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The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 101-B, Issue 6 | Pages 732 - 738
1 Jun 2019
Liu Q He H Zeng H Yuan Y Long F Tian J Luo W

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the surgical dislocation approach and modified trapdoor procedure for the treatment of chondroblastoma of the femoral head.

Patients and Methods

A total of 17 patients (ten boys, seven girls; mean age 16.4 years (11 to 26)) diagnosed with chondroblastoma of the femoral head who underwent surgical dislocation of the hip joint, modified trapdoor procedure, curettage, and bone grafting were enrolled in this study and were followed-up for a mean of 35.9 months (12 to 76). Healing and any local recurrence were assessed via clinical and radiological tests. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society scoring system (MSTS). Patterns of bone destruction were evaluated using the Lodwick classification. Secondary osteoarthritis was classified via radiological analysis following the Kellgren–Lawrence grading system. Steinberg classification was used to evaluate osteonecrosis of the femoral head.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 101-B, Issue 5 | Pages 522 - 528
1 May 2019
Medellin MR Fujiwara T Clark R Stevenson JD Parry M Jeys L

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prosthesis characteristics and associated conditions that may modify the survival of total femoral endoprosthetic replacements (TFEPR).

Patients and Methods

In all, 81 patients treated with TFEPR from 1976 to 2017 were retrospectively evaluated and failures were categorized according to the Henderson classification. There were 38 female patients (47%) and 43 male patients (53%) with a mean age at diagnosis of 43 years (12 to 86). The mean follow-up time was 10.3 years (0 to 31.7). A survival analysis was performed followed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression to identify independent implant survival factors.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 101-B, Issue 4 | Pages 484 - 490
1 Apr 2019
Nandra R Matharu G Stevenson J Parry M Grimer R Jeys L

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the local recurrence rate at an extended follow-up in patients following navigated resection of primary pelvic and sacral tumours.

Patients and Methods

This prospective cohort study comprised 23 consecutive patients (nine female, 14 male) who underwent resection of a primary pelvic or sacral tumour, using computer navigation, between 2010 and 2012. The mean age of the patients at the time of presentation was 51 years (10 to 77). The rates of local recurrence and mortality were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 101-B, Issue 3 | Pages 272 - 280
1 Mar 2019
Verspoor FGM Mastboom MJL Hannink G van der Graaf WTA van de Sande MAJ Schreuder HWB

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and joint function in tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) patients before and after surgical treatment.

Patients and Methods

This prospective cohort study run in two Dutch referral centres assessed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)) in 359 consecutive patients with localized- and diffuse-type TGCT of large joints. Patients with recurrent disease (n = 121) and a wait-and-see policy (n = 32) were excluded. Collected data were analyzed at specified time intervals preoperatively (baseline) and/or postoperatively up to five years.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 101-B, Issue 3 | Pages 266 - 271
1 Mar 2019
Laitinen MK Parry MC Le Nail L Wigley CH Stevenson JD Jeys LM

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential for achieving local and systemic control after local recurrence of a chondrosarcoma of bone

Patients and Methods

A total of 126 patients with local recurrence (LR) of chondrosarcoma (CS) of the pelvis or a limb bone were identified from a prospectively maintained database, between 1990 and 2015 at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom. There were 44 female patients (35%) and 82 male patients (65%) with a mean age at the time of LR of 56 years (13 to 96). The 126 patients represented 24.3% of the total number of patients with a primary CS (519) who had been treated during this period. Clinical data collected at the time of primary tumour and LR included the site (appendicular, extremity, or pelvis); primary and LR tumour size (in centimetres); type of operation at the time of primary or LR (limb-salvage or amputation); surgical margin achieved at resection of the primary tumour and the LR; grade of the primary tumour and the LR; gender; age; and oncological outcomes, including local recurrence-free survival and disease-specific survival. A minimum two years’ follow-up and complete histopathology records were available for all patients included in the study.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 101-B, Issue 2 | Pages 170 - 177
1 Feb 2019
Puri A Gulia A Hegde P Verma V Rekhi B

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative denosumab in achieving prospectively decided intention of therapy in operable giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) patients, and to document local recurrence-free survival (LRFS).

Patients and Methods

A total of 44 patients received preoperative denosumab: 22 to facilitate curettage, 16 to facilitate resection, and six with intent of converting resection to curettage. There were 26 male and 18 female patients. The mean age was 27 years (13 to 47).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1633 - 1639
1 Dec 2018
Zhao Z Yan T Guo W Yang R Tang X Yang Y

Aims

We retrospectively report our experience of managing 30 patients with a primary malignant tumour of the distal tibia; 25 were treated by limb salvage surgery and five by amputation. We compared the clinical outcomes of following the use of different methods of reconstruction.

Patients and Methods

There were 19 male and 11 female patients. The mean age of the patients was 19 years (6 to 59) and the mean follow-up was 5.1 years (1.25 to 12.58). Massive allograft was used in 11 patients, and autograft was used in 14 patients. The time to union, the survival time of the reconstruction, complication rate, and functional outcomes following the different surgical techniques were compared. The overall patient survival was also recorded.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1626 - 1632
1 Dec 2018
Medellin MR Fujiwara T Tillman RM Jeys LM Gregory J Stevenson JD Parry M Abudu A

Aims

The aim of this paper was to investigate the prognostic factors for local recurrence in patients with pathological fracture through giant cell tumours of bone (GCTB).

Patients and Methods

A total of 107 patients presenting with fractures through GCTB treated at our institution (Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom) between 1995 and 2016 were retrospectively studied. Of these patients, 57 were female (53%) and 50 were male (47%).The mean age at diagnosis was 33 years (14 to 86). A univariate analysis was performed, followed by multivariate analysis to identify risk factors based on the treatment and clinical characteristics.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1640 - 1646
1 Dec 2018
Medellin MR Fujiwara T Clark R Jeys LM

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe, analyze, and compare the survival, functional outcome, and complications of minimally invasive (MI) and non-invasive (NI) lengthening total femoral prostheses.

Patients and Methods

A total of 24 lengthening total femoral prostheses, 11 MI and 13 NI, were implanted between 1991 and 2016. The characteristics, complications, and functional results were recorded. There were ten female patients and ten male patients. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 11 years (2 to 41). The mean follow-up was 13.2 years (seven months to 29.25 years). A survival analysis was performed, and the failures were classified according to the Modified Henderson System.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1647 - 1654
1 Dec 2018
Shepherd KL Cool P Cribb G

Aims

The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic indicators of outcome at presentation to the orthopaedic surgeon, in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Our aim was to use this information in a pragmatic, clinic-based approach so that surgical decision making could be optimized to benefit the patient in their remaining lifetime.

Patients and Methods

A cohort analysis was undertaken of all patients with metastatic disease of the prostate who presented to a regional orthopaedic centre in the United Kingdom between 2003 and 2016. Biochemical data were collected in addition to disease and demographic data. These included: prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at orthopaedic presentation; haemoglobin (Hb); platelets (plt); alkaline phosphatase (ALP); albumin (Alb); and corrected calcium (CaC). Statistical analysis included Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and a Cox proportional hazards model was fitted to the data.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1518 - 1523
1 Nov 2018
Dean BJF Branford-White H Giele H Critchley P Cogswell L Athanasou N Gibbons CLM

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical management and outcome of patients with an acral soft-tissue sarcoma of the hand or foot.

Patients and Methods

We identified 63 patients with an acral soft-tissue sarcoma who presented to our tertiary referral sarcoma service between 2000 and 2016. There were 35 men and 28 women with a mean age of 49 years (sd 21). Of the 63 sarcomas, 27 were in the hands and 36 in the feet. The commonest subtypes were epithelioid sarcoma in the hand (n = 8) and synovial sarcoma in the foot (n = 11).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1392 - 1398
1 Oct 2018
Willeumier JJ van de Sande MAJ van der Wal RJP Dijkstra PDS

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the current trends in the estimation of survival and the preferred forms of treatment of pathological fractures among national and international general and oncological orthopaedic surgeons, and to explore whether improvements in the management of these patients could be identified in this way.

Materials and Methods

All members of the Dutch Orthopaedic Society (DOS) and the European Musculoskeletal Oncology Society (EMSOS) were invited to complete a web-based questionnaire containing 12 cases.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1241 - 1248
1 Sep 2018
Higuchi T Yamamoto N Hayashi K Takeuchi A Abe K Taniguchi Y Kato S Murakami H Tsuchiya H

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate the long-term outcome of surgery for bone or soft-tissue metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to determine factors that affect prognosis.

Patients and Methods

Between 1993 and 2014, 58 patients underwent surgery for bone or soft-tissue metastases from RCC at our hospital. There were 46 men and 12 women with a mean age of 60 years (25 to 84). The mean follow-up period was 52 months (1 to 257). The surgical sites included the spine (33 patients), appendicular skeleton (ten patients), pelvis (eight patients), thorax (four patients), and soft tissue (three patients). The surgical procedures were en bloc metastasectomy in 46 patients (including 33 patients of total en bloc spondylectomy (TES)) and intralesional curettage in 12 patients. These patients were retrospectively evaluated for factors associated with prognosis.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 8 | Pages 1100 - 1105
1 Aug 2018
Howard EL Shepherd KL Cribb G Cool P

Aims

The aim of this study was to validate the Mirels score in predicting pathological fractures in metastatic disease of the lower limb.

Patients and Methods

A total of 62 patients with confirmed metastatic disease met the inclusion criteria. Of the 62 patients, 32 were female and 30 were male. The mean age of patients was 65 years (35 to 89). The primary malignancy originated from the breast in 27 (44%) patients, prostate in 15 (24%) patients, kidney in seven (11%), and lung in four (6%) of patients. One patient (2%) had metastatic carcinoma from the lacrimal gland, two patients (3%) had multiple myeloma, one patient (2%) had lymphoma of bone, and five patients (8%) had metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary. Plain radiographs at the time of initial presentation were scored using Mirels system by the four authors. The radiographic components of the score (anatomical site, size, and radiographic appearance) were scored two weeks apart. Inter- and intraobserver reliability were calculated with Fleiss’ kappa test. Bland-Altman plots were created to compare the variances of the individual components of the score and the total Mirels score.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 7 | Pages 984 - 988
1 Jul 2018
Gortzak Y Vitenberg M Frenkel Rutenberg T Kollender Y Dadia S Sternheim A Morag G Farkash U Rath E Kramer M Drexler M

Aims

Intra-articular 90Yttrium (90Y) is an adjunct to surgical treatment by synovectomy for patients with diffuse-type tenosynovial giant-cell tumour (dtTGCT) of the knee, with variable success rates. Clinical information is, however, sparse and its value remains unclear. We investigated the long-term outcome of patients who underwent synovectomy with and without adjuvant treatment with 90Yttrium.

Patients and Methods

All patients with dtTGCT of the knee who underwent synovectomy between 1991 and 2014 were included in the study. Group A patients underwent synovectomy and an intra-articular injection of 90Yttrium between six and eight weeks after surgery. Group B patients underwent surgery alone.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 6 | Pages 798 - 805
1 Jun 2018
Zhang Y Guo W Tang X Yang R Ji T Yang Y Wang Y Wei R

Aims

The sacrum is frequently invaded by a pelvic tumour. The aim of this study was to review our experience of treating this group of patients and to identify the feasibility of a new surgical classification in the management of these tumours.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed 141 patients who, between 2005 and 2014, had undergone surgical excision of a pelvic tumour with invasion of the sacrum.

In a new classification, pelvisacral (Ps) I, II, and III resections refer to a sagittal osteotomy through the ipsilateral wing of the sacrum, through the sacral midline, or lateral to the contralateral sacral foramina, respectively. A Ps a resection describes a pelvic osteotomy through the ilium and a Ps b resection describes a concurrent resection of the acetabulum with osteotomies performed through the pubis and ischium or the pubic symphysis. Within each type, surgical approaches were standardized to guide resection of the tumour.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 5 | Pages 652 - 661
1 May 2018
Lawrenz JM Styron JF Parry M Grimer RJ Mesko NW

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of the duration of symptoms (DOS) prior to diagnosis on the overall survival in patients with a primary bone sarcoma.

