with DD without reduction (p = 0.001) and additional disc abnormalities (p = 0.016). Although statistically non-significant, the number of TMJs with OA had increased at 10-year follow-up (p = 0.114, Op-TMJs: 14 to 20 joints; Unop-TMJs: 2 to 5 joints). Remodelling was correlated with discectomy (p = 0.003) and to OA (p = 0.006). Nine patients attended the 30-year follow-up (mean follow-up 32 years, 11 Op-TMJs). All TMJs with OA at 30-year follow-up had OA at 10-year follow-up. Mean maximal interincisal opening was 39 mm. No DC-TMD-diagnosed arthralgia was found. Osteoarthritis developed similarly between Op- and Unop-TMJs. Only remodelling, not OA, was correlated to the surgery. The clinical results were still favourable at final follow-up.

Pterocarya hupehensis Skan total flavones ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis in rats by suppressing formation of neutrophil extracellular traps

To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan total flavonoids (PHSTF) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Twenty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, RA model group, PHSTF treatment (45 and 90 mg/kg) groups, and Tripterygium glycosides (TPG) tablet (10 mg/kg) group (n=5). Except for those in the normal control group, all the rats were subjected to collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) modeling using a secondary immunization method, after which PHSTF and TPG were administered via gavage once daily for 4 weeks. After the treatments, serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured using ELISA, and ankle joint pathologies were assessed with HE staining; the expression of citrullinated histone H3 (Cit-H3), a neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) marker, in the ankle joints was evaluated with immunohistochemistry. In primary cultures of rat peripheral blood neutrophils stimulated with phorbol ester (PMA), the effects of PHSTF (100 and 200 μg/mL) on the expressions of Cit-H3, peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PADI4), neutrophil elastase (NE), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were examined with Western blotting; immunofluorescence assay was used to observe Cit-H3 expression and NET formation in the cells. In the CIA rat models, PHSTF significantly alleviated ankle swelling, decreased serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, improved histopathological changes in the ankle joints, and reduced Cit-H3 expression in both the serum and ankle joint cartilage. In the isolated rat neutrophils, PHSTF showed no significant effect on cell viability but strongly inhibited PMA-induced NET release. PHSTF can alleviate RA by inhibiting the formation of NETs.

No progression of radiographic changes in the sacroiliac joints of a patient with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis treated with secukinumab: A 6-year observation

No progression of radiographic changes in the sacroiliac joints of a patient with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis treated with secukinumab: A 6-year observation

Climatic variability of wave heights in the shelf zone of the North-Eastern part of the Black Sea according field data

Wave parameters and their variability under climate change are important for forecasting in many areas, such as coastal zone management. This study analyzed the variability of key climate indices from August to October over the period 1996–2020. The relationship between these changes and changes in average monthly significant wave heights was assessed based on field measurements taken at a consistent location on the northeastern Black Sea shelf during various years within this period.The analysis revealed that negative values of NAO, AO, and EA, along with positive values (greater than 1) of EA/WR, are associated with increases in wave heights. The study identified the key periods when joint changes in these climate indices are likely to have the greatest impact on average monthly wave heights: 4 and 7 years for August, 17 and 20 years for September, and 4, 13, and 10 years for October. The discussion emphasizes that identifying the primary regional climate indices and studying their relationship with wave parameters in detail could form the foundation for zoning the Black Sea into quasi-homogeneous zones based on climate variability. This approach could also support the development of simple prognostic models for different parts of the Black Sea, taking into account the non-stationary nature of climate change.

Morphometric Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint Space in Dentate and Edentulous Patients by Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

This study aimed to determine the changes in the temporomandibular joint due to ethnicity and to reveal gender differences. This retrospective study included the evaluation of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 110 patients (220 temporomandibular joint {TMJs}), 64 dentulous (32 females, 32 males)and 46 edentulous (18 females, 28 males). Anterior, superior, and posterior joint spaces and the roof of the glenoid fossa (GF) were measured in sagittal views. Shapiro-Wilk test, independent sample t-test, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine significant differences between dentulous and edentulous patients. The difference in terms of anterior and posterior joint space was statistically significant (p=0.005, p˂0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was found in the upper joint space (p=0.227). A statistically significant difference was not found in GF roof thickness (p=0.229). Upper joint space and GF roof thickness were not associated with edentulism. However, this situation is directly related to both posterior and anterior joint spaces, and this relationship manifests itself as a decrease in the posterior joint space and an increase in the anterior joint space with edentulism.

