Luca Cavagnaro

What is the preclinical evidence on platelet rich plasma and intervertebral disc degeneration

PurposeIntervertebral disc degeneration is a common disease that usually starts from the third decade of life and it represents a significant cause of socio-economic problems. The accepted surgical treatment for disc degeneration is disc removal and vertebral fusion or, in selected cases, intervertebral disc arthroplasty. Several studies have demonstrated the ability of platelet rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate cell proliferation and extracellular matrix regeneration. However, literature results are still limited and more studies are required to clarify the role of PRP in the prevention or in the treatment of degenerative disc disease. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically analyze the current preclinical evidence about the use of PRP in intervertebral disc degeneration.MethodsLiterature search was performed through various combinations of the following keywords: Intervertebral Disc Degeneration, Platelet Rich Plasma, PRP, Intervertebral disc regeneration. Papers included in our review cover the period between 2006 and 2014. The PRISMA 2009 checklist was followed.ResultsAt the end of the review process, 12 articles were included in our final manuscript, including 6 “in vitro” and 6 “in vivo” studies. All the included studies lead to positive preclinical results. No standardization of methodological analysis was observed.ConclusionIt is not possible to draw definitive evidence about the use of PRP in IVD regeneration. We advise a proper standardization of the methodological analysis in order to compare the available data and achieve definitive results. This should be the cornerstone for future clinical applications.

Kümmell disease: illustrative case for definition criteria

Kümmell disease (KD) is defined as a clinical condition in which patients develop a painful progressive angular kyphosis as a result of a delayed vertebral body collapse after a minor spinal trauma [1–3]. The most supported etiopathogenetic hypothesis is a posttraumatic avascular necrosis of the vertebral body [4]. The main cornerstones of KD are history of trauma with a negative x-ray investigation, an asymptomatic period, and a recurrence of symptoms that results in painful kyphosis deformity of the affected spine [5]. Intravertebral vacuum cleft is a widely reported radiological sign associated with KD [6,7]. Literature on this subject is limited and characterized by some inaccuracies and wrong diagnosis. Kümmell disease needs to be distinguished from other clinical situations, such as osteoporosis vertebral fractures or idiopathic

Which patients risk segmental kyphosis after short segment thoracolumbar fracture fixation with intermediate screws

INTRODUCTION The use of intermediate screws in fractured vertebrae has been proposed to decrease the number of fused levels in thoracolumbar fractures and to enable short fixations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of this technique and to establish predictive factors involved in loss of segmental kyphosis correction (LKC). METHODS Forty-three patients who underwent short-segment spinal fixation with intermediate screws for a thoracolumbar spine fracture in a two-year time period were enrolled in the study. Patients had AO-type A3, A4 and B2 thoracolumbar fractures. Radiological parameters included segmental kyphosis (SK), vertebral wedge angle (VWA) and loss of anterior and posterior vertebral body height. Patients were evaluated up to one-year follow-up. The correlation between LKC and potential risk factors, such as smoking habit, sex, age, neurological status and BMI was evaluated. RESULTS Mean preoperative SK was 16.5°±6.5°, and it decreased to 3.4°±3.5° postoperatively (P<0.01). At the one-year follow-up mean SK dropped to 5.5°±3.9° (P<0.01). Mean preoperative VWA was 20.0°±8.1°, and significantly improved to 6.3°±3.1° after surgery (P<0.01). There was a mean LKC of 1.8°±2.1°at one year. LKC mildly correlated with body mass index (BMI, r: +0.31), and obese patients (BMI>30) had an increased risk of LKC at the one-year follow-up (P=0.03; odds ratio [OR]=3.2). DISCUSSION Analysis of the radiological data at one-year follow-up showed that all the evaluated parameters were associated with a mild loss of correction, with no impact on the clinical outcomes or implant failure. These findings confirm the trends reported in the literature. The correlation between LKC and clinical features, such as BMI, age, sex, smoking habit and preoperative neurological status was investigated. Interestingly, a positive correlation was observed between BMI and LKC, and obese patients with BMI>30 had an increased risk of LKC at one-year follow-up (OR 3.2); to our knowledge this finding has never before been reported. CONCLUSION Short-segment fixation with intermediate screws is a viable technique with positive clinical and radiological outcomes at one-year follow-up. However, surgeons should be aware that in obese patients (BMI>30) this technique is associated with an increased risk of LKC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.

