Custom-made partial pelvis replacements (PPRs) are increasingly used in the reconstruction of large acetabular defects and have mainly been designed using a triflange approach, requiring extensive soft-tissue dissection. The monoflange design, where primary intramedullary fixation within the ilium combined with a monoflange for rotational stability, was anticipated to overcome this obstacle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the design with regard to functional outcome, complications, and acetabular reconstruction. Between 2014 and 2023, 79 patients with a mean follow-up of 33 months (SD 22; 9 to 103) were included. Functional outcome was measured using the Harris Hip Score and EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D). PPR revisions were defined as an endpoint, and subgroups were analyzed to determine risk factors.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to examine the implant accuracy of custom-made partial pelvis replacements (PPRs) in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). Custom-made implants offer an option to achieve a reconstruction in cases with severe acetabular bone loss. By analyzing implant deviation in CT and radiograph imaging and correlating early clinical complications, we aimed to optimize the usage of custom-made implants. A consecutive series of 45 (2014 to 2019) PPRs for Paprosky III defects at rTHA were analyzed comparing the preoperative planning CT scans used to manufacture the implants with postoperative CT scans and radiographs. The anteversion (AV), inclination (IC), deviation from the preoperatively planned implant position, and deviation of the centre of rotation (COR) were explored. Early postoperative complications were recorded, and factors for malpositioning were sought. The mean follow-up was 30 months (SD 19; 6 to 74), with four patients lost to follow-up.Aims
Methods
In patients with bone sarcoma, placing mega prostheses in the proximal tibia is associated with high rates of infection. In studies with small numbers of patients and short follow-up periods, silver-coated mega prostheses have been reported to lead to reduced infection rates. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the largest one that has compared the infection rates with titanium versus silver-coated mega prostheses in patients treated for sarcomas in the proximal tibia. The infection rate in 98 patients with sarcoma or giant cell tumour in the proximal tibia who underwent placement of a titanium (n = 42) or silver-coated (n = 56) mega prosthesisAim
Method
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether
the serum level of interleukin 6 (IL-6) could be used to identify the
persistence of infection after the first stage of a two-stage revision
for periprosthetic joint infection. Between 2010 and 2011, we prospectively studied 55 patients (23
men, 32 women; mean age 69.5 years; 36 to 86) with a periprosthetic
joint infection. Bacteria were identified in two intra-operative
tissue samples during re-implantation in 16 patients. These cases
were classified as representing persistent infection. To calculate a precise cut-off value which could be used in everyday
clinical practice, a 3 x 2 contingency table was constructed and
manually defined. We found that a serum IL-6 ≥ 13 pg/mL can be regarded as indicating
infection: its positive-predictive value is 90.9%. A serum IL-6 ≤ 8
pg/mL can be regarded as indicating an absence of infection: its
negative predictive value is 92.1%. The serum IL-6 level seems to be a reasonable marker for identifying
persistent infection after the first stage of a revision joint arthroplasty
and before attempting re-implantation. Cite this article:
We evaluated the clinical results and complications
after extra-articular resection of the distal femur and/or proximal
tibia and reconstruction with a tumour endoprosthesis (MUTARS) in
59 patients (mean age 33 years (11 to 74)) with malignant bone or
soft-tissue tumours. According to a Kaplan–Meier analysis, limb
survival was 76% (95% confidence interval (CI) 64.1 to 88.5) after
a mean follow-up of 4.7 years (one month to 17 years). Peri-prosthetic infection
was the most common indication for subsequent amputation (eight
patients). Survival of the prosthesis without revision was 48% (95%
CI 34.8 to 62.0) at two years and 25% (95% CI 11.1 to 39.9) at five years
post-operatively. Failure of the prosthesis was due to deep infection
in 22 patients (37%), aseptic loosening in ten patients (17%), and
peri-prosthetic fracture in six patients (10%). Wear of the bearings
made a minor revision necessary in 12 patients (20%). The mean Musculoskeletal
Tumor Society score was 23 (10 to 29). An extensor lag >
10° was
noted in ten patients (17%). These results suggest that limb salvage after extra-articular
resection with a tumour prosthesis can achieve good functional results
in most patients, although the rates of complications and subsequent
amputation are higher than in patients treated with intra-articular
resection. Cite this article:
To date, all surgical techniques used for reconstruction
of the pelvic ring following supra-acetabular tumour resection produce
high complication rates. We evaluated the clinical, oncological
and functional outcomes of a cohort of 35 patients (15 men and 20
women), including 21 Ewing’s sarcomas, six chondrosarcomas, three sarcomas
not otherwise specified, one osteosarcoma, two osseous malignant
fibrous histiocytomas, one synovial cell sarcoma and one metastasis.
