Extracorporeal shock wave (ESW), as a noninvasive, safe, and effective treatment, was applied to the treatment in osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) since the end of last century. Although this therapy is more and more widely used, there are many traps and challenges. We recommend using the high-energy focus ESW to treat ONFH, rather than using the low energy radial pressure wave. Furthermore, for different types ONFH, scientific personalized treatment planning should be made first. There are demands of multicenter united researches for this unknown field of ONFH treated with ESW, and so to provide high-level evidence-based medicine evidence.
Objective To explore the difference between bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) and avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH). Methods Recent original articles about BMES and ANFH were extensively reviewed, and were comprehensively analysed. Results The pathology, pathogenesis, clinical features, treatment selection, and prognosis are different between these two diseases. Conclusion BMES and ANFH are two different diseases. Micro-fracture may be the cause of bone marrow edema.
Objective To evaluate the primary cl inical effect of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNAR) in treating femoral intertrochanteric fractures, to summarize operation skills and to analyze correlated curative effective influentialfactors. Methods From July 2006 to May 2007, 19 cases of intertrochanteric fractures (including 8 males, 11 females, aged45-87 years old) were treated with closed reduction and PFNAR fixation. Fractures were caused by fall ing. The locations were left sides in 10 cases and right sides in 9 cases. According to AO classification, there were 14 cases of type A2 and 5 cases of type A3. Operative time, volume of blood loss and weight bear time were analyzed, the condition of fracture union was observed and the hip function was evaluated using Harris criterion after 9 months of follow-up. Results Operative time ranged 23-78 minutes with an average time of 47 minutes, the volume of blood loss ranged 50-120 mL with an average volume of 85 mL, getting-outof- bed time ranged 2-14 days with an average time of 7.4 days; the weight bearing time ranged 10-14 weeks with an average time of 12.4 weeks. No intra-operative femoral fractures and no regional or deep infection occurred during hospital ization period. Seventeen cases were followed up from 3 months to 12 months with an average time of 9.4 months, and achieved bone heal ing within 15-18 weeks with an average time of 16.5 weeks. No compl ications such as delay heal ing, coxa vara or coxa valga, cut-out and screw extraction occurred. Fifteen cases were followed up over 9 months; according to the Harris criterion for evaluation, the results were excellent in 13 cases, good in 1 case and fair in 1 case, the excellent and good rate was 93.3%. Conclusion PFNAR has the advantages of micro invasion, easy-to-perform, less blood loss, less bone loss and stable fixation in treatment of unstable comminuted intertrochanteric fracture, especially in old patients with osteoporosis.
Objective Glucocorticoid is the main cause of non-traumatic avascular necrosis of femoral head. To explore the changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the bone microvascular endothel ial cells treated with glucocorticoid so as to investigate the pathogenesis of steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head. Methods The cancellous bone of femoral head was harvested from voluntary donators undergoing total hip arthroplasty, and then the bone microvascular endothel ial cells were isolated by enzyme digestion. The cells at passage 3 were cocultured with different concentrations of hydrocortisone (0, 0.03, 0.10, 0.30, and 1.00 mg/mL) for 24 hours. MTT assay was used for the inhibitory rate of cell prol iferation, flow cytometry for apoptosis rate, and fluorescence probe for the production of ROS and xanthine oxidase (XOD). Results At 2-3 days primary culture, the cells were spindle and arranged l ike cobbles and they reached confluence after 1 week. The inhibitory rates of cell prol iferation in 0.03, 0.10, 0.30, and 1.00 mg/mL groups were 20.22% ± 2.97%, 22.94% ± 4.52%, 43.98% ± 3.35%, and 78.29% ± 3.85%, respectively; and 2 high-concentration groups (0.30 and 1.00 mg/mL groups) were significantly