Background. Morton's Neuroma is a proximal neuralgia that affects the web spaces of the toes and is currently of unknown aetiology. Currently surgical excision is considered the gold standard treatment based on RCT and cohort studies. However patient derived outcomes have not previously been assessed. We addressed these aspects with our study. Methods. The validadated patient derived Manchester Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (MOXFQ) was used to assess patient derived outcomes of surgery prospectively. The MOXFQ enables the generation of four scores, a combined global score as well as a pain, walking and social score. Participants were asked to fill out the 16 item questionnaire prior to surgery and were followed up after a minimum of 6 months. All participants were treated with neurectomy following clinical diagnosis. Results. 3 patients (13.6%) were lost to follow up. Final Cohort: 19 feet from 17 participants (F=16, M=1), mean age of 56. The mean reduction in the total MOXFQ score was significant (p=0.001). The pre surgical mean score was 38.1 (95% confidence interval = 33.4 - 42.8) and after a mean follow up period of 20 months was 13.1 (95% confidence interval = 7.5 – 18.6). The reductions observed in the three metric scores of pain, walking and social were all significant (p=0.005, p=0.008, p=0.006 respectively). Eighty four percent of patients in the study experienced a clinically significantly improved pain domain, 95% in the walking domain and 58% in the social domain of the MOXFQ. Conclusions. Surgical excision is an effective intervention for treating Morton's interdigital Neuroma with improvements seen in all three domains of the MOXFQ. The pain metric scores were consistent with previous studies. Neurectomy produces excellent functional improvements for patients. However patient derived social outcomes from surgical excision were slightly more modest than for those of pain and walking

The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of the elbow joint in patients with heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint who underwent surgical excision of pathologic bone. From 5/1994 to 12/2006, 24 patients (33 joints) with heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint were evaluated. All patients were attended in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The patient\’s age ranged from 19–48 years (mean; 32 years) The median ICU hospitalization was 3 weeks. In nine patients both elbows were affected. Unilateral involvement was equally noticed to the right (seven cases) and the left elbow (eight cases). The DASH SCORE and the range of motion were used for the evaluation of the results. All patients underwent surgical treatment in order to extract heterotopic bone and to improve the range of motion of the affected elbow joint. Postoperatively 18 out of 33 operated elbow joints (54.54%) demonstrated improvement of the range of motion, whereas no improvement was observed in the remaining 15 elbow joints (45.45%). Higher DASH SCORE was obtained in 19 out of 24 patients (79.17%). Surgical excision of the ectopic bone around the affected elbow significantly improves the range of motion of the joint providing better use of the upper extremity and therefore a superior quality of life in these patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome after surgical therapy of patients suffering from HO of the hip after treatment in ICU. We retrospectively examined 39 patients with heterotopic ossification of the hip (18 bilateral and 21 unilateral). All patients have had history of ICU treatment for several reasons, such as craniocerebral injury (35 patients-90%), 2 patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (5%), 1 patient with pulmonary druse (2.5%), and 1 patient with inflammatory bowel disease (2.5%). They all underwent surgical removal of HO and postoperative irradiation therapy. On the basis of plain radiographic findings, we evaluated the recurrent ossification after an 18-month follow-up period. The evaluation of the average 18-months follow-up period showed relief of pain and clear improvement of range of motion in most of our patients. Specifically, improvement in the range of movement was observed in 41 hip joints (71.93%) in contrast to 16 hip joints (28.07%) that did not show any alteration post-operatively. No lesion re-occurrence was observed. There was only one complication of peroneal nerve paresis following HO excision. The majority of our patients that were treated with surgical excision of the ectopic bone around the hip joint significantly improved their range of joint movement and were relieved from pain. Surgical excision seems to provide a superior quality of life in these patients, as they have a high risk for major complications due to their poor level of mobility

