Orthopedic infections are challenging pathologies that impose a heavy burden on patients and the healthcare system. Antimicrobial therapy is a critical component of the successful management of orthopedic infections, but its effectiveness depends on patient-, surgery-, drug-, and hospital-related factors. The dramatic increase in the emergence of multidrug-resistant microbial strains necessitates new clinical approaches in order to prevent or limit this phenomenon and to ensure a favorable therapeutic outcome. The present paper reviews the currently available antimicrobial strategies in the management of orthopedic infections, highlighting their clinical use related to the occurrence of microbial resistance. Some approaches for reducing antibiotic resistance emergence in orthopedics are also presented. The use of antibiotics tailored to the microorganism’s sensitivity profile, patient factors, and pharmacokinetic profile in terms of monotherapy or combinations, the understanding of microbial pathogenicity and resistance patterns, strict control measures in healthcare facilities, the development of new antimicrobial therapies (drugs, devices, technologies), and patient education for improving compliance and tolerance are some of the most important tools for overcoming microbial resistance.

Background/Objectives: Degenerative processes of the hip joint increasingly affect not only the articular cartilage but also periarticular structures such as the joint capsule and acetabular labrum. This study aimed to investigate the structural and molecular changes occurring in these tissues during advanced hip osteoarthritis. Methods: A combined analysis using immunohistochemistry (IHC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro-computed tomography (microCT) was conducted on tissue samples from patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and from controls with morphologically normal joints. Markers associated with proliferation (Ki67), inflammation (CD68), angiogenesis (CD31, ERG), chondrogenesis (SOX9), and lubrication (Lubricin) were evaluated. Results: The pathological group showed increased expression of Ki67, CD68, CD31, ERG, and SOX9, with a notable decrease in Lubricin. SEM analysis revealed ultrastructural disorganization, collagen fragmentation, and neovascular remodeling in degenerative samples. A significant correlation between structural damage and molecular expression was identified. Conclusions: These results suggest that joint capsule and acetabular labrum degeneration are interconnected and reflect a broader pathophysiological continuum, supporting the use of integrated IHC and SEM profiling for early detection and targeted intervention in hip joint disease.

Background: The epiphyseal vascularization of long bones generates a particular flow pattern that is important for adequate angiogenesis to be achieved. Imaging reveals that vessel development in murine long bone involves the expansion and anastomotic fusion of endothelial buds. Impaired blood flow leads to defective angiogenesis and osteogenesis and downregulation of Notch signaling in endothelial cells. We examined whether altered blood flow and endothelial signaling via the Notch pathway—a highly conserved cell–cell communication mechanism that regulates angiogenesis and vascular remodeling—contributes to hip joint degeneration. Material and Methods: In our study, we used two groups of patients. The first is a control group of 15 patients without degenerative joint pathology. The second group consists of 51 patients diagnosed with an advanced form of degenerative joint pathology. On both study groups, we used immunohistochemical markers that highlight the endothelium of epiphyseal capillaries, the collagen matrix, and the presence of joint lubricant-secreting cells. Ultrastructural analysis was performed on hematoxylin-eosin slides that were exposed to a surface electron microscope, following a previously tested protocol. Results: The results of our study show that there are numerous anastomoses between epiphyseal vessels and that these capillaries persist even after pathological bone resorption, for a certain period of time. Discussions: Our results are complementary to recent studies on this research topic that emphasize the possibility that the main cause of joint degeneration is vascular. Revascularization of an area of bone demineralization after bone infarction has become a reality. Conclusions: This study opens new perspectives regarding the research on epiphyseal capillary vascularization and the modern concept of morpho functional rehabilitation of the hip joint.

The Morus genus comprises several tree species whose fruits are used in human nutrition, while the leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to highlight the antioxidant, cholinesterase inhibitory, and neuroprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extracts from Morus alba (MAE) and Morus nigra (MNE) leaves. RP-UHPLC-PDA analysis of extracts revealed the presence of polyphenols in higher quantities in MNE extract compared to MAE. Both extracts demonstrated antioxidant properties in the hydroxyl radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. MNE exhibited a superior antioxidant capacity compared to MAE; the IC₅₀ values for the inhibition of plasma lipid oxidation assay were 25.31 ± 2.54 µg/mL for MNE and 29.85 ± 0.97 µg/mL for MAE. Both extracts showed cholinesterase inhibitory activity. The IC₅₀ values for acetylcholinesterase inhibition were 24.34 ± 0.86 µg/mL for MNE and 46.87 ± 2.16 µg/mL for MAE. The inhibitory potency of MNE was comparable to that of galantamine, which was used as standard. Both extracts reversed, in a dose-dependent manner, the scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment and behavioural alterations in scopolamine-treated zebrafish (Danio rerio) as evaluated by the Y-maze test, novel tank diving test, and novel object recognition test.

With the rise in longevity within the population, medicine continues to encounter fresh hurdles necessitating prompt actions, among which are those associated with hip joint aging. Age-related arthropathies encompass damage to bones’ articulating extremities and their supporting structures, such as articular cartilage, and alterations in the quantity and quality of synovial fluid. This study aims to summarize the biomolecular methods of hip joint evaluation focused on its vascularization, using data correlated with biomolecular research on other joints and tissues, in order to reach an objective opinion of the study prospects in this field. Following a retrospective study on most modern biomolecular research methods on the synovium, the capsule, and the articular cartilage of the hip joint, we have hereby concretized certain future research directions in this field that will improve the qualitative and morphofunctional management of the hip joint at an advanced age, even within population categories at risk of developing various degenerative joint pathologies.