Comparison of intra-articular injection of parecoxib vs oral administration of celecoxib for the clinical efficacy in the treatment of early knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)have played a crucial role in the treatment of osteoarthritis,especially in the early stages.However,the cardiovascular risk and adverse gastrointestinal reactions of oral NSAIDs in elderly people cannot be underestimated.Intra-articular injection of NSAIDs may be a new attempt for early knee osteoarthritis treatment.Parecoxib may be a suitable drug for intra-articular injection.AIM To observe the clinical efficacy of the intra-articular injection of parecoxib for early knee osteoarthritis.METHODS Early knee osteoarthritis patients(n=110)were retrospectively analyzed.These patients were divided into three groups:Basic treatment+oral glucosamine(group A,n=37),oral celecoxib+basic treatment+oral glucosamine(group B,n=37),and intra-articular injection of parecoxib+basic treatment+oral glucosamine(group C,n=36).Intra-articular injection of parecoxib was performed once every 2 wk at a dose of 40 mg each time,for three times total.The three groups were compared in terms of visual analogue scale(VAS)scores,Hospital for Special Surgery(HSS)scores and patient satisfaction before and after treatment.The levels of inflammatory cytokines in the synovial fluid were detected in the three groups before and after treatment.RESULTS All patients were followed up for an average of 15.5±2.7 mo.The clinical efficacy was estimated by VAS and HSS scores at 12 mo after treatment.Inflammatory cytokine levels in the synovial fluid were evaluated at 3 mo after treatment.VAS and HSS scores were significantly improved in each group compared with before(P<0.001).There were significant differences among the three groups in VAS and HSS scores(P<0.001).The clinical efficacy of group C was superior to that of groups A and B(P<0.001),while group B outperformed group A in this respect(P<0.001).The patient satisfaction was the highest in group C(P<0.001).After treatment,the levels of tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α)and interleukin(IL)-6 in the synovial fluid decreased in each group compared with before(P<0.001),while the levels of IL-10 increased(P<0.001).The three groups differed significantly in the levels of TNF-a,IL-6 and IL-10 in the synovial fluid after treatment(P<0.001).CONCLUSION For patients with early knee osteoarthritis,intra-articular injection of parecoxib could effectively improve clinical symptoms.This method may be a reliable alternative for early knee osteoarthritis.

Intra-articular delivery of tetramethylpyrazine microspheres with enhanced articular cavity retention for treating osteoarthritis

Tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with strong antiinflammatory and cartilage protection activities, and thus a promising candidate for treating osteoarthritis. However, TMP is rapidly cleared from the joint cavity after intra-articular injection and requires multiple injections to maintain efficacy. The aim of this study was to encapsulate TMP into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) microspheres to enhance the TMP retention in the joint, reducing injection frequencies and decreasing dosage. TMP microspheres were prepared by emulsion/solvent evaporation method. The intra-articular retention of the drug was assessed by detecting the drug concentration distributed in the joint tissue at different time points. The therapeutic effect of TMP microspheres was evaluated by the swelling of knee joints and histologic analysis in papain-induced OA rat model. The prepared freezedried microspheres with a particle size of about 10 μm can effectively prolong the retention time of the drug in the articular cavity to 30 d, which is 4.7 times that of the TMP solution.Intra-articular injection of TMP microspheres efficiently relieved inflammatory symptoms,improved joint lesions and decreased the depletion of proteoglycan. In conclusion, intraarticular injection of TMP loaded microspheres was a promising therapeutic method in the treatment of OA.

Intra-articular transplantation of porcine adipose-derived stem cells for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis: A pilot study

AIM: To test whether intra-articular injection of porcine adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs) can treat canine osteoarthritis(OA).METHODS: To enroll in this study dogs must have stifle joint OA that had lasted ≥ 3 mo and been treated with OA medication without significant improvement. Three dogs fulfilled these criteria and were thus subjects for ADSCs treatment. ADSCs were isolated from abdominal adipose tissue of a 2-mo-old female Yorkshire pig. Their stem cell marker expression was examined by immunofluorescence staining. For treatment, 5 million ADSCs were injected into the diseased joint of each dog. In the next 48 h, the patient was observed for signs of inflammatory and allergic reactions. Thepatient was then discharged to the owner and, at 2, 6, and 12 wk, followed up with orthopedic assessment, owner questionnaire, X-ray imaging, and force-plate gait analysis.RESULTS: Porcine ADSCs expressed mesenchymal stem cell markers CD90 and CD105. Injection of porcine ADSCs into canine stifle joints did not cause any inflammatory or allergic reactions. Orthopedic evaluation found improvements in two dogs, particularly at the longest time point. Owners' evaluation found increased capacity and decreased pain in all three dogs' activities such as walking and running. Radiographic evaluation did not find statistically significant differences before and after treatment. Force-plate analysis found significant improvements in all three dogs after treatment.CONCLUSION: Xenotransplantation of ADSCs for the treatment of OA is feasible. Further studies are needed to validate this novel treatment modality, which can then be implemented for the routine treatment of OA in veterinary medicine.

