Radiographic Evidence Of Osteoarthritis Research Articles

Autologous chondrocytes versus filtered bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells for knee cartilage repair-a prospective study.

To document clinical, radiologic, and cellular data of a prospective patient series treated by a tri-layer collagen-hydroxyapatite biomimetic osteochondral scaffold (CHAS) intra-operatively seeded with cultivated autologous chondrocytes (AC) or with filtered bone marrow stem/stromal cells (fBMSC) to address chronic osteochondral knee lesions. Thirty-six consecutive patients (15 to 59years) with chronic osteochondral lesions (1.8-10cm2) in the condylar or patellofemoral knee surfaces were enrolled. Lesions were covered with CHAS fixed with a fibrin glue. The superficial layer of CHAS was intra-operatively injected with active cells: in initial fivepatients, ACs were put directly onto dry CHAS (dry-AC); next, eightAC patients had CHAS moistened with cell culture media (media-AC), while the tourniquet was released allowing blood soaking of CHAS in the rest (14 blood-AC, 9 blood-fBMSC). Seventeen (50%) patients required different concomitant procedures. All patients were followed for serious adverse events (SAE) or graft failures; clinical, radiographic, and MRI evaluation was conducted. Cellular data on the injected cells were assessed. At a follow-up of 39months (16-81), 17 patients required an additional surgical intervention: sevengraft-related SAE (early post-operative synovitis and/or arthrofibrosis) were registered (3 dry-AC, 3 media-AC, 1 blood-fBMSC). There were two graft failures (1 dry-AC, 1 blood-fBMSC) for secondary reasons. All clinical scores significantly improved from pre- to post-operative values: IKCD subjective 44 to 65; IKDC examination (9/17/5/5) to (20/10/5/1); KOOS (P61/S59/ADL67/Sp32/QoL31) to (P79/S75/ADL84/Sp55/QoL51); Tegner activity scale 3.3 to 4.4. There was evidence of radiographic osteoarthritis progression-Kellgren-Lawrence 1.0 to 1.5. MOCART scores at the final follow-up averaged 71 (10 to 95). Graft-type analysis demonstrated an increased rate of graft-related SAE in dry-AC and media-AC, but their final outcomes were equivalent. Cellular data of AC at the implantation were as follows: cells in suspension 9.2 × 106, viability 95%. In blood-fBMSC group, a cell suspension with 87% viability was injected, which contained 1156 CFU-Fs. CHAS with intra-operative seeding of active cells, either AC or fBMSC, led to an overall successful outcome for the treatment of chronic osteochondral lesions in the knee. Blood soaking of CHAS in situ before cell seeding significantly decreased early post-operative adverse events, such as synovitis and arthrofibrosis.

Multivariable logistic and linear regression models for identification of clinically useful biomarkers for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic degenerative joint disease which causes substantial joint pain, deformity and loss of activities of daily living. Currently, there are over 500 million OA cases worldwide, and there is an urgent need to identify biomarkers for early detection, and monitoring disease progression in patients without obvious radiographic damage to the joint. We have used regression modelling to describe the association of 19 of the currently available biomarkers (predictors) with key radiographic and clinical features of OA (outcomes) in one of the largest and best characterised OA cohort (NIH Osteoarthritis Initiative). We demonstrate that of the 19 currently available biomarkers only 4 (serum Coll2-1 NO2, CS846, COMP and urinary CTXII) were consistently associated with established radiographic and/or clinical features of OA. These biomarkers are independent of one another and provide additional predictive power over, and above established predictors of OA such as age, gender, BMI and race. We also show that that urinary CTXII had the strongest and consistent associations with clinical symptoms of OA as well as radiographic evidence of joint damage. Accordingly, urinary CTXII may aid in early diagnosis of OA in symptomatic patients without radiographic evidence of OA.

Injection route affects intra-articular hyaluronic acid distribution and clinical outcome in viscosupplementation treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a combined cadaver study and randomized clinical trial.

