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Photoacoustics Aug 2024Accurate assessment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) activity remains a challenge. Multimodal photoacoustic/ultrasound (PA/US) joint imaging emerges as a novel imaging...
BACKGROUND
Accurate assessment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) activity remains a challenge. Multimodal photoacoustic/ultrasound (PA/US) joint imaging emerges as a novel imaging modality capable of depicting microvascularization and oxygenation levels in inflamed joints associated with RA. However, the scarcity of large-scale studies limits the exploration of correlating joint oxygenation status with disease activity.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the correlation between multimodal PA/US imaging scores and RA disease activity, assessing its clinical applicability in managing RA.
METHODS
In this study, we recruited 111 patients diagnosed with RA and conducted examinations of seven small joints on their clinically dominant side using a PA/US imaging system. The PA and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) signals were semi-quantitatively assessed using a 0-3 grading system. The cumulative scores for PA and PDUS across these seven joints (PA-sum and PDUS-sum) were calculated. Relative oxygen saturation (So) values of inflamed joints on the clinically dominant side were measured, and categorized into four distinct PA+So patterns. The correlation between PA/US imaging scores and disease activity indices was systematically evaluated.
RESULTS
Analysis of 777 small joints in 111 patients revealed that the PA-sum scores exhibited a strong positive correlation with standard clinical scores for RA, including DAS28 [ESR] (ρ = 0.682), DAS28 [CRP] (ρ = 0.683), CDAI (ρ = 0.738), and SDAI (ρ = 0.739), all with p < 0.001. These correlations were superior to those of the PDUS-sum scores (DAS28 [ESR] ρ = 0.559, DAS28 [CRP] ρ = 0.555, CDAI ρ = 0.575, SDAI ρ = 0.581, p < 0.001). Significantly, in patients with higher PA-sum scores, notable differences were observed in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p < 0.01) and swollen joint count 28 (SJC28) (p < 0.01) between hypoxia and intermediate groups. Notably, RA patients in the hypoxia group exhibited higher clinical scores in certain clinical indices.
CONCLUSION
Multi-modal PA/US imaging introduces potential advancements in RA assessment, especially regarding So evaluations in synovial tissues and associated PA scores. However, further studies are warranted, particularly with more substantial sample sizes and in multi-center settings.
SUMMARY
This study utilized multi-modal PA/US imaging to analyze Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients' synovial tissues and affected joints. When juxtaposed with traditional PDUS imaging, the PA approach demonstrated enhanced sensitivity, especially concerning detecting small vessels in thickened synovium and inflamed tendon sheaths. Furthermore, correlations between the derived PA scores, PA+So patterns, and standard clinical RA scores were observed. These findings suggest that multi-modal PA/US imaging could be a valuable tool in the comprehensive assessment of RA, offering insights not only into disease activity but also into the oxygenation status of synovial tissues. However, as promising as these results are, further investigations, especially in larger and diverse patient populations, are imperative.
KEY POINTS
⸸ Multi-modal PA/US Imaging in RA: This novel technique was used to assess the So values in synovial tissues and determine PA scores of affected RA joints.⸸ Correlation significantly with Clinical RA Scores: Correlations significantly were noted between PA scores, PA+So patterns, and standard clinical RA metrics, hinting at the potential clinical applicability of the technique.
PubMed: 38817689
DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2024.100615 -
Radiology Case Reports Aug 2024Synovial chondromatosis is a rare benign condition defined by the presence of cartilaginous lesions in the synovium of joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae. It most...
Synovial chondromatosis is a rare benign condition defined by the presence of cartilaginous lesions in the synovium of joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae. It most typically affects large joints, such as the knee, hip, and shoulder, but it is also reported in smaller joints. Nonetheless, ankle involvement is relatively uncommon. A complete history and clinical, physical, and radiographic examinations are usually used to determine the diagnosis. Hence, we reported a case of a young patient with left ankle primary synovial chondromatosis who presented with a left ankle mass and chronic pain.
