Aims

The aim of the LightFix Trial was to evaluate the clinical outcomes for one year after the treatment of impending and completed pathological fractures of the humerus using the IlluminOss System (IS), and to analyze the performance of this device.

Aims. Reconstruction after osteoarticular resection of the proximal ulna for tumours is technically difficult and little has been written about the options that are available. We report a series of four patients who underwent radial neck to humeral trochlea transposition arthroplasty following proximal ulnar osteoarticular resection. Methods. Between July 2020 and July 2022, four patients with primary bone tumours of the ulna underwent radial neck to humeral trochlea transposition arthroplasty. Their mean age was 28 years (12 to 41). The functional outcome was assessed using the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow, rotation of the forearm and stability of the elbow, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS), and the nine-item abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH-9) score. Results. All patients were available for follow-up at a mean of 33 months (25 to 43) and were disease-free. The mean flexion arc was 0° to 105°. Three patients had complications. One had neuropraxia of the ulnar nerve. The symptoms resolved after three months. In one patient, the screw used for fixation of the triceps tendon became exposed and was removed, six months postoperatively. One patient with wound dehiscence required a local flap for soft-tissue cover, four months postoperatively. At a mean follow-up of 33 months (25 to 43), the mean flexion arc was 0° to 105°. All patients had full supination (85°) but none had any pronation. The mean MSTS score was 23.5 (23 to 24) and mean QuickDASH-9 score was 26.13 (16.5 to 35.75). Three patients had varus-valgus instability on examination, although only one had a sense of instability while working. Conclusion. Radial neck to humeral trochlea transposition offers a satisfactory and cost-effective biological reconstructive option after osteoarticular resection of the proximal ulna, in the short term. It provides good elbow function and, being a biological reconstruction option using native bone, is likely to provide long-term stability and durability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1301–1305

Aims. The epiphyseal approach to a chondroblastoma of the intercondylar notch of a child’s distal femur does not provide adequate exposure, thereby necessitating the removal of a substantial amount of unaffected bone to expose the lesion. In this study, we compared the functional outcomes, local recurrence, and surgical complications of treating a chondroblastoma of the distal femoral epiphysis by either an intercondylar or an epiphyseal approach. Methods. A total of 30 children with a chondroblastoma of the distal femur who had been treated by intraregional curettage and bone grafting were retrospectively reviewed. An intercondylar approach was used in 16 patients (group A) and an epiphyseal approach in 14 (group B). Limb function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system and Sailhan’s functional criteria. Results. At final follow-up, the mean MSTS score was 29.1 (SD 0.9) in group A and 26.7 (SD 1.5) in group B (p = 0.006). According to Sailhan’s criteria, the knee function was good and fair in 14 (87.5%) and two (12.5%) patients of group A, and eight (57.1%) and six (42.9%) patients of group B, respectively (p = 0.062). The lesion had recurred in one patient (6.2%) in group A and four patients (28.6%) in group B. Limb shortening > 1 cm was recorded in one patient (6.2%) from group A and six patients (42.8%) from group B. Joint degeneration was noted in one patient from group A and three patients from group B. Conclusion. An intercondylar approach to a chondroblastoma of the middle two-quarters of the distal femoral epiphysis results in better outcomes than a medial or lateral epiphyseal approach: specifically, better limb function, a lower rate of recurrence, and a lower rate of physeal damage and joint degeneration. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):195–202

Aims

Internal hemipelvectomy without reconstruction of the pelvis is a viable treatment for pelvic sarcoma; however, the time it takes to return to excellent function is quite variable. Some patients require greater time and rehabilitation than others. To determine if psoas muscle recovery is associated with changes in ambulatory function, we retrospectively evaluated psoas muscle size and limb-length discrepancy (LLD) before and after treatment and their correlation with objective functional outcomes.

