Chondrosarcoma is the second most common surgically treated primary bone sarcoma. Despite a large number of scientific papers in the literature, there is still significant controversy about diagnostics, treatment of the primary tumour, subtypes, and complications. Therefore, consensus on its day-to-day treatment decisions is needed. In January 2024, the Birmingham Orthopaedic Oncology Meeting (BOOM) attempted to gain global consensus from 300 delegates from over 50 countries. The meeting focused on these critical areas and aimed to generate consensus statements based on evidence amalgamation and expert opinion from diverse geographical regions. In parallel, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in oncological reconstructions poses unique challenges due to factors such as adjuvant treatments, large exposures, and the complexity of surgery. The meeting debated two-stage revisions, antibiotic prophylaxis, managing acute PJI in patients undergoing chemotherapy, and defining the best strategies for wound management and allograft reconstruction. The objectives of the meeting extended beyond resolving immediate controversies. It sought to foster global collaboration among specialists attending the meeting, and to encourage future research projects to address unsolved dilemmas. By highlighting areas of disagreement and promoting collaborative research endeavours, this initiative aims to enhance treatment standards and potentially improve outcomes for patients globally. This paper sets out some of the controversies and questions that were debated in the meeting. Cite this article:
We performed a systematic literature review to define features of patients, treatment, and biological behaviour of multicentric giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone. The search terms used in combination were “multicentric”, “giant cell tumour”, and “bone”. Exclusion criteria were: reports lacking data, with only an abstract; papers not reporting data on multicentric GCT; and papers on multicentric GCT associated with other diseases. Additionally, we report three patients treated under our care.Aims
Methods
Instability of the hip is the most common mode of failure after
reconstruction with a proximal femoral arthroplasty (PFA) using
an endoprosthesis after excision of a tumour. Small studies report
improved stability with capsular repair of the hip and other techniques,
but these have not been investigated in a large series of patients.
The aim of this study was to evaluate variables associated with
the patient and the operation that affect post-operative stability.
We hypothesised an association between capsular repair and stability. In a retrospective cohort study, we identified 527 adult patients
who were treated with a PFA for tumours. Our data included demographics,
the pathological diagnosis, the amount of resection of the abductor
muscles, the techniques of reconstruction and the characteristics
of the implant. We used regression analysis to compare patients
with and without post-operative instability.Aims
Patients and Methods
Previous classification systems of failure of
limb salvage focused primarily on endoprosthetic failures and lacked sufficient
depth for the effective study of the causes of failure. In order
to address these inadequacies, the International Society of Limb
Salvage (ISOLS) formed a committee to recommend revisions of the
previous systems. The purpose of this study was to report on their
recommendations. The modifications were prepared using an earlier,
evidence-based model with subclassification based on the existing
medical literature. Subclassification for all five primary types
of failure of limb salvage following endoprosthetic reconstruction
were formulated and a complementary system was derived for the failure
of biological reconstruction. An additional classification of failure
in paediatric patients was also described. Limb salvage surgery presents a complex array of potential mechanisms
of failure, and a complete and precise classification of types of
failure is required. Earlier classification systems lacked specificity,
and the evidence-based system outlined here is designed to correct
these weaknesses and to provide a means of reporting failures of
limb salvage in order to allow the interpretation of outcome following
reconstructive surgery. Cite this article:
Durable fixation may be difficult to achieve when significant bone loss is present, as it occurs in pelvic sarcoma resection and revision surgery of tumor implants. Purpose of this study was to review clinical results of primary and revision surgery of the pelvis and lower extremity in the setting of severe bone loss following limb salvage procedures for bone sarcoma using modular porous tantalum implants. Retrospective study of 15 patients (nine females, six males) undergoing primary or revision pelvic reconstruction (five patients) or revision surgery of a tumor implant of the hip (five patients), knee (four patients), and ankle (one patient) using porous tantalum implants was undertaken. Reason for the tumor implant was resection of bone sarcoma in 13 cases and tumor-like massive bone loss in the remaining two cases. Cause for revision was aseptic failure (nine patients) or deep infection (six patients); average age at the time of surgery was 31 years (16–61 yrs). Revision was managed in a staged fashion in all the six infected cases. All patients presented severe combined segmental and cavitary bone defects. Bone loss was managed in all patients using porous tantalum implants as augmentation of residual bone stock and associated with a megaprosthesis in eight cases (five proximal femur, two distal femur, one proximal tibia). Average follow-up was 4.5 years for hip/knee implants and 2.5 yrs for pelvic reconstructions (range 1–6.8 yrs). Minimum follow-up of two years was available in 11 cases.Purpose
