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Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely regarded as the primary modality for the morphological assessment of cartilage and all other joint tissues involved in osteoarthritis. 2D fast spin echo fat-suppressed intermediate-weighted (FSE FS IW) sequences with a TE between 30 and 40ms have stood the test of time and are considered the cornerstone of MRI protocols for clinical practice and trials. These sequences offer a good balance between sensitivity and specificity and provide appropriate contrast and signal within the cartilage as well as between cartilage, articular fluid, and subchondral bone. Additionally, FS IW sequences enable the evaluation of menisci, ligaments, synovitis/effusion, and bone marrow edema-like signal changes. This review article provides a rationale for the use of FSE FS IW sequences in the morphological assessment of cartilage and osteoarthritis, along with a brief overview of other clinically available sequences for this indication. Additionally, the article highlights ongoing research efforts aimed at improving FSE FS IW sequences through 3D acquisitions with enhanced resolution, shortened examination times, and exploring the potential benefits of different magnetic field strengths. While most of the literature on cartilage imaging focuses on the knee, the concepts presented here are applicable to all joints. Key points 1. MRI is currently considered the modality of reference for a “whole-joint” morphological assessment of osteoarthritis. 2. Fat-suppressed intermediate-weighted sequences remain the keystone of MRI protocols for the assessment of cartilage morphology, as well as other structures involved in osteoarthritis. 3. Trends for further development in the field of cartilage and joint imaging include 3D FSE imaging, faster acquisition including AI-based acceleration, and synthetic imaging providing multi-contrast sequences.

Objectives: By analyzing the protective effect and mechanism of tobacco on knee joint cartilage in rats, this paper studies the effect of tobacco on knee joint recovery of college students after sports. Methods: Firstly, the main subunits of nAChRs were systematically studied by using the rat knee arthritis model α 7 and α 4 and β To clarify the correlation between nAChRs and the occurrence and development of OA. Then, the OA rat model prepared by iodoacetic acid was used as the experimental object to observe the protective effect of nicotine on knee osteoarthritis cartilage in rats. Results: The histological changes of rats in MIA group were obvious after operation. The results of light microscope score and Mankin's score at 15 and 30 days were significantly higher than those in con group. Of right knee cartilage in rats in MIA group α 7, α 4 and β The expression of 2 did not change significantly on the 15th day, but increased significantly on the 30th day compared with the blank control group. Conclusion: Nicotine has a protective effect on knee bone and joint cartilage and promotes the accelerated recovery of knee bone and joint after exercise.. Key words: nicotine, knee joint, cartilage, recovery after exercise.

A research method was developed to analyse the tribological properties of cartilage tissue. Based on the literature data and the possibility of obtaining samples of appropriate dimensions, the frequency and amplitude of friction tests were adopted. Based on the previously conducted preliminary tests, other test parameters were proposed, such as the frictional contact load and the number of test runs. It was assumed that the results of the research will be the friction coefficient and the wear intensity of the tribological system. According to the developed method, a series of verification tests was carried out in which the friction contact was lubricated in various ways with the selected lubricants. The results of tests of animal cartilage in nonlubricated contact were used as the reference basis for all the tested associations. The friction tests showed good method resolution and satisfactory repeatability. In the case of wear characteristics, a greater scatter of test results was observed. It is probably related to the varied geometrical structure of the cartilage surface as well as the elastic properties of the bone on which the tissue was placed. The correctness of the obtained results and a relatively good resolution of the tribological test method were found.

