Long non-coding RNA MEG3 silencing and microRNA-214 restoration elevate osteoprotegerin expression to ameliorate osteoporosis by limiting TXNIP.

Studies have shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 plays a key role in osteoporosis (OP), but its regulatory mechanism is somewhat incompletely clear. Here, we intend to probe into the mechanism of MEG3 on OP development by modulating microRNA-214 (miR-214) and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). Rat models of OP were established.

MicroRNA-497 elevation or LRG1 knockdown promotes osteoblast proliferation and collagen synthesis in osteoporosis via TGF-β1/Smads signalling pathway.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been corroborated to engage in the process of cellular activities in osteoporosis. However, few researches have been conducted to expose the integrated role of miR-497, leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signalling pathway in osteoporosis. Thereafter, the study is set out to delve into miR-497/LRG1/TGF-β1/Smads signalling pathway axis in osteoporosis.

The efficacy of bipolar sealer on blood loss in spine surgery: a meta-analysis.

Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs was to gather data to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bipolar sealer versus standard electrocautery in the management of spinal disease.

Methods: The electronic databases including Embase, PubMed and Cochrane library were searched to identify relevant studies published from the time of the establishment of these databases up to January 2017. The primary outcomes were total blood loss, requirement of transfusion (rate and amount), and operation time.

A retrospective study of epidural and intravenous steroids after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for large lumbar disc herniation.

Objective: To assess the early curative effect of epidural or intravenous administration of steroids during a percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD).

Methods: 28 consecutive patients who underwent PELD due to large lumbar disc herniation between November 2014 and January 2016 were followed up for 6 months. These patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment they received after PELD.

Clinical application of three-dimensional printing in the personalized treatment of complex spinal disorders.

Purpose: To investigate the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) printing in complex spinal surgery.

Methods: The study was conducted from October 2014 to March 2015 in Shenzhen Second Peoples' Hospital and 4 cases of complex severe spinal disorders were selected from our department. Among them one patient combined with congenital scoliosis, one with atlas neoplasm, one with atlantoaxial dislocation, and the rest one with atlantoaxial fracture-dislocation.

Review article: Treatments for bone loss in revision total knee arthroplasty.

Bone deficiency hinders implant alignment and stabilisation of the bone-implant interface in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Treatments for bone defects include bone cement, bone cement with screw reinforcement, metal augments, impaction bone grafts, structural allografts, and tantalum, depending on the location and size of the defects. Small defects are usually treated with cement, cement plus screws, or impaction allograft bone.

Review article: bone defect classifications in revision total knee arthroplasty.

There are several classification systems for bone defects in revision total knee arthroplasty. Each has its own drawbacks, and none satisfies all the clinical demands. Therefore, a new classification system and treatment guideline based on a combination of criteria (location, side, containment, and severity of the bone defect) is necessary.