Manifestation of Pathological States of Numerous Diseases in the Largest Organ of the Human Body: (I) Basics and the Diseases of Tendon

We analyze the crucial biochemical and biophysical properties of the basic constituents—connective tissues (CT), and interstitial fluid (IF) constituting the non-cellular part of the fascia. We provide ample evidence that the resident cells and cells in transit in the fascia are continuously interacting with the non-cellular constituents to form an active organ with well-defined functions. We show evidence that pathological states of diseases of internal organs, as well as that of the constituents of the fascia itself, manifest in certain CTIF domains of the fascia. Numerous diseases originate from imbalance of the digestion and synthesis of the native collagen triple helices. Review on the scanning electron microscopy examination of cross-section of tendons indicates that micro-fibrils of collagen I form regular geometrical structures, supporting the hypothesis that the collagen fibrils assemble like liquid crystals. Information on the age of Achilles tendons has been reported, based on dating of the 14C atoms generated from the nuclear bomb tests in 1955-1963. The causes of spontaneous tendon rupture and tendinopathy are analyzed. Plausible clinical measures to treat tendinopathy are briefly discussed, including the application of synthetic mechano-growth factor, glyceryl trinitrate patch (to supply nitric oxide), platelet rich plasma, proteomic profile analysis and microRNA 29a therapy.

Anterolateral rotatory instability in vivo correlates tunnel position after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone graft

AIM To quantitatively assess rotatory and anterior-posterior instability in vivo after anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone(BTB) autografts, and to clarify the influence of tunnel positions on the knee stability.METHODS Single-bundle ACL reconstruction with BTB autograft was performed on 50 patients with a mean age of 28 years using the trans-tibial(TT)(n = 20) and trans-portal(TP)(n = 30) techniques. Femoral and tibial tunnel positions were identified from the high-resolution 3 D-CT bone models two weeks after surgery. Anterolateral rotatory translation was examined using a Slocum anterolateral rotatory instability test in open magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) 1.0-1.5 years after surgery, by measuring anterior tibial translation at the medial and lateral compartments on its sagittal images. Anterior-posterior stability was evaluated with a Kneelax3 arthrometer.RESULTS A total of 40 patients(80%) were finally followed up. Femoral tunnel positions were shallower(P < 0.01) and higher(P < 0.001), and tibial tunnel positions were more posterior(P < 0.05) in the TT group compared with the TP group. Anterolateral rotatory translations in reconstructed knees were significantly correlated with the shallow femoral tunnel positions(R = 0.42, P < 0.01), and the rotatory translations were greater in the TT group(3.2 ± 1.6 mm) than in the TP group(2.0 ± 1.8 mm)(P < 0.05). Side-to-side differences of Kneelax3 arthrometer were 1.5 ± 1.3 mm in the TT, and 1.7 ± 1.6 mm in the TP group(N.S.). Lysholm scores, KOOS subscales and reinjury rate showed no difference between the two groups.CONCLUSION Anterolateral rotatory instability significantly correlated shallow femoral tunnel positions after ACL reconstruction using BTB autografts. Clinical outcomes, rotatory and anterior-posterior stability were overall satisfactory in both techniques, but the TT technique located femoral tunnels in shallower and higher positions, and tibial tunnels in more posterior positions than the TP technique, thus increased the anterolateral rotation. Anatomic ACL reconstruction with BTB autografts may restore knee function and stability.

复合胶原的组织工程肌腱力学性能的实验研究

目的 探讨胶原在组织工程肌腱的构建中对力学强度的影响。 方法 裸鼠75只,制成跟腱缺损的动物模型,随机分为5组,分别将人发(hair,H)、碳纤维(carbon fiber,CF)、聚羟基乙酸(polyglycolic acid,PGA)、H +PGA和CF+PGA复合外源性 型胶原,与标准转化人胚腱细胞株联合培养制成组织工程肌腱。植入裸鼠右后肢修复跟腱缺损,为实验组(A组) ;将未复合胶原的上述各种材料植入裸鼠左后肢修复跟腱缺损,为对照组(B组)。术后于2、4、6、8和12周进行生物力学测定,观察并比较其变化。 结果 实验组2～4周力学强度高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0 .0 5 ) ,但6～12周两组差异无统计学意义(P>0 .0 5 ) ;时间与力学强度呈正相关,差异有统计学意义(P<0 .0 5 )。其中以人发的力学强度最佳,CF次之,PGA最差。 结论 外源性胶原在肌腱修复的早期能增强组织工程肌腱的力学强度,对患肢功能的恢复有一定的作用。

