Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of an upper limb rehabilitation robot on the recovery of elbow function recovery following arthroscopic elbow joint release.Methods:Seventy-two patients who underwent arthroscopic elbow joint release at Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital from December 2022 to December 2023 were recruited. All patients were randomly assigned to either the conventional group (n=36; 16 males, 20 females; age 34.39±9.04 years, range 24-56; fractures: 4 intercondylar humerus, 18 olecranon, 8 radial head, 6 other) which received conventional rehabilitation postoperatively, or the robot-assisted group (n=36; 18 males, 18 females; age 33.78±9.98 years, range 20-59; fractures distribution identical to the conventional group) receiving conventional rehabilitation combined with robot-assisted upper limb rehabilitation therapy. The active range of motion (ROM) of elbow joint, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), visual analogue scale (VAS) of elbow joint were recorded preoperatively and at 4 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. The surface electromyography were analyzed at 3 months postoperatively.Results:All patients completed the 3-month rehabilitation program. At 4 weeks postoperatively, the conventional group exhibited a mean active ROM of 106.78°±9.91°, MEPS of 67.78±7.68, VAS of 2.11±0.74; the robot-assisted group showed active ROM of 113.72°±7.06°, MEPS of 73.33±9.28, VAS of 21.89±0.46. By 3 months postoperatively, the conventional group achieved a mean active ROM of 118.11°±6.75°, MEPS of 85.00±8.66, VAS of 0.67±0.67; robot-assisted achieved a mean active ROM of 127.61°±6.61°, MEPS of 91.11±6.57, VAS of 0.39±0.49. Both groups exhibited significant improvements in active ROM and MEPS, and significant reductions in VAS scores at 4 weeks and 3 months postoperatively compared with preoperatively values ( P<0.05). The robot-assisted group demonstrated significantly higher active ROM and MEPS at both 4 weeks and 3 months postoperatively, and a significantly lower VAS score at 3 months postoperatively, compared with the conventional group ( P<0.05). Surface electromyography at 3 months revealed significantly higher biceps brachii root mean square and significantly lower co-contraction index in the robot-assisted group compared to the conventional group ( P<0.05). No adverse symptoms were reported in the treated elbows of either group during the operation and follow-up period. Conclusion:The integration of upper limb rehabilitation robot-assisted therapy and conventional rehabilitation program significantly enhances the recovery of elbow range of motion and functional outcomes at 3 months following arthroscopic elbow joint release.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of fixed and non-fixed coronoid process fractures in the treatment of terrible triad of the elbow.Methods:Databases including CNKI, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP, China Medical Journal Full-text Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for relevant literatures on the treatment of elbow terrible triad. Postoperative elbow function score, range of motion, postoperative complications and other information were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata 18.0 statistical software.Results:A total of 139 patients from 5 literatures were included in the meta-analysis. All included literatures were in English, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scores were 7-8 points. The results of meta-analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) between the two groups [ SMD=-0.33, 95% CI(-0.67, 0.01), P=0.061]. In Regan-Morrey type I and O'Driscoll type I coronoid process fractures, the MEPS of the coronoid fixation group was lower than that of the non-fixation group, and the difference was statistically significant [ SMD=-0.46, 95% CI(-0.88, -0.03), P=0.032]; the upper extremity functional disability score of the coronoid fixation group was higher than that of the non-fixation group, and the difference was statistically significant [ SMD=0.45, 95% CI(0.02, 0.89), P=0.041]. There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative elbow flexion-extension range [ SMD=-0.31, 95% CI(-0.68, 0.07), P=0.109] and pronation-supination range [ SMD=-0.14, 95% CI(-0.51, 0.24), P=0.470] between the two groups. Conclusion:In the treatment of elbow terrible triad, the postoperative joint function score of non-fixation of Regan-Morrey type I and O'Driscoll type I coronoid process fractures is better than that of fixation.