The mean age of the patients was 31 years (8 to 79) and the latest
follow-up was carried out at a mean of 46 months (1.9 to 139.5)
post-operatively. We undertook a functional reconstruction of the pelvic ring using
polyaxial screws and titanium rods. In 31 patients (89%) the construct
was encased in antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate. Preservation
of the extremities was possible for all patients. The survival rate
at three years was 93.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 77.9 to 98.4),
at five years it was 82.4% (95% CI 57.6 to 93.4). For the 21 patients
with Ewing’s sarcoma it was 95.2% (95% CI 70.7 to 99.3) and 81.5%
(95% CI 52.0 to 93.8), respectively. Wound healing problems were
observed in eight patients, deep infection in five and clinically
asymptomatic breakage of the screws in six. The five-year implant survival
was 93.3% (95% CI 57.8 to 95.7). Patients were mobilised at a mean
of 3.5 weeks (1 to 7) post-operatively. A post-operative neurological
defect occurred in 12 patients. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society
score at last available follow-up was 21.2 (10 to 27). This reconstruction technique is characterised by simple and
oncologically appropriate applicability, achieving high primary
stability that allows early mobilisation, good functional results
and relatively low complication rates. Cite this article:
We present the greatest study of patients with proximal fibula resection. Moreover we describe a new classification system for tumour resection of the proximal fibula independent of the tumour dignity. In 57 patients the functional and clinical outcome was evaluated. The follow up ranged between 6 months and 22.2 years (median 7.2 years). Indicationfor surgery was in 10 cases benign tumours and in 47 cases malignant tumours. In 32 patients a resection of the peroneal with resulting peroneal palsy was necessary.Aim
Method
The aim of this study was to define the treatment
criteria for patients with recurrent chondrosarcoma. We reviewed the
data of 77 patients to examine the influence of factors such as
the intention of treatment (curative/palliative), extent of surgery,
resection margins, status of disease at the time of local recurrence
and the grade of the tumour. A total of 70 patients underwent surgery
for recurrent chondrosarcoma. In seven patients surgery was not
a viable option. Metastatic disease occurred in 41 patients, appearing
synchronously with the local recurrence in 56% of cases. For patients
without metastasis at the time of local recurrence, the overall
survival at a mean follow-up after recurrence of 67 months (0 to
289) was 74% (5 of 27) compared with 19% (13 of 50) for patients
with metastasis at or before the development of the recurrence.
Neither the type/extent of surgery, site of tumour, nor the resection margins
for the recurrent tumour significantly influenced the overall survival. With limited survival for patients with metastatic disease at
the time of local recurrence (0% for patients with grade III and
de-differentiated chondrosarcoma), palliative treatment, including
local radiation therapy and debulking procedures, should be discussed
with the patients to avoid long hospitalisation and functional deficits. For
patients without metastasis at the time of local recurrence, the
overall survival of 74% justifies an aggressive approach including
wide resection margins and extensive reconstruction.
There has been a substantial increase in the
number of hip and knee prostheses implanted in recent years, with
a consequent increase in the number of revisions required. Total
femur replacement (TFR) following destruction of the entire femur,
usually after several previous revision operations, is a rare procedure
but is the only way of avoiding amputation. Intramedullary femur
replacement (IFR) with preservation of the femoral diaphysis is
a modification of TFR. Between 1999 and 2010, 27 patients with non-oncological
conditions underwent surgery in our department with either IFR (n
= 15) or TFR (n = 12) and were included in this study retrospectively.
