Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as an attractive option for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint, due to their marked disease-modifying ability and chondrogenic potential. MSCs can be isolated from various organ tissues, such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, synovium, umbilical cord blood, and articular cartilage with similar phenotypic characteristics but different proliferation and differentiation potentials. They can be differentiated into a variety of connective tissues such as bone, adipose tissue, cartilage, intervertebral discs, ligaments, and muscles. Although several studies have reported on the clinical efficacy of MSCs in knee OA, the results lack consistency. Furthermore, there is no consensus regarding the proper cell dosage and application method to achieve the optimal effect of stem cells. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review the characteristics of various type of stem cells in knee OA, especially MSCs. Moreover, we summarize the clinical issues faced during the application of MSCs.

Osteotomy around the knee is a widely considered surgical procedure for osteoarthritis with lower extremity malalignment. High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is performed for varus deformity, while distal femur osteotomy (DFO) is performed for valgus deformity. However, if the correction is insufficient, double osteotomy can also be considered. This report included the basic principles and current concepts of patient selection and preoperative planning in osteotomy around the knee.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Femur ; Knee Joint ; Knee* ; Lower Extremity ; Osteoarthritis ; Osteotomy* ; Patient Selection

PURPOSE: To compare the results between Proximal femoral nail antirotation II (PFNA II) and Zimmer natural nail Asia type (ZNN) for the treatment of stable intertrochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2011 and September 2012, 40 consecutive patients with stable intertrochanteric femoral fractures were treated with PFNA II or ZNN. We reviewed 20 cases of PFNA II and 20 cases of ZNN prospectively. We evaluated the operation time, amount of bleeding, mean hospital day, and capability of mobility and function using 'mobility score of Parker and Palmer' and 'social score of Jensen'. We also evaluated the reduction state by the Fogagnolo, Cleveland index, change of tip and apex distance (TAD), sliding distance of cervical screw, change of neck shaft angle and bone union time. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups treated with PFNA and ZNN. Both groups showed good clinical results. PFNA showed less TAD change and ZNN showed a shorter sliding distance of cervical screw, but they were not statistically different. The bone union time was approximately 13 weeks in both groups. CONCLUSION: PFNA and ZNN produced good clinical and radiologic results in the treatment of stable intertrochanteric fractures. There were no significant differences between the groups. Both implants provide good stability and union, so we can conclude that they are both suitable for the treatment of stable intertrochanteric fractures.
Femoral Fractures ; Femur ; Hemorrhage ; Hip Fractures* ; Humans ; Prospective Studies

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectivity of interlocking intramedullary nailing for distal tibia fracture and prognostic factor to bone healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2000 to June 2005, 21 cases who had distal tibia fracture were treated by interlocking intramedullary nail were analyzed. The duration of follow-up was more than 1 year. We evaluated clinical results by IOWA ANKLE rating system and union time by simple X-ray. Furthermore, we estimated prognostic factor to union time. RESULTS: The bone union was achieved at average 18.5 weeks. At the last follow-up, there was no non-union and infection. Average IOWA ANKLE rating score was 91.3 point. The union time was delayed in open and segmental fracture at initial fracture. And severe soft tissue injury in open fracture revealed bad result. CONCLUSION: We concluded that interlocking intramedullary nail is effective method for treatment of the distal tibial fractures. And, adequate soft tissue management is important to bone healing and clinical outcome.
Ankle ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Fractures, Open ; Iowa ; Methods ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; Tibia* ; Tibial Fractures

Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh, which usually occurs in the anterior compartment, is a rare condition. It can have various causes including femur fractures, vessel injury, pseudoaneurysm of the femoral or popliteal artery, and use of anticoagulant. However, there have been few reports of acute compartment syndrome of the thigh without fracture caused by blunt trauma. We report 4 cases of acute compartment syndrome of the thigh without fracture caused by blunt trauma, in which three patients were treated with fasciotomy and a Vacuum-Assisted wound Closure system and the other one had a delayed diagnosis, and eventually underwent above-knee amputation.
Amputation ; Aneurysm, False ; Compartment Syndromes ; Delayed Diagnosis ; Femur ; Glycosaminoglycans ; Humans ; Popliteal Artery ; Thigh

PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate the radiological and clinical mid-term results and the presence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after osteosynthesis in patients under the age of 50 years undergoing osteosynthesis for distal femur intra-articular fractures (AO/OTA 33-B & C) from high-energy trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and January 2013, a total of twenty-one patients with more than three years of follow-up were enrolled. Recovery of the alignment of the lower extremity, union period, and the presence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis were confirmed by follow-up radiographs. Clinically, the range of motion, pain on fracture lesion, and Knee Society score (KSS) were evaluated. RESULTS: The average duration of union was 18.2 weeks (10-28 weeks), and the alignment of the lower extremity was within normal range in all patients. Seven patients showed post-traumatic osteoarthritis at the final follow-up after more than three years. The presence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis was associated with the classification of fractures, coronal plane fracture, and age. The average range of motion, knee score among KSS, and function score at the last follow-up were 128.7°, 86.1, and 85.1, all showing a greater improvement when compared with the one-year follow-up scores. CONCLUSION: The mid-term result was radiologically and clinically satisfactory. Furthermore, only 33.3% of patients showed a slight progress of post-traumatic osteoarthritis, which critically effects the prognosis.
Classification ; Femur* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intra-Articular Fractures* ; Knee ; Lower Extremity ; Osteoarthritis ; Prognosis ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Reference Values

Calcaneal fractures are the most common type of tarsal fracture, and comminuted and bursting fractures are common due to the anatomic characteristics of the calcaneus. Assessment and treatment of calcaneal fractures has improved significantly over time. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and equipment, these fractures remain difficult to treat. In this review article, the physiopathology, classification, and surgical treatments of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures are updated.
Calcaneus ; Classification

PURPOSE: To assess the evaluation of prognostic factors according to union time after unreamed femoral nailing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From Mar. 1998 to Mar. 2002, 53 cases of bone healing were analyzed among the fifty-nine femoral shaft fractures were treated with unreamed femoral nail (AO, UFN) and had been followed for more than 12 months. Clinical bone healing time was analyzed by Kempf's method and were evaluated prognostic factors according to union time. RESULTS: Mean duration of the bone healing time was 18.7 weeks. According to Denker's classification, functional results were seen over satisfactory at all cases. Bone healing time was more faster at the low communition group than high communition group at 18.1 weeks. At the middle portion, bone healing time was fastest. Closed reduction cases were more faster than open reduction cases at 17.9 weeks. Bone healing time was faster that fracture was more close distance from isthmic portion. Bone healing time was not influenced age, isthmic ratio, operation time, associated injury. CONCLUSION: All cases were unioned within 5 months without severe complication. That was seen faster bone healing time, in that low communition, more close distance of fracture from the isthmic portion, closed reduction method.
Classification ; Femur

PURPOSE: To compare the results of IM nailing of femur shaft fractures using trochanteric and piriformis fossa entry portal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 37 patients were treated with IM nail using Trochanteric (Trochanter group: TG, n=17) and piriformis fossa entry portal (piriformis group: PG, n=20) and were followed from February 2004 to 2007. The outcomes were assessed based on the clinical and radiographic findings. RESULTS: The functional result, ROM and union time were similar in both groups. The alignment was similar in both groups but PG showed variable alignment in proximal 1/3. Incision was larger in PG (PG=8.7 cm, TG=5.8 cm, p<0.05) and there was a difference between overweight and normal weight group. Operative time was 95 minutes in PG, 87 minutes in TG (p>0.05), there was statistically significant difference in overweight groups (PG=125 minutes, TG=90 minutes, p<0.05). Blood loss was 313 cc in PG, 268 cc in TG and less in TG in overweight patients (p<0.05). There was 5.7degrees of varus angulation in PG, 2 nonunion cases in both groups. CONCLUSION: The femoral nail specially designed for trochanteric insertion resulted in high union rates, low complication rates similar to conventional nail and the trochanteric nail can be the alternative choice especially in proximal femur fracture and overweight patients.
Femur ; Humans ; Nails ; Operative Time ; Overweight

BACKGROUND: Clinical and radiological results based on fracture types and associated injuries after the treatment of tibial plateau fracture were evaluated for analyzing prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1997 to June 2002, 50 cases were followed for at least 1 year. Mean age was 47.4 years, and mean follow period was 30.0 months. Fracture classification was performed by the Schatzker method. Clinical and radiological evaluation were performed by the Porter and Rasmussen method. Evaluation was based on degree of reduction and associated injuries, etc. RESULTS: The most common cause of injury was traffic accident (37 cases, 74%), The common fracture types by Schatzker classification were type II (14 cases) and VI (12 cases). Methods of treatment were screw fixation (15 cases), plate and screw (21 cases), external fixator (5 cases), and conservative treatment (9 cases). The most common associated injuries were ipsilateral fibular fracture (18 cases) and MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury (8 cases). CONCLUSION: Acceptable results after treatment of tibial plateau fracture were obtained from the anatomical reduction group, non-associated injury group, the young age group, and the early ROM (range of motion) beginning group.
Accidents, Traffic ; Classification ; External Fixators ; Humans