The coverage of hyaluronic acid (HA) on the impaired cartilage should be the precondition to exert its beneficial effect on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) according to the pharmacological mechanism. However, the intra-articular distribution of HA might be correlated with the route of drug delivery. Forty-two cadaver knees with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis were given anteromedial (AM) or medial midpatellar (MMP) injection of HA (molecular weight 600-1500 kD) followed by gait stimulation. Although 2.5 ml HA delivered through both routes failed to cover the entire cartilage, HA covered 96.12% cartilage of patellofemoral joint (PFJ) and 71.44% of medial femorotibial joint (FTJ) through MMP route, whereas mainly distributed into FTJ and posterior condyles through AM route. HA in the MMP group distributed more in PFJ than that in the AM group (P < 0.001), but no significant difference presented in medial FTJ (P = 0.084). The clinical efficacy was also associated with the route of drug delivery. One hundred patients with unilateral mild-to-moderate KOA were recruited and randomly assigned to receive five weekly HA injections with AM route (n = 50) or MMP route (n = 50). Patients in the MMP group obtained better improvement in WOMAC index total score, pain score, stiffness score, and Lequesne index total score over the entire follow-up period, as compared to patients in the AM group (all P < 0.01). More patients in the MMP group claimed pain relief (71.7%, P = 0.024) and felt satisfying (63.1%, P = 0.007) than in the AM group at the end of follow-up. Therefore, intra-articular HA injection through MMP route is recommended in treating mild-to-moderate KOA. Graphical Abstract .

Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome in NCAA Division I Athletes: Experience at a Single Institution.

Background:The rate of return to sport after surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome (FAIS) has been studied in high-level athletes. However, few studies examining this rate have focused exclusively on National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes.Purpose:To evaluate the return-to-sport rate after hip arthroscopy for FAIS and to examine the influence of sport type on the clinical presentation of FAIS in collegiate athletes.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Included in this study were NCAA Division I student-athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS at our institution between 2010 and 2017. Exclusion criteria were history of previous hip pathology, pediatric hip disease, radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade >0), prior lower extremity procedure, history of chronic pain, osteoporosis, or history of systemic inflammatory disease. Athletes were categorized into 6 subgroups based on the type of sport (cutting, contact, endurance, impingement, asymmetric/overhead, and flexibility) by using a previously reported classification system. Patient characteristics and preoperative, intraoperative, and return-to-sport variables were compared among sport types.Results:A total of 49 hip arthroscopies for FAIS were performed in 39 collegiate athletes (10 females, 29 males; mean age, 19.5 ± 1.3 years). A total of 1 (2.6%) cutting athlete, 15 (38.5%) contact athletes, 8 (20.5%) impingement athletes, 6 (15.4%) asymmetric/overhead athletes, and 9 (23.1%) endurance athletes were included in the study. There were no differences among sports groups with respect to the FAI type. Endurance athletes had lower rates of femoral osteochondroplasty (45.5%) and labral debridement (0.0%) (P < .0001). Contact sport athletes had higher rates of labral debridement (50.0%; P < .0001). Patients were evaluated for return to sport at an average of 1.96 ± 0.94 years. Overall, the return-to-sport rate was 89.7%. There were no differences in return-to-sport rates based on the sport type except for endurance athletes, who returned at a lower rate (66.6%; P < .001). No differences in return-to-sport rate (P = .411), duration after return (P = .265), or highest attempted level of sport resumed (P = .625) were found between patients who underwent labral repair versus debridement.Conclusion:Collegiate-level athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS returned to sport at high and predictable rates, with endurance athletes possibly returning to sport at lower rates than all other sport types. Surgical procedures may be influenced by sport type, but the rate of return to sport between athletes who underwent labral debridement versus labral repair was similar.

Retrospective Radiographic Study of Degenerative Joint Disease in Cats: Prevalence Based on Orthogonal Radiographs.

