The purpose of this study was to review the long-term outcomes of a previously reported prospective series of 46 type III acromioclavicular dislocations. These were treated surgically with temporary fixation of the acromioclavicular joint with wires, repair of the acromioclavicular ligaments, and overlapped suture of the deltoid and trapezius muscles. Of the 46 patients, one had died, four could not be traced, and three declined to return for follow-up, leaving 38 patients in the study. There were 36 men and two women, with a mean age at follow-up of 57.3 years (41 to 71). The mean follow-up was 24.2 years (21 to 26). Patients were evaluated using the Imatani and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scoring systems. Their subjective status was assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Simple Shoulder Test questionnaires, and a visual analogue scale for patient satisfaction. The examination included radiographs of the shoulder. At a follow-up of 21 years, the results were satisfactory in 35 (92.1%) patients and unsatisfactory in three (7.9%). In total, 35 patients (92.1%) reported no pain, one slight pain, and two moderate pain. All except two patients had a full range of shoulder movement compared with the opposite side. Unsatisfactory results were the result of early redisplacement in two patients, and osteoarthritis without redisplacement in one. According to the Imatani and UCLA scores, there was no difference between the operated shoulder and the opposite shoulder (p > 0.05). Given the same situation, 35 (92.1%) patients would opt for the same surgical treatment again. Operative treatment of type III acromioclavicular joint injuries produces satisfactory long-term results

A high rate of complications is associated with open reduction and internal fixation of Sanders type 4 fractures of the calcaneum. We assessed the long-term outcome of 83 Sanders type 4 comminuted intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum in 64 patients who underwent non-operative treatment between 1999 and 2005. Each fracture was treated by closed reduction and immobilisation in a long leg cast. Patients were reviewed every three months in the first year, and every six months thereafter. At each visit, the involved ankles were assessed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) criteria. The degree of fracture healing and the presence of osteoarthritis were assessed.

At a mean follow-up of 51 months (24 to 70) the mean AOFAS score was 72 (52 to 92). Osteoarthritis was scored radiologically using Graves’ classification and was evident in the subtalar joints of 75 ankles (90%) on x-ray and in all ankles on CT scans, of which 20 were grade 0 or 1, 39 grade 2, and 24 grade 3.

A non-operative approach to treating these fractures may be simpler, less expensive, easier to administer with fewer complications, and may be better tolerated than surgery, by many patients.

Arthrodesis of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is a common procedure used for the treatment of end stage arthritis. We studied a cohort of patients who underwent an isolated 1st MTPJ Fusion for the treatment of hallux rigidus. Here we report the 10-year clinical outcomes, complication rate, requirement for further surgery and patient experience. All patients, who underwent an isolated 1st MTPJ Fusion for osteoarthritis from June 2008 until November 2011 were included. Demographics, clinical outcome data and subsequent procedures performed were collected from a departmental database (Bluespier). Patients were contacted and asked to complete the MOxFQ questionnaire and rate their satisfaction using pain, function and if they would undergo the surgery again. Mean follow up was 10.85 (range 9–12) years. A total of 161 patients (183 feet) underwent an isolated 1st MTPJ fusion during this time period. 156 of the feet showed a successful arthrodesis (85.2% fusion rate); 27 patients required revision surgery, 19 (10.4%) for a symptomatic non-union and 8 (4.4%) for mal-union. Those patients with co-morbidities (diabetes and gout) required revision earlier than those without (p<0.01). Average MOxFQ score was 16.6 (0–64) and 28 out of the 38 (73.6%) said they would have the operation again. Overall, the long-term results of the 1st MTPJ fusion had good outcomes with a successful fusion rate and minimal complications, both in line with the corresponding literature. In this series, fusion provided high patient satisfaction with the majority of patients opting to undergo fusion with the gift of hindsight

