Fragility spinal fractures among cirrhotic liver transplant candidates in Croatia

INTRODUCTION

Existing data on fragility spinal fractures prevalence in liver transplant candidates are scarce and inconsistent. This may be due to other comorbidities, besides hepatic osteodystrophy (HO), that contribute to bone loss and fragility fracture prevalence in chronic liver disease (CLD).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of spinal thoracic and lumbar fragility fractures among cirrhotic, non-chronic kidney disease (CKD), non-diabetic liver transplant candidates and to explore their relationship with clinical characteristics, laboratory markers and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Merkur University Hospital, Croatia, between February 2019 and May 2023. Adult patients with liver cirrhosis referred for liver transplantation were included. Patients with acute infection, CKD, diabetes mellitus, malignancies, inflammatory bone diseases and those on corticosteroid or antiresorptive therapy were excluded. Clinical, laboratory and radiological assessment was carried out and patients were accordingly allocated into non-fractured and fractured group for the purpose of statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 90 patients were included in the study. There was 123 fractures, 87 (70.7 %) in the thoracic and 36 (29.3 %) in the lumbar region. Eighty-nine (72.4 %) fractures were grade 1, 31 (25.2 %) were grade 2 and 3 (2.4 %) were grade 3. Patients in the fractured group were significantly older (p < 0.001). No significant differences between fractured and non-fractured group according to laboratory and DXA parameters were noted. Subgroup with lumbar fractures had significantly lower bone mineral density values at L1-L4 region. Statistically significant negative correlation between bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and hip total BMD (rho = -0.414, p < 0.001) and spine total BMD (rho = -0.258, p = 0.014) values was found.

CONCLUSION

Present study confirmed detrimental impact of CLD and HO on bone strength. DXA measurement correlated with the presence of lumbar fragility fractures. A combination of standard X-ray imaging and DXA is needed for adequate bone evaluation in pretransplant period and BALP could be useful for detecting HO in CLD. Searching for other risk factors and implementing bone turnover markers and additional imaging techniques for bone loss evaluation in liver transplant candidates is needed.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 and its role in bone diseases

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has been casually linked to numerous hypophosphatemic bone diseases, however connection with bone loss or fragility fractures is still a matter of debate. The purpose of this review is to explore and summarise the known actions of FGF23 in various pathological bone conditions. Besides implication in bone mineralisation, elevated FGF23 showed a pathological effecton bone remodelling, primarily by inhibiting osteoblast function. Unlike the weak association with bone mineral density, high values of FGF23 have been connected with fragility fracture prevalence. This review shows that its effects on bone are concomitantly present on multiple levels, affecting both qualitative and quantitative part of bone strength, eventually leading to impaired bone strength and increased tendency of fractures. Recognising FGF23 as a risk factor for the development of bone diseases and correcting its levels could lead to the reduction of morbidity and mortality in specific groups of patients.

Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 as a Therapy for the Disable Myotendinous Junctions in Rats

(1) Aim: The stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 is known to heal transected muscle, tendon, and ligament. Thereby, in this study, we investigated the effect of BPC 157 on the dissection of the quadriceps tendon from the quadriceps muscle in rats. (2) Materials and Methods: Myotendinous junction defect, which cannot heal spontaneously in rats, as evidenced with consistent macro/microscopic, biomechanical, functional assessments, eNOS, and COX-2 mRNA levels and oxidative stress and NO-levels in the myotendinous junctions. BPC 157 (10 µg/kg, 10 ng/kg) regimen was given (i) intraperitoneally, first application immediately after surgery, last 24 h before sacrifice; (ii) per-orally, in drinking water (0.16 µg/mL, 0.16 ng/mL, 12 mL/rat/day), till the sacrifice at 7, 14, 28 and 42 postoperative days. (3) Results: These BPC 157 regimens document prominent therapy effects (macro/microscopic, biomechanical, functional much like eNOS and COX-2 mRNA levels and counteracted oxidative stress and NO-levels in the myotendinous junctions), while controls have a poor presentation. Especially, in rats with the disabled myotendinous junction, along with full functional recovery, BPC 157 counteracts muscle atrophy that is regularly progressive and brings muscle presentation close to normal. Accordingly, unlike the perilous course in controls, those rats, when receiving BPC 157 therapy, exhibit a smaller defect, and finally defects completely disappear. Microscopically, there are no more inflammatory infiltrate, well-oriented recovered tissue of musculotendon junction appears in BPC 157 treated rats at the 28 days and 42 days. (4) Conclusions: BPC 157 restores myotendinous junction in accordance with the healing of the transected muscle, tendon, and ligament.