Osteochondromas occur are most commonly in the distal femur, proximal tibia and fibula and the proximal humerus. There are no large studies focusing on the clinical presentation, management and outcome of treatment for patients with an osteochondroma involving the proximal fibula. The purpose of this study is to specifically understand the manifestation of the proximal fibular osteochondroma on the preoperative peroneal nerve function, and how surgical management of the osteochondroma affects function immediately postoperatively and at long-term followup. This is an IRB-approved retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients with a proximal fibular osteochondroma (PFO) treated operatively at a single institution from 1990 to 2013. The medical record was carefully reviewed to identify demographic data, clinical data and especially the status of the peroneal function at various time points. There were 25 patients with 31 affected extremities who underwent surgical excision of the PFO at an average age of 12.4 years (range 3.0–17.9 years). There were 16 males and 9 females. The underlying diagnosis was isolated PFO in 2(8%) patients and multiple hereditary exostosis (MHE) in 23(92%) patients. Preoperatively, 9 (29%) had a foot drop and 22 (71%) did not. Those with preoperative foot drop underwent surgery at a younger age (9.1 vs 13.8 years) (p<0.004). Five of the nine (55.5%) had complete resolution, three (33.3%) had improvement, and one (11.1%) persisted postoperatively and required AFO. Of the 22 who were normal preoperatively, 5 (22.7%) developed a postoperative foot drop-three (60%) completely resolved, 1 (20%) improved, and 1 (20%) persisted and was found to have a transected nerve at exploration. In total, 23 of the 25 (92%) patients who had a PFO excision, had a normal or near-normal peroneal nerve function including those who had poor function preoperatively. A proximal fibular osteochondroma can result in a high incidence of peroneal nerve dysfunction prior to any treatment, but responds the majority of the time to surgical intervention with removal of the osteochondroma. For those who have normal preoperative function, 1 in 4 will develop a postoperative foot drop but nearly all improve spontaneously unless iatrogenic injured

Current knowledge regarding outcomes following surgical treatment of Morton's neuroma remains incomplete. This is the first prospective study to report the pre- and post-operative patient reported outcomes and satisfaction scores following excision of interdigital Morton's neuroma. Over a seven year period, 99 consecutive patients (112 feet) undergoing surgical excision of Morton's neuroma were prospectively studied. 78 patients were female with a mean age at operation of 56 years. Patient recorded outcomes and satisfaction were measured using the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), Short Form-12 (SF12) and a supplementary patient satisfaction survey three months pre and six months post-operatively. Statistically significant differences were found between the mean pre- and post-operative MOXFQ and physical component of the SF-12 (p< 0.05). No difference in outcome was identified in patients in whom multiple neuromas were operated compared to single site surgery. However, revision surgery proved to statistically worsen MOXFQ outcomes post-operatively p< 0.004. Overall satisfaction was reported as excellent (49%) or good (29%) by the majority of patients but 10% were dissatisfied with poor (8%) or very poor (2%) results expressed. Only 64% were pain free at the time of follow-up and 8% of patients MOXFQ scores worsened. These findings illustrate that overall, patient reported outcomes following resection of symptomatic Morton's neuroma are acceptable but may not be as favourable as earlier studies suggest. Caution should be taken when considering revision surgery which has shown to be a poor prognostic indicator. Contrary to current knowledge, multiple site surgery can be safely undertaken

Current knowledge regarding outcomes following surgical treatment of Morton's neuroma remains incomplete. This is the first prospective study to report the pre- and post-operative patient reported outcomes and satisfaction scores following excision of interdigital Morton's neuroma. Over a seven year period, 99 consecutive patients (112 feet) undergoing surgical excision of Morton's neuroma were prospectively studied. 78 patients were female with a mean age at operation of 56 years. Patient recorded outcomes and satisfaction were measured using the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), Short Form-12 (SF12) and a supplementary patient satisfaction survey three months pre and six months post-operatively. Statistically significant differences were found between the mean pre- and post-operative MOXFQ and physical component of the SF-12 (p<0.05). No difference in outcome was identified in patients in whom multiple neuromas were operated compared to single site surgery. However, revision surgery proved to statistically worsen MOXFQ outcomes post-operatively p<0.004. Overall satisfaction was reported as excellent (49%) or good (29%) by the majority of patients but 10% were dissatisfied with poor (8%) or very poor (2%) results expressed. Only 64% were pain free at the time of follow-up and 8% of patients MOXFQ scores worsened. These findings illustrate that overall, patient reported outcomes following resection of symptomatic Morton's neuroma are acceptable but may not be as favourable as earlier studies suggest. Caution should be taken when considering revision surgery which has shown to be a poor prognostic indicator. Contrary to current knowledge, multiple site surgery can be safely undertaken

