Endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal femur may be required to treat primary bone tumours or destructive metastases either with impending or established pathological fracture. Modular prostheses are available off the shelf and can be adapted to most reconstructive situations for this purpose. We have assessed the clinical and functional outcome of using the METS (Stanmore Implants Worldwide) modular tumour prosthesis to reconstruct the proximal femur in 100 consecutive patients between 2001 and 2006. We compared the results with the published series for patients managed with modular and custom-made endoprosthetic replacements for the same conditions. There were 52 males and 48 females with a mean age of 56.3 years (16 to 84) and a mean follow-up of 24.6 months (0 to 60). In 65 patients the procedure was undertaken for metastases, in 25 for a primary bone tumour, and in ten for other malignant conditions. A total of 46 patients presented with a pathological fracture, and 19 presented with failed fixation of a previous pathological fracture. The overall patient survival was 63.6% at one year and 23.1% at five years, and was significantly better for patients with a primary bone tumour than for those with metastatic tumour (82.3% vs 53.3%, respectively at one year (p = 0.003)). There were six early dislocations of which five could be treated by closed reduction. No patient needed revision surgery for dislocation. Revision surgery was required by six (6%) patients, five for pain caused by acetabular wear and one for tumour progression. Amputation was needed in four patients for local recurrence or infection. The estimated five-year implant survival with revision as the endpoint was 90.7%. The mean Toronto Extremity Salvage score was 61% (51% to 95%). The implant survival and complications resulting from the use of the modular system were comparable to the published series of both custom-made and other modular proximal femoral implants. We conclude that at intermediate follow-up the modular tumour prosthesis for proximal femur replacement provides versatility, a low incidence of implant-related complications and acceptable function for patients with metastatic tumours, pathological fractures and failed fixation of the proximal femur. It also functions as well as a custom-made endoprosthetic replacement

AIM. To present our experience in patients treated under primary diagnosis giant cell tumor of bone at Department Orthopaedic Surgery Zagreb University School of Medicine in a 15-year period from 1995 to 2009. METHODS. We performed a retrospective study of all patients treated in our Department because of giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) from 1995 to 2009. The mean age of our patients was 29,9 years (range: 14 to 70 years). Sex distribution showed prevalence in female (F:M=23:12=66%:34%). All together, 39 patients were operated under primary diagnosis of GCT. Four patients were lost in follow-up. In total, 35 patients were included in study. Diagnosis of GCT was made according to clinical, imaging and histological findings, and distributed by Campanacci's classification. RESULTS. Not including diagnostic biopsy, 84 operations were performed on 35 patients. Fourteen patients (40%) had GCT grade 1, fourteen (40%) had GCT grade 2, and seven (20%) had GCT grade 3. From the first symptoms to diagnosis there was an average duration of 7 months (range: 0 to 24 months), where the main symptoms were pain and swelling of affected bone and/or joint. GCT was localized in distal femur (n=12, 34%), proximal tibia (n=10, 29%), distal tibia (n=4, 11%), distal radius (n=3, 9%), and other locations (n=6, 17%). Patients with less aggressive GCT (grades 1 and 2) were treated with marginal excision: excochleation and reconstruction with bone transplant (n=12, 34%). In patients with locally more aggressive tumor (grades 2 and 3), “en bloc” resection and reconstruction with tumor endoprosthesis or bone transplant was performed (n=22, 63%). Due to localization of tumor, one patient was treated with radiation (3%). Complications were recorded in 12 patients (34%), and are shown as total number and percentage of all complications. Complications were the most common in knee region, proximal tibia (n=4, 33%) and distal femur (n=3, 25%). Also, the complications occured more frequently after “en bloc” resection (n=7, 58%). GCT classified as gradus 2 had most complications (n=5, 42%) till GCT classified as gradus 3 had least (n=3, 25% of complications, 9% of all). We recorded and treated local recurrence of tumor (n=6, 50%), infection (n=2, 17%), and mehanical complications of endoprosthesis (n=2, 17%). Due to local recurrences, in 2 patients underlying osteosarcoma was revealed, and they were treated with amputation. CONCLUSION. Each patient with GCT should be treated individually. Regardless non-malignant attribute, local behaviour of tumor determines treatment approach according to treatment principles of malignant tumor of bone. Number of complications in our patients is relatively high, recorded in one third of our patients, which matches the literature in announced studies

