Aims. Controversy exists as to what should be considered a safe resection margin to minimize local recurrence in high-grade pelvic chondrosarcomas (CS). The aim of this study is to quantify what is a safe margin of resection for high-grade CS of the pelvis. Methods. We retrospectively identified 105 non-metastatic patients with high-grade pelvic CS of bone who underwent surgery (limb salvage/amputations) between 2000 and 2018. There were 82 (78%) male and 23 (22%) female patients with a mean age of 55 years (26 to 84). The majority of the patients underwent limb salvage surgery (n = 82; 78%) compared to 23 (22%) who had amputation. In total, 66 (64%) patients were grade 2 CS compared to 38 (36%) grade 3 CS. All patients were assessed for stage, pelvic anatomical classification, type of resection and reconstruction, margin status, local recurrence, distant recurrence, and overall survival. Surgical margins were stratified into millimetres: < 1 mm; > 1 mm but < 2 mm; and > 2 mm. Results. The disease-­specific survival (DSS) at five years was 69% (95% confidence interval (CI) 56% to 81%) and 51% (95% CI 31% to 70%) for grade 2 and 3 CS, respectively (p = 0.092). The local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) at five years was 59% (95% CI 45% to 72%) for grade 2 CS and 42% (95% CI 21% to 63%) for grade 3 CS (p = 0.318). A margin of more than 2 mm was a significant predictor of increased LRFS (p = 0.001). There was a tendency, but without statistical significance, for a > 2 mm margin to be a predictor of improved DSS. Local recurrence (LR) was a highly significant predictor of DSS, analyzed in a competing risk model (p = 0.001). Conclusion. Obtaining wide margins in the pelvis remains challenging for high-grade pelvic CS. On the basis of our study, we conclude that it is necessary to achieve at least a 2 mm margin for optimal oncological outcomes in patients with high-grade CS of the pelvis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1150–1154

Aims. The existing clinical guidelines do not describe a clear indication for adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment of superficial soft tissue sarcomas (STSs). We aimed to determine the efficacy of adjuvant RT for superficial STSs. Methods. We retrospectively studied 304 patients with superficial STS of the limbs and trunk who underwent surgical resection at a tertiary sarcoma centre. The efficacy of RT was investigated according to the tumour size and grade: group 1, ≤ 5 cm, low grade; group 2, ≤ 5cm, high grade; group 3, > 5 cm, low grade; group 4, > 5 cm, high grade. Results. The five- and ten-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) for all patients was 88% and 81%, respectively. While the efficacy of adjuvant RT was not proven in local control of all patients (five-year LRFS; RT+, 90% versus RT-, 83%; p = 0.074), the LRFS was significantly improved by adjuvant RT in group 2 (five-year LRFS; RT+, 96% versus RT-, 82%; p = 0.019), and group 4 (five-year LRFS; RT+, 87% versus RT-, 73%; p = 0.027). In groups 2 and 4, adjuvant RT significantly reduced the LR risk if the resection margin was clear but less than 5 mm; the LR rate was 7% with adjuvant RT compared with 26% with surgery alone (p = 0.003). There was no statistical relationship with the use of adjuvant RT and survival in every group. Conclusion. Adjuvant RT reduces the risk of local recurrence in patients with superficial high-grade STS regardless of tumour size, especially when resection margin is less than 5 mm. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):1088–1094

A poor response to chemotherapy (≤ 90% necrosis) for osteosarcomas leads to poorer survival and an increased risk of local recurrence, particularly if there is a close margin of excision. We evaluated whether amputation confers any survival benefit over limb salvage surgery (LSS) with narrow margins in patients who respond poorly to chemotherapy. We only analysed patients with an osteosarcoma of the limb, a poor response to chemotherapy and close margins on LSS (marginal/intralesional) or primary amputation: 360 patients (36 LSS (intralesional margins), 197 LSS (marginal margins) and 127 amputations) were included. Local recurrence developed in 13 (36%) following LSS with intralesional margins, and 39 (20%) following LSS with marginal margins. There was no local recurrence in patients who underwent amputation. The five-year survival for all patients was 41% (95% confidence interval (CI) 35 to 46), but for those treated by LSS with marginal margins was 46.2% (95% CI 38 to 53), 36.3% (95% CI 27 to 45) for those treated by amputation, and 28% (95 CI 14 to 44) for those treated by LSS with intralesional margins. Patients who had LSS and then developed local recurrence as a first event had the same survival as those who had primary amputation without local recurrence. Prophylactic adjuvant radiotherapy was used in 40 patients but had no discernible effect in preventing local recurrence. Although amputation offered better local control, it conferred no clear survival benefit over LSS with marginal margins in these patients with a poor overall prognosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:115–20

Aims. Due to the complex anatomy of the pelvis, limb-sparing resections of pelvic tumours achieving adequate surgical margins, can often be difficult. The advent of computer navigation has improved the precision of resection of these lesions, though there is little evidence comparing resection with or without the assistance of navigation. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of navigation-assisted surgery for the resection of pelvic bone tumours involving the posterior ilium and sacrum. . Patients and Methods. Using our prospectively updated institutional database, we conducted a retrospective case control study of 21 patients who underwent resection of the posterior ilium and sacrum, for the treatment of a primary sarcoma of bone, between 1987 and 2015. The resection was performed with the assistance of navigation in nine patients and without navigation in 12. We assessed the accuracy of navigation-assisted surgery, as defined by the surgical margin and how this affects the rate of local recurrence, the disease-free survival and the effects on peri-and post-operative morbidity. . Results. The mean age of the patients was 36.4 years (15 to 66). The mean size of the tumour was 10.9 cm. In the navigation-assisted group, the margin was wide in two patients (16.7%), marginal in six (66.7%) and wide-contaminated in one (11.1%) with no intralesional margin. In the non-navigated-assisted group; the margin was wide in two patients (16.7%), marginal in five (41.7%), intralesional in three (25.0%) and wide-contaminated in two (16.7%). Local recurrence occurred in two patients in the navigation-assisted group (22.2%) and six in the non-navigation-assisted group (50.0%). The disease-free survival was significantly better when operated with navigation-assistance (p = 0.048). The blood loss and operating time were less in the navigated-assisted group, as was the risk of a foot drop post-operatively. Conclusion . The introduction of navigation-assisted surgery for the resection of tumours of the posterior ilium and sacrum has increased the safety for the patients and allows for a better oncological outcome. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:261–6

We considered whether a positive margin occurring after resection of a soft-tissue sarcoma of a limb would affect the incidence of local recurrence. Patients with low-grade liposarcomas were expected to be a low-risk group as were those who had positive margins planned before surgery to preserve critical structures. Two groups, however, were expected to be at a higher risk, namely, patients who had undergone unplanned excision elsewhere with a positive margin on re-excision and those with unplanned positive margins occurring during primary resection. Of 566 patients in a prospective database, 87 with positive margins after limb-sparing surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy were grouped according to the clinical scenario by an observer blinded to the outcome. The rate of local recurrence differed significantly between the two low- (4.2% and 3.6%) and the two high-risk groups (31.6% and 37.5%). This classification therefore provides useful information about the incidence of local recurrence after positive-margin resection

We hypothesised that the use of computer navigation-assisted surgery for pelvic and sacral tumours would reduce the risk of an intralesional margin. We reviewed 31 patients (18 men and 13 women) with a mean age of 52.9 years (13.5 to 77.2) in whom computer navigation-assisted surgery had been carried out for a bone tumour of the pelvis or sacrum. There were 23 primary malignant bone tumours, four metastatic tumours and four locally advanced primary tumours of the rectum. The registration error when using computer navigation was <  1 mm in each case. There were no complications related to the navigation, which allowed the preservation of sacral nerve roots (n = 13), resection of otherwise inoperable disease (n = 4) and the avoidance of hindquarter amputation (n = 3). The intralesional resection rate for primary tumours of the pelvis and sacrum was 8.7% (n = 2): clear bone resection margins were achieved in all cases. At a mean follow-up of 13.1 months (3 to 34) three patients (13%) had developed a local recurrence. The mean time alive from diagnosis was 16.8 months (4 to 48). . Computer navigation-assisted surgery is safe and has reduced our intralesional resection rate for primary tumours of the pelvis and sacrum. We recommend this technique as being worthy of further consideration for this group of patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1417–24