In Silico Modeling of Stress Distribution in the Diseased Ankle Joint.

Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis is a feature of the aging process. Here, we adopted in silico 2D finite element modeling (FEM) for the simulation of diseased ankle joints. We delved into the influence of body weight intensity on the stress distribution caused by subchondral cysts imitating degenerative age-related arthritic changes. Methods: FEM was performed using virtually generated pictorial schemes of the ankle joint skeletal contour. It included a constellation of scenarios with solitary or multiple cysts, or the lack thereof, located centrally, peripherally, or both in the talus and tibia at increased fixed levels of body weight. Results: The modeling showed that the highest stress was in the presence of a solitary central cyst in the talus and two centrally located cysts in the talus and the tibia, with the averaged values of 1.81 ± 0.52 MPa and 1.92 ± 0.55 MPa, respectively; there was a significant increase compared with the 1.24 ± 0.35 MPa in the control condition without cysts. An increase in body weight consistently increased the strain on the ankle joint. In contrast, peripherally located cysts failed to affect the stress distribution significantly. Conclusions: We conclude that subchondral central cysts substantially enhance the stress exerted on the ankle joint and its vicinity with body weight dependence. FEM's ability to predict the location and magnitude of subchondral stress changes when confirmed in clinical trials might help to optimize the management of age-related degenerative joint changes.

The role of sacro-iliac joint magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis: focus on differential diagnosis in women.

To review the role of sacro-iliac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), with a focus on gender differences. The experience of the authors and the results of an informal literature review are reported. Inflammatory changes of the sacro-iliac joint are the hallmark of AxSpA. Early, non-radiographic sacroiliitis may be diagnosed with MRI through the assessment of bone marrow edema (BMO) as well as concomitant structural damage. The MRI protocol should include three necessary sequences, i.e., fat-saturated T2-weighted sequences on two orthogonal planes, T1-weighted semi-coronal sequence, and fat-suppressed T1-weighted semi-coronal sequence. Inflammatory changes comprise required signs (BMO and/or osteitis) and additional signs, including synovitis (better defined as joint space enhancement), enthesitis, and capsulitis. Structural changes consist of erosions, sclerosis, fat metaplasia, and ankylosis. Due to mechanical axial strain, inflammatory changes in the sacro-iliac joint can be found in healthy individuals, runners, and patients with nonspecific low back pain. The prevalence of BMO is higher in women during pregnancy and postpartum, even 12 months after childbirth, but the extent and distribution of MRI findings may help in the differential diagnosis. Other challenges in the MRI diagnosis of sacroiliitis are subchondral T2 hyperintensity during developmental age, periarticular sclerosis in healthy subjects, or osteitis condensans ilii, and several pathological conditions that may mimic AxSpA, some of which are more frequently found in women. The described diagnostic challenges impose a multidisciplinary approach combining imaging findings with clinical and laboratory data.

Radiosynoviorthesis with [90Y] Yttrium citrate in refractory synovitis of the knee: Experience of 2 reference hospitals

IntroductionTo describe the therapeutic efficacy of radiosynoviorthesis with [90Y]Yttrium citrate (90Y), in patients with chronic knee synovitis refractory to systemic treatments and/or infiltrations, correlating the results with the different etiologies and degenerative changes that they showed, in order to optimize the indication of the technique. Material and methodsObservational retrospective study with 32 patients (22 men and 10 women) and 34 knees, with refractory chronic knee synovitis, who underwent radiosynoviorthesis between January 2013 and December 2022. Its efficacy was described and analyzed by the subjective improvement referred by the patients and its relationship with the existing etiologies and radiological degenerative changes, expressed by the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) scale. ResultsA statistically significant subjective improvement was observed in 70.6% of the cases (p < 0.001). There were 92.3% of cases with absent, doubtful or mild degenerative changes (K-L 0-2) who improved, while only 50% with moderate or severe changes (K-L 3-4) improved, showing statistically significant differences (p = 0.03). Among patients with chronic inflammatory origin of synovitis (spondyloarthropathies and rheumatoid arthritis), 80% improved, while in those with osteoarthritis (degenerative) origin, only 25% improved with statistically significant differences (p = 0.006). ConclusionsRadiosynoviorthesis with 90Y is an effective treatment in patients with knee refractory chronic synovitis, especially in the presence of mil degenerative joint changes and chronic inflammatory origin. We must ensure the appropiate selection of patients according to these criteria.

