The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of moderate physical activity (MPA) on the expression of osteoarthritis (OA)-related (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-13) and anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective (IL-4, IL-10, lubricin) biomarkers in the synovium of an OA-induced rat model. A total of 32 rats were divided into four groups: Control rats (Group 1); rats performing MPA (Group 2); anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)-rats with OA (Group 3); and, ACLT-rats performing MPA (Group 4). Analyses were performed using Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. In Group 3, OA biomarkers were significantly increased, whereas, IL-4, IL-10, and lubricin were significantly lower than in the other experimental groups. We hypothesize that MPA might partake in rescuing type B synoviocyte dysfunction at the early stages of OA, delaying the progression of the disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of kinesio taping (KT) in combination with moderate adapted exercise on the functional outcome of patients with knee osteoarthritis. We included 66 patients who presented pain and functional impairment with osteoarthritis. At the end of the treatment, only 57 patients remained because nine patients were excluded. Patients were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: (1) exercise group; (2) exercise KT with tension application (stabilizing effect) group; (3) exercise KT without tension application (draining effect) group. We used different methods of investigation: the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, the Visual Analogue Scaling Score for Pain, the Timed Up and Go test and analgesic consumption. Our results showed a reduction in knee pain, improvement in knee function and also less need for medication in patients with knee osteoarthritis treated with kinesio taping in combination with exercise for, at least, a period of three months. In conclusion, we can assert that therapeutic knee kinesio taping in association with a moderate adapted training is an effective method for the management of pain and disability limitations in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Background: During the last years, programs to enhance postoperative recovery and decrease morbidity after total knee arthroplasty, have been developed across a variety of surgical procedures and referred to as "Fast-Track Surgery". In this study we aimed to find some answers in the management of osteoarthritic patients subjected to total knee arthroplasty, by using the Fast-Track methodology. To this purpose we evaluated parameters such as early mobilization of patients, better pain management, bleeding, possible complications, reduced hospitalization time, an overall improved recovery and patient satisfaction.Methods: 132 patients were selected, of which, 95 treated with "Fast Track" method and 37 treated with traditional method (control group). All the patients were hospitalized and underwent the same rehabilitation program for the first three days after surgery. Results: In both groups, the parameters of pain and deformity demonstrated the most rapid improvement, while those of function and movement were normalized as gradual and progressive improvement over the next 2 months. The different functional test used (Barthel, MRC, VAS) showed that the mean values were significantly greater in Fast Track group when compared to the control. Conclusion: The results of the study confirm that the application of the Fast Track protocol in orthopaedics after total knee replacement results in rapid post-surgery recovery. Level of evidence: IV. Case series, low-quality cohort or case-control studies.

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Deficiency in vitamin D (Vit D) has been widely associated with several musculoskeletal diseases. However, the effects of the exogenous Vit D supplementation are still unclear in the prevention of the latter, especially in the cartilage developmental period. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Vit D supplementation and restriction on the articular cartilage development in healthy young sedentary rats. To this aim, twelve nine-week-old healthy Sprague–Dawley male rats were subjected to Vit D-based experimental diets: R, with a content in Vit D of 1400 IU/kg; R-DS, with a Vit D supplementation (4000 IU/kg); R-DR, with a Vit D restriction (0 IU/kg) for 10 weeks. The morphology, thickness and expression of cartilage-associated molecules such as collagen type II/X, lubricin and Vit D receptor (VDR), were assessed. Histological, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical evaluations were made on rat tibial cartilage samples. In the present experimental model, restriction of Vit D intake induced: The lower thickness of cartilage compared both to R (p = < 0.0001) and R-DS (p = < 0.0001); reduction of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix (ECM) compared both to R (p = 0.0359) and R-DS (p = < 0.0001); decreased collagen II (Col II) with respect both to R (p = 0.0076) and R-DS (p = 0.0016); increased collagen X (Col X) immunoexpression when compared both to R (p = < 0.0001) and R-DS (p = < 0.0001), confirming data from the literature. Instead, supplementation of Vit D intake induced: Higher cartilage thickness with respect both to R (p = 0.0071) and R-DR (p = < 0.0001); increase of ECM proteoglycan deposition compared both to R (p = 0.0175) and R-DR (p = < 0.0001); higher immunoexpression of lubricin with respect both to R (p = 0.001) and R-DR (p = 0.0008). These results suggest that Vit D supplementation with diet, already after 10 weeks, has a favorable impact on the articular cartilage thickness development, joint lubrication and ECM fibers deposition in a young healthy rat model.