ObjectiveTo investigate the expression changes of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in the peripheral blood of patients with aseptic loosening of the implant after total hip arthroplasty (THA) by comparing with that of patients with femoral neck fracture and to analyze the correlation between RANKL expression and aseptic loosening. MethodsBetween January 2008 and January 2013,the peripheral blood were harvested from 58 patients with aseptic loosening of the implant after THA (trial group) and 63 patients with femoral neck fracture (control group).The 2 groups were well matched,with no significant differences in age and gender (P>0.05).The expressions of the RANKL mRNA and RANKL protein were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot respectively.At the same time,the concentration of RANKL was also measured by ELISA. ResultsThe expression of the RANKL mRNA in the trial group was 18.30±1.09,which was significantly higher than that of control group (1.00±0.05)(t=125.390,P=0.000).The relative RANKL protein expression values in trial group and control group were 0.856±0.254 and 0.404±0.102 respectively,showing significant difference (t=13.032,P=0.000).The results of ELISA showed that the concentration of RANKL in trial group [(3.553 5±0.129 7) ng/mL] was significantly higher than that of control group [(1.912 3±0.126 2) ng/mL] (t=18.124,P=0.000). ConclusionThe high RANKL expression in peripheral blood is probably correlated with aseptic loosening of the implant in patients undergoing THA,which possibly is the prognostic factor of aseptic loosening of the implant.
Objective To compare the outcomes between intramedullary nail change and augmentation plating with a retained intramedullary nail for aseptic nonunion of femoral shaft fractures after femoral nailing, and to analyze the cause so as to guide the clinical application. Methods Between June 2001 and June 2011, 28 patients with aseptic nonunion of femoral shaft fractures after femoral nailing were treated with intramedullary nail change (11 patients, group A) and augmentation plating with a retained intramedullary nail (17 patients, group B), and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. There was no significant difference in age, gender, smoking, location of fracture, Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification, type of injury, associated injury, type of nonunion, and time of nonunion between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The patients were followed up by imaging and the clinical function at regular intervals to observe the callus growth and the recovery condition of the affected limb function, and clinical curative effectiveness was evaluated by Tohner-Wrnch standard. Results The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, and intraoperative erythrocyte-transported volume in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (P lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative drainage volume and hospitalization days between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). All the incisions healed by first intention, and no nerve and blood vessel injury occurred. All patients were followed up 18.6 months on average (range, 12-36 months). All cases obtained bone union, and time of clinical and radiological bone healing in group B was significantly shorter than those in group A (P lt; 0.05). During follow-up, no following complication occurred: deep incision infection, injuries of blood vessels and nerves, loosening and breakage of internal fixation, loss of reduction, angulated and rotational malunion. According to Tohner-Wrnch standard at last follow-up, the results were excellent in 6 cases, good in 3 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 81.8% in group A; the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 5 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100% in group B; and difference was significant between 2 groups (Z= — 2.623, P=0.021). Conclusion Augmentation plating with a retained intramedullary nail is an ideal treatment for aseptic nonunion of femoral shaft fractures after femoral nailing and can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes because it has simpler operation, shorter operation time, less blood loss, and less trauma than intramedullary nail change.
Objective Lots of metal ions accumulation and over-expression of receptor activator of NF-κB l igand (RANKL) around the prosthesis could be found in revision of total hip arthroplasty. To investigate the relationship between metal ions and aseptic loosening by observing the effects of Co2+ and Cr3+ ions on the expression of RANKL and osteoprotegerin(OPG) from osteoblast. Methods Osteoblasts were cultured in vitro at the density of 1 × 105 cells/mL, and were divided into 2 groups according to different culture solutions. In control group, osteoblasts were cultured with normal medium without CoCl2 and CrCl3. In experimental group, osteoblasts were cultured with the medium including CoCl2 (10 mg/ L) and CrCl3 (150 mg/L) solutions. The RT-PCR and ELISA methods were appl ied to detect the mRNA expression of RANKL and OPG and protein level at 24 and 48 hours after co-cultured, respectively. Results RT-PCR revealed that the mRNA expression of RANKL and OPG could be found in two groups at 24 and 48 hours after co-cultured, the expression was higher in the experimental group than in control group, especially the expression of RANKL, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05). At 24 and 48 hours after co- cultured, the ratios of RANKL mRNA to OPG mRNA in the experimental group were 0.860 and 1.232, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (0.695 and 0.688,P lt; 0.05). ELISA revealed that the protein level of RANKL and OPG in experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Co2+ and Cr3+ can stimulate the mRNA expressions of RANKL, OPG and secretion of those protein from osteoblasts, especially increase of the RANKL, which promotes the formation and activation of osteoblasts and the generation of aseptic loosening.