Healing of an anterior cruciate ligament graft in bone tunnel yields weaker fibrous scar tissue, which may prolong an already prolonged healing process within the tendon–bone interface. In this study, gelatin molecules were added to thermosensitive chitosan/β-glycerol phosphate disodium salt hydrogels to form chitosan/gelatin/β-glycerol phosphate (C/G/GP) hydrogels, which were applied to 0.1 mg/mL collagenase carrier in the tendon–bone junction. New Zealand white rabbit’s long digital extensor tendon was detached and translated into a 2.5-mm diameter tibial plateau tunnel. Thirty-six rabbits underwent bilateral surgery and hydrogel injection treatment with and without collagenase. Histological analyses revealed early healing and more bone formation at the tendon–bone interface after collagenase partial digestion. The area of metachromasia significantly increased in both 4-week and 8-week groups after collagenase treatment (p < 0.01). Micro computed tomography showed a significant increase in total bone volume and bone volume/tissue volume in the 8 weeks after collagenase treatment, compared with the control group. Load-to-failure was significantly higher in the treated group at 8 weeks (23.8 ± 8.13 N vs 14.3 ± 3.9 N; p = 0.008). Treatment with collagenase digestion resulted in a 66% increase in pull-out strength. In conclusion, injection of C/G/GP hydrogel with collagenase improves tendon-to-bone healing in a rabbit model.

Nanomedicine's merging with artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing cancer theranostics through precise creation of multifunctional nano

Recent nanotechnological advancements have resulted in a paradigm shift in biosensing applications through the advent of nanoplasmonic biosensors. These devices integrate nanomaterials with phenomena like surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and localized SPR (LSPR) to address the critical diagnostic and analytical needs across medicine, food safety, and drug discovery. Leveraging metals like gold and silver, these sensors exhibit enhanced optical and electronic properties, enabling the detection of biomolecules at ultralow concentrations. However, despite their transformative potential, challenges concerning stability, reproducibility, cost-efficiency, and scalability impede widespread implementation. This review offers a rigorous analysis of nanoplasmonic biosensors, emphasizing their underlying operational mechanisms and diverse applications. It also delves into design paradigms, fabrication protocols, and optimization strategies while concurrently examining prevailing challenges and prospective advancements. Furthermore, it highlights emerging trends, such as hybrid plasmonic nanostructures, conferring advantages in miniaturization, automation, and high-throughput analysis, thereby establishing a robust foundation for future innovation in the field.

Autogenous bone grafts are the gold standard for interbody fusion implant materials; however, they have several disadvantages. Tantalum (Ta) and titanium (Ti) are ideal materials for interbody cages because of their biocompatibility, particularly when they are incorporated into a three-dimensional (3D) porous structure. We conducted an in vitro investigation of the cell attachment and osteogenic markers of self-fabricated uniform porous Ti (20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%), nonporous Ti, and porous Ta cages (n = 6) in each group. Cell attachment, osteogenic markers, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. An in vivo study was performed using a pig-posterior-instrumented anterior interbody fusion model to compare the porous Ti (60%), nonporous Ti, and porous Ta interbody cages in 12 pigs. Implant migration and subsidence, determined using plain radiographs, were recorded before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Harvested implants were assessed for bone ingrowth and attachment. Relative to the 20% and 40% porous Ti cages, the 60% and 80% cages achieved superior cellular migration into cage pores. Among the cages, osteogenic marker and ALP activity levels were the highest in the 60% porous Ti cage, osteocalcin expression was the highest in the nonporous Ti cage, and the 60% porous Ti cage exhibited the lowest subsidence. In conclusion, the designed porous Ti cage is biocompatible and suitable for lumbar interbody fusion surgery and exhibits faster fusion with less subsidence compared with porous Ta and nonporous Ti cages.

The interference screw fixation method is used to secure a graft in the tibial tunnel during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. However, several complications have been reported, such as biodegradable screw breakage, inflammatory or foreign body reaction, tunnel enlargement, and delayed graft healing. Using additive manufacturing (AM) technology, we developed a titanium alloy (Ti₆Al₄V) interference screw with chemically calcium phosphate surface modification technology to improve bone integration in the tibial tunnel. After chemical and heat treatment, the titanium screw formed a dense apatite layer on the metal surface in simulated body fluid. Twenty-seven New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into control and additive manufactured (AMD) screw groups. The long digital extensor tendon was detached and translated into a tibial plateau tunnel (diameter: 2.0 mm) and transfixed with an interference screw while the paw was in dorsiflexion. Biomechanical analyses, histological analyses, and an imaging study were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months. The biomechanical test showed that the ultimate pull-out load failure was significantly higher in the AMD screw group in all tested periods. Micro-computed tomography analyses revealed early woven bone formation in the AMD screw group at 1 and 3 months. In conclusion, AMD screws with bioactive surface modification improved bone ingrowth and enhanced biomechanical performance in a rabbit model.

Spinal sarcopenia is a complex and multifactorial disorder associated with a loss of strength, increased frailty, and increased risks of fractures and falls. In addition, spinal sarcopenia has been associated with lumbar spine disorders and osteoporosis, which renders making decisions on treatment modalities difficult. Patients with spinal sarcopenia typically exhibit lower cumulative survival, a higher risk of in-hospital complications, prolonged hospital stays, higher postoperative costs, and higher rates of blood transfusion after thoracolumbar spine surgery. Several studies have focused on the relationships between spinal sarcopenia, appendicular muscle mass, and bone-related problems—such as osteoporotic fractures and low bone mineral density—and malnutrition and vitamin D deficiency. Although several techniques are available for measuring sarcopenia, each of them has its advantages and shortcomings. For treating spinal sarcopenia, nutrition, physical therapy, and medication have been proven to be effective; regenerative therapeutic options seem to be promising owing to their repair and regeneration potential. Therefore, in this narrative review, we summarize the characteristics, detection methodologies, and treatment options for spinal sarcopenia, as well as its role in spinal disorders.