Chondrogenic Regeneration Using Bone Marrow Clots and a Porous Polycaprolactone-Hydroxyapatite Scaffold by Three-Dimensional Printing

Scaffolds play an important role in directing three-dimensional (3D) cartilage regeneration. Our recent study reported the potential advantages of bone marrow clots (MC) in promoting extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold chondrogenic regeneration. The aim of this study is to build a new scaffold for MC, with improved characteristics in mechanics, shaping, and biodegradability, compared to our previous study. To address this issue, this study prepared a 3D porous polycaprolactone (PCL)-hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold combined with MC (Group A), while the control group (Group B) utilized a bone marrow stem cell seeded PCL-HA scaffold. The results of in vitro cultures and in vivo implantation demonstrated that although an initial obstruction of nutrient exchange caused by large amounts of fibrin and erythrocytes led to a decrease in the ratio of live cells in Group A, these scaffolds also showed significant improvements in cell adhesion, proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation with porous recanalization in the later culture, compared to Group B. After 4 weeks of in vivo implantation, Group A scaffolds have a superior performance in DNA content, Sox9 and RunX2 expression, cartilage lacuna-like cell and ECM accumulation, when compared to Group B. Furthermore, Group A scaffold size and mechanics were stable during in vitro and in vivo experiments, unlike the scaffolds in our previous study. Our results suggest that the combination with MC proved to be a highly efficient, reliable, and simple new method that improves the biological performance of 3D PCL-HA scaffold. The MC-PCL-HA scaffold is a candidate for future cartilage regeneration studies.Cell & Tissue EngineeringBiotechnology & Applied MicrobiologyCell BiologySCI(E)[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Introducing a Novel Combined Acetabuloplasty and Chondroplasty Technique for the Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is to maintain a concentric reduction. We describe a novel approach to treat DDH that involves improvement of cartilaginous acetabular coverage, involves the preservation of the secondary ossification center of the acetabulum, and is adjunctive to early open reduction. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-nine children (40 hips) aged six to 18 months were included in the study. Open reduction with chondroplasty was performed during the same surgery. Patients were followed up for 15 years with both clinical and radiological assessments. At the final follow-up, all patients were graded as good or excellent according to Severin's classification. RESULTS: The mean age at reduction was 11.9 months (range: 8-16). The mean preoperative acetabular index (AI) was 43.43 (range: 40-48). After the operation, mean AI decreased to 16.97 (P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 16.24-17.70). AI improved significantly during growth (mean AI changes 13.50, P < 0.0001, 95% CI = 12.65-14.34). The mean lateral center-edge (CE) angle at skeletal maturity was 32.94° (SD = 4.16°). Mild avascular necrosis (AVN) was observed in two hips with involvement of the epiphysis and was of Kalamchi grade 1. CONCLUSION: Chondroplasty in conjunction with open reduction can yield a concentric reduction with improved acetabular coverage that facilitates acetabular remodeling that is sustained until skeletal maturity. Prompt correction through this procedure may help to improve the development of the hip and lead to near normal function as demonstrated by improved mean AI and Severin scores at the last follow-up. With low complication and reoperation rates, this procedure could be considered as a surgical treatment option for DDH in patients between the age of six and 18 months

Effectiveness of titanium plate usage in laminoplasty

Background: Laminoplasty is an established technique for the treatment of cervical stenosis. However, the usage of plates to maintain patency of the laminoplasty door has not been well reported. This study plans to compare the clinical outcomes of laminoplasty with the usage of Sofamor-Danek laminoplasty plates versus techniques without plate usage. Materials and Methods: This study conducted a 2-year medical record review of all patients with multilevel cervical myelopathy who were treated with laminoplasty at UCLA or Cedars-Sinai medical center. Of 46 patients 18 had sufficient documentation to assess clinical outcome, 11 of which had placement of laminoplasty plates. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Odom's scoring criteria. Results: Blood loss and hospital stay are decreased with plate usage during laminoplasty. Average Estimated Blood Loss (EBL) was 160 cc with plate and 380 cc without. Hospital stay was 4.8 days with plate and 5.6 days without. There were no complications during any of the laminoplasty procedures regardless of instrumentation. All patients demonstrated improvement in symptoms after laminoplasty, with 73% of patients in the plate cohort having Odom Scores of “Excellent” versus 44% in the nonplate group. All patients, regardless of technique, showed improvement in symptoms. Conclusions: Laminoplasty with plate utilization is an effective treatment for cervical myelopathy. The similarity in outcomes and complications between these two similar cohorts suggests plate usage in laminoplasty is an attractive alternative to other methods. We hope that future efforts will continue to demonstrate the effectiveness and perhaps superiority of plate utilization in laminoplasty

