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.

Multi-omics analysis of human tendon adhesion reveals that ACKR1-regulated macrophage migration is involved in regeneration

Tendon adhesion is a common complication after tendon injury with the development of accumulated fibrotic tissues without effective anti-fibrotic therapies,resulting in severe disability.Macrophages are widely recognized as a fibrotic trigger during peritendinous adhesion formation.However,different clusters of macrophages have various functions and receive multiple regulation,which are both still unknown.In our current study,multi-omics analysis including single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics was performed on both human and mouse tendon adhesion tissue at different stages after tendon injury.The transcriptomes of over 74000 human single cells were profiled.As results,we found that SPP1^(+)macrophages,RGCC^(+)endothelial cells,ACKR1^(+)endothelial cells and ADAM12^(+)fibroblasts participated in tendon adhesion formation.Interestingly,despite specific fibrotic clusters in tendon adhesion,FOLR2^(+)macrophages were identified as an antifibrotic cluster by in vitro experiments using human cells.Furthermore,ACKR1 was verified to regulate FOLR2^(+)macrophages migration at the injured peritendinous site by transplantation of bone marrow from Lysm-Cre;R26R^(tdTomato) mice to lethally irradiated Ackr1^(-/-)mice(Ackr1^(-/-)chimeras;deficient in ACKR1)and control mice(WT chimeras).Compared with WT chimeras,the decline of FOLR2^(+)macrophages was also observed,indicating that ACKR1 was specifically involved in FOLR2^(+)macrophages migration.Taken together,our study not only characterized the fibrosis microenvironment landscape of tendon adhesion by multi-omics analysis,but also uncovered a novel antifibrotic cluster of macrophages and their origin.These results provide potential therapeutic targets against human tendon adhesion.

Animal models of tendon calcification:Past,present,and future

Tendon calcification is a common clinical condition that frequently occurs as a complication after tendon injury and surgery,or as an expression of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.This condition can be referred to by various names in clinical practice and literature,including tendon ossification,tendon mineralization,heterotopic ossification,and calcific tendonitis.The exact pathogenesis of tendon calcification remains uncertain,but current mainstream research suggests that calcification is mostly cell mediated.To further elucidate the pathogenesis of tendon calcification and to better simulate the overall process,selecting appropriate experimental animal models is important.Numerous animal models have been utilized in various clinical studies,each with its own set of advantages and limitations.In this review,we have discussed the advancements made in research on animal models of tendon calcification,with a focus on the selection of experimental animals,the sites of injury in these models,and the methods employed for modeling.

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.

Tendoscopic Surgery for Peroneal Tendons Instability: A Literature Review

Introduction: There has been a surge in the use of tendoscopic surgery for treating peroneal tendons instability. The novelty of this approach demanded a literature review of its indications, limitations, and clinical outcomes. Aim: a literature review of the clinical studies reporting on tendoscopic peroneal tendon stabilisation surgery along with its outcomes and complications. Methods: We carried out a comprehensive review of the literature up until September 2022 with an extensive search of the MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane library databases. Results: Initial search resulted in 66 articles. Four duplicate articles were removed. Further 30 articles were excluded after title and abstract screening. Eight studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Articles were analysed for outcomes and complications. Conclusion: The tendoscopic technique for peroneal tendon instability is an effective and safe surgical technique with very low failure rate. Levels of Evidence: Level IV.

Correlation of Hamstring Tendon Size in Pre-Operative MRI Measurement with Intra-Operative Graft Size in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

Background: The size of Hamstring autograft of less than 8.0 mm in ACL re-construction is one of the key factors that may contribute to the failure of the graft. In this study, we are going to assess the correlation of pre-operative MRI measurement of Hamstring tendons with the intra-operative ACL graft. Thus, it may help surgeons to anticipate the needs for graft augmentation should the final graft size be smaller than expected. Methods: We retrospectively re-viewed 41 cases of ACL reconstructions in which MRI were done pre-operatively, in Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah (HPSF), Muar between January 2019 until December 2022. MRI measurements of Hamstring tendon (semitendinosus: ST, and gracilis) were done by a radiologist, and the in-tra-operative notes were reviewed for the final graft size. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between graft size and tendon cross-sectional area. The intraclass correlation (ICC) by using two-way mixed model with type consistency, the reliability based on average measure was 0.41 (95% CI: ?0.10, 0.69). A p-value < 0.05 was considered sig-nificant. Results: Of 105 patients with primary ACL reconstruction done be-tween January 2019 to December 2022, only 41 patients were included in this study. There was fair correlation (p = 0.048) between pre-operative MRI measurement and the graft diameter intra-operatively. The mean of 17.0 mm of combined diameter of ST and gracilis tendon in MRI may results in graft diameter of 8.3 mm. There was also positive correlation between patients’ height and the intra-operative graft size. Conclusion: These results showed good correlation between pre-operative MRI measurement of Hamstring ten-don size with the intra-operative graft size, hence it is a reliable tool to predict the Hamstring autograft size in ACL reconstruction.

