Our purpose was to assess the role of preoperative radio-therapy +/− neoadjuvant chemotherapy in nonmetastatic soft tissue sarcoma of extremities for limb-sparing surgery and identify the role of neoadjuvant therapies on local control and survival rate. Forty-seven patients with soft tissue sarcoma of extremities who were treated at Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty within a limb salvage protocol, including preoperative radiotherapy +/− chemotherapy were retrospectively analized. Median age was 45 years (17–72 years). The tumor size was between 5–33 cm. Seventeen patients were in stage I, 11 in stage II, 19 in stage III. The most common histology was synovial sarcoma. Nine patients were treated for locally recurrent tumour. The tumour and surrounding tissues with probable microscopic tumour involvement observed clinically and radiologically, were irradiated. Thirty-two patients, with a high grade tumour and/or tumours larger than 8 cm, also received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen was consisted of doxorubicine and ifosphamide with mesna. Preoperative radiotherapy was applied, usually between the second and third cycles of chemotherapy. Definitive surgery was administered 2–6 weeks after radiotherapy or after the third cycle of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was completed to 6 courses after the surgery. Postoperative external beam radio-therapy boost of 16 Gy was given who had close or positive surgical margins. Median follow-up time was 67 months (12–217 months). All of the patients had limb-sparing surgery. Patients had; 30 marginal excision, 13 wide local excision, 4 radical resection. Nine patients locally recurred. Limb-sparing surgery was performed for 8 patients. 25 patients had distant metastases. Metastasectomy were applied for 10 patients with lung metastasis. The 5-year local control, disease free survival and overall survival rates were 82.3%, 50.1% and 67.2%, respectively. Preoperative radiotherapy +/− chemotherapy seems to increase the chance of extremity-sparing surgery with good local control and the survival rates which were comparable with the literature

Aims. Frailty has been gathering attention as a factor to predict surgical outcomes. However, the association of frailty with postoperative complications remains controversial in spinal metastases surgery. We therefore designed a prospective study to elucidate risk factors for postoperative complications with a focus on frailty. Methods. We prospectively analyzed 241 patients with spinal metastasis who underwent palliative surgery from June 2015 to December 2021. Postoperative complications were assessed by the Clavien-Dindo classification; scores of ≥ Grade II were defined as complications. Data were collected regarding demographics (age, sex, BMI, and primary cancer) and preoperative clinical factors (new Katagiri score, Frankel grade, performance status, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, spinal instability neoplastic score, modified Frailty Index-11 (mFI), diabetes, and serum albumin levels). Univariate and multivariate analyses were developed to identify risk factors for postoperative complications (p < 0.05). Results. Overall, 57 postoperative complications occurred in 47 of 241 (19.5%) patients. The most common complications were wound infection/dehiscence, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia. Univariate analysis identified preoperative radiotherapy (p = 0.028), mFI (p < 0.001), blood loss ≥ 500 ml (p = 0.016), and preoperative molecular targeted drugs (p = 0.030) as potential risk factors. From the receiver operating characteristic curve, the clinically optimal cut-off value of mFI was 0.27 (sensitivity, 46.8%; specificity, 79.9%). Multivariate analysis identified mFI ≥ 0.27 (odds ratio (OR) 2.94 (95% CI 1.44 to 5.98); p = 0.003) and preoperative radiotherapy (OR 2.11 (95% CI 1.00 to 4.46); p = 0.049) as significant risk factors. In particular, urinary tract infection (p = 0.012) and pneumonia (p = 0.037) were associated with mFI ≥ 0.27. Furthermore, the severity of postoperative complications was positively correlated with mFI (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The mFI is a useful tool to predict the incidence and the severity of postoperative complications in spinal metastases surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1469–1476

Major wound complication risk factors following soft tissue sarcoma resection. Wound-healing complications represent an important source of morbidity in patients treated surgically for soft tissue sarcomas (STS). The purpose of this study was to determine which factors are predictive of major wound complication rates following STS resection, including tumour site, size, grade, and depth, as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We reviewed 256 cases of STS treated surgically between 2000 and 2011. The primary outcome was occurrence of major wound complications post STS resection. Major wound complications were more likely to occur post STS resection with larger tumour diameters (p = 0.001), high grade tumours (p = 0.04), location in the proximal lower extremity (p = 0.01), and use of preoperative radiotherapy (p = 0.01). Tumours located in the adductor compartment were at highest risk of complications. We did not demonstrate a significant difference in complications rates based on method of closure. Diabetes, smoking, obesity, tumour diameter, tumour location in the proximal lower extremity, and preoperative radiotherapy were independent predictors on multivariate analysis. There are multiple predictors for major wound complications post STS resection. A more aggressive resection of irradiated soft tissues, combined with primary reconstruction, should be considered in cases with multiple risk factors