Ulnar coronoid process fractures are frequently associated with complex elbow injuries, and their optimal management remains a long-term concern in clinical practice. In particular, there are many controversies regarding whether surgical treatment is required for O'Driscoll type II ulnar coronoid process fractures, the size of the bone block that needs to be fixed, and the surgical approach and internal fixation method to be adopted, with significant controversy particularly surrounding O'Driscoll Type II fractures regarding the necessity of surgical intervention, the fragment size threshold mandating fixation, and the choice of surgical approach and internal fixation method. O'Driscoll Type II fractures involve the anteromedial facet of the coronoid and are subdivided into Type IIa (fracture line extending from the medial aspect of the coronoid tip to the anterior half of the anteromedial facet), Type IIb (similar to IIa but involving the coronoid tip), and Type IIc (fracture extending to the anteromedial rim and the entire anteromedial facet). While surgery for Type II fractures was historically indicated based on fragment size >5 mm, recent studies advocated determining the need for surgical management through a comprehensive assessment of elbow joint stability. Regarding surgical exposure of ulnar coronoid process fracture: the Hotchkiss over-the-top approach is suitable for Type II anteromedial facet fractures without medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury; the FCU-Split approach is indicated for Type II fractures requiring MCL repair; the Taylor-Scham approach is used for injuries involving posteromedial coronoid fractures; the Extensile Medial Elbow approach is applicable for Type III fractures with trochlear injury; the Kocher lateral approach is more appropriate for coronoid fractures combined with radial head fractures. Fixation methods include suture lasso techniques, anchor sutures, screws, or plates, selected based on fracture location, fragment size, and biomechanical requirements. Major postoperative complications include ulnar neuropathy and elbow stiffness, along with osteoarthritis, heterotopic ossification, hardware prominence/exposure, elbow instability, infection, screw loosening, and complex regional pain syndrome.

Open reduction and internal fixation are the preferred methods for treating intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus. However, in cases of comminuted fractures, open reduction and internal fixation may result in loss of reduction. Although total elbow arthroplasty can be used as an alternative treatment option, total elbow arthroplasty has several limitations, including excessive bone removal, strict weight-bearing restrictions, polyethylene liner wear, and alterations in biomechanical properties. Elbow hemiarthroplasty is emerging as a novel surgical technique, only the distal end of the humerus is replaced while the proximal end of the ulna and radius is retained. Particularly for patients with high functional demands, elbow hemiarthroplasty may be a viable treatment option. This technique is particularly suitable for young patients with severely comminuted and non-reconstructive intra-articular fractures. Postoperative complications of elbow hemiarthroplasty include elbow stiffness, proximal wear of the ulna and radius, and prosthesis loosening, etc. In some cases, total elbow prosthesis revision is required. Existing research has initially confirmed that elbow hemiarthroplasty has certain advantages in terms of safety and elbow joint function recovery. Additionally, to better accommodate the anatomical characteristics of the Chinese population, customized 3D-printed prostheses based on the contralateral distal humerus and the ipsilateral proximal ulna and radius can be utilized. Further research and development of elbow hemiarthroplasty and novel technologies tailored to the Chinese population should be encouraged to enhance the precise treatment of complex elbow injuries in China.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of double-anatomical plate-assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle in the treatment of chronic distal humerus fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of 10 patients with distal humerus fracture treated with double plate assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle from August 2021 to December 2024. All patients were followed up for more than 6 months. The cohort included 9 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 54.75±15.15 years (range, 31-73 years). Causes of injury: 4 cases of slip, 2 cases of high-energy fall, 3 cases of traffic accident, and 1 case of crush injury. According to the AO/OTA classification, all fractures were type C3, including 4 cases of C3.3 and 6 cases of C3.2. The operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively and at the final follow-up. Radiographs were obtained to assess fracture reduction, healing, and implant positioning. Functional outcomes of the elbow were assessed using carrying angle, humeral condyle anteversion angle, modified trochleocapitellar index (mTCI), range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), and complication rates.Results:All 10 patients successfully completed the operation, with an average operation time of 221.75±48.73 min (range, 165-310 min), an average intraoperative blood loss of 462.50±215.05 ml (range 150-800 ml). 