Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Acta Haematol 2021 Jun 15:1-5. Epub 2021 Jun 15.

Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli" IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a rare entity in the adult acute leukemia setting. Translocation (9;22)(q34;q11) and BCR-ABL1 rearrangement are occasionally found in T-ALL and have been reported in no more than 100 cases in the literature (most of which are chronic myeloid leukemia blast crisis). Here, we report the remarkable effectiveness of third-generation tyrosine-kinase inhibitor ponatinib in obtaining hematological and metabolic remission, in a patient with Philadelphia chromosome-positive de novo T-ALL and outcomes of a therapeutic strategy containing chemotherapy intensification, nelarabine, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Read More

Acta Biomater 2021 Jun 12. Epub 2021 Jun 12.

Department of Biomaterials, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.

Upon placement of an implant into living bone, an interface is formed through which various biochemical, biological, physical and mechanical processes and interactions take place. This interface evolves over time as the mechanical properties of peri-implant bone increase. Owing to the multifactorial nature of interfacial processes, it is challenging to devise a comprehensive model for predicting the mechanical behavior of the bone-implant interface. Read More

Acta Biomater 2021 Jun 12. Epub 2021 Jun 12.

Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2201 West End Ave, Nashville TN 37235; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2201 West End Ave, Nashville TN 37235; Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Dr., Nashville, TN 37212; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Dr., Nashville, TN 37217. Electronic address:

Most fractures heal by a combination of endochondral and intramembranous ossification dependent upon strain and vascularity at the fracture site. Many biomaterials-based bone regeneration strategies rely on the use of calcium phosphates such as nano-crystalline hydroxyapatite (nHA) to create bone-like scaffolds. In this study, nHA was dispersed in reactive polymers to form composite scaffolds that were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Read More

Acta Biomater 2021 Jun 12. Epub 2021 Jun 12.

MoVe, Laboratoire interdisciplinaire de physique, CNRS UMR 5588, Université Grenoble Alpes, St-Martin d'Hères, France.

The extra cellular matrix plays a major role in the biomechanical properties of tissues that impact cell behavior and fate. It is therefore crucial to mimic these complex cell-matrix interactions in 3D cell cultures. Here, two-photon polymerization is applied to produce gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) - collagen matrixes that further enable local pO measurement, when ruthenium complexes are used as photo-activators. Read More

Acta Biomater 2021 Jun 12. Epub 2021 Jun 12.

Department of Biomechanical Engineering, TU Delft, Mekelweg 2, 2628CD Delft, The Netherlands.

The organization and shape of the microstructural elements of trabecular bone govern its physical properties, are implicated in bone disease, and serve as blueprints for biomaterial design. To devise fundamental structure-property relationships and design truly bone-mimicking biomaterials, it is essential to characterize trabecular bone structure from the perspective of geometry, the mathematical study of shape. Using micro-CT images from 70 donors at five different sites, we analyze the local and global geometry of human trabecular bone in detail, respectively by quantifying surface curvatures and Minkowski functionals. Read More

Acta Biomater 2021 Jun 12. Epub 2021 Jun 12.

Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China.; Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, 8 Caobao Road, Shanghai 200235, P.R. China.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious cardiac complication of diabetes that currently lacks specific treatment. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been proved to have cardioprotective effect in DCM. However, the insufficient cardiac delivery effect of FGF21 limits its application in DCM. Read More

Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021 Jun 12:188580. Epub 2021 Jun 12.

Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China. Electronic address:

Nerve fibres are distributed throughout the body along with blood and lymphatic vessels. The intrinsic morphological characteristics of nerves and the general characteristics of secretions in the tumour microenvironment provide a solid theoretical basis for exploring how neuronal tissue can influence the progression of laryngeal cancer (LC). The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) jointly control many aspects of cancer and have attracted widespread attention in the study of the progression, invasion and metastasis of tumour tissue banks. Read More

Acta Trop 2021 Jun 12:106010. Epub 2021 Jun 12.

Ecodevelopment SA, Thessaloniki, Greece.