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.

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.

Tppp3~+synovial/tendon sheath progenitor cells contribute to heterotopic bone after trauma

Heterotopic ossification(HO)is a pathological process resulting in aberrant bone formation and often involves synovial lined tissues.During this process,mesenchymal progenitor cells undergo endochondral ossification.Nonetheless,the specific cell phenotypes and mechanisms driving this process are not well understood,in part due to the high degree of heterogeneity of the progenitor cells involved.Here,using a combination of lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing(sc RNA-seq),we investigated the extent to which synovial/tendon sheath progenitor cells contribute to heterotopic bone formation.For this purpose,Tppp3(tubulin polymerization-promoting protein family member 3)-inducible reporter mice were used in combination with either Scx(Scleraxis)or Pdgfra(platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha)reporter mice.Both tendon injury-and arthroplasty-induced mouse experimental HO models were utilized.Sc RNA-seq of tendon-associated traumatic HO suggested that Tppp3 is an early progenitor cell marker for either tendon or osteochondral cells.Upon HO induction,Tppp3 reporter^(+)cells expanded in number and partially contributed to cartilage and bone formation in either tendon-or joint-associated HO.In double reporter animals,both Pdgfra^(+)Tppp3^(+)and Pdgfra^(+)Tppp3^(-) progenitor cells gave rise to HO-associated cartilage.Finally,analysis of human samples showed a substantial population of TPPP3^(-) expressing cells overlapping with osteogenic markers in areas of heterotopic bone.Overall,these data demonstrate that synovial/tendon sheath progenitor cells undergo aberrant osteochondral differentiation and contribute to HO after trauma.

Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of Achilles tendon disease

BACKGROUND The effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma(PRP)in the treatment of patients with Achilles tendon rupture(ATR)and Achilles tendinopathy(AT)has been controversial.AIM To assess PRP injections’effectiveness in treating ATR and AT.METHODS A comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted utilizing multiple databases such as Cochrane Library,PubMed,Web of Science,Chinese Science and Technology Journal,EMBASE,and China Biomedical CD-ROM.The present investigation integrated randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injections in managing individuals with Achilles tendon rupture and tendinopathy.The eligibility criteria for the trials encompassed publications that were published within the timeframe of January 1,1966 to December 2022.The statistical analysis was performed utilizing the Review Manager 5.4.1,the visual analogue scale(VAS),Victorian Institute Ankle Function Scale(VISA-A),and Achilles Tendon Thickness were used to assess outcomes.RESULTS This meta-analysis included 13 randomized controlled trials,8 of which were randomized controlled trials of PRP for AT and 5 of which were randomized controlled trials of PRP for ATR.PRP for AT at 6 wk[weighted mean difference(WMD)=1.92,95%CI:-0.54 to 4.38,I2=34%],at 3 mo[WMD=0.20,95%CI:-2.65 to 3.05,I2=60%],and 6 mo[WMD=2.75,95%CI:-2.76 to 8.26,I2=87%)after which there was no significant difference in VISA-A scores between the PRP and control groups.There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the PRP group and the control group after 6 wk[WMD=6.75,95%CI:-6.12 to 19.62,I2=69%]and 6 mo[WMD=10.46,95%CI:-2.44 to 23.37,I2=69%]of treatment,and at mid-treatment at 3 mo[WMD=11.30,95%CI:7.33 to 15.27,I2=0%]after mid-treatment,the PRP group demonstrated better outcomes than the control group.Post-treatment patient satisfaction[WMD=1.07,95%CI:0.84 to 1.35,I2=0%],Achilles tendon thickness[WMD=0.34,95%CI:-0.04 to 0.71,I2=61%]and return to sport[WMD=1.11,95%CI:0.87 to 1.42,I2=0%]were not significantly different between the PRP and control groups.The study did not find any statistically significant distinction between the groups that received PRP treatment and those that did not,regarding the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles scores at 3 mo[WMD=-1.49,95%CI:-5.24 to 2.25,I2=0%],6 mo[WMD=-0.24,95%CI:-3.80 to 3.32,I2=0%],and 12 mo[WMD=-2.02,95%CI:-5.34 to 1.29,I2=87%]for ATR patients.Additionally,no significant difference was observed between the PRP and the control groups in improving Heel lift height respectively at 6 mo[WMD=-3.96,95%CI:-8.61 to 0.69,I2=0%]and 12 mo[WMD=-1.66,95%CI:-11.15 to 7.83,I2=0%]for ATR patients.There was no significant difference in calf circumference between the PRP group and the control group after 6 mo[WMD=1.01,95%CI:-0.78 to 2.80,I2=54%]and 12 mo[WMD=-0.55,95%CI:-2.2 to 1.09,I2=0%]of treatment.There was no significant difference in ankle mobility between the PRP and control groups at 6 mo of treatment[WMD=-0.38,95%CI:-2.34 to 1.58,I2=82%]and after 12 mo of treatment[WMD=-0.98,95%CI:-1.41 to-0.56,I2=10%]there was a significant improvement in ankle mobility between the PRP and control groups.There was no significant difference in the rate of return to exercise after treatment[WMD=1.20,95%CI:0.77 to 1.87,I2=0%]and the rate of adverse events[WMD=0.85,95%CI:0.50 to 1.45,I2=0%]between the PRP group and the control group.CONCLUSION The use of PRP for AT improved the patient’s immediate VAS scores but not VISA-A scores,changes in Achilles tendon thickness,patient satisfaction,or return to sport.Treatment of ATR with PRP injections alone improved long-term ankle mobility but had no significant effect on VISA-A scores,single heel lift height,calf circumference or return to sport.Additional research employing more extensive sampling sizes,more strict experimental methods,and standard methodologies may be necessary to yield more dependable and precise findings.