Patients and Methods

In a retrospective analysis of a sarcoma database at a single institution between 1990 and 2014, we identified 1446 patients with non-metastatic and 346 with metastatic bone sarcoma. Low-grade types of tumour were excluded. Our data included the demographics of the patients, the characteristics of the tumour, and the survival outcome of patients. Cox proportional hazards analysis and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were performed, and the survivorship of the non-metastatic and metastatic cohorts were compared.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 5 | Pages 662 - 666
1 May 2018
Laitinen MK Stevenson JD Parry MC Sumathi V Grimer RJ Jeys LM

Aims

The purpose of this study was to describe the effect of histological grade on disease-specific survival in patients with chondrosarcoma.

Patients and Methods

A total of 343 patients with a chondrosarcoma were included. The histological grade was assessed on the initial biopsy and on the resection specimen. Where the histology showed a mixed grade, the highest grade was taken as the definitive grade. When only small focal areas showed higher grade, the final grade was considered as both.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 5 | Pages 667 - 674
1 May 2018
Lauthe O Soubeyrand M Babinet A Dumaine V Anract P Biau DJ

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to determine the morbidity of a tibial strut autograft and characterize the rate of bony union following its use.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively assessed a series of 104 patients from a single centre who were treated with a tibial strut autograft of > 5 cm in length. A total of 30 had a segmental reconstruction with continuity of bone, 27 had a segmental reconstruction without continuity of bone, 29 had an arthrodesis and 18 had a nonunion. Donor-site morbidity was defined as any event that required a modification of the postoperative management. Union was assessed clinically and radiologically at a median of 36 months (IQR, 14 to 74).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 3 | Pages 370 - 377
1 Mar 2018
Gilg MM Gaston CL Jeys L Abudu A Tillman RM Stevenson JD Grimer RJ Parry MC

Aims

The use of a noninvasive growing endoprosthesis in the management of primary bone tumours in children is well established. However, the efficacy of such a prosthesis in those requiring a revision procedure has yet to be established. The aim of this series was to present our results using extendable prostheses for the revision of previous endoprostheses.

Patients and Methods

All patients who had a noninvasive growing endoprosthesis inserted at the time of a revision procedure were identified from our database. A total of 21 patients (seven female patients, 14 male) with a mean age of 20.4 years (10 to 41) at the time of revision were included. The indications for revision were mechanical failure, trauma or infection with a residual leg-length discrepancy. The mean follow-up was 70 months (17 to 128). The mean shortening prior to revision was 44 mm (10 to 100). Lengthening was performed in all but one patient with a mean lengthening of 51 mm (5 to 140).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 3 | Pages 378 - 386
1 Mar 2018
Campanacci DA Totti F Puccini S Beltrami G Scoccianti G Delcroix L Innocenti M Capanna R

Aims

After intercalary resection of a bone tumour from the femur, reconstruction with a vascularized fibular graft (VFG) and massive allograft is considered a reliable method of treatment. However, little is known about the long-term outcome of this procedure. The aims of this study were to determine whether the morbidity of this procedure was comparable to that of other reconstructive techniques, if it was possible to achieve a satisfactory functional result, and whether biological reconstruction with a VFG and massive allograft could achieve a durable, long-lasting reconstruction.

Patients and Methods

A total of 23 patients with a mean age of 16 years (five to 40) who had undergone resection of an intercalary bone tumour of the femur and reconstruction with a VFG and allograft were reviewed clinically and radiologically. The mean follow-up was 141 months (24 to 313). The mean length of the fibular graft was 18 cm (12 to 29). Full weight-bearing without a brace was allowed after a mean of 13 months (seven to 26).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 2 | Pages 256 - 261
1 Feb 2018
Kim W Lee JS Chung HW

Aims

Adjuvant treatment after intralesional curettage for atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACTs) of long bones is widely accepted for extending surgical margins. However, evaluating the isolated effect of adjuvant treatment is difficult, and it is unclear whether not using such adjuvants provides poor oncological outcomes. Hence, we analyzed whether intralesional curettage without cryosurgery or chemical adjuvants provides poor oncological outcomes in patients with an ACT.

Patients and Methods

A total of 24 patients (nine men, 15 women) (mean age 45 years; 18 to 62) were treated for ACTs of long bones and followed up for a median of 66 months (interquartile range 50 to 84). All patients were treated with extensive manual curettage and limited burring. Bone cement and grafts were used to fill bone defects in 16 and eight patients, respectively. No chemical adjuvants or cryosurgery were used.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 2 | Pages 247 - 255
1 Feb 2018
Albergo JI Gaston CLL Parry MC Laitinen MK Jeys LM Tillman RM Abudu AT Grimer RJ

Aims

The aim of this study was to analyse a group of patients with non-metastatic Ewing’s sarcoma at presentation and identify prognostic factors affecting the development of local recurrence, in order to assess the role of radiotherapy.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review of all patients with a Ewing’s sarcoma treated between 1980 and 2012 was carried out. Only those treated with chemotherapy followed by surgery and/or radiotherapy were included. Patients were grouped according to site (central or limb) for further analysis of the prognostic factors.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 2 | Pages 262 - 268
1 Feb 2018
Puri A Ranganathan P Gulia A Crasto S Hawaldar R Badwe RA

Aims

A single-centre prospective randomized trial was conducted to investigate whether a less intensive follow-up protocol would not be inferior to a conventional follow-up protocol, in terms of overall survival, in patients who have undergone surgery for sarcoma of the limb. Initial short-term results were published in 2014.

Patients and Methods

The primary objective was to show non-inferiority of a chest radiograph (CXR) group compared with a CT scan group, and of a less frequent (six-monthly) group than a more frequent (three-monthly) group, in two-by-two comparison. The primary outcome was overall survival and the secondary outcome was a recurrence-free survival. Five-year survival was compared between the CXR and CT scan groups and between the three-monthly and six-monthly groups. Of 500 patients who were enrolled, 476 were available for follow-up. Survival analyses were performed on a per-protocol basis (n = 412).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 1 | Pages 101 - 108
1 Jan 2018
Stevenson JD Kumar VS Cribb GL Cool P

Aims

Dislocation rates are reportedly lower in patients requiring proximal femoral hemiarthroplasty than for patients undergoing hip arthroplasty for neoplasia. Without acetabular replacement, pain due to acetabular wear necessitating revision surgery has been described. We aimed to determine whether wear of the native acetabulum following hemiarthroplasty necessitates revision surgery with secondary replacement of the acetabulum after proximal femoral replacement (PFR) for tumour reconstruction.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed 100 consecutive PFRs performed between January 2003 and January 2013 without acetabular resurfacing. The procedure was undertaken in 74 patients with metastases, for a primary bone tumour in 20 and for myeloma in six. There were 48 male and 52 female patients, with a mean age of 61.4 years (19 to 85) and median follow-up of two years (interquartile range (IQR) 0.5 to 3.7 years). In total, 52 patients presented with a pathological fracture and six presented with failed fixation of a previously instrumented pathological fracture.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1681 - 1688
1 Dec 2017
Jones CW Shatrov J Jagiello JM Millington S Hong A Boyle R Stalley PD

Aims

We present a retrospective review of patients treated with extracorporeally irradiated allografts for primary and secondary bone tumours with the mid- and long-term survivorship and the functional and radiographic outcomes.

Patients and Methods

A total of 113 of 116 (97.4%) patients who were treated with extracorporeally irradiated allografts between 1996 and 2014 were followed up. Forms of treatment included reconstructions, prostheses and composite reconstructions, both with and without vascularised grafts. Survivorship was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system, the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Quality of Life-C30 (QLQ-30) measures. Radiographic outcomes were assessed using the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) radiographic scoring system.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1689 - 1695
1 Dec 2017
Stevenson JD Wigley C Burton H Ghezelayagh S Morris G Evans S Parry M Jeys L

Aims

Following the resection of an extensive amount of bone in the treatment of a tumour, the residual segment may be insufficient to accept a standard length intramedullary cemented stem. Short-stemmed endoprostheses conceivably have an increased risk of aseptic loosening. Extra-cortical plates have been added to minimise this risk by supplementing fixation. The aim of this study was to investigate the survivorship of short-stemmed endoprostheses and extra-cortical plates.

Patients and Methods

The study involved 37 patients who underwent limb salvage surgery for a primary neoplasm of bone between 1998 and 2013. Endoprosthetic replacement involved the proximal humerus in nine, the proximal femur in nine, the distal femur in 13 and the proximal tibia in six patients. There were 12 primary (32%) and 25 revision procedures (68%). Implant survivorship was compared with matched controls. The amount of bone that was resected was > 70% of its length and statistically greater than the standard control group at each anatomical site.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 6, Issue 10 | Pages 577 - 583
1 Oct 2017
Sallent A Vicente M Reverté MM Lopez A Rodríguez-Baeza A Pérez-Domínguez M Velez R

Objectives

To assess the accuracy of patient-specific instruments (PSIs) versus standard manual technique and the precision of computer-assisted planning and PSI-guided osteotomies in pelvic tumour resection.

Methods

CT scans were obtained from five female cadaveric pelvises. Five osteotomies were designed using Mimics software: sacroiliac, biplanar supra-acetabular, two parallel iliopubic and ischial. For cases of the left hemipelvis, PSIs were designed to guide standard oscillating saw osteotomies and later manufactured using 3D printing. Osteotomies were performed using the standard manual technique in cases of the right hemipelvis. Post-resection CT scans were quantitatively analysed. Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U test were used.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1237 - 1243
1 Sep 2017
Emori M Kaya M Irifune H Takahashi N Shimizu J Mizushima E Murahashi Y Yamashita T

Aims

The aims of this study were to analyse the long-term outcome of vascularised fibular graft (VFG) reconstruction after tumour resection and to evaluate the usefulness of the method.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 49 patients who had undergone resection of a sarcoma and reconstruction using a VFG between 1988 and 2015. Their mean follow-up was 98 months (5 to 317). Reconstruction was with an osteochondral graft (n = 13), intercalary graft (n = 12), inlay graft (n = 4), or resection arthrodesis (n = 20). We analysed the oncological and functional outcome, and the rate of bony union and complications.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1244 - 1249
1 Sep 2017
Cladière-Nassif V Bourdet C Audard V Babinet A Anract P Biau D

Aims

Resection of the proximal humerus for the primary malignant bone tumour sometimes requires en bloc resection of the deltoid. However, there is no information in the literature which helps a surgeon decide whether to preserve the deltoid or not. The aim of this study was to determine whether retaining the deltoid at the time of resection would increase the rate of local recurrence. We also sought to identify the variables that persuade expert surgeons to choose a deltoid sparing rather than deltoid resecting procedure.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed 45 patients who had undergone resection of a primary malignant tumour of the proximal humerus. There were 29 in the deltoid sparing group and 16 in the deltoid resecting group. Imaging studies were reviewed to assess tumour extension and soft-tissue involvement. The presence of a fat rim separating the tumour from the deltoid on MRI was particularly noted. The cumulative probability of local recurrence was calculated in a competing risk scenario.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 7 | Pages 979 - 986
1 Jul 2017
Schwab JH Janssen SJ Paulino Pereira NR Chen YLE Wain JC DeLaney TF Hornicek FJ

Aims

The aim of the study was to compare measures of the quality of life (QOL) after resection of a chordoma of the mobile spine with the national averages in the United States and to assess which factors influenced the QOL, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and coping with pain post-operatively in these patients.

Patients and Methods

A total of 48 consecutive patients who underwent resection of a primary or recurrent chordoma of the mobile spine between 2000 and 2015 were included. A total of 34 patients completed a survey at least 12 months post-operatively. The primary outcome was the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety, depression and pain interference questionnaires. Data which were recorded included the indication for surgery, the region of the tumour, the number of levels resected, the status of the surgical margins, re-operations, complications, neurological deficit, length of stay in hospital and rate of re-admission.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 7 | Pages 973 - 978
1 Jul 2017
Gupta S Kafchinski LA Gundle KR Saidi K Griffin AM Wunder JS Ferguson PC

Aims

Intercalary allografts following resection of a primary diaphyseal tumour have high rates of complications and failures. At our institution intercalary allografts are augmented with intramedullary cement and fixed using compression plating. Our aim was to evaluate their long-term outcomes.

