Objective To summarize the characteristic manifestations in the middle and old aged people with meniscus injury and the outcome of the treatment under the arthroscope. Methods Fifty-two patients, aged 52-58 years, with meniscus injury to a total of 57 knee joints, were diagnosed and treated under the arthroscope. The history of their knee diseases was 1-21 years. Horizontal tearsoccurred in 19 knee joints, degenerative tears in 13 knee joints, complex tears in 9 knee joints, longitudinal tears in 5 knee joints, oblique tears in 4 knee joints, radial tears in 4 knee joints, and flap tears in 3 knee joints. Three meniscus tears were sutured and 54 meniscus tears were cut fully or partly under thearthroscope. Results All the postoperative patients were followed up for 6-15 months, and the average follow-up period after operation was 9 months. According to the DONG Tianxiang’s standards for the therapy under the arthroscope, the excellent result was achieved in 39 knee joints, good in 12 knee joints, and fair in 6 knee joints, with no failure. The excellent and good rate was 89.5%. Conclusion The clinical manifestations of meniscus injury are not typical in the middle and old aged people. The therapeutic effect with the help of the arthroscope is satisfactory with an advantage of minimal traumatic invasiveness to the knee joint.
Objective To investigate the effects of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), the transforming growth factor β1(TGFβ1), and the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on proliferation and cell phenotype of the human fetal meniscal cells, and to find out the best combination and concentration of the growth factors for the meniscus tissue engineering. Methods The fetus came from the healthy woman accidental abortion and the procedure had got her approval.The human fetal meniscal fibrochondrocytes were cultured in vitro. The cell phenotype was identifiedby the collagen type Ⅱ immunohistochemistry and Aggrecan immunofluorescence. Inthe growth factor groups, the 3rd passage meniscal cells synchronized by the serum starvation method and were mixed with IGF-1 (1, 10, 50, 100 μg/L), TGF-β1 (0.1, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 50.0 μg/L), and bFGF (5, 10, 50, 100, 200 μg/L), respectively, and in the combination groups, the combinations of bFGF and TGF-β1, bFGF and IGF-1, TGF-β1 and IGF-1 were established at their optimal effect concentrations. The control group was also established for comparison. The dose-response relationship was studied at 48 h and 72 h bythe MTT colorimetric method. Results The 3rd passage meniscalcells could express collagen type Ⅱ and Aggrecan before and after the addition of the three growth factors. The proliferating effects of the growth factors (IGF-1 50 μg/L，TGF-β1 5 μg/L，bFGF 50 μg/L) on the 3rd passage cells at 48 h and 72 h were significantly better in the growth factor groups than in the control group (Plt;0.05)，and the combination groups of bFGF 50 μg/L and IGF-1 50 μg/L, IGF-1 50 μg/L and TGF-β1 5 μg/L showed a significantly higher proliferatingeffect than that in the single growth factor group (Plt;0.05). bFGF 50 μg/L and TGF-β1 5 μg/L had no synergetic effect (Pgt;0.05). Conclusion IGF-1, TGF-β1 and bFGF can promote the proliferation of the human fetal meniscal cells, respectively, and the combinations of bFGF and IGF-1, IGF-1 and TGF-β1 at their optimal concentrations can have better proliferating effects than the single growth factor. They can be used for the in vitro amplification of the meniscal seed cells.
Objective To investigate the clinical application of periosteal autograft in repair of cartilage defect caused by osteoarthritis of knee. Methods From 1996 to 1999, 36 knees of cartilage defect of knee joint in 28 cases were treated. In the operation, the cracked degenerative cartilage was removed before free periosteum from tibia was transplanted to repair the defect, and the meniscuses in 8 knees of the 36 knees were reconstructed. After operation, early continuous passive movement was adopted for 4 weeks, and 8 knees with reconstruction ofthe meniscus were immobilized by plaster splint for 7 days after operation and before passive movement. All of the cases were followed up for 1 to 4 years before clinical evaluation in symptoms, signs and radiological findings. Results The general satisfactory rate was 86.1%, in which the function was excellent in 22 knees and good in 9 knees. Conclusion The periosteal autograft is a good choice for repairing cartilage defect due to osteoarthritis, with a satisfactory outcomein the short term.
