ijms-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Molecular Advances in Orthopedic Trauma and Therapy

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 May 2024) | Viewed by 7246

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Gruca Orthopaedic and Trauma Teaching Hospital, Konarskiego 13, Otwock, Poland
Interests: human musculoskeletal disorders; clinical orthopedics; knee surgery; tissue regeneration; biomaterials; joint preservation surgery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Molecular advances in orthopedic trauma and therapy are driving transformative improvements in patient outcomes. Novel biomaterials and technologies are revolutionizing orthopedic treatments, enhancing durability, and improving patient compatibility.

In the realm of diagnostics, molecular and genetic tools are allowing for more accurate, early stage diagnosis of orthopedic conditions. The integration of AI and machine learning algorithms also contributes to the sophistication of these diagnostic tools.

Finally, the regenerative orthopedics, underpinned by advances in stem cell research and tissue engineering, is gaining momentum. The potential to regrow or repair damaged bone or cartilage is no longer science fiction.

Embracing the molecular, biological, cellular, and material research in orthopedics is vital. This multidisciplinary approach promotes innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery time. Hence, it is important to explore these fields for the betterment of orthopedics.

Works regarding molecular, biological, cellular, and material research are encouraged.

Dr. Rafal Kamiński
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • regenerative medicine
  • molecular diagnostics
  • biomaterials
  • cartilage repair
  • bone healing
  • meniscal lesions
  • tendons and ligament injuries
  • cell therapy
  • gene therapy
  • tissue engineering