Feline degenerative joint disease (DJD) has been reported worldwide. Radiographic evidence, including that from single-plane radiographs, has been used for diagnosis in these reports, though orthogonal radiographs are generally required to diagnose DJD. However, more orthogonal radiographs are required for diagnosis. In this study, we investigated how many orthogonal radiographs are necessary to diagnose feline DJD among domestic short-haired cats. We analyzed the data from 101 cats for which the owners requested screening for arthritis. Orthogonal radiographs of appendicular and intervertebral joints were taken from the chest to the caudal side. Radiographs were then reviewed and graded by severity of DJD in each joint. Radiographic evidence of appendicular DJD was detected in 74.26% of 101 cats, of which 40.59% had intervertebral DJD (typically of the lumbosacral joint). Appendicular DJD was most common in elbow joints. Lameness was recognized by an owner of two cats and was diagnosed by a veterinarian in two cats. No obvious pain was detected on palpation in any cats with appendicular osteoarthritis, but lumbosacral DJD was associated with back pain in seven cases. Aging was associated with radiographic evidence of DJD: radiographic evidence of DJD was observed in most older domestic short-haired cats. Most cases without lumbosacral DJD had no obvious symptoms. As the lifespan of cats increases due to better lifestyles, diet, and medical treatment, lumbosacral DJD, which is more likely in older cats, may become an increasingly important clinical problem. In addition, orthogonal radiograph must be taken to make diagnosis for appendicular joint DJD especially hip and stifle joint.

Can Radiographic Joint Space Accurately Predict Chondral Damage During Hip Arthroscopy? A Cross-Sectional Analysis

To examine how preoperative radiographic joint space correlated with intraoperative chondral damage as diagnosed during hip arthroscopy, in patients without radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis or joint space <2 mm. Patients younger than the age of 50 years without previous hip conditions who underwent hip primary arthroscopy had their joint space and intraoperative chondral damage compared. A narrow joint space group was defined as those in the lowest decile of the average joint space. The demographics and presence of intra-articular findings of chondral damage were compared. In addition, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess joint space as a predictor of intraarticular damage. There were 1892 in this analysis. The incidence of severe cartilage damage (Outerbridge III and IV) was not significantly different between the narrow and non-narrow groups. The ROC analysis for joint space at detecting chondral damage was poor. The ROC area under the curve for joint space detecting any chondral defect (acetabular or femoral head) was 0.536 (confidence interval 0.506-0.565), with low sensitivity (0.492), specificity (0.582), negative predictive value (0.720), and positive predictive value (0.340). Spearman correlation could not demonstrate a correlation between joint space and cartilage damage (⍴Acetabular= 0.10, ⍴Femoral Head= 0.04). Interestingly, a gradual widening was observed between the medial and lateral joint spaces, with more pronounced findings in hips without damage. The results of this study demonstrate that in patients with Tönnis 0 and 1, narrower joint space may be an anatomic variant and cannot predict actual intraoperative cartilage damage. However, if the lateral joint space has relative narrowing compared with the medial joint space, this may indicate acetabular cartilage damage. III, retrospective diagnostic comparative study.

Very long-term osteoarthritis rate after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: 182 cases with 22-year’ follow-up

BackgroundFew data are available on the 20-year outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of knee osteoarthritis at least 20 years after ACL reconstruction. HypothesisFactors associated with progression to knee osteoarthritis include meniscal lesions, level of physical activity, injury-to-surgery time, body mass index, residual laxity, tunnel position and cartilage injury. Material and methodsOne hundred and eighty two patients were included in a multicentre retrospective study conducted in the setting of a SoFCOT symposium. Females contributed two-thirds of the study population. ACL reconstruction was performed arthroscopically in 82% of cases, and a bone-patellar tendon-bone transplant was used in 92.8% of cases. Mean age at surgery was 26±7years. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on the objective and subjective IKDC scores and on the KOOS. Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis was classified according to the IKDC. Factors evaluated for their ability to predict progression to osteoarthritis included age, sex, body mass index, level of physical activity, injury-to-surgery time, meniscectomy, cartilage injury, tunnel position and residual laxity. ResultsAt last follow-up, the objective IKDC score was A (normal) for 48%, B for 35%, and C or D for 17% of the knees. The mean subjective IKDC score was 82.7±13.1. Moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis was present in 29% of cases. The following risk factors for osteoarthritis were identified: medial or lateral meniscectomy, residual laxity, age >30years at surgery, and engaging in a pivoting sport. Meniscectomy was a major contributor to the development of osteoarthritis (17% of knees without vs. 46% with meniscectomy). Finally, the ACL re-tear rate was 13%. ConclusionACL reconstruction provides satisfactory knee stability. The risk of subsequent osteoarthritis depends chiefly on the status of the menisci. Residual laxity is also associated with the development of osteoarthritis. Level of evidenceIV, retrospective cohort study.

