OBJECTIVE: To detect the serum level of soluble chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to analyze their correlation with bone erosion, as well as the clinical significance in RA. METHODS: In the study, 105 cases of RA patients, 90 osteoarthritis (OA) patients and 25 healthy controls in Peking University People's Hospital were included. All the clinical information of the patients was collected, and the serum CXCL9 and CXCL10 levels of both patients and healthy controls were measured by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). CXCL9 and CXCL10 levels among different groups were compared. The correlation between serum levels with clinical/laboratory parameters and the occurrence of bone erosion in RA were analyzed. Independent sample t test, Chi square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's rank correlation and Logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10 were significantly higher in the RA patients [250.02 (126.98, 484.29) ng/L, 108.43 (55.16, 197.17) ng/L] than in the OA patients [165.05 (75.89, 266.37) ng/L, 69.00 (33.25, 104.74) ng/L] and the health controls [79.47 (38.22, 140.63) ng/L, 55.44 (18.76, 95.86) ng/L] (all P < 0.01). Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the level of serum CXCL9 was positively correlated with swollen joints (SJC), rheumatoid factor (RF) and disease activity score 28 (DAS28) (r=0.302, 0.285, 0.289; P=0.009, 0.015, 0.013). The level of serum CXCL10 was positively correlated with tender joints (TJC), SJC, C-reactive protein (CRP), immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgM, RF, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA), and DAS28 (r=0.339, 0.402, 0.269, 0.266, 0.345, 0.570, 0.540, 0.364; P=0.010, 0.002, 0.043, 0.045, 0.009, < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.006). Serum CXCL9 and CXCL10 levels in the RA patients with bone erosion were extremely higher than those without bone erosion [306.84 (234.02, 460.55) ng/L vs. 149.90 (75.88, 257.72) ng/L, 153.74 (89.50, 209.59) ng/L vs. 54.53 (26.30, 83.69) ng/L, respectively] (all P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that disease duration, DAS28 and serum level of CXCL9 were correlated with bone erosion in the RA patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Serum levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10 were remarkably elevated in patients with RA, and correlated with disease activities and occurrence of bone erosion. Chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 might be involved in the pathogenesis and bone destruction in RA.
Arthralgia ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/complications* ; Chemokine CXCL10/blood* ; Chemokine CXCL9/blood* ; Chemokines ; Humans ; Osteoarthritis/complications*

Bone Cysts ; complications ; Cubital Tunnel Syndrome ; etiology ; surgery ; Elbow Joint ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis ; complications

PURPOSE: To review the result of bony mallet finger treated with a closed reduction using extension block K-wire MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2001 and November 2002, among the patients with bony mallet finger underwent closed reduction using extension block K-wire, we retrospectively reviewed 14 patients with 14 fractures who had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. RESULTS: There were 10 men and 4 women, with an average follow-up for all cases 15.7 months (range, 12 months~18 months). According to Crawford's evaluation criteria, we obtained 7 excellent, 5 good, 2 fair. We obtained bony union in all patients, with no remained pain. The average ROM was 67 degrees at postoperative 12 months. Postoperative complications occurred in two cases, which were nail deformity and mild osteoarthritis at the distal interphalangeal joint. There was no pin site infection. CONCLUSION: This technique is not only easier but also less invasive than other techniques for reduction of mallet finger. Also, it shows excellent result with lower complication rate. So, it seems a reliable treatment for bony mallet finger.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Female ; Fingers* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Joints ; Male ; Osteoarthritis ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis has been used as a treatment option for severe deformity including Charcot arthropathy, avascular necrosis of the talus, and severe osteoarthritis of the ankle and subtalar joint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the result of the surgical outcome of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail was performed by one surgeon in 36 cases. Clinical and radiological finding was evaluated using assessment of fusion time, 5th metatarsal-tibial angle, possibility of postoperative complication, visual analogue scale for pain and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 33 cases at an average of 23 weeks (11~29 weeks). There were 3 cases of nonunion and 1 case of reoperation. Nail-tibial angle tended to be larger in nonunion cases. AOFAS score showed significantly poor outcome at malalignment (> or =5degrees), negative value of 5th metatarsal-tibial angle. CONCLUSION: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail is considered a useful treatment option for severe destruction and deformity involving ankle and subtalar joint.
Ankle ; Arthrodesis* ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Foot ; Necrosis ; Osteoarthritis ; Postoperative Complications ; Reoperation ; Subtalar Joint ; Talus