Introduction: Limb schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumours. They typically present with a cystic swelling or palpable lump. They may also present with symptoms relating to the affected nerve. If the lesion is solitary there is no malignant potential. Clinically the lump will be freely mobile except in the plane of the longitudinal course of the nerve and may have a positive Tinnel’s test. Magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound scanning are key adjuncts to diagnosis. Treatment is excision of the lump by incising the epineurium, “shelling out” the lesion and preserving unaffected nerve fascicles. We present a case series from a regional soft tissue tumour centre that shows the excellent outcome that can be achieved with these methods. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the case notes of 16 cases of schwannoma who had surgical excision and preservation of the parent nerve. Our outcome measures were resolution of symptoms, post-operative neurological function and recurrence. Results: Of 16 patients, 12 had no neurological deficit. 1 had motor weakness (foot drop) and 1 had residual par-aesthesia post-operatively. 2 patients declined surgery. In addition, 2 patients had persistent pain post-operatively, but at reduced levels to their pre-operative pain. There were no cases of recurrence. Discussion: The diagnosis of schwannoma should be considered in patients with a lump associated with neurological symptoms. Following confirmation of diagnosis with appropriate radiology, surgical excision should be carried out as detailed above to minimise morbidity. This should be performed by a surgeon skilled in dealing with soft tissue tumours

Introduction: Osteoid osteomas (OO) are benign skeletal tumours with a predilection for the long bones of young patients. Many different methods are used for their treatment, conservative or operative, less or more radical with variable technology applications to destruct the “nidus”. Material & Method: We present thirty eight patients with OO who were treated in our hospital between 1995–2001. Their medical records and radiographs are retrospectively reviewed and the patients were contacted and interviewed with a telephone discussion. Results: In thirty two cases OO were located in the lower limb, two in upper limb and four in spine. Thirty seven of those were treated operatively using open wide excision of nidus in twenty two of which with additional bone grafting.In three of the cases after excision of OO, precautious internal fixation was applied to the bone. Two patients developed deep vein thrombosis, another two had increased pain in anterior superior iliac spine from the bone graft harvesting area. We had one recurrence, which was treated with a second operation. Conclusion: We conclude that although the traditional method of treatment is the wide surgical excision, this technique has increased morbidity and higher risk for complications comparing to more minimally invasive procedures. We suggest that it should be the first choice of treatment for either spinal or recurrent OO

Introduction: The Scottish Sarcoma network was established in 2004 to optimise the management of sarcoma patients in Scotland. This maintained three units, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, as designated Sarcoma centres. Aberdeen takes referrals from Tayside, Grampian and the Highlands and Islands. Soft tissue tumours are managed with surgical resection +/− radiotherapy. The surgical margin is paramount and thought to predict the risk of local recurrence.

Methods: All patients presenting with a soft tissue sarcoma to the Orthopaedic department in Aberdeen between January 2001 and April 2008 were identified. A retrospective review of the hospital records and histopathology reports was performed. Our aim was to establish the number of recurrences of soft tissue sarcoma within the unit over the 7 year period and relate this to the adequacy of the initial surgical resection margin.

Results: Seventy-six patients were identified, 45 male and 31 female, with a mean age of 56 years. An average of ten patients presented annually (range 5–14). Seven patients (9.2%) presented with local recurrence, 4 with Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma, 2 with leiomyosarcoma and 1 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour.

Five patients with recurrent disease were treated prior to establishment of the sarcoma network. Two patients, before the establishment of the network underwent resection and staging in another unit and the exact time to recurrence is unknown. One patient is currently under investigation for recurrence.

The average time to recurrence was 29.2 months (Range 12–48 months).

Three of the five patients with original pathology available had complete resection with mean margins of 6.25mm (range 5–7.5mm). Two had incomplete excisions carried out by other specialities, only presenting to our unit with recurrent disease.