Five Strand Hamstring Tendon Autograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Provides No Benefit over the Gold Standard Four Strand Repair for Anterior Stability of the Knee: A Prospective Cohort Study

The Four-Strand Hamstring Tendon Autograft has been long established as the gold standard for surgical reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Some studies have suggested wider grafts, such as a Five-Strand hamstring graft, may provide greater strength and a larger scaffold for incorporation of the graft into the bone tunnels, leading to greater postoperative anterior stability of the knee. 28 (n = 18 Four-Strand and n = 10 Five-Strand) patients with planned ACL reconstructive surgery by a single surgeon were recruited for this study. The KT-1000 Arthrometer (MED metric, CA, USA) was used to quantify AP translation in the subjects’ knees before (T0) and after surgery at 6 (T1) and 12 (T2) weeks. At 12 weeks there was significantly higher (p = 0.01) mean anterior laxity on Maximum Manual Test in the Five- Strand group (9.1 ± 1.7 mm) than the Four Strand Group (6.9 ± 2.3 mm). Further, there were significantly higher mean side-to-side differences (p = 0.01) on Maximum Manual Test in the Five-Strand cohort (5.1 ± 3.5 mm) compared to the Four-Strand cohort (1.9 ± 2.2 mm). A significantly larger positive mean change in anterior laxity (p = 0.02) from 6 - 12 weeks was evident in the Five-Strand group (1.4 ± 0.9) than the Four-Strand group (-0.3 ± 1.9 mm). No significant correlations were seen between graft widths and measures of anterior stability on KT-1000. This study illustrated that there was no benefit to using a Five-Strand Hamstring Tendon Autograft when compared to the gold standard Four-Strand Repair specifically with regards to anterior stability of the knee.

AN ANATOMICAL STUDY OF VASCULARIZED PLANTARIS TENDON GRAFT

Objective To find out a new vascularized donor tendon for grafting. Methods A detailed anatomical study olplantaris tendon and its vascular connection with the posterior tibial artery was carried out in 16 legs of 8 fresh adult cadavers, and histological examination of the vascular pattern was also performed. Results There exists a close vascular connection between the crural las cial - linked part of the plantaris tendon and the posterior tibial artery. The blood supply of the plantaris tendon is provided by 2~4 transfasctal branches of the posterior tibial artery in the lower- middle part of leg. Out of these branches, one or two anastomosable arteries (more than 1.0cm) together with veins constantly emerge 5~8cm from the insertion of the plantaris tendon. A strip of Achilles tendon can be a substitute in case of plantaris missing tendon. The histotwical observation demonstrates the reliable vascularity of the paratenon and crural fascial. Conclusion The plantaris tendon is a better option of donor vascularized tendon. A composite tendofascial flap with vascularized pedicle from the posterior tibial artery or its branches is supposed to be an advisable method for vascularized tendon gralt clinically. In the case of the plantaris missing, a strip of Achilles tendon should be the second choice.

Elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content in the Achilles tendon contribute to higher intratendinous pressures:Implications for Achilles tendinopathy