Long head of biceps tendon transposition for massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Superior capsular reconstruction(SCR)with long head of biceps tendon(LHBT)transposition was developed to massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears(MIRCTs);however,the outcomes of this technique remain unclear.AIM To perform a systematic review of biomechanical outcomes and a meta-analysis of clinical outcomes after LHBT transposition for MIRCTs.METHODS We performed a systematic electronic database search on PubMed,EMBASE,and Cochrane Library.Studies of SCR with LHBT transposition were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Biomechanical studies were assessed for main results and conclusions.Included clinical studies were evaluated for quality of methodology.Data including study characteristics,cohort demographics,and outcomes were extracted.A meta-analysis was conducted of the clinical outcomes.RESULTS According to our inclusion and exclusion criteria,a total of six biomechanical studies were identified and reported an overall improvement in subacromial contact pressures and prevention of superior humeral migration without limiting range of motion(ROM)after LHBT transposition for MIRCTs.A total of five clinical studies were included in the meta-analysis of LHBT transposition outcomes,consisting of 253 patients.The results indicated that compared to other surgical methods for MIRCTs,LHBT transposition had advantages of more significant improvement in ROM(forward flexion mean difference[MD]=6.54,95%confidence interval[CI]:3.07-10.01;external rotation[MD=5.15,95%CI:1.59-8.17];the acromiohumeral distance[AHD][MD=0.90,95%CI:0.21-1.59])and reducing retear rate(odds ratio=0.27,95%CI:0.15-0.48).No significant difference in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score,visual analogue scale score,and University of California at Los Angles score was demonstrated between these two groups for MIRCTs.CONCLUSION In general,SCR with LHBT transposition was a reliable and economical technique for treating MIRCTs,both in terms of biomechanical and clinical outcomes,with comparable clinical outcomes,improved ROM,AHD,and reduced the retear rates compared to conventional SCR and other established techniques.More high-quality randomized controlled studies on the long-term outcomes of SCR with LHBT transposition are required to further assess.

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.

