Diaphyseal Bone Research Articles

Imaging features at the time of diagnosis of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma in children

IntroductionOsteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the most frequent malignant bone tumours in children. The aim of this study is to characterize clinical and radiological features at presentation of a large cohort of children with these diseases, radiological findings useful to differentiate them and the main prognostic factors. Material and methodsRetrospective analysis of clinical and imaging findings of 83 children diagnosed and treated of Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma in a paediatric hospital during a period of 10 years. ResultsBoth tumours showed aggressive radiological features such as permeative or moth-eaten margins, cortical disruption, discontinuous periosteal reaction, intense contrast uptake, tumoral necrosis and soft-tissue component. They differed in their location, osseous matrix and gender predilection. Osteosarcoma occurred more frequently in the metaphysis of long bones (62%) with a blastic appearance (53%). Ewing sarcoma showed a predilection for male patients (71%), occurred in flat bones (42%) and in the diaphysis of long bones (58%) with a lytic appearance (82%). 29% of children presented with primary metastasis, most frequently located in the lungs. Survival rates were 78% in OS and 76% in Ewing sarcoma. Metastatic disease, aggressive radiological features and low percentage of tumoral necrosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with poor prognosis (p < 0.05). ConclusionsImaging can confidently diagnose malignant paediatric bone tumours in children and may differentiate Ewing sarcoma from osteosarcoma, based on gender, location and appearance of the neoplasm. Metastatic disease, presence of aggressive radiological features and low percentage of tumoral necrosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with poor prognosis.

Masquelet Technique: Visualization of Cement Spacer Utilizing Methylene Blue

Masquelet Technique: Visualization of Cement Spacer Utilizing Methylene Blue

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO ASSESSTHE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OFDIAPHYSEAL BOTH BONE FRACTURESOF THE FOREARM IN ADULTS TREATEDBY OPEN REDUCTION AND INTERNALFIXATION WITH DYANAMICCOMPRESSION PLATE

Indroduction: Forearm fractures can be regarded as articular fractures as slight deviations in the spatial orientation of the radius and ulna will significantly decrease the forearmÂ’s rotational amplitude and thereby impair the positioning and function of the hand. Thus, the management of these fractures deserve special attention as their treatment is not the same as the treatment of other diaphyseal fractures.Open reduction and internal fixation for diaphyseal fracture in the adults are generally accepted as the best method of treatment, even though closed reduction may be achieved. Objective: The Objective of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome after open reduction and internal fixation of the forearm diaphyseal fractures by Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP). Methods: This is a prospective study of 72 cases of diaphyseal both bone forearm fractures in adults who attended casualty and of Government Medical College Hospital, Kozikkode and were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with dynamic compression plating between September 2020 to August 2022. Results: The functional outcome as per DASH scoring system in dynamic compression plating (DCP) group was that 85 % (61 patients) had excellent results, 15 % (11 patients) had good results with no patient having fair and poor results. Conclusion: Fixation with Dynamic Compression Plate has stood the test of time and provides excellent fixation. DASH is a widely accepted standardized scoring system to assess upper limb function. In comparison with few of the previous studies our results are better in terms of functional outcome.

Long bone shaft metastasis: a comparative study between cement filling and intercalary prosthesis

BackgroundMetastatic bone lesions in the extremities can cause severe pain and pathological fractures, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. Timely intervention and effective management of long bone metastases can positively influence patient outcomes, including survival rates and subsequent treatment options.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and associated complications of two surgical reconstruction techniques and propose a more effective limb reconstruction approach for long bone metastases.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 28 patients with complete clinical data who underwent a surgical procedure for long bone metastases of the extremities in our department between January 2017 and June 2022. The patients were divided into two groups based on their surgical methods. In group 1, the affected bones were curetted and filled with cement, then secured with plates or intramedullary nails. In group 2, the affected bone segments were completely removed and replaced with custom intercalary prostheses. Various factors, including general patient information, surgical details, surgical effectiveness, and common complications, were compared and analyzed.ResultsThere were no significant differences in general patient information between the two groups, including age, gender, surgical site, and primary tumor type. The operative times were 115.37 min for group 1 and 108.90 min for group 2, respectively (p > 0.05). However, intraoperative blood loss differed significantly between the groups, with 769 ml in group 1 and 521 ml in group 2 (p < 0.05). The postoperative MSTS scores were 91% for group 1 and 92% for group 2 (p > 0.05). Postoperative complications included two cases of internal fixation failure and three cases of tumor recurrence in group 1, resulting in a 33% incidence rate, while group 2 experienced a 15% incidence rate with two cases of internal fixation failure.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that both surgical techniques are effective for the treatment of long bone metastases of the extremities. However, the custom intercalary prostheses technique in group 2 showed a lower incidence of complications and less intraoperative blood loss. Therefore, it may be a more effective limb reconstruction approach for long bone metastases. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings.