Introduction. The proximal femur fracture in children is rare. Furthermore osteoporotic fracture associated with bone tumor make it difficult to decide the proper management method. The treatment plan should include both the treatment of the fracture and management of the condition responsible for the fracture. However, the reported literatures are rare and vary. Hypothesis. We identified the results of treatment associated with pathologic fracture of proximal femur in children. Material and Method. We retrospectively reviewed 56 patients who had fracture associated with benign bone femur between May 25th, 1995 and Jan. 14th, 2012. The patients’ mean age was 11.7(2–20) years old and follow-up duration was 55.3(5–132) months. Results. Fifty-six children with pathologic proximal femur fracture due to benign tumor were treated by various methods. Surgery consisted with combination of curettage, graft and internal fixation. We had 13(23%) complication. 6(11%) of them was related with fracture and 7(12%) of them was related with tumor. In six, malunion and shortening due to varus deformity developed after follow-up. In seven, recurrence was treated by curettage and internal fixation. There is no case of nonunion. Discussion and Conclusion. To manage the osteoporotic fracture of proximal femur in children, a thorough understanding of the risks associated with it is essential for decision making of increasing successful results

Background. Giant cell tumours of bone (GCT) are benign bone tumours with a locally aggressive character. Local recurrence is considered the main complication of surgical treatment and is described in up to 50% of patients. Intralesional curettage with the use of adjuvants like phenol or polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) is recommended as initial treatment, significantly decreasing the risk of recurrence. However, risk factors for local recurrence in skeletal GCT have not yet been firmly established and a golden standard for local therapy remains controversial. Objective. The identification of risk factors predisposing for an increased risk of local recurrence. In addition, different surgical techniques are compared to identify the optimal surgical approach for the identified risk factors. Methods. In a retrospective study all 215 patients with bone GCT treated between 1964 and 2009 in one centre were included, of which 193 were suitable for analysis. All patients had minimal follow-up of 12 months (mean 115; range 12–445). Using a Kaplan Meier survival analysis recurrence free survival rates were calculated. Cox-regression was used to determine the influence of different types of therapy, the use of adjuvants, and various patient and tumour characteristics. Results. The mean local recurrence rate for all patients was 35.2% (n=68, 95%CI: 28.3–42.1). Recurrence rate after wide resection was 0.17 (n=6, 95%CI: 0.04–0.29), after curettage with adjuvants 0.32 (n=42, 95%CI 0.24–0.41) and after curettage alone 0.74 (n=20, 95%CI: 0.57–0.91, p < 0.001). Soft tissue extension (Hazard Ratio: 3.8, p < 0.001), localisation in radius and ulna (HR: 2.6, p=0.013), and surgical experience (HR: 2.2, p=0.022) were identified as significant general risk factors for local recurrence. For intralesional resection, Campanacci grade III (HR: 3.9, p=0.019) and location in axial skeleton (HR: 3.3, p=0.016) additionally significantly increased this risk. Comparing treatments our data showed that curettage followed by adjuvants was superior to curettage alone (p < 0.004), and the application of both phenol and PMMA did not present a significantly better outcome than curettage and PMMA alone (HR: 1.07, p=0.881). Conclusion. Of all possible risk factors only soft tissue extension, localisation in radius and ulna and non-radical resections significantly influenced the risk of local recurrence for all treatments. In addition, we found that high-grade tumours and localisation in the axial skeleton were additional risk factors for local recurrence after intralesional surgery. Although wide resection increases patient morbidity, it can be the therapy of choice in high risk patients. Intralesional therapy can be advised for low recurrence risk patients using curettage and PMMA only, whereas our study could not confirm the predicted effect of phenol as an additional adjuvant