Aims. Osteoarticular reconstruction of the distal femur in childhood has the advantage of preserving the tibial physis. However, due to the small size of the distal femur, matching the host bone with an osteoarticular allograft is challenging. In this study, we compared the outcomes and complications of a resurfaced allograft-prosthesis composite (rAPC) with those of an osteoarticular allograft to reconstruct the distal femur in children. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 33 skeletally immature children with a malignant tumour of the distal femur, who underwent resection and reconstruction with a rAPC (n = 15) or osteoarticular allograft (n = 18), was conducted. The median age of the patients was ten years (interquartile range (IQR) 9 to 11) in the osteoarticular allograft group and nine years (IQR 8 to 10) in the rAPC group (p = 0.781). The median follow-up of the patients was seven years (IQR 4 to 8) in the osteoarticular allograft group and six years (IQR 3 to 7) in the rAPC group (p = 0.483). Limb function was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. Results. At final follow-up, the knee was unstable in 9/18 patients (50%) in the osteoarticular allograft group and 2/15 patients (13%) in the rAPC group (p = 0.026). The median range of motion (ROM) of the knee was 117° (IQR 115° to 120°) in the osteoarticular allograft group and 100° (IQR 95° to 105°) in the rAPC group (p < 0.001). The median MSTS score was 25 (IQR 23 to 26) in the osteoarticular allograft group and 28 (IQR 26 to 29) in the rAPC group (p = 0.007). Osteoarthritic change was detected in 11/18 patients (61%) in the osteoarticular allograft group and in 4/15 (26%) patients in the rAPC group (p = 0.048). Conclusion. In our series, a resurfaced allograft-prosthesis composite provided better knee stability and function, with a lower rate of osteoarthritis; an osteoarticular allograft was associated with better knee ROM. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(10):1174–1179

Aims

Dislocation of the hip remains a major complication after periacetabular tumour resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction. The position of the acetabular component is an important modifiable factor for surgeons in determining the risk of postoperative dislocation. We investigated the significance of horizontal, vertical, and sagittal displacement of the hip centre of rotation (COR) on postoperative dislocation using a CT-based 3D model, as well as other potential risk factors for dislocation.

Aims. Giant cell tumours (GCTs) of the proximal femur are rare, and there is no consensus about the best method of filling the defect left by curettage. In this study, we compared the outcome of using a fibular strut allograft and bone cement to reconstruct the bone defect after extended curettage of a GCT of the proximal femur. Methods. In a retrospective study, we reviewed 26 patients with a GCT of the proximal femur in whom the bone defect had been filled with either a fibular strut allograft (n = 12) or bone cement (n = 14). Their demographic details and oncological and nononcological complications were retrieved from their medical records. Limb function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. Results. Mean follow-up was 116 months (SD 59.2; 48 to 240) for the fibular strut allograft group and 113 months (SD 43.7; 60 to 192) for the bone cement group (p = 0.391). The rate of recurrence was not significantly different between the two groups (25% vs 21.4%). The rate of nononcological complications was 16.7% in the strut allograft group and 42.8% in the bone cement group. Degenerative joint disease was the most frequent nononcological complication in the cement group. The mean MSTS score of the patients was 92.4% (SD 11.5%; 73.3% to 100.0%) in the fibular strut allograft group and 74.2% (SD 10.5%; 66.7% to 96.7%) in the bone cement group (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Given the similar rate of recurrence and a lower rate of nononcological complications, fibular strut grafting could be recommended as a method of reconstructing the bone defect left by curettage of a GCT of the proximal femur. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):297–301

Aims. We have previously reported cryoablation-assisted joint-sparing surgery for osteosarcoma with epiphyseal involvement. However, it is not clear whether this is a comparable alternative to conventional joint arthroplasty in terms of oncological and functional outcomes. Methods. A total of 22 patients who had localized osteosarcoma with epiphyseal involvement around the knee and underwent limb salvage surgery were allocated to joint preservation (JP) group and joint arthroplasty (JA) group. Subjects were followed with radiographs, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, and clinical evaluations at one, three, and five years postoperatively. Results. Patients in both groups (ten in JP and 12 in JA) did not differ in local recurrence (p ≥ 0.999) and occurrence of metastases (p ≥ 0.999). Overall survival was similar in both groups (p = 0.858). Patients in the JP group had less range of motion (ROM) of the knee (p < 0.001) and lower MSTS scores (p = 0.010) compared with those of the JA group only at one year postoperatively. There was no difference between groups either at three years for ROM (p = 0.185) and MSTS score (p = 0.678) or at five years for ROM (p = 0.687) and MSTS score (p = 0.536), postoperatively. Patients in the JA group tended to have more complications (p = 0.074). Survival of primary reconstruction in the JP group was better than that of the JA group (p = 0.030). Conclusion. Cryoablation-aided joint-sparing surgery offers native joint preservation with comparable functional recovery and more durable reconstruction without jeopardizing oncological outcomes compared with conventional limb salvage surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(8):1421–1427