Method
Telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TOS) is a rare subtype of osteosarcoma. We review our experience to characterize its prevalence, treatment, relapse and survivorship at long term follow-up. Eighty-seven patients aged from 4 to 60 years (mean 20 years), were treated from 1985 to 2008. Lesions affected the femur (38), humerus (20), tibia (19), fibula (4), pelvis (3), foot (2) and radius (1). Eight patients had metastatic disease at diagnosis. Seventy-eight patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with three or more drugs according to different protocols, nine had surgery as first treatment. Limb salvage surgery was performed in 71 cases, amputation in 14 and rotationplasty in one. One patient died before surgery. Prognostic factors were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis.Introduction
Methods
Aim of this study was to review surgical treatment of femural metastases, comparing nailing versus resection and prosthetic reconstruction. Between 1975 and 2008 110 patients were surgically treated for metastatic disease of the femur. Prostheses were implanted in 57 cases (16 HMRS® Stryker, 38 MRP® Bioimpianti, 2 Osteobridge® and 1 GMRS®). In 53 patients femoral nailing was performed with different types of locked nails (32 Gamma, 14 Grosse-Kempft and 6 T2-Stryker®). Sites of primary tumor were breast (33 cases), kidney (18), lung (17), undifferentiated carcinoma (14), g.i. (8), bladder and prostate (5 each), endometrium and thyroid (3 each), skin (2), pheochromocytoma and pancreas (1 each). Indications to nails were given in patients with femoral metastasis and poor prognosis: multiple metastases, short free interval, unfavourable histotype, poor general conditions. Resection and prosthesis was preferred for patients with solitary metastasis, long free interval, favourable histotype, good general conditions or in whenever the extent of the lesion was not amenable to a durable internal fixation. Complications were analysed. Univariate analysis by Kaplan-Meier curves of implant and oncological survival was performed. Functional results were assessed with MSTS system.Aim
Method
Bone metastases of the upper limb are a frequent complication of primary tumors. The aim of this study is to evaluate treatment and functional results of patients with prosthetic reconstruction of the proximal humerus. Between 1975 and 2007, 67 patients were treated by resection of humeral metastasis and reconstruction with prosthesis. Cemented modular prostheses of the proximal humerus were implanted in 59 cases (all MRS Bioimpianti® prostheses), uncemented prostheses in 2 (HMRS® Stryker), 4 elbow Coonrad-Morrey prostheses (in 2 cases with bone allograft), 1 elbow custom-made cemented and 1 intercalary prosthesis (Osteobridge Merete®). Sites of primary tumors: kidney (23), lung (13), bone and unknow (7 each), liver and breast (3 each), bladder, endometrium, thyroid, soft tissues and nervous tissues (2 each), ovarium (1). Complications were evaluated and univariate analysis with actuarial Kaplan-Meier curves of implant survival was performed. Functional results were assessed with the MSTS system.Aim
Method
The current investigation includes a retrospective review of the experience of five Institutions with distal femur megaprostheses for tumor over a twenty year period, to analyze the incidence and etiology of failure, using a new classification system based upon the failure modes. Between 1974 and 2008, 2174 patients underwent primary limb preservation for a benign or malignant extremity tumor using a metallic megaprosthesis at five Institutions, 951 (43.7%) were distal femur replacements. Retrospective analysis of complications according to the Letson and Ruggieri Classification was performed and Kaplan-Meier curves of implant survival were defined. Segmental megaprosthetic reconstruction failures were categorized as mechanical and non-mechanical failures.Introduction
Methods
Historically, amputation or rotationplasty were the treatment of choice in skeletally immature patients. The introduction of expandable endoprostheses in the late 1980s offered the advantages of limb-salvage and limb length equality at skeletal maturity and a promising alternative with improved cosmetic results and immediate weight bearing. to describe the Rizzoli experience in reconstruction with three different types of expandable prostheses in growing children with malignant bone tumors of the femur, assess the outcome of limb salvage in these patients, analyze survival and complications related to these prostheses used over time.Introduction
Objective
Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma (D.C.) has a very poor prognosis. The efficacy of chemotherapy is still debated. Aim of this study was to evaluate the survival of patients with D.C. and to evaluate possible prognostic factors. Between 1990 and 2006, 109 patients were treated for D.C.: 55 males and 54 females, mean age of 59.6 years. In 81 cases tumor was located in the extremities and in 28 cases in the trunk. The most frequent dedifferentiation was in osteosarcoma (53.2%) followed by spindle cell sarcoma (21%), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (13.8%), fibrosarcoma (6.4%). All patients received surgery and mostly, limb salvage with tumor resection and implantation of a megaprosthesis or allograft (65 patients). Chemotherapy was given to 43 patients.Introduction
Methods
To present selective arterial embolization with N-2-butyl Cyanoacrylate for the palliative and/or adjuvant treatment of painful bone metastases not primarily amenable to surgery. From January 2003 to December 2009, 243 patients (148 men and 95 women; age range, 20–87 years) with painful bone metastases were treated with N-2-butyl Cyanoacrylate. Overall, 309 embolizations were performed; 56 patients had more than one embolization. Embolizations were performed in the pelvis (168 procedures), in the spine (83 procedures), in the upper limb (13 procedures), in the lower limb (38 procedures) and in the thoracic cage (21 procedures). Primary cancer included urogenital, breast, gastrointestinal, thyroid, lung, musculoskeletal, skin, nerve and unknown origin. Renal cell carcinoma was the most commonly treated tumor. In all patients, selective embolization was performed by transfemoral catheterization.Aim
Material and Methods
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. 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.Background
Aim
Although various reports analyzed “en-bloc” excision of sacral tumors, there are still technical problems to improve protection of nerve roots, preserve surrounding structures and reduce intraoperative bleeding, maintaining the oncologic result. We present a new technique for sacral resection, with short term preliminary results, derived with modification from Osaka technique. Seven patients were resected for their sacrococcygeal chordoma with the followed described technique. Two patients had previous surgery elsewhere. The sacrum is exposed by a posterior midline incision and complete soft-tissue dissection. Lateral osteotomies were performed through the sacral foramina using a threadwire saw and Kerrison rongeurs, to avoid sacral roots damage. After proximal osteotomy, the sacrum is laterally elevated and mobilized to allow dissection of presacral structures. Mean surgical time was 5 hours (range: 3 to 8). Mean blood loss was 3640 ml.Introduction
Methods
was to review the experience of the Rizzoli with megaprosthetic reconstruction of the extremities in musculoskeletal oncology. Between April 1983 and December 2007, 1036 modular uncemented megaprostheses of the lower limbs were implanted in 605 males and 431 females: 160 KMFTR(r), 633 HMRS(r) prostheses, 68 HMRS(r) Rotating Hinge and 175 GMRS(r). Sites: distal femur 659, proximal tibia 198, proximal femur 145, total femur 25, distal femur and proximal tibia 9. Histology showed 612 osteosarcomas, 113 chondrosarcomas, 72 Ewing's sarcoma, 31 metastatic carcinomas, 89 GCT, 36 MFH,68 other diagnoses. Between 1975 and 2006 at Rizzoli 344 reconstructions of the humerus using prosthetic devices (alone or in association with allografts) were performed: 289 MRS(r), 37 HMRS(r), 2 Osteobridge(r), 4 composite prostheses, 8 Coonrad-Morrey(r), 4 custom made prostheses. Sites of reconstruction were: proximal humerus 311, distal humerus 19, diaphysis 5, total humerus 9. Histology showed 146 osteosarcomas, 56 chondrosarcomas, 23 Ewing's sarcoma, 67 metastatic carcinomas, 14 GCT, 10 MFH, 28 other diagnoses. Patients were followed periodically in the clinic. Information were obtained from clinical charts and imaging studies with special attention to major complications requiring revision surgery. Major prostheses-related complications were analysed and functional results evaluated according to the MSTS system. Univariate analysis by Kaplan-Meier actuarial curves was used for studying implant survival to major complications.Objective
Material and methods
of this study was to analyse results of two stage revisions in infected megaprostheses in lower limb. Between April 1983 and December 2007, 1036 modular uncemented megaprostheses were implanted in 605 males and 431 females with mean age 33.5 yrs: 160 KMFTR(r), 633 HMRS(r) prostheses, 68 HMRS(r) Rotating Hinge and 175 GMRS(r). Sites: distal femur 659, proximal tibia 198, proximal femur 145, total femur 25, distal femur and proximal tibia 9. Histology showed 612 osteosarcomas, 113 chondrosarcomas, 72 Ewing's sarcoma, 31 metastatic carcinomas, 89 GCT, 36 MFH,68 other diagnoses. Infection occurred in 80 cases (7.7%) at mean time of 4 yrs (min 1 month, max 19 yrs) in 18 KMFTR(r), 47 HMRS(r), 5 HMRS(r) Rotating Hinge, 10 GMRS(r). Sites: 51 distal femurs, 21 proximal tibias, 6 proximal femurs, 1 total femur and 1 extrarticular knee resection. Most frequent bacteria causing infection were: Staphilococcus Epidermidis (39 cases), Staphilococcus Aureus (17) and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (5). Infection occurred postoperatively within 4 weeks in 9 cases, early (within 6 months) in 12 cases, late (after 6 months) in 59 cases. Usual surgical treatment was “two stage” (removal of implant, one or more cement spacers with antibiotics, new implant), with antibiotics according with coltures. One stage treatment was used for immediate postoperative infections, only since 1998. Functional results after treatment of infection were assessed using the MSTS system.Objective