The aim of the study was to assess the indications, complications
and outcomes of IFR and TFR in revision cases. The mean follow-up
period was 31.3 months (6 to 90). Complications developed in 37%
of cases, 33% in the IFR group and 4% in the TFR group. Despite
a trend towards a slightly better functional outcome compared with
TFR, the indication for intramedullary femur replacement should
be established on a very strict basis in view of the procedure’s
much higher complication rate.
Early and late infections are the most uneventfull complications after tumor resection and implantation of a maegaendoprosthesis. Therefore, silver-coating was introduced by our department years ago with successful reduction in infection rates. After promising results in animal and Phase exclusion of side effects in our Phase I trial, we would like to share our knowledge about latest research, especially the actual results of the Phase II study. We included the results off all implanted silver-coated Megaendoprosthesis since introduction in our department. Implantation had to be more than 12 months ago to guarantee a acceptable minimum follow up for calculation of the infection rate. Actually our infection rate lies at 3,1% (N=131) in the prevention group (no previous infection in medical history) and at 19% (N=36) in our “Highest-Risk” and previous infection group. Still no side-effects could be noticed. In one case we examined retrieved samples of three silver-coated Megaendoprosthesis. Macroscopically a leopard shaped figures could be noticed on the silver-coated surface in shiny and dark areas after being implanted in an infected region. Electron microscopy pictures show still intact surface and remaining silver with dark staining. Biofilm formation coulod not be noticed, though some few dead single bacteria could be found without any signs of proliferation or matrix production after adhesion. Signs of biofilm couldn’t be seen anywhere. Despite the discoloration silver is still intact in these areas without any loss of antibacterial properties. Blisterings or even flaking off the silver coating cannot be noticed. The thickness of the silver was not thinned in a significant way leading to a breakdown after a few years. Up to these days we have no experience in covering the whole prosthesis including the stem in human beings. Concerning osteointegration of silver-coated stems, our animal trial could not prove their effectiveness in comparison to titanium. Pull-out tests showed high significant discrepancies in osteointegration between titanium and silver coated stems in a dog model after a period of 12 months after implantation. Summarizing we recommend silver as a safe adjuvant therapy in patients undergoing endoprosthetic reconstruction after tumor resection. Intramedullary use of silver can be done only in experimental cases and needs further changes in the technical design of the coating.
The use of megaprostheses is accompanied with periprosthetic infection in up to 15% of cases. Among metals with antimicrobial activity, silver has raised the interest of investigators because of its good antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to determine the infection rate of silver-coated megaprostheses in comparision to uncoated titanium prostheses. We prospectively identified 40 patients who were treated with a silver-coated proximal femur (n=17) or proximal tibia (n=23) replacement (Mutars®, Implantcast, Germany). Patients with a silver-coated tumor endoprosthesis were compared with 74 (proximal femur replacement n=33, proximal tibia n=41) retrospectively assessed patients with a titanium endoprosthesis regarding the number of infections. In the titanium group a proximal femur replacement was associated with the highest infection rate (18.2%; time of infection in mean 15 months postoperatively). In the silver-group infection could be reduced to 5.9% (time of infection 12 months postoperatively). In patients with a proximal tibia replacement the infection rate could be reduced from 17.1% (time of infection in mean 28 months postoperatively) to 4.3% (time of infection 4 months postoperatively) in the silver group. Regarding the final, successful treatment of infection it can be stated that in the silver group the patients could be treated either by intravenous antibiotics only or by a one-stage exchange of the prosthetic body. In the titanium group seven patients (53%) were treated by a two-stage reimplantation of the prosthesis, in 4 patients (31%) an amputation and in one patient rotationplasty was performed. We conclude that silver-coated megaendoprostheses can reduce the risk of infection on a short-term followup. Importantly, minor revisions in the case of infection in patients with a silver-coated prostheses were more often successful. Further studies with more patients and a longer followup are necessary in order to evaluate the possible benefit of silver exactly.