BPC 157 and Standard Angiogenic Growth Factors. Gastrointestinal Tract Healing, Lessons from Tendon, Ligament, Muscle and Bone Healing

Commonly, the angiogenic growth factors signify healing. However, gastrointestinal ulceration is still poorly understood particularly with respect to a general pharmacological/pathophysiological role of various angiogenic growth factors implemented in growth factors wound healing concept. Thereby, we focused on the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, a peptide given always alone vs. standard peptidergic angiogenic growth factors (EGF, FGF, VEGF), and numerous carriers. Further, we reviewed how the gastrointestinal tract healing could be generally perceived (i) in terms of angiogenic growth factors, and/or (ii) through the healing of extragastrointestinal tissues healing, such as tendon, ligament, muscle and bone, and vice versa. Respected were the beneficial effects obtained with free peptides or peptides with different carriers; EGF, FGF, VEGF, and BPC 157, their presentation along with injuries, and a healing commonality, providing their implementation in both gastrointestinal ulcer healing and tendon, ligament, muscle and bone healing. Only BPC 157 was consistently effective in all of the models of acute/chronic injury of esophagus, stomach, duodenum and lower gastrointestinal tract, intraperitoneally, per-orally or locally. Unlike bFGF-, EGF-, VEGF-gastrointestinal tract studies demonstrating improved healing, most of the studies on tendon, muscle and bone injuries provide evidence of their (increased) presentation along with the various procedures used to produce beneficial effects, compared to fewer studies in vitro, while in vivo healing has a limited number of studies, commonly limited to local application, diverse healing evidence with diverse carriers and delivery systems. Contrary to this, BPC 157 - using same regimens like in gastrointestinal healing studies - improves tendon, ligament and bone healing, accurately implementing its own angiogenic effect in the healing. Thus, we claim that just BPC 157 represents in practice a pharmacological and pathophysiological role of various peptidergic growth factors.

Esophagogastric anastomosis in rats: Improved healing by BPC 157 and L-arginine, aggravated by L-NAME

AIM

To cure typically life-threatening esophagogastric anastomosis in rats, lacking anastomosis healing and sphincter function rescue, in particular.

METHODS

Because we assume esophagogastric fistulas represent a particular NO-system disability, we attempt to identify the benefits of anti-ulcer stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, which was in trials for ulcerative colitis and currently for multiple sclerosis, in rats with esophagocutaneous fistulas. Previously, BPC 157 therapies have promoted the healing of intestinal anastomosis and fistulas, and esophagitis and gastric lesions, along with rescued sphincter function. Additionally, BPC 157 particularly interacts with the NO-system. In the 4 d after esophagogastric anastomosis creation, rats received medication (/kg intraperitoneally once daily: BPC 157 (10 μg, 10 ng), L-NAME (5 mg), or L-arginine (100 mg) alone and/or combined or BPC 157 (10 μg, 10 ng) in drinking water). For rats underwent esophagogastric anastomosis, daily assessment included progressive stomach damage (sum of the longest diameters, mm), esophagitis (scored 0-5), weak anastomosis (mL H₂O before leak), low pressure in esophagus at anastomosis and in the pyloric sphincter (cm H₂O), progressive weight loss (g) and mortality. Immediate effect assessed blood vessels disappearance (scored 0-5) at the stomach surface immediately after anastomosis creation.

RESULTS

BPC 157 (all regimens) fully counteracted the perilous disease course from the very beginning (i.e., with the BPC 157 bath, blood vessels remained present at the gastric surface after anastomosis creation) and eliminated mortality. Additionally, BPC 157 treatment in combination with L-NAME nullified any effect of L-NAME that otherwise intensified the regular course. Consistently, with worsening (with L-NAME administration) and amelioration (with L-arginine), either L-arginine amelioration prevails (attenuated esophageal and gastric lesions) or they counteract each other (L-NAME + L-arginine); with the addition of BPC 157 (L-NAME + L-arginine + BPC 157), there was a marked beneficial effect. BPC 157 treatment for esophagogastric anastomosis, along with NOS-blocker L-NAME and/or NOS substrate L-arginine, demonstrated an innate NO-system disability (as observed with L-arginine effectiveness). BPC 157 distinctively affected corresponding events: worsening (obtained with L-NAME administration that was counteracted); or amelioration (L-arginine + BPC 157-rats correspond to BPC 157-rats).