Aims. There is a lack of long-term data for minimally invasive acromioclavicular (AC) joint repair. Furthermore, it is not clear if good early clinical results can be maintained over time. The purpose of this study was to report long-term results of minimally invasive AC joint reconstruction (MINAR) and compare it to corresponding short-term data. Methods. We assessed patients with a follow-up of at least five years after minimally invasive flip-button repair for high-grade AC joint dislocation. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the Constant score and a questionnaire. Ultrasound determined the coracoclavicular (CC) distance. Results of the current follow-up were compared to the short-term results of the same cohort. Results. A total of 50 patients (three females, 47 males) were successfully followed up for a minimum of five years. The mean follow-up was 7.7 years (63 months to 132 months). The overall Constant score was 94.4 points (54 to 100) versus 97.7 points (83 to 100) for the contralateral side showing a significant difference for the operated shoulder (p = 0.013) The mean difference in the CC distance between the operated and the contralateral shoulder was 3.7 mm (0.2 to 7.8; p = 0.010). In total, 16% (n = 8) of patients showed recurrent instability. All these cases were performed within the first 16 months after introduction of this technique. A total of 84% (n = 42) of the patients were able to return to their previous occupations and sport activities. Comparison of short-term and long-term results revealed no significant difference for the Constant Score (p = 0.348) and the CC distance (p = 0.974). Conclusion. The clinical outcome of MINAR is good to excellent after long-term follow-up and no significant differences were found compared to short-term results. We therefore suggest this is a reliable technique for surgical treatment of high-grade AC joint dislocation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):918–924

Aims. Open reduction and plate fixation (ORPF) for displaced proximal humerus fractures can achieve reliably good long-term outcomes. However, a minority of patients have persistent pain and stiffness after surgery and may benefit from open arthrolysis, subacromial decompression, and removal of metalwork (ADROM). The long-term results of ADROM remain unknown; we aimed to assess outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure for stiffness following ORPF, and assess predictors of poor outcome. Methods. Between 1998 and 2018, 424 consecutive patients were treated with primary ORPF for proximal humerus fracture. ADROM was offered to symptomatic patients with a healed fracture at six months postoperatively. Patients were followed up retrospectively with demographic data, fracture characteristics, and complications recorded. Active range of motion (aROM), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Results. A total of 138 patients underwent ADROM; 111 patients were available for long-term follow-up at a mean of 10.9 years (range 1 to 20). Mean age was 50.8 years (18 to 75);79 (57.2%) were female. Mean time from primary ORPF to ADROM was 11.9 months (6 to 19). Five patients developed superficial wound infection; ten developed symptomatic osteonecrosis/post-traumatic arthrosis (ON/PTA); four underwent revision arthrolysis. Median OSS improved from 17 (interquartile range (IQR) 12.0 to 22.0) preoperatively to 40.0 (IQR 31.5 to 48.0) postoperatively, and 39.0 (IQR 31.5 to 46.5) at long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). Median EQ-5D-3L improved from 0.079 (IQR -0.057 to 0.215) to 0.691 (IQR 0.441 to 0.941) postoperatively, and 0.701 (IQR 0.570 to 0.832) at long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). We found that aROM improved in all planes (p < 0.001). Among the variables assessed on multivariable analysis, a manual occupation, worsening Charlson Comorbidity Index and increasing socioeconomic deprivation were most consistently predictive of worse patient-reported outcome scores. Patients who subsequently developed ON/PTA reported significantly worse one-year and late OSS. Conclusion. ADROM in patients with persistent symptomatic stiffness following ORPF can achieve excellent short- and long-term outcomes. More deprived patients, those in a manual occupation, and those with worsening comorbidities have worse outcomes following ADROM. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):157–167

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with culture-negative limb osteomyelitis patients.

