New Concepts in Musculoskeletal Medicine.

The clinical relevance of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) continues to rise due to an ageing population and changes in lifestyle, and consequently this wide range of diseases and injuries remains a leading contributor to disability on a global scale [...

Biomimetic Proteoglycans for Intervertebral Disc (IVD) Regeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration, which leads to low back pain, is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition worldwide, significantly impairing quality of life and imposing substantial socioeconomic burdens on affected individuals. A major impediment to the development of any prospective cell-driven recovery of functional properties in degenerate IVDs is the diminishing IVD cell numbers and viability with ageing which cannot sustain such a recovery process. However, if IVD proteoglycan levels, a major functional component, can be replenished through an orthobiological process which does not rely on cellular or nutritional input, then this may be an effective strategy for the re-attainment of IVD mechanical properties.

Association between osteoarthritis-related serum biochemical markers over 10-13 years and knee symptoms in middle-aged adults.

Objectives: To describe the associations between OA-related biochemical markers and knee symptoms in middle-aged adults followed up over 10-13 years.

Methods: Blood samples were collected during the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health (CDAH)-1 study (year: 2004-06) and 10-13 year follow-up at CDAH-3. Serum samples from baseline (n=156) and follow-up (n=167) were analyzed for three OA-related biomarkers [cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, and hyaluronan (HA)] using non-isotopic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

The influence of balance support base manipulation on the kinematics of lower limbs during single-legged squats in people with patellofemoral pain.

Background: Given that people with patellofemoral pain (PFP) exhibit deficits in postural control, certain postural reactions may be associated with movement alterations in this population. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether manipulation of the support base for balance maintenance could lead to different patterns of lower limb kinematics in people with PFP during single-legged squats.

Methods: Fourteen participants with PFP and 14 asymptomatic controls were first assessed performing single-legged squats freely, and then while holding a stick to provide stabilization during the task.

Prospects of Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs.

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes a massive disease burden with a global prevalence of nearly 23% in 2020 and an unmet need for adequate treatment, given a lack of disease-modifying drugs (DMOADs). The author reviews the prospects of active DMOAD candidates in the phase 2/3 clinical trials of drug development pipeline based on key OA pathogenetic mechanisms directed to inflammation-driven, bone-driven, and cartilage-driven endotypes. The challenges and possible research opportunities are stated in terms of the formulation of a research question known as the PICO approach: (1) population, (2) interventions, (3) comparison or placebo, and (4) outcomes.

The Biomechanical, Biochemical, and Morphological Properties of 19 Human Cadaveric Lower Limb Tendons and Ligaments: An Open-Access Data Set.

Background: Methodological heterogeneity hinders data comparisons across isolated studies of tendon and ligament properties, limiting clinical understanding and affecting the development and evaluation of replacement materials.

Purpose: To create an open-access data set on the morphological, biomechanical, and biochemical properties of clinically important tendons and ligaments of the lower limb, using consistent methodologies, to enable direct tendon/ligament comparisons.

Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Meniscal Transplant surgery or Optimised Rehabilitation full randomised trial (MeTeOR2): a study protocol.

Introduction: Pain and disability after meniscectomy can be a substantial lifelong problem. There are few treatment options, especially for young people. Non-surgical management (rehabilitation) is an option but increasingly surgeons are performing meniscal allograft transplants (MATs) for these individuals.

It's OK to Move! Effect of a Brief Video on Community Confidence in Activity Despite Back Pain: A Randomized Trial.

To estimate the difference in confidence to become active despite low back pain in people who were exposed to one of 2 video interventions delivered on social media, compared to no intervention. A proof-of-concept, 3-group randomized controlled trial, in a 1:1:1 ratio. Participants aged 18 years and over, with and without low back pain, were recruited via the social media channel Facebook, to view either a humorous video, a neutral video, or to no intervention.

Endothelial Protein C Receptor and Its Impact on Rheumatic Disease.

Endothelial Protein C Receptor (EPCR) is a key regulator of the activated protein C anti-coagulation pathway due to its role in the binding and activation of this protein. EPCR also binds to other ligands such as Factor VII and X, γδ T-cells, plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1, and Secretory group V Phospholipases A2, facilitating ligand-specific functions. The functions of EPCR can also be regulated by soluble (s)EPCR that competes for the binding sites of membrane-bound (m)EPCR.

Long-Term Outcomes of Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review of Independent Series with At Least 10 Years of Follow-up.

Background: Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) provides an attractive alternative to total hip arthroplasty (THA) for the management of osteoarthritis in younger, more active patients; however, concerns persist over complications specific to HRA. The aims of this systematic review were to assess the documented long-term survival rates of the metal-on-metal BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing System at a follow-up of at least 10 years and to analyze the functional outcomes and cause of failures.

Methods: A systematic review was undertaken of all published cohort studies available in the MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed research databases up to December 2021, as recommended by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Descriptive Analysis of Surgical Outcomes and Stoma Formation for Treating Sacral and Anal Pressure Injuries in Spinal Cord Injury: A Retrospective Study of Selected Cases.

Introduction: Pressure injuries (PIs) arise from sustained pressure on tissue, leading to reduced blood flow to the affected area. In patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), these PIs can significantly diminish their independence and overall quality of life. This research sought to assess the frequency of surgical complications in treatment regimens for large sacral PIs involving the anus.

Keratan sulfate, an electrosensory neurosentient bioresponsive cell instructive glycosaminoglycan.

The roles of keratan sulfate (KS) as a proton detection glycosaminoglycan in neurosensory processes in the central and peripheral nervous systems is reviewed. The functional properties of the KS-proteoglycans aggrecan, phosphacan, podocalyxcin as components of perineuronal nets in neurosensory processes in neuronal plasticity, cognitive learning and memory are also discussed. KS-glycoconjugate neurosensory gels used in electrolocation in elasmobranch fish species and KS substituted mucin like conjugates in some tissue contexts in mammals need to be considered in sensory signalling.

Debate: Intra-articular steroid injections for osteoarthritis - harmful or helpful?.

Intra-articular corticosteroids injections are a widely used treatment for pain from symptomatic osteoarthritis. Systematic reviews show that the treatment effect is modest compared with intra-articular saline (often considered as placebo) and lasts for 2-4 weeks on average. Potentially as a consequence of limited therapeutic duration, repeated injections are often given up to 4 injections annually.