Biological responses of human mesenchymal stem cells to titanium wear debris particles.

Wear debris-induced osteolysis is a major cause of orthopedic implant aseptic loosening, and various cell types, including macrophages, monocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts, are involved. We recently showed that mesenchymal stem/osteoprogenitor cells (MSCs) are another target, and that endocytosis of titanium (Ti) particles causes reduced MSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Here we investigated the mechanistic aspects of the endocytosis-mediated responses of MSCs to Ti particulates.

A prospective study of the nonoperative treatment of degenerative meniscus tears.

This prospective study was designed to evaluate a nonoperative-based treatment protocol for patients with the clinical diagnosis of a degenerative medial meniscus tear and to determine if a significant percent of patients with degenerative medial meniscus tears improve with nonoperative treatment and do not elect operative treatment. Twenty-six patients were followed for 37 months and evaluated clinically, radiographically, and with standardized, validated Modified Lysholm Knee Scoring System (MLKS) and Standardized Activities of Daily Living Scale of the Knee (SADL) questionnaires. Patients were initially treated with 4 weeks of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The effectiveness of self-adjustable custom and off-the-shelf bracing in the treatment of varus gonarthrosis.

Background: A recent development in valgus-producing knee braces has been the adjustable "unloader" brace. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of off-the-shelf and custom-made patient-adjustable, valgus-producing knee unloader braces in relieving pain, reducing stiffness, and improving function and in reducing varus angulation and the peak adduction moments about the knee during gait and stair-stepping in patients with painful varus gonarthrosis of the knee.

Methods: Ten adult patients served as their own controls for the measurement of baseline values and then wore each of the two braces, one after the other, for four to five weeks in a random order.