Ghosal Hematodiaphyseal Dysplasia: Implications of Late Diagnosis and Unusual Presentation in Adults

Ghosal Hematodiaphyseal Dysplasia (GHDD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by bone modeling failure, resulting in thickening of bone cortices with predominant diaphyseal involvement and responsive anemia to steroids. Late diagnosis of GHDD in adulthood can lead to significant morbidity and suboptimal response to steroids. Moreover, GHDD often mimics more common hematological disorders like myelodysplastic syndrome and myelofibrosis, leading to treatments such as transfusions, splenectomy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Early diagnosis is critical to enable the patient to receive the appropriate treatment. We present a case series of three Indian patients from different families with genetically proven GHDD. Despite experiencing symptoms from early childhood, all patients were diagnosed in adulthood. None of them were born out of a consanguineous marriage . Two of them, aged 43 and 56, are the oldest reported GHDD patients to date. They initiated steroid treatment in their 5th and 6th decades of life, respectively. Unlike previously reported cases, these two patients required additional drugs like Thalidomide along with steroids, and their response to treatment was not as rapid. The first patient, a 43-year-old male, had a history of anemia since childhood and became transfusion dependent after 15 years of age. He developed bicytopenia and later pancytopenia with hypocellular bone marrow , along with splenohepatomegaly and extramedullary hematopoiesis in the paravertebral and presacral areas, a novel finding in GHDD cases. Whole exome sequencing revealed a missense mutation in the TBXA2 gene. The second patient, a 56-year-old male, had a history of anemia since childhood and underwent splenectomy at 46 due to massive splenomegaly and transfusion dependency. However, his transfusion dependency persisted, and bone marrow biopsy suggested myelofibrosis. However he was negativefor myeloid mutations including JAK2. Subsequently, genetic testing revealed a homozygous missense mutation in the TBXAS1 gene. He also developed paraplegia and bladder incontinence, attributed to extramedullary hematopoiesis, which improved with steroid treatment The third patient a 23 year old man with history of anemia, lower limb tenderness and ecchymosis at 14 months of age. Evaluation then had shown hyperostosis of diaphysis of long bones of lower limbs with sparing of metaphysis and bicytopenia. Was on regular transfusions till 9 years. Re-evaluation with bone marrow studies at 9 years revealed a varying cellular marrow with dysplastic megakaryocytes and diagnosed as pediatric myelodysplatic syndrome ,He was on steroids till 13 years and he did not require further transfusions.He stopped steroids for 1 year following which there was a fall in Hb levels and recurrence of pain in both lower limbs with inability to squat. In view of history of steroid responsive anemia and thickening of diaphysis in X-rays GHDD was suspected and confirmed by genetic testing. He was restarted on steroids and there was a good response to steroids within 4 week with normalisation of hemoglobin levels . Late diagnosis of GHDD in adulthood can lead to severe complications and suboptimal treatment response. These cases highlight the importance of early diagnosis to prevent unnecessary interventions and improve patient outcomes. Unusual presentations, like extramedullary hematopoiesis, can further complicate the diagnostic process. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for GHDD in cases of refractory anemia or myelofibrosis-like features, especially in adults with an earlier history of anemia. Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial to mitigate morbidity and improve patients' quality of life

A case report of early detection of rare femoral shaft bone metastasis in a penis cancer patient

