The applications of 3D printing technology in health care, particularly orthopedics, continue to broaden as the technology becomes more advanced, accessible, and affordable worldwide. 3D printed models of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) scans can reproduce a replica of anatomical parts that enable surgeons to get a detailed understanding of the underlying anatomy that he/she experiences intraoperatively. The 3D printed anatomic models are particularly useful for preoperative planning, simulation of complex orthopedic procedures, development of patient‐specific instruments, and implants that can be used intraoperatively. This paper reviews the role of 3D printing technology in orthopedic surgery, specifically focusing on the role it plays in assisting surgeons to have a better preoperative evaluation and surgical planning.
Background: Yoga can be considered supportive therapy for patients with cancer to alleviate cancer-related symptoms. However, there has been no meta-analysis examining yoga’s effects among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Objective: To synthesize the evidence regarding the effects of yoga on improving cancer-related fatigue, psychological distress, and quality of life among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Methods: Ten English databases and 2 Chinese databases were searched from inception to December 2022. Two independent reviewers screened studies and extracted the data. Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of yoga on cancer-related fatigue, psychological distress, and quality of life were included. Meta-analysis was conducted, and narrative synthesis was performed when meta-analysis was not applicable. Results: Fourteen studies from 16 articles were included. The results showed that yoga reduced cancer-related fatigue (standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.12 to −0.38; P < .001), anxiety (SMD, −0.91; 95% CI, −1.68 to −0.14; P = .02), but not depression (SMD, −0.82; 95% CI, −1.67 to 0.04; P = .06). The effects of yoga on distress and quality of life were inconclusive. Conclusions: Yoga significantly helped reduce cancer-related fatigue and anxiety but did not reduce depression among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Further rigorous studies are needed to identify the optimal characteristics of yoga for these patients. Implications for Practice: It is possible to recommend yoga to patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for managing cancer-related fatigue and anxiety after duly considering patients’ physical conditions and ensuring appropriate instructions are given.
Fluorescent europium-doped nanohydroxyapatite (Eu-nHA, 5 at.% Eu) was prepared by a precipitation method followed by annealing at 600 °C. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses reveal the nanocrystalline nature of the annealed Eu-nHA particles, which are 20–40 nm in width and 40–60 nm in length. Elements of Ca, P, O and Eu are detected by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Upon excitation by 250 nm ultraviolet light, the annealed Eu-nHA (Eu-nHAa) nanoparticles display strong pinkish-red luminescence in the fluorescence spectrum. Moreover, the Eu-nHAa powder shows green and red colours by the irradiations of blue and green lights, respectively. The in vitro cell proliferation assessment and the lactate dehydrogenase activity assay indicate that the Eu-nHAa nanoparticles with the concentrations of 0.3, 3 and 30 μg/ml have inhibitory effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The fluorescent Eu-nHAa nanomaterial would have potential applications in bio-labelling and anti-angiogenesis of tumors.
8 January 2021 in Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
Lateral patellar dislocation (LPD) is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by a complex etiology. Despite significant advancements in management strategies, it continues to pose considerable challenges. Critical anatomic risk factors previously identified include trochlear dysplasia (TD), patella alta, and elevated tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT‐TG) distance, with TD being the most significant. A thorough risk assessment using predictive models is primarily recommended to assist in patient counseling and to identify high‐risk cases, for whom early surgical intervention may be considered. Controversies persist regarding the indications for combined surgical procedures, including tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO), derotational distal femoral osteotomy (DDFO), and lateral retinacular release (LRR) with medial patellofemoral reconstruction (MPFLR). Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that a deeper understanding of the interplay between anatomic factors may optimize surgical prioritization and improve clinical outcomes. The combined surgical approach should be reserved for meticulously selected cases with substantial anatomic risk factors, while isolated MPFLR may prove adequate for cases with milder grade risk factors. To enhance individualized treatment strategies and improve outcomes for patients with LPD, deeper insights into the interaction of anatomical factors, supported by higher‐quality clinical research and advancements in biomechanical modeling, are essential.
17 April 2025 in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Objective: This study analyzed the effects of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) injury and varying degrees of lateral retinacular release (LRR) on patellofemoral joint (PFJ) contact pressure using finite element analysis (FEA).Methods: A PFJ FE model was developed and validated at four knee flexion angles (0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°) using imaging data from a patient with A-B trochlear dysplasia and critical abnormalities of patella alta and tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) value. MPFL injury was simulated by inhibiting its function, while LRR was modeled by adjusting the stiffness of the lateral retinaculum. Changes in PFJ contact pressure were systematically analyzed.Results: At 0° flexion, LRR led to increased PFJ pressure with an intact MPFL, whereas it resulted in a reduction with a ruptured MPFL. At 30° flexion, partial LRR didn’t elevate PFJ pressure when MPFL was intact, while complete LRR did with both intact and ruptured MPFL. At 60° flexion, partial LRR effectively reduced PFJ pressure, but complete release reversed this effect. At 90° flexion, PFJ pressure increased with the extent of LRR, irrespective of MPFL integrity. Specifically, complete LRR led to an increase in medial pressure, resulting in a shift of the pressure center from lateral to medial at 30° and 60° flexion.Clinical Implications: This study provides new theoretical basis for the expected outcomes of varying degrees of LRR, which helps clinicians better conduct preoperative planning, especially in avoiding over - aggressive LRR procedures which may not yield improved outcomes.Conclusion: In patients with A- B trochlear dysplasia and critical abnormalities, excessive LRR does not consistently lower PFJ pressure but rather increases medial compartment pressure, suggesting that partial release may be a more effective and precise surgical approach in these patients.