A personalized osteoarthritic joint-on-a-chip as a screening platform for biological treatments

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly disabling pathology, characterized by synovial inflammation and cartilage degeneration. Orthobiologics have shown promising results in OA treatment thanks to their ability to influence articular cells and modulate the inflammatory OA environment. Considering their complex mechanism of action, the development of reliable and relevant joint models appears as crucial to select the best orthobiologics for each patient. The aim of this study was to establish a microfluidic OA model to test therapies in a personalized human setting. The joint-on-a-chip model included cartilage and synovial compartments, containing hydrogel-embedded chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts, separated by a channel for synovial fluid. For the cartilage compartment, a Hyaluronic Acid-based matrix was selected to preserve chondrocyte phenotype. Adding OA synovial fluid induced the production of inflammatory cytokines and degradative enzymes, generating an OA microenvironment. Personalized models were generated using patient-matched cells and synovial fluid to test the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells on OA signatures. The patient-specific models allowed monitoring changes induced by cell injection, highlighting different individual responses to the treatment. Altogether, these results support the use of this joint-on-a-chip model as a prognostic tool to screen the patient-specific efficacy of orthobiologics.

Robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty improves functional outcomes, complications, and revisions

Aims

Robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (R-UKA) has been proposed as an approach to improve the results of the conventional manual UKA (C-UKA). The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze the studies comparing R-UKA and C-UKA in terms of clinical outcomes, radiological results, operating time, complications, and revisions.

Methods

The literature search was conducted on three databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science) on 20 February 2024 according to the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Inclusion criteria were comparative studies, written in the English language, with no time limitations, on the comparison of R-UKA and C-UKA. The quality of each article was assessed using the Downs and Black Checklist for Measuring Quality.

Results

Among the 3,669 articles retrieved, 21 studies on 19 series of patients were included. A total of 3,074 patients (59.5% female and 40.5% male; mean age 65.2 years (SD 3.9); mean BMI 27.4 kg/m2 (SD 2.2)) were analyzed. R-UKA obtained a superior Knee Society Score improvement compared to C-UKA (mean difference (MD) 4.9; p < 0.001) and better Forgotten Joint Score postoperative values (MD 5.5; p = 0.032). The analysis of radiological outcomes did not find a statistically significant difference between the two approaches. R-UKA showed longer operating time (MD 15.6; p < 0.001), but reduced complication and revision rates compared to C-UKA (5.2% vs 10.1% and 4.1% vs 7.2%, respectively).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed that the robotic approach for UKA provided a significant improvement in functional outcomes compared to the conventional manual technique. R-UKA showed similar radiological results and longer operating time, but reduced complication and revision rates compared to C-UKA. Overall, R-UKA seems to provide relevant benefits over C-UKA in the management of patients undergoing UKA.

Higher Eccentric Hamstring Muscle Fatigue After Participation in a Soccer Match in Young Female Athletes

BACKGROUND

Hamstring (HS) strength deficits and imbalances have been identified as risk factors for sustaining anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and muscular strains, with HS injuries being the most prevalent muscle injuries in soccer athletes. The aim of this study was to investigate HS eccentric strength before and after a soccer match in both male and female soccer athletes.

HYPOTHESIS

Soccer athletes have changes in eccentric HS strength after a soccer game.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort observational study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

METHODS

HS eccentric strength (mean and absolute peak torque and total work) was measured in 64 healthy male and female competitive football athletes (14-25 years) with an automatic device during the execution of the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) test before and after a 90-minute soccer match. The anterior-knee laxity (AKL) was quantified with an arthrometer.

RESULTS

Mean and absolute eccentric HS peak torque decreased by 24.5 N.m (-12.34%; P < 0.01) and 21.9 N.m (-10.08%; P < 0.01) in female athletes, whereas their male peers improved by 19.9 N.m (+9.01%; P = 0.01) and by 20.9 N.m (+8.51%; P = 0.02), respectively. HS total work in female athletes decreased by 831.1 J (P < 0.01) compared with the male athlete reduction of 235.3 J. Both the pre- versus postmatch intersex mean and absolute eccentric HS peak torque changes were significant (P < 0.01), as were the changes in HS total work (P < 0.01). The pre- versus postmatch AKL difference and the dominant versus nondominant limb comparison of the strength parameters were not significantly different. Younger female athletes (14-19 years old) presented a greater decrease in mean and absolute peak HS eccentric strength compared with those in older female athletes and men.