External fixation is more suitable for intra-articular fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients

The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes, psychological impact, and complication rates associated with external fixation and volar or dorsal plating in relation to the functional parameters following treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius （IFDR） in patients older than 65 years. We hypothesized that using volar or dorsal plating would improve functional outcomes, but that it would be associated with more complications and equivalent functional outcomes when compared with the external fixation group. A total of 123 consecutive patients suffering from IFDR were recruited into the study. The patients were measured for clinical, radiological, and psychosocial functioning outcomes and were followed up after I week and 3, 6 and 12 months. After 3 months, the plating group had better pronation （P = 0.001）, supination, （P = 0.047） and extension （P = 0.043） scores. These differences were somewhat attenuated by 6 months and disappeared at I year. The plating group had a greater occurrence of wound infection （P = 0.043）, tendonitis, （P = 0.024） and additional surgery compared with the external fixation group. The only TNO-AZL Adult Quality of Life scores in the plating group that were lower than those in the external fixation group were in the ＂gross motor＂ category （walking upstairs, bending over, walking 500 yards; P = 0.023）. Internal fixation was more advantageous than external fixation in the early rehabilitation period; after I year the outcomes were similar. The plating group showed significantly higher levels of wound infection and tendonitis and had a greater need for additional surgeries.

An intra-articular injectable phospholipids-based gel for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic inflammatory and destructive arthropathy with a high deformity rate.Despite numerous studies and clinical trials,no curative treatment is available for large weight-bearing joints.Intra-articular(IA)injections could deliver high concentrations of drug to the afflicted joint and improve the drug efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity.However,free drugs are rapidly cleared from synovial fluid and do not significantly halt the progression of joint disease.Herein,a phospholipids-based controlledrelease gel was prepared for sustained IA delivery of celastrol(CEL)and the therapeutic efficiencywas evaluated in a rheumatoid arthritis rabbitmodel.The CEL-loaded gel(CEL-gel)contained up to 70%phospholipids yetwas easy to inject.After injecting into the joint cavity,CEL-gel achieved sol to gel phase transition without special stimuli and gelling agent.In vitro release and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies evidenced the stable and sustained release action of CEL-gel.A single IA injection of CEL-gel could maintain therapeutic efficiency for about 25 d and showed much better anti-arthritic efficacy compared to repeated injections of free drug solution(CEL-sol).Furthermore,the IA injection of CEL-gel greatly reduced the systemic toxicity of CEL.With good biocompatibility and biodegradability,CEL-gel might be a promising IA drug delivery system.

Continuous Intra-Articular Ropivacaine/Tramadol Combination Infusion Therapy Improves Postoperative Outcome of Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objectives: To evaluate the postoperative analgesic yield of continuous intra-articular (IA) ropivacaine/tramadol infusion as against infusion of ropivacaine alone after total knee arthroplasty. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients accompanied by arthrosis were randomly divided into three equal groups: The ropivacaine group, which obtained a continuous intraarticular (IA) infusion of ropivacaine alone;the combination group, which obtained a continuous (IA) infusion of a combination of ropivacaine and tramadol at a rate of 6 ml/h for 72 h postoperatively;and the control group, which did not receive IA medications. After release of the ischemic tourniquet and assurance of haemostasis, a vacuum drainage tube was applied. The (IA) infusion was delivered through a multipored catheter for 72 h. Postoperative pain was assessed using visual analogue pain scale (VAS), and intravenous meperidine was administered as rescue analgesia if the (VAS) pain score was greater than or equal to (4) or on patient’s request. The total rescue analgesia consumption, angle of flexion of the knee and hospital stay were recorded. Results: The ability to achieve better angle of flexion was significantly higher in the combination group compared with the other groups, with a significant difference in favour of the ropivacaine group compared with the control group. At 2 h postoperatively, the mean pain (VAS) scores were significantly lower in patients who received (IA) analgesia compared with the control group and in the ropivacaine/tramadol group versus the ropivacaine group. The number of requests and total dose of rescue analgesia consumed were significantly lower with (IA) analgesia, with a significant difference in favour of the combination group. There was significant correlation between pain (VAS) scores and angle of flexion of the knee joint. Conclusion: Continuous (IA) ropivacaine/tramadol infusion safely reduced postoperative pain and spared administration of rescue analgesics with a significantly improved range of joint movement.

