Objective Corticosteroids can destroy the cartilage. To investigate the effect of dexamethasone (Dexa) on the apoptosis and expression of Fas/FasL of human articular chondrocytes (HACs) in vitro so as to explore the mechanism ofpro-apoptotic role of Dexa on HACs. Methods Following full agreement of patients, the cartilage specimens were collectedfrom the patients with osteoarthritis undergoing knee replacement. The second passage HACs were incubated in cell culture media containing 0.125, 1.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 μg/mL Dexa for 48 hours respectively to determine the optimal concentration of Dexa by MTT. The apoptosis was assessed by TMRE/Hoechst/Annexin V-FITC/7-AAD quadruple staining after culture for 0, 24, and 48 hours. The mRNA expressions of Fas and FasL were determined by real-time quantitative PCR after culture for 48 hours. The protein expressions of Fas and FasL were determined by immunohistochemistry staining analysis after culture for 24 hours and 48 hours. Results The cell inhibitory rate of 25 μg/mL Dexa was significantly higher than that of 50 μg/mL Dexa (P lt; 0.05), and there were significant differences when compared with that at other concentrations of Dexa (P lt; 0.05), so 25 μg/mL Dexa was appropriately selected as an optimal concentration of Dexa. The apoptotic rates of HACs were 5.8% ± 0.3%, 27.0% ± 2.6%, and 36.0% ± 3.1% at 0, 24, and 48 hours, respectively, in a time dependent manner (P lt; 0.05). The expressions of Fas mRNA were (8.93 ± 1.12) × 10—3 in the experimental group and (3.31 ± 0.37) × 10—3 in the control group, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05). The expressions of FasL mRNA were (5.92 ± 0.66) × 10—3 in the experimental group and (2.31 ± 0.35) × 10—3in the control group, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05). The expressions of Fas and FasL proteins showed an increasing tendency with time in the experimental group and the expressions were significantly higher than those in the control group after culture for 24 hours and 48 hours (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Dexa can induce the apoptosis and significantly upregulate the apoptotic gene expression of Fas/FasL, which can provide the experimental evidence to further investigate the role of Fas/FasL signaling pathway in Dexa-induced HACs apoptosis.
ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term effectiveness of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis of super-age patients over 85 years old.MethodsSenile patients with unilateral compartment osteoarthritis of the knee who received UKA between November 2013 and May 2017 and met the inclusion criteria were enrolled as the research objects. Among them, 40 patients (50 knees) were more than 85 years old (super-age group) and 44 patients (50 knees) were 52-81 years old (control group). There was significant difference in age between the two groups (t=17.33, P=0.00). There was no significant difference in body mass index, degenerative classification of medial and lateral compartments, varus deformity of knee, disease duration, complicating diseases, and preoperative hemoglobin, hematocrit (HCT), American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, range of motion (ROM) of knee, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and femoral-tibial angle (FTA) between the two groups (P>0.05). Hospital stay, hemoglobin, and HCT of the two groups were recorded before operation and on the first day after operation. The changes of hemoglobin and HCT after operation were calculated. During follow-up period, the ROM of the knee, HSS score, and VAS score were measured; the position of the prosthesis and FTA were observed by X-ray films.ResultsThere was no significant difference in hospital stay between the two groups (t=1.05, P=0.29). Hemoglobin and HCT of the two groups on the first day after operation were significantly lower than those before operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the postoperative changes of hemoglobin and HCT between the two groups (P>0.05). All the patients were followed up completely except 4 cases (5 knees) in the super-age group. The follow-up time ranged from 14 to 44 months of super-age group (mean, 29 months) and 21 to 33 months of control group (mean, 24 months). There were significant differences in HSS score, VAS score, ROM of the knee, and FTA between pre-operation and last follow-up in the two groups (P<0.05). There was significant difference in HSS score between the two groups (P<0.05), and no significant difference was found in ROM, VAS score, and FTA between the two groups (P>0.05). X-ray film showed no adverse position of the prosthesis, infection around the prosthesis, prosthesis loosening, or pathological bright lines.ConclusionUKA combined with reasonable perioperative management in the treatment of super-age patients over 85 years with knee osteoarthritis is safe and feasible, and can obtain satisfactory short-term effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo explore the imaging features of intramedullary guide rod and its influence on the alignment of the femoral prosthesis in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). MethodsBetween August 2016 and November 2016, 50 patients (50 knees) with primary anteromedial osteoarthritis were treated with UKA by Oxford MicroPlasty minimally invasive replacement system. There were 10 males and 40 females. The age ranged from 62 to 77 years with an average of 68.8 years. Preoperative varus and flexion deformity angles were (5.22±3.46)° and (7.42±2.65)°, respectively. The knee range of motion (ROM) was (106.85±7.62)°. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score was 68.26±4.65. The angles between the femoral intramedullary guide rod and the anatomical axis of femur on the coronal and sagittal planes, the femoral component valgus/varus angle (FCVA), the femoral component posterior slope angle (FCPSA), knee varus deformity angle, and knee flexion deformity angle were measured by intra- and post-operative X-ray films. The postoperative ROM and HSS score were measured. ResultsIntraoperative X-ray films measurement showed that the lateral side angles between femoral intramedullary guide rod and femoral anatomical axis were observed on coronal plane, and the angles ranged from 0.28 to 2.06° with an average of 0.96°. While the posterior side angles were observed on sagittal plane, and the angles ranged from 0.09 to 0.48° with an average of 0.23°. The angulations (>1°) between femoral intramedullary part guide rod and outside part of the rod were confirmed in 12 cases (24%) on coronal plane. Postoperative femoral prosthesis were mild varus in 38 patients (76%). The FCVA ranged from –1.76 to 4.08° with an average of 2.21°. The FCPSA ranged from 7.12 to 13.86° with an average of 9.16°. All patients were followed up 22-26 months, with an average of 24.5 months. The incisions healed by first intention. At last follow-up, the varus and flexion deformity angles were (1.82±1.05) and (2.54 ± 1.86)°, respectively. ROM was (124.62±5.85)° and HSS score was 91.58±3.65. There were significant differences between pre- and post-operative parameters (P<0.05). No complication such as dislocation or aseptic loosening of the prosthesis occurred during the follow-up. ConclusionUKA by Oxford MicroPlasty minimally invasive replacement system can obtain accurate femoral prosthesis position with the help of intramedullary guide system, and the effectiveness is excellent.
Objective To investigate the short- and mid-term effectiveness of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) for post-traumatic arthritis (PTA) of knee. Methods The clinical data of 30 patients with PTA of unilateral knee between March 2014 and September 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 14 males and 16 females with an average of 64.5 years (range, 33-81 years). The average body mass index was 26.7 kg/m2 (range, 19.8-35.6 kg/m2). The types of injuries that caused PTA included intra-articular fracture in 16 cases, extra-articular fracture in 8 cases, and soft tissue injury in 6 cases. The initial injuries were treated by conservative therapy in 12 cases and by surgical therapy in 18 cases. Ten cases were medial compartment osteoarthritis and 20 cases were lateral compartment osteoarthritis. According to Kellgren-Lawrence staging, there were 19 cases of grade Ⅲ and 11 cases of grade Ⅳ. The operative time, the length of hospital stay, complications, and subjective satisfaction were recorded. The Oxford Knee Function Score (OKS), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and knee range of motion (ROM) were used to evaluate knee function. Weight-bearing X-ray films were taken to measure the femoro-tibial angle (FTA) and to assess alignment correction of the lower limb. Results The operative time ranged from 50 to 95 minutes (mean, 63.7 minutes), the length of hospital stay ranged from 3 to 8 days (mean, 6.9 days). Superficial infection occurred in 2 patients, while the remaining incisions healed by first intention. There was no deep vein thrombosis or neurovascular injury. All patients were followed up 17-109 months (median, 70 months). At last follow-up, OKS score, HSS score, and ROM in 30 cases significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). Lower limb alignment was significantly corrected and there was significant difference in FTA of the varus and valgus knees between pre- and post-operation (P<0.05). The patient satisfaction rate was 86.7% (26/30). Two cases developed contralateral osteoarthritis progression during follow-up. No bearing dislocation, prosthesis loosening or sinking occurred and none required further revision. Conclusion For patients with PTA of knee, UKA can obtain definite short- and mid-term effectiveness with high patient satisfaction.