Tibial Fracture Repair Research Articles

Modified frailty index can help predict complications following tibial plateau fracture fixation: a NSQIP study involving 2213 patients.

The 5-item modified frailty index (mFI-5) has been established as a reliable indicator of poor postoperative outcomes following a variety of orthopaedic procedures. This study aims to determine whether the mFI-5 can be used by surgeons to predict the likelihood of postoperative complications in patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for tibial plateau fractures. From 2006 to 2019, patients aged 50years or older undergoing ORIF for tibial plateau fracture were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The mFI-5 was calculated based on the sum of the presence of 5 conditions: diabetes, congestive heart failure, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dependent functional status. Chi-squared tests and multivariable regression analysis were used to evaluate the association of different mFI-5 scores with postoperative complications. The study analyzed 2213 patients with an average age of 63years. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that in comparison to patients with a mFI-5 score of 0, those with a score of 1 had an increased risk of prolonged hospital stay (OR 1.31) and discharge to a non-home location (OR 1.50) while those with a score of 2 or greater were at an increased risk of readmission (OR 2.30), wound complication (OR 5.37), pulmonary complication (OR 4.56), urinary tract infection (OR 4.79), prolonged hospital stay (OR 1.89), and discharge to a non-home location (OR 3.01). The mFI-5 is a reliable instrument for determining the likelihood of postoperative complications following ORIF for tibial plateau fracture repair. III.

Paper 25: Enhancing Tibial Spine Fracture Repair: Suture Plus Diaphyseal Suture Anchors Biomechanically Outperform Sutures and Screws in Pediatric Cadaveric Knees

Paper 25: Enhancing Tibial Spine Fracture Repair: Suture Plus Diaphyseal Suture Anchors Biomechanically Outperform Sutures and Screws in Pediatric Cadaveric Knees

Quadriceps muscle quality and quantity following tibial plateau fracture repair.

To investigate the qualitative and quantitative changes seen in quadriceps muscles [QM] following tibial plateau fracture and surgery. A consecutive series of patients with an isolated tibial plateau fracture presenting to a single academic center were enrolled and prospectively followed. Bilateral knee MRIs were performed preoperatively and 3 and 12 months postoperatively to assess quantity and quality of the quadriceps muscles. All patients underwent tibial plateau operative repair and were made non-weight-bearing for 10 weeks postoperatively then advanced to weight-bearing as tolerated. Functional status assessed via the short musculoskeletal functional assessment (SMFA); knee range of motion [ROM]; vastus medialis oblique [VMO] and vastus lateralis [VL] muscle quantity (axial width, cross sectional area [CSA] and volume) on injured and contralateral limb; VMO, sartorius, semi-membranous and biceps femoris [BF] muscle quality (fat and water content, and proton density fat fraction). All muscle quantitative and qualitative measurements were compared across all time points. Ten patients were included in the final analysis, 6 males and 4 females, with average age of 43.62 ± 16.3years. While the VMO and VL axial width and CSA were significantly decreased at 3months preoperatively, this was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between any QM quantitative measurements at any time points. There was no difference in fat content, water content or PDFF at any time point for the VMO, sartorius, semi-membranous and BF muscles. Regression analysis also showed no association between 12-month SMFA scores and knee ROM with VMO/VL CSA at 1year. QM quantity and quality do not significantly change at 3months and 1year postoperatively following tibial plateau fracture surgery. Prognostic Level II.

Comparison of Radiographic Outcomes Assessed via the Radiographic Union Scale for Tibial Fractures and Alkaline Phosphatase Levels during the Tibial Healing Process: A Series of Case Reports.

Tibial diaphysis fractures are common injuries resulting from high-to-low-energy traumas in patients of all age groups, but few reports currently provide complementary parameters for the assessment of bone healing processes in the postoperative period. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the scores from the Radiographic Union Scale for Tibial Fractures (RUST) can promote new horizons in this context. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the behavior of ALP and RUST through within-subject comparisons from immediately post-surgery to 49 days after tibial diaphysis fracture repair. This article included four case studies where patients underwent the same procedures. Adults of both sexes aged 18 to 60 years with tibial fractures requiring surgery were included. After surgical intervention (T1), the patients were followed for 49 days after surgery, returning for follow-up appointments on the 21st (T2) and 49th (T3) days. At the follow-up appointments, new X-ray images were obtained, and blood samples were collected for ALP measurement. Serum ALP levels increased by T2 following tibial reamed intramedullary nailing surgery. While this increase persisted into T3 for two patients, a decline was observed during the same period for the other two patients. Both events are indicative of the bone consolidation process, and RUST scores at the T3 corroborate this perspective for all patients included in this study. Considering that delta ALP (T3-T1 value) was lower in patients who exhibited the highest RUST score, we suggest that a synchronized analysis between ALP and RUST allows medics to diagnose bone consolidation. Therefore, it can be concluded that the analysis of ALP alongside RUST may be complementary for evaluating bone consolidation following tibial reamed intramedullary nailing surgery, but future studies are needed to confirm this assertion.

Risk factors for delayed return to work following tibial shaft fracture surgery.

To determine when patients return to work following operative repair of tibial shaft fractures (TSF) and what risk factors are associated with a delayed return to work (RTW), defined as greater than 180days after operative repair. Retrospective chart review was performed on a consecutive series of TSF patients who underwent operative repair. Time to RTW was based on documented work-clearance communications from the operating surgeon. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on when they returned to work: early (≤ 90days), average (91-80days), and late (≥ 180days). Univariate analysis was performed, and significant variables were included in multinomial logistic regression. There were 168 patients identified. Eighteen were excluded (retired, unemployed, or never returned to work) leaving 150 patients. The average time to RTW for the overall study population was 4.17 ± 2.06months. There were 39 (26.0%) patients in the early RTW group, 85 (56.7%) in the average RTW group, and 26 (17.3%) in the late RTW group. Patient with high-energy injuries (p = 0.024), open fractures (p = 0.001), initial external-fixation (p = 0.036), labor-intensive job (p = 0.018) and post-operative non-weight bearing status (p = 0.023) all had significantly longer RTW. Multinomial logistic regression including these parameters found a closed fracture was associated with a 1.9 decreased risk of delayed RTW (p = 0.004, 95% CI 0.039-0.533). Open fractures, initial external-fixation, restricted post-operative weight-bearing and labor-intensive jobs are associated with a delayed RTW following operative repair of TSFs. Therapeutic Level III.

Tibial Spine Avulsion Repair With FiberRing Suture and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair TightRope

Tibial spine avulsion fractures occur predominantly in children and young adults and are an uncommon type of knee injury. To ensure knee stability and preserve range of motion with minimal knee laxity, it is essential to restore anterior cruciate ligament length through surgical reduction and fixation of the fracture. Achieving anatomic reduction of tibial spine avulsion fractures with an arthroscopic approach is a technically complex procedure. In this Technical Note and accompanying video, we describe a unique fixation repair of tibial spine avulsion fractures using Arthrex FiberRing sutures and an Arthrex ACL Repair TightRope. The technique presented is an effective method to reduce tibial spine avulsion fractures to anatomic position with a variable tensioning system that allows for a strong and secure fixation method.

Techniques for Fixing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Avulsion Fractures in Multiligament Knee Injuries

Background: In patients with multiligament knee injuries, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are often reconstructed. Recent studies have shown good results when the ACL tibial avulsions are repaired. The advantages of ACL tibial avulsion repair are the preservation of the native anatomy, reduction in donor site morbidity, and lower risk of tunnel convergence. Indications & Technique Description: We show 2 techniques for repairing ACL tibial avulsion fractures. The first case describes the use of hybrid fixation (screw and suture), with staged repair and reconstruction in a patient with high-energy knee fracture-dislocation. The second case describes the use of suture ACL repair via tunnels in a patient with a low-energy knee dislocation and an ACL tibial avulsion fracture. When repairing ACL tibial avulsion fractures, screw fixation is recommended for larger tibial fragments. In smaller comminuted fragments, tying sutures passed through the ACL via tibial tunnels may be more appropriate. Results: Several studies have demonstrated good postoperative results in patients following the fixation of ACL tibial avulsion fractures. Both screw and suture fixation are effective methods of repairing ACL tibial avulsion fractures and have similar postoperative outcomes. It has been found that screw fixation is associated with a higher risk of subsequent surgery and implant removal than suture fixation. Conclusion: The repair of ACL tibial avulsion fractures in multiligament knee injuries is an alternative to ACL reconstruction that demonstrates excellent postoperative patient outcomes, good patient satisfaction, and good return to sports. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form.