Radiological, physical and psychological features of ankle OA: A cross sectional study

Introduction: Ankle sprains and fractures are among the most common injuries sustained in sporting populations. One significant consequence of these injuries is ankle osteoarthritis. Evidence suggests the presence of local ankle impairments and decreased quality of life (QoL) in ankle osteoarthritis, but research is limited to individuals with end-stage disease. Further, the correlation between radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis and symptoms/impairments has not been investigated at the ankle. The primary aim of this study was to compare physical measures and patient-reported outcomes between individuals with symptomatic radiographic ankle osteoarthritis and asymptomatic individuals. Secondary aims were to compare these outcomes in asymptomatic individuals with and without radiographic evidence of ankle osteoarthritis, and to identify associations between outcomes and health-related QoL.

Radiographic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Symptomatic Synthetic Cartilage Implant.

Synthetic Cartilage Implantation (SCI; Cartiva) is a treatment of hallux rigidus associated with mixed clinical outcomes in the United States. Patients with persistent pain typically undergo diagnostic imaging for evaluation. We aimed to characterize the radiologic findings of SCI and surrounding tissues. This is a retrospective review of patients treated using SCI who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for persistent pain. Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint spaces were compared on plain radiographs of the foot immediately postoperatively and at most recent follow-up. MRI of the foot were assessed for dimensions of the implant, bony channel, and presence of peri-implant fluid. Clinical follow-up, including Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Informational System (PROMIS) scores, satisfaction rating, and revision surgery, was collected. Eighteen cases of symptomatic SCI from 16 patients (13 females, 3 males) were included. All but 1 case involved a 10-mm implant. Mean satisfaction rating was 2.25 (1-5 Likert scale). PROMIS scores indicated moderate physical dysfunction (41) and moderate pain interference (63). Six of 16 patients (37.5%) underwent revision surgery at average 20.9 months of follow-up. Plain radiographs over a 13.3-month interval showed joint space narrowing of 2 mm medially and 1.6 mm laterally (P < .001). One hundred percent of cases had radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (OA) progression. MRI studies were obtained on average 11.5 months postoperatively. The implant diameter averaged 9.7 mm, which mismatched the bony channel diameter of 11.2 mm (P < .001). Fourteen of 18 cases had peri-implant fluid. All cases had edema in the metatarsal, proximal phalanx, and soft tissues. Radiographic loss of MTP joint space and progression of arthritis were present for all cases studied. MRI revealed bony channel widening and a smaller implant, with peri-implant fluid suggesting instability at the implant-bone interface. Persistent edema was observed in soft tissues and bone. Diagnostic imaging of SCI in symptomatic patients demonstrated concerning findings that merit further correlation with patient outcomes. Level IV, case series.

Effectiveness of stretching and bracing for the treatment of osteoarthritis-associated joint contractures prior to joint replacement: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionMany patients with osteoarthritis (OA) develop restrictions in passive range of motion (ROM) of their affected joints (called contractures), leading to increased pain and reduced function. Effective treatment to reverse...

Correlation between synovial fluid cytokine concentrations and limb function in normal dogs and in dogs with lameness from spontaneous osteoarthritis.

To determine the relationship between synovial biomarker concentrations and severity of lameness and to assess the ability to differentiate normal from osteoarthritic joints with synovial biomarker concentrations. Prospective clinical study. Twelve hounds with no evidence of osteoarthritis (OA) and 27 client-owned dogs with unilateral lameness and joint pain in a single joint from naturally occurring OA. Enrollment in the OA group required a history of lameness, radiographic evidence of OA on orthogonal joint radiographs, and ≥6% gait asymmetry between contralateral limbs. The concentrations of 14 synovial OA biomarkers in synovial samples obtained after gait analysis were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and compared between normal and OA joints. Concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, substance P, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, KC-like, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and MMP-3 were greater (P ≤ .05) in OA than in normal joints. The concentrations of bradykinin and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-4 were decreased in OA compared with normal joints. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 was identified as the most accurate marker to distinguish OA from normal joints. No correlation was detected between any OA biomarker concentration, individually or in combination, and severity of gait asymmetry at the walk. Differences in proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers were detected between OA and normal joints, but no relationship was identified between biomarker concentrations and gait asymmetry in dogs with OA. This information will help guide future studies to elucidate how factors such as disease chronicity, severity, and etiology affect these relationships.

Leukocyte Telomere Length in Patients with Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis.