Material and methods
of this study is to analyze the results of a modular reconstructive tumor prosthesis for the lower limb (GMRS(r)) with a comparative statistical analysis of primary and secondary implants. From October 2003 to September 2007 at Rizzoli 161 GMRS(r) prostheses were implanted, most after resection of osteosarcoma (94 cases, 58%). It is a modular system with a rotating hinge mechanism for the knee, cemented and uncemented stems, in titanium and chromium-cobalt-molybdenum, curved and straight-fluted, with or without hydroxyapatite coating. Moreover adaptors are available to revise HMRS(r) implants. This series includes 88 males and 73 females ranging in age from 9 to 80 years. Sites of reconstruction were 109 distal femurs, 19 proximal femurs, 1 total femur and 32 proximal tibias. There were 149 oncologic and 12 non oncologic diagnoses, including 96 primary reconstructions and 65 revisions after failure of previous implant. A retrospective analysis of imaging and complications was performed and functional results assessed according to MSTS system. Statistical analysis with Kaplan-Meier curves was used to study implant survival.Purpose
Material and methods
To present selective arterial embolization with N-2-butyl Cyanoacrylate for the palliative and/or adjuvant treatment of painful bone metastases not primarily amenable to surgery. From January 2003 to December 2009, 243 patients (148 men and 95 women; age range, 20-87 years) with painful bone metastases were treated with N-2-butyl Cyanoacrylate. Overall, 309 embolizations were performed; 56 patients had more than one embolization. Embolizations were performed in the pelvis (168 procedures), in the spine (83 procedures), in the upper limb (13 procedures), in the lower limb (38 procedures) and in the thoracic cage (21 procedures). Primary cancer included urogenital, breast, gastrointestinal, thyroid, lung, musculoskeletal, skin, nerve and unknown origin. Renal cell carcinoma was the most commonly treated tumour. In all patients, selective embolization was performed by transfemoral catheterization.Aim
Material and Methods
Patients treated with limb salvage surgery for bone sarcomas of the extremities (upper and lower) may have physical disability as a result of treatment. Goal of this study was to evaluate the quality of life after treatment (chemotherapy and conservative surgery) at long term. 208 patients resected for a bone sarcoma and with prosthetic reconstruction (45 in the upper and 163 in the lower limb) were evaluated. Assessment of results was done using the Karnofsky Scale (K.S.). Patients were followed in the clinic and functional results assessed according to the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) system. Moreover the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score questionnaire (TESS) was mailed to 144 patients.Aim
Method
Prognostic stratification of patients with non-metastatic osteosarcoma may improve the clinical management and the design of clinical trials. Data from 773 patients [median age 15 years (3-40)] treated at our Institute from 1983 to 2000 with high-dose methotrexate, cisplatin, doxorubicin and ifosfamide (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) were analyzed. After multivariate analysis including age, site, tumour volume (cut-off 200 mL), serum LDH and Alkaline Phosphatase (SAP), histology (osteoblastic and chondroblastic vs others), high LDH and SAP, osteoblastic and chondroblastic histotypes resulted independent prognostic factors of DFS. Patients were grouped according to a score from 0 (absence) to 3 (one to 3 adverse factors). The scoring system was implemented by the addition of PgP expression and grade of chemotherapy-induced necrosis. A score of 0, 1, 2, 3 was given to 14%, 38%, 32% and 16% of patients respectively.10-year DFS was 80% (95%CI 72-89) for score of 0, 58% (95%CI 52-64) for 1, 53% (95%CI 46-59) for 2 and 40% (95%CI 32-50) for 3 (p= 0.001). PgP expression (168 patients) identified patients with 100% probability of DFS (score of 0 and negative PgP) and patients with 18% (95%CI 52-64) DFS (score of 3 and positive PgP). Good (GR) and poor responder (PR) patients had the same probability of DFS in case of score of 0 [GR82% (95% CI 72-91), PR79% (95% CI 65-93)] and score of 3 [GR43% (95% CI 32-55) PR36% (95% CI 21-51)]. Different probability of DFS in case of score of 1 [GR64% (95% CI 57-72) PR47% (95% CI 36-59)] and score of 2 [GR63% (95% CI 55-71) PR36% (95% CI 21-51)]. It is possible to stratify outcomes of patients with non metastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity by means of a simple score based on easily available clinical parameters. This scoring system is worth to be validated on larger series.
Professor Mario Mercuri passed away suddenly after a complication of cancer on 7th May 2011 after dedicating his entire life to patients with tumours.