Primary Combined Intra-articular and Extra-articular Synovial Osteochondromatosis of Shoulder: a Case Report

PRIMARY synovial chondromatosis is a rarecondition in which foci of cartilage develop in thesynovial membrane of joints, bursae and tendonsheaths. It typically involves a single large jointin a young adult male.1 The ectopic foci of cartilage canresult in painful joint effusion, and the generation of loosebodies can cause mechanical symptoms.2,3 The etiology ofprimary synovial chondromatosis remains unknown, butmetaplastic theory is the most popular hypothesis. Thecommonly involved joints are knee, elbow, and hip.^4 Theshoulder is a rare site of synovial chondromatosis2,3,5 andthe extra-articular involvement even rarer, with only fewcases presented in literature. This report presents a rarecase of primary combined intra-articular andextra-articular synovial chondromatosis of shoulder jointtreated with arthroscopy.

Target Transfusion Intra-Articular Therapy for Osteoarthritic Joints

The comparison of biochemical composition and biophysical properties of synovial fluid and blood serum leads to a conclusion about the pathogenetic expediency of using serum as a corrector of synovial medium of osteoarthritic joints. Serum modification was realized by preliminary prescription of a single-dose drug to the patient. Then, the patient’s blood was sampled in the period of its maximal saturation with the drug. Autoserum from such blood samples was injected thrice into the knee joints affected by osteoarthritis of the 2nd or 3rd stages. The value of treatment results after 4 - 6 months of described therapeutics shows a significantly better therapeutic effect in the experimental of patient’s group as compared with the control group. The effect is connected with pain diminishing, normalization of the tissue joint nutrition, suppression of the local inflammation, and improvement of cartilage lubrication.

Effect of intramuscular calcitonin injection combined with intra-articular ozone injection on the expression of the IL family and MMPs family of knee osteoarthritis

Objective: To study the effect of intramuscular calcitonin injection combined with intra-articular ozone injection on the expression of the IL family and MMPs family of knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A total of 128 patients with knee osteoarthritis who were treated in the hospital between January 2015 and January 2017 were collected and divided into control group and observation group by random number table, each with 64 cases. Control group received intra-articular ozone injection therapy, and observation group received intramascular calcitonin injection combined with intra-articular ozone injection therapy. The differences in serum levels of IL family members and MMPs family members were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: Before treatment, the differences in serum levels of IL family members and MMPs family members were not statistically significant between the two groups. 1 week after treatment, serum levels of IL family members IL-1β, IL-15, IL-17 and IL-18 as well as MMPs family members MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-13 of both groups of patients were significantly lower than those before treatment, and serum IL-1β, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-13 levels of observation group were significantly lower than those of control group. Conclusion: Intramuscular calcitonin injection combined with intra-articular ozone injection therapy can effectively inhibit the expression of IL family and MMPs family in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells mediate extracellular matrix remodeling in osteoarthritis through the transport of microRNA-29a