The evidence for treatment of acute complex radial head fractures with radial head replacement (RHR) predominantly comprises short to mid-term follow-up. This study describes the complications and long-term patient reported outcomes following RHR. From a single-centre trauma database we retrospectively identified 119 patients over a 16-year period who underwent primary RHR for an acute complex radial head fracture. We reviewed electronic records to document post-operative complications, including prosthesis revision and removal. Patients were contacted to confirm complications and long-term patient reported outcomes. The primary outcome measure was the QuickDash (QD). The mean age at injury was 50 years (16–94) and 63 (53%) were female. Most implants were uncemented ‘loose-fit’ monopolar prostheses; 86% (n=102) were metallic and 14% (n=17) silastic. Thirty patients (25%) required revision surgery (n=3) or prosthesis removal (n=27). Five patients underwent arthrolysis and there were four cases of infection. In the long-term, 80% (80/100; 19 deceased) were contacted at a mean of 12 years (7.5–23.5). The median QD was 6.8 (IQR, 16.8), the median EQ-5D was 0.8 (IQR, 0.6) and the median Oxford Elbow Score was 46 (IQR, 7). Overall satisfaction was high with a mean of 9.4/10 (2–10). There was no significant difference in any outcome measure for those patients requiring revision or removal surgery (all p>0.05). This is the largest series in the literature documenting the long-term patient reported outcome after RHR. Despite a quarter of patients requiring further surgery, RHR is supported by positive long-term results for the treatment of complex radial head fractures

Aims

There has been an increasing use of early operative fixation for scaphoid fractures, despite uncertain evidence. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate up-to-date evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing the effectiveness of the operative and nonoperative treatment of undisplaced and minimally displaced (≤ 2 mm displacement) scaphoid fractures.

Most fractures of the radial head are stable undisplaced or minimally displaced partial fractures without an associated fracture of the elbow or forearm or ligament injury, where stiffness following non-operative management is the primary concern. Displaced unstable fractures of the radial head are usually associated with other fractures or ligament injuries, and restoration of radiocapitellar contact by reconstruction or prosthetic replacement of the fractured head is necessary to prevent subluxation or dislocation of the elbow and forearm. In fractures with three or fewer fragments (two articular fragments and the neck) and little or no metaphyseal comminution, open reduction and internal fixation may give good results. However, fragmented unstable fractures of the radial head are prone to early failure of fixation and nonunion when fixed. Excision of the radial head is associated with good long-term results, but in patients with instability of the elbow or forearm, prosthetic replacement is preferred. This review considers the characteristics of stable and unstable fractures of the radial head, as well as discussing the debatable aspects of management, in light of the current best evidence. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:151–9

Aims

To compare operative and nonoperative treatment for displaced distal radius fractures in patients aged over 65 years.

In a series of 450 patients over 70 years of age with displaced fractures of the femoral neck sustained between 1995 and 1997 treatment was randomised either to internal fixation or replacement. Depending on age and level of activity the latter was either a total hip replacement or a hemiarthroplasty. Patients who were confused or bed-ridden were excluded, as were those with rheumatoid arthritis. At ten years there were 99 failures (45.6%) after internal fixation compared with 17 (8.8%) after replacement. The rate of mortality was high at 75% at ten years, and was the same in both groups at all times. Patient-reported pain and function were similar in both groups at five and ten years. Those with successfully healed fractures had more hip pain and reduction of mobility at four months compared with patients with an uncomplicated replacement, and they never attained a better outcome than the latter patients regarding pain or function. Primary replacement gave reliable long-term results in patients with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck

The objective of this retrospective study was to correlate the Bado and Jupiter classifications with long-term results after operative treatment of Monteggia fractures in adults and to determine prognostic factors for functional outcome. Of 63 adult patients who sustained a Monteggia fracture in a ten-year period, 47 were available for follow-up after a mean time of 8.4 years (5 to 14). According to the Broberg and Morrey elbow scale, 22 patients (47%) had excellent, 12 (26%) good, nine (19%) fair and four (8%) poor results at the last follow-up. A total of 12 patients (26%) needed a second operation within 12 months of the initial operation. The mean Broberg and Morrey score was 87.2 (45 to 100) and the mean DASH score was 17.4 (0 to 70). There was a significant correlation between the two scores (p = 0.01). The following factors were found to be correlated with a poor clinical outcome: Bado type II fracture, Jupiter type IIa fracture, fracture of the radial head, coronoid fracture, and complications requiring further surgery. Bado type II Monteggia fractures, and within this group, Jupiter type IIa fractures, are frequently associated with fractures of the radial head and the coronoid process, and should be considered as negative prognostic factors for functional long-term outcome. Patients with these types of fracture should be informed about the potential risk of functional deficits and the possible need for further surgery

Introduction. Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) in patients after proximal femoral osteotomy remains a major challenge. Inferior survival for both cementless and cemented THA has been reported in this subgroup of patients. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and radiographic results of a consecutive series of 48 THAs (45 Patients) who had undergone conversion THA for failed intertrochanteric osteotomy after a mean of 12 years (2–33 years) using a cementless, grit-blasted, double-tapered femoral stem. Mean follow-up was 20 years (range, 15–25 years), mean age at surgery was 47 years (range, 13–55 years). Clinical results were evaluated using the Harris Hip Score. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed to determine long-term outcomes for different end points. Results. At follow-up, 10 patients (11 hips) had died, and 1 patient (1 hip) was lost to follow-up. Five patients (5 hips) underwent femoral revision, 2 for infection and 3 for aseptic loosening of the stem. Overall stem survival was 91% at 20 years (95%-CI: 78%–97%); survival with femoral revision for aseptic loosening as end point was 93% (95%-CI: 80%–98%). Discussion and Conclusion. The long-term results with this type of cementless femoral component in young patients with failed intertrochanteric osteotomy are encouraging and compare well to those achieved in patients with regular femoral anatomy

We present 10–15 year follow-up of 33 patients who underwent Elmslie-Trillat osteotomy for severe patellar subluxation or dislocation. In the literature it has been reported that tibial tubercle osteotomy predisposes to subsequent patella-femoral arthritis, however it has never been documented if pre-existent knee chondral damage has any role in this development. In our group all patients had pre-op knee arthroscopy performed and extant of chondral damage was documented. We preformed an evaluation by long-term follow-up to determine weather pre-op chondral damage was the cause of subsequent osteoarthritis of patella-femoral joint. All patients were invited to attend outpatient clinic for clinical examination and knee radiographs and assessed by an independent research surgeon. Mean age at follow-up was 43 years and average follow-up was 10.5 years (range 10–15 years). 90% follow-up was achieved. Knee function was assessed by clinical scores (Lysholm knee score, American Knee Score, Oxford Knee score, Tegner and Insall knee scores) and three radiographs (AP, Lateral and Merchant views). Four patients had developed significant arthritis and underwent joint arthroplasty. Majority of patients reported good results with no further dislocation. However we noticed that extant of pre-op chondral damage was a significant factor in subsequent development of patella-femoral arthritis. We will present our data which is unique as no previous such long-term results have been reported for tibial tubercle transfers followed-up for more than 10 years and have pre-op arthroscopic documented chondral damage

Introduction. The implantation of DIAM in interspinous space is believed to act as facet joints and provides stability to operated segment by shifting instantaneous axis of rotation forward in lordotic disorders. In this retrospective study, the patients who underwent lumbar surgery with DIAM (Medtronic Sofamor, Danek) spacer implants were followed up with an aim to evaluate the clinical outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the largest series with longest follow up. Material Methods. Patients who underwent lumbar surgery (discectomy and decompression) with concomitant placement of DIAM spacer within a 36-months period were included. A total of 52 patients including equal number of male (n=26) and female (n=26), were followed up for 12 to 45 months (Mean: 22 months). Results. Total of 77 DIAM implanted; L1/2 (n=1), L3/4 (n=9), L4/5 (n=31), L5/S1 (n=26). 27 patients received DIAM at one level and 25 at 2-levels. Patients experienced significant pain reduction and functional improvement at final follow up. In single level surgery, mean ODI improved from 50.03 pre-operatively to 31.23 post-operatively. The mean pre op VAS-BP & VAS-LP scores were 7.66 & 7.03, which were reduced to 4.29 & 3.55 respectively. In two level surgery mean pre op ODI, VAS-BP VAS-LP were 45.71, 6.71 & 6.42 pre-operatively which improved to 32.20, 3.97 and 3.82 at follow up respectively. Conclusion. Significant improvement of pain and function have been noted following the use of DIAM. Furthermore, DIAM interspinous implantation is less invasive and preserves much of the deep posterior structures compared to semi rigid instrumented dynamic stabilisation devices. Our long-term results of the cohort demonstrate that DIAM spacer implantation is effective in relieving pain and improving functional outcome

Over the last few decades, the All-Poly Monoblock Tibia has been relegated to a minimum use in the major healthcare systems of the western world. The main reason for this has been the perception that this tibial component is inferior in its ability to withstand stresses. This perception originated and subsequently gained ground, due to certain historical reasons, leading to the widespread use of the modular metal-backed tibial component despite a higher cost. The recent economic downturn has enforced even the rich western healthcare systems to look for cost-effective solutions. The author works in India, where the society is still highly price-sensitive and takes value for money very seriously. Further, the routine ADL of the Indian population requires them to adopt high flexion postures such as cross-legged sitting and squatting. The author has used the All-Poly Tibia extensively, which is the most economical of tibial components. Further, he has developed a surgical technique which has resulted in his patients achieving high flexion (greater than 135 degrees) in more than 75% cases. This paper presents the 10 year results of a series of 500 cases of Primary TKR in which the All-Poly Monoblock Tibia had been used. All the patients had cross-legged sitting activity as part of their ADL, thus presumably generating significant pressures on the joint surfaces. Of the original 500 cases, we could follow up 434 cases. We report a 96% survival rate of the implant in this series. There was not a single aseptic plastic failure. The revisions required were due to infection, peri-prosthetic fracture, and instability. The message being conveyed in this paper is that the All-Poly Tibia is a very cost-effective solution in routine Primary TKRs, and is able to deliver excellent long-term results even in high stress situations like cross-legged sitting activity. It would offer a huge cost savings to the healthcare system if the Orthopaedic Surgeons start using this implant more frequently

Introduction. Sternoclavicular dislocations are well-known adult injuries. The same traumatism causes growth-plate fracture of the medial clavicle in children and young adults. At this location, the emergence of the secondary ossification center and its bony fusion are late. We report the results of 20 cases hospitalized in the Toulouse University Hospital Center that were treated surgically. Materials & Methods. 20 patients were treated between 1993 and 2007, 17 boys and 3 girls, 16 years old (6–20). The traumatism was always violent (rugby 75%). Two physeal fractures were anteriorly displaced, and 18 posteriorly. The follow-up is 64 month (8–174). Clinical, radiographic and therapeutic characteristics were assessed. The long-term results were analysed with: an algo-functional scale (Oxford shoulder score), the subjective Constant score, a functional disability scale (Shoulder simple test), a quality of life scale (DASH), and global indicators (SANE and global satisfaction). Results. all the patients were symptomatic before surgery: pains, oedema and partial functional impotence. Only 2 dysphagia, 1 dyspnea and 1 venous circulation alteration were observed. The first clinical and radiological examination, before CT scan, didn't diagnose the injury in 8 cases. The CT scan were realized for all the patients: it diagnosed the physeal fracture and showed 4 cases of vascular or respiratory compressions. There were 5 attempts of closed reduction, without success: all the patients were surgically-treated. The open reduction were completed by pinning (12 cases) or cerclage with absorbable suture (3 cases). Per-operatory findings lead to realize costo-clavicular repair plasties with the sub-clavicular muscle (3 cases) and/or capsular-ligamentous-perosteal selective plasties (13 cases). Two cases of broken Kirschner wires were noticed, without migration. Functional outcomes are largely good or excellent: STT 11,74/12 (10–12)–OSS 12,95/60 (12–19)–DASH 2,07/100 (0–17,6)–SANE 93,16% (60–100). Discussion and Conclusion. we present the largest case series in the literature. CT scanner is the essential element of the diagnostic process and may allow the distinction between true sterno-clavicular dislocation and displaced physeal fractures. This distinction is difficult at younger ages and is facilitated by the progression of ossification. Very good results were obtained, but classical pitfalls of treatment were found: instability after closed reduction, broken K-wires, recurrent anterior instability, inesthetic scars

