ObjectiveTo explore the value of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in predicting the occurrence of heterotopic ossification by observing the expression of MMP-9 in heterotopic ossification of the early trauma rat model. MethodsA total of 132 male Sprague Dawley rats, aged 4-5 weeks, weighing (135.0±6.5) g, were randomly divided into experimental group and control group (n=66). In experimental group, the Achilles tendon was cut off and clamped to prepare heterotopic ossification model; in control group, only Achilles tendon was exposed by making a incision. The general condition of the rats was observed after operation; at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 days after operation, the Achilles tendon tissue was harvested for gross observation, histological observation, and immunohistochemical staining observation; the serum and Achilles tendon tissue were harvested to detect the expressions of MMP-9 protein and mRNA by ELISA and RT-PCR. The X-ray films at 5 and 10 weeks and histological examination at 10 weeks after operation were used to observe heterotopic ossification. ResultsAll rats survived to the end of the experiment. The Achilles tendon had no significant change in control group at each time point, showing normal tendon structure. In experimental group, the hardness of Achilles tendon tissue gradually increased with the time; there were a large number of irregular connective tissue and cartilage cells; and immunohistochemical staining for MMP-9 was positive results. The MMP-9 protein and mRNA expression levels of experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group at each time point (P < 0.05). MMP-9 protein and mRNA expression levels of experimental group showed an increasing tendency (P < 0.05). According to the results of X-ray films and histological observation, heterotopic ossification occurred at 10 weeks after operation in experimental group, but no heterotopic ossification was observed in control group. ConclusionIn early heterotopic ossification of rat Achilles tendon, the expression of MMP-9 increases significantly, indicating that it has reference significance in predicting heterotopic ossification.
Objective To review the research progress of heterotopic ossification (HO) pathogenesis.Methods Recent articles about HO including the risk factors and pathogenesis were reviewed and comprehensively analyzed. Results The pathogenesis of HO is not completely understood, but the extracellular factors, signaling pathways, and transcription factors in the pathogenesis of HO are understood deeply, such as bone morphogenic protein, Smad signaling, and core binding factor α1/runt-related transcription factor 2, which are probably involved in HO. Furthermore, some related microRNAs are also probably involved in HO. Conclusion The pathogenesis of HO should be further investigated so as to lay a foundation for preventing and treating HO.
Objective To review the basic research and cl inical progress of elbow heterotopic ossification after injury. Methods The recent l iterature concerning heterotopic ossification of the elbow was reviewed. Results Heterotopic ossification was caused by variety of stimul i and conditions. The current methods of prevention and treatment were to improve surgical techniques, to reduce trauma and bleeding, to rinse the area with bone fragments with plenty of salt water, and to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Conclusion Once heterotopic ossification occurred, surgical treatment is unique treatment method, so emphasis is to prevent heterotopic ossification.
ObjectiveTo explore the influence factors of anterior bone loss (ABL) after cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) and effects of ABL on the clinical and radiographic outcomes.MethodsOne hundred and fifty-five patients who underwent single-level Prestige-LP CDA between January 2008 and December 2017 and met the inclusive criteria were enrolled in the study. Perioperative data of patients were collected. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score were used for clinical outcomes evaluation. Radiographic parameters including cervical lordosis, C2-7 range of motion (ROM), disc angle, segmental ROM, and the lengths of the upper and lower endplates were assessed on the X-ray films. Device-related complications, including ABL, subsidence, radiographic adjacent segment pathology, and heterotopic ossification, were recorded. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the related factors, and logistic regression analysis was used to screen the influence factors. Patients were grouped according to whether ABL occurred after operation, and the differences in clinical and imaging evaluation parameters were compared.ResultsThere were 94 cases (60.6%) in the ABL group and 61 cases (39.4%) in the non-ABL group. Univariate analysis showed the significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in gender, bone mineral density (T value), preoperative blood calcium level, preoperative blood phosphorus level, preoperative alkaline phosphatase level, operative segment, operative time, and follow-up time between the two groups (P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the age and BMI were influence factors for ABL after CDA (P<0.05). The JOA score, NDI, and VAS score significantly improved in both groups at 3 months after operation (P<0.05), and the scores were further improved at last follow-up (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in JOA score, NDI, and VAS score between the two groups before and after operation (P>0.05). The preoperative cervical lordosis was significantly smaller in the ABL group than in the non-ABL group (t=−2.402, P=0.018). At last follow-up, the segmental ROM was significantly greater in the ABL group than in the non-ABL group (P<0.05), and the lengths of the upper and lower endplates were less in the ABL group than in the non-ABL group (P<0.05). No significant difference in the other radiographic parameters between the two groups were found (P>0.05). Prosthesis subsidence occurred in 5 cases (3.2%), including 3 cases in the ABL group and 2 cases in the non-ABL group; the difference between the two groups was not significant (P=1.000). Heterotopic ossification occurred in 67 cases (43.2%), including 32 cases in the ABL group and 35 cases in the non-ABL group; the difference between the two groups was significant (χ2=8.208, P=0.004). High-grade heterotopic ossification was detected in 26 cases (13 cases in the ABL group and 13 cases in the non-ABL group). Twenty-nine cases (18.7%) had radiographic adjacent segment pathology, including 15 cases in the ABL group and 14 cases in non-ABL group; the difference between the two groups was not significant (χ2=1.190, P=0.276).ConclusionThe incidence of ABL after CDA was relatively high, which mainly occurred within 3 months after operation, and no longer progressing with stable radiographic features after the first 12 months. Age and BMI were independent influence factors for ABL. ABL does not affect the clinical outcomes but may preserve more ROM of prostheses.