Multiple flexor tendon ruptures due to osteochondroma of the hamate:A case report

BACKGROUND Closed rupture of the little and ring finger flexor tendons caused by the hamate is mostly associated with a fracture or nonunion of the hamate hook.Only one case of a closed rupture of the finger flexor tendon caused by osteochondroma in the hamate has been reported.Here,we present a case study to highlight the possibility of hamate osteochondroma as a rare cause of finger closed flexor tendon rupture based on our clinical experience and literature review.CASE SUMMARY A 48-year-old man who had been a rice-field farmer for 7–8 h a day for the past 30 years visited our clinic due to the loss of right little finger and ring finger flexion involving both the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.The patient was diagnosed with a complete rupture of the ring and little finger flexors because of the hamate and was pathologically diagnosed with an osteochondroma.Exploratory surgery was performed,and a complete rupture of the ring and little finger flexors due to an osteophyte-like lesion of the hamate was observed,which was pathologically diagnosed as an osteochondroma.CONCLUSION One should consider that osteochondroma in the hamate may be the cause of closed tendon ruptures.

Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin ameliorates aging-impaired endogenous tendon regeneration by rejuvenating senescent tendon stem/progenitor cells

Adult tendon stem/progenitor cells(TSPCs)are essential for tendon maintenance,regeneration,and repair,yet they become susceptible to senescence with age,impairing the self-healing capacity of tendons.In this study,we employ a recently developed deep-learning-based efficacy prediction system to screen potential stemness-promoting and senescence-inhibiting drugs from natural products using the transcriptional signatures of stemness.The top-ranked candidate,prim-O-glucosylcimifugin(POG),a saposhnikovia root extract,could ameliorate TPSC senescent phenotypes caused by long-term passage and natural aging in rats and humans,as well as restore the self-renewal and proliferative capacities and tenogenic potential of aged TSPCs.In vivo,the systematic administration of POG or the local delivery of POG nanoparticles functionally rescued endogenous tendon regeneration and repair in aged rats to levels similar to those of normal animals.Mechanistically,POG protects TSPCs against functional impairment during both passage-induced and natural aging by simultaneously suppressing nuclear factor-κB and decreasing mTOR signaling with the induction of autophagy.Thus,the strategy of pharmacological intervention with the deep learning-predicted compound POG could rejuvenate aged TSPCs and improve the regenerative capacity of aged tendons.

Introducing the Principles of Tendon Transfer for Surgical Trainees to Improve Anatomical Knowledge

This article reviewed the principles and outcomes of tendon transfer procedures described in the literature to restore function following injuries delivered in a workshop as a way of improving basic science and anatomical knowledge in surgical trainees preparing for surgical examinations. Post intervention surveys showed an improvement in trainees’ familiarity with musculoskeletal anatomy and engagement in learning with improved readiness for surgical examinations.

Artificial dermis combined with skin grafting for the treatment of hand skin and soft tissue defects and exposure of bone and tendon

BACKGROUND The recovery time of hand wounds is long,which can easily result in chronic and refractory wounds,making the wounds unable to be properly repaired.The treatment cycle is long,the cost is high,and it is prone to recurrence and disability.Double layer artificial dermis combined with autologous skin transplantation has been used to repair hypertrophic scars,deep burn wounds,exposed bone and tendon wounds,and post tumor wounds.AIM To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of autologous skin graft transplantation in conjunction with double-layer artificial dermis in treating finger skin wounds that are chronically refractory and soft tissue defects that expose bone and tendon.METHODS Sixty-eight chronic refractory patients with finger skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by bone and tendon exposure who were admitted from July 2021 to June 2022 were included in this study.The observation group was treated with double layer artificial dermis combined with autologous skin graft transplantation(n=49),while the control group was treated with pedicle skin flap transplantation(n=17).The treatment status of the two groups of patients was compared,including the time between surgeries and hospital stay.The survival rate of skin grafts/flaps and postoperative wound infections were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale(VSS)for scar scoring at 6 mo after surgery,as well as the sensory injury grading method and two-point resolution test to assess the recovery of skin sensation at 6 mo.The satisfaction of the two groups of patients was also compared.RESULTS Wound healing time in the observation group was significantly longer than that in the control group(P<0.05,27.92±3.25 d vs 19.68±6.91 d);there was no significant difference in the survival rate of skin grafts/flaps between the two patient groups(P>0.05,95.1±5.0 vs 96.3±5.6).The interval between two surgeries(20.0±4.3 d)and hospital stay(21.0±10.1 d)in the observation group were both significantly shorter than those in the control group(27.5±9.3 d)and(28.4±17.7 d),respectively(P<0.05).In comparison to postoperative infection(23.5%)and subcutaneous hematoma(11.8%)in the control group,these were considerably lower at(10.2%)and(6.1%)in the observation group.When comparing the two patient groups at six months post-surgery,the excellent and good rate of sensory recovery(91.8%)was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group(76.5%)(P<0.05).There was also no statistically significant difference in two point resolution(P>0.05).The VSS score in the observation group(2.91±1.36)was significantly lower than that in the control group(5.96±1.51),and group satisfaction was significantly higher(P<0.05,90.1±6.3 vs 76.3±5.2).CONCLUSION The combination of artificial dermis and autologous skin grafting for the treatment of hand tendon exposure wounds has a satisfactory therapeutic effect.It is a safe,effective,and easy to operate treatment method,which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Clinical Observation of Self-made Four-step Tendon Regulating Manipulation in the Treatment of 30 Cases of Thumb Stenotic Tenosynovitis