PubMed: 38800078
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.04.048 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Tendon-sheath structures are commonly utilized to drive surgical robots due to their compact size, flexibility, and straightforward controllability. However,...
Tendon-sheath structures are commonly utilized to drive surgical robots due to their compact size, flexibility, and straightforward controllability. However, long-distance cable tension estimation poses a significant challenge due to its frictional characteristics affected by complicated factors. This paper proposes a miniature tension sensor array for an endoscopic cable-driven parallel robot, aiming to integrate sensors into the distal end of long and flexible surgical instruments to sense cable tension and alleviate friction between the tendon and sheath. The sensor array, mounted at the distal end of the robot, boasts the advantages of a small size (16 mm outer diameter) and reduced frictional impact. A force compensation strategy was presented and verified on a platform with a single cable and subsequently implemented on the robot. The robot demonstrated good performance in a series of palpation tests, exhibiting a 0.173 N average error in force estimation and a 0.213 N root-mean-square error. In blind tests, all ten participants were able to differentiate between silicone pads with varying hardness through force feedback provided by a haptic device.
Topics: Humans; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Equipment Design; Robotics
PubMed: 38794010
DOI: 10.3390/s24103156 -
Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery :... Apr 2024Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) of the hand are considered the second most common benign tumors of the hand after ganglion cysts. Excision biopsy is...
Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) of the hand are considered the second most common benign tumors of the hand after ganglion cysts. Excision biopsy is considered the standard treatment at present. They are notorious for having a very high rate of recurrence as given in many studies. Many factors are said to be associated with recurrence of the tumors. The goal of this study is to evaluate the long-term results of a series of 48 patients operated on at a single institute and to find out if there is any correlation between the proposed risk factors with recurrence. A retrospective analysis was done in cases of GCTTS operated on between 2015 and 2021. The patients were invited for follow-up for a minimum of 2 years, and the patient files were reviewed. Further data were collected at follow-up including recurrence, range of movement, sensation, skin necrosis, scarring, and digital neuropathy. A data analysis was done. The correlation between the proposed risk factors and recurrence was calculated with the Pearson correlation coefficient. A -value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. During the 6 years, 48 patients were operated on. Recurrence was observed in eight patients (16%) at an average of 38.7 months from the time of surgery. Of the risk factors, tumors with satellite nodules and tumor adjacency to joint correlated significantly with recurrence. No complications were observed during follow-up. GCTTS of the hand has a high propensity to recur. The presence of satellite nodules and proximity to interphalangeal joints are two important risk factors for recurrence. Magnification during surgery ensures complete excision of the tumor and reduces the chance of recurrence.
PubMed: 38774731
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779657 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024Lubricin, a lubricating glycoprotein abundant in synovial fluid, forms a low-friction brush polymer interface in tissues exposed to sliding motion including joints,...
Lubricin, a lubricating glycoprotein abundant in synovial fluid, forms a low-friction brush polymer interface in tissues exposed to sliding motion including joints, tendon sheaths, and the surface of the eye. Despite its therapeutic potential in diseases such as osteoarthritis and dry eye disease, there are few sources available. Through rational design, we developed a series of recombinant lubricin analogs that utilize the species-specific tissue-binding domains at the N- and C-termini to increase biocompatibility while replacing the central mucin domain with an engineered variant that retains the lubricating properties of native lubricin. In this study, we demonstrate the tissue binding capacity of our engineered lubricin product and its retention in the joint space of rats. Next, we present a new bioprocess chain that utilizes a human-derived cell line to produce -glycosylation consistent with that of native lubricin and a purification strategy that capitalizes on the positively charged, hydrophobic N- and C-terminal domains. The bioprocess chain is demonstrated at 10 L scale in industry-standard equipment utilizing commonly available ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction and size exclusion chromatography resins. Finally, we confirmed the purity and lubricating properties of the recombinant biolubricant. The biomolecular engineering and bioprocessing strategies presented here are an effective means of lubricin production and could have broad applications to the study of mucins in general.