Actually conservative treatment and/or minimal invasive surgical approach is considered the gold standard in the treatment of CF all around the world. Two main italian pediatric hospitals (Bambino Gesù in Rome and Meyer in Florence) will present own series in order to realize how the two methods (Ponseti in Rome and Seringe in Florence) can be used, the right indications for each method and sharp limits as well. The aim of this study is to compare two methods for evaluating their effectiveness and their applicability. Patients, Methods and Results. Rome series: from 1998 to 2009 pediatric hospital Bambino Gesù in Rome had treated 1350 patients with the Ponseti method (1980 feet). All feet had been scored according to Pirani classification. At age of 3–4 months, the 72% of feet treated had minimal surgery consisted in transversal tenotomy of achille's tendon. Casting for further 3 weeks and Denis-Brown splint wore full time until walking age and during the night only for 3 years after walking age. Surgery had been performed in 72% of case and surgery has been directly related to CF severity. Florence series: the Unit of Pediatric Orthopaedics Meyer Children's Hospital of Florence was born in January 2004 and therefore the series includes patients from January 2004 to December 2009. 173 patients (239 feet) were treated. Dimeglio's classification was used. At the age of 4–5 months were treated with tenotomy of Achille's tendon 51,9% of patients, mainly stage 3, and immobilization in long leg cast was used only for three weeks after surgery. Discussion. Minimally invasive treatment for CF is universally considered one of the best way to correct the deformity without using the extensive surgery that often causes stiffness, pain and shoes discomfort in adulthood. The long-term results of two series are similar and this enhance our mind that not invasive method for CF treatment is effective, low-cost, with very low rate of recurrence, only if applied following strictly the protocol. In our series in fact the highest rate of recurrence concerns the missing of Denis-Brown device or early dismission of Denis-Brown as well. The adherence to the protocol is chiefly recommended by the authors when surgery is not performed and therefore the risk of recurrence is higher. The French method especially needs a skill panel of physical therapist that are in confidence with the bandage manoeuvres. Only medical operators in confidence with the methods are able to guarantee good results and a low rate of recurrence as well. For this reason the method recommended by Dr. Seringe is easy exported in geographic areas where health service and health support are well represented