Background. Bone metastasis is very common in the advanced stage of numerous carcinomas. In penile carcinoma, lymph nodes metastasis is somehow common but it is very rare reported to be secondary from penile cancer. till the date, there are only few cases of penis carcinoma reported bone metastasis in literature worldwide.Case Presentation. Herein, We presented a 51-year-old Nepalese male with squamous cell carcinoma of penis. computed tomography (ct) scan of the patient revealed that there was carcinoma involving glans penis and precure with bilateral external &amp; internal inguinal lymphadenopathies. After then, the patient was under gone for partial penectomy and bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy and complete 6-cycle chemotherapy. After one year of treatment, patient developed thigh pain and headache and he advised to have magnetic Resonance imaging (mRi) of brain, 99mTc-MDP whole body bone scan and ct scan of pelvis and thigh. The examination report reveals that there was a sclerotic change in vertex of skull bone and moderate 99mTc-MDP uptake in right proximal shaft of femur just below the neck d/d metastasis. The histopathological examination of the true cut biopsy taken from the lesion of the femur showed metastatic keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma which is rare case of femoral shaft bone metastasis secondary from penile carcinoma. Then patient was sent for surgical reconstruction of femur. Based on the case studies review femur shaft bone metastasis from penile cancer is extremely rare.Conclusion. The best of our knowledge; this is the first early detected bone metastases to shaft of the femur in a patient with penile cancer. early diagnosis helps to radical treatment as well as palliative treatment. surgery is the preferred option of the treatments, especially for metastatic foci in the long bones.

RhBMP6 in autologous blood coagulum is a preferred osteoinductive device to rhBMP2 on bovine collagen sponge in the rat ectopic bone formation assay

Osteoinductive BMPs require a suitable delivery system for treating various pathological conditions of the spine and segmental bone defects. INFUSE, the only commercially available BMP-based osteoinductive device, consisting of rhBMP2 on bovine absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) showed major disadvantages due to serious side effects. A novel osteoinductive device, OSTEOGROW, comprised of rhBMP6 dispersed within autologous blood coagulum (ABC) is a promising therapy for bone regeneration, subjected to several clinical trials for diaphysial bone repair and spinal fusion. In the present study, we have examined the release dynamics showing that the ABC carrier provided a slower, more steady BMP release in comparison to the ACS. Rat subcutaneous assay was employed to evaluate cellular events and the time course of ectopic osteogenesis. The host cellular response to osteoinductive implants was evaluated by flow cytometry, while dynamics of bone formation and maintenance in time were evaluated by histology, immunohistochemistry and micro CT analyses. Flow cytometry revealed that the recruitment of lymphoid cell populations was significantly higher in rhBMP6/ABC implants, while rhBMP2/ACS implants recruited more myeloid populations. Furthermore, rhBMP6/ABC implants more efficiently attracted early and committed progenitor cells. Dynamics of bone formation induced by rhBMP2/ACS was characterized by a delayed endochondral ossification process in comparison to rhBMP6/ABC implants. Besides, rhBMP6/ABC implants induced more ectopic bone volume in all observed time points in comparison to rhBMP2/ACS implants. These results indicate that OSTEOGROW was superior to INFUSE due to ABC's advantages as a carrier and rhBMP6 superior efficacy in inducing bone.

The effects of preosteoblast-derived exosomes on macrophages and bone in mice.

The effect of preosteoblast-derived exosomes on bone marrow macrophages (BMMΦ) and calvarial osteoblasts (cOB) was evaluated invitro, and bone formation studies were performed invivo in mice. Preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 clone 4 (MC4) cell-derived exosomes (MC4exo) were characterized with particle tracking, transmission electron microscopy and western blot analysis to validate size, number, shape and phenotypic exosome markers. Exosomes pre-labelled with PKH67 were incubated with BMMΦ and phagocytosis of exosomes was confirmed. To examine the effect of MC4exo on macrophage polarization, BMMΦ were treated with MC4exo and the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was determined by qPCR. MC4exo treatment upregulated mRNA expression of Cd86, Il1β, Ccl2, Rankl and Nos, and downregulated Cd206, Il10 and Tnfα, suggesting a shift towards pro-inflammatory 'M1-like' macrophage polarization. Combination of RANKL and MC4exo increased osteoclast differentiation of BMMΦ in comparison to RANKL alone as analysed by TRAP staining. MC4exo treatment showed no significant effect on calvarial osteoblast mineralization. For invivo studies, intratibial inoculation of MC4exo (2 × 109 particles in PBS, n = 12) and vehicle control (PBS only, n = 12) was performed in C57Bl/6 mice (8 weeks, male). Micro-CT analyses of the trabecular and cortical bone compartments were assessed at 4 weeks post-injection. Tibial sections were stained for TRAP activity to determine osteoclast presence and immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect osteocalcin (Ocn), osterix (Osx) and F4/80 expression. Intratibial inoculation of MC4exo increased the diaphyseal bone mineral density and trabecular bone volume fraction due to increased trabecular number. This increase in bone was accompanied by a reduction in bone marrow macrophages and osteoclasts at the experimental endpoint. Together, these findings suggest that preosteoblast-derived exosomes enhanced bone formation by influencing macrophage responses.