ObjectiveTo review the research progress on the lower limb biomechanical characteristics of patients with discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) injury after surgery. MethodsBy searching relevant domestic and international research literature on DLM, the postoperative characteristics of knee joint movement biomechanics, tibiofemoral joint stress distribution, lower extremity force line, and patellofemoral joint changes in patients with DLM injury were summarized. ResultsSurgical treatment can lead to varying degrees of changes in the lower limb biomechanical characteristics of patients with DLM injury. Specifically, the kinematic biomechanics of the knee joint can significantly improve, but there are still problems such as extension deficits in the affected knee joint. The peak stress of the tibiofemoral joint decreases with the increase of the residual meniscus volume, and the degree of change is closely related to the residual meniscus volume. Preserving a larger volume of the meniscus, especially the anterior horn volume, helps to reduce stress concentration. The lower extremity force line will deviate outward after surgery, and the more meniscus is removed during surgery, the greater the change in the lower extremity force line after surgery. There are conditions such as cartilage degeneration, position and angle changes in the patellofemoral joint after surgery. ConclusionThe changes in the lower limb biomechanical characteristics after DLM injury are closely related to the choice of surgical methods and rehabilitation programs. However, the mechanisms of biomechanical changes in multiple lower limb joints and individual differences still need to be further studied and clarified.
ObjectiveTo compare the mid-term effectiveness of arthroscopy versus conservative treatment on symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus (SDLM) in middle-aged and elderly patients. Methods The clinical data of 118 middle-aged and elderly patients (154 knees) with SDLM who received arthroscopy or conservative treatment between June 2014 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, including 76 patients (96 knees) in the arthroscopy group (group A) and 42 patients (58 knees) in the conservative treatment group (group B). There was no significant difference in age, gender, and body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with group B, the symptoms duration in group A was longer, the incidences of discoid lateral meniscus injury and mechanical symptoms were higher, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Lysholm score before treatment were worse, with significant differences (P<0.05). VAS score and Lysholm score before and after treatment were recorded and compared. ResultsThe patients in both groups were followed up 60-74 months, with an average of 66.3 months. The follow-up time of group A and group B was (65.9±3.5) months and (67.0±4.0) months respectively, with no significant difference (t=–1.615, P=0.109). At last follow-up, in either group A or group B, the VAS score and Lysholm score significantly improved when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The differences of VAS score and Lysholm score in group A before and after treatment were significantly better than those in group B (P<0.05). ConclusionArthroscopy and conservative treatment have a satisfactory mid-term effectiveness on SDLM in middle-aged and elderly patients. However, the improvement of symptoms and function of arthroscopy was significantly better than that of conservative treatment. For middle-aged and elderly SDLM patients with invalidated conventional treatment for 6 months, severe clinical symptoms, long duration of symptoms, and combined with mechanical symptoms, arthroscopy should be given priority even if they are complicated with early osteoarthritis.