BACKGROUND Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)is a common orthopedic condition with an uncertain etiology,possibly involving genetics and biomechanics.Factors like changes in chondrocyte microenvironment,oxidative stress,inflammation,and immune responses affect KOA development.Early-stage treatment options primarily target symptom relief.Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)show promise for treatment,despite challenges.Recent research highlights microRNAs(miRNAs)within MSC-released extracellular vesicles that can potentially promote cartilage regeneration and hinder KOA progression.This suggests exosomes(Exos)as a promising avenue for future treatment.While these findings emphasize the need for effective KOA progression management,further safety and efficacy validation for Exos is essential.AIM To explore miR-29a’s role in KOA,we’ll create miR-29a-loaded vesicles,testing for early treatment in rat models.METHODS Extraction of bone marrow MSC-derived extracellular vesicles,preparation of engineered vesicles loaded with miR-29a using ultrasonication,and identification using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction;after establi-shing a rat model of KOA,rats were randomly divided into three groups:Blank control group injected with saline,normal extracellular vesicle group injected with normal extracellular vesicle suspension,and engineered extrace-llular vesicle group injected with engineered extracellular vesicle suspension.The three groups evaluation,histological detection,and immunohistochemical detection to compare and evaluate the progress of various forms of arthritis.RESULTS General behavioral observation results showed that the extracellular vesicle group and engineered extracellular vesicle group had better performance in all four indicators of pain,gait,joint mobility,and swelling compared to the blank control group.Additionally,the engineered extracellular vesicle group had better pain relief at 4 wk and better knee joint mobility at 8 wk compared to the normal extracellular vesicle group.Imaging examination results showed that the blank control group had the fastest progression of arthritis,the normal extracellular vesicle group had a relatively slower progression,and the engineered extracellular vesicle group had the slowest progression.Gross histological observation results showed that the blank control group had the most obvious signs of arthritis,the normal extracellular vesicle group showed signs of arthritis,and the engineered extracellular vesicle group showed no significant signs of arthritis.Using the Pelletier gross score evaluation,the engineered extracellular vesicle group had the slowest progression of arthritis.Results from two types of staining showed that the articular cartilage of rats in the normal extracellular vesicle and engineered extracellular vesicle groups was significantly better than that of the blank control group,and the engineered extracellular vesicle group had the best cartilage cell and joint surface condition.Immunohistochemical detection of type II collagen and proteoglycan showed that the extracellular matrix of cartilage cells in the normal extracellular vesicle and engineered extracellular vesicle groups was better than that of the blank control group.Compared to the normal extracellular vesicle group,the engineered extracellular vesicle group had a better regulatory effect on the extracellular matrix of cartilage cells.CONCLUSION Engineered Exos loaded with miR-29a can exert anti-inflammatory effects and maintain extracellular matrix stability,thereby protecting articular cartilage,and slowing the progression of KOA.

Additional comments on extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells mediate extracellular matrix remodeling in osteoarthritis

Recently,we read an article published by the Yang et al.The results of this study indicated that engineered exosomes loaded with microRNA-29a(miR-29a)alleviate knee inflammation and maintain extracellular matrix stability in Sprague Dawley rats.The study’s results provide useful information for treating knee osteoarthritis(KOA).This letter,shares our perspectives on treating KOA using engineered exosomes for miR-29a.

规范化围术期护理对切开复位钛钢板内固定治疗跟骨骨折患者的影响

目的：探讨规范化围术期护理对切开复位钛钢板内固定治疗跟骨骨折患者的术后疗效与并发症的影响。方法：随机选取2010年1月～2012年1月的30例患者为对照组，采取常规治疗与基础护理；随机选择2012年3月～2013年8月的36例患者为观察组，采取规范化围术期护理。比较两组患者术后疗效与并发症情况。结果：观察组患者术后临床疗效优良率、Philips踝关节评分、HSS膝关节评分均明显高于对照组（P﹤0.05），并发症发生率明显低于对照组（P﹤0.05）。结论：在基础护理的基础上实施规范化围术期护理，可明显提高临床治疗效果，降低术后并发症发生率，更有利于术后关节功能恢复。

跟骨载距突的解剖学测量及应用效果

目的:探讨跟骨载距突的解剖学测量及应用效果。方法:选取蚌埠医学院第一附属医院于2013年8月至2015年8月的20例(20侧)跟骨骨折患者,作为病例组,选取20例(20侧)成人年龄性别匹配正常跟骨标本,作为对照组,对两组研究对象进行跟骨载距突的解剖学测量,采用解剖测量法、数字化X线摄影法和多层螺旋计算机断层扫描法测量前部和载距突数据,结合测量数据后钻入直径4 mm的克氏针,确定跟骨外侧壁的进针点及角度方向以及载距突螺钉的直径大小。结果:病例组的载距突长、宽、高、前倾角、外倾角与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05);病例组自跟骨前部外侧壁取两点向载距突置钉,前点进钉方向为上斜角、后斜角、有效固定长度以及后点进钉方向为上斜角、后斜角、有效固定长度,与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。结论:对跟骨骨折和正常人跟骨载距突进行解剖学观测,可以准确地为治疗提供依据,提高治疗的安全性。