Is it possible to preserve lumbar lordosis after hybrid stabilization? Preliminary results of a novel rigid-dynamic stabilization system in degenerative lumbar pathologies

AbstractPurpose of the studyTo evaluate the results of a novel rigid–dynamic stabilization technique in lumbar degenerative segment diseases (DSD), expressly pointing out the preservation of postoperative lumbar lordosis (LL).Materials and methods Forty-one patients with one level lumbar DSD and initial disc degeneration at the adjacent level were treated. Circumferential lumbar arthrodesis and posterior hybrid instrumentation were performed to preserve an initial disc degeneration above the segment that has to be fused. Clinical and spino-pelvic parameters were evaluated pre- and postoperatively.ResultsAt 2-year follow-up, a significant improvement of clinical outcomes was reported. No statistically significant difference was noted between postoperative and 2-year follow-up in LL and in disc/vertebral body height ratio at the upper adjacent fusion level.ConclusionsWhen properly selected, this technique leads to good results. A proper LL should be achieved after any hybrid stabilization to preserve the segment above the fusion.

Acetabular spacers in 2-stage hip revision: is it worth it? A single-centre retrospective study

Purpose The aim of this work is to evaluate an acetabular antibiotic loaded bone cement spacer in 2-stage revision surgery as a potential approach able to reduce complications during the inter-stage period (i.e. dislocation, acetabular wear), as well as simplify 2-stage hip revision surgery and improve hip biomechanics. Methods We performed a retrospective comparative study and evaluated clinical, radiological and surgical data of 71 patients affected by periprosthetic hip infection who were treated with 2-stage exchange. 31 patients were treated using an acetabular spacer in addition to the femoral (group A) while 40 underwent a standard revision surgery (femoral spacer only, group B). Results Mean time of surgery for the first stage was 148 ± 59 minutes and 142 ± 45 minutes for group A and B respectively; we noted a statistically significant reduction (26 min, p = 0.015) in the same parameter for the second stage (83 ± 35 minutes for group A and 109 ± 36 minutes for group B). We observed the following interstage complications: 5 femoral spacer dislocations (1 for group A and 4 for group B); 1 spacer fracture (group B), 1 spacer fracture (group A), 2 periprosthetic fractures (group B) and 2 patients with acetabular spacer instability (group B). Additionally, we observed a significant improvement in leg length restoration for group A (p = 0.03). Conclusions Our data show that the acetabular spacer technique is able to reduce the interstage complication rate and allow improved hip biomechanics restoration.

What is the clinical evidence on regenerative medicine in intervertebral disc degeneration

PurposeThis review aims to explore and summarize the current clinical evidence about the use of regenerative medicine such as mesenchymal stem cells or platelet-rich plasma in intervertebral disc regeneration, in order to clarify the state of art of these novel approaches.Materials and methodsWe performed a research of the available literature about regenerative medicine strategies aiming to prevent intervertebral disc degeneration. All preclinical trials and in vitro studies were excluded. Only clinical trials were critically analysed.ResultsThe manuscript selection produced a total of 7 articles concerning the use of regenerative therapies in intervertebral disc degeneration, covering the period between 2010 and 2016. Articles selected were 4 about the injection of mesenchymal stem cells-related results and 3 using platelet-rich plasma. The total population of patients treated with regenerative medicine strategies were 104 patients.ConclusionsRegenerative medicine, such as the use of mesenchymal stem cells or platelet-rich plasma, in intradiscal disc degeneration has shown preclinical and clinical positive results. Randomized clinical trials studying the potential of MSCs intradiscal injection have not been conducted, and PRP effect has been studied only preliminarily. Additional more powered high-quality studies are needed to really appreciate the long-term safety and efficacy of regenerative medicine approaches in IDD.