CONCLUSION

HS eccentric strength and work differ based on athlete sex, as measured by the NHE test. Mean peak, absolute peak, and total work showed greater reductions in female athletes than those in their male peers. The subgroup of 14- to 19-year-old female athletes experienced the highest reduction in strength parameters.

Robotic-assisted mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty does not lead to better clinical and radiological outcomes when compared to conventional TKA: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (R-TKA) has emerged as an alternative to improve the results of the conventional manual TKA (C-TKA). The aim of this study was to analyse the high-level studies comparing R-TKA and C-TKA in terms of clinical outcomes, radiological results, perioperative parameters, and complications.

METHODS

The literature search was conducted on three databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science) on 1 February 2023 according to the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Inclusion criteria were: randomized controlled trials (RCTs), written in English language, published in the last 15 years, focusing on the comparison of C-TKA and R-TKA results. The quality of each article was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials version 2 (RoB 2). The statistical analysis was carried out using random effects (DerSimonian & Laird) for weighted mean difference (MD) of the continuous variables and Peto method for odds ratios of the dichotomous variables.

RESULTS

Among the 2905 articles retrieved, 14 RCTs on 12 series of patients treated with mechanically aligned implants were included. A total of 2255 patients (25.1% males and 74.9% females; mean age 62.9 ± 3.0; mean BMI 28.1 ± 1.3) were analysed. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that R-TKA did not provide overall superior results compared to C-TKA in mechanically aligned implants in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes. R-TKA showed longer operative time (MD = 15.3 min, p = 0.004) and similar complication rates compared to C-TKA. A statistically significant difference in favour of R-TKA was found in the posterior-stabilized subgroup in terms of radiological outcomes (hip-knee-ankle angle MD = 1.7, p < 0.001) compared to C-TKA, although without resulting in appreciable difference of clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

R-TKA did not provide overall superior results compared to C-TKA in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes, showing longer operative time and similar complication rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Epidemiology of Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes and the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Patellar tendinopathy (PT) mainly affects athletes who use the tendon for repeated energy storage and release activities. It can have a striking impact on athletes' careers, although data on its real prevalence and incidence are sparse. Research efforts should start from the results of reliable and updated epidemiological research to help better understand the impact of PT and underpin preventative measures.

Purpose

To determine the prevalence and incidence of PT in athletes and the general population.

Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed on January 17, 2022, and conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Wiley Cochrane Library databases were searched for epidemiological reports of any evidence level and clinical studies reporting data on the incidence or prevalence of PT for the 11,488 retrieved records. The primary endpoint was the prevalence and incidence of PT in sport-active patients. The secondary endpoints were PT prevalence and incidence in subgroups of athletes based on sex, age, sport type, and sport level played, as well as the same epidemiological measures in the general population.

Results

A total of 28 studies, with 28,171 participants, were selected and used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis. The general and athletes' populations reported an overall PT prevalence of 0.1% and 18.3%, respectively. In athletes, the prevalence of PT was 11.2% in women and 17% in men (P = .070). The prevalence of PT in athletes <18 years was 10.1%, while it was 21.3% in athletes ≥18 years (P = .004). The prevalence of PT was 6.1% in soccer players, 20.8% in basketball players, and 24.8% in volleyball players. Heterogeneous PT diagnostic approaches were observed. Higher prevalence values were found when PT diagnoses were made using patient-reported outcomes versus clinical evaluations (P = .004).

Conclusion

This review demonstrated that PT is a common problem in the male and female sport-active populations. There are twice as many athletes aged ≥18 years than there are <18 years. Volleyball and basketball players are most affected by PT.

Recall Bias Affects Pain Assessment in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the recall bias of symptoms evaluation in knee osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN

In this multicentric pilot study, 50 patients with knee OA used a mobile App (Ecological Momentary Assessment [EMA]) to collect pain and function on two 0 to 10 numerical rating scales (NRS) 2 times a day for 2 months. At the 1-month and at the 2-month follow-up visits, patients retrospectively evaluated the mean level of pain/function of the last month. Recall bias was computed as the difference between the mean level of pain/function reported using the App and the level reported with the retrospective assessment. The correlation between the recall bias and patients' characteristics, as well as pain/function trajectories, was analyzed.