was to analyze infections after bone tumour surgery. 1463 patients treated from 1976 to 2007 were analized: 1036 with resection and prostheses in the lower limbs, 344 with resection and prostheses in the upper limbs, 83 with surgery for sacral tumours. Infections were analyzed for time of occurrence (“postoperative” in the first 4 weeks from surgery, “early” within 6 months, and “late” after 6 months), microbic agents, treatment, outcome.Aim
Method
Purpose of this study was to review a single Institution experience and results of management of extraskeletal osteosarcoma (OGS), with emphasis on the role of combined treatment consisting of surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Retrospective study of 48 patients observed 1966- 2007 was undertaken: 36 patients were managed at our Institution while 12 cases were consultations and not included in this study. Clinico-pathologic features and details of treatment of all 36 patients were correlated with outcome. Updated follow-up was available in all patients.Aim
Method
To evaluate outcome and complications of knee arthrodesis with a modular prosthetic system (MUTARS(r) Implantcast), as primary and revision implants in musculoskeletal oncology. Between 1975 and 2009, 24 prostheses were used for knee arthrodesis. Nineteen in oncologic cases: 6 osteosarcomas, chondrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma and metastatic carcinoma 3 each, 2 pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), malignant fibrous hystiocitoma and giant cell tumour 1 each. Patients were grouped into: A) primary implants, B) revision implants. Group A included 9 patients: 8 arthrodeses after extra-articular resection with major soft tissue removal, 1 after primary resection following multiple excisions of locally recurrent PVNS. Group B included 15 patients: 12 arthrodeses for infection (5 infected TKAs, 7 infected megaprostheses), 2 for failures of temporary arthodesis with Kuntscher nail and cement, 1 for recurrent chondrosarcoma in previous arthrodesis.Aim
Method
We retrospectively studied 14 patients with proximal and diaphyseal tumours and disappearing bone (Gorham’s) disease of the humerus treated with wide resection and reconstruction using an allograft-resurfacing composite (ARC). There were ten women and four men, with a mean age of 35 years (8 to 69). At a mean follow-up of 25 months (10 to 89), two patients had a fracture of the allograft. In one of these it was revised with a similar ARC and in the other with an intercalary prosthesis. A further patient had an infection and a fracture of the allograft that was revised with a megaprosthesis. In all patients with an ARC, healing of the ARC-host bone interface was observed. One patient had failure of the locking mechanism of the total elbow replacement. The mean post-operative Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score for the upper extremity was 77% (46.7% to 86.7%), which represents good and excellent results; one patient had a poor result (46.7%). In the short term ARC effectively relieves pain and restores shoulder function in patients with wide resection of the proximal humerus. Fracture and infection remain significant complications.
Objective of this study was to analyse results of two stage revisions in infected megaprostheses in lower limb.
Infection occurred in 80 cases (7.7%) at mean time of 4 yrs (min 1 month, max 19 yrs) in 18 KMFTR®, 47 HMRS®, 5 HMRS® Rotating Hinge, 10 GMRS®. Sites: 51 distal femurs, 21 proximal tibias, 6 proximal femurs, 1 total femur and 1 extrarticular knee resection. Most frequent bacteria causing infection were: Staphilococcus Epidermidis (39 cases), Staphilococcus Aureus (17) and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (5). Infection occurred postoperatively within 4 weeks in 9 cases, early (within 6 months) in 12 cases, late (after 6 months) in 59 cases. Usual surgical treatment was “two stage” (removal of implant, one or more cement spacers with antibiotics, new implant), with antibiotics according with coltures. One stage treatment was used for immediate postoperative infections, only since 1998. Functional results after treatment of infection were assessed using the MSTS system.
In 3 cases an amputation was primarily performed, to proceed with chemotherapy. Revisions for infection were successful in 63 pts (79%), while 17 pts were amputated (21%). Functional results evaluated in 53 revised cases were good or excellent in 43 (81.1%).
Patients included 44 females and 38 males, ranging in age from 14 to 74 years. Mean follow-up was 9.5 years (min. 3, max. 27). Histopathological findings included chordomas in 55 cases and giant cell tumor (GCT) in 27. Most pts. had iv antibiotic therapy with amikacin and teicoplanin. Surgery of chordoma was resection, surgery of GCT was intralesional excision. In 6 sacral resections a miocutaneous transabdominal flap of rectus abdominis was used for posterior closure.
Mean surgical time was 14 hours for resections and 6 hours for excisions. No significant difference was found comparing deep wound infections with levels of resection (15/33 resections proximal to S3-45% and 8/19 resections below or at S3-42%), previous intralesional surgery elsewhere (4/9 patients previous treated elsewhere-44% and 19/46 primarily treated patients-41%) and age at surgery.
S. Epidermidis and S. Aureo were the most frequent bacteria causing infection (45%). Two stage treatment of infection was chosen: removal of the implant and temporary substitution with cement spacer with antibiotics (usually vancomycin) until infection healed. But a new prostheses was actually implanted in 3 cases only (at mean time of 5.7 mos), while in 17 the spacer was never removed by patients choice due to the acceptable result with the spacer. Systemic antibiotics were associated according to cultural results. Infection healed in all patients.
Purpose was to evaluate the incidence of complication in lower limb reconstructions with modular prostheses comparing cemented versus uncemented stems in two different orthopedic tumor Centers.
From 2002 and 2007, 238 modular prostheses of same design with a rotating hinge knee, were implanted in the lower limb as primary reconstruction in these two Centers. In 130 cases the prosthesis was implanted with cemented stems and in 108 cases with uncemented stems. Sites included: 120 distal femur, 61 proximal femur, 46 proximal tibia, 10 total femur and in 1 case both distal femur and proximal tibia. Histologic diagnoses included: 89 osteosarcoma, 13 Ewing sarcoma, 21 chondrosarcoma, 19 sarcoma, 55 metastasis, 17 TGC, 7 MFH, 11 other diagnoses and 6 non oncologic cases. Major prostheses-related complications were analysed and functional results according to Muscolo Skeletal Tumor Society system, at a mean follow up of 2.03 yrs. Also a statistical evaluation with Kaplan Meier curves, a comparative statistical analysis with Wilcoxon test and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed.