Patients and Methods

A total of 46 patients underwent reconstruction with an intercalary allograft between 1989 and 2014. The patients had a mean age of 32.8 years (14 to 77). The most common diagnoses were osteosarcoma (n = 16) and chondrosarcoma (n = 9). The location of the tumours was in the femur in 21, the tibia in 16 and the humerus in nine. Function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). The survival of the graft and the overall survival were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 6 | Pages 841 - 848
1 Jun 2017
Hipfl C Stihsen C Puchner SE Kaider A Dominkus M Funovics PT Windhager R

Aims

Pelvic reconstruction after the resection of a tumour around the acetabulum is a challenging procedure due to the complex anatomy and biomechanics. Several pelvic endoprostheses have been introduced, but the rates of complication remain high. Our aim was to review the use of a stemmed acetabular pedestal cup in the management of these patients.

Patients and Methods

The study involved 48 patients who underwent periacetabular reconstruction using a stemmed pedestal cup (Schoellner cup; Zimmer Biomet Inc., Warsaw, Indiana) between 2000 and 2013. The indications for treatment included a primary bone tumour in 27 patients and metastatic disease in 21 patients. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 52 years (16 to 83).


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 6, Issue 5 | Pages 307 - 314
1 May 2017
Rendon JS Swinton M Bernthal N Boffano M Damron T Evaniew N Ferguson P Galli Serra M Hettwer W McKay P Miller B Nystrom L Parizzia W Schneider P Spiguel A Vélez R Weiss K Zumárraga JP Ghert M

Objectives

As tumours of bone and soft tissue are rare, multicentre prospective collaboration is essential for meaningful research and evidence-based advances in patient care. The aim of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators encountered in large-scale collaborative research by orthopaedic oncological surgeons involved or interested in prospective multicentre collaboration.

Methods

All surgeons who were involved, or had expressed an interest, in the ongoing Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens in Tumour Surgery (PARITY) trial were invited to participate in a focus group to discuss their experiences with collaborative research in this area. The discussion was digitally recorded, transcribed and anonymised. The transcript was analysed qualitatively, using an analytic approach which aims to organise the data in the language of the participants with little theoretical interpretation.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 5 | Pages 686 - 696
1 May 2017
Stihsen C Panotopoulos J Puchner SE Sevelda F Kaider A Windhager R Funovics PT

Aims

Few studies dealing with chondrosarcoma of the pelvis are currently available. Different data about the overall survival and prognostic factors have been published but without a detailed analysis of surgery-related complications. We aimed to analyse the outcome of a series of pelvic chondrosarcomas treated at a single institution, with particular attention to the prognostic factors. Based on a competing risk model, our objective was to identify risk factors for the development of complications.

Patients and Methods

In a retrospective single-centre study, 58 chondrosarcomas (26 patients alive, 32 patients dead) of the pelvis were reviewed. The mean follow-up was 13 years (one week to 23.1 years).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 4 | Pages 522 - 530
1 Apr 2017
Bus MPA van de Sande MAJ Taminiau AHM Dijkstra PDS

Aims

To assess complications and failure mechanisms of osteoarticular allograft reconstructions for primary bone tumours.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 38 patients (28 men, 74%) who were treated at our institution with osteoarticular allograft reconstruction between 1989 and 2010. Median age was 19 years (interquartile range 14 to 32). Median follow-up was 19.5 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 13.0 to 26.1) when 26 patients (68%) were alive. In addition, we systematically searched the literature for clinical studies on osteoarticular allografts, finding 31 studies suitable for analysis. Results of papers that reported on one site exclusively were pooled for comparison.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 4 | Pages 516 - 521
1 Apr 2017
Willeumier JJ van der Hoeven NMA Bollen L Willems LNA Fiocco M van der Linden YM Dijkstra PDS

Aims

This study aims to assess first, whether mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Kirsten rat sarcoma (kRAS) genes are associated with overall survival (OS) in patients who present with symptomatic bone metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and secondly, whether mutation status should be incorporated into prognostic models that are used when deciding on the appropriate palliative treatment for symptomatic bone metastases.

Patients and Methods

We studied 139 patients with NSCLC treated between 2007 and 2014 for symptomatic bone metastases and whose mutation status was known. The association between mutation status and overall survival was analysed and the results applied to a recently published prognostic model to determine whether including the mutation status would improve its discriminatory power.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 4 | Pages 538 - 543
1 Apr 2017
Laitinen MK Parry MC Albergo JI umathi VS Jeys LM Grimer RJ

Aims

The aim of the study was to investigate the controversial issue of whether the pelvic ring should be reconstructed following resection of the sarcomas of the ilium.

Patients and Methods

From our database, we identified 64 patients who underwent excision of a tumour involving the ilium between 1976 and 2015. A total of 35 underwent complete resection, of whom 24 were reconstructed with a non-vascularised fibula graft, and four with extracorporeal irradiation and reimplantation. A total of 29 patients had a partial resection. The mean follow-up was 9.2 years (1.1 to 25.6). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Toronto Extremity Salvation Score (TESS) at final follow-up.

In all, 32 patients (50%) had a chondrosarcoma.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 6, Issue 4 | Pages 224 - 230
1 Apr 2017
Cool P Cribb G

Objectives

In this cross sectional study, the impact and the efficacy of a surveillance programme for sarcomas of the extremities was analysed.

Methods

All patients who had treatment with curative intent for a high-grade sarcoma and were diagnosed before 2014 were included and followed for a minimum of two years.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 4 | Pages 531 - 537
1 Apr 2017
Henderson ER Keeney BJ Pala E Funovics PT Eward WC Groundland JS Ehrlichman LK Puchner SSE Brigman BE Ready JE Temple HT Ruggieri P Windhager R Letson GD Hornicek FJ

Aims

Instability of the hip is the most common mode of failure after reconstruction with a proximal femoral arthroplasty (PFA) using an endoprosthesis after excision of a tumour. Small studies report improved stability with capsular repair of the hip and other techniques, but these have not been investigated in a large series of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate variables associated with the patient and the operation that affect post-operative stability. We hypothesised an association between capsular repair and stability.

Patients and Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, we identified 527 adult patients who were treated with a PFA for tumours. Our data included demographics, the pathological diagnosis, the amount of resection of the abductor muscles, the techniques of reconstruction and the characteristics of the implant. We used regression analysis to compare patients with and without post-operative instability.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 3 | Pages 401 - 408
1 Mar 2017
Kang S Lee JS Park J Park S

Aims

Children treated for osteosarcoma around the knee often have a substantial leg-length discrepancy at skeletal maturity. The aim of this study was to investigate the results of staged skeletal reconstruction after a leg lengthening procedure using an external fixator in these patients.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed 11 patients who underwent staged reconstruction with either an arthroplasty (n = 6) or an arthrodesis (n = 5). A control group of 11 patients who had undergone wide excision and concurrent reconstruction with an arthroplasty were matched for gender, location, and size of tumour. We investigated the change in leg-length discrepancy, function as assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Scale (MSTS) score and complications.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 3 | Pages 409 - 416
1 Mar 2017
Scholfield DW Sadozai Z Ghali C Sumathi V Douis H Gaston L Grimer RJ Jeys L

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify any progression between benign osteofibrous dysplasia (OFD), OFD-like adamantinoma and malignant adamantinoma, and to investigate the rates of local recurrence, metastases and survival, in order to develop treatment algorithms for each.

Patients and Methods

A single institution retrospective review of all patients presenting with OFD, OFD-like adamantinoma and adamantinoma between 1973 and 2012 was undertaken. Complete data were available for 73 patients (42 with OFD; ten with an OFD-like adamantinoma and 21 with an adamantinoma). The mean follow-up was 10.3 years (3 to 25) for OFD, 9.2 years (3.0 to 26.3) for OFD-like and 11.6 years (0.25 to 33) for adamantinoma.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 6, Issue 3 | Pages 186 - 193
1 Mar 2017
Choi YJ Lee YS Lee HW Shim DM Seo SW

Objectives

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) is a multi-subunit complex that plays a critical role in translation initiation. Expression levels of eIF3 subunits are elevated or decreased in various cancers, suggesting a role for eIF3 in tumorigenesis. Recent studies have shown that the expression of the eIF3b subunit is elevated in bladder and prostate cancer, and eIF3b silencing inhibited glioblastoma growth and induced cellular apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the role of eIF3b in the survival of osteosarcoma cells.

Methods

To investigate the effect of eIF3b on cell viability and apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells, we first examined the silencing effect of eIF3b in U2OS cells. Cell viability and apoptosis were examined by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and Western blot, respectively. We also performed gene profiling to identify genes affected by eIF3b silencing. Finally, the effect of eIF3b on cell viability and apoptosis was confirmed in multiple osteosarcoma cell lines.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 2 | Pages 261 - 266
1 Feb 2017
Laitinen MK Parry MC Albergo JI Grimer RJ Jeys LM

Aims

Due to the complex anatomy of the pelvis, limb-sparing resections of pelvic tumours achieving adequate surgical margins, can often be difficult. The advent of computer navigation has improved the precision of resection of these lesions, though there is little evidence comparing resection with or without the assistance of navigation.

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of navigation-assisted surgery for the resection of pelvic bone tumours involving the posterior ilium and sacrum.

Patients and Methods

Using our prospectively updated institutional database, we conducted a retrospective case control study of 21 patients who underwent resection of the posterior ilium and sacrum, for the treatment of a primary sarcoma of bone, between 1987 and 2015. The resection was performed with the assistance of navigation in nine patients and without navigation in 12. We assessed the accuracy of navigation-assisted surgery, as defined by the surgical margin and how this affects the rate of local recurrence, the disease-free survival and the effects on peri-and post-operative morbidity.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 2 | Pages 267 - 275
1 Feb 2017
Liang H Ji T Zhang Y Wang Y Guo W

Aims

The aims of this retrospective study were to report the feasibility of using 3D-printing technology for patients with a pelvic tumour who underwent reconstruction.

Patients and Methods

A total of 35 patients underwent resection of a pelvic tumour and reconstruction using 3D-printed endoprostheses between September 2013 and December 2015. According to Enneking’s classification of bone defects, there were three Type I lesions, 12 Type II+III lesions, five Type I+II lesions, two Type I+II+III lesions, ten type I+II+IV lesions and three type I+II+III+IV lesions. A total of three patients underwent reconstruction using an iliac prosthesis, 12 using a standard hemipelvic prosthesis and 20 using a screw-rod connected hemipelvic prosthesis.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 2 | Pages 276 - 282
1 Feb 2017
Mumith A Coathup M Chimutengwende-Gordon M Aston W Briggs T Blunn G

Aims

Massive endoprostheses rely on extra-cortical bone bridging (ECBB) to enhance fixation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of selective laser sintered (SLS) porous collars in augmenting the osseointegration of these prostheses.

Materials and Methods

The two novel designs of porous SLS collars, one with small pores (Ø700 μm, SP) and one with large pores (Ø1500 μm, LP), were compared in an ovine tibial diaphyseal model. Osseointegration of these collars was compared with that of a clinically used solid, grooved design (G). At six months post-operatively, the ovine tibias were retrieved and underwent radiological and histological analysis.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 1 | Pages 134 - 138
1 Jan 2017
Houdek MT Bayne CO Bishop AT Shin AY

Aims

Free vascularised fibular grafting has been used for the treatment of large bony defects for more than 40 years. However, there is little information about the risk factors for failure and whether newer locking techniques of fixation improve the rates of union. The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of union of free fibular grafts fixed with locking and traditional techniques, and to quantify the risk factors for nonunion and failure.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review involved 134 consecutive procedures over a period of 20 years. Of these, 25 were excluded leaving 109 patients in the study. There were 66 men and 43 women, with a mean age of 33 years (5 to 78). Most (62) were performed for oncological indications, and the most common site (52) was the lower limb. Rate of union was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and risk factors for nonunion were assessed using Cox regression. All patients were followed up for at least one year.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1674 - 1681
1 Dec 2016
Verdegaal SHM van Rijswijk CS Brouwers HFC Dijkstra PDS van de Sande MAJ Hogendoorn PCW Taminiau AHM

Aims

The purpose of this retrospective study was to differentiate between the MRI features of normal post-operative change and those of residual or recurrent disease after intralesional treatment of an atypical cartilage tumour (ACT)/grade I chondrosarcoma.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed the case notes, radiology and histology of 75 patients, who had been treated for an ACT/grade I chondrosarcoma by curettage, phenolisation and bone allografting between 1994 and 2005. The first post-operative Gd-enhanced MRI scan was carried out within one year of surgery. Patients had a minimum of two scans and a mean follow-up of 72 months (13 to 169). Further surgery was undertaken in cases of suspected recurrence.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1682 - 1688
1 Dec 2016
Ghazala CG Agni NR Ragbir M Dildey P Lee D Rankin KS Beckingsale TB Gerrand CH

Aims

Myxofibrosarcomas (MFSs) are malignant soft-tissue sarcomas characteristically presenting as painless slowly growing masses in the extremities. Locally infiltrative growth means that the risk of local recurrence is high. We reviewed our experience to make recommendations about resection strategies and the role of the multidisciplinary team in the management of these tumours.