Arthroscopic Reconstruction of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Using the Anatomic Single-Bundle Technique: A Clinical and Functional Outcome Evaluation.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) consists of an anteromedial bundle and a posterolateral bundle giving anteroposterior and rotational stability to the knee. An ACL tear might lead to secondary changes in the knee joint if not operated in time. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and functional results in patients with ACL tears treated by arthroscopic reconstruction using the anatomic single-bundle technique. This was a prospective study conducted between June 2015 and December2017 at a teaching institute in Kolkata, India, on patients who underwent single-bundle arthroscopic reconstruction of an ACL tear. A minimum follow-up of nine months was considered for all patients. The functional outcome was assessed via the Lysholm knee score. A total of 45 patients were included in this study, of which 34 (75.56%) and eight (17.78%) patients showed excellent and good results, respectively, at the final follow-up. The mean age in this study was 29.88±9.02 years. No complication was seen in 95.6% of patients. The mean Lysholm score by the end of nine months was 95.31±6.55. At the time of the final follow-up, all the patients returned to their same activity status prior to injury. Arthroscopic anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction using hamstring autograft is an effective treatment modality for ACL injuries. It restores the stability of the knee and is associated with good recovery of joint function with an early return to active lifestyle and sports activities. This procedure achieves excellent clinical and functional outcomes without any long-term disability.

Effect of inverse kinematic alignment total knee arthroplasty on coronal alignment of the ankle joint in patients with varus knee deformity

IntroductionVarus or valgus knee deformities influence ankle coronal alignments. The impact of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) on ankle joint alignment has not been entirely illustrated. Inverse Kinematic Alignment (iKA) is a surgical philosophy that aims to restore soft tissue balance, function, and native anatomy within validated boundaries to restore restrictive native kinematics. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the postoperative association of patient-specific alignment on the coronal alignment of the ankle in patients with varus knee deformity who underwent iKA TKA. We hypothesized that greater preoperative varus malalignments would correlate with significant postoperative ankle coronal alignment changes.MethodsThis retrospective study of a prospective collected cohort assessed patients who underwent imageless navigation assisted robotic TKA using a single implant design for primary osteoarthritis between January 2022 and August 2023. Preoperative and postoperative full-length standing anteroposterior X-ray imaging was used to measure Hip-Knee-Ankle (HKA), Tibial Plafond Inclination (TPI), Talar inclination (TI), and Tibiotalar Tilt (TTT) angles. Patients were subsequently divided into groups of neutral varus) < 10°) and severe varus (≥ 10°) according to the preoperative HKA angle.ResultsSignificant changes in preoperative and postoperative HKA angles were found in the severe varus (14.5° vs. 6.4°, p < 0.001) group. Changes were also significant between preoperative and postoperative TPI and TI angles in the severe varus group; however, TTT did not reach statistical significance. Delta change from pre- to postoperative HKA was significantly higher for the severe varus group (8.1° vs. 0.8°, p < 0.019). Delta change of TPI, TI and TTT did not differ between groups.ConclusionCoronal knee alignment after TKA affects coronal alignment of the ankle. iKA technique in TKA for varus knee deformity preserves or minimizes substantial coronal alignment changes of the ankle joint. These findings may add to the benefits reported for patient specific alignment TKA techniques.Level of evidenceIII.

Long-term outcomes of anterior latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable subscapularis tears.

Favourable short-term outcomes have been reported following latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for patients with an irreparable subscapularis (SSC) tendon tear. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of this transfer in these patients. This was a retrospective study involving 30 patients with an irreparable SSC tear and those with a SSC tear combined with a reparable supraspinatus tear, who underwent a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Clinical scores and active range of motion (aROM), SSC-specific physical examination and the rate of return to work were assessed. Radiological assessment included recording the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), the Hamada grade of cuff tear arthropathy and the integrity of the transferred tendon. Statistical analysis compared preoperative, short-term (two years), and final follow-up at a mean of 8.7 years (7 to 10). There were significant improvements in clinical scores, in the range and strength of internal rotation and aROM compared with the preoperative values in the 26 patients (87%) who were available for long-term follow-up. These improvements were maintained between short- and long-term follow-ups. Although there was a decreased mean AHD of 7.3 mm (SD 1.5) and an increased mean Hamada grade of 1.7 (SD 0.5) at final follow-up, the rate of progression of cuff tear arthropathy remained low-grade. Comparison between the isolated SSC and combined SSC and reparable supraspinatus tear groups showed no significant differences. At final follow-up, one patient (3.8%) had undergone revision surgery to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). No neurological complications were associated with the procedure. Latissimus dorsi transfer for an irreparable SSC tendon tear resulted in a significant clinical improvement, particularly in pain, range and strength of internal rotation and aROM, which were maintained over a mean of 8.7 years following surgery. Given that this was a long-term outcome study, there was a low-grade progression in the rate of cuff tear arthropathy. Thus, the long-term clinical efficacy of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients with irreparable SSC was confirmed as a joint-preserving procedure for these patients, suggesting it as an effective alternative to RSA in young, active patients without degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint.