Although the recurrence rate of giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB) is relatively high exact data on treatment options for the recurrent cases is lacking. The possible surgical procedures range from repeated intralesional curettage to wide resection. 214 patients with histologically certified GCTB have been treated at the authors department from 1980 to 2007. 67 patients with at least one local recurrence were included in this study. The mean follow-up was 77.3 months. The data was evaluated according the re-recurrence rate with regard to the surgical procedure for the recurrence. The mean time until the first local recurrence was 22.0 months; the mean number of recurrences per patient was 1.4. The recurrence occurred in 69.7 % (46 out of 66 patients) within the first two years. If after intralesional procedures (curettage or intralesional resection) no adjunct was used the re-recurrence rate was 58.8 % (10 out of 17 patients) and decreased to 21.7 % (5 out of 23 patients) if a combination of all adjuncts (PMMA + burring) was used. The likelihood of re-recurrence was reduced by the factor 5.508 which was clearly significant (p = 0.016). In case of wide resection no re-recurrence occurred. Seven patients (10.5 %) developed pulmonary metastases. Fourteen patients (20.9 %) finally received an endoprosthesis; 12 due to tumor recurrence, 2 due to secondary arthritis. Recurrent GCTB can be treated by further curettage with additional burring and cementing with an acceptable re-recurrence rate of 21.7 %. The rate of patients finally needing an endoprosthesis is 20.9 %. Due to the high rate of pulmonary metastases recurrent GCTB may be considered as a severe disease.
Megaendoprotheses are widely used in the reconstruction of large bone defects in orthopaedic tumour surgery. The major complications (up to 36%) are periprosthetic infections. Persisting periprosthetic infections lead to secondary amputation up to 37% of the cases. One underestimated reason for persisting infections are subpopulations of S. aureus called “small colony variants” (SCVs). Aim of this study was to evaluate that silver ions might prevent or cure a periprosthetic infection caused by SCVs. For testing the antimicrobial activity of silver-coated titanium we used a technique introduced by Bechert et al. Therefore an adhesion and proliferation assay was performed with clinical isolates of S. aureus SCV (A22616/3). We tested the adhesion and proliferation properties of S aureus SCV on stainless steel (steel), Cobalt-Chrome-Molybdenum-alloy (CoCrMo), Titan-Aluminium-Vanadium-alloy (TiAlVa) and silver-coated Titan-Aluminium-Vanadium-alloy (scTiAlVa). Adhesion of S. aureus SCV is significantly reduced on scTiAlVa vs. steel (p>
0001). We could also demonstrate that the proliferation rate of scTiAlVa vs. all tested materials is significant (p>
0001) lower. We concluded that silver-coating has an effective antimicrobial activity against S. aureus SCVs. Thus silver-coated megaendoprostheses are a good prophylaxis against persisting infections caused by S. aureus SCVs.
A revision of a first generation KMFTR prosthesis due to stem breakage is a problem oncologic surgeons are regularly faced with. We designed an adapter which allows us to connect new MUTARS components to the original KMFTR devices. Thus it is possible to bypass an exchange of the whole prosthesis. We used this adapter in 10 patients. Time of revision was in average 16.6 years after primary implantation of the KMFTR prostheses. Reasons for revision were femoral stem breakage (n = 5), breakage of the tibial component (n = 3) and periprosthetic fracture (n = 2, one femoral, one tibial). The femoral stem (3 cases) and the tibial stem (2 cases) as well as the tibial plateau and body (2 cases) could be replaced by MUTARS parts and conjoined with the remaining KMFTR devices. Three cases were converted to MUTARS total femur. Postoperative complications were one aseptic loosening and one cone-dislocation. Pre-incidence function was restored in all cases. The average Musculoskeletal-Tumour-Society-Score was 82.9% of normal function. The results show that the new adapter facilitates to restore pre-incidental extremity function by performing a relatively modest revision.