Study design: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 448 patients with a variety of spinal metastases. Objective. To compare the predictive value of the Tokuhashi scoring system (T12) and its revised edition (T15) for life expectancy both in the entire study group as well as in the various primary tumor subgroups. Summary of background data. In 1990 Tokuhashi and coworkers formulated a one point-addition-type prognostic scoring system with a total sum of 12 points for preoperative prediction of life expectancy as an adjunct in selecting appropriate treatment. Because the site of the primary tumor influences ultimate survival, the scoring system was revised in 2005 to a total sum of 15 points based on the origin of the primary tumor. Methods. This study included 448 patients with vertebral metastases, all of whom underwent surgical treatment during November 1992 to November 2009 at the Aarhus University Hospital. Data was retrieved from the Aarhus Spinal Metastases Algorithm. Scores based on the T12- and T15 scoring systems were calculated prospectively for each patient. All the patients were divided into three survival groups with different life expectancies according to their score points in both scoring systems. Furthermore, we divided all the patients into different groups dictated by the site of their primary tumor. The predictive value of each scoring system, both in the entire group and in each subgroup determined by the original tumour site, was evaluated by the Log-rank-test. The McNemar's test was used to compare the differences in accuracy rates between these two scoring systems. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier methods. Probability value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result. For the 448 patients with vertebral metastases, both the T12 and T15 scoring systems showed statistically significant predictive value (T12 group p<0.0001, T15 group p<0.0001, Log-rank test). The correlation between predicted survival period and real survival was significantly higher in T15 (p<0.0001, McNemar's test) than in T12. The further analyses by type of metastases showed that the predictive value of T12 and T15 was found in the prostate (p=0.0003), breast (p=0.0385), other tumor group (p<0.001) and lymphoma (p<0.05). Only T12 displayed predictive value in the colon group (p=0.0011). The accuracy rate of prognosis in T15 was significantly higher in those groups with spinal metastases originating from prostate (p=0.0032), breast (p<0.0001) and lung (p=0.0076). Conclusion. Both the T12 and T15 scoring systems have significant preoperative predictive value in terms of predicting the survival period for the entire vertebral metastases patient group as well as in the prostate, breast, lymphoma, and colon tumor groups. The accuracy rate was significantly improved in T15 for the total study group and in the subgroups of prostate, breast, and lung tumor

Patients with transfemoral amputation (TFA) often experience problems related to the use of socket-suspended prostheses. The clinical development of osseointegrated percutaneous prostheses for patients with a TFA started in 1990, based on the long-term successful results of osseointegrated dental implants. Between1999 and 2007, 51 patients with 55 TFAs were consecutively enrolled in a prospective, single-centre non-randomised study and followed for two years. The indication for amputation was trauma in 33 patients (65%) and tumour in 12 (24%). A two-stage surgical procedure was used to introduce a percutaneous implant to which an external amputation prosthesis was attached. The assessment of outcome included the use of two self-report questionnaires, the Questionnaire for Persons with a Transfemoral Amputation (Q-TFA) and the Short-Form (SF)-36. The cumulative survival at two years’ follow-up was 92%. The Q-TFA showed improved prosthetic use, mobility, global situation and fewer problems (all p < 0.001). The physical function SF-36 scores were also improved (p < 0.001). Superficial infection was the most frequent complication, occurring 41 times in 28 patients (rate of infection 54.9%). Most were treated effectively with oral antibiotics. The implant was removed in four patients because of loosening (three aseptic, one infection). Osseointegrated percutaneous implants constitute a novel form of treatment for patients with TFA. The high cumulative survival rate at two years (92%) combined with enhanced prosthetic use and mobility, fewer problems and improved quality of life, supports the ‘revolutionary change’ that patients with TFA have reported following treatment with osseointegrated percutaneous prostheses. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:106–13

Aim

To analyse our results after en-block resection of aggressive GCT during 20 years period.

Purpose

To investigate the prognostic effect of surgical margins in soft tissue sarcoma on Local Recurrence (LRFS), Metastasis (MFS) and Disease Free Survival (DFS).