PubMed: 38746339
DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.05.592580 -
Asian Journal of Surgery May 2024
PubMed: 38719642
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.04.168 -
World Journal of Orthopedics Apr 2024De-Quervain's tenosynovitis is a disorder arising from the compression and irritation of the first dorsal extensor compartment of the wrist. Patients who fail...
BACKGROUND
De-Quervain's tenosynovitis is a disorder arising from the compression and irritation of the first dorsal extensor compartment of the wrist. Patients who fail conservative treatment modalities are candidates for surgical release. However, risks with surgery include damage to the superficial radial nerve and an incomplete release due to inadequate dissection. Currently, there is a paucity of literature demonstrating the exact anatomic location of the first dorsal extensor compartment in reference to surface anatomy. Thus, this cadaveric study was performed to determine the exact location of the first extensor compartment and to devise a reliable surgical incision to prevent complications.
AIM
To describe the location of the first dorsal compartment in relation to bony surface landmarks to create replicable surgical incisions.
METHODS
Six cadaveric forearms, including four left and two right forearm specimens were dissected. Dissections were performed by a single fellowship trained upper extremity orthopaedic surgeon. Distance of the first dorsal compartment from landmarks such as Lister's tubercle, the wrist crease, and the radial styloid were calculated. Other variables studied included the presence of the superficial radial nerve overlying the first dorsal compartment, additional compartment sub-sheaths, number of abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon slips, and the presence of a pseudo-retinaculum.
RESULTS
Distance from the radial most aspect of the wrist crease to the extensor retinaculum was 5.14 mm ± 0.80 mm. The distance from Lister's tubercle to the distal aspect of the extensor retinaculum was 13.37 mm ± 2.94 mm. Lister's tubercle to the start of the first dorsal compartment was 18.43 mm ± 2.01 mm. The radial styloid to the initial aspect of the extensor retinaculum measured 2.98 mm ± 0.99 mm. The retinaculum length longitudinally on average was 26.82 mm ± 3.34 mm. Four cadaveric forearms had separate extensor pollicis brevis compartments. The average number of APL tendon slips was three. A pseudo-retinaculum was present in four cadavers. Two cadavers had a superficial radial nerve that crossed over the first dorsal compartment and retinaculum proximally (7.03 mm and 13.36 mm).
CONCLUSION
An incision that measures 3 mm proximal from the radial styloid, 2 cm radial from Lister's tubercle, and 5 mm proximal from the radial wrist crease will safely place surgeons at the first dorsal compartment.
PubMed: 38709896
DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v15.i4.379 -
Cureus Apr 2024Introduction Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a relatively rare disorder affecting the synovial membrane and tendon sheath of a joint. It rarely affects the...
Introduction Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a relatively rare disorder affecting the synovial membrane and tendon sheath of a joint. It rarely affects the shoulder joint. This prospective study aims to document the challenges encountered in achieving total synovectomy and assesses the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic synovectomy for PVNS in shoulder patients. Methods This is a prospective study conducted from April 2017 to September 2023. This monoarticular disease was observed among six patients (four females and two males). All patients underwent arthroscopic extensile synovectomy with biopsy and culture. The outcomes were measured using Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 36 months after arthroscopic synovectomy. Results All intraoperative findings were consistent with PVNS and confirmed with histopathological examination. All patients achieved a satisfactory, painless range of movements following surgery. The individual Constant score improved from a mean value of 64.83 to 94.50, the ASES score improved from a mean value of 81.15 to 99.73, and the UCLA score improved from a mean value of 23.16 to 34.83 post-arthroscopic intervention, proving its effectiveness. No recurrences were reported after 36 months of follow-up. Conclusion PVNS can be easily missed, and one must have a high index of suspicion to diagnose early. Delayed presentation of the disease had led to severe destruction of the joint. Early diagnosis and arthroscopic intervention prior to joint destruction are crucial for achieving a good functional outcome. Incomplete excision may lead to recurrence of the disease. Therefore, we propose extensile arthroscopic synovectomy of the shoulder, wherein by expecting and addressing the intraoperative challenges, complete excision can be achieved, thus preventing recurrence.
