A novel concept for the manufacture of individual sapphire-metallic hip joint endoprostheses.

At the present time, artificial joints made with metallic, ceramic, metal-polymeric or ceramicpolymeric friction pairs substituting for the natural biomechanic articulations "head of the hip joint-acetabulum" are widely used for endoprosthetic operations on hip joints. Experience gained in the course of more than 2000 operations has shown that along with the advantageous properties of modern endoprosthetic constructions made of metal, ceramics and polymers, they have certain drawbacks. Among them are insufficient biological inertness and susceptibility to excessive wear of the friction pair components. In addition, as a result of wear of the hinge friction pair, toxic and oncologically dangerous products of degradation accumulate in the different organs and tissues. This in turn results in severe complications and demands correspondingly complicated corrective intervention, often leading to worse disability than that which the original operation was designed to cure. The aim of the study reported here was the development and clinical validation of a highly effective and long-lived hip joint endoprosthesis with a sapphire head whose wear capacity is superior to all others. The endoprosthesis consists of a metallic pedicle, a dismountable articulation (metallic necklayer of supramolecular polyethylene-sapphire head) and an acetabular cup. The endoprostheses with the sapphire head proved themselves positively in clinical trials and are considered to be highly promising for future applications

The first rays joint fractures and treatment modalities

Catedra de ortopedie și traumatologie, USMF „Nicolae Testemițanu”, Clinica de chirurgie plastică și microchirurgie reconstructivă a locomotorului, IMSP IMU, Chișinău, Republica Moldova, Conferința stiințifică „Nicolae Anestiadi – nume etern al chirurgiei basarabene” consacrată centenarului de la nașterea profesorului Nicolae Anestiadi 26 august 2016Introducere. Incidenţa crescută a traumatismelor mâinii ocupa primul loc in traumatismele corpului uman. Aceasta stimulează în permanenţă ingeniozitatea chirurgilor în a găsi noi metode reconstructive tot mai performante. Deși, ei se confruntă pe de o parte, cu anatomia complexă a mâinii, iar pe de altă parte cu obligativitatea de a păstra integritatea sistemului nervos, vascular şi tendinos totuși, este reala posibilitatea unei reconstrucţii complexe cu ţesuturi similare fără a crea defecte secundare importante.Scopul. Eșalonarea incidenței lezionale a policelui în complexul de traumatisme ale mâinii si separarea itimilor depistați în funcție de suprafață și pe nivele razei digitale. Material si metode. În lucrare am inclus un lot de 460 de pacienți pe perioada anului 2015. Limitele de vârsta au fost între 19-70 ani, divizați pe categorii a câte 10 ani. Repartizarea pe sexe dintre cei 79 de pacienți cu traumatisme a policelui a constituit: 69 (87.34%) bărbați si 10 (12.66%) femei. Frecvența traumatismelor înregistrate la membrul stâng 40 (50.34%) a fost mai mare decât la membrul drept 39 (49.67%). 79 (17.17%) pacienți din lotul total au suferit traumatisme ale policelui, dintre care: separat al policelui 46 (58.22%) și în complex cu alte degete 33 (41.78%). În traumatismele policelui pe segmente au fost incluși pacienții tratați in staționar. Falanga proximală s-a dovedit a fi cel mai des traumată 39 (49.36%) de cazuri, apoi urmează falanga distală 37 (46.83%) de cazuri și doar în 3 (3.79%) cazuri au avut de suferit ambele falange. Rezultate. Incidența traumatismului policelui separat se întâlnesc la 46(58.22%) de pacienți și in complex cu alte degete la 33 (41.78%) de pacienți. Ceia ce constituie din ansamblu de traumatisme ale mâinii 17.17%. Prelucrarea materialului obținut denota prevalenta incidentei pentru falanga distală a policelui dar nu si ca gravitate care se manifesta mai accentuat pe măsura avansării spre baza lui. Aceasta a dictat managementul tratamentului si complexitatea intervențiilor chirurgicale efectuate. Concluzie. Leziunile policelui in complexul traumatismelor mâinii se întâlnesc mai des ca fiind un traumatism separat decât in asociere cu celelalte degete ale mâinii, prevalând la bărbați, iar membrul superior stâng fiind afectat intr-o incidenta ușor mai sporită.Introduction. The increased incidence of hand trauma injuries ranks first in the human body. This continually stimulates surgeons ingenuity to find new performant ways in reconstructive methods. Although, they are facing, on the one hand, with complex hand’s anatomy complex and, on the other hand, with the obligation to preserve the integrity of the nervous, vascular and tendon system, however, it is real the possibility of a complex reconstruction with similar tissues without creating significant defects. Purpose. Distribution of thumb’s lesional incidence in hand’s trauma complex and items separation detected depending on the surface and levels of digital beam. Material and methods. In this paper we included a group of 460 patients treated during the 2015 year. The age limits were between 19-70 years, divided into categories of 10 years. The sex ratio of the 79 patients with thumb injury was: 69 (87.34%) men and 10 (12.66%) women. Frequency of trauma registered in left member - 40 (50.34%), was higher than in the right one - 39 (49.67%). 79 (17.17%) patients from total group have suffered thumb’s trauma, including: separate thumb - 46 (58.22%) and in complex with other fingers - 33 (41.78%). In thumb’s trauma, according to segments, were included patients treated in hospital. Proximal phalanx was found to be most traumatized - 39 (49.36%) cases, followed by the distal phalanx - 37 (46.83%) cases and only in 3 (3.79%) cases have suffered both phalanges. Results. Incidents of separate thumb’s trauma are met at 46 (58.22%) patients and in complex with other fingers in 33 (41.78%) patients, which constitutes in the ensemble of hand’s trauma 17.17%. Processing of obtained material denotes prevalence of incidence of thumb’s distal phalanx, but not the severity that manifests more pronounced as it progresses toward its base. This dictated the treatment’s management and complexity of performed surgery. Conclusion. Thumb’s injuries in complex of hand’s trauma are more often met as a separate trauma than in association with other fingers of the hand, with prevalence in men, and left upper limb is affected with a slightly increased incidence