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of prosthetic revision using custom-made long stem prosthesis and allograft-prosthesis composite (APC) for aseptic loosening after bone tumor resection. Methods Between January 2002 and June 2008, 14 patients with aseptic loosening after bone tumor resection were treated. There were 8 males and 6 females,aged 21-70 years (mean, 43.9 years). The locations were distal femur (8 cases), proximal femur (2 cases), and proximal tibia (4 cases). Pain of the affected l imb occurred after 6-31 years of prosthesis replacement and worsened when bearing and walking; 6 patients had shortened l imb. The functional results were assessed quantitatively according to the functional rating system of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS). The MSTS score was 16.36 ± 1.50 before revision. The X-ray films showed obvious prosthetic loosening and subsidence. The average time of symptom was 4.5 years (range, 3-9 years). In 7 patients having severe bone loss (the decrease of the thickness of cortical bone was more than 50%) and the prosthetic subsidence was more than 2 cm, the revision operation with the APC was performed; in 7 patients having less bone loss (the decrease of the thickness of cortical bone was less than 50%), the custom-made long stem prosthesis was performed. Results All wound healed by first intention. Two patients had temporary peroneal nerve paralysis and recovered after 3 months. All the patients were followed up 3.6 years on average (range, 2 years and 2 months-7 years) after revision. After revision, pain was rel ieved and the range of joint was improved. The MSTS score was 23.43 ± 2.56 at 12 months after revision showing significant difference when compared with the preoperative score (t=8.910, P=0.024). The X-ray films showed that lucency space l ine around stem cement in 2 patients at 12 months, and no prosthesis loosening and infection occurred. Conclusion The prosthetic revision after l imb salvage surgery with prosthesis for bone tumors was acceptable. The good functional results can be achieved by the revision with the APC or the custom-made long stem prosthesis according to the bone loss.
ObjectiveTo observe the vascularity in periprosthetic tissues of aseptic loosening after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to explore the relationship between expression of vascularity and osteolysis. MethodsBetween October 2009 and June 2012, interface tissues were obtained from 22 patients (22 hips) who underwent revision of THA because of prosthetic aseptic loosening, including 12 males and 10 females with the age range of 53-81 years and prosthesis survival range of 6-14 years. The interface tissues were divided into osteolysis group and non-osteolysis group based on preoperative X-ray findings and intraoperative observation. The synovial tissues were harvested from another 8 patients (3 males and 5 females, aged 58-72 years) with osteoarthritis undergoing THA as control group. HE stainging was used to observe the histological character, and low-wear or high-wear was identified according to metal or polyethylene particles amount in osteolysis group. The CD34 immunohistochemical staining was used to mark the blood vessels. Microvessel density and microvessel index were calculated with the use of image analysis software. ResultsHistological observation showed that wear particles and numerous macrophages/multinucleated giant cells accumulated in the membrane of osteolysis group, while many fibroblasts and synovial cells existed in non-osteolysis group. The microvessels density and microvessel index were significantly lower in non-osteolysis group than those in osteolysis group and control group (P＜0.05), and there was no significant difference in microvessel density and microvessel index between osteolysis group and control group (P>0.05). There were less microvessel density and microvessel index in heavy-loaded metal or polyethylene wear particles areas than those in low-loaded metal or polyethylene wear particles areas (P＜0.05), and there was no significant difference in microvessel index and microvessel index between low-wear group and high-wear group for either polyethylene or metal particles (P>0.05). ConclusionThe phagocytosis of macrophage in periprosthetic tissues need vicinal microvessels formation and blood supply to some extent. Vascular injury and decreased blood supply at the implant-bone interface seem to be one of the reasons for insufficient implant osseointegration and aseptic loosening.
Objective Metal wear products cause the aseptic loosening of joint prosthesis. To investigate the effect of metal ions Co2+ and Cr3+ on the osteoblast apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and secretion of alkal ine phosphatase (ALP), and to search a method to prevent and treat aseptic loosening. Methods The mouse calvarial osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) were cultured in vitro to 3-5 generations (5 × 105 cells/ mL) and divided into 2 groups: the experimental group and the controlgroup. The osteoblasts were cultured in α-MEM medium containing 10%FBS (the control group), and the mixed solution ofCoCl2 and CrCl3 was added after the osteoblasts cultured in α-MEM medium containing 10%FBS attached completely (the experimental group). At 12, 24, and 48 hours after culture, the osteoblast apoptosis and the cell cycle distribution were assessed by flow cytometry; and ELISA method was appl ied to detect ALP content in serum supernatant. Results At 12, 24, and 48 hours after culture, the apoptosis rates in the experimental group (13.90% ± 0.52%, 14.80% ± 0.41%, and 13.40% ± 0.26%) were significantly higher than those in the control group (8.56% ± 0.31%, 8.19% ± 0.24%, and 2.15% ± 0.11%), (P lt; 0.05); G2M (dividing phase) distribution ratio significantly decreased and G0G1 (dormancy stage) distribution ratio significantly increased when compared with those in the control group (P lt; 0.05); and the absorbency (A) values of ALP were 0.955 ± 0.052, 0.624 ± 0.041, and 0.498 ± 0.026 in the exprimental group, and were 1.664 ± 0.041, 1.986 ± 0.024, and 2.192 ± 0.041 in the control group, showing significant differences between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Metal ions Co2+ and Cr3+ have a marked effect on osteoblasts cell cycle distribution, which can make most of the cells to be in dormancy stage (G0G1), up-regulate the apoptosis rate and inhibit the releasion of ALP from osteoblasts.