Background:Tendinopathy alters the compositional properties of the Achilles tendon by increasing fluid and glycosaminoglycan content.It has been speculated that these changes may affect intratendinous pressure,but the extent of this relationship remains unclear.Therefore,we aimed to investigate the impact of elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content on Achilles tendon intratendinous pressure and to determine whether hyaluronidase(HYAL) therapy can intervene in this potential relationship.Methods:Twenty paired fresh-frozen cadaveric Achilles tendons were mounted in a tensile-testing machine and loaded up to 5% strain.Intratendinous resting(at 0% strain) and dynamic pressure(at 5% strain) were assessed using the microcapillary infusion technique.First,intratendinous pressure was measured under native conditions before and after infusion of 2 mL physiological saline.Next,80 mg of glycosaminoglycans were administered bilaterally to the paired tendons.The right tendons were additionally treated with 1500 units of HYAL.Finally,both groups were retested,and the glycosaminoglycan content was analyzed.Results:It was found that both elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content resulted in higher intratendinous resting and dynamic pressures(p <0.001).HYAL treatment induced a 2.3-fold reduction in glycosaminoglycan content(p=0.002) and restored intratendinous pressures.Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrated that elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content in Achilles tendinopathy contribute to increased intratendinous re sting and dynamic pressures,which can be explained by the associated increased volume and reduced permeability of the tendon matrix,respectively.HYAL degrades glycosaminoglycans sufficiently to lower intratendinous pressures and may,therefore,serve as a promising treatment.

A tendon system to re-center steel moment frames with weak stories

A wide open bottom story of a frame building is often expected by owners for use as a garage or shops.However,this leads to weak stories due to abrupt changes in lateral stiffness and often results in unexpected story collapse as observed in many previous earthquakes.To retrofit frame buildings that have experienced weak story damage,a tendon system is proposed in this study,which consists of a set of swaying columns and tendons.The swaying columns are used to uniformly redistribute the lateral deformation along the height,while the tendons provide extra lateral stiffness and renders the entire structural system a re-centering capability.To avoid unnecessary forces to swaying columns,pin-connections are used at the bottom.Tendons are placed over the entire story to gain large elastic displacements.Parametric analysis reveals that the swaying column,with a stiffness of about 0.9 times that of the weak story,and the tendons attached at the roof,with a stiffness of 0.04 times that of the weak story,can provide the optimal performance with a maximum residual story drift angle of less than 0.5%.Online hybrid tests were carried out,which demonstrated that uniformly distributed story drifts and acceptable residual deformation could be achieved by the proposed tendon system.

Adenylate cyclase activates the cAMP signalling pathway to enhance platelet-rich plasma-treated Achilles tendon disease,a theoretical bioinformatics-based study

The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma(PRP)for the treatment of Achilles tendon disorders still needs to be evaluated through a series of prospective studies,but genomic analysis can reveal the existence of complementary PRP treatment options.Based on the 96 platelet activation-related genes in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)database,we performed Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis,pathway correlation analysis,and enrichment mapping to determine the enrichment results of the gene set enrichment analysis and found that the cAMP signalling pathway may be the key to enhancing the effectiveness of PRP treatment.The cAMP signalling pathway interacts with the Rap1 signalling pathway and cGMPPKG signalling pathway to mediate the entire pathophy-siological process of Achilles tendon disease.Moreover,ADCY1-9 may be the key to the activation of the cAMP signalling network.Further based on the data in the Gene Expression Omnibus database,it was found that ADCY4 and ADCY7 may be the players that play a major role,associated with the STAT4-ADCY4-LAMA5 axis and the GRbeta-ADCY7-SEMA3C axis,which is expected to be a complementary target for enhancing the efficacy of PRP in the treatment of Achilles tendon disease.

Collagen from Tendon of Yezo Sika Deer (<i>Cervus nippon yesoensis</i>) as By-Product

Collagen from tendon of Yezo sika deer was prepared by limited pepsin digestion. The yield of collagen was very high;35.7% on the basis of lyophilized dry weight. The secondary structure of this collagen was different from that of porcine skin by ATR-FTIR analysis, although it was the same characteristics, e.g. SDS-PAGE, subunit composition, ther-mal behavior, as porcine collagen. Since taking up a problem of bovine spongiform encephalopathy infection in land animals such as calf or bovine, collagen from aquatic materials has been used in various industries. However, the present study indicates that tendon of Yezo sika deer as by-product of meat industry will have potential as an important collagen source for use in the foods, cosmetics, and medical fields.