Aim. There is insufficient evidence to support bony reconstruction of the pubis after a type III internal hemipelvectomy (resection of all or part of the pubis). In this study, we compared surgical complications, postoperative pain, and functional outcome in a series of patients who had undergone a type III internal hemipelvectomy with or without bony reconstruction. Methods. In a retrospective cohort study, 32 patients who had undergone a type III hemipelvectomy with or without allograft reconstruction (n = 15 and n = 17, respectively) were reviewed. The mean follow-up was 6.7 years (SD 3.8) for patients in the reconstruction group and 6.1 years (SD 4.0) for patients in the non-reconstruction group. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system and the level of postoperative pain with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results. The mean MSTS score of the patients was significantly better in patients after reconstruction (26 (SD 1.7) vs 22.7 (SD 2.0); p < 0.001). The mean visual analogue scale score for pain was significantly less in the reconstruction group (2.1 (SD 2) vs 4.2 (SD 2.2); p = 0.016). One infection occurred in each group. Bladder herniation occurred in three patients (17.6%) in the non-reconstruction group but none in the reconstruction group. Five patients (29.4%) in the non-reconstruction group and one (7%) in the reconstruction group had a limp. Graft displacement occurred in two patients in the reconstruction group. Conclusion. We recommend reconstruction of the bony defect after a type III hemipelvectomy: it gives a better functional result, less postoperative pain, and fewer late surgical complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1155–1159

Aims. Limb salvage for pelvic sarcomas involving the acetabulum is a major surgical challenge. There remains no consensus about what is the optimum type of reconstruction after resection of the tumour. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes in these patients according to the methods of periacetabular reconstruction. Methods. The study involved a consecutive series of 122 patients with a periacetabular bone sarcoma who underwent limb-salvage surgery involving a custom-made prosthesis in 65 (53%), an ice-cream cone prosthesis in 21 (17%), an extracorporeal irradiated autograft in 18 (15%), and nonskeletal reconstruction in 18 (15%). Results. The rates of major complications necessitating further surgery were 62%, 24%, 56%, and 17% for custom-made prostheses, ice-cream cone prostheses, irradiated autografts and nonskeletal reconstructions, respectively (p = 0.001). The ten-year cumulative incidence of failure of the reconstruction was 19%, 9%, 33%, and 0%, respectively. The major cause of failure was deep infection (11%), followed by local recurrence (6%). The mean functional Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scores were 59%, 74%, 64%, and 72%, respectively. The scores were significantly lower in patients with major complications than in those without complications (mean 52% (SD 20%) vs 74% (SD 19%); p < 0.001). For periacetabular resections involving the ilium, the mean score was the highest with custom-made prostheses (82% (SD 10%)) in patients without any major complication; however, nonskeletal reconstruction resulted in the highest mean scores (78% (SD 12%)) in patients who had major complications. For periacetabular resections not involving the ilium, significantly higher mean scores were obtained with ice-cream cone prostheses (79% (SD 17%); p = 0.031). Conclusion. Functional outcome following periacetabular reconstruction is closely associated with the occurrence of complications requiring further surgery. For tumours treated with periacetabular and iliac resection, skeletal reconstruction may result in the best outcomes in the absence of complications, whereas nonskeletal reconstruction is a reasonable option if the risk of complications is high. For tumours requiring periacetabular resection without the ilium, reconstruction using an ice-cream cone prosthesis supported by antibiotic-laden cement is a reliable option. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):795–803