For soft tissue sarcoma patients receiving preoperative radiation therapy, wound complications are common and potentially devastating; they may result in multiple subsequent surgeries and significant patient morbidity. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescent angiography (ICGA) as a predictor of wound complications in resections of irradiated soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities. A consecutive series of patients of patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities or pelvis who received neoadjuvant radiation and a subsequent radical resection received intraoperative ICGA with the SPY PHI device (Stryker Inc, Kalamazoo MI) at the time of closure. Three fellowship trained Orthopaedic Oncologic Surgeons were asked to prospectively predict likelihood of wound complications based on fluorescence. Retrospective analysis of fluorescence signal along multiple points of the wound length was performed and quantified. The primary endpoint was wound complication, defined as delayed wound healing or wound dehiscence, within 3 months of surgery. An a priori power analysis demonstrated that 5 patients were necessary to achieve statistical significance. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify predictors of wound complications. 14 patients were consecutively imaged. The diagnosis was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in 9 (64.3%) of patients; 11 (78.6%) tumors were high grade. There were 6 patients with wound complications classified as “aseptic” in 5 cases and secondary to hematoma in 1 case. Using the ICGA, blinded surgeons correctly predicted wound complications in 75% of cases. In the area of wound complication, the mean % of maximal signal for wound complications was 49% during the inflow phase and 48% during the peak phase. The mean % maximal signal for peri-incisional tissue without wound complications was 77% during the inflow phase and 83% during the peak phase (p=0.003 and p<0.001). During the inflow phase, a mean ratio of normal of 0.62 maximized the area under the curve (AUC=0.90) for predicting wound complications with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 77.4%. During the peak phase, a mean ratio of normal of 0.55 maximized the area under the curve (AUC=0.95) for predicting wound complications with a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity 100%. Intraoperative use of indocyanine green fluorescent angiography may help to predict wound complications in patients undergoing resection of preoperatively irradiated soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities and pelvis. Future studies are necessary to validate this technology in a prospective manner and to determine if interventions can be instituted to prevent predicted wound complications

Myxoid or Myxoid Round Cell liposarcoma (MLS) is a mesenchymal malignancy with adipocyte differentiation accounting for 15–20% of liposarcomas and 5% of all adult soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Like other STS, treatment of MLS is generally by wide surgical resection in conjunction with radiotherapy and this approach is associated with low rates of local recurrence [1]. However, most MLS are located between muscles so wide local excision(WLE) can be quite morbid with adverse functional results. MLS are known to be extremely sensitive to radiotherapy which has led to development of treatment protocols utilizing neoadjuvant radiation. Given the radiosensitivity of MLS, we hypothesize that resection with marginal margins (1mm) does not result in higher rates of local recurrence or disease-free survival if performed following pre-operative radiotherapy. We identified all patients with localized MLS who underwent preoperative radiation and surgical resection between January 2000 and January 2018 from a prospectively collected sarcoma database. We calculated the ellipsoid tumour volume(ETV=h x w x d x ()) at diagnosis and after radiation, and documented the necrosis percentage of the tumour and margin status following resection based on histological analysis [2]. Marginal resection was identified by the operative report describing no or only very minimal resection of muscle surrounding the tumour, and a negative surgical margin 0.1cm/1mm as defined histologically. In comparison, WLE was defined if the operative note described an attempt to remove the tumour with a cuff of surrounding muscle, and the final histology reported a negative margin 0.1cm/1mm which included skeletal muscle. The third group for analysis included patients with positive resection margins. There were 91 patients with MLS of mean age 48 years (range 18–88) with 69% male and 31% female. The mean pre-radiotherapy ETV was 507cm. 3. (16.1cm. 3. to 6961cm. 3. ) and decreased to 361cm. 3. (8.7cm. 3. to 5695cm. 3. ) following radiation, with an average percentage reduction in ETV of −45%(+129%to-99%). Mean patient follow-up was 7.3 years (0.2–18) with no differences between margin groups(p=0.284). Only 10(11%) patients had positive margins, of which 43(47%) underwent marginal resection and 38(42%) WLE. Overall the mean necrosis as measured histologically following preoperative radiation was 69% (range 0–100%) with no differences between the 3 resection groups(p-0.151). Similarly, there was no significant difference in reduction in mean ETV between the three resection groups(p=0.311), there was no significant difference between the three treatment groups in 5-year LR-free survival (p=0.469), metastasis-free survival (p=0.841) or overall survival (p=0.873). Most patients with MLS experienced significant reduction in tumour size and necrosis following preoperative radiation. We found no differences in the risk of local recurrence or survival based on the type of surgical approach for patients with MLS. Based on these results, we conclude that MLS can be safely removed by marginal resection following preoperative radiotherapy with high rates of local tumour control. Even following a positive margin resection, local recurrence remains uncommon after preoperative radiation. A marginal surgical approach for patients with MLS reduces the need for major muscle resection and is associated with improved functional outcomes with less complications