Patients and Methods

Patients with a primary or recurrent MFS who were treated surgically in our unit between 1997 and 2012 were included in the study. Clinical records and imaging were reviewed. A total of 50 patients with a median age of 68.4 years (interquartile range 61.6 to 81.8) were included. There were 35 men; 49 underwent surgery in our unit.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1542 - 1547
1 Nov 2016
Sampath Kumar V Tyrrell PNM Singh J Gregory J Cribb GL Cool P

Aims

The purpose of this study was to determine if clinical and radiological surveillance of cartilage tumours with low biological activity is appropriate.

Patients and Methods

A total of 98 patients with an intramedullary cartilage neoplasm in a long bone met our inclusion criteria and were included in the study. These patients had undergone a total of 384 scans. Patients with radiological follow-up of more than three years (46 patients) were divided into two groups: an active group (11 patients) and a latent group (35 patients).


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 8 | Pages 347 - 352
1 Aug 2016
Nuttall J Evaniew N Thornley P Griffin A Deheshi B O’Shea T Wunder J Ferguson P Randall RL Turcotte R Schneider P McKay P Bhandari M Ghert M

Objectives

The diagnosis of surgical site infection following endoprosthetic reconstruction for bone tumours is frequently a subjective diagnosis. Large clinical trials use blinded Central Adjudication Committees (CACs) to minimise the variability and bias associated with assessing a clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the level of inter-rater and intra-rater agreement in the diagnosis of surgical site infection in the context of a clinical trial.

Materials and Methods

The Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens in Tumour Surgery (PARITY) trial CAC adjudicated 29 non-PARITY cases of lower extremity endoprosthetic reconstruction. The CAC members classified each case according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria for surgical site infection (superficial, deep, or organ space). Combinatorial analysis was used to calculate the smallest CAC panel size required to maximise agreement. A final meeting was held to establish a consensus.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 8 | Pages 1138 - 1144
1 Aug 2016
Albergo JI Gaston CL Laitinen M Darbyshire A Jeys LM Sumathi V Parry M Peake D Carter SR Tillman R Abudu AT Grimer RJ

Aims

The purpose of this study was to review a large cohort of patients and further assess the correlation between the histological response to chemotherapy in patients with Ewing’s sarcoma with the overall (OS) and event-free survival (EFS).

Patients and Methods

All patients treated for Ewing’s sarcoma between 1980 and 2012 were reviewed. Of these, 293 patients without metastases at the time of diagnosis and treated with chemotherapy and surgery were included. Patients were grouped according to the percentage of necrosis after chemotherapy: Group I: 0% to 50%, Group II: 51% to 99% and Group III: 100%.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 6 | Pages 857 - 864
1 Jun 2016
Grimer RJ Aydin BK Wafa H Carter SR Jeys L Abudu A Parry M

Aims

The aim of this study was to establish what happens to patients in the long term after endoprosthetic replacement for a primary malignant tumour of bone.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database to identify all patients who had undergone an endoprosthetic replacement more than 25 years ago and who were still alive. Their outcomes were investigated with reference to their complications and need for further surgery. A total of 230 patients were identified. Their mean age at diagnosis was 20.7 years (five to 62). The most common diagnosis was osteosarcoma (132). The most common site was the distal femur (102).


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 6 | Pages 232 - 238
1 Jun 2016
Tanaka A Yoshimura Y Aoki K Kito M Okamoto M Suzuki S Momose T Kato H

Objectives

Our objective was to predict the knee extension strength and post-operative function in quadriceps resection for soft-tissue sarcoma of the thigh.

Methods

A total of 18 patients (14 men, four women) underwent total or partial quadriceps resection for soft-tissue sarcoma of the thigh between 2002 and 2014. The number of resected quadriceps was surveyed, knee extension strength was measured with the Biodex isokinetic dynamometer system (affected side/unaffected side) and relationships between these were examined. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) score and the Short Form 8 were used to evaluate post-operative function and examine correlations with extension strength. The cutoff value for extension strength to expect good post-operative function was also calculated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Fisher’s exact test.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 5 | Pages 703 - 709
1 May 2016
Kim Y Kang HG Kim JH Kim S Lin PP Kim HS

Aims

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether closed intramedullary (IM) nailing with percutaneous cement augmentation is better than conventional closed nailing at relieving pain and suppressing tumours in patients with metastases of the femur and humerus.

Patients and Methods

A total of 43 patients (27 men, 16 women, mean age 63.7 years, standard deviation (sd) 12.2; 21 to 84) underwent closed IM nailing with cement augmentation for long bone metastases. A further 27 patients, who underwent conventional closed IM nailing, served as controls. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score pre-operatively (pre-operative VAS), one week post-operatively (immediate post-operative VAS), and at six weeks post-operatively (follow-up post-operative VAS). Progression of the tumour was evaluated in subgroups of patients using F-18-fludeoxyglucose (F-18-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and/or bone scintigraphy (BS), at a mean of 8.8 and 7.2 months post-operatively, respectively.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 4 | Pages 555 - 563
1 Apr 2016
Parry MC Laitinen M Albergo J Jeys L Carter S Gaston CL Sumathi V Grimer RJ

Aims

Osteosarcoma of the pelvis is a particularly difficult tumour to treat as it often presents late, may be of considerable size and/or associated with metastases when it presents, and is frequently chondroid in origin and resistant to chemotherapy.

The aim of this study was to review our experience of managing this group of patients and to identify features predictive of a poor outcome.

Patients and Methods

Between 1983 and 2014, 121 patients, (74 females and 47 males) were treated at a single hospital: 74 (61.2%) patients had a primary osteosarcoma and 47 (38.8%) had an osteosarcoma which was secondary either to Paget’s disease (22; 18.2%) or to previous pelvic irradiation (25; 20.7%).

The mean age of those with a primary osteosarcoma was 29.3 years (nine to 76) and their mean follow-up 2.9 years (0 to 29). The mean age of those with a secondary sarcoma was 61.9 years (15 to 85) and their mean follow-up was one year (0 to 14).

A total of 22 patients with a primary sarcoma (52.4%) and 20 of those with a secondary sarcoma (47.6%) had metastases at the time of presentation.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 2 | Pages 271 - 277
1 Feb 2016
Sørensen MS Gerds TA Hindsø K Petersen MM

Aims

The purpose of this study was to develop a prognostic model for predicting survival of patients undergoing surgery owing to metastatic bone disease (MBD) in the appendicular skeleton.

Methods

We included a historical cohort of 130 consecutive patients (mean age 64 years, 30 to 85; 76 females/54 males) who underwent joint arthroplasty surgery (140 procedures) owing to MBD in the appendicular skeleton during the period between January 2003 and December 2008. Primary cancer, pre-operative haemoglobin, fracture versus impending fracture, Karnofsky score, visceral metastases, multiple bony metastases and American Society of Anaesthesiologist’s score were included into a series of logistic regression models. The outcome was the survival status at three, six and 12 months respectively. Results were internally validated based on 1000 cross-validations and reported as time-dependent area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC) for predictions of outcome.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 2 | Pages 260 - 265
1 Feb 2016
Sorel JC Façee Schaeffer M Homan AS Scholtes VAB Kempen DHR Ham SJ

Aims

We report a prospective cohort study of the midterm results of surgical dislocation of the hip (according to Ganz) to perform resection of osteochondromas involving the femoral neck in patients with multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE).

Methods

Hip range of movement (ROM) was assessed pre- and post-operatively. Patients’ judgment of post-operative reduction of pain, symptoms, the Rand 36-item Health Survey (RAND-36) and complications were analysed.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 2 | Pages 266 - 270
1 Feb 2016
Stevenson JD McNair M Cribb GL Cool WP

Aims

Surgical intervention in patients with bone metastases from breast cancer is dependent on the estimated survival of the patient. The purpose of this paper was to identify factors that would predict survival so that specific decisions could be made in terms of surgical (or non-surgical) management.

Methods

The records of 113 consecutive patients (112 women) with metastatic breast cancer were analysed for clinical, radiological, serological and surgical outcomes. Their median age was 61 years (interquartile range 29 to 90) and the median duration of follow-up was 1.6 years (standard deviation (sd) 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0 to 5.9). The cumulative one- and five-year rates of survival were 68% and 16% (95% Cl 60 to 77 and 95% CI 10 to 26, respectively).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1704 - 1709
1 Dec 2015
Drexler M Gortzak Y Sternheim A Kollender Y Amar E Bickels J

Excision of the proximal femur for tumour with prosthetic reconstruction using a bipolar femoral head places a considerable load on the unreplaced acetabulum.

We retrospectively reviewed the changes which occur around the affected hip joint by evaluating the post-operative radiographs of 65 consecutive patients who underwent proximal prosthetic arthroplasty of the femur, and in whom an acetabular component had not been used. There were 37 men and 28 women with a mean age of 57.3 years (17 to 93). Radiological assessment included the extent of degenerative change in the acetabulum, heterotopic ossification, and protrusio acetabuli.

The mean follow-up was 9.1 years (2 to 11.8). Degenerative changes in the acetabulum were seen in three patients (4.6%), Brooker grade 1 or 2 heterotopic ossification in 17 (26%) and protrusion of the prosthetic head in nine (13.8%).

A total of eight patients (12.3%) needed a revision. Five were revised to the same type of prosthesis and three (4.6%) were converted to a total hip arthroplasty.

We conclude that radiological evidence of degenerative change, heterotopic ossification and protrusion occur in a few patients who undergo prosthetic arthroplasty of the proximal femur for tumour. The limited extent of these changes and the lack of associated symptoms do not justify the routine arthroplasty of the acetabulum in these patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1704–9


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1698 - 1703
1 Dec 2015
Laitinen M Parry M Albergo JI Jeys L Abudu A Carter S Sumathi V Grimer R

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic and therapeutic factors which influence the oncological outcome of parosteal osteosarcoma.

A total of 80 patients with a primary parosteal osteosarcoma were included in this retrospective study. There were 51 females and 29 males with a mean age of 29.9 years (11 to 78).

The mean follow-up was 11.2 years (1 to 40). Overall survival was 91.8% at five years and 87.8% at ten years. Local recurrence occurred in 14 (17.5%) patients and was associated with intralesional surgery and a large volume of tumour. On histological examination, 80% of the local recurrences were dedifferentiated high-grade tumours. A total of 12 (14.8%) patients developed pulmonary metastases, of whom half had either a dedifferentiated tumour or a local recurrence. Female gender and young age were good prognostic factors. Local recurrence was a poor prognostic factor for survival. Medullary involvement or the use of chemotherapy had no impact on survival.

The main goal in treating a parosteal osteosarcoma must be to achieve a wide surgical margin, as inadequate margins are associated with local recurrence. Local recurrence has a significant negative effect on survival, as 80% of the local recurrences are high-grade dedifferentiated tumours, and half of these patients develop metastases.

The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of parosteal osteosarcoma is not as obvious as it is in the treatment of conventional osteosarcoma. The mainstay of treatment is wide local excision.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1698–1703.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1566 - 1571
1 Nov 2015
Salunke AA Chen Y Chen X Tan JH Singh G Tai BC Khin LW Puhaindran ME

We investigated whether the presence of a pathological fracture increased the risk of local recurrence in patients with a giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone. We also assessed if curettage is still an appropriate form of treatment in the presence of a pathological fracture. We conducted a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of papers which reported outcomes in patients with a GCT with and without a pathological fracture at presentation. We computed the odds ratio (OR) of local recurrence in those with and without a pathological fracture.

We selected 19 eligible papers for final analysis. This included 3215 patients, of whom 580 (18.0%) had a pathological fracture. The pooled OR for local recurrence between patients with and without a pathological fracture was 1.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66 to 1.67, p = 0.854). Amongst the subgroup of patients who were treated with curettage, the pooled OR for local recurrence was 1.23 (95% CI 0.75 to 2.01, p = 0.417).