Arterial stiffness and genetic polymorphism of some cytokines in normotensive patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Aim of the study was to identify the incidence of arterial stiffness in normotensive patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the Trans-Baikal region, to study polymorphism of genes for some cytokines and prognostic factors for increased arterial stiffness in this disease. Material and methods. We examined 100 patients with AS, natives of the Transbaikal region, HLA-В27 positive and 100 healthy controls, HLA-B27 negative; all included in the study were Caucasian. Arterial hypertension was an exclusion criterion. Determination of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the genes IL1B (‒31T/C, rs1143627), IL10 (‒592C/A, rs1800872), IL10 (‒819C/T, rs1800871), TNF (‒308G/A, rs1800629) was carried out in all patients with AS and healthy individuals. 74 patients with AS and 40 patients in the control group underwent applanation tonometry using SphygmoCor (AtCor Medical, Australia). Results. Pulse wave velocity on the carotid-femoral segment in patients with AS was 6.5 [4.1; 11.7] m/s, in the control group – 5.2 [3.9; 7.0] m/s (p = 0.0001). In 18 patients with AS (24.32 %) it was more than the age norm, these patients made up the group with elevated arterial stiffness. In patients with AS, carriage of the homozygous AA genotype of the IL10 gene (rs1800872, ‒592C/A) was 2.18 times more common, the homozygous GG genotype of the TNF gene (rs1800629, ‒308G/A) was 1.23 times more common, and the heterozygous ST genotype of the IL10 gene (rs1800871, ‒819C/T) was 1.5 times more common than in the control group. Prognostic factors for increased arterial stiffness in patients with AS were carriage of the IL10 rs1800871 polymorphism, age, and the radiological stage of changes in the sacroiliac joints. Conclusions. Increased arterial stiffness was detected in 24.3 % of normotensive patients with AS. The CT genotype of the IL10 gene (rs1800871, ‒819C/T), AA genotype of the of the IL10 gene (rs1800872, ‒592C/A), the G allele and the GG genotype of the TNF gene (rs1800629, позиция ‒308G/A) are associated with the development of AS in Caucasians. Multivariate regression analysis identified clinical and genetic factors that predict an increase in arterial stiffness in patients with AS, natives of the Trans-Baikal Territory.

A Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on TPU/MXene/Carbon for Heart Rate and Tai Chi Posture Monitoring

AbstractRecently, the electronic skin (E‐skin) based on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has exhibited enormous potential in smart sports. However, TENGs device installed on human body usually faces challenges in complex mechanical environments. Here, we proposed a flexible TPU/MXene/carbon conductive electrode and combined with PDMS to prepare triboelectric nanogenerator (PT‐TENG) to harvest mechanical energy. Moreover, to demonstrate the application of PT‐TENG in smart sports, we can use it to monitor the posture changes of human joints during Tai Chi exercise and heart rate. The transfer charge (Qsc) of PT‐TENG can arrive at 104.65 nC, which is superior to the output performance produced by using traditional metal aluminum foil to prepare TENG device. The PT‐TENG can obtain the maximum output power of 132.34 μW under the working frequency 2 Hz. The experimental results show that PT‐TENG installed on the fingers, wrists, and knees of the human body can effectively perceive the bending angle of joints, which is very meaningful for evaluating the posture of movements in Tai Chi training. This research provide an effective path to promote the application of the self‐powered E‐skin based on TENG device on the smart sport field.

Ligamentum teres lesions are associated with compositional and structural hip cartilage degenerative change: region-specific cartilage degeneration.