The use of endoprosthesis implants is frequent for tumours involving the proximal third of the femur and not amenable to primary arthroplasty or internal fixation. In this population, these implants are preferentially cemented given poor bone quality associated with systemic diseases and treatments. Loosening is a common complication of these implants that have been linked to poor bone quality, type of implants and importantly cementing technique. Thus, these techniques vary between different surgeons and based mainly on previous experience. One of the most successful cementing techniques in the arthroplasty literature is the French paradox. This technique involves removing the cancellous bone of the proximal femoral metaphysis and selects the largest stem to tightly fit the created cavity delineated by cortical bone. Cementing the implant results in a very thin cement layer that fills the inconsistent gaps between the metal and the bone. To our knowledge, no previous report exists in the literature assessing loosening in proximal femur replacement using the French paradox cementing technique. In this study, we sought to examine (1) rates of loosening in proximal femur replacement, and (2) the oncological outcomes including tumour recurrence and implant related complications. A retrospective study of 42 patients underwent proximal femur replacement between 1990 and 2018 at our institution. Of these, 30 patients met our inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers have evaluated the preoperative and the most recent postoperative radiographs using the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) radiographic scoring system and Gruen classification for femoral stem loosening. Additionally, the acetabulum was evaluated for erosion according to the criteria of Baker et al. The mean age of this cohort was 60.5 (19–80), with 60% being males. The primary origin was metastatic in 17 (56.7%) patients, bone sarcoma in 10 (33.3%) patients and soft tissue sarcoma in 3 (10%) patients. Pathological fractures were present in 11 (36.7%) patients. Seven (23.3%) patients had prior intramedullary nailing. Preoperative radiotherapy was used in 8 (26.7%) and postoperative radiotherapy in 17 (56.7%) patients. The mean clinical follow-up was 25.2±26.3 months and the mean radiographical follow-up was 24.8±26 months. The mean ISOLS score for both reviewers was found to be 89±6.5% and 86.5±6.1%, respectively. Additionally, the first reviewer found two patients to be possibly loos (6.7%) compared to one (3.3%) patient for the second reviewer. No components scored as probably or definitely loose and non-required revision for either loosening or metal failure. Furthermore, both reviewers showed no acetabular erosion in 25 (83.3%) and 24 (80%) patients, respectively. On the other hand, the overall rate of complications was 36.6% with 11 complications reported in 30 patients. Local recurrence occurred in five (16.6%) patients. Prosthetic Dislocation was the most frequent complications with eight dislocations in four patients. Despite complications, our results showed no radiographic evidence of stem loosening. Cementing proximal femur prosthesis with a tight canal fit and with a thin cement mantle appears to be a viable option at short and medium term

Introduction: Seeding of bone or soft tissue tumour along the biopsy tract is a known complication of percutaneous biopsies. Correct surgical management requires preoperative Identification and excision of the biopsy tract at time of surgery. We aim to audit how well biopsy tract sites can be identified preoperatively and investigate factors influencing their Identification. Method: Prospective audit of patients who had tissue biopsies for bone and soft tissue tumours at the RNOH Stanmore and presented for surgery between February and April 2008. Case note analysis, patient history and examination at the time of surgery used to collect data. Results: 13/23 patients had their biopsy tract site accurately identified preoperatively, with a mean time gap of 43 days (6–118) between biopsy and excision. In 10/23 patients the biopsy site could not be accurately identified preoperatively. In these patients the mean time between biopsy and excision was 106 days (55–158) (p=< 0.05). 7 patients had neoadjuvant chemotherapy with a mean time gap of 110 days; in 5/7 the tract site was unidentifiable. One patient had preoperative radiotherapy and the biopsy site was unidentifiable. Discussion: This audit has shown that Identification of the biopsy site is more difficult after 40 days. In order to ensure accurate Identification of the biopsy site an Indian ink tattoo should be considered at time of biopsy. It may be particularly advisable for patients who are likely to require neoadjuvant chemotherapy or preoperative radiotherapy. On this basis we would recommend that all patients have the biopsy site marked at the time of biopsy and a further audit will be carried out to evaluate this change in practice

