In the context of tendon degenerative disorders, the need for innovative conservative treatments that can improve the intrinsic healing potential of tendon tissue is progressively increasing. In this study, the role of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) in improving the tendon healing process was evaluated in a rat model of collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy. A total of 68 Sprague Dawley rats received a single injection of type I collagenase in Achilles tendons to induce the tendinopathy and then were daily exposed to PEMFs (1.5 mT and 75 Hz) for up to 14 days - starting 1, 7, or 15 days after the injection - to identify the best treatment option with respect to the phase of the disease. Then, 7 and 14 days of PEMF exposure were compared to identify the most effective protocol.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature for evidence of the effect of a high-fat diet (HFD) on the onset or progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in mice. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus to find all studies on mice investigating the effects of HFD or Western-type diet on OA when compared with a control diet (CD). The primary outcome was the determination of cartilage loss and alteration. Secondary outcomes regarding local and systemic levels of proteins involved in inflammatory processes or cartilage metabolism were also examined when reported.Aims
Methods
In an in vitro tendon cell model, the tendon-specific gene expression up-regulation induced by PEMF negatively correlates with field intensity; moreover repeated lower-intensity PEMF treatments (1.5 mT) provokes a higher release of anti-inflammatory cytokines respect to the single treatment. Tendon disorders represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for physicians. Traditional treatments are characterised by a long recovery time and a high occurrence of injury relapses. Despite the growing clinical interest in pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) few studies on their effect on tendons and ligaments have been conducted. Tendon resident cells (TCs) are a mixed population, made up mostly by tenocytes and tendon stem/progenitor cells, which are responsible of the tissue homeostasis. Since studies on the effect of PEMFs on this cell population are conflicting, we evaluated the possible relation between PEMFs dosage and TCs’ response. In particular, we compared the in vitro effect of low and high PEMFs on TCs (PEMF-1.5 mT; PEMF-3 mT); moreover we assessed the results of repeated treatments (R-PEMF-1.5mT).Summary
Introduction
The donor-matched comparison between mesenchymal stem cells from knee infrapatellar and subcutaneous adipose tissue revealed their preferential commitment towards the chondrogenic and osteogenic lineage, respectively. These peculiarities could be relevant for the development of successful bone and cartilage cell-based applications. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proposed in bone and cartilage tissue engineering applications as an alternative to terminally differentiated cells. In the present study we characterised and performed a donor-matched comparison between MSCs resident within the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP-MSCs) and the knee subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASCs) of osteoarthritic patients. These two fat depots, indeed, can be considered appealing candidates for orthopaedic cell-based therapies since they are highly accessible during knee surgery.Summary
Introduction
There are few reports of the surgical treatment for late stage Freiburg’s disease with flattening of the metatarsal head and osteoarthritis. We describe the results of the surgical treatment of ten consecutive patients with advanced stage Freiburg’s disease (Smillie’s stage V), using a technique that has not been published previously.
Acquired pilon deformities are often a combination of axial deviation, translation, rotational defects and leg length discrepancy. Correction of a deformity pattern with a percutaneous rectilinear supramalleolar osteotomy and an external fixation by Ilizarov apparatus aims to reduce misalignment progressively, simultaneously and minimally invasively. From 1994 to 2004, 27 patients were treated for pilon tri-planar deformity of the leg. The mean age was 27 years (range 16 to 49 years); 15 were males and 12 females. Type and level of the deformity were determined by preoperative X-rays. For the procedure, two rings of Ilizarov apparatus are positioned in the segment of the limb proximal to the osteotomy: one at the level of the proximal tibial metaphysis and the other 3–4 cm beyond the osteotomy. A third ring is positioned at the level of the tibial pilon, parallel to the articular edge of the ankle. In order to maintain stability of the ankle, a half ring or horseshoeshaped component should be placed on the calcaneus and metatarsals with opposing olive wires. The positions of the mobile joints between the rings depend on the location of the correction axis. Closed metaphyseal osteotomy is performed in order to correct tri-planar deformities in a progressive way, through angulations and translation in an oblique plane. The half ring on the foot maintains distraction in the ankle, which is necessary to reduce articular compression and to avoid soft tissue damage and muscular contractures in this region. In all cases we achieved correction of the angular or rotational deformities. Bleeding was never over 100 ml. We have not observed any soft tissue damage. Controlled weight-bearing was practised on the first day postoperatively, and the mean hospitalisation time was 4 days. Time required to reach the correction was in a range of 3–6 weeks. In 20 patients the total leg discrepancy was in a range of 1.5–6 cm. We reported no case of infection nor union. The devices were removed after a mean time of 11 weeks (range 8–15 weeks). Corrections of tri-planar deformity of the pilon by the Ilizarov apparatus are progressive and minimally invasive. In addition, it is possible to treat misalignment and lengthening by a single operation. With the apparatus layout combining foot fixation and ankle distraction soft tissue and secondary deformities can be corrected and finally a rapid recovery of weight bearing is possible.