Enhancement of cartilage repair through the addition of growth plate chondrocytes in an immature skeleton animal model

Background: The treatment of articular cartilage damage is a major clinical problem. More often, this clinical issue affects children, which forces doctors to find the best treatment method. Methods: The aim of this experimental study on 2-month-old Landrace pigs was to compare the results of two cartilage defect treatments: (1) filling the cartilage defect with a scaffold incubated with bone marrow aspirate supplemented with growth plate chondrocytes (the CELLS group) and (2) filling the cartilage defect with an empty scaffold implanted after drilling the subchondral bone (the CTRL group). The treatment outcomes were assessed macroscopically and microscopically. Results: Based on the macroscopic evaluation, all animals showed a nearly normal morphology, with an average of 9.66/12 points (CTRL) and 10.44/12 points (CELLS). Based on the microscopic evaluation, 1 very good result and 8 good results were obtained in the CTRL group, with an average of 70.44%, while 5 very good results and 4 good results were obtained in the CELLS group, with an average of 79.61%. Conclusions: (1) Growth plate chondrocytes have high chondrogenic potential and thus offer new possibilities for cartilage cell therapy. (2) The implantation of a scaffold loaded with bone marrow-derived MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) and growth plate chondrocytes into a cartilage defect is a good therapeutic method in immature patients. (3) Cartilage repair based on a scaffold with bone marrow aspirate-derived cells supplemented with autologous growth plate chondrocytes achieves better results than repair with marrow stimulation and a hyaluronic acid-based scaffold (overall microscopic rating). (4) Chondrocyte clustering is a manifestation of the cartilage repair process but requires further observation

Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition (iCVD) Functionalized Polylactic Acid-Marine Algae Composite Patch for Bone Tissue Engineering

The current study aimed to describe the fabrication of a composite patch by incorporating marine algae powders (MAPs) into poly-lactic acid (PLA) for bone tissue engineering. The prepared composite patch was functionalized with the co-polymer, poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (p(HEMA-co-EGDMA)) via initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) to improve its wettability and overall biocompatibility. The iCVD functionalized MAP-PLA composite patch showed superior cell interaction of human osteoblasts. Following the surface functionalization by p(HEMA-co-EGDMA) via the iCVD technique, a highly hydrophilic patch was achieved without tailoring any morphological and structural properties. Moreover, the iCVD modified composite patch exhibited ideal cell adhesion for human osteoblasts, thus making the proposed patch suitable for potential biomedical applications including bone tissue engineering, especially in the fields of dentistry and orthopedy

Subjective impact of osteoarthritis flare-ups on patients' quality of life

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials on osteoarthritis (OA) flare-ups treatment usually focus only on objective measures of health status, albeit recent literature suggestions on the importance of patients' subjectivity. Aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of OA and of its different types of medical treatment(s) on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in terms of both subjective satisfaction and functional status. METHODS: An observational study on prospective data collected from the Evaluation of Quality of life in OA (EQuO) clinical trial (April 1999-November 2000) was conducted; outpatients from 70 participating centers (Orthopedy or Rheumatology Departments in Italy) with a diagnosis of OA of the hip or knee were consecutively enrolled. Patients were observed at OA flare-ups (baseline) and at follow up 4 weeks after treatment. Patients' objective and subjective HRQoL were assessed by means of the SF-36 and the Satisfaction Profile (SAT-P, which focuses on subjective satisfaction); Present Pain at baseline and Pain Relief at follow up were also evaluated. RESULTS: Among the 1323 patients, 1138 (86%) were prescribed one drug/treatment of osteoarthritis, 169 (13%) 2 drugs/treatments, and 16 (1%) 3 drugs/treatments; most of treatments involved the prescription of NSAIDs; non-coxib, COX2 selective NSAIDs were prescribed in about 50% of patients. Follow-up visits were performed after 29.0 days on average (± 7.69 SD). For all SF-36 domains, all SAT-P items and factors, the differences between baseline and follow up scores resulted statistically significant (p < 0.001), enlighting an improvement both in health status and in subjective HRQoL. CONCLUSION: Besides the classic health status measures, the assessment of patients' subjective satisfaction provides important clues on treatments efficacy of OA within the patient-centered medicine model. In clinical practice this could lead to a better doctor-patient communication and to higher levels of treatment adherence

Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients with Upper Limbs Amputations in Cotonou National Teaching Hospital- Benin

Background: Upper limbs amputations disturb relational life. Outcomes of upper limb amputees were studied, functional outcomes and quality of life were analyzed. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examinate the outcomes of an upper limb amputation on a functional, social and economic level, and to investigate the epidemiological and clinical factors that bear the functional outcomes and quality of life of these patients. Methods: an analytical prospective study over seven years which included 37 patients managed at the referral hospital in Benin was performed. They were mean aged of 36.3 years and 22 were in couple. The mean time of follow-up was 3.0 ± 2.1 years. The rate of fitting prosthesis, relateralization, presence of bi-manual activity, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, handicap imposed by the amputation, and its socio-economic impact were recorded. Quality of life of amputees evaluated using Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) score was also studied. Statistical analysis was performed with Chi2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A p-value ≤0.05 was established as statistically significant. Results: No patient had been fitted; one had been able to re- lateralize; 24 patients demonstrated bi-manual activity. The mean DASH score was 40.1 ± 13.7. Thirteen patients were able to dressthemselves and 10 needed an additional help to go to the toilet. Socially, 21 patients had given up their hobbies, and 5/22 were no longer in a couple. Economically, 27 patients had a decreased monthly income. Factors influencing functional outcomes were the level of amputation and gender (p of 0.005 and 0.006, respectively). The mean NHP score was 5.8 ± 0.2. There was a statistically significant relationship between quality of life, age and level of amputation (p of 0.02 and 6x10-4, respectively). Conclusion: Upper limb amputations strongly affect quality of life. A better social reintegration policy for upper limb amputees should be contemplated in Benin

Травматолого-ортопедическая служба – неотделимый компонент в комплексе мер защиты здоровья населения (доктринарный синтез)

A doctrinaire synthesis of the founding and development of Traumatology and Orthopedy service in Republic of Moldova are presented. Prof. N. Testemitanu as a director of the Republican Clinical Hospital, later Rector of the Medical Institute, Minister of Health contributed directly: to opening of the first specilaized department (1959), to inauguration of Traumatology and Orthopedy Chair (1962), to the establishing of the Republican Clinical Hospital of Traumatology and Orthopedy (1964), to the training of specialists in the field, etc.Представлен синтез доктрины создания и развития травматолого-ортопедической службы в Республике Молдова под эгидой профессора Николае Тестемицану. Будучи главным врачом Республиканской клинической больницы, затем Ректором Кишиневского государственного медицинского института, министром здравоохранения республики последовательного открыл: первое травматолого-ортопедическое отделение (1959), кафедру по этой специальности (1962), строил Республиканскую клиническую больницу травматологии и ортопедии (1964), активно занимался вопросами подготовки специалистов по данной дисциплине и т.д

Treatment of the posttraumatic damage of the pelvic limb in patients with diabetes