Aim of the study. Aim of this study was to find out which factors influence the outcome after both column fractures of the acetabulum. Methods. We performed a retrospective analyse of 115 patients with both column acetabular fractures. The period between the injury and follow-up ranges between 2 and 19 years, 5,7 years on average. The initial displacement, the presence of a dislocation of the hip and fractures of the femoral head were analyzed on the initial radiographs. Postoperative displacement was classified according the classification of Matta. The common classifications of Helfet (posttraumatic arthrosis), Ficat/Arlet (femur head necrosis) and Brooker (periarticular calcification) were used to radiologically classify the long term results. Statistics were performed by the Chi-square-test. Results. We could find a clear tendency between the result of replacement and the radiological long-term result. 10 % of the patients with a postoperative displacement 1 mm had a joint failure compared to 28 % of the patients with 2–3 mm and 31,6 % with >3 mm displacement. In cases with good radiological results the average of initial displacement was 11,4mm but it was 17,8 mm for patients with a bad result. This difference is high significant (p=0,008). If the primary displacement was < 10 mm the rate of joint failure was 10,85%, whereas the rate increased up to 27,5% in patients with primary displacement > 10mm. Patients with hip dislocations had no significant higher risk for a joint failure (21,5% without vs. 25,9% with dislocation). Also patients with injuries of the femoral head had no significant (p>0,05) worse outcome. 19,8% of the patients without femoral head injury suffers on joint failure in comparison to 15,4% (2) of the patients with impression or contusion of the femoral head. The presence of intraarticular fragments is accompanied by a worse result (p=0,041). In 50% of the cases with intraarticular fragments a joint failure appeared whereas only 18% of the patients without fragments developed joint failure. Discussion. Matta could show in 1996 that anatomic replacement is a very important factor for a good outcome after acetabular fractures. These findings were supported by other publications. Our data show that there is a significant worse outcome after nonanatomical replacement. Several authors could show the presence of additional factors which predict the outcome independently of the replacement. In our data the primary displacement and the presence of intraarticular fragments showed a high influence. Dislocation of the hip, injuries of the femoral head and the presence of acetabular comminution had no significant influence but their number was maybe too small to detect it. Conclusion. Anatomical replacement is the major goal to avoid joint failure in the treatment of both-column acetabular fractures. Additional factors including the primary displacement and intraarticular fragments have a worse influence independent of the replacement

Background. Modular endoprostheses today represent a standard treatment option in the management of musculoskeletal tumors of the lower extremities. Long-term results of these reconstructions, however, are often limited by the course of the underlying disease. We therefore report our experiences in cancer patients with megaprostheses of the lower limb after a minimum of 15 years. Materials and Methods. 62 patients, 34 men and 28 women, with a mean age of 26 years (median, 20; range, 6–83) were included in this investigation with a mean follow-up of 230 months (median, 228; range, 180–342). Endoprosthetic reconstructions of the proximal femur (11), the distal femur (28), the total femur (2) or the proximal tibia (21) were indicated for osteosarcoma (43), chondrosarcoma (5), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (3) or other tumors (11). All patients have received either a KMFTR (22) or a HMRS (40) modular prosthesis; 23 patients had a muscle flap, 14 had a fibular transposition osteotomy and 4 have received an artificial LARS ligament for soft-tissue reconstruction. Results. 7 patients (11.3%) died throughout the follow-up period, but none succumbed to primary disease. One patient (1.6%) developed a local recurrence after 31 months that was resected. Overall, 56 patients (90.3%) underwent revision of their prosthesis; 50 (80.7%) had multiple revisions up to a maximum of 12 operations (mean, 3 per patient). The median overall prosthetic survival to first revision was 40 months; the corresponding 5-, 10- and 15-year survival rates were 35.5%, 14.5% and 12.9%, respectively. 3 patients (5.4%) had an infection, 8 (14.3%) had a soft-tissue related failure, 30 (53.6%) had a mechanical or structural failure and 15 (26.8%) had an aseptic loosening. The 15-year survival rates of these respective endpoints were 87.1% for infection, 79.0% for soft-tissue related failure, 32.3% for mechanical or structural failure and 56.5% for aseptic loosening. 59 patients (95.2%) have retained their prosthesis; 2 patients (3.2%) underwent secondary amputation due to an irresolvable complication, another one (1.6%) for a second malignancy. Conclusion. Modular prosthetic reconstructions of the lower extremities have a high revision rate in the long-term, primarily due to mechanical failures. Given that patients survive their malignant disease the rate of secondary implant removal, however, tends to be low, providing satisfactory function and body integrity. Further advances in implant design, soft tissue management and infection prophylaxis are required to reduce revision rates