To compare three-dimensional (3D) nasal forms after definitive correction of unilateral cleft lip (UCL)-nose using an extended spreader cartilage graft with/without a cross-lap joint cartilage graft technique. Twenty-four patients with UCL who underwent definitive nose correction using an extended spreader cartilage graft with a cross-lap joint technique (CLJ group) and fifteen patients with UCL who underwent nose correction without a cross-lap joint technique (non-CLJ group) were enrolled in this study. Pre- and postoperative 3D nasal forms were compared between the two groups. The CLJ group demonstrated more successful recovery of the nasal tip and anterior nasal ridge in the center of the face (P 0.01), and the higher nasal tip was maintained for more than 1 year (P = 0.008). The differences in the cephalo-caudal heights of the nasal alar groove and curvatures of the alar groove arch were successfully improved in both CLJ and non-CLJ groups. The nasal angles on lateral profiles did not change in either group. An extended spreader cartilage graft with a cross-lap joint technique facilitates satisfactory recovery of the nasal tip in the center of the face and a higher nasal tip, avoiding over-projection in the definitive correction of UCL-nose.

We present two cases of patients with immature skeleton and intra-articular fracture of the proximal radius, treated conservatively in the acute phase and that presented later on with severe chondral degeneration that required surgical treatment. Clinical outcome at 3 years follow-up is reported. This report underlines the association between intra-articular proximal radius fracture in skeletally immature patients and poor clinical outcome. We suggest the need for a high index of suspicion regarding chondral lesions in minimally or non-displaced proximal radius intra-articular fractures in patients with open physis, and more advanced imaging studies are advocated in these cases.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is associated with damage to joint cartilage. One way to diagnose mild pain or the onset of OA early is to do a rontgen examination. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in the degree of osteoarthritis of the knee joint AP position erect with the AP supine position. This research was conducted in the hospital. Academic Jaury Jusuf Putera Makassar April - June 2019. This type of research is descriptive analytical, data collection techniques using questionnaires, sampling techniques carried out by accidental sampling analysis. Data analysis using statistics Presentation of data is presented in the form of graph tables accompanied by narration. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the Erect Position has an assessment score with an average of 7.20 while the Supine position with an average of 8.00. From the results of the statistical test obtained p value (0.455)> 0.05 means that there is no statistically significant difference in scores between Erect and Supine positions. It is expected that the radiology officer chooses the right projection that is in accordance with the patient's general condition. If it is possible for the patient to be examined with the projection of AP Weight-Bearing Standing, the officer uses the projection, otherwise the officer can use the AP Supine or AP Erect position because the two positions have no significant differences based on the results of the existing research.

The objective of this study is to investigate the expression of enzymes involved in the sulfation of articular cartilage from proximal metacarpophalangeal (PMC) joint cartilage and distal metacarpophalangeal (DMC) joint cartilage in children with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). The finger cartilage samples of PMC and DMC were collected from KBD and normal children aged 5-14 years old. Hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as immunohistochemical staining were used to observe the morphology and quantitate the expression of carbohydrate sulfotransferase 3 (CHST-3), carbohydrate sulfotransferase 12 (CHST-12), carbohydrate sulfotransferase 13 (CHST-13), uronyl 2-O-sulfotransferase (UST), and aggrecan. In the results, the numbers of chondrocyte decreased in all three zones of PMC and DMC in the KBD group. Less positive staining cells for CHST-3, CHST-12, CHST-13, UST, and aggrecan were observed in almost all three zones of PMC and DMC in KBD. The positive staining cell rates of CHST-12 were higher in superficial and middle zones of PMC and DMC in KBD, and a significantly higher rate of CHST-13 was observed only in superficial zone of PMC in KBD. In conclusion, the abnormal expression of chondroitin sulfate sulfotransferases in chondrocytes of KBD children may provide an explanation for the cartilage damage, and provide therapeutic targets for the treatment.