侧撑开技术结合切开复位内固定术治疗跟骨关节内骨折的临床资料分析

目的 回顾性分析侧撑开技术结合切开复位内固定术治疗跟骨关节内骨折的临床疗效.方法 随机选取2013年3月-2016年10月收治的跟骨关节内骨折50例,分为对照组和观察组.观察组行切开复位内固定术联合侧撑开技术,对照组行切开复位内固定术,除不使用侧撑开技术外操作与上述一致.记录手术前后患者Bohler角、Gissane角、跟骨内翻角及VAS评分、手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、愈合时间及随访时间等指标,对比两组疗效.结果 术前,两组Bohler角、Gissane角、跟骨内翻角及VAS评分无差异（P〉0.05）;术后,两组Bohler角、Gissane角及VAS评分均得到改善,对比无差异（P〉0.05）;观察组跟骨内翻角（4.6°±2.0°）明显小于对照组（9.1°±3.7°）（P〈0.05）.同时,两组组内对比Bohler角、Gissane角、跟骨内翻角及VAS评分等指标均明显好转（P〈0.05）.术中,观察组的出血量、住院时间、愈合时间、随访时间及AOFAS评分与对照组无明显差别（P〉0.05）;但观察组手术时间（73.4±16.7）min,明显少于对照组（83.5±18.6）min（P〈0.05）.观察组并发症总发生率12.0%（3/25）明显低于对照组28.0%（7/25）（P〈0.05）.结论 采用侧撑开技术结合切开复位内固定术能有效提高跟骨关节内骨折的治疗效果,减少并发症,具有临床参考价值.

Total knee arthroplasty and fractures of the tibial plateau

Tibial plateau fractures are common injuries that occur in a bimodal age distribution. While there are various treatment options for displaced tibial plateau fractures, the standard of care is open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF). In physiologically young patients with higher demand and better bone quality, ORIF is the preferred method of treating these fractures. However, future total knee arthroplasty(TKA) is a consideration in these patients as post-traumatic osteoarthritis is a common long-term complication of tibial plateau fractures. In older, lower demand patients, ORIF is potentially less favorable for a variety of reasons, namely fixation failure and the need for delayed weight bearing. In some of these patients, TKA can be considered as primary mode of treatment. This paper will review the literature surrounding TKA as both primary treatment and as a salvage measure in patients with fractures of the tibial plateau. The outcomes, complications, techniques and surgical challenges are also discussed.

Mesenchymal stem cells for cartilage regeneration in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis(OA) is a slowly progressive disease where cartilage of the synovial joint degenerates. It is most common in the elderly where patients experience pain and reduce physical activity. In combination with lack of conventional treatment, patients are often left with no other choices than arthroplasty. Over the last years, multipotent stromal cells have been used in efforts to treat OA. Mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells(MSCs) are stromal cells that can differentiate into bone, fat, and cartilage cells. They reside within bone marrow and fat. MSCs can also be found in synovial joints where they affect the progression of OA. They can be isolated and proliferated in an incubator before being applied in clinical trials. When it comes to treatment, emphasis has hitherto been on autologous MSCs, but allogenic cells from healthy donors are emerging as another source of the cells. The first adaptations of MSCs revolved in the use of cellrich matrix, delivered as invasive surgical procedure, which resulted in production of hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage. However, the demand for less invasive delivery of cells has prompted the use of direct intraarticular injections, wherein a large amount of suspended cells are implanted in the cartilage defect.

切开复位并异形钢板固定治疗跟骨关节内骨折

目的:分析使用切开复位异形钢板内固定治疗跟骨关节内骨折的治疗方法和疗效。方法:自2004年3月～2009年12月,对48例53足累及距下关节的跟骨骨折行切开复位异形钢板内固定治疗。结果:46例51足获随访5个月～3年,平均22个月,按Maryland足部评分系统评价术后功能,优21足,良27足,优良率为91%。结论:切开复位异形钢板内固定能使骨折解剖复位,病人能早期进行锻炼,是治疗跟骨关节内骨折较好的办法。