Objective To review the recent advances in treatment of aseptic femoral shaft nonunion. Methods The clinical studies about the treatments of aseptic femoral shaft nonunion in recent years were widely reviewed and analyzed. Results There are several surgical methods for aseptic femoral shaft nonunion. Due to uncertain clinical outcome, dynamization of nail should be carefully selected. The exchange nailing is suitable for the hypertrophic nonunion of the isthmal femoral shaft fracture. The exchange lateral plating is suitable for nonunion with obvious malformation. However, wave plate or dual plate should be chosen when the bone nonuinon is combined with the medial defect. The augmentation plating improves the success rate of nailing for femoral shaft nonunion, but it should be carefully selected for patients with obvious deformity or bone defect. Ilizarov technique is suitable for various bone nonunion, especially with complicated or large segmental bone defects. Induced membrane technique is also an important method for the treatment of bone nonunion with large bone defects. The clinical efficacy of the blocking screw remains to be supported by further evidence. Biological stimulants are mainly used for atrophic nonunion, and the clinical efficacy of them alone are still controversial. Conclusion Due to lack of comparative studies between different surgical methods, the orthopedist should choose the appropriate treatment according to the individual situations of the patient and the types of bone nonunion.
Objective To observe the human mononuclear cell releasing TNF-α and the activation of Caspase-3 during apoptosis after stimulated by Co2+ and Cr3+, to discuss the mechanism of artificial joint wear production metal ion on aseptic loosening. Methods CoCl2 powder and CrCl3 powder were dissolved by asepsis inject water, preparing solution for10 mg/L and 500 mg/L, respectively. Mononuclear cells were acquired from peripheral blood, 4 × 106/culture dish. According to the difference of culture solution, the cells were divided into 3 groups. Group A: mononuclear cell was culture with normal sal ine as control; group B: mononuclear cell was cultured with CoCl2 solution; group C: mononuclear cell was cultured with CrCl3 solution. The production of TNF-α was assessed by ELISA, the activation of Caspase-3 was measured by colorimetric assay and the apoptotic cell was detected by TUNEL assays at 12, 24 and 48 hours after co-cultured respectively. Results The concentration of TNF-α and the expression of Caspase-3 in groups B and C were higher than those in group A (P lt; 0.05), and reached the peak level at 24, 48 hours, respetively. The TUNEL positive cells were detected in the all groups, nucleus was pyknotic and darker-staining, cell body was crinkle and cell membrane was integrity. There were significant differences in the apoptosis rate between groups B, C and group A (P lt; 0.05). And the activation of Caspase-3 increased and had the positive correlation with the apoptosis rate (r=0.765). Conclusion Co2+ and Cr3+ ions can stimulate human mononuclear cell to release TNF-α and induce human mononuclear cell apoptosis, which result in periprosethetic osteolysis and related to activation of Caspase-3.
Since 1985, on the basis of anatomical observation of 50 fresh adult specimens, we designed the transposition oF vascularized capitate bone carrying the dorsal branche of the anteriot interosses artery to replace the damaged lunate bone from avascular necrosis. The operation had been done in 6 patients and the follow-up observation (from 6 months to 4 years) showed that the operation was satisfactory. The anatomic basis, the advantages and disadvantages, and the surgical indications were discussed.
Objective To introduce the occurrence mechanisms, prevention, and treatment measures of prosthetic aseptic loosening. Methods The recent original articles about prosthetic aseptic loosening were extensively reviewed and analyzed. Results Prosthetic aseptic loosening was a very complex process involving many mechanical and biological aspects. The main mechanical factors included prosthetic materials, shapes and sizes, implant fixation methods (including surfacetreatments), cl inical installation, interface micromotion, stress shielding, implant wear, interface integrity, and peri prosthetic high hydraulic pressure, etc.; the main biological factors included the types and sizes of wear particles, cell-activated responses, cytokine release, enzyme activation and allergic reactions to wear particles, etc.. Many measures should be adopted to effectively prevent and treat it, including improving materials and designs of prostheses, fixation techniques, surgical techniques, and drug treatments. Conclusion Prosthetic aseptic loosening is still a troublesome compl ication after joint replacements in orthopaedics, and more attention should be paid for its effective prevention and treatment.