Aims. This study aimed to analyze the accuracy and errors associated with 3D-printed, patient-specific resection guides (3DP-PSRGs) used for bone tumour resection. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 29 bone tumour resections that used 3DP-PSRGs based on 3D CT and 3D MRI. We evaluated the resection amount errors and resection margin errors relative to the preoperative plans. Guide-fitting errors and guide distortion were evaluated intraoperatively and one month postoperatively, respectively. We categorized each of these error types into three grades (grade 1, < 1 mm; grade 2, 1 to 3 mm; and grade 3, > 3 mm) to evaluate the overall accuracy. Results. The maximum resection amount error was 2 mm. Out of 29 resection amount errors, 15 (51.7%) were grade 1 errors and 14 (48.3%) were grade 2 errors. Complex resections were associated with higher-grade resection amount errors (p < 0.001). The actual resection margins correlated significantly with the planned margins; however, there were some discrepancies. The maximum guide-fitting error was 3 mm. There were 22 (75.9%), five (17.2%), and two (6.9%) grade 1, 2, and 3 guide-fitting errors, respectively. There was no significant association between complex resection and fitting error grades. The guide distortion after one month in all patients was rated as grade 1. Conclusion. In terms of the accurate resection amount according to the preoperative planning, 3DP-PSRGs can be a viable option for bone tumour resection. However, 3DP-PSRG use may be associated with resection margin length discrepancies relative to the planned margins. Such discrepancies should be considered when determining surgical margins. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of the preoperative imaging and surgical planning is still required, even if 3DP-PSRGs are to be used. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):190–197

Aims. For rare cases when a tumour infiltrates into the hip joint, extra-articular resection is required to obtain a safe margin. Endoprosthetic reconstruction following tumour resection can effectively ensure local control and improve postoperative function. However, maximizing bone preservation without compromising surgical margin remains a challenge for surgeons due to the complexity of the procedure. The purpose of the current study was to report clinical outcomes of patients who underwent extra-articular resection of the hip joint using a custom-made osteotomy guide and 3D-printed endoprosthesis. Methods. We reviewed 15 patients over a five-year period (January 2017 to December 2022) who had undergone extra-articular resection of the hip joint due to malignant tumour using a custom-made osteotomy guide and 3D-printed endoprosthesis. Each of the 15 patients had a single lesion, with six originating from the acetabulum side and nine from the proximal femur. All patients had their posterior column preserved according to the surgical plan. Results. Postoperative pathological assessment revealed a negative surgical margin was achieved in all patients. At final follow-up, 13.3% (2/15) died and no recurrence occurred. The overall survival was 81.7% at five years. None of the patients showed any signs of aseptic loosening, and no wound healing issues were observed. In total, 20% (3/15) developed complications, with two cases of early hip dislocation and one case of deep infection. The cumulative incidence of mechanical and non-mechanical failure in this series was 13.7% and 9.3%, respectively, at five years. In this cohort, the mean time to full weightbearing was 5.89 (SD 0.92) weeks and the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 24.1 (SD 4.4). Conclusion. For patients with a hip joint tumour who met the inclusion criteria and were deemed suitable for posterior column preservation, a custom-made osteotomy guide combined with 3D-printed endoprosthesis is worth performing when treating patients who require extra-articular resection of the hip joint, as it can achieve adequate margin for local control, maximize bone preservation to maintain pelvic ring integrity, reduce the risk of complications by simplifying the surgical procedure, and allow for more precise reconstruction for better function. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(11):1027–1036

Aims. Low-grade central osteosarcoma (LGCOS), a rare type of osteosarcoma, often has misleading radiological and pathological features that overlap with those of other bone tumours, thereby complicating diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to analyze the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of patients with LGCOS, with a focus on diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 49 patients with LGCOS (Broder’s grade 1 to 2) treated between January 1985 and December 2017 in a single institute. We examined the presence of malignant features on imaging (periosteal reaction, cortical destruction, soft-tissue invasion), the diagnostic accuracy of biopsy, surgical treatment, and oncological outcome. Results. Based on imaging, 35 of 49 patients (71.4%) exhibited malignant features. Overall, 40 of 49 patients (81.6%) had undergone a biopsy before en-bloc resection: 27 of 40 patients (67.5%) were diagnosed on the first biopsy, which was more accurate when carried out by open rather than needle biopsy (91.3% vs 35.3% diagnostic accuracy, respectively; p < 0.001). Of the 40 patients treated by en-bloc resection, surgical margins were wide in 38 (95.0%) and marginal in two (5.0%). Furthermore, nine of 49 patients (18.4%) underwent curettage (intralesional margin) without previous biopsy. All patients with a positive margin developed local recurrence. Distant metastases occurred in five of 49 patients (10.2%). The mean five-year overall survival (OS) and distant relapse-free survival (D-RFS) were 89.3% (SD 5.1%) and 85.7% (SD 5.5%), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the occurrence of distant metastasis was a poor prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 11.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92 to 69.17; p < 0.001). Local recurrence was a poor prognostic factor for D-RFS (HR 8.72, 95% CI 1.69 to 45.0; p = 0.002). Conclusion. The diagnosis of LGCOS can be challenging because it may present with non-malignant features and has a low diagnostic accuracy on biopsy. If precisely diagnosed, LGCOS can be successfully treated by surgical excision with wide margins. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(1):99–106