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of revision for distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA) performed as a primary procedure for native knee fractures using data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Arthroplasty Registry (AOANJRR). Methods. Data from the AOANJRR were obtained for DFA performed as primary procedures for native knee fractures from 1 September 1999 to 31 December 2020. Pathological fractures and revision for failed internal fixation were excluded. The five prostheses identified were the Global Modular Arthroplasty System, the Modular Arthroplasty System, the Modular Universal Tumour And Revision System, the Orthopaedic Salvage System, and the Segmental System. Patient demographic data (age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade) were obtained, where available. Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival were used to determine the rate of revision, and the reasons for revision and mortality data were examined. Results. The AOANJRR identified 153 primary DFAs performed for native knee fractures in 151 patients during the study period, with 63.3% of these (n = 97) performed within the last five years. The median follow-up was 2.1 years (interquartile range 0.8 to 4.4). The patient population was 84.8% female (n = 128), with a mean age of 76.1 years (SD 11.9). The cumulative percent revision rate at three years was 10%. The most common reason for revision was loosening, followed by infection. Patient survival at one year was 87.5%, decreasing to 72.8% at three years postoperatively. Conclusion. The use of DFA to treat native knee fractures is increasing, with 63.3% of cases performed within the last five years. While long-term data are not available, the results of this study suggest that DFA may be a reasonable option for elderly patients with native knee fractures where fixation is not feasible, or for whom prolonged non-weightbearing may be detrimental. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):894–901

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

National guidelines recommend that trauma centres have a designated consultant for managing metastatic bone disease (MBD). No such system exists in Scotland. We compared MBD cases in a trauma hospital to a national bone tumour centre to characterise differences in management and outcome. Consecutive patients with metastatic proximal femoral lesions referred to a trauma unit and a national sarcoma centre were compared over a seven-year period (minimum follow-up one year). From Jan 2010-Dec 2016, 195 patients were referred to the trauma unit and 68 to the tumour centre. The trauma unit tended to see older patients (mean 72 vs. 65 years, p<0001) with cancers of poorer prognosis (e.g. 31% 61/195 vs. 13% 9/68 lung primary, p<0.001). Both units had similar operative rates but patients referred to the tumour centre were more likely to have endoprosthetic reconstruction (EPR 44% tumour vs. 3% trauma centre, p<0.001). Patients with an EPR survived longer than those with other types of fixation (81% 17/21 vs. 31% 35/112 one-year survival, p<0.001). Patients undergoing EPR were more likely to have an isolated metastasis (62% 13/21 vs. 17% 4/24, p<0.001). One patient from each centre had a revision for failed metalwork. There was a difference in caseload referred to both units, with the tumour centre seeing younger patients with a better prognosis. Patients suitable for endoprostheses were more likely to have isolated metastatic disease and a longer survival after surgery. An MBD pathway is required to ensure such patients are identified and referred for specialist management where appropriate

Aims. The aim of this study was to describe implant and patient-reported outcome in patients with a unilateral transfemoral amputation (TFA) treated with a bone-anchored, transcutaneous prosthesis. Methods. In this cohort study, all patients with a unilateral TFA treated with the Osseointegrated Prostheses for the Rehabilitation of Amputees (OPRA) implant system in Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, between January 1999 and December 2017 were included. The cohort comprised 111 patients (78 male (70%)), with a mean age 45 years (17 to 70). The main reason for amputation was trauma in 75 (68%) and tumours in 23 (21%). Patients answered the Questionnaire for Persons with Transfemoral Amputation (Q-TFA) before treatment and at two, five, seven, ten, and 15 years’ follow-up. A prosthetic activity grade was assigned to each patient at each timepoint. All mechanical complications, defined as fracture, bending, or wear to any part of the implant system resulting in removal or change, were recorded. Results. The Q-TFA scores at two, five, seven, and ten years showed significantly more prosthetic use, better mobility, fewer problems, and an improved global situation, compared with baseline. The survival rate of the osseointegrated implant part (the fixture) was 89% and 72% after seven and 15 years, respectively. A total of 61 patients (55%) had mechanical complications (mean 3.3 (SD 5.76)), resulting in exchange of the percutaneous implant parts. There was a positive relationship between a higher activity grade and the number of mechanical complications. Conclusion. Compared with before treatment, the patient-reported outcome was significantly better and remained so over time. Although osseointegration and the ability to transfer loads over a 15-year period have been demonstrated, a large number of mechanical failures in the external implant parts were found. Since these were related to higher activity, restrictions in activity and improvements to the mechanical properties of the implant system are required. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):55–63

The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) is a validated prognostic indicator in various carcinomas as demonstrated by several meta-analyses. The mGPS includes pre-operative CRP and albumin values to calculate a score from 0–2 that correlates with overall outcome. Scores of 2 are associated with a poorer outcome. Our aim was to assess if the mGPS is reliable as a prognostic indicator for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients. All patients with a STS diagnosed during years 2010–2014 were identified using our prospectively collected MSK oncology database. We performed a retrospective case note review examining demographics, preoperative blood results and outcomes (no recurrence, local recurrence, metastatic disease and death). 94 patients were included. 56% were female and 53% were over 50 years. 91% of tumours were high grade (Trojani 2/3) and 73% were >5cm. 45 patients had an mGPS score of 0, 16 were mGPS 1 and 33 were mGPS 2. On univariate analysis, an mGPS of 0 or 2 was statically significant with regards to outcome (p=0.012 and p=0.005 respectively). We have demonstrated that pre-treatment mGPS is an important factor in predicting oncological outcome. A score of 0 relates to an improved prognosis whilst a score of 2 relates to an increased risk of developing metastases and death. mGPS as a prognostic indicator was not affected by either the tumour size or grade. We believe that a pre-operative mGPS should be calculated to help predict oncological outcome and in turn influence management. Further work is being undertaken with a larger cohort

Aims. The aims of this study were to establish whether composite fixation (rail-plate) decreases fixator time and related problems in the management of patients with infected nonunion of tibia with a segmental defect, without compromising the anatomical and functional outcomes achieved using the classical Ilizarov technique. We also wished to study the acceptability of this technique using patient-based objective criteria. Patients and Methods. Between January 2012 and January 2015, 14 consecutive patients were treated for an infected nonunion of the tibia with a gap and were included in the study. During stage one, a radical debridement of bone and soft tissue was undertaken with the introduction of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. At the second stage, the tibia was stabilized using a long lateral locked plate and a six-pin monorail fixator on its anteromedial surface. A corticotomy was performed at the appropriate level. During the third stage, i.e. at the end of the distraction phase, the transported fragment was aligned and fixed to the plate with two to four screws. An iliac crest autograft was added to the docking site and the fixator was removed. Functional outcome was assessed using the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. Results. The mean age of patients was 38.1 years (. sd. 12.7). There were 13 men and one woman. The mean size of the defect was 6.4 cm (. sd. 1.3). the mean follow-up was 33.2 months (24 to 50). The mean external fixator index was 21.2 days/cm (. sd. 1.5). The complication rate was 0.5 (7/14) per patient. According to the classification of Paley, there were five problems and two obstacles but no true complications. The ASAMI bone score was excellent in all patients. The functional ASAMI scores were excellent in eight and good in six patients. The mean MSTS composite score was 83.9% (. sd. 7.1), with an MSTS emotional acceptance score of 4.9 (. sd. 0.5; maximum possible 5). Conclusion. Composite fixation (rail-plate) decreases fixator time and the associated complications, in the treatment of patients of infected nonunion tibia with a segmental defect. It also provides good anatomical and functional results with high emotional acceptance. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1094–9

Aims

Periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) following hip arthroplasty are complex injuries. This study evaluates patient demographic characteristics, management, outcomes, and risk factors associated with PPF subtypes over a decade.

Aims

Hip fracture commonly affects the frailest patients, of whom many are care-dependent, with a disproportionate risk of contracting COVID-19. We examined the impact of COVID-19 infection on hip fracture mortality in England.