Infections occurred at mean time of 1.3 yrs, sites included: 9 distal femurs, 4 proximal femurs, 5 proximal tibias, 2 total femurs. Aseptic loosening occurred at mean time of 2.3 yrs, sites included: 3 proximal tibias, 2 distal femurs, 2 proximal femurs. Rate of aseptic loosening was higher for cemented stems 5/130 (3.85%) vs uncemented 2/108 (1.85%). This difference is not statistically significant. Infection rate was 10% (13/130) for cemented stems and 6.5% (7/108) for uncemented stems. This difference is statistically significant at comparison of survival curves logrank test. Average MSTS function score was 83.5%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the significant factor favourable reluted with lower incidence of complications was the use of uncemented stems.
In the upper limb, in 20 patients (5.8%) a revision for deep infection was required. Two infections were postoperative, 7 early and 11 late. S. Epidermidis and S. Aureo were the most frequent bacteria causing infection (45%). “Two stage” treatment of infection was performed, but a new prostheses was implanted in 3 cases. In 17 the spacer was never removed. In the sacrum, no deep infections were observed after intralesional excision for giant cell tumors. In 23/52 resections (44%) for chordoma (3 pts. died postoperatively and were excluded), infection occurred: in 16 patients postoperatively, in 7 within 6 months. Bacteria causing infection were mostly gram negative: in 74% of cases infection was multiagent. Surgical treatment consisted in one or more surgical debridements with antibiotics therapy according to coltures: infection healed in all cases.
Purpose of this study was to analyse the different techniques of prosthetic reconstruction of the humerus (also in association with bone grafts) after resection of primary tumors, discussing indications and evaluating implant survival.
Histologically 24 were benign tumors and 253 primary malignant tumors. All patients were periodically followed in the clinic, imaging studies and histology were reviewed and special attention given to prostheses-related complications and implant survival. Univariate analysis through actuarial Kaplan Meier curves was used in evaluating implant survival to major complications. Functional results were assessed using the MSTS system.
Major complications of the implants included 19 cases of deep infection (6.8%), 8 aseptic loosenings (2.9%), 4 breakages (1.4%) causing failure of the implants requiring revisions. Further complications were observed in revised cases. Actuarial curve of implant survival to major complications showed over 80% at 10 years and over 70% at 20 years. Functional results according to the MSTS system were good or excellent (over 50%) in more than 90% of the patients, with an average score of 79%.
Most common mistakes adversely affecting treatment were wrong skin incisions and/or surgical approach, amount and quality of the biopsy sample, infection.
Purpose of this study is to analyze the results of a modular reconstructive tumor prosthesis for the lower limb (GMRS®) with a comparative statistical analysis of primary and secondary implants.
Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is rare, characterized by proliferation of vascular channels resulting in progressive distruction of bone. In the Rizzoli files we found 15 cases of GSD from 1968 to 2008. Two were excluded for insufficient documentation. For 13 cases clinical data, imaging and histology were analysed. Histopathologic features included benign vascular proliferation, vascular pattern of osteolytic angioma, fibro-connective tissue component and bony destruction. A final diagnosis was established based on clinical, radiological and histopathologic features. Imaging included X-rays in 11 cases and CT or MRI in 5. All lesions were lytic, with associated sclerosis in two cases. There was one lesion only in 4 cases, multiple lesions in the same bone in 1 and multiple bones involved in 6. Primary sites were proximal femur in 7 cases, pelvis in 2, hip and knee, calcaneus, humerus and cervical spine in 1 case each. Two patients had no treatment, 2 conservative treatment (cast or brace), 5 surgery, 6 medical treatment (byphosphonates, calcitonin, zoledronic acid, interferon, steroids), 1 radiotherapy, 2 selective arterial embolization. Surgery consisted of internal fixation of pathologic fractures in 4 patients and reconstruction of the entire humerus with a double composite allograft in 1. Treatment was surgery only in 2 patients, medical treatment in 4 (1 also embolization), surgery and medical treatment in 2 (1 also embolization), radiotherapy only in 1, conservative treatment in 2. Four patients were lost at follow up. Mean follow up was 17 ys.(min 2, max 30) in 9 patients: 2 dead, 3 healed, 3 with stable disease, 1 alive with disease at 24 ys. No conclusive treatment recommendations are possible; surgery is indicated in pathologic fractures or reconstruction of massively destroyed bones, medical treatment and selective embolization are helpful. In literature prosthetic reconstruction is preferred due to the risk of allografts resorption.
