Association of patellofemoral morphology and alignment with the radiographic severity of patellofemoral osteoarthritis

Background Risk factors for the severity of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) are poorly understood. This research aims to evaluate the association between patellofemoral joint (PFJ) morphology and alignment with the radiographic severity of PFOA. Methods A retrospective analysis of CT scan and lateral radiograph data were acquired in patients with PFOA. The radiographic grade of PFOA and tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (TFOA), lateral and medial trochlear inclination angle, sulcus angle, and the Wiberg classification of patella morphology, the congruence angle, patellar tilt angle, and lateral patellar angles, and tibial tubercle trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) and patella height (i.e., Caton-Deschamps index) were assessed using CT scans and sagittal radiographs of the knee. All the PFJ morphology and alignment data were divided into quarters, and the relationships between each of these measures and the severity of PFOA were investigated. Results By studying 150 patients with PFOA, we found a U-shaped relationship between the Caton-Deschamps index and the severity of PFOA (P < 0.001). A lower value of sulcus angle and lateral patellar angle, a higher value of congruence angle, and type III patella were associated with more severity of lateral PFOA. Compared with the highest quarter of each measure, the adjusted odds ratios (OR) of the severity of PFOA in the lowest quarter of sulcus angle, lateral patellar angle, and congruence angle; and type I patella was 8.80 (p = 0.043), 16.51 (P < 0.001), 0.04 (P < 0.001), and 0.18 (p = 0.048) respectively. Conclusions Extreme value of patella height, a higher value of lateral patellar displacement and lateral patellar tilt, lower value of sulcus angle, and type III patella were associated with more severity of PFOA.

Risk Assessment of the Progression of Early Knee Osteoarthritis by Collagen Neoepitope C2C: A Longitudinal Study of an Estonian Middle-Aged Cohort

One of the unmet needs to be addressed is prognostic biomarkers for early knee osteoarthritis (kOA). We aimed to study the association of urinary collagen type-II C-terminal cleavage neoepitope (uC2C) with the emergence and progression of kOA. The longitudinal data of 330 subjects (aged 32–60 years) from an Estonian population-based cohort were used. The radiographic progression was evaluated by the grading system of Nagaosa et al. of knee compartments at baseline and three years later. The emerging kOA consisted of subjects with developing osteophytes or joint space narrowing, whereas kOA progressors showed aggravation of radiographic grade. Baseline uC2C levels were measured by the IBEX-uC2C assay. At baseline, the subjects were middle-aged (mean age, 47.6 years) and overweight (mean BMI, 28.0 kg/m2), and the majority of them (51.2%) had a diagnosis of kOA grade 1. Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, and BMI were used for risk calculations. We demonstrate that increased uC2C accurately predicted the risk of emerging of kOA (OR = 5.87 (1.71–20.22); AUC = 0.79) compared with controls without radiographic kOA over 12 years. However, the most accurate prediction of progression by the biomarker was found in women (OR = 23.0 (2.2–245), AUC = 0.91). In conclusion, uC2C may be a promising candidate as a prognostic biomarker for kOA progression, particularly of emerging kOA in women.

Rhizarthrosis Bilateral – Trapeziectomy Versus Arthroplasty with Dual Mobility Prosthesis: Case Report

Background: The trapeziometacarpal joint is the second joint affected by osteoarthritis in the hand. The symptoms and clinical presentation are characterized by pain, limited range of motion, muscle weakness with loss of strength, bone deformities and disability. The symptomatology often is not related to the radiographic grade of osteoarthrosis. Therefore, in addition to the radiographic stage of the disease, the treatment is influenced by multiple variables such as age, functional requirement, symptoms and stability of the joint. Objective: There are several options of surgical treatments. Although trapeziectomy and its technical variation is the gold standard for treatment, prosthesis replacement can be used with good results. This case report discusses the case of a 70-year-old male who presents bilateral trapeziometacarpal osteoarthrosis treated with two different techniques with different timelines. Methods: The patient underwent a trapeziectomy on the right hand and arthroplasty with implant on the left. In both TMC the stage of the disease was grade III according to the Eaton Litter classification and the results were evaluated according to clinical and radiographic criteria. The NPRS pain scale and the Quick Dash functional scale were used in subsequent checks. The mean follow-up was 12 months. Conclusion: There were no significantly different results with respect to pain, activities of daily living, mobility or strength. No complications were observed. The patient is satisfied with the treatment having found a better and earlier resumption of daily activity of the left hand treated with prosthesis replacement.