Screws or Sutures? A Pediatric Cadaveric Study of Tibial Spine Fracture Repairs

Background: Tibial spine fractures are common in the pediatric population because of the biomechanical properties of children’s subchondral epiphyseal bone. Most studies in porcine or adult human bone suggest that suture fixation performs better than screw fixation, but these tissues may be poor surrogates for pediatric bone. No previous study has evaluated fixation methods in human pediatric knees. Purpose: To quantify the biomechanical properties of 2-screw and 2-suture repair of tibial spine fracture in human pediatric knees. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Cadaveric specimens were randomly assigned to either 2-screw or 2-suture fixation. A standardized Meyers-Mckeever type 3 tibial spine fracture was induced. Screw-fixation fractures were reduced with two 4.0-mm cannulated screws and washers. Suture-fixation fractures were reduced by passing 2 No. 2 FiberWire sutures through the fracture fragment and the base of the anterior cruciate ligament. Sutures were secured through bony tunnels over a 1-cm tibial cortical bridge. Each specimen was mounted at 30° of flexion. A cyclic loading protocol was applied to each specimen, followed by a load-to-failure test. Outcome measures were ultimate failure load, stiffness, and fixation elongation. Results: Twelve matched pediatric cadaveric knees were tested. Repair groups had identical mean (8.3 years) and median (8.5 years) ages and an identical number of samples of each laterality. Ultimate failure load did not significantly differ between screw (mean ± SD, 143.52 ± 41.9 7 N) and suture (135.35 ± 47.94 N) fixations (P = .760). Screws demonstrated increased stiffness and decreased elongation, although neither result was statistically significant at the .05 level (21.79 vs 13.83 N/mm and 5.02 vs 8.46 mm; P = .076 and P = .069, respectively). Conclusion: Screw fixation and suture fixation of tibial spine fractures in human pediatric tissue were biomechanically comparable. Clinical Relevance: Suture fixations are not biomechanically superior to screw fixations in pediatric bone. Pediatric bone fails at lower loads, and in different modes, compared with adult cadaveric bone and porcine bone. Further investigation into optimal repair is warranted, including techniques that may reduce suture pullout and “cheese-wiring” through softer pediatric bone. This study provides new biomechanical data regarding the properties of different fixation types in pediatric tibial spine fractures to inform clinical management of these injuries.

Changes in coronal knee-alignment parameters during the osteoarthritis process in the varus knee

ObjectivesThe idea to aim for an “individualized” alignment, whereby the constitutional alignment is restored, has gained much interest among knee surgeons. This requires insight into the prediseased, natural alignment of our patients' knees. The aim of this study is (1) to determine how the hip–knee–ankle (HKA) angle is influenced during the arthritic process and (2) to investigate the correlation between joint line changes and the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). It is our hypothesis that the most pronounced coronal parameter changes appear at the proximal tibia and at the joint line. MethodsOne hundred sequential full-length X-rays with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were retrospectively reviewed from a radiographic joint database. Patients had to be at least 50 years of age needed to have an HKA angle of more than 1.3° varus to be included. Patients with ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty, femoral or tibial fracture, osteotomy, or ligamentous repair were excluded. Fifteen alignment parameters were investigated on the sequential full-length X-rays. Moreover, the relationship between the alignment parameters and the Kellgren–Lawrence grade (KL grade) was determined by using linear mixed models. ResultsA progressive KL grade is associated with an increase of the HKA (p < 0.001). Mostly, HKA differs due to decrease of the medial tibial plateau (MPTA) angle (0.93°) and an increase of the joint line angle (JLCA) (0.86°). The mLDFA demonstrated the most pronounced changes in the beginning of OA (KL grade 1–2) (p = 0.049). In particular, the MPTA becomes considerably smaller (p = 0.004) in the later stage of OA (KL grade 3). Also, a progressive increase of the JLCA (p < 0.001) is observed upwards of KL grade 3. ConclusionBy comparing consecutive full-length X-rays in the same patients, it is possible to define the coronal alignment changes during the arthritic process. The HKA angle increases according the arthritic progression, whereby the most pronounced changes appear at the proximal tibia (MPTA) and at the joint line (JLCA).The alignment changes in varus OA knees can be divided in three stadia: (1) erosion of the distal medial femoral condyle, (2) erosion of the medial tibial plateau, and (3) a progressive increase of the joint line angle. Level of evidenceTherapeutic Study, Level III.