Discussion: Our recurrence rate of 10.5% is comparable to other centres. Despite adequate resection margins and adjuvant radiotherapy some patients go on to develop recurrent disease. It is unclear why.

This case series highlights the use of the Ganz approach (trochanteric slide approach) and surgical dislocation for excision of fibrous dysplasia of the femoral neck, pigmented villonodular synovitis and synovial chondromatosis of the hip.

The first patient was a 16-year-old girl, who presented with pain in her hip, having fallen whilst playing football. Investigations revealed a fibrous dysplasia, which was successfully excised returning her to an active lifestyle.

The second patient was a 27-year-old lady, who presented having suffered left hip pain for four years. She was diagnosed with a pigmented villonodular synovitis, which was excised and the patient was able to return to the gym.

The third patient was a 41-year-old lady, who presented after experiencing right hip pain both at night and at rest for a year, without any trauma. She was diagnosed with synovial chondromatosis and returned to all activities of daily living.

The Ganz approach allows safe dislocation of the hip joint without the risk of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. We demonstrate that it is possible to obtain excellent exposure of the femoral neck, head and acetabulum to surgically treat these three tumours of the hip. The surgeon can thus be reassured that complete excision of the tumour has occurred.

This series can recommend the Ganz approach with trochanteric slide and full surgical dislocation of the hip to excise pigmented villonodular synovitis, synovial chondromatosis and fibrous dysplasia of the hip.

This case series highlights the use of the Ganz approach and surgical dislocation for excision of fibrous dysplasia of the femoral neck, pigmented villonodular synovitis and synovial chrondromatosis of the hip, which has never been described for use with all three tumours together. These are rare benign tumours, which were found incidentally and required excision.

We demonstrate that it is possible to obtain excellent exposure of the femoral neck, head and acetabulum allowing easy inspection, exploration and debridement of these three tumours of the hip.

A retrospective review was conducted to evaluate the long term results of surgically excised wrist ganglia over a six year period between January 1998 and March 2005.

The study involved patients who had undergone ganglion surgery around the wrist joint who were contacted by telephone and on whom a follow-up questionnaire was performed. The study included 117 patients with a mean follow up period of 4.2 years (range 1.5 – 8.7 years). There were 40 (34%) dorsal and 77 (66%) volar ganglia. The recurrence rate for surgically excised dorsal ganglia was 32.5% and for volar ganglia was 46.8%. Recurrence occurred in 58% of patients who had previously had their ganglion aspirated. The overall risk of developing a moderate to severely tender scar was 19% and an unsightly scar 9%. In those patients with recurrence of their ganglia, this was 33% and 8% respectively. Despite 49 patients experiencing recurrence, 24 were still satisfied with their treatment and 30 patients would still choose surgical treatment again knowing the risk of recurrence

This study questions the effectiveness of surgery in the treatment of wrist ganglia in that recurrence rates are similar to rates seen in studies merely observing or aspirating ganglia. Not only does one have to question the surgical risks that are undertaken but also the demands on healthcare resources.

Data was collected for patients referred to the orthopaedic department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital with metatarsalgia who subsequently received an ultrasound. Patients found to have a Morton's neuroma were divided into groups based on its size. A total of 90 patients received an ultrasound scan and neuroma was confirmed in 58 with an alternative diagnosis found in 32 patients and a total of 42 were included in the final analysis. All 14 patients with neuroma < 6mm reported resolution of symptoms. 4 (28.5%) underwent surgical excision as first line, 1 (7%) received a single corticosteroid injection and 9 (64%) were treated with metatarsal bars. There were 27 patients with neuroma > 6mm; 8 (29.6%) underwent surgical excision as first line treatment, 5 (18.5%) received metatarsal bars and 14 (51.9%) received injections. 7 (25.9%) patients reported resolution of symptoms after 1 injection, 1 (3.7%) patient required 2 injections and 1 (3.7%) patient required 3 injections to achieve resolution. 5 (18.5%) patients required surgical excision following ongoing symptoms despite non-surgical treatment. 9 (33.3%) reported resolution of symptoms following injection. 5 (18.5%) reported resolution of symptoms following use of metatarsal bars. A total of 71% of patients with a neuroma measuring < 6mm reported full resolution of symptoms with non-surgical treatment. For patients with neuroma >6mm, 64.3% had resolution of symptoms with injections alone and 18.5% required surgical excision despite injection. In conclusion, there is a benefit to offering non-surgical treatment as first line in patients with a neuroma regardless of size

Brachial plexus tumours (BPT) and peripheral nerve sheath tumours (PNST) are largely benign in nature, with malignant tumours being rare and presenting significant surgical challenges. Excision of benign tumours may relieve pain and other symptomology. This retrospective study analysed data from 138 PNST and 92 BPT patients managed by a single consultant orthopaedic or plastic surgeon experienced in nerve tumour surgery between January 1999 to December 2019. The most common benign tumours were schwannomas and neurofibromas, with sarcomas being the most common malignant tumour. In the PNST group 30 patients were managed by observation only. Twenty patients underwent trucut biopsy, 21 patients underwent biopsy and surgical excision and 56 patients underwent surgical excision only. There were nine complications, with two significant neurological deficits requiring further surgical intervention. No recurrence of tumours occurred in this group. In the BPT group 16 patients were managed by observation only. Seven patients underwent trucut biopsy, 16 patients biopsy and surgical excision and 44 BPT patients underwent surgical excision only. Sixteen patients had complications with two significant complications requiring urgent further surgical intervention. Seven patients had recurrence of tumours which presented as metastases, with three patients requiring further surgery to remove recurrence of tumours. BPT patients are more complex and present with both benign and malignant lesions and are therefore more prone to complications due to the complex nature of the surgery and higher recurrence rate of tumours than PNST. Benign tumours in both groups can be safely managed conservatively if patients’ symptomology is acceptable

PVNS or TGCT (Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis, or Tenosynovial Giant Cell tumour) is a benign tumour affecting the synovial lining of joints and tendon sheaths, historically treated with surgical excision or debridement. We have shown previously this management is fraught with high recurrence rates, especially in its diffuse form. We present the encouraging early results of medical management for this condition with use of a CSF1 inhibitor, in comparison to a cohort of 137 cases previously treated at our institution

Severe heterotopic ossification (grade III and IV) after contemporary total hip arthroplasty (THA) requiring excision is very uncommon. We performed a systematic review of the literature, and report a new case series with operative treatment after primary uncemented THA. A systematic review identified papers describing patients who had excision of heterotopic ossification (HO) after contemporary THA, defined as performed after 1988. Concepts of hip arthroplasty, heterotopic ossification, and surgical excision were searched in MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus, from database inception to November 2022. Inclusion criteria were: articles that included specific patient data on grade of heterotopic ossification, operative procedure, and prophylaxis. Studies were screened for inclusion by two independent reviewers. Extracted data included demographic data, interval from index surgery to excision, clinical results, and complications. One surgeon performed reoperation for ankylosis of primary THA in three patients with severe pain and deformity. Seven case series or case report studies were included. There were 41 patients, with grade III or IV HO, that had excision, and in five patients, revision of a component was also performed. Perioperative prophylaxis was irradiation alone in 10 patients, irradiation and indomethacin in 10, and indomethacin alone in 21 patients. At a mean follow-up time of 14.8 months, definition of the results was not uniform, and range of motion was improved, but relief of pain was inconsistent. There was one dislocation, one gastrointestinal complication, and two recurrences. Treatment of the three patients, with wide excision of peri-articular bone, selective exchange of components, and peri-operative irradiation prophylaxis, was successful in improving motion and deformity. There is insufficient data on the treatment of severe symptomatic HO after contemporary THA. Prophylaxis with low-dose irradiation was successful to prevent recurrence. Multicenter studies will be needed to determine the optimum timing and prognosis for treatment