CONCLUSION

Innate NO-system disability for esophagogastric anastomoses, including L-NAME-worsening, suggests that these effects could be corrected by L-arginine and almost completely eliminated by BPC 157 therapy.

Treatment of proximal fifth metatarsal bone fractures in athletes

Proximal fifth metatarsal (V MT) bone fractures are common injuries that are a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Lawrence and Botte considered different treatment options and the possibility of recovery and divided these fractures into three different regions: tuberosity avulsion fractures (zone I), acute fractures of the metaphysis at the level of the intermetatarsal junction (zone II) and proximal diaphysis stress fracture (zone III). A total of 42 athletes with fracture of the V MT bone in zone II and III were treated in our institution during a 6-year period. All patients were offered surgical treatment, but nine patients refused surgery. Thus, the patients were divided into two groups: group 1 comprised 33 patients who underwent an intramedullary screw fixation operation under regional anaesthesia immediately after the fracture was diagnosed; group 2 contained the remaining nine patients who had refused surgery and received conservative therapy with non-weight-bearing short-leg casts or orthosis. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 24 months. All fractures healed in group 1: healing occurred within 8 weeks in 26 patients and was prolonged to 16 to 18 weeks in four patients. In group 2, fractures healed in four patients but did not heal in five patients even after 6 months. Four of the five patients in whom the fracture did not heal required subsequent osteosynthesis because they had constant problems that caused absence from sport. After the operation, their fractures healed in an average of 10 weeks. One patient decided not to undergo the operation due to the absence of subjective symptoms. Three patients in group 1 who started intensive training sustained a refracture and underwent re-operation in which osteosynthesis was performed with a stronger screw. The fractures then healed again. Treatment results were evaluated radiologically and clinically using the Modified Foot Score. Results in group 1 were significantly better than those in group 2 and there was an earlier return to full athletic activity. The authors concluded that intramedullary fixation of V MT zone II and III fractures with cannulated compression screws was associated with excellent functional results and early and complete recovery.

Operative treatment of acute acromioclavicular dislocations Rockwood III and V-Comparative study between K-wires combined with FiberTape(®) vs. TightRope System(®)

INTRODUCTION

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations usually occur in a young active population as a result of a fall on the shoulder. Rockwood divided these dislocations into six types. Optimal treatment is still a matter of discussion. Many operative techniques have been developed, but the main choice is between open and minimally-invasive arthroscopic procedures. The aim of this study was to compare two different surgical methods on two groups of patients to find out which method is superior in terms of benefit to the patient. The methods were evaluated through objective and subjective scores, with a focus on complications and material costs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective two-centre study was conducted in patients with acute AC joint dislocation Rockwood types III and V. The two methods conducted were an open procedure using K-wires combined with FiberTape(®) (Arthrex, Naples, USA) (Group 1) and an arthroscopic procedure using the TightRope System(®) (Arthrex, Naples, USA) (Group 2). Groups underwent procedures during a two-year period. Diagnosis was based on the clinical and radiographic examination of both AC joints. Surgical treatment and rehabilitation were performed.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were included in this study: Group 1 comprised 10 patients, all male, average age 41.6 years (range 17-64 years), Rockwood type III (eight patients) and Rockwood type V (two patients); Group 2 had six patients, one female and five male, average age 37.8 years (range 18-58 years), Rockwood type III (two patients) and Rockwood type V (four patients). Time from injury to surgery was shorter and patients needed less time to return to daily activities in Group 1. Duration of the surgical procedure was shorter in Group 2 compared with Group 1. Complications of each method were noted. According to the measured scores and operative outcome between dislocation Rockwood type III and V, no significant difference was found. Implant material used in Group 2 was 4.7 times more expensive than that used in Group 1.

CONCLUSION

Both methods offer many advantages with satisfying evaluated scores. K-wires with FiberTape(®) offer a shorter period for complete recovery and a significantly more cost-effective outcome, whereas the TightRope System(®) offers shorter operative procedure, better cosmetic result and avoidance of intraoperative fluoroscopy.

Is chronic groin pain a Bermuda triangle of sports medicine?