Objective To observe the outcome of arthroscopic meniscal plasty and suture repair to treat torn discoid lateral meniscus involving popl iteal hiatus. Methods Between January 2008 and May 2009, 21 cases of torn discoid lateral meniscus involving popl iteal hiatus were treated by arthroscopic surgery. There were 9 males and 12 females with an average ageof 22.5 years (range, 12-45 years), including 12 left knees and 9 right knees. Seven cases had the history of injury and other 14 cases had uncertain trauma. The average disease duration was 6.4 months (range, 3 months to 2 years). All patients complained knee pain or locking with positive McMurray test and mill ing test before surgery. All cases had torn discoid lateral meniscus, and the tear extended to the popl iteal hiatus, including 17 cases of complete type and 4 cases of incomplete type according to the Watanabe classification. After meniscal plasty, suture repair of torn popl iteal lateral hiatus was performed. The anterior part to hiatus was repaired by the outside-in technique, and the posterior part underwent repair of all inside technique by FasTFix. Results All wounds healed by first intention with no compl ications such as infection, stiffness of knee, or injury of common peroneal nerve. All patients were followed up 12-28 months with an average of 18 months. The symptoms of knee pain or locking disappeared postoperatively with negative McMurray test and mill ing test in all patients. The Lysholm score was improved from 54.0 ± 13.4 to 90.0 ± 6.6 at 12 months postoperatively, showing significant difference (t=— 12.00, P=0.00). Based on the improved Lysholm classification standard, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 5, and fair in 2; the excellent and good rate was 90.5%. Conclusion For torn discoid lateral meniscus involving popl iteal hiatus, based on meniscal plasty, suture repair of the popl iteal hiatus would contribute to preserve the peripheral part and restore its stabil ity.
Objective To measure and analyze the relationships among the posterior tibial slope (PTS), meniscal slope (MS), and meniscus posterior horn thickness (MPHT) of the medial and lateral tibial plateau in healthy people and patients with anteromedial osteoarthritis (AMOA) in Heilongjiang province, so as to provide reference basis for appropriate tibial osteotomy and prosthesis placement angles in knee joint surgeries. Methods A retrospective collection of imaging data from knee joint MRI examinations conducted prior to AMOA for various reasons was performed. A total of 103 healthy individuals (healthy group) and 30 AMOA patients (AMOA group) were included. There was no significant difference in the gender composition ratio, side, and body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05); however, the comparison of ages between the two groups showed a significant difference (P<0.05). The collected DICOM format image data was imported into the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software and measured the medial PTS (MPTS), lateral PTS (LPTS), medial MS (MMS), lateral MS (LMS), medial MPHT (MMPHT), and lateral MPHT (LMPHT) with standard methods. The differences of the above indexes between the two groups and between different genders and sides in the two groups were compared, and Pearson correlation analysis was carried out. At the same time, the measured data of healthy group were compared with the relevant literature reported in the past. Results Compared to the healthy group, the AMOA group exhibited significantly smaller MPTS and LPTS, as well as significantly greater MMPHT and LMPHT, with significant differences (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the MMS and LMS between the two groups (P>0.05). The differences in various indicators between genders and sides within the two groups were not significant (P>0.05). The correlation analysis and regression curves indicated that both MPTS and LPTS in the two groups were positively correlated with their respective ipsilateral MS and MPHT (P<0.05); as PTS increased, the rate of increase in MS and MPHT tend to plateau. Compared to previous related studies, the MPTS and LPTS measured in healthy group were comparable to those of the Turkish population, exhibiting smaller values than those reported in other studies, while MMS and LMS were relatively larger, and MMPHT and LMPHT were smaller. ConclusionIn healthy people and AMOA patients in Heilongjiang province, PTS has great individual differences, but there is no significant individual difference in MS. MPHT can play a certain role in retroversion compensation, and its thickness increase may be used as one of the indicators to predict the progression of AMOA. The above factors should be taken into account when UKA is performed, and the posterior tilt angle of tibial osteotomy should be set reasonably after preoperative examination and evaluation.
Objective
To evaluate the surgical technique and effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment for lateral discoid meniscus injury.
Methods
Between January 2010 and May 2011, 38 patients (42 knees) with lateral discoid meniscus injuries underwent arthroscopic treatment. There were 23 males (24 knees) and 15 females (18 knees), aged 7-62 years (median, 32.8 years). The disease duration was 7 days to 40 years (median, 8.6 months). According to Watanabe’s classification of discoid meniscus, 22 knees were classified as complete type, 19 knees as incomplete type, and 1 knee as Wrisberg type. Meniscus plasty combined with suture was performed in 25 patients (28 knees), partial meniscectomy in 12 patients (13 knees), and complete meniscectomy in 1 patient (1 knee). After operation, the rehabilitation training programs (including straight-leg-raising exercise and range of motion exercise) were carried out.