Aims. The scapula is a rare site for a primary bone tumour. Only a small number of series have studied patient outcomes after treatment. Previous studies have shown a high rate of recurrence, with functional outcomes determined by the preservation of the glenohumeral joint and deltoid. The purpose of the current study was to report the outcome of patients who had undergone tumour resection that included the scapula. Methods. We reviewed 61 patients (37 male, 24 female; mean age 42 years (SD 19)) who had undergone resection of the scapula. The most common resection was type 2 (n = 34) according to the Tikhoff-Linberg classification, or type S1A (n = 35) on the Enneking classification. Results. The ten-year disease-specific survival was 76%. High tumour grade (hazard ratio (HR) 4.27; p = 0.016) and a total resection of the scapula (HR 3.84; p = 0.015) were associated with worse survival. The ten-year metastasis-free and local recurrence-free survivals were 82% and 86%, respectively. Total scapular resection (HR 6.29; p = 0.004) was associated with metastatic disease and positive margins were associated with local recurrence (HR 12.86; p = 0.001). At final follow-up, the mean shoulder forward elevation and external rotation were 79° (SD 62°) and 27° (SD 25°), respectively. The most recent functional outcomes evaluated included the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (76% (SD 17%)), the American Shoulder and Elbow Score (73% (SD 20%)), and the Simple Shoulder Test (7 (SD 3)). Preservation of the glenoid (p = 0.001) and scapular spine (p < 0.001) improved clinical outcomes; interestingly, preservation of the scapular spine without the glenoid improved outcomes (p < 0.001) compared to preservation of the glenoid alone (p = 0.05). Conclusion. Resection of the scapula is a major undertaking with an oncological outcome related to tumour grade, and a functional outcome associated with the status of the scapular spine and glenoid. Positive resection margins are associated with local recurrence. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1314–1320

Aims. The Birmingham Orthopaedic Oncology Meeting (BOOM), held in January 2024, convened 309 delegates from 53 countries to discuss and refine 21 consensus statements on the optimal management of chondrosarcoma. Methods. With representation from Europe (43%; n = 133), North America (17%; n = 53), South America (16%; n = 49), Asia (13%; n = 40), Australasia (5%; n = 16), the Middle East (4%; n = 12), and Africa (2%; n = 6), the combined experience of treating bone sarcomas among attendees totalled approximately 30,000 cases annually, equivalent to 66 years of experience in the UK alone. The meeting’s process began with the formation of a local organizing committee, regional leads, and a scientific committee comprising representatives from 150 specialist units across 47 countries. Supported by major orthopaedic oncology organizations, the meeting used a modified Delphi process to develop consensus statements through online questionnaires, thematic groupings, narrative reviews, and anonymous pre-meeting polling. Results. Strong (> 80%) consensus was achieved on 19 out of 21 statements, reflecting agreement among delegates. Key areas of consensus included the role of radiology in diagnosis and surveillance, the management of locally recurrent disease, and the treatment of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. Notably, there was agreement that routine chemotherapy has no role in chondrosarcoma treatment, and radiological surveillance is safe for intraosseous chondrosarcomas. Despite the overall consensus, areas of controversy remain, particularly regarding the treatment of atypical cartilage tumours and surgical margins. These unresolved issues underscore the need for further research and collaboration within the orthopaedic oncology community. Conclusion. BOOM represents the largest global consensus meeting in orthopaedic oncology, providing valuable guidance for clinicians managing chondrosarcoma worldwide. The consensus statements offer a reference for clinical practice, highlight key research priorities, and aim to improve patient outcomes on a global scale. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(2):246–252