4 patients received blood transfusion. The average hospital stay was 10.75±2.55 d (range 6-14 d). The average carrying angle of 171.50°±5.37° (range 165°-179°) and the anterior angle of humeral condyle 39.75°±3.96° (range 34°-45°) were all within the standard range. At least one index in the mTCI was within the optimal range at the last follow-up. All patients were followed up with an average follow-up of 10.75±5.73 months (range 6-22 months). All 10 patients were healed after surgery with an average healing time of 4.75±2.05 months (range 3-9 months). At the final follow-up, the average elbow ROM was 93.75°±25.88° (range, 50°-115°), internal rotation was 83.13°±9.61° (range, 60°-90°), and external rotation was 88.13°±3.72° (range, 80°-90°). The mean VAS score was 0.63±0.92 (range, 0-2), and the average MEPS was 88.75±11.57 (range, 70-100), with 4 excellent, 4 good, and 2 fair outcomes, an excellent and good rate of 80%. Complications included one case of periarticular osteophyte formation, one case of transient ulnar nerve numbness that improved with conservative treatment, and three cases of occasional mild pain following increased activity. Conclusion Double-anatomical plate-assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle provides effective and stable fixation for chronic AO/OTA C3 distal humerus fractures. The short-term postoperative outcomes are satisfactory, with good functional recovery and a low complication rate.Conclusions:Double-anatomical plate-assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle provides effective and stable fixation for chronic AO/OTA C3 distal humerus fractures. The short-term postoperative outcomes are satisfactory, with good functional recovery and a low complication rate.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of open arthrolysis in the treatment of posttraumatic elbow stiffness.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 407 patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness treated by open arthrolysis surgery in Shandong Provincial Hospital from January 2010 to January 2024. The cohort included 303 males and 104 females, with a mean age of 38.98±10.90 years (range, 18-72 years) and mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.32±3.29 kg/m 2 (range, 17.91-33.41 kg/m 2). There were 230 patients with right-sided elbow stiffness, 159 patients with left-sided elbow stiffness, and 18 patients with bilateral elbow stiffness. Initial injuries included 21 patients of isolated elbow dislocation; 25 patients of soft tissue injury; and 361 patients of initial intra-articular elbow fractures, among which there were 200 patients of multiple fractures, 87 patients of single distal humerus fracture, 43 patients of single proximal ulna fracture, and 31 patients of single radial head fracture. Initial injuries were treated non-surgically in 69 cases and surgically in 338 cases, among which 177 cases were retained with internal fixation. There were 334 preoperative patients complicated with heterotopic ossification and 73 patients without heterotopic ossification, with 99 patients undergoing early release (stiffness duration <6 months) and 308 patients undergoing late release (stiffness duration ≥6 months). Record the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow joint, forearm rotational range (FRR), visual analogue scale (VAS), Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), modified Broberg-Morrey score (MBS), Oxford elbow score (OES), and disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score before and after surgery, and conduct comparative analysis. Results:All patients were followed up for an average of 41.86±10.27 months (range, 13-119 months). At 12 months postoperatively, elbow ROM improved from preoperative 33.7°±26.5° to 101.2°±24.0°, elbow FRR improved from preoperative 101.4°±53.5° to 138.9°±38.7°, the MEPS increased from 60.1±14.7 to 91.5±10.1, the BMS increased from 57.5±12.8 to 83.7±11.0, the OES decreased from 31.6±7.3 to 16.0± 4.6, the DASH score decreased from 38.8±13.9 to 10.1±9.5, and the VAS decreased from 3.0±2.3 to 0.9±1.1, with all changes showing statistical significance ( P<0.05). In patients with preoperative heterotopic ossification, postoperative mean flexion range was 120.1°±15.5° and elbow ROM was 102.6°±23.4°. In patients without preoperative heterotopic ossification, postoperative mean flexion range was 113.9°±15.6° and elbow ROM was 93.4°±26.4°. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in postoperative flexion range and flexion-extension ROM. There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative above-mentioned indicators between early and late release patients ( P>0.05). The supination range and elbow FRR in patients with multiple fractures were lower than those in patients with distal humerus fractures and proximal ulna fractures; the DASH score in patients with multiple fractures was higher than that in patients with proximal ulna fractures and radial head fractures; the OES score in patients with multiple fractures was higher than that in patients with proximal ulna fractures, and all differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Among 407 patients, complications included new-onset postoperative ulnar neuropathy in 61 cases, new heterotopic ossification in 11 cases, recurrent heterotopic ossification in 96 cases, elbow instability in 6 cases, and superficial surgical site infection in 2 cases. Conclusions:Open arthrolysis is an effective treatment option for post-traumatic elbow stiffness. Patients with preoperative heterotopic ossification have a greater postoperative flexion range and elbow flexion-extension range of motion. The surgical timing exerts no significant influence on the ultimate functional outcome of treatment in patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness. Patients with different initial fracture sites exhibited significant differences in postoperative functional outcomes, including supination, DASH scores, and OES.