A post hoc sample size calculation showed adequate power for both comparisons.

There is no difference in local recurrence rates between patients who have a GCT of bone with and without a pathological fracture at the time of presentation. The presence of a pathological fracture should not preclude the decision to perform curettage as carefully selected patients who undergo curettage can have similar outcomes in terms of local recurrence to those without such a fracture.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1566–71.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1284 - 1290
1 Sep 2015
Furtado S Grimer RJ Cool P Murray SA Briggs T Fulton J Grant K Gerrand CH

Patients who have limb amputation for musculoskeletal tumours are a rare group of cancer survivors. This was a prospective cross-sectional survey of patients from five specialist centres for sarcoma surgery in England. Physical function, pain and quality of life (QOL) outcomes were collected after lower extremity amputation for bone or soft-tissue tumours to evaluate the survivorship experience and inform service provision.

Of 250 patients, 105 (42%) responded between September 2012 and June 2013. From these, completed questionnaires were received from 100 patients with a mean age of 53.6 years (19 to 91). In total 60 (62%) were male and 37 (38%) were female (three not specified). The diagnosis was primary bone sarcoma in 63 and soft-tissue tumour in 37. A total of 20 tumours were located in the hip or pelvis, 31 above the knee, 32 between the knee and ankle and 17 in the ankle or foot. In total 22 had hemipelvectomy, nine hip disarticulation, 35 transfemoral amputation, one knee disarticulation, 30 transtibial amputation, two toe amputations and one rotationplasty. The Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) differed by amputation level, with poorer scores at higher levels (p < 0.001). Many reported significant pain. In addition, TESS was negatively associated with increasing age, and pain interference scores. QOL for Cancer Survivors was significantly correlated with TESS (p < 0.001). This relationship appeared driven by pain interference scores.

This unprecedented national survey confirms amputation level is linked to physical function, but not QOL or pain measures. Pain and physical function significantly impact on QOL. These results are helpful in managing the expectations of patients about treatment and addressing their complex needs.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1284–90.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 4, Issue 9 | Pages 154 - 162
1 Sep 2015

Objective

Clinical studies of patients with bone sarcomas have been challenged by insufficient numbers at individual centres to draw valid conclusions. Our objective was to assess the feasibility of conducting a definitive multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) to determine whether a five-day regimen of post-operative antibiotics, in comparison to a 24-hour regimen, decreases surgical site infections in patients undergoing endoprosthetic reconstruction for lower extremity primary bone tumours.

Methods

We performed a pilot international multi-centre RCT. We used central randomisation to conceal treatment allocation and sham antibiotics to blind participants, surgeons, and data collectors. We determined feasibility by measuring patient enrolment, completeness of follow-up, and protocol deviations for the antibiotic regimens.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 8 | Pages 1152 - 1156
1 Aug 2015
Gupta S Cafferky D Cowie F Riches P Mahendra A

Extracorporeal irradiation of an excised tumour-bearing segment of bone followed by its re-implantation is a technique used in bone sarcoma surgery for limb salvage when the bone is of reasonable quality. There is no agreement among previous studies about the dose of irradiation to be given: up to 300 Gy have been used.

We investigated the influence of extracorporeal irradiation on the elastic and viscoelastic properties of bone. Bone was harvested from mature cattle and subdivided into 13 groups: 12 were exposed to increasing levels of irradiation: one was not and was used as a control. The specimens, once irradiated, underwent mechanical testing in saline at 37°C.

The mechanical properties of each group, including Young’s modulus, storage modulus and loss modulus, were determined experimentally and compared with the control group.

There were insignificant changes in all of these mechanical properties with an increasing level of irradiation.

We conclude that the overall mechanical effect of high levels of extracorporeal irradiation (300 Gy) on bone is negligible. Consequently the dose can be maximised to reduce the risk of local tumour recurrence.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1152–6.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 7 | Pages 1007 - 1011
1 Jul 2015
Kim H Im SB Han I

Deformity of the proximal femur in fibrous dysplasia leads to deviation of the mechanical axis of the hip, which may lead to the development of secondary osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigated the prevalence and predisposing factors for the development of OA in patients with fibrous dysplasia of the proximal femur. We reviewed the records of 209 patients from our institutional database with fibrous dysplasia of the proximal femur, investigating possible predisposing factors including patient demographics, the extent of the coxa vara deformity, the presence of peri-articular disease, and the overall burden of skeletal disease. Of the 209 patients, 24 (12%) had radiological evidence of OA in the ipsilateral hip. The prevalence was significantly higher in patients with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia compared with those with monostotic disease (p < 0.001). In a subgroup analysis of patients with polyostotic disease, the extent of deformity (quantified using the neck–shaft angle), and the presence of peri-articular disease (whether in the head of the femur or the acetabulum) were significant predictors of osteoarthritis (neck–shaft angle likelihood ratio (LR) = 0.847 per 1° increase, p = 0.004; presence of lesion in the head of the femur LR = 9.947, p = 0.027; presence of lesion in the acetabulum LR = 11.231, p = 0.014).

Our data suggest that patients with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia have a high risk of developing secondary OA of the hips. This risk is higher in patients with peri-articular disease, and those with a more severe deformity of proximal femur.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1007–11.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 6 | Pages 853 - 861
1 Jun 2015
Hilven PH Bayliss L Cosker T Dijkstra PDS Jutte PC Lahoda LU Schaap GR Bramer JAM van Drunen GK Strackee SD van Vooren J Gibbons M Giele H van de Sande MAJ

Vascularised fibular grafts (VFGs ) are a valuable surgical technique in limb salvage after resection of a tumour. The primary objective of this multicentre study was to assess the risk factors for failure and complications for using a VFG after resection of a tumour.

The study involved 74 consecutive patients (45 men and 29 women with mean age of 23 years (1 to 64) from four tertiary centres for orthopaedic oncology who underwent reconstruction using a VFG after resection of a tumour between 1996 and 2011. There were 52 primary and 22 secondary reconstructions. The mean follow-up was 77 months (10 to 195).

In all, 69 patients (93%) had successful limb salvage; all of these united and 65 (88%) showed hypertrophy of the graft. The mean time to union differed between those involving the upper (28 weeks; 12 to 96) and lower limbs (44 weeks; 12 to 250). Fracture occurred in 11 (15%), and nonunion in 14 (19%) patients.

In 35 patients (47%) at least one complication arose, with a greater proportion in lower limb reconstructions, non-bridging osteosynthesis, and in children. These complications resulted in revision surgery in 26 patients (35%).

VFG is a successful and durable technique for reconstruction of a defect in bone after resection of a tumour, but is accompanied by a significant risk of complications, that often require revision surgery. Union was not markedly influenced by the need for chemo- or radiotherapy, but should not be expected during chemotherapy. Therefore, restricted weight-bearing within this period is advocated.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:853–61.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 6 | Pages 847 - 852
1 Jun 2015
Nakamura T Matsumine A Asanuma K Matsubara T Sudo A

The aim of this study was to determine whether the high-sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic score (Hs-mGPS) could predict the disease-specific survival and oncological outcome in adult patients with non-metastatic soft-tissue sarcoma before treatment. A total of 139 patients treated between 2001 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The Hs-mGPS varied between 0 and 2. Patients with a score of 2 had a poorer disease-specific survival than patients with a score of 0 (p < 0.001). The estimated five-year rate of disease-specific survival for those with a score of 2 was 0%, compared with 85.4% (95% CI 77.3 to 93.5) for those with a score of 0. Those with a score of 2 also had a poorer disease-specific survival than those with a score of 1 (75.3%, 95% CI 55.8 to 94.8; p < 0.001). Patients with a score of 2 also had a poorer event-free rate than those with a score of 0 (p < 0.001). Those with a score of 2 also had a poorer event-free survival than did those with a score of 1 (p = 0.03). A multivariate analysis showed that the Hs-mGPS remained an independent predictor of survival and recurrence. The Hs-mGPS could be a useful prognostic marker in patients with a soft-tissue sarcoma.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:847–52.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 5 | Pages 711 - 715
1 May 2015
Xie C Whalley N Adasonla K Grimer R Jeys L

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with a sacral chordoma and the surgical management of locally recurrent disease.

Between October 1990 and August 2013 we operated on 54 consecutive patients with a sacral chordoma. There were 34 men and 20 women with a mean age of 60 years (25 to 86). The mean maximum diameter of the tumour was 9.3 cm (3 to 20).

The mean follow-up was 7.8 years (2 months to 23.4 years). The disease-specific survival was 82% at five years, 57% at ten years and 45% at 15 years. The local recurrence-free survival was 49% at five years, 37% at ten years and 20% at 15 years. Local recurrence occurred in 30 patients (56%) at a mean of 3.8 years (3 months to 13 years) post-operatively.

Survival after the treatment of recurrence was 89% at two years, 56% at five years and 19% at ten years. Of nine patients who had complete resection of a recurrence, one died after 72 months and eight remain disease-free. Incomplete resection of recurrent disease resulted in a survival of 54% at two years and 36% at five years.

For 12 patients with a local recurrence who were treated palliatively, survival was 81% at two years and 31% at five years.

A wide margin of resection gave the best chance of long-term survival and complete resection of local recurrence the best chance of control of disease.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:711–15.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 4 | Pages 544 - 549
1 Apr 2015
Qu H Guo W Yang R Tang X Yan T Li D Yang Y Zang J

We determined the efficacy of a devitalised autograft (n = 13) and allograft (n = 16) cortical strut bone graft combined with long-stem endoprosthetic reconstruction in the treatment of massive tumours of the lower limb. A total of 29 patients (18 men:11 women, mean age 20.1 years (12 to 45) with a ratio of length of resection to that of the whole prosthesis of > 50% were treated between May 2003 and May 2012. The mean follow-up was 47 months (15 to 132). The stem of the prosthesis was introduced through bone graft struts filled with cement, then cemented into the residual bone. Bone healing was achieved in 23 patients (86%). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional score was 85% (57 to 97). The five-year survival rate of the endoprostheses was 81% (95% confidence intervals 67.3 to 92.3). The mean length of devitalised autografts and allografts was 8.6 cm (5 to 15), which increased the ratio of the the length of the stem of the prosthesis to that of the whole length of the prosthesis from a theoretical 35% to an actual 55%.

Cortical strut bone grafting and long-stem endoprosthetic reconstruction is an option for treating massive segmental defects following resection of a tumour in the lower limb. Patients can regain good function with a low incidence of aseptic loosening. The strut graft and the residual bone together serve as a satisfactory bony environment for a revision prosthesis, if required, once union is achieved.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:544–9.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 4 | Pages 550 - 557
1 Apr 2015
Mollon B Lee A Busse JW Griffin AM Ferguson PC Wunder JS Theodoropoulos J

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare proliferative process of the synovium which most commonly affects the knee and occurs in either a localised (LPVNS) or a diffuse form (DPVNS). The effect of different methods of surgical synovectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy on the rate of recurrence is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and identified 35 observational studies in English which reported the use of surgical synovectomy to treat PVNS of the knee.

A meta-analysis included 630 patients, 137 (21.8%) of whom had a recurrence after synovectomy. For patients with DPVNS, low-quality evidence found that the rate of recurrence was reduced by both open synovectomy (odds ration (OR) = 0.47; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.90; p = 0.024) and combined open and arthroscopic synovectomy (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.58; p = 0.003) compared with arthroscopic surgery. Very low-quality evidence found that the rate of recurrence of DPVNS was reduced by peri-operative radiotherapy (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.70; p = 0.01). Very low-quality evidence suggested that the rate of recurrence of LPVNS was not related to the surgical approach.

This meta-analysis suggests that open synovectomy or synovectomy combined with peri-operative radiotherapy for DPVNS is associated with a reduced rate of recurrence. Large long-term prospective multicentre observational studies, with a focus on both rate of recurrence and function, are required to confirm these findings.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:550–7.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 2 | Pages 252 - 257
1 Feb 2015
Wafa H Grimer RJ Reddy K Jeys L Abudu A Carter SR Tillman RM

We conducted a case-control study to examine the merit of silver-coated tumour prostheses. We reviewed 85 patients with Agluna-treated (silver-coated) tumour implants treated between 2006 and 2011 and matched them with 85 control patients treated between 2001 and 2011 with identical, but uncoated, tumour prostheses.