higher (P lt; 0.05) than 2 low-concentration groups (0.03 and 0.10 mg/mL groups). The apoptosis rates in 0, 0.03, 0.10, 0.30, and 1.00 mg/mL groups were 0.10% ± 0.01%, 0.23% ± 0.02%, 1.83% ± 0.04%, 6.34% ± 0.11%, and 15.33% ± 0.53%, respectively; 2 high-concentration groups (0.30 and 1.00 mg/mL groups) were significantly higher (P lt; 0.05) than 0 mg/mL group. In 0, 0.30, and 1.00 mg/ mL groups, the ROS levels were 57.35 ± 7.11, 120.47 ± 15.68, and 166.15 ± 11.57, respectively, and the XOD levels were 0.017 9 ± 0.000 9, 0.028 3 ± 0.001 7, and 0.067 7 ± 0.004 1, respectively; there were significant differences in the levels of ROS and XOD among 3 groups (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Increasing of ROS production in bone microvascular endothel ial cells can be induced by high concentration glucocorticoid, and it can result in cell injury
Objective To explore the correlation between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promotor of hepatic l ipase (HL) gene and untraumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH). Methods Between January 2007 and June 2009, 243 patients with ANFH were treated (case group), including 143 cases of steroid-induced, 79 cases of alchol-induced, and 21 cases of idiopathic. There were 156 males and 87 females with an age ranged from 16 to 64 years. Atotal of 96 normal individuals (matched for age, sex, and nation) served as control group. The blood sample of all subjects were collected to extract DNA. The promotor of HL was sequenced to find the SNP. A statistic on the frequencies of the genotype and the allele of the SNP was made. The frequencies of the genotype and the allele were analyzed with χ2 test according to case-control principle. Results The rs59644784 and rs1800588 were found in the sequenced region. It was accorded with Hardy-Weinbery genetic equil ibrium law in rs59644784 and rs1800588 of the control group and case group. There was no significant difference in the allele and genotype of rs59644784 and rs1800588 between the control group and case group (P gt; 0.05). The two SNPs existed complete l inkage disequil ibrium according to the l inkage disequil ibrium analysis. Conclusion The heterozygosity of the SNP is not consistency, and heterozygosity may be associated with the diversity of the race. ANFH is not associated with rs59644784 and rs1800588 SNPs.
Objective To explore the relationship between alcohol induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) and the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C/T. Methods From July 2005 to May 2008, eighty-nine male patients with alcohol induced ONFH were selected as the patient group, aged from 24 to58 years old (mean 44.3 years old). The time of drinking was about 17 years, 375 mL/day. The imaging evidence showed ONFH with no other history associated to ONFH. Seventy-seven male healthy adults were selected as the control group, aged from 23 to 52 years old (mean 42.7 years old). The time of drinking was about 14 years, 335 mL/day. The imaging evidence showed no ONFH. The 2 mL blood sample was acquired from every subject. DNA was purified from leucocyte at first, then was ampl icated by PCR, the product of PCR was sequenced at last. The SNP of MTHFR 677 C/T was analyzed with SPSS 12.0 software package. Results The TT genotype and T allele frequencies of MTHFR 677 C/T were 27.2% and 52.0% (P gt; 0.05) in the control group, and the distribution of genotype was consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equil ibrium. The genotype frequencies of CC, CT and TT were 23.4% (18 cases), 49.4% (38 cases) and 27.2% (21 cases) in the control group, were 14.6% (13 cases), 36.0% (32 cases) and 49.4% (44 cases) in the patient group; showing statistically significant differences (P lt; 0.05). The allele frequencies of C and T were 48.0% (74) and 52.0% (80) in the control group, and were 32.6% (58) and 67.4% (120) in the patient group; showing statistically significant differences (P lt; 0.05). The frequencies of C, T alleles and TT genotype were higher in the patient group than in the control group, showing statistically significant differences (P lt; 0.05). The odds ratios were 0.523, 1.914 and 2.607, respectively; the 95% confidence interval were 0.335-0.816, 1.226-2.987, 1.359-5.001, respectively. Conclusion The relationship may exist between the SNP of MTHFR 677 C/T and alcohol induced ONFH.