Evaluation of the Use of Sterilized and Non-Sterilized Peruibe Black Mud in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of treatment with Peruíbe Black Mud (PBM) on the clinical parameters and quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis and to compare the effects of PBM samples simply matured in seawater and PBM sterilized by gamma radiation. A controlled, double-blind trial was conducted with 41 patients divided into two treatment groups composed of 20 and 21 patients: one group was treated with matured PBM and the other with sterilized PBM. Evaluations were done using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaires, the Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) radiographic scale, and the quantification of the serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers. An improvement in pain, physical functions, and quality of life was observed in all of the patients who underwent treatment with both simply matured and sterilized PBM. Nine patients showed remission in the KL radiographic scale, but no statistically significant differences were observed in the serum levels of inflammatory mediators before or after treatment. Peruíbe Black Mud proves to be a useful tool as an adjuvant treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA), as shown by the results of the WOMAC and SF-36 questionnaires and by the remission of the radiographic grade of some patients on the Kellgren and Lawrence scale.

OSTEOCHONDRAL LESIONS OF THE TALUS: FACTORS PREDICTIVE OF CARTILAGE INTEGRITY

Background: The integrity of articular cartilage in patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) guides treatment. The ability to predict cartilage integrity in OLTs, as previously published for OCD of the knee1, would be beneficial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of radiographic and MRI findings and articular cartilage integrity at the time of ankle arthroscopy for OLTs. Methods: A single-institution retrospective review identified patients 19 years of age and younger with operative treatment of OLTs from 2010 – 2017. Demographics and intra-operative findings at the time of ankle arthroscopy were identified by chart review. Radiographs were assessed for physeal status, OLT location, and Berndt and Hardy grade. MRIs were reviewed for OLT size and location, modified Kramer grade, and cartilage status. Results: 53 patients with 54 OLTs and a mean age of 13.6 years (range 7 – 19 years) were included. OLTs were located in the posteromedial talus in 39 patients (72%). Physeal status was closed/closing in 32 patients (59%) and open in 22 patients (41%). On MRI, the cartilage was predicted to be disrupted in 40 patients (74%) and intact in 14 patients (26%). At the time of ankle arthroscopy, the cartilage was found to be disrupted in 38 OLTs (70%) and intact in 16 OLTs (30%). Table 1 lists variables predictive of cartilage integrity. [Table: see text] MRI classification of cartilage integrity was 95% sensitive and 75% specific for arthroscopic integrity, with 11% misclassification. In the 16 patients less than 13 years, MRI perfectly predicted arthroscopic cartilage integrity. In patients with open physes, MRI sensitivity was 92% and specificity 100%. In patients with closing/closed physes, MRI sensitivity was 89% and specificity 50%. Receiver operator curve characteristics of a model to predict arthroscopic cartilage integrity combining MRI cartilage integrity, physeal status, and radiographic grade has an AUC of 0.955. Conclusions: Physeal status, radiographic grade, MRI grade, and cartilage integrity on MRI are independent predictors of cartilage integrity at the time of ankle arthroscopy for patients with OLTs. Overall, MRI has 95% sensitivity and 75% specificity for cartilage integrity at the time of arthroscopy, which improves to near 100% sensitivity and specificity in patients with open physes. A model combining MRI cartilage integrity, physeal status, and radiographic grade has the highest predictability of intra-operative cartilage integrity. SIegaSll E, Faust JR, Herzog MM, Marshall KW, Willimon SC, Busch MT. Age predicts disruption of the articular surface of femoral condyles in knee OCD: can we reduce usage of arthroscopy and MRI? J Pediatr Orthop 2018;38:176-180.