In all, 106 men and 64 women with a mean age of 42.2 years (18.4 to 90.4) were included in the study. There were 50 primary reconstructions (29.4%); 79 one-stage revisions (46.5%) and 41 two-stage revisions for infection (24.1%).

The overall post-operative infection rate of the silver-coated group was 11.8% compared with 22.4% for the control group (p = 0.033, chi-square test). A total of seven of the ten infected prostheses in the silver-coated group were treated successfully with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention compared with only six of the 19 patients (31.6%) in the control group (p = 0.048, chi-square test). Three patients in the silver-coated group (3.5%) and 13 controls (15.3%) had chronic periprosthetic infection (p = 0.009, chi-square test).

The overall success rates in controlling infection by two-stage revision in the silver-coated group was 85% (17/20) compared with 57.1% (12/21) in the control group (p = 0.05, chi-square test). The Agluna-treated endoprostheses were associated with a lower rate of early periprosthetic infection. These silver-treated implants were particularly useful in two-stage revisions for infection and in those patients with incidental positive cultures at the time of implantation of the prosthesis.

Debridement with antibiotic treatment and retention of the implant appeared to be more successful with silver-coated implants.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:252–7.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 2 | Pages 258 - 264
1 Feb 2015
Young PS Bell SW Mahendra A

We report our experience of using a computer navigation system to aid resection of malignant musculoskeletal tumours of the pelvis and limbs and, where appropriate, their subsequent reconstruction. We also highlight circumstances in which navigation should be used with caution.

We resected a musculoskeletal tumour from 18 patients (15 male, three female, mean age of 30 years (13 to 75) using commercially available computer navigation software (Orthomap 3D) and assessed its impact on the accuracy of our surgery. Of nine pelvic tumours, three had a biological reconstruction with extracorporeal irradiation, four underwent endoprosthetic replacement (EPR) and two required no bony reconstruction. There were eight tumours of the bones of the limbs. Four diaphyseal tumours underwent biological reconstruction. Two patients with a sarcoma of the proximal femur and two with a sarcoma of the proximal humerus underwent extra-articular resection and, where appropriate, EPR. One soft-tissue sarcoma of the adductor compartment which involved the femur was resected and reconstructed using an EPR. Computer navigation was used to aid reconstruction in eight patients.

Histological examination of the resected specimens revealed tumour-free margins in all patients. Post-operative radiographs and CT showed that the resection and reconstruction had been carried out as planned in all patients where navigation was used. In two patients, computer navigation had to be abandoned and the operation was completed under CT and radiological control.

The use of computer navigation in musculoskeletal oncology allows accurate identification of the local anatomy and can define the extent of the tumour and proposed resection margins. Furthermore, it helps in reconstruction of limb length, rotation and overall alignment after resection of an appendicular tumour.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:258–64.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 1 | Pages 121 - 128
1 Jan 2015
Kang S Han I Hong SH Cho HS Kim W Kim H

Cancellous allograft bone chips are commonly used in the reconstruction of defects in bone after removal of benign tumours. We investigated the MRI features of grafted bone chips and their change over time, and compared them with those with recurrent tumour. We retrospectively reviewed 66 post-operative MRIs from 34 patients who had undergone curettage and grafting with cancellous bone chips to fill the defect after excision of a tumour. All grafts showed consistent features at least six months after grafting: homogeneous intermediate or low signal intensities with or without scattered hyperintense foci (speckled hyperintensities) on T1 images; high signal intensities with scattered hypointense foci (speckled hypointensities) on T2 images, and peripheral rim enhancement with or without central heterogeneous enhancements on enhanced images. Incorporation of the graft occurred from the periphery to the centre, and was completed within three years. Recurrent lesions consistently showed the same signal intensities as those of pre-operative MRIs of the primary lesions. There were four misdiagnoses, three of which were chondroid tumours.

We identified typical MRI features and clarified the incorporation process of grafted cancellous allograft bone chips. The most important characteristics of recurrent tumours were that they showed the same signal intensities as the primary tumours. It might sometimes be difficult to differentiate grafted cancellous allograft bone chips from a recurrent chondroid tumour.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:121–8.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 1 | Pages 115 - 120
1 Jan 2015
Reddy KIA Wafa H Gaston CL Grimer RJ Abudu AT Jeys LM Carter SR Tillman RM

A poor response to chemotherapy (≤ 90% necrosis) for osteosarcomas leads to poorer survival and an increased risk of local recurrence, particularly if there is a close margin of excision. We evaluated whether amputation confers any survival benefit over limb salvage surgery (LSS) with narrow margins in patients who respond poorly to chemotherapy.

We only analysed patients with an osteosarcoma of the limb, a poor response to chemotherapy and close margins on LSS (marginal/intralesional) or primary amputation: 360 patients (36 LSS (intralesional margins), 197 LSS (marginal margins) and 127 amputations) were included. Local recurrence developed in 13 (36%) following LSS with intralesional margins, and 39 (20%) following LSS with marginal margins. There was no local recurrence in patients who underwent amputation. The five-year survival for all patients was 41% (95% confidence interval (CI) 35 to 46), but for those treated by LSS with marginal margins was 46.2% (95% CI 38 to 53), 36.3% (95% CI 27 to 45) for those treated by amputation, and 28% (95 CI 14 to 44) for those treated by LSS with intralesional margins. Patients who had LSS and then developed local recurrence as a first event had the same survival as those who had primary amputation without local recurrence. Prophylactic adjuvant radiotherapy was used in 40 patients but had no discernible effect in preventing local recurrence.

Although amputation offered better local control, it conferred no clear survival benefit over LSS with marginal margins in these patients with a poor overall prognosis.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:115–20.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1706 - 1712
1 Dec 2014
Bus MPA Boerhout EJ Bramer JAM Dijkstra PDS

Peri-acetabular tumour resections and their subsequent reconstruction are among the most challenging procedures in orthopaedic oncology. Despite the fact that a number of different pelvic endoprostheses have been introduced, rates of complication remain high and long-term results are mostly lacking.

In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the outcome of reconstructing a peri-acetabular defect with a pedestal cup endoprosthesis after a type 2 or type 2/3 internal hemipelvectomy.

A total of 19 patients (11M:8F) with a mean age of 48 years (14 to 72) were included, most of whom had been treated for a primary bone tumour (n = 16) between 2003 and 2009. After a mean follow-up of 39 months (28 days to 8.7 years) seven patients had died. After a mean follow-up of 7.9 years (4.3 to 10.5), 12 patients were alive, of whom 11 were disease-free. Complications occurred in 15 patients. Three had recurrent dislocations and three experienced aseptic loosening. There were no mechanical failures. Infection occurred in nine patients, six of whom required removal of the prosthesis. Two patients underwent hindquarter amputation for local recurrence.

The implant survival rate at five years was 50% for all reasons, and 61% for non-oncological reasons. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at final follow-up was 49% (13 to 87).

Based on these poor results, we advise caution if using the pedestal cup for reconstruction of a peri-acetabular tumour resection.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1706–12.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1436 - 1440
1 Nov 2014
Henderson ER O’Connor MI Ruggieri P Windhager R Funovics PT Gibbons CL Guo W Hornicek FJ Temple HT Letson GD

Previous classification systems of failure of limb salvage focused primarily on endoprosthetic failures and lacked sufficient depth for the effective study of the causes of failure. In order to address these inadequacies, the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) formed a committee to recommend revisions of the previous systems. The purpose of this study was to report on their recommendations. The modifications were prepared using an earlier, evidence-based model with subclassification based on the existing medical literature. Subclassification for all five primary types of failure of limb salvage following endoprosthetic reconstruction were formulated and a complementary system was derived for the failure of biological reconstruction. An additional classification of failure in paediatric patients was also described.

Limb salvage surgery presents a complex array of potential mechanisms of failure, and a complete and precise classification of types of failure is required. Earlier classification systems lacked specificity, and the evidence-based system outlined here is designed to correct these weaknesses and to provide a means of reporting failures of limb salvage in order to allow the interpretation of outcome following reconstructive surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1436–40.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1540 - 1545
1 Nov 2014
Dierselhuis EF van den Eerden PJM Hoekstra HJ Bulstra SK Suurmeijer AJH Jutte PC

Atypical cartilaginous tumours are usually treated by curettage. The purpose of this study was to show that radiofrequency ablation was an effective alternative treatment.

We enrolled 20 patients (two male, 18 female, mean age 56 years (36 to 72) in a proof-of-principle study. After inclusion, biopsy and radiofrequency ablation were performed, followed three months later by curettage and adjuvant phenolisation. The primary endpoint was the proportional necrosis in the retrieved material. Secondary endpoints were correlation with the findings on gadolinium enhanced MRI, functional outcome and complications.

Our results show that 95% to 100% necrosis was obtained in 14 of the 20 patients. MRI had a 91% sensitivity and 67% specificity for detecting residual tumour after curettage. The mean functional outcome (MSTS) score six weeks after radiofrequency ablation was 27.1 (23 to 30) compared with 18.1 (12 to 25) after curettage (p < 0.001). No complications occurred after ablation, while two patients developed a pathological fracture after curettage.

We have shown that radiofrequency ablation is capable of completely eradicating cartilaginous tumour cells in selective cases. MRI has a 91% sensitivity for detecting any residual tumour. Radiofrequency ablation can be performed on an outpatient basis allowing a rapid return to normal activities. If it can be made more effective, it has the potential to provide better local control, while improving functional outcome.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1540–5.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1392 - 1395
1 Oct 2014
Dhinsa BS Gregory JJ Nawabi DH Khan S Pollock R Aston WJ Skinner JA Briggs TWR

In patients with a tumour affecting the distal ulna it is difficult to preserve the function of the wrist following extensive local resection. We report the outcome of 12 patients (nine female, three male) who underwent excision of the distal ulna without local soft-tissue reconstruction. In six patients, an aggressive benign tumour was present and six had a malignant tumour. At a mean follow-up of 64 months (15 to 132) the mean Musculoskeletal Tumour score was 64% (40% to 93%) and the mean DASH score was 35 (10 to 80). The radiological appearances were satisfactory in most patients. Local recurrence occurred in one patient with benign disease and two with malignant disease. The functional outcome was thus satisfactory at a mean follow-up in excess of five years, with a relatively low rate of complications. The authors conclude that complex reconstructive soft-tissue procedures may not be needed in these patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1392–5.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1396 - 1403
1 Oct 2014
Salunke AA Chen Y Tan JH Chen X Khin LW Puhaindran ME

Opinion remains divided as to whether the development of pathological fracture affects the prognosis of patients with an osteosarcoma of the extremities.

We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of papers which reported the outcomes of osteosarcoma patients with and without a pathological fracture. There were eight eligible papers for final analysis which reported on 1713 patients, of whom 303 (17.7%) had a pathological fracture. The mean age for 1464 patients in six studies was 23.2 years old (2 to 82). The mean follow-up for 1481 patients in seven studies was 90.1 months (6 to 240).

The pooled estimates of local recurrence rates in osteosarcoma patients with and without pathological fractures were 14.4% (8.7 to 20.0) versus 11.4% (8.0 to 14.8). The pooled estimate of relative risk was 1.39 (0.89 to 2.20). The pooled estimates of five-year event-free survival rates in osteosarcoma patients with and without a pathological fracture were 49.3% (95% CI 43.6 to 54.9) versus 66.8% (95% CI 60.7 to 72.8). The pooled estimate of relative risk was 1.33 (1.12 to 1.59). There was no significant difference in the rate of local recurrence between patients who were treated by amputation or limb salvage.

The development of a pathological fracture is a negative prognostic indicator in osteosarcoma and is associated with a reduced five-year event-free survival and a possibly higher rate of local recurrence. Our findings suggest that there is no absolute indication for amputation, as similar rates of local recurrence can be achieved in patients who are carefully selected for limb salvage.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1396–1403


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1404 - 1410
1 Oct 2014
Wafa H Grimer RJ Jeys L Abudu AT Carter SR Tillman RM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and oncological outcome of extracorporeally irradiated autografts used to reconstruct the pelvis after a P1/2 internal hemipelvectomy.