Aims. Hip reconstruction after resection of a periacetabular chondrosarcoma is complex and associated with a high rate of complications. Previous reports have compared no reconstruction with historical techniques that are no longer used. The aim of this study was to compare the results of tantalum acetabular reconstruction to both historical techniques and no reconstruction. Methods. We reviewed 66 patients (45 males and 21 females) with a mean age of 53 years (24 to 81) who had undergone acetabular resection for chondrosarcoma. A total of 36 patients (54%) underwent acetabular reconstruction, most commonly with a saddle prosthesis (n = 13; 36%) or a tantalum total hip arthroplasty (THA) (n = 10; 28%). Mean follow-up was nine years (SD 4). Results. There was no difference in the mean age (p = 0.63), sex (p = 0.110), tumour volume (p = 0.646), or type of resection carried out (p > 0.05) between patients with and without reconstruction. Of the original 66 patients, 61 (92%) were ambulant at final follow-up. There was no difference in the proportion of patients who could walk in the reconstruction and 'no reconstruction' groups (p = 0.649). There was no difference in the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score between patients who were reconstructed and those who were not (61% vs 56%; p = 0.378). Patients with a tantalum THA had a significantly (p = 0.015) higher mean MSTS score (78%) than those who were reconstructed with a saddle prosthesis (47%) or who had not been reconstructed (56%). Patients who had undergone reconstruction were more likely to have complications (81% vs 53%; p = 0.033). Conclusion. Reconstruction after resection of the acetabulum is technically demanding. In selected cases, reconstruction is of benefit, especially when reconstruction is by tantalum THA; however, the follow-up for these patients remains mid-term. When not feasible, patients with no reconstruction have an acceptable functional outcome. Level of Evidence: Level III Therapeutic. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):391–397

Aims. We have evaluated the survivorship, outcomes, and failures of an interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate implant used to preserve the native hip joint and achieve proximal fixation when there is little residual femur during large endoprosthetic reconstruction of the distal femur. Methods. A total of 14 patients underwent primary or revision reconstruction of a large femoral defect with a short remaining proximal femur using an interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate for fixation after oncological distal femoral and diaphyseal resections. The implant was attached to a standard endoprosthetic reconstruction system. The implant was attached to a standard endoprosthetic reconstruction system. None of the femoral revisions were amenable to standard cemented or uncemented stem fixation. Patient and disease characteristics, surgical history, final ambulatory status. ,. and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score were recorded. The percentage of proximal femur remaining was calculated from follow-up radiographs. Results. All 14 at-risk native hip joints were preserved at a mean final follow-up of 6.0 years (SD 3.7), despite a short residual femur, often after proximal osteotomies through the lesser trochanter. Overall, 13 of 14 stems had long-term successful fixation. Eight patients required no reoperation. Three patients required reoperation due to implant-related issues, and three patients required reoperation for wound healing problems or infection. There were no dislocations or fractures. At final follow-up the mean MSTS score was 24.9 (SD 4.1). Nine patients required no ambulation aids, and only one had a Trendelenburg gait. Conclusion. This interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate reliably preserves native hip joint anatomy and function after large femoral resection with a short remaining proximal femur, both in the primary and revision setting. This is particularly important for preventing or delaying total femoral arthroplasty in young patients after oncological reconstruction. Hip abductor strength and function could be maintained by this method, and the risk of dislocation eliminated. The success of this technique in this modest series should be verified in a larger collaborative study and will be of interest to revision surgeons and oncologists. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):398–404

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the results of three forms of reconstruction for patients with a ditsl tibial bone tumour: an intercalary resection and reconstruction, an osteoarticular reconstruction, and arthrodesis of the ankle.

Aims

For paediatric and adolescent patients with growth potential, preservation of the physiological joint by transepiphyseal resection (TER) of the femur confers definite advantages over arthroplasty procedures. We hypothesized that the extent of the tumour and changes in its extent after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are essential factors in the selection of this procedure, and can be assessed with MRI. The oncological and functional outcomes of the procedure were reviewed to confirm its safety and efficacy.

Aims

The use of frozen tumour-bearing autograft combined with a vascularized fibular graft (VFG) represents a new technique for biological reconstruction of massive bone defect. We have compared the clinical outcomes between this technique and Capanna reconstruction.