Titanium Versus Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Intramedullary Nailing for Humeral Bone Tumors.

Multiple techniques have been described to treat humeral diaphyseal bone tumors requiring curettage or excision. Recent studies have suggested that carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) intramedullary nails (IMNs) may be preferable to titanium IMNs for patients with musculoskeletal tumors due to CFR-PEEK's high tensile strength, radiolucency, a modulus of elasticity closer to native bone, and improved postoperative surveillance/radiation dosing. In this study, we describe the rate of fixation failure for both CFR-PEEK and titanium humeral IMNs when used for humeral diaphyseal bone tumors requiring curettage or excision. This was a single-institution retrospective cohort study including 81 patients (27 CFR-PEEK and 54 titanium) treated for a humeral diaphyseal bone tumor using an IMN +/- methylmethacrylate between January 2017 and December 2022. Primary outcome was revision surgery due to soft tissue complications, non-unions, structural complications such as periprosthetic fracture or IMN breakage, periprosthetic infection, tumor progression, and implant failure due to rejection or fatigue. No failures were observed in either patients treated with titanium nails or patients treated with CFR-PEEK not requiring curettage. Fixation failure due to implant failure was observed in two cases - at 214 days and 469 days after surgery - where CFR-PEEK IMN was used for stabilization after a wide segmental resection for oncologic control with a cement spacer reconstruction. In both cases, the resection was larger than 6 cm, the remaining distal humerus was less than 5 cm, and failures occurred at the interface of the residual bone and spacer. Both patients were revised using a titanium distal posterolateral humeral plate fixed with screws and cables without any subsequent complications. One additional CFR-PEEK IMN required revision surgery after 744 days due to progression of the tumor and subsequent non-union. One revision surgery was observed after 63 days for the titanium IMN due to non-union and tumor progression. Humeral diaphyseal bone tumors requiring large segmental resection with small residual bone and a large cement spacer may fail via tension due to bending forces at the distal portion. In this clinical scenario, the use of larger diameter CFR-PEEK IMNs may be indicated when these are available. In the interim, use of intercalary allografts instead of cement spacers, additional fixation with a titanium plate distally, or the use of a titanium nail when using a cement spacer may be considered.

Histological examination of biopsy material of animal bone tissue using osteoplastic biocomposite coating of implants accelerating consolidation

In modern veterinary and humane medicine, the issue of optimizing reparative osteogenesis, aimed at accelerating consolidation, preventing bacterial infection, a stabilization method, as well as activating osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties, is quite acute. This can be achieved using osteoplastic biocomposite coatings on implants. The significant role of such components as hydroxyapatite, methyluracil, amoxicillin in metabolic processes aimed at regenerative, antibacterial and metabolic processes of osteogenesis has been determined. The group of authors set the goal of the study: to study, using a histological method, the quantitative and qualitative aspects of fusion of a fracture of the middle third of the diaphysis of long tubular bones (radius), in an experiment, using the developed biocomposite coating. The material for this study was histotopographic preparations of bone regenerates obtained on day 35 using a needle for trephine biopsy of bone tissue, after consolidation of the simulated fracture was established using implants with the developed osteoplastic coating. As a result of the study of histotopographic materials using 3.5% and 5% biocomposite coating to accelerate consolidation, in the experimental groups there is no amount of the developed composite, which indicates biocompatibility with complete biointegration without allergenic and cytostatic effects.Throughout the experiment, no significant difference was found between the experimental groups; in each group, restored microcirculation was visualized with many physiological Haversian canals with blood vessels, the nervous system and adequate tissue trophism. Histological examination of the formed bone regenerate is necessary to confirm the completed accelerated process of osteogenesis in small non-productive animals.