Osteosarcoma is a common primary bone sarcoma and distal femur its most frequent site. Between 2003 and 2008 at Rizzoli, 66 patients with osteosarcoma of the distal femur had neoadjuvant chemotherapy, resection and reconstruction with modular uncemented mega-prostheses. Series included 37 males and 29 females. Mean follow up was 2 years. To measure “subjective” outcome Karnofsky scale (KPS) was assessed for each patient pre and post-treatment. Also a functional evaluation according to the MSTS system was performed. To find out the current quality of life, a questionnaire on life at work, study and sport before and after treatment was sent to 64 alive patients. Before treatment 7 patients had a Karnofsky index (KI) of 60%, 31 of 50%, 25 of 40% and 3 of 30%. After treatment 19 patients had a Karnofsky index performance of 90%, 28 of 80%, 11 of 70%, 5 of 50% and 1 of 40%. Two patients died of disease. The most represented index of KPS after teatment was “Able to carry on normal activity; minor symptoms”. Poor results were related with amputation (2), knee stiffness (3), infection (2), aseptic loosening (1). After treatment 91% of patients had a KI over 70%, while 89% a KI lower than 50% pre-treatment. MSTS system showed excellent or good results in 85% and fair or poor in 15% of the patients. Average score at MSTS evaluation was 22 (73%). Questionnaires (some still pending) confirm previous analysis. KPS is simple and effective in evaluating quality of life in patients treated for distal femur osteosarcoma. In this study it confirmed the satisfactory MSTS assessed results. It is an easy method, useful and accessible for patients. The reported analysis shows that patients treated for osteosarcoma of the distal femur can have a good quality of life.
Between 1983 and 2006 at Rizzoli 669 knee modular uncemented prostheses were implanted after resection of the distal femur, total femur or proximal tibia. These prostheses include 126 KMFTR prostheses and 543 second generation HMRS prostheses. Patients were followed periodically in the clinic. Data was obtained from clinical charts and imaging studies with special attention to major complications requiring revision surgery. Revision for polyethylene wear was considered a minor complication, since it did not imply failure of the implant. Functional results were assessed according to the MSTS system. Since data could be misleading due to deaths in an oncologic population (although 2/3 of patients were cured or long survivors), to censore the implant unrelated events Kaplan-Meyer curves of implant survival were studied. In 126 KMFTR group infection rated 13.5%, stem breakage 13%, aseptic loosening 9.5%; change of polyethylene rated 44%. In 543 HMRS prostheses infection rated 8.6%, stem breakage 3%, aseptic loosening 4.8%; revision for polyethylene wear rated 9.6%. Techniques of revisions and their outcome analysed showed about 2/3 of good results, but increased risk of further complications in revised implants. Functional results (MSTS system) were good or excellent in 80% of KMFTR prostheses and in 90% of HMRS. Decrease of major complications in newer prosthetic design was statistically significant and possibly due to newer materials and modified stem design. Polyethylene wear also decreased significantly. Function was satisfactory in most patients without complications for both groups. Revision surgery is technically demanding and appropriate timing of revision is crucial, since early treatment can improve final outcome.
From October 2003 to September 2007 at Rizzoli 161 GMRS® prostheses were implanted after resections of the lower limb. This is a modular system with a knee rotating hinge mechanism, cemented and uncemented stems, in titanium and chromium-cobalt-molybdenum, curved and straight-fluted, with or without hydroxyapatite coating. Adaptors are available to revise HMRS® prostheses with hybrid implants. This study includes 88 males and 73 females ranging in age from 9 to 80 years. Sites of reconstruction were 109 distal femurs, 19 proximal femurs, 1 total femur and 32 proximal tibias. There were 149 oncologic and 12 non oncologic diagnoses, including 96 primary reconstructions and 65 revisions for failures of previous reconstructions. Analysis of imaging and complications was performed and function assessed according to MSTS system. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to statistically evaluate implant survival. At a mean follow up of 2.5 yrs. 106 patients are continuously NED, 31 NED after treatment of relapse, 7 AWD, 5 DWD. There were 10 major complications: 8 infections (4.7%) (5 in primary and 3 in secondary implants) and 2 aseptic loosenings (1.2%) (1 each). There were 9 minor complications requiring minor revisions. Comparative statistical analysis of implant survival showed no statistically significant difference between primary and secondary implants. Functional results were good or excellent in 95% of patients, without any poor. Middle term results are promising with no breakages of implant components. Besides oncological cases, there are selected indications in non oncological settings, such as revisions of prosthetic or allografts failures. While a higher complication rate was expected in secondary implants, statistical analysis shows similar survival.
