Chih Chien Wang

Arthroscopic Elimination of Monosodium Urate Deposition of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Reduces the Recurrence of Gout

PURPOSE To determine if the arthroscopic removal of gouty crystal deposits from the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint will reduce the recurrence rate and improve foot function compared to medical treatment alone. METHODS Twenty-eight male patients with hyperuricemia (>7.0 mg/dL) and repeated attacks of gouty arthritis of the first MTP joint were included in this study. Arthroscopic intervention of the first MTP joint was performed on 15 patients (group 1), while the other 13 patients were treated with medication alone (group 2). The follow-up period (mean +/- standard deviation) was 3.9 +/- 1.1 years in group 1 and 2.4 +/- 0.3 years in group 2. RESULTS After treatment, both groups showed a significant improvement in the number of acute attacks of gouty arthritis and in their functional scores on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. On both measures, the results for group 1 were significantly better than those for group 2. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic removal of gouty crystals from the first MTP joint can reduce the rate of acute repeated attacks of gouty arthritis and increase foot and ankle function.

Pycnogenol attenuates the inflammatory and nitrosative stress on joint inflammation induced by urate crystals

Acute gouty arthritis results from monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition in joint tissues. Deposited MSU crystals induce an acute inflammatory response which leads to damage of joint tissue. Pycnogenol (PYC), an extract from the bark of Pinus maritime, has documented antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present study aimed to investigate whether PYC had protective effects on MSU-induced inflammatory and nitrosative stress in joint tissues both in vitro and in vivo. MSU crystals upregulated cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression in human articular chondrocytes, but only COX-2 and IL-8 in synovial fibroblasts. PYC inhibited the up-regulation of COX-2, and IL-8 in both articular chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts. PYC attenuated MSU crystal induced iNOS gene expression and NO production in chondrocytes. Activation of NF-κB and SAPK/JNK, ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinases by MSU crystals in articular chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts in vitro was attenuated by treatment with PYC. The acute inflammatory cell infiltration and increased expression of COX-2 and iNOS in synovial tissue and articular cartilage following intra-articular injection of MSU crystals in a rat model was inhibited by coadministration of PYC. Collectively, this study demonstrates that PYC may be of value in treatment of MSU crystal-induced arthritis through its anti-inflammatory and anti-nitrosative activities.

Treatment of septic knee arthritis: Comparison of arthroscopic debridement alone or combined with continuous closed irrigation-suction system

BACKGROUND Arthroscopic debridement has been widely adapted as initial treatment for septic knee arthritis. Although isolated cases of arthroscopic debridement combined with irrigation-suction systems have been reported, a comparison of two techniques has not been performed, to our knowledge. The purpose of this study was to compare the two methods of treatment. METHODS From January 1996 to December 2008, 39 patients with 39 septic knee arthritis treated in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. Nineteen knees were initially treated with arthroscopic debridement alone (group I), and 20 knees were initially treated with arthroscopic debridement combined with continuous closed irrigation-suction system (group II). The clinical presentation, laboratory and microbiologic findings, hospital course, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS The mean delay between the onset of the symptoms and treatment had a significant effect on the clinical outcomes. When the comparison included all the patients in the series, no significant difference between the two groups was found with regard to the number of operation procedures required or the length of the hospital stay. However, when the comparison was separated from the initial stage of infection, it was found that in stage II infection, patients had fewer reoperations and in stages II and III infection, a shorter hospital stay in group II than in group I (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the functional results between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS The early diagnosis and aggressive initiation of treatment carried the success of therapy in septic knee arthritis. Arthroscopic debridement combined with continuous closed irrigation-suction system is an effective treatment for patients with septic knee arthritis; these patients had fewer operations and a shorter hospital stay than did patients who had received arthroscopic debridement alone.

Anatomic reconstruction of neglected Achilles tendon rupture with autogenous peroneal longus tendon by EndoButton fixation.

BACKGROUND Neglected or chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon usually needs a reconstruction procedure. Many graft sources have been reported for this procedure, such as a proximal V-Y gastrocnemius tendon flap, flexor hallucis longus tendon, fascia lata, plantaris tendon, synthetic materials, and peroneus brevis. However, how to fix the graft at the calcaneal site remains controversial. METHODS An alternative technique to anatomically reconstruct the Achilles tendon using an autogenous peroneal longus tendon with EndoButton-CL fixation at the calcaneal site for treatment of a patient who had a chronic neglected rupture of the Achilles tendon is described. RESULTS The patient was allowed to begin gentle exercise, such as swimming and cycling 12 weeks after surgery, and encouraged to augment rehabilitation of hindfoot eversion and ankle plantar flexion. The ankle plantar flexion and hindfoot eversion strength was not reduced after active rehabilitation in 2.5 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Our technique reuses two small central incisions, thus, preserving skin integrity as much as possible to reduce wound breakdown or infection. The management of chronic or neglected Achilles tendon rupture by autogenous peroneal longus tendon with EndoButton-CL fixation at the calcaneal site is an anatomic and safe, but technically demanding technique.