Bipolar hip arthroplasty using conjoined tendon preserving posterior lateral approach in treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures

BACKGROUND Hip fractures account for 23.8%of all fractures in patients over the age of 75 years.More than half of these patients are older than 80 years.Bipolar hemiarthroplasty(BHA)was established as an effective management option for these patients.Various approaches can be used for the BHA procedure.However,there is a high risk of postoperative dislocation.The conjoined tendon-preserving posterior(CPP)lateral approach was introduced to reduce postoperative dislocation rates.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the CPP lateral approach for BHA in elderly patients.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed medical data from 80 patients with displaced femoral neck fractures who underwent BHA.The patients were followed up for at least 1 year.Among the 80 patients,57(71.3%)were female.The time to operation averaged 2.3 d(range:1-5 d).The mean age was 80.5 years(range:67-90 years),and the mean body mass index was 24.9 kg/m^(2)(range:17-36 kg/m^(2)).According to the Garden classification,42.5%of patients were typeⅢand 57.5%of patients were typeⅣ.Uncemented bipolar hip prostheses were used for all patients.Torn conjoined tendons,dislocations,and adverse complications during and after surgery were recorded.RESULTS The mean postoperative follow-up time was 15.3 months(range:12-18 months).The average surgery time was 52 min(range:40-70 min)with an average blood loss of 120 mL(range:80-320 mL).The transfusion rate was 10%(8 of 80 patients).The gemellus inferior was torn in 4 patients(5%),while it was difficult to identify in 2 patients(2.5%)during surgery.The posterior capsule was punctured by the fractured femoral neck in 3 patients,but the conjoined tendon and the piriformis tendon remained intact.No patients had stem varus greater than 3 degrees or femoral fracture.There were no patients with stem subsidence more than 5 mm at the last follow-up.No postoperative dislocations were observed throughout the follow-up period.No significance was found between preoperative and postoperative mean Health Service System scores(87.30±2.98 vs 86.10±6.10,t=1.89,P=0.063).CONCLUSION The CPP lateral approach can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative dislocation without increasing perioperative complications.For surgeons familiar with the posterior lateral approach,there is no need for additional surgical instruments,and it does not increase surgical difficulty.

Application of real-time shear wave elastography to Achilles tendon hardness evaluation in older adults

BACKGROUND Real-time shear wave elastography(SWE)is a non-invasive imaging technique used to measure tissue stiffness by generating and tracking shear waves in real time.This advanced ultrasound-based method provides quantitative information regarding tissue elasticity,offering valuable insights into the mechanical properties of biological tissues.However,the application of real-time SWE in the musculoskeletal system and sports medicine has not been extensively studied.AIM To explore the practical value of real-time SWE for assessing Achilles tendon hardness in older adults.METHODS A total of 60 participants were enrolled in the present study,and differences in the elastic moduli of the bilateral Achilles tendons were compared among the following categories:(1)Age:55-60,60-65,and 65-70-years-old;(2)Sex:Male and female;(3)Laterality:Left and right sides;(4)Tendon state:Relaxed and tense state;and(5)Tendon segment:Proximal,middle,and distal.RESULTS There were no significant differences in the elastic moduli of the bilateral Achilles tendons when comparing by age or sex(P>0.05).There were,however,significant differences when comparing by tendon side,state,or segment(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Real-time SWE plays a significant role compared to other examination methods in the evaluation of Achilles tendon hardness in older adults.

空间曲线筋的摩擦和锚固预应力损失分析

根据现行规范GB5 0 0 1 0—2 0 0 2并参考有关资料,考虑建筑结构中空间曲线预应力筋的线形特点,给出其摩擦和锚固预应力损失沿程分布的计算公式和处理方法。方法将空间与平面曲线筋的预应力损失计算统一起来,且便于编程计算。通过工程实例说明该方法的应用。分析和实测结果表明:包角比弧长对摩擦损失的影响要大;当测试样本具有多样性时方可采用最小二乘法确定摩擦系数;采用综合法简化计算摩擦损失具有较好的计算精度;张拉端的预应力筋线形宜尽量平缓以减小预应力损失。

Outcomes of tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon more than three months after rupture