INTRODUCTION. Limb salvage surgery is a common treatment for patients who suffer from bone tumors. In the case of pelvic tumors this creates a challenge for the surgeon and the treatment remains controversial because the oncologic complications like local recurrence, dissemination and orthopaedic ones, like infection, haemorrhage, and mechanical problems of reconstructions Tumors affecting the acetabulum are a challenge for the surgeon because of the impact in the function of the extremity. There are many reconstruction techniques described in the literature like prosthesis, allograft systems, arthrodesis, etc…, but still there is not a gold standard due to the poor functional results at long term follow up, and the associated complications of all techniques. In this study we show the experience in our center on pelvic reconstructions after tumors affecting the acetabulum area (zone II). MATERIAL AND METHODS. We surgically treated 81 pelvic tumors from 1997 to 2009 following the Enneking and Dunham calssification attending to the localization of the tumor: Zone I 38 (iliac bone)Zone II 25 (acetabulum)Zone III 18 (pelvic branches)In zone II tumors we performed pelvic reconstruction in eight cases, with different type of prosthesis. In 5 cases we performed saddle prosthesis (group A) and in 3 cases we performed Coned-Stanmore Implants type prosthesis with sacro-iliac anchorage. The mean follow up of the serie was 3,5 years (1–6 years). In group A the mean follow up was 5 years and in group A and in group B the mean follow up was 1 year due to the recent implantation in our center of Coned type prosthesis for pelvic reconstruction. We evaluated our results with these two types of prosthesis. RESULTS. Oncologic: group A we had a local recurrence of 25% and 25% of the patients died. group B we had no cases of local or systemic recurrence and we didn't registered any death. Functional: In group A the patients showed local pain and difficulty to walk probably due to the change of the center of rotation of the hip and instability of the saddle prosthesis. In group B all patient's followed physical therapy programs without problems and were able to walk with crutches ten months after surgery. Complications:group A we had a 25% of perioperative infection and a 25% of dislocation of the prosthesis. In group B we did not have any of these complications. CONCLUSIONS. Saddle prosthesis mantain the length of the extremity and allow weight bearing but they do not give a good stability. Even if we only have one year follow up with this Coned prosthesis with sacro iliac anchorage we achieved much better functional results and a lower rate of complications

Introduction. Primary malign tumors and solitary metastatic lesions of the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine are indications for radical en bloc resections. Extracompartimental tumor infiltration makes the achievement of adequate oncological resection more difficult and requires an extension of the resection margins. We present a retrospective clinical study of patients that underwent chest wall resection in combination with vertebrectomy due to sarcomas and solitary metastases for assessing the clinical outcome especially focusing on onco-surgical results. Method. From 01/2002 to 01/2009 20 patients (female/male: 8/12; mean age: 52 (range of age: 27–76yrs)) underwent a combined en bloc resection of chest wall and vertebrectomy for solitary primary spinal sarcoma and metastatic lesions. The median follow-up was 20,5 (3–80) months. Histological analysis revealed 17 primary tumors and 3 solitary metastatic lesions. In the group of primary tumors 10 sarcomas, 1 giant cell tumor, 2 PNET, 1 histiocytoma, 1 aggressiv fibrous dysplasia, 1 pancoast tumor and 1 plasmocytoma were histologically documented. We included 1 rectal carcinoma, 1 breast cancer metastases and 1 renal cell carcinoma. All patients underwent a chestwall resection en bloc with multilevel (1/2/3/4 segments: n=4/6/6/4) hemi (n=7) or total vertebrectomy (n=13) with subsequent defect reconstruction. Reconstruction of the spinal defect following total resections was accomplished by combined dorsal stabilization and carbon cage interposition. The chest wall defects were closed with a goretex ® -patch. One patient also received a musculocutaneus latissimus dorsi flap. Results. The surgical margins were R0 in 19 (wide in 14, marginal in 5) and one R1 resection. Marginal/R1 resections were due to extracompartimental sarcoma invasion (spinal canal) and dural involvement. In these patients postoperative radiotherapy was performed. Surgical complications requiring revision occurred in 1 patient due to injury of the ductus thoracicus and persisting chylothorax. Temporary subileus or mild pneumonia appeared in 3 patients. No superficial/deep infection or neurological deficits (except those related to oncologically required dissection of thoracic nerve roots) were observed. At follow up 2 patients died due to the disease after 7,5 months. Local recurrences were seen in 3 patients at median 24 months (13–43). Pulmonary metastases necessitating polychemotherapy were seen in 7 patients after median 17 months (7–44). Conclusion. Despite the only midterm follow up, the combined en bloc resection of chest wall and multilevel en bloc spondylectomy/hemivertebrectomy is a challenging but safe and effective technique in order to achieve adequate margins and local control in selected with spinal sarcomas extending to the dorsolateral chest wall