Comparison of Different Sizes of Bioabsorbable Interference Screws for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Bioabsorbable Bead Augmentation in a Porcine Model

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare the initial fixation strength of tendon grafts between different sizes of bioabsorbable interference screws (BioScrew; Linvatec, Largo, FL) with bioabsorbable bead (EndoPearl; Linvatec) augmentation through biomechanical analysis of a porcine femoral bone model. METHODS Forty pairs of porcine femurs and porcine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were divided into control and study groups. In the control group 8 x 30-mm BioScrews alone (n = 10) were inserted, whereas different sizes of BioScrews, measuring 7 x 30 mm (n = 10), 8 x 30 mm (n = 10), and 9 x 30 mm (n = 10), with 8-mm EndoPearl augmentation were inserted individually for fixation of tendon grafts in the study groups. All specimens were cyclically loaded with axial forces between 50 and 250 N at 1 Hz for 3,000 cycles and then incrementally loaded to failure at a rate of 150 mm/min. RESULTS BioScrews with EndoPearl augmentation had a significantly higher failure load than BioScrews alone (8-mm BioScrew alone v 8-mm BioScrew and EndoPearl, P < .05). There were no significant differences in the ultimate failure load (8 mm v 7 mm and 9 mm, P = .201 and P = .871, respectively), stiffness (8 mm v 7 mm and 9 mm, P = .789 and P = .823, respectively), displacement (8 mm v 7 mm and 9 mm, P = .695 and P = .781, respectively), and bone mineral density (P = .728 for all comparisons) except insertion torque (8 mm v 7 mm and 9 mm, P = .045 and P = .518, respectively) between study groups. Less tendon laceration by the screw thread was noted in the group in which smaller-sized BioScrews were used. CONCLUSIONS When EndoPearl augmentation was used, smaller-sized BioScrews (BioScrew size 1 mm smaller than bone tunnel) offered equivalent graft fixation strength to BioScrews of similar or larger sizes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Smaller-sized BioScrews can be chosen if EndoPearl augmentation has been used, and EndoPearl augmentation may reduce the risk of tendon rupture while BioScrews are inserted.

Gender differences between WOMAC index scores, health-related quality of life and physical performance in an elderly Taiwanese population with knee osteoarthritis

Objective To investigate the importance of the WOMAC index score, health-related quality of life and physical performance in each domain affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to identify gender differences in the importance of these domains and physical performances. Material and methods We performed a population-based study for radiographic knee OA among participants aged more than 65 years. Demographic data were collected and anthropometric measurement, radiographic assessment, the WOMAC index score, the short-form 12 (SF-12), the Timed and Up to Go Test (TUGT) and the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST) were performed. Result There were 901 individuals (409 males and 492 females) aged 74.04±6.92 (male: 76.35±7.33; female: 72.12±5.92) years included in this study. The WOMAC scores of participants with OA were higher than those without OA in males and females (male: 11.97±15.79 vs 8.23±12.84, p<0.001; female: 10.61±14.97 vs 7.59±3.31, p=0.032). The physical component summary (PCS) score was only significant in females with knee OA (62.14±24.66 vs 66.59±23.85, p=0.043), while the mental component summary (MCS) score was only significant in males with knee OA (78.02±18.59 vs 81.98±15.46, p=0.02). The TUGT and FTSST were not significant in individuals with and without OA in males and females. Moreover, the multivariate results for the WOMAC score were significant for females (3.928 (95% CI 1.287 to 6.569), p=0.004). Conclusions The PCS domains of SF-12 and MCS domains of SF-12 are crucial in Taiwanese females and elderly males, respectively, with knee OA. Different evaluation and treatment strategies based on gender differences should be considered in elderly Taiwanese patients with knee OA to improve their quality of life.

A New Peroneal Tendon Rerouting Method to Treat Recurrent Dislocation of Peroneal Tendons

Background The surgical treatment methods for recurrent dislocation of peroneal tendons are controversial. A simpler and more effective treatment method is valuable for these patients. Hypothesis A new rerouting operation designed by the authors will have satisfactory results and avoid disadvantages of the old rerouting methods. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Seventeen consecutive male patients with unilateral recurrent peroneal tendon dislocations were treated by transposition of the calcaneofibular ligament from the tubercle of calcaneofibular ligament with a 1 × 1 × 1 cm3 bone block and elevation of this tubercle with another 1 × 1 × 1 cm3 calcaneal bone block, which were fixed by a 3.5-mm cancellous screw with a washer. All patients received clinical and radiographic follow-up for at least 2 years. The preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scales were used for functional results assessment. Results All bone transposition sites healed radiographically at 6 weeks after surgery. Four patients had transient numbness over the lateral aspect of the injured foot, and 3 patients had swelling and pain involving the operative sites. All complications resolved by 3 to 5 months after the operation. No recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendons was noted. The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale improved significantly, from 73.4 ± 5.5 preoperatively to 100 at 2- to 5-year follow-up (P <. 001). Normal ankle stability and no tightening of the lateral side of the injured ankles in the inversion position were noted. Conclusion This method is a simple, reliable, and reproducible operation to treat recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendons. It allows early return to daily, working, and sports activities with satisfactory results.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Attenuates 30-kDa Fibronectin Fragment-Induced Chemokine and Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression by Meniscocytes and Articular Chondrocytes.