AIM: To demonstrate that long head of the biceps tendon(LHBT) tenodesis is possible more than 3 mo after rupture. METHODS: From September 2009 to January 2012 we performed tenodesis of the LHBT in 11 individuals(average age 56.9 years, range 42 to 73) more than 3 mo after rupture. All patients were evaluated by Disabilites of the Arm Shoulder and Hand(DASH) and Mayo outcome scores at an average follow-up of 19.1 mo. We similarly evaluated 5 patients(average age 58.2 years, range 45 to 64) over the same time treated within 3 mo of rupture with an average follow-up of 22.5 mo.RESULTS: Tenodesis with an interference screw was possible in all patients more than 3 mo after rupture and 90% had good to excellent outcomes but two had recurrent rupture. All of those who had tenodesis less than 3 mo after rupture had good to excellent outcomes and none had recurrent rupture. No statistical difference was found for DASH and Mayo outcome scores between the two groups(P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Tenodesis of LHBT more than 3 mo following rupture had outcomes similar to tenodesis done within 3 mo of rupture but recurrent rupture occurred in 20%.

促进肌腱愈合及预防肌腱粘连的研究进展

目的 较全面了解在促进肌腱愈合和防止肌腱粘连的材料和方法的现状,为今后相关研究及临床应用提供必要参考。 方法 广泛查阅近年国内外相关文献,总结分析肌腱愈合的方式,及促进肌腱愈合的药物和方法。 结果 肌腱愈合由内、外源愈合共同作用,以内源性愈合方式为主,同时又与腱鞘、腱纽及滑液等条件有密切联系;肌腱粘连多是由于外源性愈合参与过多及腱周损坏所致。通过修复或重建腱周组织、电刺激、理疗、加入药物、生长因子及基因干预等,可促进肌腱愈合;而通过修复腱鞘或采用代用品、加入药物及改进缝合技术等能有效预防肌腱粘连。 结论 通过恰当的中西医治疗方法和技术,可在促进肌腱愈合速度、提高愈合质量的同时。

Mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of tendon disorders

Tendon disorders are associated with increased morbidity and a reduction in the quality of life, especially in people of working age. Recently, a new approach, cell-based therapy, offers promising potential to treat tendon injuries. Mesenchymal stem cells are the most suitable candidates for such therapies due to their capacity to differentiate into cells of mesodermal origin, their paracrine properties and their potential use in autologous transplantation. This review summarizes experimental as well as clinical data focusing on the use of mesenchymal stem cells to treat tendinophaties.

基于“筋、节、骨、髓”分型探讨神经根型颈椎病的手法治疗

神经根型颈椎病(CSR)是一种由于颈椎间盘和椎间关节退变引起的疾病,主要表现为颈部、肩部及上肢神经支配区域的疼痛、感觉异常和运动障碍。传统中医的筋骨辨证在治疗该病时存在概念不清、辨证分型不一等问题。岐黄学者林定坤教授在筋骨辨证的基础上,结合现代解剖学提出了颈椎“筋”“节”“骨”“髓”4大分型。该文通过总结林定坤教授对CSR筋骨辨证学术思想,总结手法治疗该病的作用靶点,提出基于筋劳、节错、骨变和髓损等4种病损分型,采用理筋、调节、护髓和治骨4种手法治疗,以期完善骨伤科手法治疗CSR的辨证施治体系,为临床提供参考。

Lateral Intra-Articular Transposition of the Anterior Tibialis Tendon for the Treatment of Relapsed Clubfoot in Toddlers: A Previously Unreported Surgical Technique

Dynamic supination of the foot is a common residual deformity in children with clubfeet treated with the Ponseti method. Transfer of the anterior tibialis tendon (ATT) to the lateral cuneiform is an effective method for correcting this deformity when the cuneiform is ossified in children who are 3 to 5 years of age. We describe two cases of a previously unreported method of ATT transposition for correction of bilateral residual dynamic supination in a 26-month-old and a 19-month-old patient. Both patients presented shortly after birth with bilateral congenital idiopathic clubfoot and were initially treated with the Ponseti method. Both had residual deformity following initial treatment that included posterior contracture and metatarsus adductus with dynamic forefoot supination. This was surgically corrected with a posterior release and medial release of the 1st metatarsal/1st cuneiform joint. To correct dynamic supination, the ATT was transplanted laterally into the released midfoot joint. These two patients were followed post-operatively for 7.5 years and have correction of their residual deformity in both feet based on subjective functioning, appearance, range of motion, strength, and gait. Both have excellent lateral pull of their ATT, which functions as a strong foot dorsiflexor. No residual supination is present. This is the first report of lateral transposition of the ATT as an interposition graft at the released 1st metatarsal/1st cuneiform joint in patients with relapsed clubfoot. We suggest that this method should provide a high level of functioning in children with relapsed supination deformity and whose 3rd cuneiform has not yet ossified.

