Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society
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Pathological conditions with refractory skeletal pain are often characterized by regional osteoporotic changes such as transient osteoporosis of the hip, regional migratory osteoporosis, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Our previous study demonstrated that the acidic microenvironment created by osteoclast activation under high bone turnover conditions induced pain-like behaviors in ovariectomized mice through the stimulation of acid-sensing nociceptors. The aim of the present study was to examine whether regional transient osteoporotic changes are related to pain-like behaviors in the hind limb using tail-suspended model mice. ⋯ We, therefore, believe that regional transient osteoporosis due to osteoclast activation might be a trigger for the pain-like behaviors in tail-suspended model mice. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1226-1236, 2017.
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Virtual stress testing (VST) provides a non-invasive estimate of the strength of a healing bone through a biomechanical analysis of a patient's computed tomography (CT) scan. We asked whether VST could improve management of patients who had a tibia fracture treated with external fixation. In a retrospective case-control study of 65 soldier-patients who had tibia fractures treated with an external fixator, we performed VST utilizing CT scans acquired prior to fixator removal. ⋯ In this study, VST identified all patients who progressed to full, uneventful union after fixator removal; thus, we conclude that this new test has the potential to provide a quantitative, objective means of identifying tibia-fracture patients who can safely resume weight bearing. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:805-811, 2017.
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Veteran populations are known to have frequencies of arthritis higher than civilian populations. The aim of this study is to define the prevalence of arthritis among a cohort of veterans from ongoing U. S. military operations. ⋯ The need for arthritis care and associated comorbidities is expected to increase as the Veterans Administration and the civilian health care sector assumes care of these veterans. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:682-687, 2017.
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Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is responsible for various spine pathologies and present clinical treatments are insufficient. Concurrently, the mechanisms behind IVD degeneration are still not completely understood, so as to allow development of efficient tissue engineering approaches. A model of rat IVD degeneration directly coupled to herniation is here proposed in a pilot study. ⋯ This model, by uniquely combining IVD degeneration and IVD herniation in the same animal, may help to understand mechanisms behind IVD pathophysiology, such as hernia formation and spontaneous regression. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:258-268, 2017.
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Rapamycin is an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, plays an important role in multiple cellular functions. Our previous study showed rapamycin treatment in acute phase reduced the neural tissue damage and locomotor impairment after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, there has been no study to investigate the therapeutic effect of rapamycin on neuropathic pain after SCI. ⋯ The present study first demonstrated that rapamycin has significant therapeutic potential to reduce the development of neuropathic pain following SCI. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:93-103, 2017.