Relative mean telomere sequence amount was determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) of peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) samples obtained at recruitment (n = 310) from individuals from the Osteoarthritis (OA) Initiative consortium. Knees were radiologically evaluated according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score, ranging from 0 to 4, considering a KL grade ≥ 2 as radiographic evidence of OA (n = 124). Telomere size decreased as baseline KL score increased, being significantly shorter in subjects with KL ≥2 (Mann-Whitney U-test, P < 0.0001). PBL telomere size was also associated with age, hypertension, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Nevertheless, logistic regression analysis showed that PBL telomere size was a consistent risk factor for concurrent knee OA, independent of these health parameters. Shorter PBL telomeres may indicate a premature aging status which enhances chondrocyte senescence and degenerative joint disease. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:298-301, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Patient reported and clinical outcomes of robotic-arm assisted unicondylar knee arthroplasty: Minimum two year follow-up

BackgroundUnicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) originated in the 1950's. There have been many enhancements to the implants and the technique, improving the precision and accuracy of this challenging operation. Specifically for Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System (Rio; Mako Stryker, Fort Lauderdale, FL), there are many studies reporting clinical outcomes, but our search offered nothing regarding patient reported outcomes using validated surveys. MethodsPatients with onlay tibial components presenting for routine follow-up of robotic-arm assisted UKA performed between May 2009 and September 2013 were invited to participate. Four joints had simultaneous patella femoral resurfacing. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS) and the 2011 Knee Society Scores were collected. Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in the non-operative knee compartments was documented. ResultsEighty-one patients presented for follow-up and consented to participate. Mean follow up was 54 months. Mean patient reported KOOS activities of daily living and pain scores were each 90. Knee Society 2011 mean objective score was 96 and mean function score 81. There was one revision to total knee at 40 months post-op for pain after injury. Seventy-seven percent reported their knee always felt “Normal”, 20% sometimes, and only 3% reported that it never felt normal. ConclusionLiterature on UKA failure rates suggests that UKA may be a less forgiving procedure than total knee arthroplasty. Robotic-arm assisted surgery is reported to improve the accuracy of implant placement. Based on our prospectively collected positive patient outcomes, the authors have achieved good results from performing robotic-arm assisted UKA on select patients.

Comparing image analysis approaches versus expert readers: the relation of knee radiograph features to knee pain

ObjectivesThe relationship between radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis and knee pain has been weak. This may be because features that best discriminate knees with pain have not been included in analyses....

Symptomatic tarsometatarsal osteoarthritis after open reduction and screwing of Lisfranc injuries

Objective To explore the outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with transarticular screws for Lisfranc injuries and the postoperative incidence of symptomatic tarsometatarsal osteoarthritis (OA). Methods This retrospective study involved 28 patients who had been treated surgically at our institution between January 2009 and January 2015 for Lisfranc injuries. They were 18 males and 10 females, with an average age of 36.1 years (from 19 to 54 years). According to the Quenu-Kuss classification, 5 patients had type-A injury, 10 type-B injury (4 cases of type-B1 and 6 ones of type-B2), and 13 type-C injury (8 cases of type-C1 and 5 ones of type-C2). The patients underwent ORIF with screws for the 1st to the 3rd tarsometatarsal joints and ORIF with Kirschner wires for the 4th to the 5th tarsometatarsal joints within 2 weeks. After the Kirschner wires were removed 8 to 10 weeks postoperatively, progressive weight-bearing began. Functional outcomes were assessed according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scores and visual analog scale (VAS) at final follow-ups. Results The mean duration of follow-up was 29.9 months (from 26 to 72 months). AOFAS scores revealed one excellent case, 22 good ones and 5 poor ones with an excellent to good rate of 82.1%. The mean VAS score was 2.8. Radiographic evidence of OA was noted in 20 patients (71.4%, 20/28), in 18 of whom (90.0%) symptomatic OA was observed. There was no significant difference (P=0.399) in the incidence of symptomatic OA either between the patients with anatomic reduction (60.9%, 14/23) and those without anatomical reduction (80.0%, 4/5). Conclusions ORIF with transarticular screws can lead to good therapeutic outcomes for Lisfranc injuries. The incidence of symptomatic OA may not be related to the injury type or reduction quality. Key words: Foot injuries; Bone nails; Osteoarthritis; Open reduction