Objective To compare heterotopic ossification between femoral head reconstruction and total hip arthroplasty(THA) in patients with ischemic necrosis of femoral head(INFH). Methods Between June 1994 and December 2004, the femoral heads were repaired in 1 005 patients with INFH,the total hip was replaced in 485 patients with INFH. The rate of heterotopic ossification was observed in 74 (Ficat Ⅲ to Ⅳ stages) of 1 005 patients and 80 of 485 patients given THA to compared the results of the two methods. Results These patients were followed up 2 to 10 years(6.5 years on average). The rates of heterotopic ossification were 5.4%(4/74) and 22.5%(18/80), respectively. There was statistically significant difference between two operative methods (Plt;0.01). Conclusion The rate of heterotopic ossification of femoral head reconstruction is lower than that of THA, so femoral head reconstruction is a better operative method for young patients and THA is suitable for old patients.
ObjectiveTo review and evaluate the research progress of traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO). Methods The domestic and foreign related research literature on traumatic HO was widely consulted, and its etiology, pathogenesis, pathological progress, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment were summarized. Results Traumatic HO is often caused by severe trauma such as joint operation, explosion injury, nerve injury, and burn. At present, it is widely believed that the occurrence of traumatic HO is closely related to inflammation and hypoxia. Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery are the main methods to prevent and treat traumatic HO. Conclusion Nowadays, the pathogenesis of traumatic HO is still unclear, the efficiency of relevant prevention and treatment measures is low, and there is a lack of specific treatment method. In the future, it is necessary to further study the pathogenesis of traumatic HO and find specific prevention and treatment targets.
Objective To review the progress of the research on therelationship between the central nervous system injury and the heterotopic ossification. Methods The recent articles on the central nervous system injury and the heterotopic ossification were extensively reviewed, and the related clinical signs, symptoms, pathogenesis diagnosis, risk factors, prophylaxis, and treatment of the neurogenic heterotopic ossification were investigated. Results The possible mechanism for the neurogenic heterotopic ossification might involve the roles of thebone morphogenetic protein and the basic fibroblast growth factor, which were suggested as mediators in differentiation of the progenitor cells. Sonographic, serum creatine phosphokinase, and C-reactive protein were recommended as the useful screening tools for heterotopic ossification. Colchicine and rofecoxib could be used for the prophylaxis or treatment of heterotopic ossification. Conclusion The research on the neurogenic heterotopic ossification has achieved a great development but further studies in this field are still required.