Aims. The consensus is that bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) in allograft-prosthesis composite (APC) reconstruction of the proximal femur following primary tumour resection provides more stability than total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, no comparative study has been performed. In this study, we have compared the outcome and complication rates of these two methods. Methods. In a retrospective study, 57 patients who underwent APC reconstruction of proximal femur following the primary tumour resection, either using BHA (29) or THA (28), were included. Functional outcome was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scoring system and Harris Hip Score (HHS). Postoperative complications of the two techniques were also compared. Results. The mean follow-up of the patients was 8.3 years (standard deviation (SD) 5.5) in the BHA and 6.9 years (SD 4.7) in the THA group. The mean HHS was 65 (SD 16.6) in the BHA group and 88 (SD 11.9) in the THA group (p = 0.036). The mean MSTS score of the patients was 73.3% (SD 16.1%) in the BHA and 86.7% (SD 12.2%) in the THA group (p = 0.041). Limping was recorded in 19 patients (65.5%) of the BHA group and five patients (17.8%) of the THA group (p < 0.001). Dislocation occurred in three patients (10.3%) of the BHA group and two patients (7.1%) of the THA group. Conclusion. While the dislocation rate was not higher in THA than with BHA, the functional outcome was significantly superior. Based on our results, we recommend THA in APC reconstruction of the proximal femur. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):524–529

Aims. We aimed to examine the long-term mechanical survivorship, describe the modes of all-cause failure, and identify risk factors for mechanical failure of all-polyethylene tibial components in endoprosthetic reconstruction. Methods. This is a retrospective database review of consecutive endoprosthetic reconstructions performed for oncological indications between 1980 and 2019. Patients with all-polyethylene tibial components were isolated and analyzed for revision for mechanical failure. Outcomes included survival of the all-polyethylene tibial component, revision surgery categorized according to the Henderson Failure Mode Classification, and complications and functional outcome, as assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score at the final follow-up. Results. A total of 278 patients were identified with 289 all-polyethylene tibial components. Mechanical survival was 98.4%, 91.1%, and 85.2% at five, ten and 15 years, respectively. A total of 15 mechanical failures were identified at the final follow-up. Of the 13 all-polyethylene tibial components used for revision of a previous tibial component, five (38.5%) failed mechanically. Younger patients (< 18 years vs > 18 years; p = 0.005) and those used as revision components (p < 0.001) had significantly increased rates of failure. Multivariate logistic regression modelling showed revision status to be a positive risk factor for failure (odds ratio (OR) 19.498, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.598 to 82.676) and increasing age was a negative risk factor for failure (OR 0.927, 95% CI 0.872 to 0.987). Age-stratified risk analysis showed that age > 24 years was no longer a statistically significant risk factor for failure. The final mean MSTS score for all patients was 89% (8.5% to 100.0%). Conclusion. The long-term mechanical survivorship of all-polyethylene tibial components when used for tumour endoprostheses was excellent. Tumour surgeons should consider using these components for their durability and the secondary benefits of reduced cost and ease of removal and revision. However, caution should be taken when using all-polyethylene tibial components in the revision setting as a significantly higher rate of mechanical failure was seen in this group of patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J. 2020;102-B(2):170–176

Aims

The purpose of this study was to report the long-term results of extendable endoprostheses of the humerus in children after the resection of a bone sarcoma.

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the results of custom-made endoprostheses with extracortical plates plus or minus a short, intramedullary stem aimed at preserving the physis after resection of bone sarcomas in children.

Aims. We analyzed the long-term outcomes of patients observed over ten years after resection en bloc and reconstruction with extracorporeal irradiated autografts. Patients and Methods. This retrospective study included 27 patients who underwent resection en bloc and reimplantation of an extracorporeal irradiated autograft. The mean patient age and follow-up period were 31.7 years (9 to 59) and 16.6 years (10.3 to 24.3), respectively. The most common diagnosis was osteosarcoma (n = 10), followed by chondrosarcoma (n = 6). The femur (n = 13) was the most frequently involved site, followed by the tibia (n = 7). There were inlay grafts in five patients, intercalary grafts in 15 patients, and osteoarticular grafts in seven patients. Functional outcome was evaluated with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system. Results. There were no recurrences in the irradiated autograft and the autograft survived in 24 patients (88.9%). Major complications included nonunion (n = 9), subchondral bone collapse (n = 4), and deep infection (n = 4). Although 34 revision procedures were performed, 25 (73.5%) and four (11.8%) of these were performed less than five years and ten years after the initial surgery, respectively. The mean MSTS score at the last follow-up was 84.3% (33% to 100%). Conclusion. Considering long-term outcomes, extracorporeal irradiated autograft is an effective method of reconstruction for malignant musculoskeletal tumours. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1151–1159