Results of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Patellar Tendon Autografts: Objective Factors Associated With the Development of Osteoarthritis at 20 to 33 Years After Surgery

Background: Few studies exist that report objective radiographic and physical examination results at >20 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Hypothesis: The risk of osteoarthritis (OA) at >20 years after surgery would be statistically significantly higher if an increased severity of factors was present. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Between 1982 and 1994, 1428 knees met the inclusion criteria of being primary ACL surgery, having no existing OA or other ligamentous laxity, and having no known graft tear. Prospective data analyzed included demographics; meniscus and articular cartilage status; ratings of bilateral standing posteroanterior weightbearing, lateral, and Merchant view radiographs; KT-1000 arthrometer measurements; and range of motion measurements. Radiographs were graded for joint space narrowing, sclerosis, and osteophytes according to International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) criteria. Multivariate and univariate logistic models were used to determine the effect of potential predictors on the odds of having radiographic evidence of OA. IKDC and Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS) subjective surveys were conducted. Results: A minimum 20-year objective follow-up was obtained for 423 knees at a mean of 22.5 ± 2.1 years postoperatively. If a patient lacked normal extension or flexion at discharge, the odds of lacking normal extension or flexion at follow-up were 19.7 and 7.97, respectively (P < .001). Radiographic ratings were normal for 35.2%, nearly normal for 36.2%, abnormal for 20.1%, and severely abnormal for 8.5%. Multivariate analysis showed that the predictive factors for the presence of OA in the long-term were medial meniscectomy, older age at surgery, and less than normal knee extension at discharge. The odds ratios for statistically significant factors for the presence of any OA at follow-up were 2.02 for knee extension loss at discharge, 2.98 for medial meniscectomy, 1.65 for lateral meniscectomy, 1.06 for age at follow-up, 1.62 for chronic injury type, and 2.17 for articular cartilage damage. The IKDC and CKRS subjective scores were progressively and statistically significantly lower as the level of OA was greater. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of developing moderate to severe OA at >20 years after ACL reconstruction was 28.6%. Significant factors predictive of OA in the long-term were older age at surgery, medial meniscectomy, and knee extension loss.

Ultrasound-detected osteophytes predict the development of radiographic and clinical features of hand osteoarthritis in the same finger joints 5 years later

BackgroundStructural pathology may be present in joints without radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (OA). Ultrasound is a sensitive tool for early detection of osteophytes. Our aim was to explore whether ultrasound-detected...

Transforming growth factor activating kinase 1 regulates extracellular matrix degrading enzymes and pain-related molecule expression following tumor necrosis factor-\u03b1 stimulation of synovial cells: an in vitro study

BackgroundRecent studies have suggested that the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) pathway is a potential target for the management of osteoarthritis (OA). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is essential in several cytokine-mediated cascades, including the TNF-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and TGF-β pathways. The role of TAK1 in synovial tissue in OA is not fully understood. Using synovial cells harvested from OA patients during surgery, we investigated whether TAK1 inhibition suppresses production of TNF-α-induced extracellular matrix degrading enzymes and expression of pain-related molecules.MethodsSynovial tissues were harvested from ten subjects with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (OA) during total knee arthroplasty. Synovial cells were cultured and stimulated with control (culture media), 10 ng/mL human recombinant TNF-α, or 10 ng/mL TNF-α and 10 μM of the TAK1 inhibitor (5Z)-7-oxozeaenol for 24 h. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to monitor expression of mRNA of the extracellular matrix degrading enzymes matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease (reprolysin type) with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 4 (ADAMTS-4); and of the pain-related molecules cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1), and nerve growth factor (NGF). MMP-3 and NGF protein concentrations in cell supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). COX-2, mPGES-1 and ADAMTS-4 protein expression was also evaluated by western blotting.ResultsTNF-α stimulated increases in ADAMTS-4 and MMP3 mRNA (2.0-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively, p < 0.05) and protein expression (21.5-fold and 2.0-fold, respectively). Treatment with the TAK1 inihibitor (5Z)-7-oxozeaenol reduced ADAMTS-4 and MMP3 mRNA (0.5-fold and 0.6-fold, respectively) and protein expression (1.4-fold and 0.5-fold, respectively) in OA synovial cells. COX-2, mPGES-1 and NGF mRNA (11.2-fold, 3.1-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively) and protein expression (3.0-fold, 2.7-fold and 2.2-fold, respectively) were increased by TNF-α. (5Z)-7-oxozeaenol treatment reduced mPGES1 and NGF mRNA (1.5-fold and 0.8-fold, respectively) and protein (1.5-fold and 0.5-fold, respectively).ConclusionTAK1 plays an important role in the regulation of TNF-α induced extracellular matrix degrading enzymes and pain-related molecule expression. TAK1 may be a potential target for therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing osteoarthritis progression and pain.

