BACKGROUND Cartilage injuries are challenging to treat due to limited self-healing. Standard treatments often lead to the formation of less durable fibrocartilage. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a polyphenolic compound, can improve cartilage repair. This animal study aimed to evaluate the histological effects of intra-articular injection of CAPE on cartilage repair in a rat model of microfracture of the knee joint. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups. A cartilage defect was created in all groups, but Group A received no further intervention. Group B underwent a microfracture. Group C received intra-articular CAPE in the presence of a defect, without microfracture. Group D underwent both microfracture and CAPE treatment. Also, each rat underwent bilateral surgery, with one knee receiving CAPE (150 µg/kg) and the other receiving a control solution. After 28 days, histological analysis was performed on the cartilage tissue samples obtained from the defect sites by using the International Cartilage Research Society (ICRS-I and -II) visual assessment scale. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests to compare histological scores between groups, with significance set at P<0.05. RESULTS Intra-articular CAPE significantly improved histopathological outcomes across several parameters, including reduced inflammation (P<0.05), enhanced tissue morphology (P<0.05), and improved cartilage matrix staining (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in chondrocyte clustering or surface architecture among the groups. CONCLUSIONS Intra-articular CAPE enhances cartilage healing by improving tissue morphology and cartilage matrix quality.

Background: The impact of thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) bracing on sagittal spinopelvic alignment and psychosocial outcomes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains debated. Methods: This retrospective comparative study included 120 girls (10–18 years) with AIS (baseline Cobb angle 20–40°) and skeletal immaturity (Risser 0–1). Patients were managed with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) brace (n = 60) or observation alone (n = 60). Standing posteroanterior and lateral full-spine radiographs were obtained at baseline and at 24 ± 6 months; follow-up radiographs were acquired out of brace after a standardized 48 h brace-free interval. They were used to measure coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters. Patient-reported outcomes included the Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ), Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The primary endpoint was curve progression (≥5° increase or exceeding 40°) at 24 months. Multivariable regression was used to adjust for baseline Cobb angle and maturity. Mean follow-up was 24 ± 6 months. Results: Mean Cobb change was +1.2° in the brace group vs. +7.3° in the observation group (group × time interaction p < 0.001). Progression (≥5°) occurred in 15% vs. 45%, respectively, and 18% of observed patients exceeded 40° (risk ratio 0.33, 95% CI 0.17–0.65; number needed to treat 4, 95% CI 3–7). Sagittal spinopelvic parameters showed no significant group-by-time interaction. No significant between-group differences were observed in SRS-22r, PedsQL, SAQ, TAPS, or BDI at baseline or follow-up. Patients with curve progression exhibited worse appearance-related scores. In multivariable analysis, depressive symptoms were the strongest determinant of PedsQL (β = −0.55, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Brace treatment was associated with reduced curve progression in girls with moderate AIS. Over approximately two years of follow-up, we did not observe clinically relevant between-group differences in sagittal spinopelvic alignment or psychosocial patient-reported outcomes. Given the retrospective, non-randomized design and self-reported adherence, psychosocial findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in prospective, objectively monitored, psychologically informed bracing studies.

Background: Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are common in elderly individuals, and various surgical options exist for the treatment of Neer type 3 and type 4 fractures. This study aimed to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of locking plate osteosynthesis (LPO), hemiarthroplasty (HA), and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on 44 patients with Neer type 3 or 4 PHFs who underwent LPO, HA, or RTSA. The Constant‒Murley score (CMS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score were evaluated. Range of motion was measured in terms of forward flexion, extension, abduction, and internal/external rotation. Results: The mean age was 76.6 ± 4.2 years, and the majority of the patients were female (70%). Compared with the LPO and RTSA groups, the HA group demonstrated significantly worse functional outcomes (CMS: 50.6 ± 2.3; ASES: 60.1 ± 2.3; DASH: 37.5 ± 2.3) and range of motion (p