Several studies report a diminished BMD as a consequence of childhood cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an exercise intervention on BMD during treatment, since limited mobility is characteristic for cancer therapy and is a major determinant for bone loss. We analysed DXA scans (Lunar Prodigy, GE Healthcare) of 53 patients (range 8 to 21 years at time of diagnosis) perioperatively (n=49), six (n=38) and twelve months (n=18) after surgery. Scans were performed for the established sites of the lumbar spine and both femora, as well as experimentally for both calcanei. Areal BMD was corrected to obtain volumetric BMD using the model of Kröger. For both groups, areal and calculated volumetric BMD values were similar at the lumbar spine at time of surgery, as were the differences between affected and not affected femur and calcaneus. The six and twelve months postoperative measurements revealed higher volumetric and areal BMD at the lumbar spine for the intervention group, although significant differences were only found for volumetric BMD values six months postoperatively. Furthermore, a comparison of both groups showed that the loss in bone density of the affected lower extremity was less pronounced for the intervention group: differences between affected and not affected femur were 9% to 73% higher in the femur and 20% to 29% higher in the calcaneus for the control group. Previous reports dealing with diminished BMD in pediatric cancer patients were confirmed in this study. However, differences found in BMD between both groups indicate that an exercise intervention during treatment, consisting primarily of strength and endurance training, may inhibit bone loss in pediatric sarcoma patients. Furthermore, the calcaneal site may be an alternative when the determination of femur BMD is not feasible.
Latest research concentrated on the coating of the stems, since they can still be the source of the infection if everything else is coated by silver already. Summarised so far, our experience in a rabbit model, a phase I Trial in humans and prelimnary results in Phase II Trials in humans showed no toxic side effects. Driven so far it seems to be sensible to extent the silver coating. So far, the coating is limited to all areas without joint movement or bone contact. An Animal trial was performed anylising the osteointegrative properties of an silver-coated stem versus an regular Titanium stem in 17 dogs. After 12 months of regular X-Ray Analysis a Pull-out test and a concentration analysis has been done. Results showed high significantly (p<
0.001) an osteointegration in 8 out of 8 titanium stems with an average pull-out force of 3764 Newton (Range 1755– 5967 Newton). Silver-coated stems showed no signs of Osteointegration in all 9 out of 9 femurs. The average pull-out force was 21 Newton (Range 0– 186 Newton). A cemented control could resist a pull out force of 350 Newton. Analysis of the silver concentration directly in the first millimeter of the bone-implant interface and the second millimeter showed highly elevated silver levels. The silver concentration in the bone-implant interface at Titanium stems ranged from 0.3 to 3502 parts per Billion (ng/g) compared to silver-coated stems ranging from 303 to 2.418.800 ppb parts per Billion (ng/g).
In summary, surgeons have to decide in the future how much silver they need in each individual case concerning intramedullary infection prophylaxis. The balance between loosening or infection should be based on long term expectations, taking into account that even after successful resection of a tumor an ongoning infection can lead to loosening of a limb or even life. Apart from intramedullary use, we recommend silver as a safe adjuvant therapy in all suited patients undergoing endoprosthetic reconstruction after tumor resection.
Because of the lack of a suitable in vivo model for giant cell tumors of bone little is known about their biological behavior and mechanisms of metastasis. No existing cell line contains all tumor components, so that testing of anti tumor agents is hardly possible. We therefore modified the chick chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM) assay for giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB). Out of tumor tissue obtained during surgery of 5 patients a solution was produced. The solute was grafted onto the CAM at day 10 of embryonic development. The growth process was monitored by daily observation and photo documentation using in vivo microscopy. After 5 to 6 days of tumor growth the samples were fixed in formalin and further analyzed using standard histology (hematoxylin and eosin stains). The tissue solute of all 5 patients formed solid tumors when grafted to the CAM. In vivo microscopy and standard histology revealed a rich vascularisation of the tumors. The tumors were composed of the typical components of GCTB including multinuclear giant cells. A reliable protocol for grafting of human giant cell tumors onto the chick chorio-allantoic membrane was established. This model is the first in vivo model for giant cell tumors of bone. Further characterization of the growing tissue is necessary in further experiments.