Anterior knee pain and evidence of osteoarthritis of the patellofemoral joint should not be considered contraindications to mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

It is not clear whether anterior knee pain and osteoarthritis (OA) of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) are contraindications to medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Our aim was to investigate the long-term outcome of a consecutive series of patients, some of whom had anterior knee pain and PFJ OA managed with UKA. We assessed the ten-year functional outcomes and 15-year implant survival of 805 knees (677 patients) following medial mobile-bearing UKA. The intra-operative status of the PFJ was documented and, with the exception of bone loss with grooving to the lateral side, neither the clinical or radiological state of the PFJ nor the presence of anterior knee pain were considered a contraindication. The impact of radiographic findings and anterior knee pain was studied in a subgroup of 100 knees (91 patients). There was no relationship between functional outcomes, at a mean of ten years, or 15-year implant survival, and pre-operative anterior knee pain, or the presence or degree of cartilage loss documented intra-operatively at the medial patella or trochlea, or radiographic evidence of OA in the medial side of the PFJ. In 6% of cases there was full thickness cartilage loss on the lateral side of the patella. In these cases, the overall ten-year function and 15-year survival was similar to those without cartilage loss; however they had slightly more difficulty with descending stairs. Radiographic signs of OA seen in the lateral part of the PFJ were not associated with a definite compromise in functional outcome or implant survival. Severe damage to the lateral side of the PFJ with bone loss and grooving remains a contraindication to mobile-bearing UKA. Less severe damage to the lateral side of the PFJ and damage to the medial side, however severe, does not compromise the overall function or survival, so should not be considered to be a contraindication. However, if a patient does have full thickness cartilage loss on the lateral side of the PFJ they may have a slight compromise in their ability to descend stairs. Pre-operative anterior knee pain also does not compromise the functional outcome or survival and should not be considered to be a contraindication. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:632-9.

Effect of N-acetylglucosamine administration on cartilage metabolism and safety in healthy subjects without symptoms of arthritis: A case report.

N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) is a widely accepted treatment for osteoarthritis (OA); however, its effect on healthy individuals is poorly understood. To evaluate the effect of GlcNAc administration on healthy subjects that do not exhibit symptoms of arthritis, the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. In the present study, 68 male and female Japanese participants, without symptomatic and radiographic evidence of OA, were enrolled and randomly allocated to receive placebo or GlcNAc (500 or 1,000 mg/day) for 16 weeks. Effects were evaluated using biomarkers for type II collagen degradation and synthesis, collagen type II cleavage (C2C), procollagen type II carboxy-terminal propeptide (PIICP) and their ratio (C2C/PIICP). Furthermore, safety assessments were performed via physical parameters, hematology, blood biochemistry and urinalysis. The results indicated that there was no significant change in the biomarkers for type II collagen degeneration and synthesis during and after the intervention with the placebo and two GlcNAc groups. However, subgroup analysis using subjects with impaired cartilage metabolism (who exhibited enhanced type II collagen degradation and reduced type II collagen synthesis) indicated that the C2C levels were significantly decreased at 8 (P<0.05) and 16 (P<0.01) weeks during the intervention in the two GlcNAc (500 mg and 1,000 mg/day) groups, compared with the placebo group. In contrast, PIICP levels were not notably different in the placebo and two GlcNAc groups. The C2C/PIICP ratio was markedly decreased at 12 and 16 weeks during the intervention in the two GlcNAc groups, compared with the placebo group. Moreover, no supplement-related adverse events were observed during and after the intervention. In conclusion, these observations indicate that oral administration of GlcNAc at doses of 500 and 1,000 mg/day improves cartilage metabolism in healthy subjects without apparent adverse effects.