The study included 18 patients with a primary malignant bone tumour of the pelvis. There were 13 males and five females with a mean age of 24.8 years (8 to 62). Of these, seven had an osteogenic sarcoma, six a Ewing’s sarcoma, and five a chondrosarcoma. At a mean follow-up of 51.6 months (4 to 185), nine patients had died with metastatic disease while nine were free from disease. Local recurrence occurred in three patients all of whom eventually died of their disease. Deep infection occurred in three patients and required removal of their graft in two while the third underwent a hindquarter amputation for extensive flap necrosis.

The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score of the 16 patients who could be followed-up for at least 12 months was 77% (50 to 90). Those 15 patients who completed the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score questionnaire had a mean score of 71% (53 to 85).

Extracorporeal irradiation and re-implantation of bone is a valid method of reconstruction after an internal hemipelvectomy. It has an acceptable morbidity and a functional outcome that compares favourably with other available reconstructive techniques.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1404–10


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1258 - 1263
1 Sep 2014
Schuh R Panotopoulos J Puchner SE Willegger M M. Hobusch G Windhager R Funovics PT

Resection of a primary sarcoma of the diaphysis of a long bone creates a large defect. The biological options for reconstruction include the use of a vascularised and non-vascularised fibular autograft.

The purpose of the present study was to compare these methods of reconstruction.

Between 1985 and 2007, 53 patients (26 male and 27 female) underwent biological reconstruction of a diaphyseal defect after resection of a primary sarcoma. Their mean age was 20.7 years (3.6 to 62.4). Of these, 26 (49 %) had a vascularised and 27 (51 %) a non-vascularised fibular autograft. Either method could have been used for any patient in the study. The mean follow-up was 52 months (12 to 259). Oncological, surgical and functional outcome were evaluated. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed for graft survival with major complication as the end point.

At final follow-up, eight patients had died of disease. Primary union was achieved in 40 patients (75%); 22 (42%) with a vascularised fibular autograft and 18 (34%) a non-vascularised (p = 0.167). A total of 32 patients (60%) required revision surgery. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a mean survival without complication of 36 months (0.06 to 107.3, sd 9) for the vascularised group and 88 months (0.33 to 163.9, sd 16) for the non-vascularised group (p = 0.035).

Both groups seem to be reliable biological methods of reconstructing a diaphyseal bone defect. Vascularised autografts require more revisions mainly due to problems with wound healing in distal sites of tumour, such as the foot.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1258–63.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 8 | Pages 1098 - 1105
1 Aug 2014
Brown MT Gikas PD Bhamra JS Skinner JA Aston WJS Pollock RC Saifuddin A Briggs TWR

The pre-operative differentiation between enchondroma, low-grade chondrosarcoma and high-grade chondrosarcoma remains a diagnostic challenge. We reviewed the accuracy and safety of the radiological grading of cartilaginous tumours through the assessment of, first, pre-operative radiological and post-operative histological agreement, and second the rate of recurrence in lesions confirmed as high-grade on histology. We performed a retrospective review of major long bone cartilaginous tumours managed by curettage as low grade between 2001 and 2012. A total of 53 patients with a mean age of 47.6 years (8 to 71) were included. There were 23 men and 30 women. The tumours involved the femur (n = 20), humerus (n = 18), tibia (n = 9), fibula (n = 3), radius (n = 2) and ulna (n = 1). Pre-operative diagnoses resulted from multidisciplinary consensus following radiological review alone for 35 tumours, or with the addition of pre-operative image guided needle biopsy for 18. The histologically confirmed diagnosis was enchondroma for two (3.7%), low-grade chondrosarcoma for 49 (92.6%) and high-grade chondrosarcoma for two (3.7%). Three patients with a low-grade tumour developed a local recurrence at a mean of 15 months (12 to 17) post-operatively. A single high-grade recurrence (grade II) was treated with tibial diaphyseal replacement. The overall recurrence rate was 7.5% at a mean follow-up of 4.7 years (1.2 to 12.3). Cartilaginous tumours identified as low-grade on pre-operative imaging with or without additional image-guided needle biopsy can safely be managed as low-grade without pre-operative histological diagnosis. A few tumours may demonstrate high-grade features histologically, but the rates of recurrence are not affected.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1098–105.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 8 | Pages 1111 - 1118
1 Aug 2014
van der Heijden L Mastboom MJL Dijkstra PDS van de Sande MAJ

We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients with a diffuse-type giant-cell tumour (Dt-GCT) (previously known as pigmented villonodular synovitis) around the knee in order to assess the influence of the type of surgery on the functional outcome and quality of life (QOL). Between 1980 and 2001, 15 of these tumours had been treated primarily at our tertiary referral centre and 15 had been referred from elsewhere with recurrent lesions.

The mean follow-up was 64 months (24 to 393). Functional outcome and QOL were assessed with range of movement and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) score, the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and the SF-36 questionnaire. There was recurrence in four of 14 patients treated initially by open synovectomy. Local control was achieved after a second operation in 13 of 14 (93%). Recurrence occurred in 15 of 16 patients treated initially by arthroscopic synovectomy. These patients underwent a mean of 1.8 arthroscopies (one to eight) before open synovectomy. This achieved local control in 8 of 15 (53%) after the first synovectomy and in 12 of 15 (80%) after two. The functional outcome and QOL of patients who had undergone primary arthroscopic synovectomy and its attendant subsequent surgical procedures were compared with those who had had a primary open synovectomy using the following measures: range of movement (114º versus 127º; p = 0.03); KOOS (48 versus 71; p = 0.003); MSTS (19 versus 24; p = 0.02); TESS (75 versus 86; p = 0.03); and SF-36 (62 versus 80; p = 0.01).

Those who had undergone open synovectomy needed fewer subsequent operations. Most patients who had been referred with a recurrence had undergone an initial arthroscopic synovectomy followed by multiple further synovectomies. At the final follow-up of eight years (2 to 32), these patients had impaired function and QOL compared with those who had undergone open synovectomy initially.

We conclude that the natural history of Dt-GCT in patients who are treated by arthroscopic synovectomy has an unfavourable outcome, and that primary open synovectomy should be undertaken to prevent recurrence or residual disease.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1111–18.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 8 | Pages 1106 - 1110
1 Aug 2014
Malhotra R Kiran Kumar GN K. Digge V Kumar V

Giant cell tumour is the most common aggressive benign tumour of the musculoskeletal system and has a high rate of local recurrence. When it occurs in proximity to the hip, reconstruction of the joint is a challenge. Options for reconstruction after wide resection include the use of a megaprosthesis or an allograft-prosthesis composite. We performed a clinical and radiological study to evaluate the functional results of a proximal femoral allograft-prosthesis composite in the treatment of proximal femoral giant cell tumour after wide resection. This was an observational study, between 2006 and 2012, of 18 patients with a mean age of 32 years (28 to 42) and a mean follow-up of 54 months (18 to 79). We achieved excellent outcomes using Harris Hip Score in 13 patients and a good outcome in five. All allografts united. There were no complications such as infection, failure, fracture or resorption of the graft, or recurrent tumour. Resection and reconstruction of giant cell tumours with proximal femoral allograft–prosthesis composite is a better option than using a prosthesis considering preservation of bone stock and excellent restoration of function.

A good result requires demanding bone banking techniques, effective measures to prevent infection and stability at the allograft-host junction.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1106–10.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 6 | Pages 823 - 828
1 Jun 2014
Goedhart LM Ploegmakers JJW Kroon HM Zwartkruis ECH Jutte PC

In this case study, we describe the clinical presentation and treatment of 36 patients with periosteal chondrosarcoma collected over a 59-year period by the archive of the Netherlands Committee on Bone Tumours. The demographics, clinical presentation, radiological features, treatment and follow-up are presented with the size, location, the histological grading of the tumour and the survival.

We found a slight predominance of men (61%), and a predilection for the distal femur (33%) and proximal humerus (33%). The metaphysis was the most common site (47%) and the most common presentation was with pain (44%). Half the tumours were classified histologically as grade 1. Pulmonary metastases were reported in one patient after an intra-lesional resection. A second patient died from local recurrence and possible pulmonary and skin metastases after an incomplete resection.

It is clearly important to make the diagnosis appropriately because an incomplete resection may result in local recurrence and metastatic spread. Staging for metastatic disease is recommended in grade II or III lesions.

These patients should be managed with a contrast-enhanced MRI of the tumour and histological confirmation by biopsy, followed by en-bloc excision.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:823–8.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 5 | Pages 665 - 672
1 May 2014
Gaston CL Nakamura T Reddy K Abudu A Carter S Jeys L Tillman R Grimer R

Bone sarcomas are rare cancers and orthopaedic surgeons come across them infrequently, sometimes unexpectedly during surgical procedures. We investigated the outcomes of patients who underwent a surgical procedure where sarcomas were found unexpectedly and were subsequently referred to our unit for treatment. We identified 95 patients (44 intra-lesional excisions, 35 fracture fixations, 16 joint replacements) with mean age of 48 years (11 to 83); 60% were males (n = 57). Local recurrence arose in 40% who underwent limb salvage surgery versus 12% who had an amputation. Despite achieving local control, overall survival was worse for patients treated with amputation rather than limb salvage (54% vs 75% five-year survival). Factors that negatively influenced survival were invasive primary surgery (fracture fixation, joint replacement), a delay of greater than two months until referral to our oncology service, and high-grade tumours. Survival in these circumstances depends mostly on factors that are determined prior to definitive treatment by a tertiary orthopaedic oncology unit. Limb salvage in this group of patients is associated with a higher rate of inadequate marginal surgery and, consequently, higher local recurrence rates than amputation, but should still be attempted whenever possible, as local control is not the primary determinant of survival.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:665–72.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 5 | Pages 684 - 690
1 May 2014
Xie L X. D. T Yang RL Guo W

We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 33 consecutive patients who had undergone an extra-articular, total or partial scapulectomy for a malignant tumour of the shoulder girdle between 1 July 2001 and 30 September 2013. Of these, 26 had tumours which originated in the scapula or the adjacent soft tissue and underwent a classic Tikhoff–Linberg procedure, while seven with tumours arising from the proximal humerus were treated with a modified Tikhoff-Linberg operation. We used a Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System for soft-tissue reconstruction in nine patients, but not in the other 24.

The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS) was 17.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 15.9 to 19.4); 17.6 (95% CI 15.5 to 19.6) after the classic Tikhoff–Linberg procedure and 18.1 (95% CI 13.8 to 22.3) after the modified Tikhoff–Linberg procedure. Patients who had undergone a LARS soft-tissue reconstruction had a mean score of 18.6 (95% (CI) 13.9 to 22.4) compared with 17.2 (95% CI 15.5 to 19.0) for those who did not.

The Tikhoff–Linberg procedure is a useful method for wide resection of a malignant tumour of the shoulder girdle which helps to preserve hand and elbow function. The method of soft-tissue reconstruction has no effect on functional outcome.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:684–90.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 5 | Pages 673 - 676
1 May 2014
Han I Choi ES Kim H

Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the proximal femur has a variable clinical course, despite its reported limited tendency to progress.

We investigated the natural history and predisposing factors for progression of dysplasia in a group of 76 patients with a mean follow-up of 8.5 years (2.0 to 15.2). Of these, 31 (41%) presented with an asymptomatic incidental lesion while 45 (59%) presented with pain or a pathological fracture. A group of 23 patients (30%) underwent early operative treatment for pain (19: 25%) or pathological fracture (4: 5%).

Of the 53 patients who were initially treated non-operatively, 45 (85%) remained asymptomatic but eight (15%) needed surgery because of pain or fracture. The progression-free survival of the observation group was 81% (sd 6.4%) at five-years follow-up. An initial presentation of pain (p < 0.001), a limp (p < 0.001), radiological evidence of microfracture (p = 0.001) and younger age (< 17 years) (p = 0.016) were significant predisposing factors for disease progression.