[Objectives] To observe the effectiveness of four-step tendon manipulation in the treatment of thumb stenotic tenosynovitis, under the guidance of "tendon first" theory. [Methods] 30 patients with stenotic tenosynovitis of thumb were treated with four-step tendon manipulation and traditional manipulation respectively, 3 times a week, a total of two weeks. The clinical efficacy, changes of visual analogue scale (VAS) and the recurrence rate after 15 d of follow-up treatment were observed before and after treatment. The differences were statistically significant ( P <0.05). [Results] After treatment, the VAS and the recurrence rate after 15 d of treatment in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P <0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate was 73.33% in the control group and 93.33% in the observation group ( P <0.05). [Conclusions] The effect of four-step tendon regulating manipulation in the treatment of thumb stenotic tenosynovitis is ideal. The effect is significantly better than that of traditional Chinese medicine in improving thumb pain and function, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Acute neck tendonitis with dyspnea:A case report

BACKGROUND Longus colli tendinitis(LCT)with dyspnea is a relatively less-reported condition in the literature,and physicians should be aware of its existence.Misdiagnosis of this condition may cause unnecessary treatment for dyspnea.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report the case of a 40-year-old man with acute neck tendonitis.The patient presented to the pneumology department clinic with a complaint of acute neck tendonitis with dyspnea.An emergency cervical magnetic resonance examination was performed,and the preliminary diagnosis was“acute longus cervicalis tendinitis.”After aggressive medical treatment,the symptoms obviously improved.CONCLUSION LCT is a self-limiting disease that usually improves after three to seven days of conservative treatment following a definite diagnosis.However,owing to its insidious onset and complex clinical manifestations,most relevant personnel are not fully understood.The definite diagnosis of LCT is based on a comprehensive understanding of the triad,rare symptoms,and the clear identification of cervical 1 and 2 levels calcification and prevertebral edema by medical imaging examination,especially magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.

肌骨超声定位引导下冲击波治疗继发性手部肌腱粘连效果观察

目的研究肌骨超声定位引导下冲击波治疗手掌腕部和前臂外伤术后继发手部肌腱粘连的效果。方法手掌腕部和前臂外伤术后继发手部肌腱粘连患者80例,按随机数字表法分为治疗组和对照组,每组40例,两组患者均给予手掌腕部和前臂肌腱康复治疗,如蜡疗、关节松动术、作业治疗。对照组患者,根据关节活动度受限情况,徒手检查确定手掌腕部和前臂肌腱粘连部位,给予冲击波治疗;治疗组患者,先对手掌腕部和前臂肌骨超声检查,确定肌腱粘连部位,进行标记定位,再根据定位进行冲击波治疗。两组患者均康复治疗4周,治疗前后对两组患者进行肌骨超声评估手部肌腱粘连程度,肌腱总主动活动度(TAM)测定,VAS疼痛视觉模拟评分评定,上肢及手功能DASH问卷评分测定。结果两组患者在治疗前手部肌腱粘连程度、肌腱TAM、疼痛VAS评分、上肢及手功能DASH评分比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),具有可比性。治疗4周后两组患者手部肌腱粘连程度明显改善,肌腱TAM增加,疼痛VAS评分降低,上肢及手功能DASH评分升高,但是治疗组患者手部肌腱粘连程度改善更明显,肌腱TAM增加更多,疼痛VAS评分降低更明显,上肢及手功能DASH评分升高更多,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论肌骨超声定位引导下冲击波治疗结合常规康复治疗可以明显改善继发性手部肌腱粘连,恢复手部分功能。