Objective To retrospectively analyze the cl inical effect of l ightbulb operation with nano-hydroxyapatite/ collagen in a consecutive series of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods From January 2001to July 2005, 26 patients (35 hips) were treated, 16 males and 10 females, aged 19-54 years old (33.5 on average). The course of disease was 12-36 months (18 months on average). Based on the etiology, 15 cases (22 hips) were steroid induced type, 10 (12 hips) were alcohol induced type and the other one (1 hip ) was idiopathic type. According to the system of Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO), there were 6 hi ps of stage IIB, 16 hi ps of stage IIC, 9 hi ps of stage IIIA, 3 hi ps of stage IIIB and 1 hip of stage IIIC. The Harris score was 62.2 ± 7.5. All the patients who had undergone l ightbulb operation with nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen were evaluated both cl inically and radiographically. The bone graft mixture rate of nanohydroxyapatite/ collagen and autogenous bone was 1 ∶ 1, and the mixed bone graft was 6 times of the scraped osteonecrosis volume (30-48 mL). Results The incisions of all 26 patients (35 hi ps) obtained heal ing by first intention. The 2 cases, which got lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury during the operation, recovered 3-6 months after the operation without any treatment. Another 2 cases got heterotopic ossification 3 months after operation, with no special treatment. All the 26 patients (35 hips) were followed up for 2-7 years (3.5 on average). The patients’ bone heal ing began from the 3rd month after operation. The postoperative Harris score was 85.1 ± 16.2, and there was significant difference compared with the preoperative one (P lt; 0.001). There were 15 hips of excellent, 11 of good, 5 of fair, and 4 of poor which received total hip arthroplasty at the end of the follow-up. According to imaging, 5 hips were progressed from preoperative IIC to IIIA, while the other hips were radiologically stable, with no progress of ONFH. Conclusion Lightbulb operation with nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen provides a surgical treatment to treat early ONFH with satisfactory cl inical outcomes. Nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen is beneficial for the repair and reconstruction of ONFH and suitable for femoral-head-preserving operation for the patients with ONFH of stage II.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of icariin on autophagy induced by low-concentration of glucocorticoid and exosome production in bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs).MethodsBMECs were isolated from femoral heads resected in total hip arthroplasty and then intervened with hydrocortisone of low concentration (0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.10 mg/mL), which were set as groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. On the basis of hydrocortisone intervention, 5×10−5 mol/L of icariin was added to each group (set as groups A1, B1, C1 and D1, respectively). Western blot was used to detect the expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) and dead bone slice 1 (p62) after 24 hours. Exosomes were extracted from BMECs treated with icariin (intervention group) and without icariin (non-intervention group), and the diameter and concentration of exosomes were evaluated by nanoparticle tracking analysis technique. The total protein content of exosomes was detected by BCA method, and the expressions of proteins carried by exosomes including CD9, CD81, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were assessed by Western blot. The BMECs were further divided into three groups: BMECs in the experimental group and the control group were co-cultured with exosomes secreted by BMECs treated with or without icariin, respectively; the blank control group was BMECs without exosome intervention. The three groups were treated with hydrocortisone and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of LC3B and p62. The scratching assay was used to detect cell migration ability; angiogenic ability of BMECs was also assessed.ResultsWith the increase of hydrocortisone concentration, the protein expression of LC3B-Ⅱ increased gradually, and the protein expression of p62 decreased gradually (P<0.01). Compared with group with same concentration of hydrocortisone, the protein expression of LC3B-Ⅱ decreased and the protein expression of p62 increased after the administration of icariin (P<0.01). The concentration of exosomes in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the non-intervention group (t=−10.191, P=0.001); and there was no significant difference in exosome diameter and total protein content between the two groups (P>0.05). CD9 and CD81 proteins were highly expressed in the non-intervention group and the intervention group, and the relative expression ratios of VEGFA/CD9 and TGF-β1/CD9 proteins in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the non-intervention group (P<0.01). After co-culture of exosomes, the protein expression of p62 increased in blank control group, control group, and experimental group, while the protein expression of LC3B-Ⅱ decreased. There were significant differences among groups (P<0.05). When treated with hydrocortisone for 12 and 24 hours, the scratch closure rate of the control group and experimental group was significantly higher than that of the blank control group (P<0.05), and the scratch closure rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). When treated with hydrocortisone for 4 and 8 hours, the number of lumens, number of sprouting vessels, and length of tubule branches in the experimental group and the control group were significantly greater than those in the blank control group (P<0.05); the length of tubule branches and the number of lumens in the experimental group were significantly greater than those in the control group (P<0.05).ConclusionIcariin and BMECs-derived exosomes can improve the autophagy of BMECs induced by low concentration of glucocorticoid.