Fluoroscopic Confirmation of Needle Location in Ultrasound-guided Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of genicular nerves is an effective treatment for chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis. The procedure can be performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasonographic guidance. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to fluoroscopically check the final location of the needle in ultrasound-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency thermocoagulation and evaluate the treatment’s success in patients with knee pain. STUDY DESIGN: A 2-center, prospective study. SETTING: A private clinic and a tertiary care health center. METHODS: Thirty-two patients who had unilateral knee pain, and grade 3-4 knee osteoarthritis according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification were included. Following diagnostic genicular nerve blocks in patients whose knee pain was relieved by &gt;= 50%, radiofrequency thermocoagulation was applied to these nerves. The final position of the needle was checked via fluoroscopy in anteroposterior and lateral planes. RESULTS: The needle was located in the one-third anterior portion of the bone shaft in 69 of 96 patients (71.9%), between one-third and two-thirds in 21 (21.9%), and in the one-third posterior portion in 6 (6.3%). The mean Numeric Rating Scale score for pain was 7.69 ± 0.99 before treatment, 4.03 ± 1.26 at one week, 2.53 ± 1.24 at one month, and 2.19 ± 1.71 at 3 months, indicating a statistically significant decrease (P &lt; 0.001). LIMITATIONS: The lack of a study group in which genicular nerve radiofrequency thermocoagulation was performed under fluoroscopy guidance could be cited among the limitations of this clinical study. CONCLUSIONS: The final position of the needle tip in radiofrequency thermocoagulation of genicular nerves can exist at the one-third anterior of the bone shaft, without a need for further advancing the needle to the posterior portion. Although performed more distally compared to fluoroscopy guidance, ultrasound-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency thermocoagulation still provides effective analgesia. KEY WORDS: Genicular nerve, radiofrequency ablation, knee osteoarthritis, interventional ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, pain management

Diagnóstico inicial del osteosarcoma y sarcoma de Ewing en la edad pediátrica

IntroductionOsteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the most frequent malignant bone tumours in children. The aim of this study is to characterize clinical and radiological features at presentation of a large cohort of children with these diseases, radiological findings useful to differentiate them and the main prognostic factors. Material and methodsRetrospective analysis of clinical and imaging findings of 83 children diagnosed and treated of Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma in a paediatric hospital during a period of 10years. ResultsBoth tumours showed aggressive radiological features such as permeative or moth-eaten margins, cortical disruption, discontinuous periosteal reaction, intense contrast uptake, tumoral necrosis and soft-tissue component. They differed in their location, osseous matrix and gender predilection. Osteosarcoma occurred more frequently in the metaphysis of long bones (62%) with a blastic appearance (53%). Ewing sarcoma showed a predilection for male patients (71%), occurred in flat bones (42%) and in the diaphysis of long bones (58%) with a lytic appearance (82%). 29% of children presented with metastases at diagnosis, most frequently located in the lungs. Survival rates were 78% in osteosarcoma and 76% in Ewing sarcoma. Metastatic disease, aggressive radiological features and low percentage of tumoral necrosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with poor prognosis (P<.05). ConclusionsImaging can confidently diagnose malignant paediatric bone tumours in children and may differentiate Ewing sarcoma from osteosarcoma, based on gender, location and appearance of the neoplasm. Metastatic disease, presence of aggressive radiological features and low percentage of tumoral necrosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with poor prognosis.

Vitamin C Deficiency Deteriorates Bone Microarchitecture and Mineralization in a Sex-Specific Manner in Adult Mice.

Vitamin C (VitC) is essential for bone health, and low VitC serum levels increase the risk for skeletal fractures. If and how VitC affects bone mineralization is unclear. Using micro-computed tomography (μCT), histologic staining, as well as quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI), we assessed the effects of VitC on femoral structure and microarchitecture, bone formation, and bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) in the VitC incompetent Gulo-/- mouse model and wild-type mice. In particular, VitC-supplemented, 20-week-old mice were compared with age-matched counterparts where dietary VitC intake was excluded from week 15. VitC depletion in Gulo-/- mice severely reduced cortical thickness of the diaphyseal shaft and bone volume around the growth plate (eg, bone volume of the primary spongiosa -43%, p < 0.001). Loss of VitC also diminished the amount of newly formed bone tissue as visualized by histology and calcein labeling of the active mineralization front. BMDD analysis revealed a shift to higher calcium concentrations upon VitC supplementation, including higher average (~10% increase in female VitC deficient mice, p < 0.001) and peak calcium concentrations in the epiphyseal and metaphyseal spongiosa. These findings suggest higher bone tissue age. Importantly, loss of VitC had significantly more pronounced effects in female mice, indicating a higher sensitivity of their skeleton to VitC deficiency. Our results reveal that VitC plays a key role in bone formation rate, which directly affects mineralization. We propose that low VitC levels may contribute to the higher prevalence of bone-degenerative diseases in females and suggest leveraging this vitamin against these conditions. © 2023 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Osteogenic Effects of KY-054, a Novel Coumarin Derivative on Femur Cortical Bone in Ovariectomized Female Rats.