During the 2020 West Nile virus (WNV) transmission season, Greece was the most affected EU Member State. More than one third of human cases occurred in Serres regional unit in northern Greece, which is characterized by the presence of a major wetland (Kerkini lake and Strimon river). A total of 2809 Culex pipiens mosquitoes collected in Serres were grouped into 70 pools and tested for WNV. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):197-200

The objective of the study is aimed to evaluate results of our pediatric patients with big and deep-seated lipomatous tumors Results of 32 children who underwent resection for 5 cm or larger and deep-seated lipomas were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 9.1 years (range, 0-16 ; 11 female/21 male), and median follow-up period was 3. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):191-196

Pedicle-based dynamic stabilization (PBDS) devices such as Dynesys are promoted as an alternative and less invasive option for rigid stabilization of one and even more levels of the lumbar spine. Promising features of the Dynesys system, as well as shortcomings, became obvious in several clinical studies. Since 2012, we started using a new PBDS device as an alternative for the Dynesys, to avoid the screw loosening and the kyphosing effect. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):181-190

Controversy surrounding the classification of thoracolumbar injuries has given rise to various classification systems over the years, including the most recent AOSpine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System (ATLICS). This systematic review aims to provide an up-to-date evaluation of the literature, including assessment of a further three studies not analysed in previous reviews. In doing so, this is the first systematic review to include the reliability among non-spine subspecialty professionals and to document the wide variety between reliability across studies, particularly with regard to sub-type classification. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):175-179

Obtaining a spine that is well balanced after fusion for scoliotic deformity is primordial for the patients' quality of life. A simple T-shaped instrument combined with standard intraoperative fluoroscopy can be of great help to evaluate the coronal alignment quickly. The aim of this study was to evaluate if a T-shaped device could predict the postoperative coronal balance. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):167-173

The femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) is seen as the golden standard treatment in children with cerebral palsy and internal rotated gait. This study provides quantitative evidence in support of the beneficial effect of FDO after long term follow up. Retrospective clinical and kinematic evaluation of 31 CP patients (55 operated limbs) pre-, 1 and 3 years postoperatively after proximal FDO was conducted for a minimal follow-up of 3 years. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):159-166

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have an increased risk of sustaining fractures during their preschool years. Supracondylar humerus fractures (SHFs) comprise the majority of fracture surgeries in the pediatric age range. We hypothesized that ADHD symptoms would be present in children with SHFs, and this characteristic trauma may be associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):151-157

A brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) can lead to a limited shoulder function, especially abduction and external rotation. One of the treatment options to restore those shoulder functions is a latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT). The aim of this study is to analyze long-term functional outcome after a single LDT and compare these results with LDT combined with subscapularis muscle lengthening (SSL) or subscapularis muscle release (SSR). Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):143-149

The literature on forearm overgrowth after plating in traumatic conditions is relatively poor though this technique can be useful when intra-medullary nailing is not sufficient in pediatric cases. The goal of this study was to assess a potential overgrowth after plating and identify impact on function. We conducted a retrospective study of all pediatric patients who underwent open surgery of the radius and/or ulna diaphysis with internal fixation by plating, in our institution, between October 2013 and July 2019. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):137-142

The purpose is to determine if ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition (LRTI) is a recommendable salvage option for failed total joint prosthesis of the first carpometacarpal joint. Twenty-two patients in our database met the in- clusion criteria for this retrospective study, with at least 6 months follow-up. Fourteen participated and were invited for a clinical examination and asked to fill out two questionnaires. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):125-136

The study aim is to evaluate functional and radio- logical outcomes following a suggested protocol based on the four-column classification for management of posterolateral column tibial plateau fractures. A prospective cohort study was performed in level I academic center on 42 patients with mean age of 36 years (22-59). Eleven patients had isolated posterolateral column fractures whereas 31 patients had associated columns fractures. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):117-124

Data on return to work and sport following open wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) have been underreported. Furthermore, there is no clear consensus in literature about the postoperative alignment goals following HTO. A retrospective case series was performed to evaluate return to sport and work following open wedge HTO. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):111-116