Studies on physiological, haematological and biochemical changes during supra-cutaneous plating for repair of traumatic tibial fractures in sheep and goats

Studies on physiological, haematological and biochemical changes during supra-cutaneous plating for repair of traumatic tibial fractures in sheep and goats

ODP026 An Incidental Giant Normotensive Pheochromcytoma with Elevated Metanephrines demonstrated no evidence of hypertensive crisis during a major surgery

Abstract A 48-year-old Caucasian male with no known past medical history admitted to our hospital following MVA resulting in acute severely comminuted displaced fracture of the left femur and tibia. On admission, the patient was in severe pain. His vitals were significant for elevated blood pressure (BP) of 137/100 and pulse rate of 161 per minute, which resolved soon after pain medications and splint placement. On review of systems, he denied episodic spells of headaches, palpitations, pallor, tremors, anxiety, abdominal pain, or diaphoresis. He denied any family history of endocrine disorders. Physical exam was unremarkable, except for the left femur traction splint. He had multiple CT imaging performed for evaluation of his injuries. On CT scan of the abdomen, he was found to have a 7.2cm adrenal incidentaloma with imaging characteristics consistent with pheochromocytoma. He was admitted to the intensive care unit for one day for closer monitoring where he remained hemodynamically stable without any BP lowering medications. Laboratory work up for a pheochromocytoma was pending. However, due to concern of compartment syndrome of left lower extremity, patient underwent two emergent procedures of open reduction and internal fixation of left femur and tibial fracture repair. Robust monitoring of hemodynamics was performed during both surgeries but patient did not require any antihypertensive medications during the procedures. Eventually, serum total metanephrines drawn on admission day two, resulted as 7848 pg/ml (normal &amp;lt;205pg/ml), normetanephrines 3626 pg/ml (normal &amp;lt;148pg/ml), and metanephrines 4224 pg/ml (normal&amp;lt;57pg/ml). Serum cortisol, aldosterone, renin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and glucose were within normal limits. On day 3 of admission, repeated serum metanephrines were persistently elevated in 4000s. 24-hour (hr) urine studies showed total metanephrines 7353 mg/24hr (normal &amp;lt;832 mg/24hr), metanephrines 4934 mg/24hr (normal &amp;lt;315 mg/24hr), normetanephrines 2419 mg/24hr (normal &amp;lt;676 mg/24hr) and creatinine2.3g/24 hr (normal &amp;lt;2. 0g/24hr) . MRI abdomen confirmed pheochromocytoma abutting the pancreas and left upper pole of kidney. Interestingly, patient remained hemodynamically stable with highest BP measurement of 120/90 throughout the hospital course. He was eventually discharged on Prazosin 1 mg twice daily which was gradually increased to 5 mg daily in divided doses; increase fluid intake and high salt diet. Beta-blocker was not added due to borderline blood pressure. The patient underwent robotic left radical adrenalectomy without any intraoperative hemodynamic instability. Pathology was consistent with pheochromocytoma, confined to the adrenal gland without no capsular invasion. The patient refused genetic testing. Presentation: No date and time listed

Comparação biomecânica entre placa de TPLO modificada, placa bloqueada e construção placa-pino intramedular aplicadas medialmente em modelo de fratura proximal em tíbias sintéticas caninas

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to develop a modified tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) plate and to compare its biomechanical properties with a locking compression plate (LCP) and plate-rod constructs for the stabilization of experimentally induced gap fractures in canine synthetic tibias. The tibial models were assigned to either repair with a modified TPLO plate (Group 1), locking compression plate construct (Group 2), or plate-rod construct (Group 3). The specimens were loaded to failure in axial compression, three-point mediolateral and craniocaudal bending. There was no statistical difference between the three groups regarding stiffness (N/mm) and deformation (mm) in axial compression. The modified TPLO plate achieved load to failure similar to the plate-rod construct in craniocaudal bending. There was no significant difference between groups on mediolateral bending tests regarding load to failure and deformation. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in stiffness between groups 1 and 2. In conclusion, the modified TPLO plate had similar mechanical properties to LCP and plate-rod construct in the axial compression and bending tests. Nonetheless, clinical studies with a large population of dogs are required to determine the value of this new implant in proximal tibial fracture repair.

