THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXTRA-ARTICULAR LIGAMENTS OF THE HIP JOINT DETERMINE ANGULAR VALUES OF THE PROXIMAL FEMUR

There are practically no data on the quantitative aspects of prenatal morphogenesis and the growth rates of the ligaments of the hip joint in humans, as well as information on the correspondence of the shape and structure of the ligaments to the bones forming the joint. The aim of the study was to reveal the features of the growth of the extra-articular ligaments of the hip joint in the prenatal period and to establish correlations between the structure of the ligaments and the structures of the proximal end of the femur. The material of the study is based on the analysis of 175 cases without pathology of the musculoskeletal system. The dimensions of the ilio-femoral, pubic-femoral, ischio-femoral ligaments and the cervico-diaphyseal angle and angle of rotation of the femoral neck in relation to the distal epiphysis of the bone were studied. As a result of the study, it was found that in the process of prenatal development with increasing age, the distance between the distal fixation points and the angle between the parts of the ilio-femoral ligament increases. Both legs have fibers that are woven into the fibrous membrane of the joint capsule. A correlation was found between the growth of morphometric parameters of the ilio-femoral ligament and the angular values ​​of the proximal femur. In contrast to the ilio-femoral ligament, the pubo-femoral and ischio-femoral ligaments show low signs of differentiation at different stages of prenatal ontogenesis. The pubo-femoral ligament becomes available for macroscopic examination from the beginning of the second half of the prenatal period. It is defined as a thickening of the medial fibrous membrane of the joint capsule, has its origin on the superior branch of the pubic bone and the iliac part of the acetabulum and is attached to the intertrochanteric line in the medial segment. The sciatic-femoral ligament is macroscopically defined as a thickening of the posterior part of the joint capsule. The ligament has a triangular shape, with a base in the region of the ischial part of the acetabulum and the ischial tubercle, its apex facing the trochanteric fossa at the antero-inner edge of the greater trochanter. It was found that the growth rate of morphometric parameters of different parts of the hip joint ligaments at different stages is not the same, which determines the change in the shape of the ligaments. The greatest transformations occur in the ilio-femoral ligament, the smallest in the pubic-femoral and sciatic-femoral ligaments. There is a correlation between the anatomical structure of the extra-articular ligaments of the hip joint and the corresponding angular values ​​of the proximal femur.

Structural Consequences of a Partial Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury on Remaining Joint Integrity: Evidence for Ligament and Bone Changes Over Time in an Ovine Model

Background: Severe injury to the knee joint often results in accelerated posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). In an ovine knee injury model, altered kinematics and degradation of the cartilage have been observed at 20 and 40 weeks after partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection (p-ACL Tx) surgery. However, changes to the integrity of the remaining intact intra-articular ligaments (posterolateral [PL] band and posterior cruciate ligament [PCL]) as well as the subchondral bone after anteromedial (AM) band Tx remain to be characterized. Purpose: (1) To investigate histological alterations to the remaining intact intra-articular ligaments, the synovium, and the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) and (2) to quantify subchondral bone changes at the contact surfaces of the proximal tibia at 20 and 40 weeks after AM band Tx. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Mature female Suffolk cross sheep were allocated into 3 groups: nonoperative controls (n = 6), 20 weeks after partial ACL transection (p-ACL Tx; n = 5), and 40 weeks after p-ACL Tx (n = 6). Ligament, synovium, and IPFP sections were stained and graded. Tibial subchondral bone microarchitecture was assessed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Results: p-ACL Tx of the AM band led to significant change in histological scores of the PL band and the PCL at 20 weeks after p-ACL Tx ( P = .031 and P = .033, respectively) and 40 weeks after p-ACL Tx ( P = .011 and P = .029) as compared with nonoperative controls. Alterations in inflammatory cells and collagen fiber orientation contributed to the greatest extent of the combined histological score in the PL band and PCL. p-ACL Tx did not lead to chronic activation of the synovium or IPFP. Trabecular bone mineral density was strongly inversely correlated with combined gross morphological damage in the top and middle layers of the subchondral bone in the lateral tibial plateau for animals at 40 weeks after p-ACL Tx. Conclusion: p-ACL Tx influences the integrity (biology and structure) of remaining intact intra-articular ligaments and bone microarchitecture in a partial knee injury ovine model. Clinical Relevance: p-ACL Tx leads to alterations in structural integrity of the remaining intact ligaments and degenerative changes in the trabecular bone mineral density, which may be detrimental to the injured athlete’s knee joint in the long term.

“Clinical features of diagnostics and their defenses in patients with dysfunction of the high-mandibular joint without pathology, inflammatory-dystrophic origin

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a progressive disease; with prolonged exposure to the etiofactor, and sometimes even after its elimination, deep, often irreversible changes occur in the joint, causing dysfunction. Also, it should be noted that among the diseases of the joint, one of the first places is occupied by the so-called "internal disorders", which are understood as changes in intra-articular relationships, including displacements, defects, deformities of the articular disc, sprains and ruptures of the articular ligaments [1.3.5]; with various clinical manifestations and the absence of clear diagnostic principles, such patients often turn to doctors of other specialties and do not receive appropriate treatment [2.6].

Ligament-Derived Stem Cells: Identification, Characterisation, and Therapeutic Application

Ligament is prone to injury and degeneration and has poor healing potential and, with currently ineffective treatment strategies, stem cell therapies may provide an exciting new treatment option. Ligament-derived stem cell (LDSC) populations have been isolated from a number of different ligament types with the majority of studies focussing on periodontal ligament. To date, only a few studies have investigated LDSC populations in other types of ligament, for example, intra-articular ligaments; however, this now appears to be a developing field. This literature review aims to summarise the current information on nondental LDSCs includingin vitrocharacteristics of LDSCs and their therapeutic potential. The stem cell niche has been shown to be vital for stem cell survival and function in a number of different physiological systems; therefore, the LDSC niche may have an impact on LDSC phenotype. The role of the LDSC niche on LDSC viability and function will be discussed as well as the therapeutic potential of LDSC niche modulation.

Arthroscopy and Ligament Reconstruction in the Knee

Ligament injuries in the knee are a common cause of disability in the active population. The advent of arthroscopy and arthroscopic surgical techniques has changed our ability to diagnose and treat these injuries. Arthroscopy has become the gold standard for diagnosis of intra-articular ligament injuries, as well as meniscal and articular cartilage pathology. It combines optimal visualization and the ability to manipulate tissue under anesthesia to best understand the degree of ligament injury and knee instability. Arthroscopy has also evolved into the primary means for the surgical treatment of injuries to intra-articular ligaments, articular cartilage, and meniscus.