Background: Proteolytic fragments of fibronectin have catabolic effects on cartilage and menisci. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is increasingly being used to treat a range of joint conditions, but it is unknown whether PRP influences fibronectin fragment (FN-f) procatabolic activity. Hypotheses: The procatabolic activity of FN-f on meniscocytes and articular chondrocytes is attenuated by cotreatment with PRP. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Human meniscocytes were treated with FN-f (30 kDa) with or without PRP coincubation, and gene expression was analyzed by complementary DNA microarray analysis. Validation of altered expression of known and novel chemokine and protease genes was undertaken by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in articular chondrocytes and meniscocytes. Chemokine release was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and intracellular pathway signaling was evaluated by Western immunoblotting. Results: Microarray analysis and RT-PCR showed increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1, MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, MMP13, interleukin (IL)–6, IL-8 (CXCL8), CCL5, CCL20, and CXCL10 chemokines in meniscocytes after treatment with FN-f. Upregulation of these genes was significantly attenuated by PRP. Similar results were seen with articular chondrocytes, although no changes in MMP2 or MMP9 levels were identified. PRP-induced suppression of gene expression was associated with activation of Akt and p44/p42. Conclusion: PRP treatment attenuates the 30-kDa FN-f–induced expression of a range of proinflammatory chemokines and MMPs, including IL-8, IL-6, CCL20, CCL5, CXCL10, MMP1, MMP3, and MMP13, by both meniscocytes and articular chondrocytes. Clinical Relevance: These observations provide support for the use and further trials of PRP in management of cartilage and meniscal injuries.

Effect of RAGE polymorphisms on susceptibility to and severity of osteoarthritis in a Han Chinese population: a case-control study.

Recent studies have revealed that the inflammatory process plays a role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). The S100 family and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) participate in regulating inflammation, even in the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMP-1 degrades cartilage, which may result in OA development. Moreover, polymorphisms in RAGE, S100A8, and MMP-1 have a marked effect on ligand binding and transcription regulating. In this study, we investigated the potential genetic contribution of the RAGE, S100A8, and MMP-1 genes to OA. We performed a matched case-control association study and genotyped OA patients and healthy controls, who were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assays. A total of 207 patients were diagnosed with knee OA and underwent total knee replacement. The control group included 207 individuals who had standard X-rays of the knee joints to confirm K/L < 2 and were matched by age and gender. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in RAGE (-429T/C, -374T/A, and 557G/A), S100A8 (rs3795391A/G), and MMP-1 (-1607 1G/2G, -755G/T, and -519A/G) were evaluated. RAGE -374T/A, S100A8 rs3795391A/G, MMP-1 -1607 1G/2G, -755G/T, and -519A/G showed no significant difference between OA patients and healthy controls. RAGE -429T/C and 557G/A showed a significant association between OA patients and healthy controls (P = 0.016 and 0.047, respectively). In haplotype analyses, no RAGE and MMP-1 haplotypes showed associations with OA. Our results suggest that the investigated polymorphism in the RAGE gene play a role in OA in the Han Chinese population.

Gene–gene interactions between TGF-β/Smad3 signalling pathway polymorphisms affect susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis

Objective Transforming growth factor/Smad family member 3 (TGF)-β/Smad3 signalling is essential for maintaining articular cartilage. A relationship between the genetic variants of TGF-β itself, TGF-β signalling and binding molecules, and osteoarthritis (OA) has been reported. Although variants of candidate genes have become prime targets for genetic analysis, their detailed interplay has not been documented. Our goal was to establish whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TGF-β1, TGF-βRI, Smad3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3), and their interactions, are associated with knee OA. Design We performed a case–control association study and genotyped 518 knee patients with OA and 468 healthy controls. All participants were genotyped for TGF-β1 (rs1800469C/T), TGF-βRI (rs1590A/G), Smad3 (rs12901499A/G and rs6494629T/C), and TIMP3 (rs715572G/A and rs1962223G/C) polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was used to identify gene–gene interactions. Results Significant associations were observed for TIMP3 rs715572G/A polymorphisms in knee patients with OA and healthy individuals. The GA heterozygote in TIMP3 (rs715572G/A) was significantly associated with OA (p=0.007). Patient stratification using the Kellgren–Lawrence grading scale showed significant differences in TIMP3 rs715572G/A genotypes between grade 4 knee OA and controls. By MDR analysis, a two-locus model (Smad3 rs6494629T/C and TIMP3 rs715572G/A) of gene–gene interaction was the best for predicting knee OA risk, and its maximum testing accuracy was 57.55% and maximum cross-validation consistency was 10/10. Conclusions TIMP3 rs715572G/A is a candidate protective gene for severe knee OA. Gene–gene interactions between Smad3 rs6494629T/C and TIMP3 rs715572G/A polymorphisms may play more important protective roles in knee OA.