Osteoporosis is treated with oral and parenteral bone resorption inhibitors such as bisphosphonates, and parenteral osteogenic drugs including parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogues and anti-sclerostin antibodies. In the present study, we synthesized KY-054, a 4,6-substituted coumarin derivative, and found that it potently promoted osteoblast differentiation with an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at 0.01-1 µM in mouse-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ST2 cells) and rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). In the ovariectomized (OVX) rats, KY-054 (10 mg/kg/d, 8 weeks) increased plasma bone-type ALP activity, suggesting in vivo promoting effects on osteoblast differentiation and/or activation. In dual-energy X-ray absorption (DEXA) scanning, KY-054 significantly increased the distal and diaphyseal femurs areal bone mineral density (aBMD) that was decreased by ovariectomy, indicating its beneficial effects on bone mineral contents (BMC) and/or bone volume (BV). In micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning, KY-054 had no effect on metaphysis trabecular bone loss and microarchitecture parameters weakened by ovariectomy, but instead increased metaphysis and diaphysis cortical bone volume (Ct.BV) and cortical BMC (Ct.BMC) without reducing medullary volume (Med.V), resulting in increased bone strength parameters. It is concluded that KY-054 preferentially promotes metaphysis and diaphysis cortical bone osteogenesis with little effect on metaphysis trabecular bone resorption, and is a potential orally active osteogenic anti-osteoporosis drug candidate.

Current Management of Diaphyseal Long Bone Defects-A Multidisciplinary and International Perspective.

The treatment of defects of the long bones remains one of the biggest challenges in trauma and orthopedic surgery. The treatment path is usually very wearing for the patient, the patient's environment and the treating physician. The clinical or regional circumstances, the defect etiology and the patient´s condition and mental status define the treatment path chosen by the treating surgeon. Depending on the patient´s demands, the bony reconstruction has to be taken into consideration at a defect size of 2-3 cm, especially in the lower limbs. Below this defect size, acute shortening or bone grafting is usually preferred. A thorough assessment of the patient´s condition including comorbidities in a multidisciplinary manner and her or his personal demands must be taken into consideration. Several techniques are available to restore continuity of the long bone. In general, these techniques can be divided into repair techniques and reconstructive techniques. The aim of the repair techniques is anatomical restoration of the bone with differentiation of the cortex and marrow. Currently, classic, hybrid or all-internal distraction devices are technical options. However, they are all based on distraction osteogenesis. Reconstructive techniques restore long-bone continuity by replacing the defect zone with autologous bone, e.g., with a vascularized bone graft or with the technique described by Masquelet. Allografts for defect reconstruction in long bones might also be described as possible options. Due to limited access to allografts in many countries and the authors' opinion that allografts result in poorer outcomes, this review focuses on autologous techniques and gives an internationally aligned overview of the current concepts in repair or reconstruction techniques of segmental long-bone defects.

Structural Reorganization of the Third Metatarsal Bone Shaft After Autogenous Plasty of the Tibial Portion of the Sciatic Nerve

Background. Previous research has shown that neurectomy of the sciatic nerve leads to a reduction in bone density in the femur and tibia of laboratory mice and rats. However, the impact of surgeries aimed at restoring nerve innervation on the bones of distal limb parts has not been studied.&#x0D; Aim of the study to identify structural changes in the shaft of the third metatarsal bone after primary autogenous plasty of the resection defect of the tibial portion of the sciatic nerve in rats.&#x0D; Methods. Autologous neuroplasty of the tibial portion of the sciatic nerve was performed on 16 Wistar rats (aged 8-10 months). The animals were euthanized at 4 and 6 months after the surgery, and a control group of 7 intact rats of similar age was included. Histomorphometric analysis was conducted on a dissected fragment of the forefoot at the level of the metatarsal bones. The ratio of fuchsinophilic and anilinophilic structures of the cortical plate was determined using point-count volumetry on Masson-stained images of transverse sections of the third metatarsal bone shaft. The thickness of the cortical plate, numerical density, area, and diameter of osteons and Haversian canals were measured.&#x0D; Results. After 4 months, compared to the control group, a 15% decrease (p = 0.0001) in the proportion of mineralized structures of the cortical plate and a 12.7% reduction (p = 0.0184) in its thickness were observed. Osteolysis signs were present in the osteonal layer, along with decreased numerical density and dimensional characteristics of osteons, and the presence of osteons with dilated Haversian canals. At 6 months, the thickness of the cortical plate did not significantly differ from the norm (p = 0.2067), but there was a progressive 33.6% decrease (p = 0.0001) in the proportion of mineralized structures. Reduced values of numerical density, area, and diameter of osteons persisted in the osteonal layer, while the diameters of Haversian canals in osteons increased over time.&#x0D; Conclusion. From 4 to 6 months, the thickness of the cortical layer in the compact bone of the third metatarsal bone shaft was restored. However, changes in the numerical and dimensional composition of osteons, along with decreased mineralization of the extracellular matrix and erosion of the subperiosteal bone layer, continued to progress. The developed experimental 2D model can be used to assess denervation osteopenia in distal limb parts and further explore rehabilitation interventions that enhance and improve reinnervation.

Surgical outcomes of segmental diaphyseal forearm fractures in adults: a small case series on plate osteosynthesis, intramedullary nailing, and other surgical methods

BackgroundSegmental fractures often result from high-energy or indirect trauma that causes bending or torsional forces with axial loading. We evaluated surgical outcomes of patients with forearm segmental diaphyseal fractures.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from patients with forearm segmental fractures for which they underwent surgery at the Pusan National University Trauma Center from March 2013 to March 2022. We also analyzed accompanying injuries, injury severity score (ISS), injury mechanism, occurrence of open fracture, surgical technique, and treatment results.ResultsFifteen patients were identified, one with bilateral segmental diaphyseal forearm bone fracture, for a total of 16 cases. Nine of the patients were male. The overall mean age was 50 years, and the mean follow-up period was 16.2 months. Six cases who underwent surgery using plate osteosynthesis achieved bone union without length deformity at final follow-up. Three of seven patients who underwent intramedullary nailing alone underwent reoperation due to nonunion. Six cases achieved bone union at final follow-up, three of which showed length deformity. Three patients underwent surgery using a hybrid method of IM nailing, plates, and mini cables. One patient who underwent surgery with a plate and one patient who underwent surgery with IM nailing alone showed nonunion and were lost to follow-up.ConclusionPlate osteosynthesis is considered the gold standard for treatment of adult forearm diaphyseal segmental fractures. In this study, IM nailing was associated with high rates of non-union and length deformity. However, the combination of IM nailing and a plate-cable system may be an acceptable alternative in segmental diaphyseal forearm fracture, achieving a union rate similar to that provided by plate fixation.

Method for Evaluating Cortical Bone Young's Modulus: Numerical Twin Reconstruction, Finite Element Calculation, and Microstructure Analysis.

The determination of bone mechanical properties remains crucial, especially to feed up numerical models. An original methodology of inverse analysis has been developed to determine the longitudinal elastic modulus of femoral cortical bone. The method is based on a numerical twin of a specific three-point bending test. It has been designed to be reproducible on each test result. In addition, the biofidelity of the geometric acquisition method has been quantified. As the assessment is performed at the scale of a bone shaft segment, the Young's modulus values obtained (between 9518.29 MPa and 14181.15 MPa) are considered average values for the whole tissue, highlighting some intersubject variability. The material microstructure has also been studied through histological analysis, and bone-to-bone comparisons highlighted discrepancies in quadrants microstructures. Furthermore, significant intrasubject variability exists since differences between the bone's medial-lateral and anterior-posterior quadrants have been observed. Thus, the study of microstructures can largely explain the differences between the elastic modulus values obtained. However, a more in-depth study of bone mineral density would also be necessary and would provide some additional information. This study is currently being setup, alongside an investigation of the local variations of the elastic modulus.

