Clodronate: The Influence on ATP Purinergic Signaling.

ATP is involved in numerous physiological functions, such as neurotransmission, modulation, and secretion, as well as in cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. While ATP serves an essential intracellular role as a source of energy, it behaves differently in the extracellular environment, where it acts as a signaling molecule capable of activating specific purinergic receptors (P2YRs and P2XRs) that modulate the response to ATP. Extracellular ATP signaling is a dynamic area of research, with particular interest in ATP's effects on inflammatory conditions and pain modulation.

Adenosine triphosphate: a new player in complex regional pain syndrome type 1.

The complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) is one of the most discussed painful syndromes due to the variability and severity of its symptoms. CRPS-1 generally occurs after a trauma, a fracture or a sprain followed by an immobilization. Classical diagnostic criteria are not always clear; hence, the diagnosis is difficult.

Aromatase inhibitor-induced bone loss osteosarcopenia in older patients with breast cancer: effects of the RANK/RANKL system's inhibitor denosumab vs. bisphosphonates.

The raising number of older patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer represents a significant medical and societal challenge. Aromatase inhibitors (AI), which are commonly utilized to treat this condition in these patients have significant adverse events on bone and muscle health. Falling estrogen production leads to an increase in RANKL secretion by osteoblasts with accelerated bone remodeling due to osteoclast activity.

Mesenchymal Cells are a Promising -But Still Unsatisfying- Anti- Inflammatory Therapeutic Strategy for Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease with both degenerative and inflammatory characteristics, affecting the osteochondral unit with the involvement of cartilage, subchondral bone and periarticular tissues. OA can produce chronic pain with neuropathic and inflammatory characteristics, leading to an increased disability. OA is secondary to many predisposing factors where the inflammatory process plays a key role.

Role of the Osteochondral Unit in the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis: Focus on the Potential Use of Clodronate.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and progressive deterioration of the joint. The etiology of OA includes genetic, phlogistic, dismetabolic and mechanical factors. Historically, cartilage was considered the target of the disease and therapy was aimed at protecting and lubricating the articular cartilage.

Osteosarcopenia in Very Old Age Adults After Hip Fracture: A Real-World Therapeutic Standpoint.

Loss of bone and muscle mass and strength (i. e., osteosarcopenia) is a highly prevalent clinical condition in older adults, associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures and unfavorable clinical outcomes.

The Patellar Resurfacing in Total Knee Prosthesis: Indications for Bone Stock and Patellar Morphology.

The patellar resurfacing is still a controversial and unresolved problem. The choice to use the patellar resurfacing in the total knee prosthesis (TKP) is decided by the surgeon's experience; he analyzes the thickness, the shape, consumption of the surface and he chooses the use of patellar resurfacing or to limit itself to cheiloplasty, denervation, or often to the release of the lateral wing ligament. He also assesses the metabolic state of the bone linked to Osteoporosis and the potential fragility of the joint and kneecap in particular.

Is ultraviolet radiation avoidance affecting bone health in melanoma patients?

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has numerous beneficial effects on human health, including stimulating vitamin D and serotonin production and immuno-regulatory activities. Conversely, UV radiation is also classified as a group one carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Purpose: To investigated the effects of UV radiation avoidance in melanoma patients in terms of vitamin D levels but also of bone mineral density and trabecular bone microarchitecture.

What Role Does Trabecular Bone Score Play in Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases?

Patients suffering from rheumatic inflammatory diseases, e.g., systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, are at risk of low bone mass.

Anticancer effect of physical activity is mediated by modulation of extracellular microRNA in blood.

Epidemiological studies provide evidence that physical activity reduces the risk of cancer, particularly of breast cancer. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms as related to microRNAs. The goal of the herein presented study is to explore the involvement of miRNAs in beneficial effects exerted by physical activity in breast cancer prevention.

Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) serum levels in systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis patients: correlation with the Trabecular Bone Score (TBS).

The aim of this research was to determine any correlations between Dickkopf-1 serum levels (Dkk-1, a natural inhibitor of the Wnt signaling pathway promoting osteoclastogenesis) and the Trabecular Bone Score (TBS), in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. It also aimed at determining any difference in Dkk-1 serum levels between SSc and RA patients and a control group (CNT) of healthy subjects. A prospective study was carried out in 60 SSc and 60 RA patients and 60 CNT.

Clodronate in the management of different musculoskeletal conditions.

Introduction: Clodronic acid is a non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate largely used from some decades in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal and secondary osteoporosis. In addition to antiresorptive activity, clodronate has shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and modulatory effects on bone and cartilage metabolism.

