Loaded versus unloaded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee: Effect on meniscus extrusion in healthy volunteers and patients with osteoarthritis.

Objective: Assess the impact of knee joint loading on meniscal extrusion in normal individuals and those with varying degrees of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: 143 healthy volunteers and patients with OA underwent 3 T MRI of the knee under unloaded and loaded conditions. OA was graded with the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) system.

Rib head disarticulation for multilevel transpedicular thoracic corpectomies and expandable cage reconstruction.

Traditional posterior approaches to the thoracic spine are done with either costo-transversectomy, lateral extracavitary approaches, or transpedicular approaches. The transpedicular approach is the only one that preserves the rib head. However, placing an expandable cage with this rib head intact poses special challenges because of the narrow corridor defined by the rib head and the spinal cord.

The effect of TiO2 nanotubes on endothelial function and smooth muscle proliferation.

In this study we investigate the effects of nanotubular titanium oxide (TiO(2)) surfaces on vascular cells. EC and VSMC response to nanotubes was investigated through immunofluorescence staining, scanning electron microscopy, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine proliferation assays, and prostaglandin I(2) (PGI(2)) enzyme immunoassays. We found that the nanotubular surface significantly enhances EC proliferation and secretion of PGI(2).

Decreased Staphylococcus epidermis adhesion and increased osteoblast functionality on antibiotic-loaded titania nanotubes.

Bacterial infection is one of the most common problems after orthopedic implant surgery. If not prevented, bacterial infection can result in serious and life threatening conditions such as osteomyelitis. Thus, in order to reduce chances of such serious complication, patients are often subjected to antibiotic drug therapy for 6-8 weeks after initial surgery.