Aims. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential for achieving local and systemic control after local recurrence of a chondrosarcoma of bone. Patients and Methods. A total of 126 patients with local recurrence (LR) of chondrosarcoma (CS) of the pelvis or a limb bone were identified from a prospectively maintained database, between 1990 and 2015 at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom. There were 44 female patients (35%) and 82 male patients (65%) with a mean age at the time of LR of 56 years (13 to 96). The 126 patients represented 24.3% of the total number of patients with a primary CS (519) who had been treated during this period. Clinical data collected at the time of primary tumour and LR included the site (appendicular, extremity, or pelvis); primary and LR tumour size (in centimetres); type of operation at the time of primary or LR (limb-salvage or amputation); surgical margin achieved at resection of the primary tumour and the LR; grade of the primary tumour and the LR; gender; age; and oncological outcomes, including local recurrence-free survival and disease-specific survival. A minimum two years’ follow-up and complete histopathology records were available for all patients included in the study. Results. For patients without metastases prior to or at the time of local recurrence, the disease-specific survival after local recurrence was 62.5% and 45.5% at one and five years, respectively. After univariable analysis, significant factors predicting disease-specific survival were grade (p < 0.001) and surgical margin (p = 0.044). After multivariable analysis, grade, increasing age at the time of diagnosis of local recurrence, and a greater time interval from primary surgery to local recurrence were significant factors for disease-specific survival. A secondary local recurrence was seen in 26% of patients. Wide margins were a good predictor of local recurrence-free survival for subsequent recurrences after univariable analysis when compared with intralesional margins (p = 0.002) but marginal margins did not reach statistical significance when compared with intralesional margins (p = 0.084). Conclusion. In cases of local recurrence of a chondrosarcoma of bone, we have shown that if the tumour is non-metastatic at re-staging, an increase in disease-specific survival and in local recurrence-free survival is achievable, but only by resection of the local recurrence with a wide margin. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:266–271

Aims. The aim of the present study was to analyze the oncological and neurological outcome of patients undergoing interdisciplinary treatment for primary malignant bone and soft-tissue tumours of the spine within the last seven decades, and changes over time. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed our single-centre experience of prospectively collected data by querying our tumour registry (Medical University of Vienna). Therapeutic, pathological, and demographic variables were examined. Descriptive data are reported for the entire cohort. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were applied to evaluate survival rates and the influence of potential risk factors. Results. A total of 119 consecutive patients (mean age 38 years (SD 37; 1 to 83), mean follow-up 66 months (SD 26; 0 to 505) were investigated. Histological entities included Ewing’s sarcoma (EWS; 33), chondrosarcoma (CSA; 20), osteosarcoma (OSA; 22), and soft-tissue sarcoma (STS; 44). Surgery was performed in 88 patients (74%). Neurological parameters improved in 18 patients (20%) after surgery. Overall, 32 patients (36%) suffered from surgical complications requiring revision. The median survival was 42 months (IQR 10 to 204). The one-, five-, and ten-year survival rates were 73%, 47%, and 39%, respectively. Corresponding five-year survival rates for EWS, CSA, OSA, and STS were 63%, 61%, 40%, and 32%, respectively. The decade of diagnosis, histological entity, surgical intervention, resection margin, and the presence of metastases had significant influence on survival. (Neo-)adjuvant therapies alone had no significant influence on overall survival. Conclusion. Our study clearly demonstrates the positive impact of improved surgical techniques, as well as refined imaging methods and evolved adjuvant therapy options, on survival rate in all tumour entities. However, despite a multimodal treatment plan, the long-term mortality of these tumours remains high. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2025;6(2):109–118