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of icariin on early steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rabbits.MethodsFifty mature New Zealand rabbits (weighing, 2.5-3.0 kg) were randomly divided into control group (n=10), model group (n=20), and experimental group (n=20). The rabbits of model and experimental groups were injected with lipopolysaccharide and methylprednisolone to establish the animal model of early steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The rabbits of experimental group were feeded with icariin solution once a day for 6 weeks since the first injection of methylprednisolone, whereas the rabbits of control and model groups were given normal saline at the same time points. The left femoral heads were removed after 6 weeks and gross morphological features were evaluated. Micro-CT scan was performed to analyze the trabecular microstructure with the following parameters: trabecular bone volume to total volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Tn), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). The Micro-CT scan was also converted to three-dimensional reconstruction images for observation. HE staining was applied to observe the trabecular structure and morphological changes of osteocytes and marrow adipocytes. It was also used to determine whether the samples of femoral heads occurred osteonecrosis based on the criteria for pathological diagnosis, and calculate the rate of empty lacunae.ResultsSeven rabbits died during the study, and 9, 16, and 18 rabbits in the control, model, and experimental groups, respectively, enrolled the final analysis. Compared with control group, the femoral head collapse and trabecular breaks were more obvious, and the trabeculae were sparse with irregular arrangement in the model group according to the results of gross observation, Micro-CT scan, and three-dimensional reconstruction images. But in the experimental group, the surface of femoral head was slight shrinking without obvious collapse, and the degeneration of trabecular structure was mild. According to bone microstructures analysis, the Tb.N, Tb.Tn, and BV/TV of femoral head in model and experimental groups were lower than those in control group, while the Tb.Sp in the model and experimental groups were significantly higher. The Tb.N, Tb.Tn, and BV/TV of femoral head in experimental group were higher than those in model group, while the Tb.Sp in the experimental group was significantly lower. The differences between groups were all significant (P<0.05). In the model group, HE staining showed that the number of osteocytes reduced, the number of empty lacunae increased, and the marrow adipocytes piled up in the space between femoral trabeculae, some even mashed together like a cyst. In the experimental group, the trabecular structure was still relatively complete compared with model group, no obvious apoptosis of osteocytes was observed, the size and number of adipocytes were basically normal. None of the animals in control group occurred osteonecrosis of the femoral head based on the criteria for pathological diagnosis, and the incidence of osteonecrosis were 81.3% (13/16) in the model group and 66.7% (12/18) in the experimental group, and the difference was not significant (P=0.448). The rate of empty lacunae of osteonecrotic femoral heads in the model group was 33.1%±1.4%, which was higher than that in experimental group (18.9%±0.8%) and in control group (12.7%±1.5%), and the differences between groups were significant (P<0.05).ConclusionThe icariin has a protective effect on the early steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rabbits, which can decrease osteocytes apoptosis, improve the bone microstructure, and delay such disease processes.
Objective To explore the differences between transient osteoporosis of the hi p (TOH) and bone marrow edema (BME) associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in terms of cl inical practice and imaging. Methods From January 2006 to February 2008, 5 hips of TOH in 5 cases (1 male and 4 females, aged 29-42 years) and 67 hips of BME associated with ONFH in 63 cases (53 males and 10 females, aged 18-70 years) were analyzed. According to ARCO classification, there were 23 hi ps of stage II, 43 hi ps of stage III, and 1 hi p of stage IV. The induced factors, the degree of pain, the duration of pain and commemorative symptoms were compared. The X-ray, MRI and ECT were also compared. Results There were no differences in induced factors, the degree of pain, joint effusion and ECT between TOH and BME associated with ONFH. TOH had no risk factors, antecedent symptoms and commemorative pain. There were 2 hips with TOH which showed osteopenia on X-ray films. The location of edema was in the superior part or the whole femoral head.A total of 65 hips with BME associated with ONFH had related causes of disease, 10 had antecedent pain and 59 had change of hardening on X-ray films. The X-ray films showed sclerotic area and the edema changes on MRI surrounded the necrotic lesion. The pain just amel iorated when BME disappeared. Conclusion There are differences between TOH and BME associated with ONFH on symptoms, X-ray films and MRI.