Results
All incisions healed primarily. The patients basically had normal activities after 3-4 weeks. All the patient were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14.3 months). No joint locked or clicking symptom occurred; no tear or revision was noted during follow-up. At 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after operation, the range of flexion and extension were significantly improved when compared with ones at preoperation (P lt; 0.05). Based on Ikeuchi’s grading, the results were excellent in 22 knees, good in 16 knees, and fair in 4 knees with an excellent and good rate of 90.4%. The Lysholm score was significantly increased to 88.57 ± 2.95 at immediate, 91.02 ± 4.17 at 3 months, 92.90 ± 3.36 at 6 months, and 94.74 ± 3.52 at 12 months after operation from 69.38 ± 4.59 before operation (P lt; 0.05). C
onclusion
Treatment of lateral discoid meniscus injury under arthroscopy has the advantages of minor trauma, precise resection or repair meniscus, preservation of more meniscus function, and low incidence of osteoarthritis. If the operation is combined with standard rehabilitation training, the short-term effectiveness can be enhanced.
Objective
To review the current development in meniscus tissue engineering.
Methods
Recent literature concerning the development of the meniscus tissue engineering was extensively reviewed and summarized.
Results
Recent researches mainly focus on: selection of seed cells and research of their potential of differentiation into chondrocytes; selection of scaffold materials and research of their mechanical properties; cytokines and their mechanisms of action.
Conclusion
Many achievements have been made in meniscus tissue engineering. Most important topics in future research include: finding seed cells that are adapted to physiological process, are easy to culture, and have higher chondrogenic differentiation ability; looking for necessary cytokines and their mechanisms of action; finding scaffold meterials with b morphological plasticity, no antigenicity, good degradability, and mechanical property close to normal meniscus.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopically assisted treatment of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tibial eminence avulsion fractures associated with meniscus posterior horn tear.
MethodsBetween January 2012 and December 2014, 21 patients with PCL avulsion fracture and meniscus posterior horn tear were arthroscopically treated with polyester suture and hollow screw fixation. There were 10 males (10 knees) and 11 females (11 knees), aged 14-53 years (mean, 35.7 years). The causes included sport injury in 11 cases, traffic accident injury in 9 cases, and daily life injury in 1 case. Based on the anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films, CT, and MRI, PCL avulsion fractures were diagnosed, and 2 cases had anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures. The results of posterior drawer test were positive in all patients, with no end point in 14 cases and with soft end point in 7 cases; all patients showed tibial sink. The preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and Lysholm score were 46.5±5.5 and 43.3±4.5 respectively. The time from injury to operation was 6-22 days (mean, 10 days).
ResultsThe operation time was 60-100 minutes (mean, 75 minutes). Primary healing of incision was obtained in all patients, without no complication of infection. The mean follow-up time was 27.4 months (range, 12-46 months). The results of posterior drawer test were negative in 19 cases, and positive in 2 cases (having hard end point). Tibial sink disappeared. At last follow-up, X-ray film showed good healing of fracture, and no displacement. The patients had no locking knee, snapping or tenderness of joint space, and the Mcmurray sign was negative; the IKDC score and Lysholm score were significantly improved to 92.0±2.5 and 92.7±2.6 respectively (t=-39.903, P=0.000; t=-43.242, P=0.000). The range of motion was normal in 20 patients (0-130°) except 1 patient having limited flexion (0-80°), whose range of motion returned to 0-120° after release.
ConclusionThe arthroscopic fixation technique has satisfactory results for the reduction and fixation of PCL avulsion fracture associated with meniscus posterior horn tear because of easy operation, firm fixation, and economic price.