Introduction and purpose: The purpose of our study is to make a critical review of our experience and find a method of systematised, objective therapeutic strategy in the treatment of vertebral metastases. Materials and methods: We reviewed 38 cases of vertebral metastasis (1995–2004) from primary tumours: lung 21%, breast 21%, prostate 12%, renal 12%, ovary 8%, tongue 4%, cavum 4%, melanoma 4%, unknown primary tumour 17%. 24 cases were treated surgically in terms of the clinical criterion agreed between oncologist and traumatologist. We reviewed the follow-up of the cases (treatment, complications, mortality) and the subsequent application of the Tokuhashi prognostic index and the Tomita therapy protocol with two objectives: to evaluate our results and assess these two methods as working tools. Results: 74% of the patients had preoperative radiotherapy. The surgical treatment was corporectomy and dorsal decompression (17%), partial corporectomy and dorsal decompression (29%), decompression and dorsal instrumentation (37%) and non-instrumented decompression laminectomy (17%). The mean survival was 17 months. The surgical treatment controlled pain in 87%; there was neurological improvement in 21%, control in 54% and progression in 25%. Conclusions: Our results were not as good as those found in the literature, in which the usefulness of postoperative radiotherapy is emphasised. Preoperative radiotherapy may have made tumour excision more difficult which, together with the delayed decision-making, influenced the loss of efficacy in our cases. We need more prospective studies to validate the Tokuhashi index and the Tomita protocol, which we think are very useful in taking therapy decisions

Aims

Due to their radiolucency and favourable mechanical properties, carbon fibre nails may be a preferable alternative to titanium nails for oncology patients. We aim to compare the surgical characteristics and short-term results of patients who underwent intramedullary fixation with either a titanium or carbon fibre nail for pathological long-bone fracture.

Aims

The primary objective of this study was to compare the postoperative infection rate between negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and conventional dressings for closed incisions following soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) surgery. Secondary objectives were to compare rates of adverse wound events and functional scores.

The nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas constitute a heterogenous group of rare mesenchymal tumors that account for less than %5 of pediatric cancers. Their biology and optimal treatment is not well understood. This study retrospectively analyses a small subset of surgically treated patients. Fifteen patients with a mean age of 11.4 years (4 months – 16 years) were followed-up for a mean of 48 (2–124) months. The histologic diagnosis was synovial sarcoma in 5 patients; soft tissue Ewing Sarcoma in 3; fusiform cell sarcoma in 3; malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in 2; fibromyxoid sarcoma in 1 and myxoid liposarcoma in 1. The tumor was located in the upper extremity in 6 patients; thigh in 4; inguinal region in 2, foot in 2 and gluteal region in 1. Eight patients received preoperative chemotherapy and 5 received preoperative radiotherapy. Two patients had pulmonary metastasis at the time of admission. Thirteen patients were operated by limb salvage procedures and 2 underwent amputation. Tumor resection was radical in 2 patients, wide in 12 and marginal in 1. Five patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and 5 received adjuvant radiotherapy. There were 5 local recurrences after 23.8 (14–40) months; three patients underwent wide resection for recurrence and two received chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Three patients had systemic metastases after a mean of 32.3 (27–40) months. There were no major complications but local wound problems were encountered. Three patients died of disease after a mean of 65.3 months (32–124 months). Two patients had metastatic disease and 10 had no evidence of disease in the last follow-up visit. Pediatric soft tissue sarcomas can be treated following the principles of adult soft tissue sarcomas, except for wide utilization of radiotherapy in neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting. Treatment results are similar to adult patients

Purpose: The aim of this study was to understand the effect of endoprosthetic reconstruction in treatment of solitary bone plasmacytoma threatening structural integrity of bone. Materials and methods: We retrospectively studied 11 patients who underwent endoprosthetic reconstruction for solitary bone plasmacytoma between 1988 and 2003 with more than 1 year follow up. Most had radiotherapy and those who sustained structural damage to a joint or thought to be salvageable were treated with endoprosthetic replacement. Results: There were 7 males and 4 females, with M: F ratio of 1.75:1, the median age at diagnosis was 53.61years (35–74). Average duration of symptoms prior to presentation at oncology unit was 7.27 months. We had 4 proximal femoral, 2 pelvic, 4 humeral and one tibial Plasmacytomas that were treated with endoprosthetic replacements.8/11 had preoperative radiotherapy for at least 4weeks and 3 did not. Two had postoperative radiotherapy and one adjuvant chemotherapy. Average follow up is 5.45 years (range 1–16years). We had one death due to unrelated causes, one progression to Myeloma treated with adjuvant chemotherapy, two revisions and one dislocation which was reduced by open method. The cumulative overall survival for all patients was 91% at 5 years. The cumulative risk of failure of reconstruction including; infection, dislocation, local recurrence/progression to Myeloma was 27% at 5 years. Conclusion: Literature review shows that nearly 53% of SBP progress despite radiotherapy to Myeloma at a median time of 1.8 years (2–4 years). But despite average follow up of 5.45 years, progression to Myeloma after endoprosthetic replacement at our unit is 9.09%. We concluded that the use of endoprostheses for reconstruction after excision of solitary bone plasmacytomas threatening structural integrity of bone combined with radiotherapy decreases the disease progression to Myeloma than radiotherapy alone and offers a reasonable but not absolute chance of cure