RESULTS

A statistically significant recall bias was documented with higher pain reported at 1-month with the retrospective assessment (P < 0.001). These results were confirmed also at the 2-month follow-up (P = 0.002). For function, no significant recall bias was documented. During the first and second months, 47 and 31 patients showed pain peaks, respectively. The number of pain peaks during the first month was correlated with the magnitude of the recall bias (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The recall bias influences the retrospective self-assessment of pain at the follow-up visits and the presence of pain peaks, a common event in the patients with OA, increases the magnitude of recall bias. The EMA performed with a mobile App is a useful tool to limit the influence of recall bias in the clinical and research setting evaluation of knee OA.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction versus Nonoperative Treatment: Better Function and Less Secondary Meniscectomies But No Difference in Knee Osteoarthritis-A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The impact of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on knee osteoarthritis (OA) is still unclear. The aim of the current meta-analysis was to compare surgical treatment versus nonoperative management of ACL tears to assess the impact of these approaches on knee OA development at a 5 and 10 years of follow-up.

DESIGN

A meta-analysis was performed after a systematic literature search (May 2021) was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Both randomized and nonrandomized comparative studies with more than 5 years of follow-up were selected. Influence of the treatment was assessed in terms of knee OA development, subjective and objective clinical results, activity level, and risk of further surgeries. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed following the Cochrane guidelines.

RESULTS

Twelve studies matched the inclusion criteria, for a total of 1,004 patients. Level of evidence was rated low to very low. No difference was documented in terms of knee OA development, Tegner score, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Lysholm scores. A significant difference favoring the surgical treatment in comparison with a nonsurgical approach was observed in terms of objective IKDC score (P = 0.03) and risk of secondary meniscectomy (P < 0.0001). The level of evidence was considered very low for subjective IKDC, low for knee OA development, objective IKDC, number of secondary meniscectomies, and Lysholm score, and moderate for post-op Tegner score.

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis did not support an advantage of ACL reconstruction in terms of OA prevention in comparison with a nonoperative treatment. Moreover, no differences were reported for subjective results and activity level at 5 and 10 years of follow-up. On the contrary, patients who underwent surgical treatment of their ACL tear presented important clinical findings in terms of better objective knee function and a lower rate of secondary meniscectomies when compared with conservatively managed patents.Protocol Registration: CRD420191156483 (PROSPERO).

Peri-operative steroids reduce pain, inflammatory response and hospitalisation length following knee arthroplasty without increased risk of acute complications: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

There is no consensus regarding the risks and benefits of peri-operative steroid supplementation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare TKA protocols implemented with or without steroids in terms of pain, inflammatory response, hospitalisation length, and complications.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed on July 2019 in PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and the grey literature for a meta-analysis of RCTs comparing peri-operative analgesia protocols implemented with or without steroids. Sub-analyses considering the administration route, steroid type, and dosage were performed. The inverse variance method and the Mantel-Haenszel test were used for pooling continuous variables and for dichotomous variables, respectively. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were defined according to the Cochrane guidelines.

RESULTS

Twenty articles were included. Steroid supplementation provides significantly lower post-operative pain from day 1 to day 4 (p < 0.05), with less opioid consumption (p = 0.05), less nausea and vomiting (p < 0.05), and greater knee range of motion (p < 0.001), thus resulting in a shorter hospitalisation length (p = 0.01). Moreover, lower C-reactive protein (p < 0.05), and IL-6 (p < 0.05) levels, but a higher blood glucose level at day 1 (p = 0.004), were documented. No significant differences were documented in all the outcomes after 4 days of follow-up. These results were achieved without an increased incidence of complications. According to the results of the sub-analyses, the intravenous administration of 200 steroid equivalents of a long-acting steroid was associated with better results.

CONCLUSION

Steroid supplementation of peri-operative drug protocols is effective in decreasing post-operative pain, opioid consumption, nausea and vomiting, range of motion limitation, and inflammatory markers without increasing short- and mid-term complications. Although these benefits last only the peri-operative period, steroid supplementation can reduce the length of hospitalisation after TKA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review and meta-analysis, level II.