Catedra de ortopedie și traumatologie, USMF ”Nicolae Testemițanu”, Clinica de chirurgie plastică și microchirurgie reconstructivă a locomotorului, IMSP IMU, Chișinău, Republica Moldova, Conferința stiințifică „Nicolae Anestiadi – nume etern al chirurgiei basarabene” consacrată centenarului de la nașterea profesorului Nicolae Anestiadi 26 august 2016Introducere. Riscul de fractura a piciorului la persoanele cu diabet zaharat este legat de existenta neuropatiei diabetice periferice, ce reprezintă un factor important in dezvoltarea defectelor piciorului, infecțiilor si amputațiilor de membre inferioare Scop. Analiza defectelor posttraumatice in asociere cu polineuropatia diabetica a membrului pelvin si posibilități de acoperire a acestora. Material și metodă. Cei 15 pacienți au fost împărțiți in 4 categorii: lambouri de vecinătate, lambouri la distanta, plastie cu piele libera despicata, amputație. Parametrii urmăriți sunt: vârsta, sex, tipul diabetului zaharat, localizarea. Rezultate. 4 femei si 11 bărbați au fost repartizați in 4 categorii după tipul intervențiilor chirurgicale: plastii cu lambouri de vecinătate 4, lambouri la distanta 2, plastie cu piele libera despicata 7, amputație 2. Din lotul total de pacienți cu diabet zaharat tip II au fost 12 pacienți, iar 3 pacienți cu diabet zaharat insulin-dependent. Cei 15 pacienți, care au beneficiat de reconstrucții prin lambouri, au avut defecte la gamba distala si picior, iar pacienții care au suferit amputație per primam, au avut leziuni la nivelul gambei proximale, care au constat in necroze tegumentare si de părți moi, cu afectare osoasa si osteita, semn al gradului avansat al afectării vasculare. La pacienții care au beneficiat de plastie cu piele libera despicata, majoritatea defectelor au fost la nivelul gambei si erau prezente leziuni tegumentare. Concluzii. Defectele posttraumatice la pacienții cu polineuropatii diabetice a membrului pelvin pot fi rezolvate prin plastie cu piele libera despicata, reconstrucții prin lambouri, astfel rata amputațiilor scade.Introduction. Leg fracture risk at people with diabetes is related to the existence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is an important factor in the development of foot defects, infections and amputations of lower limb. Purpose. Analysis of the posttraumatic damage coupled with diabetic polyneuropathy of the pelvic limb and possibilities of healing the defects. Material and methods. The 15 patients were divided in 4 subgroups according to the type of surgical procedure performed: split skin grafts, the neighboring flaps, distant flaps, amputation at different levels. The descriptive parameters included: age, gender, the presence of type I or type II diabetes, the location. Results. 15 patients included in this study, out of which 4 women and 11 men were divided into four subgroups based on type of performed surgeries: the neighboring flaps - 4, distant flaps - 2, split skin grafts - 7, amputation in 2 cases. 12 patients had diabetes of type II, and the remaining 3 patients were insulin dependent. The 6 patients who had reconstruction through flaps, had distal defects (foot or ankle), whereas the patients who suffered per primam amputation had lesions at the ankle which were skin and soft tissue necrosis, with bone disease and osteitis, with signs of severe vascular disease. The majority of patients who had benefited from split skin grafts, suffered from skin lesion at the ankle level. Conclusions. Posttraumatic defects in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy of the pelvic limb can be treated through flaps or split skin grafts, so the amputation rate decreases significantly

Mesotherapy versus Systemic Therapy in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain: A Randomized Trial

Pharmacological therapy of back pain with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs is frequently associated with adverse effects, particularly in the elderly. Aim of this study was to compare mesotherapic versus conventional systemic administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids in patients with acute low back pain. Eighty-four patients were randomized to receive anti-inflammatory therapy according to the following protocols: (a) mesotherapy group received the 1st and 4th day 2% lidocaine (1 mL) + ketoprofen 160 mg (1 mL) + methylprednisolone 40 mg (1 mL), then on 7th, 10th, and 13th day, 2% lidocaine (1 mL) + ketoprofen 160 mg (1 mL) + methylprednisolone 20 mg (1 mL) (b) conventional therapy group received ketoprofen 80 mg × 2/die and esomeprazole 20 mg/die orally for 12 days, methylprednisolone 40 mg/die intramuscularly for 4 days, followed by methylprednisolone 20 mg/die for 3 days, and thereafter, methylprednisolone 20 mg/die at alternate days. Pain intensity and functional disability were assessed at baseline (T0), at the end of treatment (T1), and 6 months thereafter (T2) by using visual analogic scale (VAS) and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ). In both groups, VAS and RMDQ values were significantly reduced at the end of drug treatment and after 6 months, in comparison with baseline. No significant differences were found between the two groups. This suggests that mesotherapy may be a valid alternative to conventional therapy in the treatment of acute low back pain with corticosteroids and NSAIDs