The aim of this study was to find characteristic biomarkers in the serum of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) responsible for inflammation and destruction of joint cartilage, which could differentiate these two diseases. The study included 67 people: 22 patients with knee OA, 22 patients with PsA, and 23 individuals who were the control group of healthy individuals (HC). The concentration of IL-18, IL-20, IL-6, MMP-1, MMP-3, COMP, PG-AG, and YKL-40 in serum were determined. Among the OA and PsA patients group, the radiological assessment and clinical assessment were also performed. The concentration of 7 out of 8 of examined biomarkers (except MMP-1) was statistically significantly higher in the serum of patients with OA and PsA than in the control group. Compering OA and PsA groups only, the serum PG-AG level in OA patients was statistically significantly higher than in PsA patients (p &lt, 0.001). The results of univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis comparing OA and PsA biomarker serum levels identified PG-AG and COMP as markers that are significantly different between patients with OA and PsA (odds ratio 0.995 and 1.003, respectively). The ROC curve constructed using the model with age showed PG-AG and COMP had an AUC of 0.907. The results of this study show that COMP and PG-AG may be sensitive markers differentiating patients with osteoarthiritis from psoriatic arthritis.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) refers to a chronic deteriorating disease distinguished by degeneration of joint cartilage. Many clinical studies have demonstrated that isokinetic muscle strength training can improve muscle function in patients with KOA. However, although such studies deduce an excellent effect, the results remain controversial. Therefore, the present systematic review seeks to explore the curative effects of isokinetic muscle strength training to establish if it can improve muscle function in patients experiencing KOA. Methods: This review will entail a systematic review and a comprehensive examination to establish all randomized controlled studies covering curative effects of isokinetic muscle strength training to improve muscle function in patients with KOA. We will obtain data from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang databases from inception to September 2021. In addition, the study will employ the criterion postulated by Cochrane to ascertain a quality evaluation and risk assessment of the studies included for analysis. Also, we will employ relative risk, mean differences, and standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals to estimate the effective measures. Also, we will employ Cochran Q test and I2 statics to assess heterogeneity among the 2 studies. Results: Overall, this study anticipates providing accurate results and balanced inferences on curative effects of isokinetic muscle strength training for improving muscle function in patients with KOA. Conclusion: The study's inferences will offer evidence to decide whether isokinetic muscle strength training is an effective measure for improving muscle function in patients with KOA.

This study was to investigate the effects of 13 weeks of long-distance cycling on biomarkers of joint cartilage, muscle damage and inflammation. All subjects in this study were seven participants of the “One Korea New-Eurasia Peace Cycle Expedition”, in which they rode cycles from Berlin, Germany to Seoul, Korea for thirteen weeks. The total course of the expedition was divided into three sub-courses: course 1 (from Berlin to Moscow), course 2 (from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar) and course 3 (from Ulaanbaatar to Seoul). All the selected participants rode 87.4 km/day (course 1), 70.4 km/day (course 2) and 57.6 km/day (course 3) on average, respectively. We collected their blood samples before the expedition in Seoul (S1), after course 1 in Moscow (M), after course 2 in Ulaanbaatar (U) and after the expedition in Seoul (S2), to analyze biomarkers of joint cartilage damage (Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein; COMP), muscle damage (Creatine Phosphokinase; CPK, Lactate Dehydrogenase; LDH, Myoglobin), inflammation (Interleukin-6; IL-6, Interleukin-1β; IL-1β, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α; TNF-α, C-Reactive Protein; CRP) and stress hormone (Cortisol). According to this result, COMP (S1; 188.37 ± 46.68 ng/mL) showed a significant increase after the expedition course 1 (M; 246.69 ± 51.69 ng/mL, p = 0.012) and course 2 (U; 237.09 ± 62.57 ng/mL, p = 0.047), and recovered to the stable state after expedition course 3 (S2; 218.46 ± 34.78. p = 0.047). Biomarkers of muscle damage (CPK, LDH and Myoglobin) and inflammation (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and CRP) were not significantly changed in all courses, but CRP (S1; 1.07 ± 0.76 ng/mL) showed a tendency to decrease after the expedition course 1 (M; 0.3 ± 0.1 mg/mL, p = 0.044). Lastly, the Cortisol level significantly increased in all courses (per p < 0.05), but the Cortisol level after expedition course 3 (S2; 21.00 ± 3.65 mg/mL) was lower than that of after the expedition course 1 (M; 24.23 ± 2.47 mg/mL, p = 0.028). In summary, it seems that repetitive and continuous 50–90 km/day of cycling can increase joint cartilage damage risk and stress hormone temporarily. However, this result suggests that the appropriate intensity of cycling for thirteen weeks does not increase physical damage, and rather enhances the human body to adapt to exercise training.