Chronic groin pain is one the most complex conditions encountered in the field of sports medicine. Conservative treatment is long lasting and the result of treatment is often uncer- tain and symptom recurrences are common, which can be very frustrating for both the patient and the physician. The complex etiology and uncertainties during treatment of chronic groin pain is the reason why some authors call it the Bermuda Triangle of sports medicine. In our prospective, 7-year study, 114 athletes with chronic groin pain resistant to conservative therapy were treated surgically. In 109 athletes with sports hernia, we performed nerve neurolysis along with resection of the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve and we also reinforced the posterior wall of inguinal canal using a modified Shouldice technique. In 26 athletes that had concomitant adductor tendinosis and in 5 athletes with isolated tendinosis we performed tenotomy. Eighty-one of 83 patients with isolated sports hernia returned to sports within a mean of 4.4 (range, 3-16) weeks. Thirty-one athletes with adductor tenotomy returned to sports activity within a mean of 11.8 (range, 10-15) weeks. If carefully diagnosed using detailed history taking, physical examination and correct imaging techniques, chronic groin pain can be treated very successfully and quickly, so it need not be a Bermuda Triangle of sports medicine.

Periprosthetic infections after total hip and knee arthroplasty--a review

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) in orthopedic surgery are considered to be very serious and dangerous complications of total joint arthroplasty. PJI becomes a long-lasting medical problem and a heavy burden on patient and his family. Patients with such a complication are a significant financial burden for the health care system. Recognizing this issue, investing in scientific research and simultaneously developing technologies in medicine are efforts taken to increase successfulness in preventing and treating PJI. Each year the number of total joint arthroplasties increases which entails a rise in the number of complications among which infections are the leading ones. Sometimes, in the worst case scenarios, infections can endanger patients' lives. New procedural algorithms and new diagnostic possibilities help us make accurate and early diagnoses of postoperative PJI with a great degree of certainty. These diagnostic methods include laboratory tests, imaging, histopathology and microbiological analyses. Treatment options depend on many factors which include the onset of symptoms, patients'general physical condition and type of pathogen. The approach to treating PJI is complex and it requires a multidisciplinary approach in order to ensure the most successful treatment possible. For adequate and successful treatment we need to take into account antibiotic therapy, one-stage or two-stage revision, Girdlestone operation, athrodesis and amputation. In this review we will try to sum up all relevant findings and suggest further steps in management of PJI.

The role of external fixation in displaced pilon fractures of distal tibia

Results of treatment in patients with high-energy displaced pilon fractures are presented. During five years, 15 patients with displaced pilon fractures (AO type C2 and C3) were treated. All other types of fracture were excluded from the study. Fractures were identified using standard radiographs and computed topography scanning. The method and timing of the operation were dictated by the status of soft tissues. In all fractures, external fixation was placed immediately and was left until the initial callus bridged the fracture fragments. In case of moderate contusion of soft tissues, limited incision and minimal internal osteosynthesis was done in the same act. In patients with more severe soft tissue damage, limited open reduction and restoration of articular surface was undertaken in second procedure after 7 days on average. All fractures united and the average time of healing was 4 months. Two patients had superficial infections that resulted in prolonged wound healing, and another four patients had pin site infection. There were no cases of deep infection, nonunion or malunion, but we had five cases of secondary osteoarthritis. Results were evaluated by Teeny and Wiss rating system. The results were as follows: 5 excellent results, 10 good and fair results, and no poor results. This study showed that external fixation with open reduction and limited internal osteosynthesis, with or without bone grafting, could be an option in the management of displaced multifragmentary pilon fractures with soft tissue injury. It was followed by significantly less complications with better functional results compared to open reduction and internal plate fixation.

Aggressive granulomatosis after cementless total hip arthroplasty as a result of inflammatory reaction to metal debris: case report

Massive osteolysis and granulomatous pseudotumor tissue reactions are long-term complications of total hip replacement. It is a condition of localized bone resorption in contact with prosthetic material. It is speculated to be a consequence of metal hypersensitivity or inflammatory reaction to excessive wear. Ten years after total cementless hip replacement (metal on polyethylene surface), a 70-year-old patient presented with hip pain and pseudotumor with massive osteolysis of proximal femur on x-ray. Intraoperatively, extensive metallosis with significantly worn metal head (316L stainless steel) and only slightly worn polyethylene insert was found. Upon extraction, parts of the affected tissue and bone that were in direct contact with the prosthesis were sent for histopathologic analysis. Microscopic examination showed necrotic soft and bone tissue, mainly bone marrow with numerous histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells containing lots of pigmented particles (presumed to be metal particles as a result of implant surface wear). In this case, the primary cause of osteolysis and granulomatosis was inflammatory reaction to metal debris. Aggressive granulomatosis has been first described in cemented prostheses and afterwards also in cementless ones. Conditions such as primary or metastatic neoplastic processes and infection should be excluded. The presence of foreign molecular particles due to wear of the prosthesis by different mediators has been presumed to cause an inflammatory reaction that leads to bone resorption and loosening of the prosthesis.