Retrospective evaluation of cervical fusion with DTRAX (R) cervical cage

BackgroundCervical radiculopathy is a relatively common problem that often affects individuals in their 5th decade. Most cases resolve with conservative treatment, but when unsuccessful, many opt for surgical intervention. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is currently considered the gold standard for the surgical management of cervical radiculopathy. One promising alternative, the DTRAX facet system is minimally invasive and may significantly reduce or eliminate cervical radicular symptoms. This case series and literature review looks to investigate the safety and efficacy of the DTRAX facet system in treating cervical radiculopathy.MethodsThis retrospective analysis was performed by chart review of patients who underwent posterior cervical fusion and received the DTRAX spinal implant at University of California, Los Angeles within the last 8 years. Patient charts were located using the surgical cases report function of Epic electronic medical record, and patients were included in the study if they received a DTRAX implant during the stated time period. Data were compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel.ResultsA total of 14 patient charts were reviewed. Of the 14, there were no immediate postoperative complications. One international patient was subsequently lost to follow-up, and of the remaining 13, mean follow-up duration was 273 days, with a range of 15-660 days. All but one reported improvement of symptoms postoperatively, there were no device failures, and no reoperations were required. There were similar outcomes in patients who received single versus multilevel operations.ConclusionThe findings of this retrospective study of 14 patients who received the DTRAX facet system over the last 8 years support the conclusions of previous studies that DTRAX is safe and effective. In addition, this is the first study to look for differences in outcomes between single and multi-level DTRAX operations, of which there were none. Further investigation with larger cohorts should be conducted as DTRAX becomes more widely adopted in order to verify its safety and efficacy in various clinical scenarios

Introducing and Prospective Efficacy Comparison of an Innovative and Affordable Technique for the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

BackgroundThere are different treatments as well as controversies surrounding the adequate treatment for Distal Radius Fractures (DRF). In the absence of enough evidence[HYPHEN]base data regarding clinical effectiveness of available treatments, cost should be considered as an essential factor in selecting the surgical technique for DRF treatment. The goal of this study is introducing an improved and modified pin[HYPHEN]and[HYPHEN]plaster (MP&amp;P) technique as an affordable alternative for treatment of DRF. This study also assesses and compares the outcomes of DRF treatment by using the introduced method versus external fixation (EF) technique.MethodsIn this clinical cohort study, 98 patients presenting with closed DRF Types III or IV, randomly were classified into two modified P&amp;P (50 patients) and EF (48 patients) groups and assessed for functional, clinical, radiographic and overall outcome at the time, 2, 10 and 22 months after surgery. They were also followed[HYPHEN]up for up to 3 years to determine the rate of complications.ResultsEighty one percent of EF and 86% of MP&amp;P group were female. The average ages in the EF and MP&amp;P groups were 44.9 ± 12.4 and 46.1 ± 5.4, respectively. Around 70% of the patients in each group had a Type III fracture, and 30% had Type IV. The rate of complications was higher among EF group patients (seven major and seven minor complications) compared to the MP&amp;P (only 4 minor complications), however the difference between two groups regarding the complications and treatment outcome were insignificant, except in extension ROM and the quick[HYPHEN]dash score (only in two and four months follow up visits) and also returning to work (only in two month follow up visit).ConclusionThis study introduces a modified P&amp;P technique that protects the transverse palmar curvature, prevents the collapse of the distal radius, and simplifies casting, thereby obviating a full arm cast and mitigating elbow stiffness in patient outcomes. This modified technique could be considered as a more cost[HYPHEN]conscious alternative to external fixation for patients with distal radius fractures

Introducing and Prospective Efficacy Comparison of an Innovative and Affordable Technique for the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

Background: There are different treatments as well as controversies surrounding the adequate treatment for Distal Radius Fractures (DRF). In the absence of enough evidence[HYPHEN]base data regarding clinical effectiveness of available treatments, cost should be considered as an essential factor in selecting the surgical technique for DRF treatment. The goal of this study is introducing an improved and modified pin[HYPHEN]and [HYPHEN]plaster (MP&P) technique as an affordable alternative for treatment of DRF. This study also assesses and compares the outcomes of DRF treatment by using the introduced method versus external fixation (EF) technique. Methods: In this clinical cohort study, 98 patients presenting with closed DRF Types III or IV, randomly were classified into two modified P&P (50 patients) and EF (48 patients) groups and assessed for functional, clinical, radiographic and overall outcome at the time, 2, 10 and 22 months after surgery. They were also followed [HYPHEN]up for up to 3 years to determine the rate of complications. Results: Eighty one percent of EF and 86% of MP&P group were female. The average ages in the EF and MP&P groups were 44.9 +/- 12.4 and 46.1 +/- 5.4, respectively. Around 70% of the patients in each group had a Type III fracture, and 30% had Type IV. The rate of complications was higher among EF group patients (seven major and seven minor complications) compared to the MP&P (only 4 minor complications), however the difference between two groups regarding the complications and treatment outcome were insignificant, except in extension ROM and the quick[HYPHEN]dash score (only in two and four months follow up visits) and also returning to work (only in two month follow up visit). Conclusion: This study introduces a modified P&P technique that protects the transverse palmar curvature, prevents the collapse of the distal radius, and simplifies casting, thereby obviating a full arm cast and mitigating elbow stiffness in patient outcomes. This modified technique could be considered as a more cost[HYPHEN] conscious alternative to external fixation for patients with distal radius fractures

Chondrosarcoma of the Osseous Spine: An Analysis of Epidemiology, Patient Outcomes, and Prognostic Factors Using the SEER Registry From 1973 to 2012.