Arthroscopic Reduction of Bicruciate Tibial Avulsion Fractures: Lever Push Technique

Combined anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures are rare knee injuries that are primarily seen in adults. Prompt surgical intervention is indicated for displaced fractures to restore knee stability. Arthroscopic techniques are now the preferred method for treating anterior tibial spine avulsion fractures with posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures being treated arthroscopically or with open reduction and internal fixation methods. This Technical Note and accompanying video demonstrate an arthroscopically assisted repair of bicruciate tibial avulsion fractures using an arthroscopic lever push technique. Two sutures are passed through the anterior cruciate ligament and pulled down through two bone tunnels placed within the tibial fracture bed, and one suture is passed around the posterior cruciate ligament and pulled down through one bone tunnel passing from the anterior tibia to the tibial fracture bed. Our technique is simple and effective in reducing bicruciate tibial avulsion fractures to anatomic position.

Approach variation affects outcomes after operative repair of lateral tibial plateau fractures.

To determine if the type of approach used for treatment of lateral split-depression tibial plateau fractures affects clinical outcome and complications rate. This is a retrospective review of 169 patients who presented between 01/2005 and 12/2020 to a Level-I trauma center for operative management of an isolated lateral Schatzker II tibial plateau fractures (AO/OTA Type 41B3.1) treated through a single anterolateral approach: a 90-degree "L" (L), longitudinal vertical (V), or "lazy S" (S). Postoperative radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, 12months, and beyond. Average time to radiographic healing was longer in the S incision cohort (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients within the S incision cohort developed more postoperative wound complications at follow-up when compared to those within the L and V incision cohorts (p < 0.05). Additionally, reoperation rates were greater in the S incision cohort (p < 0.05). Lastly, on physical examination of the knee, patients within the S incision cohort had significantly poorer knee range of motion (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrates that skin incision type in the anterolateral approach to the proximal tibia has an association with outcomes following operative repair of tibial plateau fractures. The information from this study can be used to inform surgeons about the potential complications and long-term outcomes that patients may experience when undergoing operative repair of a tibial plateau fracture through a specific incision type. III.

Factors Contributing to the Need for Non-Elective Explant following Surgical Repair of Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture.

The aim of this study was to evaluate factors contributing to the need for non-elective explant following surgical repair of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures. Retrospective multicentre case-control study. Over a 5-year period, dogs (n = 63) that underwent surgical repair of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures (n = 64) were considered. Dogs that underwent a non-elective explant were compared with those that did not. Continuous variables were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were compared with the Fisher's exact test. Variables which were significant on univariate analysis were entered into a multiple logistic regression model. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Non-elective explant was performed in 20/64 fractures and elective explant was performed in 2/64 fractures. Neutered dogs were found to be 19 times (95% confidence interval: 2.1-172) more likely to require explant compared with intact dogs (p = 0.009). Every 0.25 mm increase in average pin size was found to make it 2.5 times (95% confidence interval: 1.3-4.9) more likely to require explant (p = 0.006). The findings suggest that use of the smallest appropriate pin should be considered for standard surgical repair of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures to minimize the risk of requiring non-elective explant.

The use of circular and hybrid external skeletal fixation systems to repair open tibial fractures in large ruminants: a report of six clinical cases.

A prospective clinical study consisting of six bovines (200-300kg body weight) undergoing open tibial fractures was carried out, to evaluate the use of circular and hybrid external skeletal fixation (ESF) systems for open tibial fracture repair in large ruminants. The ESF systems consisting of 4 full rings (n = 2), 8 half-rings (n = 1), 2 full rings with 2 sidebars (n = 2) or 2 full rings with 4 sidebars (n = 1) were used to treat open tibial fractures. The healing progress of the animals was evaluated based on different clinical and radiographic examinations. The level of fracture reduction, alignment, and fixation ranged between satisfactory to adequate in all the animals. The fixators were well tolerated and maintained by the animals till the complete repair of the fracture. Adequate fracture healing with satisfactory functional recovery was observed in all the animals in about 3-4months. The different designs of ESFs were found to provide adequate stability in open tibial fractures in animals weighing 200-300kg. However, the fixators need to be evaluated in numerous clinical cases to establish their suitability in routine clinical settings.