Chondrosarcoma are rare malignant tumors. About the biological characteristics of chondrosarcoma is little-known [ 32 cases were investigated clinically and histopathologically. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Endothelin-1, Endothelin-Receptor-A (ETR-A) and Endothelin-Receptor-B (ETR-B) were determined. All data were analyzed by Fisher’s exact test (p<
0,05). All tumors show an expression of either ET-1, ETR-A or ETR-B. Chondrosarcomas with grade (G) I are mostly expressing less than 10-% ET-1 in cells, Chondrosarcomas G II are expressing in most cases between 10–50% and nearly all Chondrosarcoms G III more than 50%. In addition ET-1-expression is correlating with the histological grading. The patients also show a significant high metastatic dissemination probability at the time when tumor samples present more than 10%-storing ET-1-cells. The intensity of ET-1-expression is correlating with VEGF, which is the most important angiogenetic factor in tumors. Chondrosarcomas are expressing ET-1, ETR-A and ETR-B. ET-1 seems to play a role in the angiogenesis of chondrosarcoma. Increased expression of ET-1 is accompanied with a high probability of metastatic dissemination. Endothelin receptor antagonists, which are used for example in prostate and breast cancer, can represent a potential therapy for chondrosarcoma [
Pediatric patients with lower extremity sarcoma often experience long lasting restrictions concerning physical activity and walking due to the required off-loading of the limb and other consequences of surgeries. Activity promotion during treatment in addition to physiotherapy could improve patients’ activity levels and walking capabilities. In the present study we investigated the ambulatory activity of 31 pediatric patients (13.7 ± 3.1 years, 1.63 ± 0.15 m, 51.9 ± 15 kg, 19.3 ± 3.7 kg/m2) with Osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma at the lower limb using the StepWatch™ Activity monitor (SAM; Orthocare Innovations, USA). Sixteen patients regularly underwent supervised exercise interventions during inpatient stays, 15 did not receive any additional intervention. Step activities were measured for seven consecutive days during home stays at five different points in time, to determine a possible transfer of activity to everyday life. Patients without intervention assembled considerably less steps than those in the intervention group. Before surgery they reached 25.4% of the intervention group (total n=16), six weeks after surgery 40% (total n= 8), after three months 46% (total n=10), after six months 72% (total n=13) and after one year 90%. However differences only reached significance at the first measurement. Data presented must be considered as preliminary. Not all patients could be measured at all appointments due to impaired walking ability. Nevertheless activity promoting interventions during inpatient stays seem to have a positive influence on patients’ daily walking activity. Though the differences between the groups are not significant they are considerable. Especially during treatment – as reflected by the first three measurements- patients could benefit from additional interventions exceeding typical therapy regimes. Interventions should be individualized to the patients’ capabilities. Conclusions concerning tumor location or surgical procedures are not yet possible. Future research should furthermore concentrate on the effects of activity promotion on other fields of well-being.
Type BI rotationplasty is currently indicated for children with tumours of the proximal femur whereas type BIIIa rotationplasty is reserved for those in which the entire femur has to be removed. Our aim was to compare these two types of rotationplasty and determine whether the knee should be preserved in children with tumours of the proximal femur. We compared the post-operative complications, oncological outcome, range of movement, Enneking score and radiographs of six children, who had undergone type BI rotationplasty with those of 12 who had undergone type BIIIa rotationplasty. Patients with type BI rotationplasty had a mean Enneking score of 21.6 compared with 24.4 in those with type BIIIa rotationplasty, and worse mean results in all of the parameters investigated. We conclude that type BI rotationplasty has a worse functional outcome and more complications than type BIIIa rotationplasty in children under the age of ten years.