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested digital mucous cysts (DMCs) are associated with osteoarthritis and osteophytes in the elderly, and usually have a communicating pedicle with the joint. Surgical excision is a standard therapy with a high cure rate. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate the features of DMCs via clinical, radiological and pathological examination and the efficacy of surgical excision of DMCs. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, 24 Korean patients were treated with the resection of the cyst and the pedicle. Preoperative X-ray and ultrasonography were performed to detect the presence of the osteophyte and the connection to the joint space. Postoperative patients' satisfaction score was assessed by the visual analogue scale (0~10). RESULTS: The osteophytes were found in 15.8%. In ultrasonographic findings, there were prominent flow signals between the cyst and the joint space in 13.6%. There were no serious postoperative complications, and recurrences were observed in 16.7%. Mean postoperative satisfaction score was 8.3. CONCLUSION: It seems that preoperative X-ray for osteophytes and ultrasonographic study for connection are not always helpful for the treatment of DMCs, and that the surgical excision with a pedicle ligation and electrocoagulation is an effective treatment modality.
Aged ; Electrocoagulation ; Humans ; Joints ; Ligation ; Osteoarthritis ; Osteophyte ; Postoperative Complications ; Prospective Studies ; Recurrence ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested digital mucous cysts (DMCs) are associated with osteoarthritis and osteophytes in the elderly, and usually have a communicating pedicle with the joint. Surgical excision is a standard therapy with a high cure rate. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate the features of DMCs via clinical, radiological and pathological examination and the efficacy of surgical excision of DMCs. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, 24 Korean patients were treated with the resection of the cyst and the pedicle. Preoperative X-ray and ultrasonography were performed to detect the presence of the osteophyte and the connection to the joint space. Postoperative patients' satisfaction score was assessed by the visual analogue scale (0~10). RESULTS: The osteophytes were found in 15.8%. In ultrasonographic findings, there were prominent flow signals between the cyst and the joint space in 13.6%. There were no serious postoperative complications, and recurrences were observed in 16.7%. Mean postoperative satisfaction score was 8.3. CONCLUSION: It seems that preoperative X-ray for osteophytes and ultrasonographic study for connection are not always helpful for the treatment of DMCs, and that the surgical excision with a pedicle ligation and electrocoagulation is an effective treatment modality.
Aged ; Electrocoagulation ; Humans ; Joints ; Ligation ; Osteoarthritis ; Osteophyte ; Postoperative Complications ; Prospective Studies ; Recurrence ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: In previous study, the frequency of osteoarthritis and discomfort were high in ankle fracture-dislocation but detail results about ankle fracture-dislocation has rarely been investigated. In this study, we retrospectively analyze the outcome of the operative treatment of ankle fracture with dislocation for over-2 years follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 47 cases of ankle fracture-dislocation in our hospital from March 2007 to May 2010. We investigated 20 patients who underwent operation and were possible for over-2 years follow up. The result was estimated with the direction of dislocation, fracture type, the time of bone union and post-traumatic osteoarthritis with plain radiologic images. In clinical assessment, we statistically evaluated the function and pain through AOFAS score and Olerud & Molander scoring system. RESULTS: By Lauge-Hansen classification, there were 13 cases(65%) of pronation-external rotation and 6 cases(30%) of supination-external rotation, 1 case(5%) of supination-adduction. AOFAS score was 85.5, and Olerud & Molander score was"excellent" in 8 cases, "good" in 5 cases, "fair" in 3 cases and "poor" in 4 cases. Postoperative complications in 4 cases revealed post-traumatic arthritis. All kinds of lateral dislocation of ankle fracture was 15 cases and the most common. Of these, all 3 cases, anterolateral dislocation showed post-traumatic osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: In ankle fracture-dislocation, post-traumatic osteoarthritis occurred in 4 of 20 patient(20%). Especially, the possibility of post-traumatic osteoarthritis was more in cases of anterolateral or lateral dislocation. So, it must be needed that deliberate examination, for example, preoperative MRI and sufficient explanation to patient. Also, we have to follow up the patients carefully.
Animals ; Ankle ; Arthritis ; Dislocations ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Osteoarthritis ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies

There is much confusion in orthopedic literature regarding the nature and significance of the so-called acetabular labrum in congenital dislocation of the hip. This experiment describes an animal model in which the relationship between eversion of the acetabular labrum and acetabular dysplasia with degeneration of the articular cartilage was studied. The acetabulum gradually become shallower and more vertically oriented and the femoral head gradually subluxed, but never dislocated. The radiographic appearance of the hip dysplasia was very similar to that seen in human beings. The animals remained asymptomatic without clinically visible signs of hip abnormality throughout the study. It was clearly demonstrated that there was substantial amounts of degenerative change in the articular cartilages of the subluxed hip with no evidence of degenerative change radiologically. It could be concluded that excision of the acetabular labrum should be avoided during open reduction of congenital dislocation of the hip.
Acetabulum/pathology* ; Animal ; Bone Diseases, Developmental/etiology* ; Dogs ; Hip Dislocation/complications* ; Osteoarthritis/etiology*

The under-vastus approach (UVA) is a modification of the conventional subvastus approach for knee arthroplasty. Our modified UVA allows the muscles to be spared while offering good exposure of the operative field and facilitating anatomical repair of the capsule and fascia. A medial parapatellar incision is made and the vastus medialis fascia is incised along the same line. The muscle belly is not incised but detached from the surrounding fascia and retracted laterally. The suprapatellar pouch capsule is then laterally incised under the vastus muscles. The patella can then be easily retracted laterally and adequate exposure is possible. After the procedure, both capsule and fascia can be anatomically repaired. We use this approach for all primary arthroplasties in our practice. There has been no case in which an additional muscle incision was required, and there were no intraoperative complications. The modified UVA allows for excellent exposure of the operative field as well as muscle retention in both primary total and unicompartmental knee arthroplasties.
Arthroplasty ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; Fascia ; Intraoperative Complications ; Knee ; Muscles ; Osteoarthritis ; Patella ; Quadriceps Muscle

PURPOSE: This study directly compared clinical assessment scores and short-term systemic complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between a group of patients aged 80 or older (141 patients) and another group of patients aged between 65 and 70 years (616 patients) with advanced osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 757 osteoarthritic patients who underwent primary TKA from January 2007 to January 2011 with a follow-up of 1 year. The surgery was performed using an extramedullary alignment guide instrument without invasion of the intramedullary canal to decrease embolic load and blood loss. RESULTS: At 1 year after surgery, the mean Knee Society knee score was improved in both groups (from 63.6 to 83.2 in octogenarians and from 68.3 to 89.0 in the younger group) and the level of satisfaction was excellent in both groups (8 in octogenarians and 8.3 in the younger group), even though there was no notable change in function score in the octogenarians (from 61.0 to 61.9 in the octogenarians and from 62.3 to 73.6 in the younger group). The total incidence of systemic complications (3.4% vs. 1.2%, p=0.400) and surgical complications (2.1% vs. 0.5%, p=0.229) showed no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: TKA yielded favorable clinical outcomes with a comparatively low postoperative complication rate in octogenarians despite the negligible functional improvement.
Aged, 80 and over ; Arthroplasty ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Knee ; Osteoarthritis ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies