Haemangioendothelioma of bone is a rare intermediate grade malignancy. Because of its rareness there is a lack of information in the literature about the well established treatment strategies depending on series with large numbers. The outcome of wide resection with postoperative external irradiation would be presented. 4 patients (2 females, 2 males) with a mean age of 40.5 (26–52) with solitary haemangioendothelioma of bone admitted with local pain on the affected bone and limited restriction of function. Anatomical sites were scapula, calcaneum, midshaft of radius and metaphysodiaphyseal region of femur. Plain X-ray, CT, MRI, Tc 99 tecnetium wholebody bone scan investigations were applied. All lesions were hot on bone scan and lytic irregular permeative lesions T1 hypo, T2 hyper with gadolinium enhancement were present. Open biopsy resulted with the diagnosis of intermediate haemangioendothelioma of bone. Wide resection of tubular bones and intercalary lyophilised allograft recostruction with IM rod and cerclage wire and total calcaneum resection and allograft replacement with talar arthrodesis, total scapulectomy subsequent autoclaved bone reimplantation were the surgical procedures applied. Mean follow-up was 96 months (40–132). Three patients except scapula case received 50 Gy external irradiation. No patient developed local recurrence in the follow up. Regarding complications calcaneum patient developed skin necrosis after the irradiation which led to removal of the allograft but eventually healed. Scapula patient had late infection treated by antibiotics. All patients had satisfactory function. Intercalary allografts united in 6 months time. Calcaneum patient developed multiple small lung metastasis 1 year after the operation and treated by adriamycin based chemotherapy and interpherone. The lung lesions showed slight regression but the patient is alive since 112 months with no further relapse. Wide excision with subsequent irradiation and wide excision of total scapula resulted with no local recurrence in our small group of patients with this rare malignancy. Irradiation provided relatively less soft tissue sacrification and a sufficient local tumour control without risking the patient to an impending amputation in the occurence of local recurrence

In countries where Confucianism is popular, it is extremely difþcult to get allograft. Twenty seven cases of limb salvage with recycled autogenous bone were performed after wide resection of malignant tumors. Recycling was done in 9 cases with pasteurization and in 18 cases with irradiation. Pasteurization was done in 60¡-30minutes with thermostatic saline bath. Irradiation was performed in sterile plastic jar þlled with saline. 25 Gy radiation was given þrst anteroposteriorly and then another 25Gy posteroanteriorly. Internal þxation was done either with plate and/or intramedullay nail, and in 13 cases, intramedullary packing of bone cement was added. Among 9 pasteurized cases, 5 were intercalary diaphyseal resection, 2 whole bone resection of metatarsals, and 2 prosthesis-pasteurized bone composite arthroplasty. Among 18 irradiated cases, 12 were osteoarticular, and 6 intercalary resections. Follow-up period was 16 to 112 months (mean: 46 months). There was no recycled bone-related local recurrence. Time for union varied greatly.(4 to 14 months). There was no statistical difference in union time between pasteurized and irradiated bone (Wilcoxon rank test). Complications were 9 delayed or non-union, 3 fractures of recycled bone, and 2 cases of separation-resorption of growth plate. Irradiation seems much better than pasteurization because it could preserve mechanical property of articular cartilage and soft tissues such as tendon and capsule. We recommend intraoperative-extracorporeal irradiation as a good substitute for osteoarticular allograft because soft tissue attachment could be saved. Intramedullary packing of bone cement was proved as a good method to enhance the stability of þxation and to prevent fracture

Aims. The standard of wide tumour-like resection for chronic osteomyelitis (COM) has been challenged recently by adequate debridement. This paper reviews the evolution of surgical debridement for long bone COM, and presents the outcome of adequate debridement in a tertiary bone infection unit. Methods. We analyzed the retrospective record review from 2014 to 2020 of patients with long bone COM. All were managed by multidisciplinary infection team (MDT) protocol. Adequate debridement was employed for all cases, and no case of wide resection was included. Results. A total of 53 patients (54 bones) with median age of 45.5 years (interquartile range 31 to 55) and mean follow-up of 29 months (12 to 59) were included. In all, ten bones were Cierny-Mader type I, 39 were type III, and five were type IV. All patients were treated with single-staged management, except for one (planned two-stage stabilization). Positive microbial cultures grew in 75%. Overall, 46 cases (85%) had resolution of COM after index procedure, and 49 (90.7%) had resolution on last follow-up. Four patients (7%) underwent second surgical procedure and six patients (11%) had complications. Conclusion. We challenge the need for wide tumour-like resection in all cases of COM. Through detailed preoperative evaluation and planning with MDT approach, adequate debridement and local delivery of high concentration of antibiotic appears to provide comparable outcomes versus radical debridement. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):643–651

We assessed three children who had limb salvage surgery for sarcomata of the proximal fibula. Their ages ranged from 6 to 13 years. MRI showed involvement of the anterior, lateral and deep posterior compartments. Incisional biopsy showed two osteoblastic osteosarcomata and one Ewing’s sarcoma. Preoperative angiogram confirmed that the tibialis posterior artery was the main blood supply to the foot.

The surgical technique was as described by Malawer (1984): via an anterolateral incision, the anterior, lateral and deep posterior compartments were excised en bloc with the proximal fibula. The peroneal artery was sacrificed in all three patients, and the common peroneal nerve and tibialis anterior artery in two. In the patient with Ewing’s sarcoma, the tibialis anterior muscle, artery and nerve did not require excision. What remained were the tibialis posterior nerve and artery, gastrocnemius, flexor digitorum longus and most of soleus. The lateral gastrocnemius was rotated forward to fill the defect. The collateral ligament of the knee was reconstructed by suturing the lateral collateral ligament and biceps femoris to the proximal tibia.

All three patients had neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Tumour necrosis ranged from 90% to 100%.

At follow-up at 2, 4 and 9 years, there was no recurrence. The Musculoskeletal Tumour Society evaluation was used and all patients scored more than 80% and were happy with the cosmetic result. Although two of the three patients required an orthotic because of weak dorsiflexion, the functional result was good.

A “hands-on” composite gives a similar functional result as a custom-made prosthesis and has a much better function than alternative techniques. Less expensive and more flexible than custom-made prostheses, it can be used even when no part of the iliac wing remains. The use of cement permits the adjunction of antibiotics needed for these complicated cases.

After peri-acetabular resection for bone sarcoma, a reconstructive procedure is necessary to stabilize the hip, avoid limb discrepancy, and permit full weight bearing. This procedure needs to be easy to perform because resection of the area is time and blood consuming. This leads to the use of a “hands-on” composite prosthesis.

Our reconstructive procedure uses a titanium cup with a long screw that is fixed in the remaining bone (sacrum or spine). When the cup is firmly fixed to the bone, the gap between the cup and bone is filled with cement loaded with antibiotics, and the polyethylene component is cemented on the innominate prosthesis. The femoral component of a usual hip total prosthesis is then implanted.

Since 1990 we have used this reconstructive procedure in 50 patients, 27 with bone sarcomas involving the acetabulum (11 chondrosarcomas, 9 Ewing’s sarcomas and 7 other sarcomas) and 23 for metastatic disease. Thirty of these patients were already metastatic when operated. The average duration of the reconstructive procedure was 45 minutes. Walking started from the fourth to tenth day after operation, but full weight bearing was usually authorised after six weeks.

Postoperative complications were frequent. Seven deep infections occurred, four required ablation of the prosthesis, and one would benefit from a saddle prosthesis. 33% of the patients had postoperative dislocation of the hip prosthesis and 13 patients had to be reoperated. Only two loosenings have been observed – one after deep infection and one after local recurrence in the sacral bone. Oncologic results: With a mean follow-up of five years, 28 patients died of disease and one from an unrelated disease. Four others with disease are still living. Seven local recurrences were observed (four in chondrosarcomas with a contaminated resection). The difficulty in obtaining wide margins explains the high rate of local recurrence (14 %). For patients with localised disease, the five-year overall survival rate is 75% and the five-year disease-free survival rate is 60%.

According to the Society for Musculoskeletal Oncology criteria, orthopaedic results were excellent in 7 patients, good in 30, fair in 6, and bad in 6. The mean functional score of 46 patients who still have their prostheses is 83% with usually no pain, excellent acceptance, length discrepancy of less than 1 cm, average flexion of 100 degrees, and unlimited walking without support.

We conclude that the rapidity and flexibility of this procedure are the positive aspects of this reconstructive technique. However, perfect positioning of the prosthesis remains difficult in a very large peri-acetabular resection. A computed guide is of great help to specify safe margins and prosthesis positioning. Longer follow-up is needed to ensure that the rate of late loosening will not be too high.

A “hands-on” composite gives a similar functional result as a custom-made prosthesis and has a much better function than alternative techniques. Less expensive and more flexible than custom-made prostheses, it can be used even when no part of the iliac wing remains. The use of cement permits the adjunction of antibiotics needed for these complicated cases.

After periacetabular resection for bone sarcoma, a reconstructive procedure is necessary to stabilize the hip, avoid limb discrepancy, and permit full weight bearing. This procedure needs to be easy to perform because resection of the area is time and blood consuming. This leads to the use of a “hands-on” composite prosthesis.

Our reconstructive procedure uses a titanium cup with a long screw that is fixed in the remaining bone (sacrum or spine). When the cup is firmly fixed to the bone, the gap between the cup and bone is filled with cement loaded with antibiotics, and the polyethylene component is cemented on the innominate prosthesis. The femoral component of a usual hip total prosthesis is then implanted.

Since 1990 we have used this reconstructive procedure in 50 patients, 27 with bone sarcomas involving the acetabulum (11 chondrosarcomas, 9 Ewing’s sarcomas and 7 other sarcomas) and 23 for metastatic disease. Thirty of these patients were already metastatic when operated. The average duration of the reconstructive procedure was 45 minutes. Walking started from the fourth to tenth day after operation, but full weight bearing was usually authorised after six weeks.

Postoperative complications were frequent. Seven deep infections occurred, four required ablation of the prosthesis, and one would benefit from a saddle prosthesis. 33% of the patients had postoperative dislocation of the hip prosthesis and 13 patients had to be reoperated. Only two loosenings have been observed – one after deep infection and one after local recurrence in the sacral bone. Oncologic results: With a mean follow-up of five years, 28 patients died of disease and one from an unrelated disease. Four others with disease are still living. Seven local recurrences were observed (four in chondrosarcomas with a contaminated resection). The difficulty in obtaining wide margins explains the high rate of local recurrence (14 %). For patients with localised disease, the five-year overall survival rate is 75% and the five-year disease-free survival rate is 60%.

According to the Society for Musculoskeletal Oncology criteria, orthopaedic results were excellent in 7 patients, good in 30, fair in 6, and bad in 6. The mean functional score of 46 patients who still have their prostheses is 83% with usually no pain, excellent acceptance, length discrepancy of less than 1 cm, average flexion of 100 degrees, and unlimited walking without support.

We conclude that the rapidity and flexibility of this procedure are the positive aspects of this reconstructive technique. However, perfect positioning of the prosthesis remains difficult in a very large periacetabular resection. A computed guide is of great help to specify safe margins and prosthesis positioning. Longer follow-up is needed to ensure that the rate of late loosening will not be too high.

Aims. The risk of postoperative complications after resection of soft-tissue sarcoma in the medial thigh is higher than in other locations. This study investigated whether a vessel sealing system (VSS) could help reduce the risk of postoperative complications after wide resection of soft-tissue sarcoma in the medial thigh. Methods. Of 285 patients who underwent wide resection for soft-tissue sarcoma between 2014 and 2021 at our institution, 78 patients with tumours in the medial thigh were extracted from our database. Information on clinicopathological characteristics, preoperative treatment, surgical treatment (use of VSS, blood loss volume, operating time), and postoperative course (complications, postoperative haemoglobin changes, total drainage volume, and drainage and hospitalization durations) were obtained from medical records. We statistically compared clinical outcomes between patients whose surgery did or did not use VSS (VSS and non-VSS groups, respectively). Results. There were 24 patients in the VSS group and 54 in the non-VSS group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinicopathological background. The total drainage volume in the VSS group was significantly less than that in the non-VSS group (1,176 ml vs 3,114 ml; p = 0.018). Moreover, the drainage and hospitalization durations were significantly shorter in the VSS group compared to the non-VSS group (p = 0.017 and p = 0.024, respectively). Conclusion. Our results suggest that use of VSS can help reduce the risk of postoperative complications after wide resection of soft-tissue sarcoma in the medial thigh. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(6):442–446

Paediatric bone sarcomas around the knee are often amenable to either endoprosthetic reconstruction or rotationplasty. Cosmesis and durability dramatically distinguish these two options, although patient-reported functional satisfaction has been similar among survivors. However, the impact on oncological and surgical outcomes for these approaches has not been directly compared. We retrospectively reviewed all wide resections for bone sarcoma of the distal femur or proximal tibia that were reconstructed either with an endoprosthesis or by rotationplasty at our institution between June 2004 and December 2014 with a minimum two year follow-up. Pertinent demographic information, surgical and oncological outcomes were reviewed. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Thirty eight patients with primary sarcomas around the knee underwent wide resection and either endoprosthetic reconstruction (n=19) or rotationplasty (n=19). Groups were comparable in terms of demographic parameters and systemic tumour burden at presentation. We found that selection of endoprosthetic reconstruction versus rotationplasty did not impact overall survival for the entire patient cohort but was significant in subgroup analysis. Two-year overall survival was 86.7% and 85.6% in the endoprosthesis and rotationplasty groups, respectively (p=0.33). When only patients with greater than 90% chemotherapy-induced necrosis were considered, overall survival was significantly better in the rotationplasty versus endoprosthesis groups (100% vs. 72.9% at two years, p=0.013). Similarly, while event-free survival was not affected by reconstruction method (60.2% vs. 73.3% at two years for endoprosthesis vs rotationplasty, p=0.27), there was a trend towards lower local recurrence in rotationplasty patients (p=0.07). When surgical outcomes were considered, a higher complication rate was seen in patients that received an endoprosthesis compared to those who underwent rotationplasty. Including all reasons for re-operation, 78.9% (n=15) of the endoprosthesis patients required a minimum of one additional surgery compared with only 26.3% (n=5) among rotationplasty patients (p=0.003). The most common reasons for re-operation in endoprosthesis patients were wound breakdown/infection (n=6), limb length discrepancy (n=6) and periprosthetic fracture (n=2). Excluding limb length equalisation procedures, the average time to re-operation in this patient population was 5.6 months (range 1 week to 23 months). Similarly, the most common reason for a secondary procedure in rotationplasty patients was wound breakdown/infection, although only two patients experienced this complication. Average time to re-operation in this group was 23.8 months (range 5 to 49 months). Endoprosthetic reconstruction and rotationplasty are both viable limb-salvage options following wide resection of high-grade bony sarcomas located around the knee in the paediatric population. Endoprosthetic reconstruction is associated with a higher complication rate and may negatively impact local recurrence. Study of a larger number of patients is needed to determine whether the reconstructive choice affects survival

Primary bone tumors are rare, complex and highly heterogeneous. Its diagnostic and treatment are a challenge for the multidisciplinary team. Developments on tumor biomarkers, immunohistochemistry, histology, molecular, bioinformatics, and genetics are fundamental for an early diagnosis and identification of prognostic factors. The personalized medicine allows an effective patient tailored treatment. The bone biopsy is essential for diagnosis. Treatment may include systemic therapy and local therapy. Frequently, a limb salvage surgery includes wide resection and reconstruction with endoprosthesis, biological or composites. The risk for local recurrence and distant metastases depends on the primary tumor and treatment response. Cancer patients are living longer and bone metastases are increasing. Bone is the third most frequently location for distant lesions. Bone metastases are associated to pain, pathological fractures, functional impairment, and neurological deficits. It impacts survival and patient quality of life. The treatment of metastatic disease is a challenge due to its complexity and heterogeneity, vascularization, reduced size and limited access. It requires a multidisciplinary treatment and depending on different factors it is palliative or curative-like treatment. For multiple bone metastases it is important to relief pain and increases function in order to provide the best quality of life and expect to prolong survival. Advances in nanotechnology, bioinformatics, and genomics, will increase biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and targeted treatment effectiveness. We are taking the leap forward in precision medicine and personalized care

Introduction. Wide, tumor-like resection for chronic osteomyelitis (COM), a standard practice previously, has been challenged recently with adequate, local debridement. This paper reviews the evolution of surgical debridement for long bone osteomyelitis, and presents the outcome of adequate debridement in a tertiary bone infection unit. Materials & Methods. Retrospective review of records from 2014 to 2020 of patients with long bone osteomyelitis. All records were searched electronically and imaging reviewed. All patients were managed by Multidisciplinary Infection Team protocol. Results. 53 patients (54 bones) with median age of 45.5 years (IQR 31 to 55) and mean follow-up of 29 months (12 – 59) were identified. According to Cierny-Mader classification, ten bones were type I, 39 were type III, and five were type IV; via the BACH classification of long bone osteomyelitis 21 were uncomplicated, 32 were complex, and one had limited options. All patients were treated with single-staged management with one planned second stage stabilization. Seventy-five percent grew positive microbial cultures. Forty-six (85%) cases had resolution of COM after index procedure and 51 (94%) had resolution at last follow up. Four (7%) patients underwent second surgical procedure and six (11%) patients had complications. Conclusions. We report high COM resolution rate through detailed pre operative evaluation and planning with multidisciplinary team approach. We challenge the need for wide tumor-like resection and the need for regenerative procedures in all cases of COM. Adequate debridement and local delivery of high concentration of antibiotic appears to provide comparable outcomes

Wide resection, with or without adjuvant therapy, is the mainstay of treatment for soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities. The surgical treatment of soft tissue sarcoma can portend a prolonged course of recovery from a functional perspective. However, data to inform the expected course of recovery following sarcoma surgery is lacking. The purpose of this study was to identify time to maximal functional improvement following sarcoma resection and to identify factors that delay the expected course of recovery. A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients undergoing surgical treatment of a soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities between January 1st, 1985 and November 15, 2020 with a minimum of 1 follow up. The primary outcome measure was time to maximal functional improvement, defined as failure to demonstrate improvement on two consecutive follow up appointments, as defined by the functional outcome measures of Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) Score or by achieving 90% of maximum outcome score. We identified 1188 patients who underwent surgical resection of a soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities. Patients typically achieved a return to their baseline level of function by 1 year and achieved “maximal” functional recovery by 2 year's time postoperatively. Patient and tumor factors that were associated with worse functional outcome scores and a delayed return to maximal functional improvement included older age (p=0.007), female sex (p-0.004), larger tumor size (p < 0 .001), deep tumor location (p < 0 .001), pelvic location (p < 0 .001), higher tumor grade (p < 0 .001). Treatment factors that were associated with worse functional outcome scores and a delayed return to maximal functional improvement included use of radiation therapy (p < 0 .001), perioperative complications (p < 0 .001), positive margin status (p < 0 .001) and return of disease, locally or systemically (p < 0 .001). Most patients will recover their baseline function by 1 year and achieve “maximal” recovery by 2 years’ time following surgical resection for soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities. Several patient, tumor and treatment factors should be used to counsel patients as to a delayed course of recovery

Introduction. Aneurysmal bone cysts commonly found in lower limbs are locally aggressive masses that can lead to bony erosion, instability and fractures. This has major implications in the lower limbs especially in paediatric patients, with potential growth disturbance and deformity. In this case series we describe radical aneurysmal bone cyst resection and lower limb reconstruction using cable transport and syndesmosis preservation. Materials & Methods. Case 1 - A 12-year-old boy presented with a two-week history of atraumatic right ankle pain. An X-ray demonstrated a distal tibia metaphyseal cyst confirmed on biopsy as an aneurysmal bone cyst. The cyst expanded on interval X-rays from 5.5cm to 8.5cm in 9 weeks. A wide-margin en-bloc resection was performed leaving a 13.8cm tibial defect. A cable transport hexapod frame and a proximal tibial osteotomy was performed, with syndesmosis screw fixation. The transport phase lasted 11 months. While in frame, the boy sustained a distal femur fracture from a fall. The femur and the docking site were plated at the same sitting and frame removed. At one-year post-frame removal he is pain-free, with full ankle dorsiflexion but plantarflexion limited to 25 degrees. He has begun graduated return to sport. Results. Case 2 - A 12-year-old girl was referred with a three-month history of lateral left ankle swelling. X-ray demonstrated an aneurysmal bone cyst in the distal fibula metaphysis. The cyst grew from 4.2 × 2.3cm to 5.2 × 3.32cm in 2 months. A distal fibula resection (6.2cm) with syndesmosis fixation and hexapod cable transport frame were undertaken. The frame was in situ for 13 weeks and during this time she required an additional osteotomy for premature consolidation and had one pin site infection. After 13 weeks a second syndesmosis screw was placed, frame removed, and a cast applied. 3 months later she had fibular plating, BMAC and autologous iliac crest bone graft for slow union. At 3 years post-operative she has no evidence of recurrence, is pain-free and has no functional limitation. Conclusions. We describe two cases of ankle syndesmosis preservation using cable transport for juxta-articular aneurysmal bone cysts. This allows wide resection to prevent recurrence while also preserving primary ankle stability and leg length in children. Both children had a minor complication, but both had an excellent final outcome. Cable bone transport and prophylactic syndesmosis stabilization allows treatment of challenging juxta-articular aneurysmal bone cysts about the ankle. These techniques are especially useful in large bone defects

Purpose: Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a rare, usually benign, primary skeletal lesion. The disease’s clinical course may be complicated by local recurrence subsequent to surgical treatment or the development of benign pulmonary metastases. Intra-lesional curettage is the standard treatment of primary GCT of bone. However, the value of intralesional procedures in recurrent GCT has not been well established. Method: Forty-six patients with recurrent GCT of long bones treated between 1983 and 2005 were followed retrospectively. Minimum follow-up was three years; mean follow-up was 11.1 (±4.8) years. Results: Wide resections were performed in 18 patients. Intralesional, joint preserving procedures were performed in 28 patients. Subsequent recurrence occurred in nine patients (20%). Wide resection was performed if joint salvage was not achievable due to expansion of the tumor. Reconstructions following wide resection included arthroplasty (n=4), osteoarticular allograft (n=3), APC (n=1) and fibular autograft reconstruction of the wrist (n=3). Amputations were performed in two patients. Patients undergoing wide resections for local recurrence had a significantly smaller risk of subsequent recurrence as compared to patients treated with intra-lesional surgery (6% versus 32%, hazard ratio: 0.28, p< 0.05). In patients treated with intralesional surgery, application of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in addition to local phenol treatment significantly reduced the risk of subsequent recurrence (PMMA + phenol: 7% vs. Phenol: 25%, hazard ratio: 0.23, p< 0.05). Soft tissue expansion was not associated with an increased risk of subsequent recurrence. At follow-up, all patients with subsequent recurrence were without local disease after additional intralesional surgery (n=3) or wide resection (n=5). Metachronous benign pulmonary metastases evolved in five cases. There was no correlation between the development of pulmonary metastases and the type of treatment of recurrent disease found. Conclusion: In recurrent disease of GCT of long bones and the possibility to salvage the adjacent joint intra-lesional surgery is the treatment of choice independent of whether soft tissue expansion is present. Intra-lesional surgery does not increase the risk of development benign pulmonary metastases. In cases with extensive tumor formation and without the possibility to preserve the adjacent joint wide resection has a high chance for long-term recurrence free disease

Introduction. Fibrous dysplasia is a pathological condition, where normal medullary bone is replaced by fibrous tissue and small, woven specules of bone. Fibrous dysplasia can occur in epiphysis, metaphysis or diaphysis. Occationally, biopsy is necessary to establish the diagnosis. We present a review of operative treatment using the Ilizarov technique. The management of tibial fibrous dysplasia in children are curettage or subperiosteal resection to extra periosteal wide resection followed by bone transport. Materials and Methods. A total of 18 patients were treated between 2010 – 2020; 12 patients came with pain and 6 with pain and deformity. All patients were treated by Ilizarov technique. Age ranges from 4–14 years. 12 patients by enbloc excision and bone transportation and 6 patients were treated by osteotomy at the true apex of the deformity by introducing the k/wires in the medullary cavity with stable fixation by Ilizarov device. The longest duration for bone transport was 16 weeks (14–20 weeks) for application, after deformity correction was 20 weeks. We have never used any kind of bone grafts. Results. All the 18 patients were treated successfully by Ilizarov compression distraction device. The patients with localized tibial pathology with deformity had the shortest period on the Ilizarov apparatus, 14 weeks. Conclusions. Preservation and bone regeneration by distraction histogenesis constitutes a highly conservative limb saving surgery. Patients with bone defects of <10 cm, a great deal of preserved healthy tissue and good prognosis are good candidates for these methods

Aims: Chordoma is an uncommon malignant tumour with developing the remnants of notochord and usually manifesting itself in patients in their forties and fifties, aggressive local tumour in some cases resulting metastatic progression and might its histological picture show malignancy in long-lived patients. The objective are the presentation of the surgical technique of wide resection in the sacrococcygeal region, discuss the technical aspects of body wall reconstruction and presentation the long-term results of the surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal chordoma in our department. Methods: Although we have treated 48 patients surgically between 1992 and 2005, this lecture includes 37 patients with at least 2 years follow-up. We applied wide resection in all cases and if it was necessary, reconstruction of the body wall was performed by insertingmetal wire frame and artificial fascia layer. Results: We performed 48 wide resections, in 28 cases combined with reconstruction. Most of the patients have had local pain and 26 patients have had preoperative neurological symptoms. It was attained significant local pain relief in 90 percent of the patients and in 77 percent of the patients improvement of the neurological symptoms. Due to radiologically proved local recurrence of the tumour in twelve cases we had to perform second, and in two cases third surgery. Conclusion: The wide resection of sacrococcygeal chordoma following with reconstruction of the body wall is a well designed and safe surgical procedure which results long survival in combining in certain cases with radiotherapy

Background. There is doubt regarding resection compared to curettage for pelvic metastases. Previous studies have reported that curettage is associated with decreased survival compared with wide resection, and have justified a radical surgical approach to achieve pain palliation and tumor control. Aim. To evaluate the role of wide en bloc resection compared to curettage/marginal resection for patients with pelvic metastases. The rationale was that wide resection does not improve survival even in patients with solitary pelvic metastases. Method. Between 1985 and 2009, 21 patients (6 women, 15 men; age, 34–76 years) were treated for pelvic metastases. Histology included thyroid carcinoma in 5 patients, bladder carcinoma in 4 patients, renal and endometrium in 2 cases each and colon, ovarium, cerebral and lung carcinoma in 1 case each; the primary tumor was undiagnosed in 4 patients. Three patients had sacral and 1 patient had sacroiliac joint metastasis. According to Enneking's classification of the anatomical site involved, 5 patients had type I, 1 patient had type II, 6 patients had type III, 1 patient had type I and II, and 4 patients had type II and III pelvic metastasis. Metastatic disease was localized in the pelvic ring in 15 patients and multifocal in 6 patients. Eight patients had surgical treatment only; 13 patients had surgical treatment in addition to radiation therapy (2 patients), chemotherapy (1 patient), embolization (3 patients), or combined adjuvant treatments (7 patients). 21 patients with pelvic metastases were treated with wide resection (12 patients) and curettage/marginal resection (9 patients) and adjuvants. Sixteen patients had solitary pelvic metastases. Reconstruction of the hip joint was performed in three patients. Results. At a mean of 27.6 months (range, 2–152 months), the overall survival to death and local recurrence was 15% at 66 months and 47% at 26 months, respectively. Survival to death of patients treated with wide en bloc resection was 18% at 46 months compared to 62% at 12months of patients treated with curettage/marginal resection; no difference in survival to death between wide en bloc resection and curettage/marginal resection was observed (p=0.570). Survival to local recurrence of patients treated with wide en bloc resection was 67% at 24 months compared to 26% at 24 months of patients treated with curettage/marginal resection; this was also not statistically significant (p=0.0683). One patient treated with wide en bloc resection for a solitary pelvic bone metastasis had a postoperative complication. Conclusion. This series showed that neither the combination of surgical and adjuvant treatments nor the type of surgical resection were statistically significant parameters for local recurrence. We found no difference in survival to death or local recurrence 1 with wide en bloc resection compared to curettage or marginal resection, even in patients with solitary pelvic metastases

Presentation of two cases of pelvic periacetabular sarcoma, which were treated with wide resection of the tumor, pelvic reconstruction and lower limb salvage. Two patients, one male 23 y.o. with chondrosarcoma and one female 75 y.o. with chondroblastic osteosarcoma, were treated in our clinic. Both tumors were stage II according to Enneking’s classification. Both tumors were treated with Enneking type II internal hemipelvectomy due to their periacetabular localization. After wide resection of tumors, pelvic deficit was reconstructed with allograft, which was internally fixated, and total hip replacement with constrained prosthesis. Clinical evaluation showed absence of pain and satisfactory function of the limb. Imaging evaluation with x-ray, 3D-scan kai MRI showed satisfactory position and condition of allograft and internal fixation without evidence of loosening. Non weight bearing mobilization commenced 3 weeks postoperatively. Internal hemipelvectomy requires precise preoperative planning and surgical knowledge because it is technically demanding due to complex structure of the pelvis, the great number of muscular attachments and the presence of important vessels, nerves and pelvic viscera. Wide pelvic resection and reconstruction with allograft for periacetabular sarcomas is a challenging procedure, which offers the opportunity of limb salvage associated with functional outcome

Purpose of the study: Resection of a malignant primary tumour of the proximal humerus implies sacrifice of a large part of the humeral shaft and the periarticular muscles. Reconstruction can be difficult and raises the problem of preserving function. Recent work has demonstrated the pertinence of combining a glenohumeral prosthesis with an allograft. Several complications are nevertheless reported: non-union, allograft resorption, loosening. We report three cases of malignant primary tumours requiring wide resection of the humerus which were treated by reconstruction with a shoulder arthrodesis applying the induced membrane technique. Material and methods: Three patients (mean age 15 years) presented a malignant primary tumour of the proximal humerus (Ewing sarcoma or osteosarcoma) which was locally extensive but not metastatic. Resection implied resection of 16 cm of the humerus (mean). The same procedure was used for the three patients: first phase: wide resection of the tumour and neighbouring soft tissues which removed the majority of the proximal end of the humerus and the glenohumeral joint, then insertion of a cement spacer; second phase: reconstruction with a shoulder arthrodesis using cancellous grafts positioned inside the induced membrane. Stabilisation was ensured by insertion of a non-vascularised fibula inside the membrane and with a plate fixation on the scapular spine. Results: Mean follow-up is five years. There has been no local recurrence and no distant spread. The arthrodeses and the reconstructions healed without reoperation within six to eight months. The functional outcomes were not different from those obtained with shoulder arthrodesis with a mean elevation of 90°. Discussion: There are many advantages of reconstruction with shoulder arthrodesis using the induced membrane technique: possible wide initial resection, more satisfactory carcinological resection, the periarticular muscles are not pertinent after arthrodesis; there is no need for prosthetic elements or an allograft exposing to later complications; the reconstruction time is a simple procedure; elevation remains satisfactory. Conclusion: This technique should be included in the surgical armamentarium just like vascularised transfers, allografts and massive prostheses. The indication should be reserved for extensive resection

It is well known that wide resection and reconstruction with modular or composite prostheses is the treatment of choice in high chondrosarcoma of metasepiphyseal bone. Nevertheless there is a debate concerning the treatment of low grade chondrosarcoma, a locally aggressive tumour, similar also histologically to benign lesion. Two different therapeutic options are reported in these lesions: wide resection and intralesion curettage. Between 1995 and 2003 the Authors analysed a series of 37 cases of low grade chondrosarcoma of long bone treated with curettage and local adjuvant, like liquid nitrogen and acrylic cement, if necessary associated with synthesis. The least follow-up was two years. The authors observed 3 local recurrences within the first 12 months from the surgical treatment; and, in every case, an increased grade of malignity was observed at histology. The Authors confirmed that the aggressive intralesional treatment with the use of the local adjuvant like liquid nitrogen and cement, is a valid therapeutic possibility in these lesions, but they confirm that it’s necessary an accurate preoperative diagnosis with also open biopsy for an efficacy treatment

Introduction and Objectives: Synovial sarcoma is an infrequent mesenchymal neoplasia (between 8–10% of soft tissue sarcomas) that can originate in the joint capsule, bursa and tendon sheaths. Materials and Methods: We studied 52 cases of synovial sarcomas reviewed between 1983 and 2006, with a mean follow-up of 91.4 months (24–204 months). The mean age of the patients was 38.4 years of age (range 13–86). The most frequent location was the knee and the popliteal area. In 25 cases a wide resection was performed and in 17 cases amputation was carried out. The most frequently used treatment protocol was preoperative chemotherapy plus postoperative chemo and radiotherapy. In one of the recurrence cases isolated perfusion of the limb was performed due to a recurrence of synovial sarcoma in a hand. Results: One or more recurrences during follow-up were seen in 24 patients. There were 2 cases (3.8%) of skin and cervical spine metastasis and 20 cases of lung metastasis. Eleven patients died (19%). The survival rate at 5 years was 61%. Discussion and Conclusions: Synovial sarcoma is the third most frequent soft tissue sarcoma. It is an aggressive entity, with a high recurrence rate and considerable mortality. When it is not possible to achieve safe margins the ideal treatment is a wide resection or amputation. Neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapies have an important role in treatment. Treatment by a multidisciplinary team is indispensable to improve survival rates