Vertebral body osteonecrosis: proposal of a treatment-oriented classification system

AbstractPurposeTo present a classification system for vertebral body osteonecrosis (VBON) based on imaging findings and sagittal alignment and consequently to propose treatment guidelines.MethodsChart review and classification of imaging and clinical findings. An analysis of literature about VBON has been evaluated to conceive the classification. The current data allows to correlate radiological findings with different stages of the pathophysiological process and consequently to propose a patient-tailored treatment plan.ResultsThe classification identifies 4 stages: stage 0 (theoretical phase), stage 1 (early phase), stage 2 (instability phase) and stage 3 (fixed deformity phase). Local (angular kyphosis expressed as anterior–posterior wall height ratio) and global (sagittal vertical axis and pelvic tilt) sagittal alignment are considered as complementary modifiers to tailor the most suitable treatment. Stage 1 is generally managed conservatively. Stage 2 and 3 often require different surgical approaches according to local and global sagittal alignment.ConclusionsThe classification allows a systematic staging of this disease and can help establish a proper and patient-oriented treatment plan. Further researches are advocated to fully validate the proposed classification system.Graphical abstract These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Azole-resistant Candida albicans prosthetic joint infection treated with prolonged administration of anidulafungin and two-stage exchange with implant of a mega-prosthesis.

Fungal prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but severe complication of artroplasty. We report a case of PJI due to azole-resistant Candida albicans successfully treated with combination of prolonged administration of anidulafungin and two-stage joint exchange with insertion of a mega-prosthesis.

Qualitative Alpha-defensin Versus The Main Available Tests For The Diagnosis Of Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Best Predictor Test?

Introduction: Biomarkers such as α-defensin demonstrated to be a potentially useful option in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis. Recently, a new point-of-care test for α-defensin level detection in synovial fluid has been commercialized in Europe. The aim of this study is to compare the α-defensin test (SynovasureTM) diagnostic ability with the main available clinical tests for periprosthetic joint infection diagnosis in a practical clinical setting of a Bone Infection Unit. Methods: Between 2015 and 2017, 146 patients with suspected chronic PJI were screened with SynovasureTM. Seventy-three of these met the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria and were included in the analysis. According to MSIS criteria, 40 patients (54.7%) were classified as infected and 33 (45.3%) as not infected. The results obtained with SynovasureTM were recorded and compared with standard diagnostic methods for PJI diagnosis. Results: SynovasureTM showed a sensitivity of 85.0 % (95% CI 70.2 to 94.3) and a specificity of 96.9 % (95% CI 83.8 to 99.9) for PJI detection. The positive likelihood ratio of SynovasureTM was 27.2 (95% CI 3.9 to 188.1) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.2 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.3). The diagnostic odds ratio was 181.3 (95% CI 20.7 to 1590.4). SynovasureTM demonstrated a statistical significant difference when compared to Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-reactive Protein (CRP) specificity (at least one positive test) and preoperative culture sensitivity (1 positive culture). Conclusion: Our findings show that SynovasureTM sensitivity is lower than quantitative α-D test, but when compared to the main available tests shows a good specificity and the highest DOR. On the SF it is the easier test to do, due to the fact that it needs a minimal amount of SF and it is not limited by blood contamination or antibiotic use. Whereas there is no single standalone test, SynovasureTM should be considered a reliable additional test for periprosthetic joint infection diagnosis in everyday clinical practice.

The Use of Tantalum Metaphyseal Cones for the Management of Severe Bone Defects in Septic Knee Revision

BACKGROUND Femoral and tibial massive bone defects are common findings in septic total knee revision and pose considerable challenges for the orthopedic surgeon. The aim of this study was to report the midterm clinical and radiographic outcomes with the use of tantalum cones for the management of massive bone defects after 2-stage knee revision. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 60 patients (mean age, 67.9 ± 8.8 years) treated with 94 tantalum cones associated with constrained or semiconstrained knee for massive bone loss (mean follow-up, 43.5 ± 17.4 months). In all cases, the indication was a staged revision for periprosthetic knee infection. Functional scores, radiographic outcomes, and implant survivorship were analyzed. RESULTS The mean Knee Society Score and Oxford Knee Score improved from 44.1 ± 7.4 and 19.2 ± 4.1 to 85.4 ± 5.6 and 38.4 ± 3.9 (P < .01), respectively. The mean flexion increased from 60.6° ± 15.5° to 96.8° ± 10.9° at the last evaluation (P < .01). The mean improvement in flexion contracture was 6.2 ± 8.0 (P < .01). Two failures (3.3%) due to periprosthetic knee infection recurrence were observed, but no cone-related mechanical failures were reported. The cone-related survival rate was 97.8%. CONCLUSION Excellent clinical and radiographic midterm outcomes were achieved with a low complication rate. Tantalum cones may be considered a safe and effective option in the management of massive bone defects also in septic knee revision surgery.