Forty-six hemangioendotheliomas (HE) of bone treated at Rizzoli from 1985 to 2004 were studied with minimum follow up of 4 years: 19 females and 27 males, mean age 37 years, mean follow-up 9 years, 35 cases unifocal at diagnosis (10 spine – 1 with lung metastasis also- 11 lower limb, 8 upper limb, 6 pelvis) and 11 with multifocal involvement. In 10 patients intralesional surgery was previously performed elsewhere. In 27 patients primarily treated at Rizzoli with unifocal localization, surgery was used in 15 cases, surgery and radiotherapy in 7, surgery with radio/chemotherapy in 1 and no surgery in 4 (2 radiotherapy, 1 radio/chemotherapy and 1 embolization). Eight unifocal patients already treated elsewhere had surgery in 3 cases, surgery and radiotherapy in 3, surgery with radio/chemotherapy in 1 and surgery plus chemotherapy in 1. Three of the unifocal cases had further bone involvement subsequently. Nine multifocal patients primarily treated at Rizzoli had surgery in 4 cases, surgery and radiotherapy in 4, surgery with radio/chemotherapy in 1. The 2 previously treated multifocal HE had 1 surgery and 1 radiotherapy. Six patients died: 3 of disease, 1 of radio-induced osteosarcoma, 2 of different disease. Two patients are AWD. Of remaining 40 patients, 26 are NED (mean follow up 9 years), 11 NED after treatment of recurrence, 1 NED after treatment of radio-induced sarcoma. No lung metastases were diagnosed after treatment. All 10 cases previously treated intralesionally had recurrence. Two of 15 unifocal cases treated with surgery recurred (13%). None of 9 resected unifocal cases previously untreated recurred. Two of 21 pts. with radiotherapy (9.5%) had radio-induced sarcoma. Surgery is recommended, resection when feasible. Radiotherapy, implying risk of induced sarcoma, should be reserved to multifocal or unresectable cases. Adverse prognostic factor was previous intralesional surgery.
Purpose of this paper was to review the Rizzoli experience in prosthetic reconstruction of the knee after resection of bone tumors with special attention to major complications and functional outcome.
Since abrupt data could be misleading due to the oncologic population and related deaths (although 2/3 of the patients were cured or long survivors), to censore the implant unrelated events a statistical analysis of the implant survival was performed and Kaplan-Meyer curves of implant survival were studied.
In 543 HMRS prostheses major complications were infection 8%, stem breakage 2%, aseptic loosening 4%, while revision for polyethylene wear components rated 7.4%. Techniques of revisions were analyzed, as well as the outcome of revised cases, which showed that about 2/3 of the patients treated for major complications do well, although the risk for further complications is significantly incresed in revised implants.
Discussion: The reduction of major complication rate with the newer designs of the modular prosthesis was statistically significant and this seems to confirm that newer materials and a modified stem design positively affected the implant survival. Also the wear of polyethylene component was dramatically decreased in the newer prosthetic design. Functional results were satisfactory in most of the patients that did not experience major complications, with a trend to improvement in the newer design. Revision surgery is technically demanding and sometimes newer ‘hybrid’ techniques are suggested, implying the use of bone allografts. Appropriate timing of revisions is crucial. An early treatment of complications can improve the final outcome.
Purpose of this study is to report the preliminary results of the clinical experience of the Rizzoli with a new modular reconstructive tumor prosthesis for the lower limb (GMRS-Stryker).
Between October 2003 and march 2006 this system was implanted at the Rizzoli in 85 cases. This series included 42 males and 43 females, ranging in age from 8 to 76 years. The sites of prosthetic reconstruction were distal femur in 60 cases, proximal femur in 7, total femur in 1, proximal tibia in 17 cases. There were 79 oncologic and 6 non oncologic diagnoses. The histological diagnoses of the oncologic cases included 11 giant cell tumors and 68 malignant tumor: 52 osteosarcomas, 7 spindle cells sarcomas, 6 Ewing’s sarcoma, 3 chondrosarcomas. Of the 79 oncologic cases 55 were primary reconstructions with GMRS prosthesis and 24 secondary reconstructions for failure of a previous reconstruction. In 16 cases HMRS/GMRS hybrid implants were used in reconstruction or revision, using adaptors. All patients are periodically checked in the outpatient clinic of the Rizzoli. Complications were reported and analyzed, x-rays were reviewed and pertinent information achieved for each patient. Functional results were assessed according to the MSTS system.
There was 1 case of infection, treated with removal of the implant and spacer with antibiotics. There were 3 disruptions of the knee extensor apparatus, 1 patellar instability treated by revision of the prosthesis. Functional result were evaluable in 59 cases and showed a function of 26% to 50% in 14% of pts, of 51% to 75% in 19%, over 76% in 67%. Results were considered good or excellent in 86% of the evaluated patients.
We describe 100 consecutive patients with osteoid osteoma. Of the 97 who had operations, 89 were treated by intralesional excision and eight by wide resection. The three remaining patients were not operated on because the osteoid osteoma was almost painless, or was found in the pedicle of the 12th thoracic vertebra at the site of entrance of the artery of Adamkjewicz. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically in all specimens. No local recurrences were observed at a minimum follow-up of one year. All except one patient were mobilised two to four days after surgery. A precise preoperative diagnosis of the lesion is mandatory, based on clinical findings, standard radiographs, thin-section CT and a bone scan. We compared our operative technique with 247 cases in which the percutaneous technique of removal or coagulation of the nidus had been performed. The latter procedure has a less constant rate of primary cure (83%
Chondrosarcomas arising from soft tissues are rare. Two different varieties are described, myxoid and mesenchymal. We have collected nine cases of the tumour, five myxoid and four mesenchymal, from a review of 513 cases of chondrosarcoma seen between 1904 and 1988. We report the principal clinical, radiographical and histological differences between the two varieties and discuss their surgical treatment and prognosis.