The Use of Stromal Vascular Fraction in Long Bone Defect Healing in Sheep.

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate (a) the feasibility of using stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nHA) paste in combination for the treatment of segmental bone defect, (b) the quality of the callus produced, (c) the potential improvement of the autograft technique, and (d) the direct comparison of the biomaterial to the use of autogenous cancellous bone. Unilateral, segmental mid-diaphyseal bone defect was created on the right metatarsus of skeletally mature sheep animals (n = 24) under anesthesia (D0). Residual segments were stabilized by stainless-steel plates and appropriate screws. Defects were managed as follows: group A: use of nHA paste to filling, group B: use of autogenous bone graft mixed with nHA bone paste, placed in defect, group C: use of SVF mixed with nHA bone paste injected into defect, group D: use of bone graft and SVF with nHA paste before apposition in bone defect. SVF had been previously isolated from adipose tissue of the animals intra-operatively after digestion with collagenase solution and neutralization. Animals were evaluated clinically and by X-raying and ultrasonographic examination of the defect, at regular intervals, until D90. Ultrasonographic assessment performed along the length of the defect included calculation of the length of the bone defect and assessment of vascularization. SVF was successfully isolated from group C and D animals, with the average yield being 1.77 × 106 cells. The comparison of clinical scores (based on the 'Kaler scale') on each post-operative day indicated significant differences between the four groups on D1 to D30 (p < 0.01); the median clinical score within group A was 2.5 for D1-D30 and 1 for the entire period; respective scores for other groups were 1.5 (p = 0.07) and 0 (p = 0.033). Differences in radiographic assessment scores were significant for scores obtained on D60 (p = 0.049) and D90 (p = 0.006). There was a significant difference between the four groups in the length of the bone defect, as assessed ultrasonographically, for the entire length of the study; median values were 8, 8.5, 6, and 8 mm for groups A, B, C, and D, respectively (p = 0.008). There was a significance in the differences between median scores obtained during the histopathological examination: 2, 11, 13.5, and 12 for group A, B, C, and D (p = 0.022). There was an inverse correlation between the overall scores of histopathological evaluations and the length of the bone defect (observed on D90) (p < 0.0001) and a correlation between the overall scores and the radiographic assessment scores (obtained on D90) (p < 0.0001). This is the first study in which the efficacy of fresh autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue in enhancing bone healing in a long, weight-bearing, diaphyseal bone was evaluated. It is concluded that the lumbosacral region was an attractive site for harvesting adipose tissue, the use of SVF contributed to faster rehabilitation post-operatively, and SVF significantly enhanced bone formation; in general, the results indicated an osteogenic potential of SVF comparable to the gold standard autologous bone graft.

Osseointegrability of 3D-printed porous titanium alloy implant on tibial shaft bone defect in rabbit model.

Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of osseointegration of porous titanium implants in cancellous bone. Our study was designed to (i) investigate the ability of bone ingrowth into 3D-printed porous titanium alloy implant on the cortical bone of rabbits using CT-scan and histology, and (ii) to identify the consistency of the radiology information between clinical Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and Micro Computed Tomography (μCT) in the evaluation of bone ingrowth. The porous titanium alloy implants were 3D-printed employing the Electron Beam Melting (EBM) technology with an intended pore size of 600 μm and porosity of approximately 50 percent. Each implant was inserted into tibial diaphysis in one rabbit and its pores were classified as contacting bone or non-contacting bone. Depending on the time of explantation, the rabbits were divided into two groups: group 1 consisting of 6 rabbits between 13 and 20 weeks and group 2 consisting of 6 rabbits between 26 and 32 weeks. Tissue ingrowth into the non-bone contacting pores were evaluated by CBCT and histology. μCT was used to further investigate the bone ingrowth into four implants (two from each group were randomly chosen). The CBCT detected the present of tissue with bone-like density in both bone-contacting pores and non-bone-contacting pores of all implants. The μCT analysis also supported this result. All the bone-like tissues were then histologically confirmed to be mature bone. The analysis of CBCT data to assess bone ingrowth in porous implants had the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 85, 84, 93 and 70 percent, respectively, when considering μCT assessment as the gold standard. Fully porous titanium alloy implant has great potential to reconstruct diaphyseal bone defect due to its good ability of osseointegration. CBCT is a promising method for evaluation of bone ingrowth into porous implants.