Roles of Serum Amyloid A 1 Protein Isoforms in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Secondary amyloid A amyloidosis,a lethal complication,is induced when acute or chronic infection coexists with over-secretion of the serum amyloid A 1(SAA1)protein and deposition in key internal organs.Previously,using the whole-exome sequencing method,we identified a novel deleterious mutation SAA1.2 in rheumatoid arthritis(RA)patients.However,the role of SAA1 in RA pathogenesis and its complications remains unknown.The purpose of this study was to determine the pathogenetic roles of SAA1 protein isoforms in RA progression.We modified an experimental adenovirus infection protocol to introduce SAA1.2 gene alleles into the knee joints of mice and used SAA1.3 and SAA1.5 as controls.Microcomputed tomography analysis was applied to determine changes in bone morphology and density.Immunohistochemical(IHC)analysis,flow cytometry,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)were used to investigate disease progression and cytokine alterations in the course of adenoviral SAA-induced knee joint inflammation and bone destruction.We found that the arthritis-inducing effect of SAA1.2 transcription in the knee joints and mutant SAA1 protein secretion in blood resulted in the stimulation of immune responses,leading to CD8^(+)T cell and pro-inflammatory cytokine elevation,such as interleukin(IL)-6,IL-22,matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-3,MMP-9,with subsequent synovial inflammation and bone destruction.These findings indicate that SAA1 protein isoforms,particularly SAA1.2,play a significant role in the induction and progression of RA and may have potential value in the early diagnosis and severity prediction of RA.

Operative vs nonoperative treatment of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fracture: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM： To investigate clinical efficacy of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture （DIACF） following operation and nonoperation. METHODS： Literature search was performed of PubMed and Cochrane Library by two independent authors to identify randomized controlled trials （RCTs） comparing operative vs nonoperative treatment of DIACF from inception to December 31st, 2013. RCT quality was evaluated by the modified Jadad scale. Dichotomous variables were pooled using risk ratios by review manager 5.3 software. Fixed-effects or random-effects models were adopted with P 〉 0.05 or P ≤ 0.05 for heterogeneity tests, respectively.RESULTS： Eight RCTs comprising 767 cases met inclusion criteria. Results revealed that more surgically treated patients could resume pre-injury job （P = 0.006）. No statistical differences were found between the two groups in residual pain （P = 0.33）, shoe fitting problems （P = 0.07）, limited walking distance （P = 0.56） or secondary late arthrodesis （P = 0.38）. However, operative treatment was associated with a higher complication rate （P = 0.003）. Subgroup analyses of specific complications revealed that except for a higher risk of superficial wound problems （P 〈 0.0001） in operative group, the two groups had similar complication rate in deep wound infection （ P = 0.34）,CONCLUSION： Current evidence demonstrates that compared with operative treatment, conservative treatment of DIACF lead to similar clinical outcomes regarding residual pain, shoe fitting, walking distance and secondary subtalar arthrodesis but a significantly lower complication rate.

Efficacy and safety of low dose compound betamethasone in the treatment of mild knee osteoarthritis

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of intra-articular injection of low-dose compound betamethasone in the treatment of mild knee osteoarthritis.Methods:From September 2018 to December 2019,90 patients with mild knee osteoarthritis were divided into complete dose group and low dose group according to the treatment sequence,45 cases in each group.The complete dose group was treated with intra-artiular injection of betamethasone(1ml)and sodium hyaluronate(2ml),once a week,three times as a course of treatment.The low dose group was treated with intra-artiular injection of betamethasone(0.3ml)and sodium hyaluronate(2ml),once a week,three times as a course of treatment.Lysholm scores、the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)and visual analogue scale(VAS)were compared between the two groups before and after treatment,and the efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results:80 patients were followed up with an average of(4.96±1.50)months ranging from 3 to 8 months,and 10 cases(11.11%)were dropped out,including 2 cases in the complete dose group,2 cases in the midway withdrawal group,and 1 case in the treatment course less than the treatment course;3 cases in the low dose group lost the follow-up,and 2 cases dropped out.Compared with that before treatment,Lysholm scores were significantly improved,WOMAC scores and VAS scores were significantly decreased in the two groups at 3 weeks,6 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment(P<0.001).The Lysholm scores of low dose group were78.10±2.16,86.78±2.55,80.90±2.26,WOMAC scores were 61.00±1.38,39.03±1.98,45.76±1.66 and VAS scores were 2.23±0.89,0.78±0.73 and 1.05±0.85 in low dose group at 3 weeks,6 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment.There was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).No drugrelated adverse reactions occurred in both groups.Conclusion:The curative effect of low dose compound betamethasone intra-articular injection in the treatment of mild knee osteoarthritis is equivalent to that of complete dose compound betamethasone.It can improve the function and symptoms of knee joint,and is safe and effective.