Objective:To analyze the clinical efficacy of pasteurization-inactivated tumor bone replantation combined with intramedullary vascularized fibula for reconstructing bone defects after surgery for malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 54 patients who underwent pasteurization-inactivated tumor bone replantation combined with intramedullary vascularized fibula reconstruction for bone defects after surgery for malignant bone tumors at the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Treatment Center of Peking University People's Hospital from September 2015 to September 2023. There were 39 males and 15 females, with an age of 12.4±5.6 years (range, 4 to 23 years). The tumor types included 33 cases of osteosarcoma, 19 cases of Ewing sarcoma, and 2 cases of soft tissue sarcoma. All cases were at Enneking stage IIB. The tumor locations were 30 cases in the femur, 19 cases in the tibia, 4 cases in the ilium, and 1 case in the humerus. The survival rate, bone healing time, tumor recurrence, and metastasis were observed. The limb function was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS)-93 score.Results:All patients successfully completed the surgery and were followed up, with a follow-up time of 44.6±27.1 months (range, 12 to 96 months). The operation time was 527±132 min (range, 150 to 730 min), and the blood loss was 730±591 ml (range, 300 to 2,800 ml). The length of inactivated tumor bone was 16.5±4.5 cm (range, 9.1 to 24.0 cm), the defect length accounted for 43.4%±12.2% of the total length of the affected bone (range, 23.8% to 75.5%), the proximal osteotomy of the long bones in the extremities was 14.1±8.3 cm from the articular surface (range, 1.9 to 31.1 cm), the distal osteotomy was 9.4±6.2 cm from the articular surface (range, 1.7 to 22.9 cm), and the length of the harvested vascularized fibula was 18.0±4.0 cm (range, 11.0 to 26.4 cm). At the last follow-up, 51 patients were alive, including 47 with no evidence of tumor and 4 with tumor; 3 patients died of tumor progression. Local recurrence occurred in 5 patients, including 4 with soft tissue recurrence in the surgical area (3 underwent surgical resection and 1 received radiotherapy) and 1 with recurrence at the site of inactivated bone. Distant metastasis occurred in 11 patients, including 5 with lung metastasis only, 2 with bone metastasis only, and 4 with combined lung and bone metastasis. Among the 5 patients with lung metastasis only, lung metastases were resected, with 3 surviving with tumor, 2 surviving without tumor; the 2 patients with bone metastasis only underwent surgical resection of bone metastases, both surviving without tumor. Among the 4 patients with combined lung and bone metastasis, 3 died of tumor progression and 1 survived with tumor. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed a 5-year survival rate of 90.8%±6.2% and a 5-year recurrence-free and metastasis-free survival rate of 68.7%±7.9%. The osteotomy healing time at the diaphysis was 8.4±2.3 months (range, 4 to 13 months), the osteotomy healing time at the metaphysis was 5.9±1.7 months (range, 3 to 10 months), and the healing time between inactivated tumor bone and fibula was 6.4±2.0 months (range, 4 to 11 months). No nonunion occurred. The MSTS-93 score at the last follow-up was 94.4%±4.8% (range, 80% to 100%).Conclusion:Pasteurization-inactivated tumor bone replantation combined with intramedullary vascularized fibula reconstruction for bone defects after surgery for malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents has satisfactory clinical efficacy, high bone healing rate, and low rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis.

A case of traumatic complete lumbosacral spondylolisthesis combined with unstable pelvic fracture is reported. A 55-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital 8 h after being hit by a heavy object on the lumbosacral region. Admission diagnosis: (1) traumatic hemorrhagic shock; (2) bilateral pulmonary contusion with pleural effusion, and dislocation of the right 12th costovertebral joint; (3) left renal contusion with subcapsular hematoma; (4) traumatic lumbosacral spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grade V), L 5 lamina fracture, L 2 and L 5 spinous process fractures, left L 3-L 5 transverse process fractures, right L 5 inferior articular process fracture, and L 1-L 3 and L 5 transverse process fractures; (5) lumbosacral Morel-Lavallée lesion; (6) pubic symphysis separation, left sacral wing fracture, and sacroiliac joint dislocation (Young-Burgess APC type III); (7) Multiple incomplete injuries of bilateral lumbosacral nerves, and cauda equina syndrome (Gibbons type Ⅳ). The patient underwent open reduction of pelvic fracture and pubic symphysis separation, closed reduction of sacroiliac joint dislocation and combined internal and external fixation, and open reduction and internal fixation of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis. At the 1-year follow-up after surgery, the pelvis achieved anatomical reduction with good fracture healing, the spinal anatomical alignment returned to normal, and lumbosacral bony fusion was observed, and weakness of both lower limbs and abnormal urodynamics caused by residual lumbosacral nerve injury were observed.