The outcome of complex acetabular reconstruction was evaluated in twenty-one patients who were confined to a wheelchair or bed because of pain from acetabular metastases. Reconstruction rings were used where bone loss exceeded 50% of the acetabulum. Six roof reinforcement-rings, eight ilioischial-rings and eight Harrington reconstructions were performed. All but two patients(90%) became ambulatory without pain. Median survival was nine months. Two patients underwent acetabular revision for recurrence. These results support the role of acetabular reconstruction for palliation of pain in appropriate patients with acetabular metastases. Metastatic disease of the acetabulum is painful and disabling. Operative intervention is indicated in certain patients with pathologic fractures, and non-responders to adjuvant treatment. The functional outcome of hip arthroplasty with reconstruction rings was evaluated in twenty-one patients with acetabular metastases between 1989 and 2001. Preoperatively all patients were confined to a wheelchair or bed and used significant narcotic medications. Preoperative radiotherapy was employed in eighteen cases (90%) and 30% had undergone chemotherapy. AAOS classification of the acetabular lesion revealed: six-type II, seven-type III and eight-type IV deficiencies. All cases required a reconstruction ring due to bone loss exceeding 50% of the acetabular dome. Six roof reinforcement rings, eight ilioischial rings and eight Harrington reconstructions with rings were performed in this group. Determination of the reconstructive technique was based on preoperative computerized tomography and intraoperative examination of the acetabular deficiency. All but two patients (90%) became ambulatory without significant pain. Eleven patients used a walker or two canes and nine walked with one or no canes. Median survival was nine months and patients with visceral involvement had a shorter duration. Eight early post-operative complications developed in six patients (29%). In two patients the acetabular construct failed with cup migration due to locally recurrent disease; both were successfully revised. The results of complex acetabular reconstruction for metastatic disease validate its role for palliation of pain and to improve ambulatory status. Preoperative planning with computerized tomography can assist in classifying acetabular bone loss and determining optimal reconstruction technique

Introduction: Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) in children and young adults are rare. This is a heterogeneous group of tumors, which is traditionally divided to rhabdomyo-sarcomas and non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft-tissue sarcomas (NRSTS). These tumors are further classified to high- and low-grade tumors. Material and Methods: Between 1988 and 1999, the authors treated 50 patients (25 males, 25 females) under the age of 20 who were diagnosed with a soft-tissue sarcoma. Histopathological Diagnoses: rhabdomyosarcoma – 11, synovial sarcoma – 6, other high-grade STS (extraskeletal Ewing’s sarcoma, epitheloid sarcoma, neurofibrosarcoma, hemangiopericytoma, fibrosarcoma, and unclassified sarcoma) – 17. Seven patients were diagnosed with low-grade STS and 9 patients with an aggressive desmoid tumor. Anatomic Location: Lower extremities – 30, upper extremities – 9, shoulder girdle – 2, trunk – 4, pelvic girdle – 5. Preoperative Treatment: Thirty patients received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, four patients underwent isolated limb perfusion with TNF and melphalan, and one patient received preoperative radiation therapy. Surgery: Forty-seven underwent limb-sparing resections and 3 underwent primary amputation. Wide margins were achieved in 37 patients and marginal margins in 10. Intralesional resection was performed in 3 patients. Postoperative Treatment: Thirty-seven patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and 34 received radiation therapy. Oncological Status: At the most recent follow-up, 24 patients of the 37 patients with high-grade STS have no evidence of disease, three are alive with disease, and seven are dead. Fourteen of the 16 patients with low-grade tumors have no evidence of disease and 2 are alive with disease. There were 4 secondary amputations due to local tumor recurrence. Conclusions: Management of soft-tissue sarcomas in children and young adults requires the judgmental use of pre- and postoperative treatment modalities. Local tumor control can be achieved in the majority of the patients. A longer follow-up is required to determine the overall survival of these patients