The risk of experiencing pain or pathological fracture is considerable in monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the proximal femur. Patients presenting with pain, a limp or radiological evidence of microfracture have a high chance of needing surgical treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:673–6.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 5 | Pages 677 - 683
1 May 2014
Greenberg A Berenstein Weyel T Sosna J Applbaum J Peyser A

Osteoid osteoma is treated primarily by radiofrequency (RF) ablation. However, there is little information about the distribution of heat in bone during the procedure and its safety. We constructed a model of osteoid osteoma to assess the distribution of heat in bone and to define the margins of safety for ablation. Cavities were drilled in cadaver bovine bones and filled with a liver homogenate to simulate the tumour matrix. Temperature-sensing probes were placed in the bone in a radial fashion away from the cavities. RF ablation was performed 107 times in tumours < 10 mm in diameter (72 of which were in cortical bone, 35 in cancellous bone), and 41 times in cortical bone with models > 10 mm in diameter. Significantly higher temperatures were found in cancellous bone than in cortical bone (p <  0.05). For lesions up to 10 mm in diameter, in both bone types, the temperature varied directly with the size of the tumour (p < 0.05), and inversely with the distance from it. Tumours of > 10 mm in diameter showed a trend similar to those of smaller lesions. No temperature rise was seen beyond 12 mm from the edge of a cortical tumour of any size. Formulae were developed to predict the expected temperature in the bone during ablation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:677–83


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 3, Issue 4 | Pages 101 - 107
1 Apr 2014
Edmondson MC Day R Wood D

Objectives

The most concerning infection of allografts and operative procedures is methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and no current iontophoresed antibiotics effectively combat this microbe. It was initially hypothesised that iontophoresis of vancomycin through bone would not be effective due to its large molecular size and lack of charge. The aim of this study was to determine whether this was a viable procedure and to find the optimum conditions for its use.

Methods

An iontophoresis cell was set up with varying concentrations of Vancomycin within the medulla of a section of sheep tibia, sealed from an external saline solution. The cell was run for varying times, Vancomycin concentrations and voltages, to gain information on optimisation of conditions for impregnating the graft. Each graft was then sectioned and dust ground from the exposed surface. The dust was serially washed to extract the Vancomycin and concentrations measured and plotted for all variables tested.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 4 | Pages 555 - 561
1 Apr 2014
Igarashi K Yamamoto N Shirai T Hayashi K Nishida H Kimura H Takeuchi A Tsuchiya H

In 1999, we developed a technique for biological reconstruction after excision of a bone tumour, which involved using autografts of the bone containing the tumour treated with liquid nitrogen. We have previously reported the use of this technique in 28 patients at a mean follow up of 27 months (10 to 54).

In this study, we included 72 patients who underwent reconstruction using this technique. A total of 33 patients died and three were lost to follow-up, at a mean of 23 months (2 to 56) post-operatively, leaving 36 patients available for a assessment at a mean of 101 months 16 to 163) post-operatively. The methods of reconstruction included an osteo-articular graft in 16, an intercalary in 13 and, a composite graft with prosthesis in seven.

Post-operative function was excellent in 26 patients (72.2%), good in seven (19.4%), and fair in three (8.3%) according to the functional evaluation system of Enneking. No recurrent tumour occurred within the grafts. The autografts survived in 29 patients (80.6%), and the rates of survival at five and ten years were 86.1% and 80.6 %, respectively. Seven of 16 osteo-articular grafts (44%) failed because of fracture or infection, but all the composite and intercalary grafts survived.

The long-term outcomes of frozen autografting, particularly using composite and intercalary grafts, are satisfactory and thus represent a good method of treatment for patients with a sarcoma of bone or soft tissue.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:555–61.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 3 | Pages 399 - 405
1 Mar 2014
Zang J Guo W Yang Y Xie L

We report our early experience with the use of a new prosthesis, the Modular Hemipelvic Prosthesis II, for reconstruction of the hemipelvis after resection of a primary malignant peri-acetabular tumour involving the sacroiliac joint.

We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 17 patients who had undergone resection of a pelvic tumour and reconstruction with this prosthesis between July 2002 and July 2010.

One patient had a type I+II+III+IV resection (ilium + peri-acetabulum + pubis/ischium + sacrum) and 16 had a type I+II+IV resection (ilium + acetabulum + sacrum). The outcome was assessed at a mean follow-up of 33 months (15 to 59). One patient was alive with disease, 11 were alive without disease and five had died of disease. The overall five-year survival rate was 62.4%. Six patients had a local recurrence. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score was 58% (33 to 77). Deep infection occurred in two patients, problems with wound healing in five and dislocation in one.

For patients with a primary malignant peri-acetabular sarcoma involving the sacroiliac joint, we believe that this new prosthesis is a viable option for reconstruction of the bony defect left following resection of the tumour. It results in a satisfactory functional outcome with an acceptable rate of complications.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:399–405.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 2 | Pages 270 - 273
1 Feb 2014
Ogura K Miyamoto S Sakuraba M Chuman H Fujiwara T Kawai A

Resection of malignant bony tumours of the pelvis creates large bone and soft-tissue defects, and is frequently associated with complications such as wound dehiscence and deep infection. We present the results of six patients in whom a rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap was used following resection of a malignant tumour of the pelvis. Bony reconstruction was performed using a constrained hip tumour prosthesis in three patients, vascularised fibular graft in two and frozen autograft in one. At a mean follow-up of 63 months (16 to 115), no patients had a problem with the wound.

Immediate reconstruction using a RAM flap may be used after resection of a malignant tumour of the pelvis to provide an adequate volume of tissue to eliminate the dead space, cover the exposed bone or implants with well-vascularised soft tissue and to reduce the risk of complications.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:270–3.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 1 | Pages 132 - 136
1 Jan 2014
Shahid M Saunders T Jeys L Grimer R

We reviewed the outcome of patients who had been treated operatively for symptomatic peri-acetabular metastases and present an algorithm to guide treatment.

The records of 81 patients who had been treated operatively for symptomatic peri-acetabular metastases between 1987 and 2010 were identified. There were 27 men and 54 women with a mean age of 61 years (15 to 87). The diagnosis, size of lesion, degree of pelvic continuity, type of reconstruction, World Health Organization performance status, survival time, pain, mobility and complications including implant failure were recorded in each case.

The overall patient survivorship at five years was 5%. The longest lived patient survived 16 years from the date of diagnosis. The mean survival was 23 months (< 1 to 16 years) and the median was 15 months. At follow-up 14 patients remained alive. Two cementoplasties failed because of local disease progression. Three Harrington rods broke: one patient needed a subsequent Girdlestone procedure. One ‘ice-cream cone’ prosthesis dislocated and was subsequently revised without further problems. We recommend the ‘ice-cream cone’ for pelvic discontinuity and Harrington rod reconstruction for severe bone loss. Smaller defects can be safely managed using standard revision hip techniques.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:132–6.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 1 | Pages 127 - 131
1 Jan 2014
Wijsbek AE Vazquez-Garcia BL Grimer RJ Carter SR Abudu AA Tillman RM Jeys L

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the use of a joint-sparing technique such as curettage and grafting was successful in eradicating giant cell tumours of the proximal femur, or whether an alternative strategy was more appropriate.

Between 1974 and 2012, 24 patients with a giant cell tumour of the proximal femur were treated primarily at our hospital. Treatment was either joint sparing or joint replacing. Joint-sparing treatment was undertaken in ten patients by curettage with or without adjunctive bone graft. Joint replacement was by total hip replacement in nine patients and endoprosthetic replacement in five. All 11 patients who presented with a pathological fracture were treated by replacement.

Local recurrence occurred in five patients (21%): two were treated by hip replacement, three by curettage and none with an endoprosthesis. Of the ten patients treated initially by curettage, six had a successful outcome without local recurrence and required no further surgery. Three eventually needed a hip replacement for local recurrence and one an endoprosthetic replacement for mechanical failure. Thus 18 patients had the affected joint replaced and only six (25%) retained their native joint. Overall, 60% of patients without a pathological fracture who were treated with curettage had a successful outcome.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:127–31.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 95-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1708 - 1713
1 Dec 2013
Salem KH Brockert A Mertens R Drescher W

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a serious complication of high-dose chemotherapy for haematological malignancy in childhood. In order to describe its incidence and main risk factors and to evaluate the current treatment options, we reviewed 105 children with a mean age of 8.25 years (1 to 17.8) who had acute lymphoblastic or acute myeloid leukaemia, or a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Overall, eight children (7.6%) developed AVN after a mean of 16.8 months (8 to 49). There were four boys and four girls with a mean age of 14.4 years (9.8 to 16.8) and a total of 18 involved sites, 12 of which were in the femoral head. All these children were aged > nine years (p < 0.001). All had received steroid treatment with a mean cumulative dose of prednisone of 5967 mg (4425 to 9599) compared with a mean of 3943 mg (0 to 18 585) for patients without AVN (p = 0.005). No difference existed between genders and no thrombophilic disorders were identified. Their initial treatment included 11 core decompressions and two bipolar hip replacements. Later, two salvage osteotomies were done and three patients (four hips) eventually needed a total joint replacement. We conclude that AVN mostly affects the weight-bearing epiphyses. Its risk increases with age and higher steroid doses. These high-risk patients may benefit from early screening for AVN.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1708–13.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 95-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1551 - 1555
1 Nov 2013
Kaa AKS Jørgensen PH Søjbjerg JO Johannsen HV

We investigated the functional outcome in patients who underwent reverse shoulder replacement (RSR) after removal of a tumour of the proximal humerus. A total of 16 patients (ten women and six men) underwent this procedure between 1998 and 2011 in our hospital. Five patients died and one was lost to follow-up. Ten patients were available for review at a mean follow-up of 46 months (12 to 136). Eight patients had a primary and two patients a secondary bone tumour.

At final follow up the mean range of active movement was: abduction 78° (30° to 150°); flexion 98° (45° to 180°); external rotation 32° (10° to 60°); internal rotation 51° (10° to 80°). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 77% (60% to 90%) and the mean Toronto Extremity Salvage Score was 70% (30% to 91%). Two patients had a superficial infection and one had a deep infection and underwent a two-stage revision procedure. In two patients there was loosening of the RSR; one dislocated twice. All patients had some degree of atrophy or pseudo-atrophy of the deltoid muscle.

Use of a RSR in patients with a tumour of the proximal humerus gives acceptable results.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1551–5.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 95-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1425 - 1431
1 Oct 2013
Hardes J Henrichs MP Gosheger G Gebert C Höll S Dieckmann R Hauschild G Streitbürger A

We evaluated the clinical results and complications after extra-articular resection of the distal femur and/or proximal tibia and reconstruction with a tumour endoprosthesis (MUTARS) in 59 patients (mean age 33 years (11 to 74)) with malignant bone or soft-tissue tumours. According to a Kaplan–Meier analysis, limb survival was 76% (95% confidence interval (CI) 64.1 to 88.5) after a mean follow-up of 4.7 years (one month to 17 years). Peri-prosthetic infection was the most common indication for subsequent amputation (eight patients). Survival of the prosthesis without revision was 48% (95% CI 34.8 to 62.0) at two years and 25% (95% CI 11.1 to 39.9) at five years post-operatively. Failure of the prosthesis was due to deep infection in 22 patients (37%), aseptic loosening in ten patients (17%), and peri-prosthetic fracture in six patients (10%). Wear of the bearings made a minor revision necessary in 12 patients (20%). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 23 (10 to 29). An extensor lag > 10° was noted in ten patients (17%).

These results suggest that limb salvage after extra-articular resection with a tumour prosthesis can achieve good functional results in most patients, although the rates of complications and subsequent amputation are higher than in patients treated with intra-articular resection.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1425–31.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 95-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1417 - 1424
1 Oct 2013
Jeys L Matharu GS Nandra RS Grimer RJ

We hypothesised that the use of computer navigation-assisted surgery for pelvic and sacral tumours would reduce the risk of an intralesional margin. We reviewed 31 patients (18 men and 13 women) with a mean age of 52.9 years (13.5 to 77.2) in whom computer navigation-assisted surgery had been carried out for a bone tumour of the pelvis or sacrum. There were 23 primary malignant bone tumours, four metastatic tumours and four locally advanced primary tumours of the rectum. The registration error when using computer navigation was <  1 mm in each case. There were no complications related to the navigation, which allowed the preservation of sacral nerve roots (n = 13), resection of otherwise inoperable disease (n = 4) and the avoidance of hindquarter amputation (n = 3). The intralesional resection rate for primary tumours of the pelvis and sacrum was 8.7% (n = 2): clear bone resection margins were achieved in all cases. At a mean follow-up of 13.1 months (3 to 34) three patients (13%) had developed a local recurrence. The mean time alive from diagnosis was 16.8 months (4 to 48).

Computer navigation-assisted surgery is safe and has reduced our intralesional resection rate for primary tumours of the pelvis and sacrum. We recommend this technique as being worthy of further consideration for this group of patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1417–24.