Evidence Acquisition: A literature review has been conducted to characterize the mechanism of action of clodronate and to retrieve available evidence about the use of clodronate in primary and secondary osteoporosis, and its potential role in other musculoskeletal conditions and orthopedic surgery.

Correlation between bone quality and microvascular damage in systemic sclerosis patients.

Objectives: SSc patients are recognized as presenting an increased risk of altered bone mass. The aim of this study was to assess the bone quality, by trabecular bone score (TBS), in SSc patients in correlation with different levels of microvascular damage, as evaluated by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC), and to compare the results regarding bone quality with RA patients and healthy subjects (CNT).

Methods: Eighty-four SSc patients, 98 RA patients and 60 CNT, were studied.

Neglected Posterior Knee Dislocation: An Unusual Case Report.

Chronic dislocation of the knee is a rare condition due to a diagnostic mistake during emergency assessment. Usually, dislocation obliges the surgeon to carry out a broad assessment, with vascular and neurological examination, and a thorough assessment of joint injuries. The immediate and stable closed reduction can resolve neurovascular compression.

Accuracy of Coracoid Bone Graft Placement: Open versus Arthroscopic Latarjet.

 The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of the coracoid bone graft placement with the open Latarjet-Patte and arthroscopic Latarjet (arthro-Latarjet) procedures in the treatment of anterior instability of the shoulder.  Forty-six patients affected by anterior shoulder instability were divided into two groups. In group A (  = 25), patients were operated by arthroscopic Latarjet (arthro-Latarjet) procedure and in group B (  = 21), patients were operated by open Latarjet-Patte procedure.

A new anterolateral surgical approach for total hip replacement.

Purpose: the purpose of the present paper is to present the short-term results of a "detachment-free" (DF) anterolateral approach for primary total hip replacement (THR) performed in a large series of patients.

Methods: two hundred patients submitted to primary THR were retrospectively reviewed for the present study. In all cases, the surgery was performed using a minimally invasive DF anterolateral approach, which entails no disconnection of tendons and no muscle damage.

Treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability using the Broström-Gould procedure in athletes: long-term results.

Purpose: this study was conducted to evaluate long-term results following treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability using the Broström-Gould technique in athletes.

Methods: eighteen athletes involved in competitive sports at different levels, who suffered from chronic lateral ankle instability, underwent Broström-Gould ligamentoplasty between 2000 and 2005. The results of the surgery were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale.

Evaluation of prognostic indices in elderly hospitalized patients.

Aim: Prognosis informs the physician's decision-making process, especially for frail older adults. So far, any non-disease-specific index has proven full evidence for routine use in clinical practice. Here, we aimed at assessing, prospectively, the calibration and discriminating accuracy of validated prognostic indices in a cohort of elderly hospitalized patients.

Ultrasound versus magnetic resonance imaging for Morton neuroma: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To compare ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of Morton's neuroma.

Methods: Studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of US and MRI for Morton's neuroma were retrieved from major medical libraries independently by two reviewers up to 1 April 2014. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were adopted.

Relationship between balance and cognitive performance in older people.

We investigated the relationship between balance and cognitive level in a group of 70 women with no definite Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment diagnosis and no impairment of daily activity. Static stabilometry and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test were performed. The antero-posterior sway component was demonstrated to be the best predictor of the MoCA overall score.

Conservative integrated treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

Purpose: the aim of this study was to present the results of a conservative treatment for adhesive capsulitis based on an original protocol of combined pharmacological and rehabilitation treatment.

Methods: fifty-two patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis were enrolled in the present study. The treatment protocol included the use of hyaluronic acid and anaesthetic periarticular and intra-articular injections followed by a specific program of capsule and muscle stretching.

Pathophysiology of spasticity: implications for neurorehabilitation.

Spasticity is the velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone due to the exaggeration of stretch reflex. It is only one of the several components of the upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS). The central lesion causing the UMNS disrupts the balance of supraspinal inhibitory and excitatory inputs directed to the spinal cord, leading to a state of disinhibition of the stretch reflex.

Shock waves in the treatment of muscle hypertonia and dystonia.

Since 1997, focused shock waves therapy (FSWT) has been reported to be useful in the treatment of muscle hypertonia and dystonia. More recently, also radial shock wave therapy (RSWT) has been successfully used to treat muscle hypertonia. The studies where FSWT and RSWT have been used to treat muscle hypertonia and dystonia are reviewed in this paper.