Ultrasound‐guided saphenous and sciatic nerve block as part of multimodal pain management in a goat undergoing tibial fracture repair

AbstractA 6‐week‐old goat was presented for surgical repair of a Salter Harris type 1 fracture of the right tibia. The goat was premedicated with butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg and midazolam 0.2 mg/kg intramuscularly, followed by induction of anaesthesia with ketamine 1 mg/kg and propofol 3.2 mg/kg intravenously. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in an oxygen air mix. An ultrasound‐guided saphenous and sciatic nerve block was performed using 0.1 ml/kg/nerve of ropivacaine 0.75%. Except for a slight gradual decrease in arterial blood pressure, all monitored variables remained within accepted ranges throughout surgery. No additional intraoperative analgesia was required. Recovery from anaesthesia was uneventful and the goat started drinking milk 5 minutes after extubation. Buprenorphine 0.02 mg/kg intramuscularly was administered in the evening and repeated 12 hours after the first dose. Additionally, carprofen 1.4 mg/kg intramuscularly was administered every 48 hours for the following days. The goat was discharged 2 days after surgery.

Clinical evaluation of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in tibial and metatarsal fracture repair in goats

In this study Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique using Locking Compression Plates (LCP) was employed in the stabilization of 2 tibial and 4 metatarsal fractures in goats. Immediate postoperative radiographs revealed good alignment and apposition of the fracture fragments in all the goats. All the goats showed partial weight bearing from the 1st post-operative day. Full weight bearing was observed between 7th to 30th post-operative days with a mean of 13.6 ±4.11 days. Postoperative radiographs on 60thday revealed complete radiological union in five out of six goats. The MIPO techniue using LCPs in tibial and metatarsal fracture repair, showed remarkable improvement with normal limb function and maintaining good implant stability throughout the treatment period without any complications.

Evaluation of bilateral tibial fracture management by external and internal fixation technique in a calf

Unilateral diaphyseal tibial fractures are very common in different species of animals but the occurrence and repair of bilateral diaphyseal tibial fractures are very rare. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of bilateral tibial fracture management in a calf. The study was performed in a 75 days old cross-bred calf weighing 42 kgs which was suffering from bilateral tibial fracture and treated by external coaptation technique on left tibia and internal fixation by retrograde intramedullary pinning on the right tibia. The patient was evaluated after treatment at different intervals by recording the lameness grade, functional limb outcome, fracture healing. Satisfactory posture (weight bearing), gait and secondary bone healing in both left and right tibia were noticed up to 93 day of post-treatment with the minor complications of swelling and stiffness of the right hock joint and hyperextension of fetlock joint of left hind limb. This technique can be used in bilateral tibial fracture management in calf in field condition with reasonable cost

Local injections of \u03b2-NGF accelerates endochondral fracture repair by promoting cartilage to bone conversion

There are currently no pharmacological approaches in fracture healing designed to therapeutically stimulate endochondral ossification. In this study, we test nerve growth factor (NGF) as an understudied therapeutic for fracture repair. We first characterized endogenous expression of Ngf and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) during tibial fracture repair, finding that they peak during the cartilaginous phase. We then tested two injection regimens and found that local β-NGF injections during the endochondral/cartilaginous phase promoted osteogenic marker expression. Gene expression data from β-NGF stimulated cartilage callus explants show a promotion in markers associated with endochondral ossification such as Ihh, Alpl, and Sdf-1. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed the promotion of genes associated with Wnt activation, PDGF- and integrin-binding. Subsequent histological analysis confirmed Wnt activation following local β-NGF injections. Finally, we demonstrate functional improvements to bone healing following local β-NGF injections which resulted in a decrease in cartilage and increase of bone volume. Moreover, the newly formed bone contained higher trabecular number, connective density, and bone mineral density. Collectively, we demonstrate β-NGF’s ability to promote endochondral repair in a murine model and uncover mechanisms that will serve to further understand the molecular switches that occur during cartilage to bone transformation.