Radiotriquetral arthrodesis for rheumatoid wrist with flexor tendon rupture: A case report.

Flexor tendon rupture in the wrist of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is a rare complication, and there is no standard treatment for the wrist joint. Here, we present the case of a rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus of the left index finger owing to a rheumatoid wrist. Plain radiography and computed tomography showed carpal collapse, especially lunate, and arthrosis between the capitate and lunate.

Adalimumab-associated pulmonary cryptococcosis.

This is the first report of adalimumab-associated pulmonary cryptococcosis. A 56-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis without a history of pulmonary disease was simultaneously administered adalimumab (40 mg/2 wks), methotrexate (4 mg/wk), and isoniazid (200 mg/day). Five months later, chest radiography revealed a small spiculated pulmonary nodule, and the laboratory test results, including levels of tumor markers and plasma β-D-glucan, were within normal ranges.

Are acetabular component alignment guides for total hip arthroplasty accurate?

The acetabular component orientation of total hip arthroplasty is of critical importance to the clinical results. Although navigation systems have recently been introduced, acetabular component alignment guides are still used in most of ordinary hospitals. However, the accuracy of alignment guides themselves has not been evaluated.

Comparison between highly cross-linked and conventional polyethylene in total knee arthroplasty.

The use of highly cross-linked polyethylene in total knee prostheses is still controversial. The aim of the present study was to compare radiographic and clinical results of using conventional and highly cross-linked polyethylene in cruciate retaining total knee prostheses of completely the same design. Two hundred and two consecutive total knee arthroplasties (NexGen CR, Zimmer) were performed using the same procedure.

Midterm results of revision total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiographic results of 30 revision total elbow arthroplasties in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using original surface prostheses developed in our institution. We asked whether a surface prosthesis is a suitable option for reconstructing a failed surface total elbow arthroplasty in terms of reproducing clinical performance compared with other devices such as semiconstrained prostheses. All 30 failed total elbow arthroplasties were performed with various surface prostheses and revised with Dogo Onsen Hospital surface prostheses.

Calcineurin and NFAT4 induce chondrogenesis.

Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) and calcineurin are essential regulators of immune cell and mesenchymal cell differentiation. Here we show that elevated intracellular calcium induces chondrogenesis through a calcineurin/NFAT signaling axis that activates bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) expression. The calcium ionophore, ionomycin, induced chondrogenesis through activation of calcineurin.