ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation of synovial fluid uric acid, the serum and synovial fluid interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsThe clinical data of 130 patients with KOA treated between January and December 2013 and 30 patients with gouty arthritis (GA) treated at the same period were collected. The clinical symptoms, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, the serum and synovial fluid IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, uric acid levels, radiographic joint stenosis score, and bone hyperplasia score of the patients were compared using t-test analysis and Spearman correlation analysis. ResultsIn the KOA group, the synovial fluid uric acid and joint stenosis score (r=0.31, P=0.037), bone hyperplasia score (r=0.38, P=0.027) were positively correlated; serum and synovial fluid uric acid gradient and hypnalgia were positively correlated (r=0.34, P=0.031); the synovial fluid IL-6 and joint stenosis score (r=0.33, P=0.029), bone hyperplasia score (r=0.37, P=0.032) were positively correlated; the synovial fluid IL-1β and joint stenosis score (r=0.39, P=0.023), bone hyperplasia score (r=0.34, P=0.034) were positively correlated; and the synovial fluid uric acid and IL-1β (r=0.26, P=0.003), IL-6 (r=0.21, P=0.016) were positively correlated. ConclusionSynovial uric acid, IL-1β and IL-6 play a role in the inflammatory progress of knee osteoarthritis.
ObjectiveTo investigate the application and effectiveness of split-thickness scalp graft and temporoparietal fascia flap in the low hairline auricle reconstruction in microtia patients. MethodsBetween July 2010 and April 2015, 23 patients with low hairline microtia (23 ears) underwent low hairline auricle reconstruction. There were 16 males and 7 females with the mean age of 12 years (range, 6-34 years). The left ear was involved in 10 cases, and the right ear in 13 cases. There were 18 cases of lobule-type, 4 cases of concha-type, and 1 case of small conchatype. Referring to Nagata's two-stage auricular reconstruction method, the first stage operation included fabrication and grafting of autogenous costal cartilage framework; after 6 months, second stage operation of depilation and formation of cranioauricular sulcus was performed. The split-thickness scalp was taken from the part of the reconstructive ear above hairline. The hair follicles and subcutaneous tissue layers in hair area were cut off during operation. The area of depilation and auriculocephalic sulcus were covered with temporoparietal fascia flap. Then split-thickness skin was implanted on the surface of temporoparieta fascia flap. ResultsAll operations were successfully completed. Healing of incision by first intention was obtained, without related complication. The patients were followed up 6-20 months (mean, 12 months). The reconstructed ear had satisfactory appearance and had no hair growth. ConclusionThe application of splitthickness scalp graft and temporoparietal fascia flap in low hairline auricle reconstruction in microtia patients can achieve satisfactory results.