Osteoarthritis (OA) poses a significant challenge in orthopedics. Inflammatory pathways are regarded as central mechanisms in the onset and progression of OA. Growing evidence suggests that senescence acts as a mediator in inflammation-induced OA. Given the lack of effective treatments for OA, there is an urgent need for a clearer understanding of its pathogenesis. In this review, we systematically summarize the cross-talk between cellular senescence and inflammation in OA. We begin by focusing on the mechanisms and hallmarks of cellular senescence, summarizing evidence that supports the relationship between cellular senescence and inflammation. We then discuss the mechanisms of interaction between cellular senescence and inflammation, including senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP) and the effects of pro- and anti-inflammatory interventions on cellular senescence. Additionally, we focus on various types of cellular senescence in OA, including senescence in cartilage, subchondral bone, synovium, infrapatellar fat pad, stem cells, and immune cells, elucidating their mechanisms and impacts on OA. Finally, we highlight the potential of therapies targeting senescent cells in OA as a strategy for promoting cartilage regeneration.

Purpose: In recent years, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for hallux valgus has emerged and gained popularity. To date, evidence on the benefits of MIS for hallux valgus is still controversial. This updated meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the efficiency of MIS vs. open surgery for hallux valgus. Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed. Two independent reviewers conducted data extraction and analyzed data with R software. Data were presented with risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) along with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: A total of 22 studies in which there were 790 ft treated with the MIS procedure and 838 ft treated with an open procedure were included. The correction of sesamoid position was better in the MIS group. The post-operative distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) of the MIS group was lower. There was less pain at the early phase in the MIS group. The MIS group had a shorter surgery time and shorter hospitalization time compared with the open group. Our meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in hallux valgus angle (HVA), first intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the first metatarsal shortening, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score at the final follow-up or complication rate (when all studies were considered). When taking into consideration only randomized controlled trial (RCT), the AOFAS score was higher in the MIS group while HVA, IMA, DMAA, and complication rate remained no significance. Post-operative IMA of the MIS group was significantly lower when only studies reporting the second-generation (2G) MIS were included. When just studies adopting the third-generation (3G) MIS were included, the HVA and DMAA were lower in the MIS group. Conclusion: The MIS procedures were more effective than open surgeries in the treatment of hallux valgus. Moreover, the MIS group achieved better radiologic and clinical outcomes compared with the open group.

Successful regeneration of cartilage tissue at a clinical scale has been a tremendous challenge in the past decades. Microcarriers (MCs), usually used for cell and drug delivery, have been studied broadly across a wide range of medical fields, especially the cartilage tissue engineering (TE). Notably, microcarrier systems provide an attractive method for regulating cell phenotype and microtissue maturations, they also serve as powerful injectable carriers and are combined with new technologies for cartilage regeneration. In this review, we introduced the typical methods to fabricate various types of microcarriers and discussed the appropriate materials for microcarriers. Furthermore, we highlighted recent progress of applications and general design principle for microcarriers. Finally, we summarized the current challenges and promising prospects of microcarrier-based systems for medical applications. Overall, this review provides comprehensive and systematic guidelines for the rational design and applications of microcarriers in cartilage TE.