Objective: To summarize the latest research progress of graphene and its derivatives (GDs) in bone repair.
Methods: The relevant research literature at home and abroad in recent years was extensively accessed. The properties of GDs in bone repair materials, including mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and antibacterial properties, were systematically summarized, and the unique advantages of GDs in material preparation, functionalization, and application, as well as the contributions and challenges to bone tissue engineering, were discussed.
Results: The application of GDs in bone repair materials has broad prospects, and the functionalization and modification technology effectively improve the osteogenic activity and material properties of GDs. GDs can induce osteogenic differentiation of stem cells through specific signaling pathways and promote osteogenic activity through immunomodulatory mechanisms. In addition, the parameters of GDs have significant effects on the cytotoxicity and degradation behavior.
Conclusion: GDs has great potential in the field of bone repair because of its excellent physical and chemical properties and biological properties. However, the cytotoxicity, biodegradability, and functionalization strategies of GDs still need to be further studied in order to achieve a wider application in the field of bone tissue engineering.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided closed reduction with Kirschner wire fixation and open reduction with Kirschner wire fixation in the treatment of humeral lateral condyle fracture (HLCF) in children.
Methods: A clinical data of 53 children with HLCF admitted between May 2020 and April 2023 and met selective criteria was retrospectively analyzed. Of these, 25 cases were managed with closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation under ultrasound guidance (closed group), while 28 cases underwent open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation (open group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, cause of injury, fracture side, fracture classification, and time from injury to operation ( P>0.05). The following variables were recorded and compared between the two groups: operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, fracture healing time, incidence of complications, and the Flynn elbow function score at last follow-up.
Results: In the closed group, the fractures were successfully reduced under ultrasound guidance, with no nerve damage reported in either group. The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency were significantly less in the closed group than in the open group ( P<0.05). One case of infection (Kirschner wire irritation) was observed in the closed group, while 3 cases in the open group (2 of Kirschner wire irritation and 1 of incision infection). However, the difference in the incidence of infection between the two groups was not significant ( P>0.05). All patients in both groups were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 10.2 months). X-ray examinations confirmed that fractures had healed in both groups, with no significant difference in healing time ( P>0.05). During follow-up, 5 cases of lateral humeral process formation were observed in the closed group, compared to 12 cases in the open group, although this difference was not significant ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the excellent and good rate of elbow joint function was evaluated as 96.0% (24/25) in the closed group and 92.9% (26/28) in the open group according to the Flynn scoring criteria, with no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). Both groups showed no occurrence of ossifying myositis or elbow internal/external rotation.
Conclusion: The effectiveness of ultrasound-guided closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation in the treatment of HLCF in children is comparable to open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation, but the former can reduce operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and obtain lower the incidence of complications.
Objective: To summarize the research progress of bioactive scaffolds in the repair and regeneration of osteoporotic bone defects.
Methods: Recent literature on bioactive scaffolds for the repair of osteoporotic bone defects was reviewed to summarize various types of bioactive scaffolds and their associated repair methods.
Results: The application of bioactive scaffolds provides a new idea for the repair and regeneration of osteoporotic bone defects. For example, calcium phosphate ceramics scaffolds, hydrogel scaffolds, three-dimensional (3D)-printed biological scaffolds, metal scaffolds, as well as polymer material scaffolds and bone organoids, have all demonstrated good bone repair-promoting effects. However, in the pathological bone microenvironment of osteoporosis, the function of single-material scaffolds to promote bone regeneration is insufficient. Therefore, the design of bioactive scaffolds must consider multiple factors, including material biocompatibility, mechanical properties, bioactivity, bone conductivity, and osteogenic induction. Furthermore, physical and chemical surface modifications, along with advanced biotechnological approaches, can help to improve the osteogenic microenvironment and promote the differentiation of bone cells.
Conclusion: With advancements in technology, the synergistic application of 3D bioprinting, bone organoids technologies, and advanced biotechnologies holds promise for providing more efficient bioactive scaffolds for the repair and regeneration of osteoporotic bone defects.
Objective: To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of suture anchor double-pulley technique combined with suture three-dimensional binding via bone tunnel technique for avulsion fractures of the inferior pole of the patella.
Methods: A clinical data of 38 patients with avulsion fractures of the inferior pole of the patella, who met the selective criteria and were admitted between September 2021 and April 2023, was retrospectively analyzed. The fractures were treated with suture anchor double-pulley technique combined with suture three-dimensional binding via bone tunnel technique in 18 cases (group A) and steel wire tension-band fixation in 20 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in terms of age, gender, cause of fracture, side of fracture, and disease duration between the two groups ( P>0.05). The length of incision, operation time, occurrence of complications, the range of motion of knee joint, and Böstman score of knee joint at last follow-up were recorded. The fracture healing was evaluated through X-ray films and the time of fracture healing was recorded.
Results: All incisions healed by first intention. The length of incision was significantly shorter in group A than in group B ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the operation time between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 16.1 months). X-ray films showed that all fractures healed and there was no significant difference in the healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the range of motion and Böstman score of the knee joint in group A were significantly better than those in group B ( P<0.05). During follow-up, 1 patient (5.6%) in group A had one anchor mild prolapse and 3 patients (15.0%) occured internal fixation irritation in group B. But there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( P>0.05).
Conclusion: For the avulsion fractures of the inferior pole of the patella, the suture anchor double-pulley technique combined with suture three-dimensional binding via bone tunnel technique has advantages of reliable fixation, small incision, avoidance of secondary operation to remove internal fixator, and fewer complications, with definite effectiveness.
Objective: To summarize research progress on application of Cup-cage reconstruction in revision of chronic pelvic discontinuity (CPD) in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Methods: Relevant literature at home and abroad in recent years was reviewed to summarize the principles of the Cup-cage reconstruction, preoperative patient assessment, intraoperative skills, clinical and radiological effectiveness, limitations, and postoperative complications.
Results: For the treatment of CPD, the Cup-cage reconstruction achieved long-term acetabular cup bone ingrowth, CPD healing, and biologic fixation of the prosthesis by restoring pelvic continuity. Preoperative evaluation of the surgical site and general condition is necessary. The main intraoperative objectives are to reconstruct pelvic continuity, restore the center of rotation of the hip, and avoid neurovascular injury. Current studies have demonstrated significant clinical and radiological effectiveness as well as acceptable prosthesis survival rates after operation. Nevertheless, there is a lack of evidence regarding the staging of CPD, the optimal surgical approach and internal fixation, and the factors influencing postoperative prosthesis survival remain undefined.
Conclusion: Cup-cage reconstruction can be an effective treatment for CPD after THA, but there is still a need to explore CPD staging, Cup-cage approach and internal fixation, and influencing factors on prosthesis survival.
Objective: To review the role of dendritic cells (DC) in immune metabolism of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods: Literature on the role of DC in the immune metabolism of RA was extensively reviewed in recent years, and the metabolic characteristics of RA, the role of DC in RA, the correlation between the immune metabolism of DC and pathogenesis of RA, and the treatment were summarized and analyzed.
Results: DC promotes the progression of RA under hypoxia, increased glycolysis, inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, and decreased lipid metabolism. Moreover, many DCs (especially conventional DC and monocyte-derived DC) have different functions and phenotypic characteristics in RA, which are closely related to the occurrence and development of RA.
Conclusion: DC plays an important role in the immune metabolism of RA, and immunometabolism therapy based on DC can provide targeted therapy for the treatment of RA.