Isolated inferior peroneal retinculum tear in professional soccer players

INTRODUCTION

Peroneal tendon dislocations are rare injuries that can easily be misdiagnosed. Up to date literature mostly describes proximal peroneal tendon dislocations due to superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) tear. In this article, we present the assessment, diagnostic algorithm and a new therapeutic option for the distal dislocation of the long peroneal tendon due to isolated inferior peroneal retinaculum (IPR) tear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2001 and 2011 three patients with distal peroneal tendon dislocation were operated. All of them were competitive athletes in the national soccer league. They presented with an ankle sprain and prolonged problems on the lateral side of the foot with no improvement after conservative therapy measures. Coleman block test was performed; ultrasound and MRI showed a tendon dislocation under the IPR. The patients underwent surgical repair that consisted of peroneal tubercle excision, a new lateral calcanear groove formation for both peroneal tendons and IPR plasty.

RESULTS

At the two year follow up the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score showed a significant increase. The decrease of painful stimuli assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was significant as well. At an average of 12 weeks after the surgery, the patients returned to their level of sport activity before injury and didn't report similar problems later.

CONCLUSION

Description of distal peroneal tendon dislocations is limited in the literature. This topic should be considered in differential diagnostics of an acute and chronic ankle sprain which leads to chronic ankle pain and instability. The authors recommend surgical treatment as a method of choice especially in professional athletes.

Surgical treatment of chronic groin pain in athletes

PURPOSE

Conservative treatment of chronic groin pain is prolonged and recurrence is quite common. Coexistence of sports hernia and adductor tendinitis/tendinosis in a single patient is noted in the literature. In our study we evaluated our operative treatment that should enable pain elimination and fast return to sports activities.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study over a six-year period. Ninety-nine (99) patients, all male, with chronic groin pain, resistant to conservative treatment, underwent a surgical procedure.

RESULTS

Seventy athletes with sports hernia returned to sports in an average 4.23 weeks (range three-16). Adductor tendinosis symptoms were present in 24 patients (2 %) with sports hernia. Twenty-four patients that had an additional adductor tenotomy performed returned to sports in an average 11.6 weeks (range ten-15). Five patients with isolated adductor tendinosis (7 %) returned to sports in an average 13.4 weeks (range 12-16). All athletes except two (2.8 %) treated for sports hernia were satisfied with the results of treatment and could continue their previous level of activity.

CONCLUSION

Any surgical procedure used for treating chronic groin pain should address the common causes of pain in this region. Adductor tendinosis can be present in up to 24.2 % of cases with sports hernia or may be isolated in 7 % of cases with chronic groin pain and must be treated by tenotomy. Resection of the genital branch of genitofemoral nerve and ilioinguinal nerve neurolysis should also be performed in patients with sports hernia.

Minimally invasive hip arthroplasty: advantages and disadvantages

BACKGROUND

To present the method and advantages of anterior minimally invasive surgery (AMIS) in coxarthrosis and hip fractures treatment.

METHODS

During 2008 and 2009, 35 patients were treated with AMIS method. They were compared with 35 patients treated with lateral, transgluteal approach (control group) in the same period. All operations were performed by the same surgical team. The main reason for surgery was hip arthrosis, only two patients in AMIS group underwent surgery because of femoral neck fracture. Early postoperative complications and functional status are followed by Haris Hip Score (HHS).

RESULTS

Operation time was shorter and postoperative blood loss was lesser in AMIS group (78 min, 490 ml) than in the control group (85 min, 570 ml). In the AMIS group one patient had each post-operative knee pain, fractured tip of a large trochanter, acetabular overreaming, perforation of shaft with rasp, and two patients had parestesis n.cutaneus femoris lat. They had no infections or hip luxation. In the control group early hip luxation and superficial wound infections have occurred in one and two cases, respectively. Patients in the AMIS group were more satisfied, demanded less analgesics and their rehabilitation was faster. Haris Hip Score in the AMIS group after 2 months was 80 compared with 69 in the controls, and after 4 months 92 compared to 88 in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

AMIS is a safe, reproducible and rewarding technique which provides low morbidity and fast postoperative recovery for the patient.