Arthroscopically assisted and three-dimensionally modeled minimally invasive rim plate osteosynthesis via modified anterolateral approach for posterolateral tibial plateau fractures

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe a new, closed, arthroscopically-assisted reduction of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis using a plate pre-contoured over a 3D-model based on a CT-scan of the injured tibial plateau and positioned by using a minimal anterolateral approach.

METHODS

A five to six centimeter long curvilinear incision was made over the Gerdy's tubercle. After subcutaneous dissection, the fascia was incised, the ileo-tibial band was split, and the dissection was extended posteriorly. The knee was flexed to 90° and the space between the fibular collateral ligament and the posterolateral plateau rim (para-FCL space) was created. A variable-angle locking compression plate contoured on a 3D-model was inserted flush to the tibial plateau rim. Two cortical screws were placed to ensure support under the area of depression as far posteriorly as possible. Two additional screws were implanted, and a cortical screw was used for the most anterior screw hole. The custom pre-contoured plate based on a person-specific 3D-model, associated with arthroscopy reduction, provides a supporting and containing effect to the posterolateral periarticular fragments and allows a minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis fixation to be performed. This guarantees a proper reduction and fixation without the described limitations and risks associated with the classic approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

This approach should be considered to treat fractures of the posterolateral plateau, isolated or associated with medial tibial plateau fractures, as it could improve the outcome in terms of lower associated risks, better reduction and fixation, and faster and improved patient recovery.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Within 3 Weeks Does Not Increase Stiffness and Complications Compared With Delayed Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Injury-to-surgery time has been identified as a key point in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, with early versus delayed treatment remaining a debated and controversial topic in the management of ACL tears.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The aim was to quantitatively synthesize the best literature evidence by including only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing early versus delayed ACL reconstruction, with a clear and univocal definition of cutoffs of early or delayed surgery. The hypothesis was that early treatment would lead to similar final clinical results compared with the delayed approach while providing a faster recovery without an increase in complications after ACL reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed on February 12, 2019, using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and gray literature databases. According to previous literature, 2 analyses with different cutoffs for injury-to-surgery time (3 weeks and 10 weeks) were performed to distinguish early and delayed reconstruction. The influence of timing was analyzed through meta-analyses in terms of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), risk of complications, range of motion (ROM) limitation, risk of retears, and residual laxity. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed following the Cochrane guidelines.

RESULTS

Eight studies (5 in 3-week cutoff analysis and 3 in 10-week cutoff analysis) were included. No differences were found in terms of PROMs, risk of complications, ROM limitation, risk of retears, and residual laxity either in the 3-week cutoff analysis or in the 10-week cutoff analysis (P > .05). The level of evidence was moderate to low for the outcomes of the 3-week cutoff analysis and low to very low for the outcomes of the 10-week cutoff analysis.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis did not confirm the previously advocated benefits of delaying ACL surgery to avoid the acute posttraumatic phase. In fact, RCTs demonstrated that timing of surgery after ACL tears has no influence on the final functional outcome, risk of retears, or residual instability. While no data were available about the recovery time, literature results showed that early ACL reconstruction could be performed without increasing the risk of complications.

STUDY REGISTRATION

CRD42019119319 (PROSPERO).

Fracture of the radial sesamoid bone of the thumb: an unusual fracture

The hand consists of five sesamoids. Two of them are present at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb. Fracture of the sesamoid bones of the thumb is a rare injury and the literature on the radial side is seldom reported. We reported a case of a patient with a fracture of the radial sesamoid at the MCP joint of the thumb in order to increase attention regarding this type of injuries. A 44-year-old male, high level gymnastic trainer, was helping one of his athletes during an exercise while he reported a hyperextension trauma to the MCP joint of the right thumb. One week after trauma, he presented to the hand surgeon complaining of a painful thumb at the MCP joint level on its palmar aspect. Standard A-P and lateral X-rays revealed a fracture of the radial sesamoid and the fracture was treated with a splint for 3 weeks. He was able to resumed his entire work 6 weeks after the injury. The sesamoid fractures is an indicator of the magnitude of the hyperextension injury and sometimes associated with tears of the volar plate ligament of the MCP joint. And a failure to recognize the ligament injury may lead to a long-term hyperextension instability on pinching.