A systematic literature review of distraction osteogenesis (DO) for the primary reconstruction of bone defects following resection of primary malignant tumours of long bones (PMTLB) is presented. Fewer than 50 cases were identified. Most reports relate to benign tumours or secondary reconstructive procedures. The outcomes of our own series of 7 patients is also presented (4 tibiae, 3 femora). All patients had isolated bone lesions without metastases and were assessed through the hospital sarcoma board. Mean follow-up was 59 months (17–144). Mean age was 42 years. Final histologic diagnoses were 3 chondrosarcoma, 2 malignant fibrous histiocytoma, 1 adamantinoma and 1 malignant intraosseous nerve sheath tumour. Mean bone defect after resection was 13.1cm (10–17) and bone transport was the reconstruction method in all. There was one local recurrence of tumour six months post-resection, necessitating amputation. Mean frame index for remaining cases was 30.9 days/cm (15.7–41.6). Complications included pin infection, docking site non-union, premature corticotomy union, soft-tissue infection and minor varus deformity. Six cases remain tumour-free with united, well-aligned bones and good long-term function. We conclude DO provides an effective biologic reconstruction option in select cases of PMTLB

Percutaneous biopsies can lead to seeding of tumour cells along the biopsy tract. Correct surgical management requires preoperative identification and excision of the biopsy tract at time of surgery. These tracts become increasingly difficult to identify with time, leading to risk of inadequate excision of the biopsy tract and recurrence of the tumour at the biopsy site. We conducted a prospective study involving 45 patients who had tissue biopsies for bone and soft tissue tumours between February and May 2008. All the biopsies were performed by consultant radiologist under ultrasound or CT guidance. Case note analysis, patient history and examination at the time of surgery were used to collect data. 23 of 45 patients had accurate identification of the biopsy tract by the surgeon at the time of excision. The mean time between biopsy and excision was 52 days (range 6–140). 22 of 45 patients had unidentifiable biopsy site, with the mean time between biopsy and excision being 98 days(range 13–164) p=0.0004(paired t test). All 4 patients who received post-biopsy radiotherapy had unidentifiable biopsy site tract (mean duration 104 days) and 11 of the 18 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy had an unidentifiable biopsy tract (mean duration 108 days). We concluded that identification of biopsy site was more difficult after 50 days, especially in patients who underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Following this study, all the patients who had biopsies of tumours had the site marked with India ink tattoo. We, then prospectively reviewed 36 patients between July and September 2010 who underwent excision of bone and soft tissue tumours and had their biopsy sites marked with India ink tattoo. After needle biopsy, one drop of the dye was applied at the site of the biopsy. This was taken up by capillary action beneath the dermis and remained present until the patient returned for their definitive surgery. The biopsy site was easily identifiable by the patients and the operating surgeon in all 36 patients. The mean time between biopsy and surgery was 77 days (range 10–299 days). Tattooing of the skin enabled the surgeon to accurately excise the biopsy tract along with the tumour. We recommend this technique of tattooing of the biopsy site with India ink, as it is safe, easily recognisable and permits accurate excision of the tract (including the tattoo), therefore preventing biopsy tract recurrence