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), also known as Osteoarthritis (OA), is a chronic disease of progressive degeneration for which there is no cure, which can occur in one or more joints in the body, usually caused by overweight of the animal, longevity, instability, incongruence or by injury to the articular cartilage itself. Adult and senile dogs may be affected by this disease as a result of obesity, hormonal disease, natural wear of the joints. In this case, the most affected joint processes are in the pelvic limbs, in the knees and in the hip joint, in the thoracic limbs and in the elbow joints. This work aims to describe the Low Intensity Laser (LIL) efficacy of treatments associated with kinesiotherapy and chondroprotective drugs, performed on a female canine dog affected by this disease in her hip joint and to evaluate this methodology as one of the therapeutic choices more appropriate and less aggressive for the treatment of this disease. La enfermedad degenerativa de las articulaciones (EDA), también conocida como osteoartritis (OA), es una enfermedad crónica de degeneración progresiva para la que no existe cura, que puede ocurrir en una o más articulaciones del cuerpo, generalmente causada por el sobrepeso del animal, la longevidad, inestabilidad, incongruencia o por lesión del propio cartílago articular. Los perros adultos y seniles pueden verse afectados por esta enfermedad como consecuencia de la obesidad, enfermedad hormonal, desgaste natural de las articulaciones. En este caso, los procesos articulares más afectados se encuentran en las extremidades pélvicas, en las rodillas y en la articulación de la cadera, en las extremidades torácicas y en las articulaciones del codo. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo describir la eficacia del Láser de Baja Intensidad (LBI) de los tratamientos asociados a la kinesioterapia y los condroprotectores, realizados en una canina afectada por esta enfermedad en la articulación de la cadera y evaluar esta metodología como una de las opciones terapéuticas más adecuadas y adecuadas menos agresivo para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad. A Doença Articular Degenerativa (DAD), também conhecida como Osteoartrite (OA), é uma doença crônica de degeneração progressiva para a qual não há cura, que pode ocorrer em uma ou mais articulações do corpo, geralmente causada pelo excesso de peso do animal, longevidade, instabilidade, incongruência ou por lesão da própria cartilagem articular. Cães adultos e senis podem ser afetados por esta doença como resultado de obesidade, doenças hormonais, desgaste natural das articulações. Nesse caso, os processos articulares mais afetados estão nos membros pélvicos, nos joelhos e na articulação do quadril, nos membros torácicos nas articulações do cotovelo. Este trabalho tem como objetivo descrever a eficácia do Laser de Baixa Intensidade (LBI) como tratamento associados à cinesioterapia e condroprotetores, realizados em uma fêmea canina acometida por esta doença na articulação do quadril e avaliar esta metodologia como uma das opções terapêuticas mais adequadas e menos agressivo para o tratamento desta doença.

BackgroundThe walking ability of many broilers is characterised by slight or definite defects categorised as gait scores (GS) 1 and 2. The present study aimed to examine potential relationships between GSs and indicators of body morphology, leg pathology, tibia strength and wooden breast in Ross 308 broilers assessed as GS ≤ 2.MethodsAt 38 days of age, GS and live body weight of 179 birds was recorded. Each bird was examined post-mortem for signs of wooden breast, contact dermatitis and a range of leg pathologies. Weights of different body parts and tibia strength were quantified.ResultsWithin sex, GS increased with increasing live body weight (p = 0.020). There was a tendency for an effect of GS on prevalence of footpad dermatitis (p = 0.086) and dislocated femoral joint cartilage (p = 0.059) where both pathologies increased in frequency with increasing GS. Greater load was required to fracture tibia from GS2 than GS0 birds (p = 0.040).ConclusionsWithin this relatively small data set, no strong relationships between GS ≤ 2 and indicators of body morphology, leg pathology, tibia strength and wooden breast in Ross 308 broilers were found, except for the live terminal body weight. Further studies, involving larger data sets are required for full clarification.