Purpose: distal femoral periprosthetic fracture (DFPPF) is a serious complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recently, treatment of DFPPF with distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA) has gained popularity because of its posited benefits for both patients and the medical system. Short-term follow-up trials investigating DFA have demonstrated acceptable results with regards to function, pain relief and lower postoperative complications than ORIF in elderly patients. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):103-109

Firstly, this study compared the rate of readmission after a total knee arthroplasty between selected out- patients (no hospitalization, directly sent home after surgery) and inpatients (3 days hospitalization) at 6 weeks. Secondly, it examined the mobility and the complications in the two groups after the same period of time. The rate of readmission, complications and knee mobility of 32 outpatients (M-age : 61 years ± 10 ; 10 females), were compared against those of 32 birth- matched inpatients (M-age : 64 years ± 8. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):93-102

Knee osteochondral defects are a common problem among people, especially young and active patients. So effective joint preserving surgeries is essential to prevent or even delay the onset of osteoarthritis for these group of patients. This study aims to critically appraise and evaluate the evidence for the results and effectiveness of femoral condyle resurfacing (HemiCAP/ UniCAP) in treatment of patients with focal femoral condyle cartilage defect. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):85-92

Open tibia fracture (OTF) treatment is well documented in developed countries. Yet, this fracture pattern remains challenging because it is associated with an increased risk of infection and delayed union, particularly in case of Gustilo III B and C open fractures. Since access to healthcare is limited in Sub- Saharan African countries, this paper explores the results of OTF management in this setting. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):73-83

Approximately 20% amongst patients are dissatisfied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Bicruciate retaining (BCR) TKA offers superior knee kinematics and proprioception, but many surgeons abandoned its use because of complications and technical difficulties. Recently, two new BCR implant designs were introduced : Vanguard XP (Zimmer Biomet) and Journey XR (Smith&Nephew). Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):65-71

Plain radiographic assessment of primary total hip arthroplasty following surgery remains to be the commonest radiological assessment. The current paper, studies the accuracy and concordance between observers reviewing these radiographs. A prospective radiographic and medical note review of ten patients who underwent total hip replacement for primary osteoarthritis, with a mean age of 69 years. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):55-64

High-quality and cost-effective health care are highly recommended especially in joint replacement surgeries, particularly in total hip arthroplasty. Therefore, it is indispensable for orthopaedic surgeons to spot the potential areas of quality improvement. Evaluating the efficacy of the different ways of skin closure is an unacknowledged topic. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):47-54

The aim of this study was to analyze presence of the morphological characteristics and prevalence of FAI in asymptomatic adolescents and assess the relation of skeletal maturation with development of FAI morphology. Abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) of 265 adolescents (9-19 years old) who were admitted to the emergency department between 2011 and 2016 were evaluated retrospectively. Radial reformatted CT images from the femoral neck were created using the multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) method. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):41-45

The concern of extensive fracturing and bone damage during implant removal has been reported for ingrowing stems, in particular in extended porous coated stems, potentially impeding successful re- implantation of a femoral revision implant and consequently debilitating patients for life. The aim of the present study is to describe this particular complication and comparing the occurrence in porous coated and hydroxyapatite (HA) coated femoral implants. 62 consecutive revision hip replacements were per- formed between January 2010 and December 2016 at a single academic institution. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):35-39

Current national guidelines (NICE) recommends that all medically fit, independently-mobile patients without cognitive impairment receive a total hip arTHAoplasty(THA) for displaced intracapsular neck of femur (NOF) fractures. Dislocation is a concern(2-10%). Dual mobility cups have been suggested to address this complication. Read More

Acta Orthop Belg 2021 Mar;87(1):25-34

Spontaneous subcapital fracture (SSF) of femoral neck in pre-existent osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) is a rare presentation. Only a few cases have been reported so far and majority of them have been reported to have unilateral hip involvement. We retrospectively reviewed clinical-radiological data of 10 patients (12 hips) with SSF complicating ONFH. Read More