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 3110 KiB  
Article
Metabolic Imbalances and Bone Remodeling Agents in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Study in Postmenarcheal Girls
by Anna Danielewicz, Magdalena Wójciak, Ireneusz Sowa, Monika Kusz, Joanna Wessely-Szponder, Sławomir Dresler and Michał Latalski
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(17), 13286; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713286 - 27 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1538
Abstract
The causes and mechanisms underlying adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remain unclear, and the available information regarding metabolic imbalances in AIS is still insufficient. This investigation aimed to evaluate the concentrations of specific bone remodeling-related agents in postmenarcheal girls diagnosed with AIS. The study [...] Read more.
The causes and mechanisms underlying adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remain unclear, and the available information regarding metabolic imbalances in AIS is still insufficient. This investigation aimed to evaluate the concentrations of specific bone remodeling-related agents in postmenarcheal girls diagnosed with AIS. The study encompassed thirty-six scoliosis patients and eighteen age-matched healthy individuals assigned to the control group. The patients underwent clinical and radiological examinations to assess the degree of the spinal deformity, type of curvature, and skeletal maturity. Blood and urine samples were collected from all participants and serological markers were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our study results demonstrated that the balance of phosphate–calcium and parathormone levels seems normal in individuals with AIS. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were observed in the content of Klotho protein, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), sclerostin, and alkaline phosphatase. Nevertheless, the serum levels of vitamin D (25-OH-D) were lowered, while N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) were increased in the AIS group, with p-values of 0.044, 0.001, and 0.022, respectively. This finding indicates the potential involvement of these factors in the progression of AIS, which necessitates further studies to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying idiopathic scoliosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Orthopedic Trauma and Therapy)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 742 KiB  
Review
Advances in Gouty Arthritis Management: Integration of Established Therapies, Emerging Treatments, and Lifestyle Interventions
by Ting-Kuo Yao, Ru-Ping Lee, Wen-Tien Wu, Ing-Ho Chen, Tzai-Chiu Yu and Kuang-Ting Yeh
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10853; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910853 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1035
Abstract
Gouty arthritis, a prevalent inflammatory condition characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals within joints, often results in debilitating pain and inflammation. Conventional therapeutic approaches, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and urate-lowering agents such as allopurinol and febuxostat, often have limitations such [...] Read more.
Gouty arthritis, a prevalent inflammatory condition characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals within joints, often results in debilitating pain and inflammation. Conventional therapeutic approaches, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and urate-lowering agents such as allopurinol and febuxostat, often have limitations such as adverse effects, drug interactions, and suboptimal patient compliance. This review presents a comprehensive overview of both established and emerging therapeutic strategies, developed between 2019 and 2024, for gouty arthritis; the review focuses on their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles. Novel therapeutic approaches include pharmaceutical plant additives (e.g., Citrullus colocynthis, Atractylodes lancea), anti-inflammatory agents such as canakinumab and ozone therapy, and complementary therapies such as warm ginger compresses, Qingpeng ointment, and various lifestyle modifications. These strategies offer promising alternatives to conventional treatments by targeting uric acid metabolism, inflammatory pathways, and crystal formation, potentially reducing reliance on standard medications and minimizing adverse effects. Although therapies such as canakinumab have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing gout flares, others such as polyphenol-rich foods offer favorable safety profiles. Further research, including large-scale clinical trials, is warranted to validate these findings and integrate these strategies into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Orthopedic Trauma and Therapy)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 995 KiB  
Review
Molecular Biology of Meniscal Healing: A Narrative Review
by Ewa Tramś and Rafał Kamiński
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25020768 - 7 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2217
Abstract
This review provides insights at the molecular level into the current and old methods for treating meniscal injuries. Meniscal injuries have been found to have a substantial impact on the progression of osteoarthritis. In line with the “save the meniscus” approach, meniscectomy is [...] Read more.
This review provides insights at the molecular level into the current and old methods for treating meniscal injuries. Meniscal injuries have been found to have a substantial impact on the progression of osteoarthritis. In line with the “save the meniscus” approach, meniscectomy is considered a last-resort treatment. Nevertheless, it is important to note that mechanical repair alone may not achieve the complete restoration of the meniscus. A deep understanding of the healing pathways could lead to future improvements in meniscal healing. The inclusion of cytokines and chemokines has the potential to facilitate the process of tear repair or impede the inflammatory catabolic cascade. MicroRNA (miRNA) could serve as a potential biomarker for meniscal degeneration, and RNA injections might promote collagen and growth factor production. The critical aspect of the healing process is angiogenesis within the inner zone of the meniscus. The use of collagen scaffolds and the implantation of autologous meniscus fragments have been successfully integrated into clinical settings. These findings are encouraging and underscore the need for well-designed clinical trials to explore the most effective factors that can enhance the process of meniscal repair. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Orthopedic Trauma and Therapy)
Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 1767 KiB  
Review
Articular Cartilage—From Basic Science Structural Imaging to Non-Invasive Clinical Quantitative Molecular Functional Information for AI Classification and Prediction
by Bodo Kurz, Thomas Lange, Marita Voelker, Melanie L. Hart and Bernd Rolauffs
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(19), 14974; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914974 - 7 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1894
Abstract
This review presents the changes that the imaging of articular cartilage has undergone throughout the last decades. It highlights that the expectation is no longer to image the structure and associated functions of articular cartilage but, instead, to devise methods for generating non-invasive, [...] Read more.
This review presents the changes that the imaging of articular cartilage has undergone throughout the last decades. It highlights that the expectation is no longer to image the structure and associated functions of articular cartilage but, instead, to devise methods for generating non-invasive, function-depicting images with quantitative information that is useful for detecting the early, pre-clinical stage of diseases such as primary or post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA/PTOA). In this context, this review summarizes (a) the structure and function of articular cartilage as a molecular imaging target, (b) quantitative MRI for non-invasive assessment of articular cartilage composition, microstructure, and function with the current state of medical diagnostic imaging, (c), non-destructive imaging methods, (c) non-destructive quantitative articular cartilage live-imaging methods, (d) artificial intelligence (AI) classification of degeneration and prediction of OA progression, and (e) our contribution to this field, which is an AI-supported, non-destructive quantitative optical biopsy for early disease detection that operates on a digital tissue architectural fingerprint. Collectively, this review shows that articular cartilage imaging has undergone profound changes in the purpose and expectations for which cartilage imaging is used; the image is becoming an AI-usable biomarker with non-invasive quantitative functional information. This may aid in the development of translational diagnostic applications and preventive or early therapeutic interventions that are yet beyond our reach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Orthopedic Trauma and Therapy)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop