Histologic grading correlates with inflammatory biomarkers in tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction.

Background: It has been theorized that tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction (TPTD) is a degenerative process unrelated to inflammation. The purpose of this study was to determine if inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), and glutamate were elevated in diseased tibialis posterior tendons (TPTs).

Methods: Matched diseased TPT, TPT insertion, and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) samples were collected from 21 patients.

Anatomic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurements in First-Time Patellar Dislocators by Sex and Age.

Context: Anatomic differences of the knee in first-time patellar dislocators have not been clearly elucidated.

Objective: To compare structural differences of the knee in those who have sustained an acute first-time patellar dislocation resulting in a medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) tear by sex and age (≤17 years old, ≥18 years old).

Design: Case series.

Conservative Management of Metatarsalgia and Lesser Toe Deformities.

There are several forefoot conditions that can result in metatarsal head pain. Various points of the gait cycle can predispose the metatarsal heads to pain based on intrinsic and extrinsic imbalances. Metatarsalgia can further be classified according to primary, secondary, or iatrogenic etiologies.

Synthesis and characterization of silk fibroin microparticles for intra-articular drug delivery.

Objective: To determine the utility of silk fibroin (SF) microparticles as sustained release vehicles for intra-articular delivery.

Design: SF formulations were varied to generate microparticle drug carriers that were characterized in vitro for their physical properties, release kinetics for a conjugated fluorophore (Cy7), and in vivo for intra-articular retention time using live-animal, fluorescence in vivo imaging.

Results: SF microparticle carriers were spherical in shape and ranged from 598 nm to 21.

Injectable laminin-functionalized hydrogel for nucleus pulposus regeneration.

Cell delivery to the pathological intervertebral disc (IVD) has significant therapeutic potential for enhancing IVD regeneration. The development of injectable biomaterials that retain delivered cells, promote cell survival, and maintain or promote an NP cell phenotype in vivo remains a significant challenge. Previous studies have demonstrated NP cell - laminin interactions in the nucleus pulposus (NP) region of the IVD that promote cell attachment and biosynthesis.