ObjectiveTo explore the role and significance of hypoxia inducible factor lα (HIF-lα) and hypoxia microenvironment in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic heterotopic ossification by detecting the expression of HIF-lα in rat model of heterotopic ossification after Achilles tenotomy. MethodsA total of 140 male Sprague Dawley rats, aged 8-10 weeks, and weighing (210.1±10.6) g, were randomly divided into experimental group (n=70) and control group (n=70). In experimental group, the Achilles tendon was cut off and clamped to prepare post-traumatic heterotopic ossification model; in control group, only Achilles tendon was exposed. The general condition of rats was observed after operation, and at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 14 days after operation, the Achilles tendon tissue was harvested from 6 rats for gross observation, histological observation, and immunohistochemical staining observation, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of HIF-lα gene and protein at different time points in 2 groups. The X-ray films were taken and histological examination was done at 10 weeks after operation to evaluate the formation of heterotopic ossification. ResultsDuring the experiment, 1 rat died in experimental group at 3 days after operation, and the other rats survived to the end of the experiment. Gross and histological staining showed that the Achilles tendon had no obvious change, with normal tendon structure in control group at each time point. In experimental group, atrophy and necrosis of Achilles tendon stump were observed, with infiltration of inflammatory cells; and the hardness of Achilles tendon tissue gradually increased with the time; there were a large number of irregular connective tissue and cartilage cells. When compared with control group, the HIF-lα mRNA and protein expressions were significantly increased in experimental group at each time point (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that HIF-lα was positive in experimental group. According to the results of X-ray films and histological examination at 10 weeks after operation, heterotopic ossification was found in experimental group, but no heterotopic ossification in control group. ConclusionThe expression of HIF-lα significantly increases at early stage of post-traumatic heterotopic ossification after Achilles tenotomy, suggesting that the local hypoxia microenvironment plays an important role in the pathogenesis of heterotopic ossification.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the mid-term effectiveness of arthrolysis and hinged external fixation for the treatment of stiff elbow caused by heterotrophic ossification.MethodsBetween January 2014 and December 2017, 11 patients with stiff elbow caused by heterotrophic ossification were admitted. There were 9 males and 2 females with an average age of 32 years (range, 14-48 years), and left side in 6 cases and right side in 5 cases. The cause of stiff elbow included humerus fracture in 5 cases, ulna fracture in 2 cases, fracture of capitulum radii in 1 case, dislocation of capitulum radii in 1 case, terrible triad of the elbow in 1 case, and soft tissue injury in 1 case. The disease duration ranged from 7 to 18 months (mean, 11 months). Preoperative active range of motion of elbow was (19.6±17.5)° and Mayo score was 34.1±9.7. All patients received the treatment of arthrolysis and debridement of heterotrophic ossification lesion combining hinged external fixator, and active and passive rehabilitation with the help of hinged external fixator. The hinged external fixators were removed after 2 months.ResultsAll patients were followed up 13-36 months (mean, 19.1 months). All incisions healed by first intention, and no complication of infection or nerve lesion occurred postoperatively. At last follow-up, the results of X-ray films showed that no heterotrophic ossification recurred. The active range of motion of elbow was (116.4±16.6)° and Mayo score was 93.2±7.8, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (t=17.508, P=0.000; t=16.618, P=0.000).ConclusionThe application of arthrolysis and debridement of heterotrophic ossification lesion combining hinged external fixator can improve the elbow’s range of motion significantly and obtain a good mid-term effectiveness.
Objective To summarize the mid- to long-term effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the treatment of the involved hips in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and to investigate its influencing factors. Methods Between March 1999 and May 2011, 32 patients (42 hips) with AS and involved hip underwent THA. There were 26 males and 6 females with a mean age of 39 years (range, 20-78 years). The disease duration ranged from 2 to 41 years, with a median of 10 years. Metal-on-polyethylene bearings were used in 19 hips, and ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in 23 hips. The diameter of prosthetic femoral head was 36 mm in 15 hips and was 28 mm in 27 hips; and all the prostheses were fixed biologically. The Harris score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and total range of motion (ROM) of the hip were compared between at pre- and post-operation to evaluate the effectiveness. The DeLee zone was used for describing acetabular prosthesis, the Gruen zone for describing femoral prosthesis, and the Brooker criterion for evaluating the heterotopic ossification. Results Healing of incision by first intention was achieved in all patients after operation. There was no complication of anesthetic accident, infection, or neurovascular injury. Twenty-nine cases (39 hips) were followed up 5-17 years (mean, 9 years). Anterior dislocation of hip joint occurred in 2 hips of 24 hips (28 mm diameter), but did not in 15 hips (36 mm diameter). At last follow-up, the Harris score, VAS score, and the total hip ROM were significantly improved (P<0.05). The shorter the disease duration was, the higher postoperative Harris score and the greater postoperative total hip ROM would be (P<0.05); the bigger diameter of prosthetic femoral head was, the greater postoperative total hip ROM would be (P<0.05). All the acetabular components and femoral stems were well fixed at last follow-up. The osteolysis rate around the acetabular cup in the metal-on-polyethylene bearing group (50%, 9/18) was higher than that in the ceramic-on-ceramic bearing group (0, 0/21). No prosthetic loosening was observed in 2 groups. Seven hips were found to have heterotopic ossification, including 5 hips of Brooker grade I and 2 hips of Brooker grade II. Conclusion THA is an effective method to treat involved hips in patients with AS; especially for patients having shorter duration of the disease, THA shows better effectiveness when the bigger diameter of prosthetic femoral head and ceramic-on-ceramic bearing are used.