Study designRetrospective analysis.ObjectiveTo determine the epidemiology and prognostic indicators in patients with chondrosarcoma of the osseous spine.Summary of background dataChondrosarcoma of the spine is rare, with limited data on its epidemiology, clinicopathologic features, and treatment outcomes. Therapy centers on complete en bloc resection with radiotherapy reserved for subtotal resection or advanced disease.MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Registry was queried for patients with chondrosarcoma of the osseous spine from 1973 to 2012. Study variables included age, sex, race, year of diagnosis, size, grade, extent of disease, and treatment modality.ResultsThe search identified 973 cases of spinal chondrosarcoma. Mean age at diagnosis was 51.6 years, and 627% of patients were males. Surgical resection and radiotherapy were performed in 75.2% and 21.3% of cases, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) of 53% and 64%, respectively, at 5 years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age (OS, P &lt; 0.001; DSS, P = 0.007), grade (OS, P &lt; 0.001; DSS, P &lt; 0.001), surgical resection (OS, P &lt; 0.001; DSS, P &lt; 0.001), and extent of disease (OS, P &lt; 0.001; DSS, P &lt; 0.001) were independent survival determinants; tumor size was an independent predictor of OS (P = 0.006). For confined disease, age (P = 0.013), decade of diagnosis (P = 0.023), and surgery (P = 0.017) were independent determinants of OS. For locally invasive disease, grade (OS, P &lt; 0.001; DSS, P = 0.003), surgery (OS, P = 0.013; DSS, P = 0.046), and size (OS, P = 0.001, DSS, P = 0.002) were independent determinants of OS and DSS. Radiotherapy was an independent indicator of worse OS for both confined (P = 0.004) and locally invasive disease (P = 0.002). For metastatic disease, grade (OS, P = 0.021; DSS, P = 0.012) and surgery (OS, P = 0.007; DSS, P = 0.004) were survival determinants for both OS and DSS, whereas radiotherapy predicted improved OS (P = 0.039).ConclusionSurgical resection confers survival benefit in patients with chondrosarcoma of the spine independent of extent of disease. Radiotherapy improves survival in patients with metastatic disease and worsens outcomes in patients with confined and locally invasive disease.Level of evidence4

Prognostic determinants and treatment outcomes analysis of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma of the spine.

Background contextOsteosarcoma (OGS) and Ewing sarcoma (EWS) are the two classic primary malignant bone tumors. Due to the rarity of these tumors, evidence on demographics, survival determinants, and treatment outcomes for primary disease of the spine are limited and derived from small case series.PurposeTo use population-level data to determine the epidemiology and prognostic indicators in patients with OGS and EWS of the osseous spine.Study design/settingLarge-scale retrospective study.Patient samplePatients diagnosed with OGS and EWS of the spine in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry from 1973 to 2012.Outcome measuresOverall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS).MethodsTwo separate queries of the SEER registry were performed to identify patients with OGS and EWS of the osseous spine from 1973-2012. Study variables included age, sex, race, year of diagnosis, tumor size, extent of disease (EOD), and treatment with surgery and/or radiation therapy. Primary outcome was defined as OS and DSS in months. Univariate survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression models.ResultsThe search identified 648 patients with primary OGS and 736 patients with primary EWS of the spine from 1973 to 2012. Mean age at diagnosis was 48.1 and 19.9 years for OGS and EWS, respectively, with OGS showing a bimodal distribution. The median OS and DSS were 1.3 and 1.7 years, respectively, for OGS, with OGS in Paget's disease having worse OS (0.7 years) relative to the mean (log-rank p=.006). The median OS and DSS for EWS were 3.9 and 4.3 years, respectively. Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that age (OS p&lt;.001, DSS p&lt;.001), decade of diagnosis (OS p=.049), surgical resection (OS p&lt;.001, DSS p&lt;.001), and EOD (OS p&lt;.001, DSS p&lt;.001) were independent positive prognostic indicators for spinal OGS; radiation therapy predicted worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.48, confidence interval [CI] 1.05-2.10, p=.027) and DSS (HR 1.74, CI 1.13-2.66, p=.012) for OGS. For EWS, age (OS p&lt;.001, DSS p&lt;.001), surgical resection (OS p=.030, DSS p=.046), tumor size (OS p&lt;.001, DSS p&lt;.001), and EOD (OS p&lt;.001, DSS p&lt;.001) were independent determinants of improved survival; radiation therapy trended toward improved survival but did not achieve statistical significance for both OS (HR 0.76, CI 0.54-1.07, p=.113) and DSS (0.76, CI 0.54, 1.08, p=.126).ConclusionsAge, surgical resection, and EOD are key survival determinants for both OGS and EWS of the spine. Radiation therapy may be associated with worse outcomes in patients with OGS, and is of potential benefit in EWS. Overall prognosis has improved in patients with OGS of the spine over the last four decades