PubMed: 38707076
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57492 -
Rhode Island Medical Journal (2013) May 2024Children with Hunter syndrome have a high prevalence of nerve compression syndromes given the buildup of glycosaminoglycans in the tendon sheaths and soft tissue...
BACKGROUND
Children with Hunter syndrome have a high prevalence of nerve compression syndromes given the buildup of glycosaminoglycans in the tendon sheaths and soft tissue structures. These are often comorbid with orthopedic conditions given joint and tendon contractures due to the same pathology. While carpal tunnel syndrome and surgical treatment has been well-reported in this population, the literature on lower extremity nerve compression syndromes and their treatment in Hunter syndrome is sparse.
OBSERVATIONS
We report the case of a 13-year-old male with a history of Hunter syndrome who presented with toe-walking and tenderness over the peroneal and tarsal tunnel areas. He underwent bilateral common peroneal nerve and tarsal tunnel releases, with findings of severe nerve compression and hypertrophied soft tissue structures demonstrating fibromuscular scarring on pathology. Post-operatively, the patient's family reported subjective improvement in lower extremity mobility and plantar flexion.
LESSONS
In this case, peroneal and tarsal nerve compression were diagnosed clinically and treated effectively with surgical release and postoperative ankle casting. Given the wide differential of common comorbid orthopedic conditions in Hunter syndrome and the lack of validated electrodiagnostic normative values in this population, the history and physical examination and consideration of nerve compression syndromes are tantamount for successful workup and treatment of gait abnormalities in the child with Hunter syndrome.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adolescent; Mucopolysaccharidosis II; Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome; Peroneal Neuropathies; Peroneal Nerve; Nerve Compression Syndromes
PubMed: 38687262
DOI: No ID Found -
Clinics and Practice Mar 2024Adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the glenohumeral joint is a recognized cause of pain associated with both active and passive restricted ranges of movement. AC can be...
BACKGROUND
Adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the glenohumeral joint is a recognized cause of pain associated with both active and passive restricted ranges of movement. AC can be subdivided into primary and secondary forms. Trauma, surgery, immobilization, and diabetes mellitus are the leading well-recognized causes of secondary AC. Calcific tendinitis/tendinitis (CT) of the rotator cuff is considered a possible trigger for AC, as reported in a few previous articles. However, there are no original investigations that assess the frequency and characteristics of this association. The aim of our research was to evaluate the presence of AC in a cohort of patients with a known CT condition of the rotator cuff by an ultrasound (US) examination.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We prospectively enrolled all the patients admitted at our single institution (October 2022-June 2023) for the preoperative US evaluation of a known CT condition. In these patients, we searched for parameters related to secondary AC. An axillary pouch (AP) thickness equal to or greater than 4 mm (or greater than 60% of the contralateral AP) was considered diagnostic of AC. Moreover, rotator interval (RI) thickness and the presence of effusion within the long-head biceps tendon (LHBT) sheath was also assessed in all patients.
RESULTS
A total of 78 patients (54F, 24M-mean age = 50.0 and range = 31-71 y.o.) were enrolled in the study. In 26 of those patients (26/78-33.3%), US signs of AC were detected. Notably, the mean AP thickness in patients with AC and CT was 3.96 ± 1.37 mm (Group 1) and 2.08 ± 0.40 mm in patients with CT only (Group 2). RI thickness was significantly greater in patients with superimposed AC: 2.54 ± 0.38 mm in Group 1 and 1.81 ± 0.41 mm in Group 2 ( < 0.00001). Moreover, effusion within the LHBT was significantly more frequently detected in patients with AC: 84.61% in Group 1 versus 15.79% in Group 2- < 0.00001.
CONCLUSION
US signs of AC are found in one-third of patients with CT of the rotator cuff, demonstrating that AC represents a frequent complication that should be routinely evaluated during US investigation to provide more personalized treatment strategies.
PubMed: 38666803
DOI: 10.3390/clinpract14020045