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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 intraarticular calcaneal fracture(DIACF) following operation and nonoperation. METHODS: Literature search was performed of Pub Med and Cochrane Library by two independent authors to identify randomized controlled trials(RCTs) comparing operative vs nonoperative treatment of DIACF from inception to December 31 st, 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 randomeffects 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),compartment syndrome(P = 0.46), thromboembolism(P = 0.32), reflex sympathetic dystrophy(P = 0.51) or traumatic arthritis secondary to DIACF(P = 0.43).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.

Intraarticular Nodular Fasciitis in the Knee Joint with <i>USP6</i>-Gene Rearrangement<br/>—A Case Report with Special Attention to Diagnostics of Intraarticular Lesions

Background: Nodular fasciitis (NF) is currently considered a self-limited clonal neoplastic process. It shares the rearrangement of USP6-gene with aneurysmal bone cysts and myositis ossificans. The presented case is of interest as this is a rare site of presentation of NF;so far only few single cases of intraarticular NF have been reported with documented USP6-gene rearrangement. Intraarticular neoplasias of the knee joint are rare;the most frequent being tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TSGCT). Given a nationwide annual incidence rate of 14 for the lower extremity and about 75% affecting the knee joint about 10 new cases involving the knee joint can be expected per 1 million persons/year. All other types of benign neoplasms are comparably rare while malignant intraarticular processes are extremely rare with most of them reported as single case studies. Aim: We report our case to emphasize the importance of preoperative diagnostics including the option of biopsy. Intraarticular malignant processes are extremely rare and frequently are operated on accidently with negative consequences for the patient. Tactics and techniques to treat benign processes depend on the correct pathologic diagnosis. Case presentation: The 38 year old man noticed slowly increasing swelling of his left knee joint after wakeboarding. Because of continuing discomfort 2 months later MRI diagnostic revealed, apart from retropatellar cartilage lesions, a popliteal mass compatible with a Baker cyst. The lesion of interest (later diagnosed as NF) was neither recognized by the radiologist nor the treating clinician. During the following 8 months the patient felt increasing swelling of the knee joint. The repeat MRI documented the crescent intraarticular solid synovial mass in the medial patellofemoral recess without signs of hemosiderin impregnation. A percutaneous sonographically guided 16G needle biopsy was performed. Histologically, bland myofibroblastic proliferation suggestive of nodular fasciitis (NF) was found. The next generation sequencing (NGS) demonstrated the presence of MYH9-USP6 gene fusion, confirming the diagnosis of NF. The lesion was excised under arthroscopic control. At 1 year follow-up the patient is asymptomatic. Conclusion: The case is of interest because of its rare pathology. The decision how to treat was based on pathologic biopsy diagnostics including the USP6-gene rearrangement. In view of similar presentation of the rare malignancies we also want to stress the importance of definitive diagnostics which generally are possible only through biopsy.

Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Review

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease in which the cartilage (cushioning between joints) wears away. As the cartilage wears away, it becomes frayed and rough, and the protective space between the bones decreases. This causes rubbing of bones, resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased ability to move and formation of bone spurs. Osteoarthritis develops slowly and the pain it causes worsens over time. Although there is no cure, there are many treatment options available to help manage pain and keep people staying active. Intra-articular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) injection is one of the treatment options. Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide, an anionic, non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan and is a naturally occurring substance found in the synovial fluid surrounding joints. It acts as a lubricant to enable bones to move smoothly over each other and as a shock absorber for joint loads. People with knee osteoarthritis have lower concentration and altered volume of hyaluronic acid than normal in their joints. Due to lower concentration and volume, exogenous hyaluronic acid may be injected into the knee joint. Treatment with exogenous hyaluronic acid contributes to restore the elastic and viscous properties of the synovial fluid, pain reduction and functional improvement. It is indicated for patients who have failed to respond adequately to conservative non-pharmacological therapy and simple analgesic.

Dynamic External Fixator Combined with Volar Locking Plate Fixation for the Treatment of AO Type C3 Distal Radius Fractures

Background: AO type C3 distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most difficult-to-treat fracture type because of a tendency to shorten and collapse. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of comminuted intra-articular DRFs treated with a dynamic external fixator combined with a volar locking plate (VLP). Methods: Eleven patients (mean age, 61 years) with comminuted intra-articular DRFs were treated with a dynamic type of external fixator combined with a VLP. Following reduction and fixation with a VLP, the dynamic external fixator was applied and the distal ball joint of the fixator was aligned with the lunate-capitate line. The ball joint was unlocked approximately 2 weeks after surgery to allow wrist mobilization. The fixator was removed 3 - 6 weeks (mean, 5 weeks) after surgery. Consequently, clinical and radiographic assessments were carried out at the final follow-up. Results: At the final follow-up, the mean range values of wrist extension and flexion were 76&deg;and 64&deg;, respectively. Compared with the contralateral side, the mean grip strength was 84%. The mean Modified Mayo Wrist Score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score were 88 and 9, respectively. No significant differences in the radiographic parameters exist between after surgery and final follow-up. Conclusions: This study indicated that the dynamic wrist fixator combined with a VLP is effective for the treatment of AO type C3 DRFs.

Management of intra-articular fracture of the fingers via mini external fixator combined with limited internal fixation

Background Intra-articular fractures of the fingers are common problems to emergency physicians and hand surgeons Inappropriate management of these injuries may result in chronic pain, stiffness, deformity, or post traumatic arthritis. Ideal treatment necessitates the restoration of a stable and congruent joint that will allow early mobilization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of intra-articular fracture of the fingers by mini external fixator combined with limited internal fixation. Methods From May 2005 to May 2007, a total of 26 patients with intra-articular fracture of the fingers were treated by mini external fixator combined with limited internal fixation. Of the 26 cases, 11 involved in metacarpophalangeal joint, and 15 interphalangeal joint in proximal interphalangeal. Kirschner wire, mini wire and absorbable suture were used for limited internal fixation. All patients were followed up and patients were accomplished with total active motion （TAM） of fingers. Results All patients were reviewed by an independent observer. The mean follow up was 13 months （range 9 to 24 months）. Subjective, objective and radiographic results were evaluated. X-ray films revealed fracture union and the average radiographic union time was 7 weeks with a range of 5-12 weeks and the phalange shortening or rotation in 2 cases, joint incongruity （less than 1 mm） and joint space narrowing in 3 cases respectively. Phalangeal shortening or rotation was observed in 2 cases and joint incongruity or joint space narrowing was observed in 3 cases. An artificial implant was performed on one case for traumatic arthritis 1.5 years after surgery. Based on TAM the overall good-excellent rate of joint motion function was 80.8%. Conclusion Mini external fixator combined with limited internal fixation is a reliable and effective method for treatment of intra-articular fracture of the fingers.