Background. The treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis is a challenging and increasing problem because of the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and operative fixation of heel fractures. In 1931, Gaenslen reported treatment of hematogenous calcaneal osteomyelitis by surgical excision through a midline, sagittal plantar incision. We have refined this approach to allow successful healing and early mobilization in a modern series of complex patients with hematogenous, diabetic, and postsurgical osteomyelitis. Methods. Twenty-eight patients (mean age 54.6 years, range 20–94) with Cierny-Mader stage IIIB chronic osteomyelitis were treated with sagittal incision and calcaneal osteotomy, excision of infected bone, and wound closure. All patients received antibiotics for at least 6 weeks, and bone defects were filled with an antibiotic carrier in 20 patients. Patients were followed for a mean of 31 months (SD 25.4). Primary outcome measures were recurrence of calcaneal osteomyelitis and below-knee amputation. Secondary outcome measures included 30-day postoperative mortality and complications, duration of postoperative inpatient stay, footwear adaptions, mobility, and use of walking aids. Results. All 28 patients had failed previous medical and surgical treatment. Eighteen patients (64%) had significant comorbidities. The commonest causes of infection were diabetes ± ulceration (11 patients), fracture-related infection (4 patients), pressure ulceration, hematogenous spread, and penetrating soft tissue trauma. The overall recurrence rate of calcaneal osteomyelitis was 18% (5 patients) over the follow-up period, of which 2 patients (7%) required a below-knee amputation. Eighteen patients (64%) had a foot that comfortably fitted into a normal shoe with a custom insole. A further 6 patients (21%) required a custom-made shoe, and only 3 patients required a custom-made boot. Conclusion. Our results show that a repurposed Gaenslen calcanectomy is simple, safe, and effective in treating this difficult condition in a patient group with significant local and systemic comorbidities

Decreasing the chance of local relapse or infection after surgical excision of bone metastases is a main goals in orthopedic oncology. Indeed, bone metastases have high incidence rate (up to 75%) and important cross-relations with infection and bone regeneration. Even in patients with advanced cancer, bone gaps resulting from tumor excision must be filled with bone substitutes. Functionalization of these substitutes with antitumor and antibacterial compounds could constitute a promising approach to overcome infection and tumor at one same time. Here, for the first time, we propose the use of nanostructured zinc-bone apatite coatings having antitumor and antimicrobial efficacy. The coatings are obtained by Ionized Jet Deposition from composite targets of zinc and bovine-derived bone apatite. Antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of the coatings is demonstrated in vitro against S. Aureus and E. Coli. Anti-tumor efficacy is investigated against MDA- MB-231 cells and biocompatibility is assessed on L929 and MSCs. A microfluidic based approach is used to select the optimal concentration of zinc to be used to obtain antitumor efficacy and avoid cytotoxicity, exploiting a custom gradient generator microfluidic device, specifically designed for the experiments. Then, coatings capable of releasing the desired amount of active compounds are manufactured. Films morphology, composition and ion-release are studies by FEG- SEM/EDS, XRD and ICP. Efficacy and biocompatibility of the coatings are verified by investigating MDA, MSCs and L929 viability and morphology by Alamar Blue, Live/Dead Assay and FEG-SEM at different timepoints. Statistical analysis is performed by SPSS/PC + Statistics TM 25.0 software, one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Sheffe? test. Data are reported as Mean ± standard Deviation at a significance level of p <0.05. Results and Discussion. Coatings have a nanostructured surface morphology and a composition mimicking the target. They permit sustained zinc release for over 14 days in medium. Thanks to these characteristics, they show high antibacterial ability (inhibition of bacteria viability and adhesion to substrate) against both the gram + and gram – strain. The gradient generator microfluidic device permits a fine selection of the concentration of zinc to be used, with many potential perspectives for the design of biomaterials. For the first time, we show that zinc and zinc-based coatings have a selective efficacy against MDA cells. Upon mixing with bone apatite, the efficacy is maintained and cytotoxicity is avoided. For the first time, new antibacterial metal-based films are proposed for addressing bone metastases and infection at one same time. At the same time, a new approach is proposed for the design of the coatings, based on a microfluidic approach. We demonstrated the efficacy of Zn against the MDA-MB-231 cells, characterized for their ability to form bone metastases in vivo, and the possibility to use nanostructured metallic coatings against bone tumors. At the same time, we show that the gradient-generator approach is promising for the design of antitumor biomaterials. Efficacy of Zn films must be verified in vivo, but the dual-efficacy coatings appear promising for orthopedic applications

Introduction. Up to 70% of patients with symptomatic Morton's neuroma proceed to surgery having failed non-operative management. The success of surgical excision is up to 85% but carries with it significant morbidity. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a less invasive alternative. Methods. We studied a consecutive cohort of patients with Morton's neuroma that had failed non-operative treatment. Instead of undergoing surgical excision, these patients were referred for RFA. Under a local anaesthetic nerve block, RFA was performed under ultrasound-guidance, as an out-patient procedure, by a single radiologist. The procedure was repeated after 4 weeks if necessary. We followed patients for a minimum of 6 months to assess their change in visual analogue pain scores (VAS), overall symptom improvement, complications and progression to surgical excision. Results. 30 feet in 25 patients were studied. There were 4 males and 21 females with an average age of 55 years (range 33–73 y). All had tried previous methods of non-operative management. 40% presented with 2. nd. space neuromas and 60% with 3. rd. space. The average number of treatment sessions was 1.6 (range 1–3, mode 1). Prior to treatment, all patients had pain on activity (VAS average: 6.0, range 3–9). At 6 months post treatment, there was a statistically significant reduction in pain scores (post RFA VAS average: 1.7, range 0–8, p<0.001). The average overall symptom improvement was 76%. There was one minor complication of temporary nerve irritation. 3 neuromas (10%) have progressed to surgical excision. 1 patient has ongoing, unchanged pain with no obvious cause. At 6 months, 26 out of 30 feet had a satisfactory outcome. Conclusion. RFA has potentially reduced the need for surgical excision of Morton's neuromas by >85%

Aim. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare but often devastating complication of chronic osteomyelitis. Optimum diagnosis and management are not well established. This paper aimed to develop a definitive, evidence-based approach to its diagnosis and management. Method. A systematic review of relevant published studies available in English from 1999-present was conducted. Strict inclusion criteria ensured that the diagnoses of osteomyelitis and SCC were explicit and valid. Additional cases from our institution were included using the same eligibility criteria. Data regarding patient demographics, osteomyelitis diagnosis, SCC diagnosis and its management and patient outcomes were collected. Statistical significance was assessed by Fisher's exact test. Results. Nineteen publications involving 98 patients plus eight patients managed locally were included. Eighty percent of patients were male, diagnosed with SCC at an average age of 59 years old (24–82 years), 31 years after their osteomyelitis diagnosis (3–67 years). Multiple bones were affected: tibia or fibula (59%), femur (17%), pelvis and sacrum (8%), bones of the foot and ankle (8%) and upper limbs (6%). Malignant transformation was associated predominantly with sinus (82%), ulceration (61%) and discharge (41%). SCC was diagnosed by biopsy (77%) or incidentally (23%) following definitive management for osteomyelitis. Twenty-two percent of patients had a staging CT scan. Seventy-six percent of patients underwent amputation, 16% underwent limb-sparing wide local excision and the remaining patients were palliated. Incidental diagnosis of SCC was associated with poorer outcomes in terms of death or disease recurrence (one year, p=0.052, five years p=0.021, Fisher's exact test) as was metastatic disease at SCC diagnosis (one year, p=0.006, five years, p=0.032, Fisher's exact test) and pelvic or sacral disease (one year p<0.001, five years p=0.002, Fisher's exact test). All patients who were not actively treated died within one year of SCC diagnosis. Data was suggestive that more patients who underwent amputation (versus wide local excision) were disease free at one and five years, but this was not statistically significant (one year, p=0.058, five years, p= 0.152, Fisher's exact test). Conclusions. SCC should be suspected in all cases of chronic osteomyelitis with skin changes, particularly where changes exceed 3 years duration and involve the pelvis. Multiple biopsies for histology should be taken in all suspected cases, as well as routinely during surgical excision of osteomyelitis when chronic skin changes are present. Once SCC is identified, staging CT scan should be performed to guide management. Amputation, where possible, should be considered