Control of tendon cell fate in the embryonic limb: A molecular perspective

The molecular cascade underlying tendon formation starts when progenitor cells begin to express the Scleraxis(Scx)gene.Scx knockout mice develop some but not all tendons,suggesting that additional factors are necessary for tendon commitment,maintenance,and differentiation.Other transcription factors,such as Mohawk(Mkx)or early growth response(Egr),maintain Scx expression and extracellular matrix formation during fibrillogenesis.The inhibition of wingless and int-related protein signaling is necessary and sufficient to induce the expression of Scx.Once the commitment of tenogenic lineage occurs,transforming growth factor-beta(TGFβ)induces the Scx gene expression,becoming involved in the maintenance of tendon cell fate.From this point of view,we discussed two phases of the tenogenic process during limb development:dependent and independent of mechanical forces.Finally,we highlight the importance of understanding embryonic tendon development to improve therapeutic strategies in regenerative medicines for tendons.

Autologous Tendon Grafts Used in Upper Limb Surgery

Tendon autografts play an important role in upper limb reconstruction and a working knowledge of tendon autograft options is essential for the surgeon. Although palmaris longus is often the first choice, other options like plantaris, extensor Hallucis longus, flexor carpi radialis are readily available. Advantages of autografts include easy availability, satisfactory biomechanical properties and the human body tends to accept its own tendons than from a donor. This review highlights the various options available and their anatomical and surgical considerations in procuring grafts for upper limb reconstructive work.

影响肌腱干细胞分化的因素

背景:肌腱病是一种肌肉骨骼疾病,以疼痛和活动能力下降为特征,伴有胶原蛋白紊乱和血管增生的病理变化。肌腱病常易发生在运动员、体力劳动者和老年人身上。肌腱病的机制之一是“失败的愈合反应”,而导致失败愈合反应的部分原因是肌腱干细胞的错误分化。目的:通过阅读相关文献,介绍肌腱干细胞的特性,总结影响肌腱干细胞向肌腱细胞分化的因素以及导致肌腱干细胞错误分化(分化为脂肪细胞、骨细胞和软骨细胞)的因素,同时阐述肌腱干细胞在临床中的应用局限。方法:检索PubMed及Web of Science数据库中相关文献,检索词为“Tendon Stem/Progenitor Cells,Tendinopathy,Tendon injury,differentiation”,通过阅读筛选出相关文献,最终纳入109篇文献进行结果分析。结果与结论:①肌腱干细胞是可以自发分化为肌腱的一种干细胞,它具有自我更新、克隆和多向分化的能力,不同的外部条件作用于肌腱干细胞可以导致其向不同方向分化。调节肌腱干细胞命运的具体因素并不确定。当肌腱中的干细胞更新和分化出现异常时,会导致肌腱愈合失败,进而导致肌腱病。②衰老、细胞外基质成分的变化、过度的机械刺激、前列腺素E2和白细胞介素6以及白细胞介素10和一些系统性疾病可能对调控肌腱干细胞的错误分化有重要意义。③促进肌腱干细胞向腱细胞分化的可能有利因素有:一些生长因子和细胞因子、适度的机械刺激和细胞外基质的地形、低氧张力、药物以及某些转录基因和蛋白。④目前最为理想的治疗手段则是对内源性肌腱干细胞进行调节,或者外源性肌腱干细胞刺激内源性肌腱干细胞的增殖分化。⑤未来研究进一步了解调节肌腱干细胞错误分化的因素,可深入了解肌腱病的发病机制并找到治疗靶点,阐述诱导肌腱干细胞向肌腱分化则可促进其在组织工程中的应用。