To investigate the association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based ligamentum teres lesions (LTL) and structural hip degeneration. Bilateral 3-T hip MRIs of participants (n = 93 [36 men]; mean age ( ± SD) 51 years ± 15.4) recruited from the community and the orthopedic clinic of a single medical center were included. Clinical and imaging data acquired included hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome scores, semi-quantitative scoring of hip osteoarthritis on MRI (SHOMRI) scores on fluid-sensitive sequences, and cartilage T1ρ/T2 compositional sequences. An MRI-based LTL scoring system, incorporating continuity, thickening, and signal intensity, ranging from 0 (normal) to 4 (complete tear) was constructed. Hip morphological features associated with LTL, based on functional or anatomical relationships to LT, were defined. Relationships between MRI-LT scores and SHOMRI, global/regional cartilage T1ρ/T2, and proposed morphological abnormalities and LTL were explored by mixed effects linear and logistic regression models. In 82 (46.1%) hips, no pain was documented; 118 (63.4%) and 68 (36.6%) hips were graded as KL-grade ≤ 1 and ≥ 2, respectively. Compared to MRI-LT score = 0 (normal), score = 4 (complete tear) revealed significantly worse subchondral bony degenerative changes for bone marrow lesions (SHOMRI-BML) and subchondral cysts (SHOMRI-sc) (p < 0.001, p = 0.015, respectively). Global acetabular T1ρ, femoral T2 were significantly increased for abnormal MRI-LT scores (p-range = 0.005-0.032). Regional analyses revealed significantly increased T1ρ/T2 in central acetabular/increased T2 in off-central femoral regions (p-range = 0.005-0.046). Pulvinar effusion-synovitis, shallow fovea, and foveal osteophytes were significantly associated with abnormal LT MRI findings (p-range = < 0.001-0.044). MRI abnormalities of LT are associated with worse SHOMRI-sc/BML scores, indicative of hip osteoarthritis and higher T1ρ and T2 that differ by region. Pulvinar effusion-synovitis and changes in femoral head morphology are associated with LTL. Abnormal ligamentum teres findings identified via MRI are associated with structural degenerative changes of the hip joint and alterations in acetabular and femoral cartilage compositions show spatial differences in relation to LTL. The clinical significance of common ligamentum teres lesions (LTL) on MRI is not well understood. LTL identified by an MRI-based scoring system is associated with worse biomarkers, indicating more advanced degenerative hip changes. Effusion-synovitis signal at pulvinar, shallow fovea capitis, and foveal osteophytes are associated with LTL on imaging.

Morphometric Assessment of the Hip Joint in a Functional Dysplastic Rabbit Model.

The present study investigates the morphometric changes in the hip joint in a surgically induced rabbit model of hip dysplasia through the sectioning of the ligamentum capitis femoris and pelvic limb immobilization. A total of seventeen rabbits were evaluated using radiographic and computed tomographic imaging to measure the following parameters: the femoral angles of anteversion and inclination, length and width indexes of the neck of the femur, and acetabular depth and ventroversion. Significant differences in femoral anteversion angle and acetabular depth were observed, particularly in the group of hip instability surgery with pelvic limb immobilization. The results have shown the influence of hip joint instability in the promotion of femoral anteversion and acetabular shallowing. These findings provide a foundation for future research on naturally occurring or experimentally induced hip dysplasia in rabbits and underscore the model's potential for studying the biomechanical and developmental aspects of hip joint disorders.

Specific back pain - effective diagnosis and treatment from the radiologist's point of view.

The diagnosis and treatment of specific back pain is important in radiology. Due to the high number of patients suffering from back pain, it is important to provide excellent diagnostic and therapeutic support.Based on a recent literature search and considering the relevant guidelines as well as expert opinions, the aspects of specific back pain important for radiologists in terms of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment are presented.Clinical examination in combination with the medical history provides a valid suspected diagnosis. This should subsequently be verified radiologically. MRI is the most effective cross-sectional diagnostic method for investigating specific back pain. A conventional X-ray on two planes in a standing position can be a useful addition if postural causes are suspected. If the clinical symptoms match the morphological findings, radiological treatment can be carried out for nerve root involvement as well as for inflammatory changes of the facet joints. The improvement in symptoms after radiological therapy is considered good overall; at least a short-term improvement in symptoms can generally be achieved, but no reliable data is available regarding the long-term outcome. Using preparations containing triamcinolone, low dosages should be selected in accordance with the guidelines. Embedding in a multimodal pain therapy treatment concept should be considered.Radiology provides essential diagnostic findings regarding specific back pain. Interventional pain therapy is an effective and safe method of treating proven specific back pain. · First examine clinically, then confirm the suspected diagnosis radiologically.. · MRI is usually the method of choice.. · Interventional pain therapy should show success after a maximum of 2 interventions.. · The anti-inflammatory drug dose should be kept as low as possible.. · The individual course determines the number of interventions.. · Stueckle CA, Haage P. Specific back pain - effective diagnosis and treatment from the radiologist's point of view. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2371-1752.