Biomarkers for hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation are associated with spatial cellular organisation and suggest endochondral ossification-like processes in osteoarthritic cartilage: An exploratory study.

Background: In healthy articular cartilage, chondrocytes are found along arcades of collagen fibers as Single Strings. With onset of cartilage degeneration this pattern changes to Double Strings. In the course of osteoarthritis Small Clusters, and finally Big Clusters form.

Changes in stiffness of the extracellular and pericellular matrix in the anulus fibrosus of lumbar intervertebral discs over the course of degeneration.

Analogous to articular cartilage, changes in spatial chondrocyte organisation have been proposed to be a strong indicator for local tissue degeneration in the intervertebral disc (IVD). While a progressive structural and functional degradation of the extracellular (ECM) and pericellular (PCM) matrix occurs in osteoarthritic cartilage, these processes have not yet been biomechanically elucidated in the IVD. We aimed to evaluate the local stiffness of the ECM and PCM in the anulus fibrosus of the IVD on the basis of local chondrocyte spatial organisation.

Detecting early osteoarthritis through changes in biomechanical properties - A review of recent advances in indentation technologies in a clinical arthroscopic setup.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease currently affecting half of all women and one-third of all men aged over 65 and it is predicted to even increase in the next decades. In the variety of causes leading to OA, the first common denominator are changes in the extracellular matrix of the cartilage. In later stages, OA affects the whole joint spreading to higher levels of tissue architecture causing irreversible functional and structural damage.

Functional outcomes and perceived quality of life following fixation of femoral neck fractures in adults from 18 to 69 years using dynamic hip screw (DHS) and an additional anti-rotation screw- a retrospective analysis of 53 patients after a mean follow-up time of 4 years.

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to explore the functional outcome after osteosynthesis with dynamic hip screw (DHS) for adults up to 69 years, and identify potential predictive indicators of either positive impact on quality of life or increase the incidence of complications.

Materials And Methods: Out of 85 patients 53 could be contacted, 36 were followed up clinically and radiologically, 17 patients could be interviewed by phone. All fractures have been treated by osteosynthesis with DHS and one additional anti-rotation screw.