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by imbalanced bone metabolism and destruction of bone microstructure, with reduced bone density, decreased bone quality, and significantly increased risk of fracture as its hallmarks. At present, osteoporosis is primarily diagnosed through bone density measurement. However, this method has low sensitivity and is challenging for the early diagnosis of osteoporosis. We analyzed osteoporosis-related metabolomics studies based on blood, urine, and fecal samples, as well as the application of multi-omics approaches in elucidating its pathogenesis. Evidence suggests that metabolomics can detect metabolic alterations prior to measurable changes in bone mineral density, offering promising avenues for early osteoporosis detection. Blood-based metabolomics studies indicate that amino acid metabolism dysregulation is a key feature of osteoporosis. Specifically, glycine, glutamine, lysine, and hydroxyproline exhibit negative correlations with bone mineral density, whereas tryptophan, branched-chain amino acids, and arginine show positive associations. Lipid metabolism disturbances are characterized by increased levels of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and triglycerides, alongside decreased levels of sphingomyelin and carnitine. Fecal metabolomics studies highlight the significance of the "gut-bone axis" in osteoporosis, where gut microbiota dysbiosis influences bone metabolism through modulation of arginine and proline metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathways. Multi-omics approaches integrate metabolomics, genomics, proteomics, and other omics data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of osteoporosis' molecular mechanisms, enabling the identification of key biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Metabolomics holds considerable potential for early diagnosis, while multi-omics integration offers novel insights into the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying osteoporosis. As detection technologies and analytical methods continue to advance, omics-based strategies are expected to play a pivotal role in the development of precision medicine for osteoporosis.

Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive bone tumor that primarily affects children and adolescents. It is characterized by high rates of recurrence and metastasis, with the tumor microenvironment playing a pivotal role in disease progression. Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles secreted by various cell types, exert dual roles in osteosarcoma. On one hand, exosomes derived from osteosarcoma cells remodel the microenvironment to facilitate tumor progression. For instance, they carry miR-501-3p to activate the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, promoting osteoclastogenesis and bone destruction; TGF-β1/3 stimulates bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to secrete IL-6 and IL-8, enhancing the inflammatory microenvironment; and miR-25-3p suppresses DKK3, thereby promoting angiogenesis and invasion. Moreover, exosomes contribute to the formation of a pre-metastatic niche by transporting miR-21 and miR-675, which promote lung metastasis, activate cancer-associated fibroblasts, and enhance invasiveness via the linc00881/miR-29c-3p/MMP2 axis. Conversely, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells deliver tumor-suppressive miRNAs such as miR-1913, miR-150, and miR-206, which target NRSN2, IGF2BP1, and TRA2B, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. In the context of drug resistance, osteosarcoma-derived exosomes transport MDR-1 mRNA and circRNA_103801, contributing to chemotherapy resistance. Additionally, TGF-β-induced IL-6 activates the STAT3 pathway, further enhancing resistance. In terms of immune modulation, these exosomes suppress T cell and NK cell activity and upregulate PDL1 expression, promoting immune evasion. Exosomes also hold therapeutic potential. They can serve as drug delivery vehicles, for example, carrying doxorubicin or kanamycin, to achieve targeted cytotoxicity via ferroptosis or apoptosis. Engineered exosomes enriched with miR-101 or MEG3 have been shown to inhibit metastasis, while plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles activate the P38/JNK pathway to induce apoptosis. These approaches aim to improve therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. In summary, exosomes play multifaceted roles in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma and offer promising avenues for early diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and precision therapy, including pathway-targeted strategies. However, challenges remain in optimizing exosome isolation, standardizing large-scale production, and validating clinical applications. Addressing these issues is essential for translating laboratory findings into effective clinical treatments.