Background Among school-age children, the decrease of cartilage thickness (Cth) with increasing age is well known. However, the influence of body mass index (BMI), height or weight on Cth has not been revealed. Here in, we aim to establish an age- and gender-specific Cth standard reference among Asians and investigate the possible prestige of BMI, height and weight. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in healthy Asian children. Bilateral knees, ankles, wrists, second metacarpophalangeals (MCPs) and proximal interphalangeals (PIPs) were measured using ultrasound. The children’s height, weight and BMI were also recorded for later adjustment. Results A total of 200 school age Asian children (including 86 girls and 114 boys, aged between 5 to 13 years-old) were investigated. Cth differences were observed in the knees, ankles, wrists, MCPs and PIPs between sexes (p p p = 0.002, 0.001, Conclusions A formula to calculate gender-specific cartilage thickness for Asian school age children is suggested. Height, weight and BMI were not the major contributor for Cth among school age children.

This review summarizes research on many of the potential applications of photosensitized crosslinking of tissue proteins in surgery and current knowledge of the photochemical mechanisms underlying formation of the covalent protein-protein crosslinks involved. Initially developed to close wounds or reattach tissues, protein photocrosslinking has also been demonstrated to stiffen and strengthen tissues, decrease inflammatory responses and facilitate tissue bioengineering. These treatments appear to result largely from crosslinks within and between collagen molecules in tissue that typically form by an oxygen-dependent mechanism. Surgical applications discussed include sealing wounds in skin, cornea and bowel; reattaching severed nerves, blood vessels and tendons; strengthening cornea and vein; reducing capsular contracture after breast implants; and regenerating joint cartilage.

Objectives: Different materials are currently being used experimentally to accelerate cartilage healing and to obtain hyaline cartilage. We aimed to investigate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin on joint cartilage healing. Methods: Twenty rats were used in this study. platelet-rich fibrin was obtained from 4 rats, and the remaining 16 rats were randomly divided into two groups (4 and 8 weeks). Both knee joints were prepared, and an osteochondral defect was created at the femoral condyle in all rats. platelet-rich fibrin was placed into the osteochondral defect of the right knee, while the left knee joint was used as a control. Groups were sacrificed after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. Results: According to the O'Driscoll score, there were no significant differences between the right and left knee scores in group 4 weeks (p = 0.820). However, the right knee scores were significantly different than the left knee scores in group 8 weeks (p < 0.001). Defects were completely filled with cartilage tissue after 8 weeks in the platelet-rich fibrin group. Conclusions: Similar to its role in various tissues, platelet-rich fibrin is an effective biomaterial that enhances the healing of osteochondral defects.

Cartilage degradation frequently occurs during the postmenopausal period due to a decrease in type 2 collagen and constitutes a condition affected by the level of estrogen in the body. The purpose of this study is to prove that such post-menopausal reductions in estrogen levels influence the type 2 collagen expression in cartilage. Oophorectomies were per-formed on 54 Rattus norvegicus subjects and each of which was subsequently assigned to one of six different groups. 17β-estradiol present in the blood of the subjects was examined by means of ELISA technique, while the expression of MMP-13 and type 2 collagen in their knee joint cartilage was assessed immunohistochemically. A significant post-oopho-rectomy decrease of 17β-estradiol was detected in subjects (p

The cartilage surgeon is a comprehensive knee surgeon. A sound understanding of meniscal, ligamentous, and patellofemoral issues is required. Cartilage injuries are often a result of trauma or aberrant anatomy. Excessive pressure or shear forces on articular cartilage will decrease the longevity of its pristine surface. With limited native regeneration potential, specific techniques must be employed to restore or reconstruct the articular surface. This chapter discusses a complete evaluation of the knee including history, physical exam, and imaging. Core components will be obtained for all patients, but it is important to note that not every test or study will be employed uniformly. As with any sound evaluation, it will begin by conducting a comprehensive history.