Aims. We first sought to compare survival for patients treated surgically for solitary and multiple metastases in the appendicular skeleton, and second, to explore the role of complete and incomplete resection (R0 and R1/R2) in patients with a solitary bony metastasis in the appendicular skeleton. Methods. We conducted a retrospective study on a population-based cohort of all adult patients treated surgically for bony metastases of the appendicular skeleton between January 2014 and December 2019. We excluded patients in whom the status of bone metastases and resection margin was unknown. Patients were followed until the end of the study or to their death. We had no loss to follow-up. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis (with log-rank test) to evaluate patient survival. We identified 506 operations in 459 patients. A total of 120 operations (in 116 patients) were for solitary metastases and 386 (in 345 patients) for multiple metastases. Of the 120 operations, 70 (in 69 patients) had no/an unknown status of visceral metastases (solitary group) and 50 (in 49 patients) had visceral metastases. In the solitary group, 45 operations (in 44 patients) were R0 (resections for cure or complete remission) and 25 (in 25 patients) were R1/R2 (resections leaving microscopic or macroscopic tumour, respectively). The most common types of cancer in the solitary group were kidney (n = 27), lung (n = 25), and breast (n = 20). Results. The one-year patient survival was 47% (95% confidence interval (CI) 38 to 57) for the solitary bony metastases and 34% (95% CI 29 to 39) for multiple bone metastases (p < 0.001). The one-year patient survival was 64% (95% CI 52 to 75) for solitary bony metastases without/with unknown visceral metastases and 23% (95% CI 11 to 36) for solitary bony metastases with visceral metastases (p < 0.001). The one-year patient survival was 75% (95% CI 62 to 89) for a solitary bony metastasis after R0 surgery and 42% (95% CI 22 to 61) for a solitary bony metastasis with R1/R2 surgery (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Our study suggests that the surgical treatment of patients with a solitary bony metastasis to the appendicular skeleton results in better survival than for patients with multiple bony metastases. Furthermore, aggressive treatment of a solitary bony metastasis with R0 surgery may improve patient survival. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1206–1215

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the local recurrence rate at an extended follow-up in patients following navigated resection of primary pelvic and sacral tumours. Patients and Methods. This prospective cohort study comprised 23 consecutive patients (nine female, 14 male) who underwent resection of a primary pelvic or sacral tumour, using computer navigation, between 2010 and 2012. The mean age of the patients at the time of presentation was 51 years (10 to 77). The rates of local recurrence and mortality were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results. Bone resection margins were all clear and there were no bony recurrences. At a mean follow-up for all patients of 59 months (12 to 93), eight patients (34.8%) developed soft-tissue local recurrence, with a cumulative rate of local recurrence at six-years of 35.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 19.3 to 58.1). The cumulative all-cause rate of mortality at six-years was 26.1% (95% CI 12.7 to 49.1). Conclusion. Despite the positive early experience with navigated-assisted resection, local recurrence rates remain high. With increasing knowledge of the size of soft-tissue margins required to reduce local recurrence and the close proximity of native structures in the pelvis, we advise against compromising resection to preserve function, and encourage surgeons to reduce local recurrence by prioritizing wide resection margins of the tumour. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:484–490

Aims. Current literature suggests that survival outcomes and local recurrence rates of primary soft-tissue sarcoma diagnosed in the very elderly age range, (over 90 years), are comparable with those in patients diagnosed under the age of 75 years. Our aim is to quantify these outcomes with a view to rationalizing management and follow-up for very elderly patients. Methods. Retrospective access to our prospectively maintained oncology database yielded a cohort of 48 patients across 23 years with a median follow-up of 12 months (0 to 78) and mean age at diagnosis of 92 years (90 to 99). Overall, 42 of 48 of 48 patients (87.5%) were managed surgically with either limb salvage or amputation. Results. A lower overall local recurrence rate (LRR) was seen with primary amputations compared with limb salvage (p > 0.050). The LRR was comparable between free (R0), microscopically (R1), and macroscopically positive (R2) resection margins in the limb salvage group. Amputation was also associated with longer survival times (p < 0.050). Overall median survival time was limited to 20 months (0 to 80). Conclusion. Early and aggressive treatment with appropriate oncological surgery confers the lowest LRR and a survival advantage versus conservative treatment in this cohort of patients. With limited survival, follow-up can be rationalized on a patient-by-patient basis using alternative means, such as GP, local oncology, and/or patient-led follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):177–182

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of patients who underwent definitive surgery for secondary chondrosarcomas arising from osteochondromas. Patients and Methods. A total of 51 patients with secondary chondrosarcomas occurring from osteochondromas were reviewed. Median age was 36 years (interquartile range (IQR) 15 to 82). Median follow-up was 6.9 years (IQR 2.8 to 10.6). The pelvis was the most commonly affected site (59%). Histological grades were grade I in 35 (69%), grade II in 13 (25%), and grade III in three patients (6%). Results. Preoperative biopsy histology correctly predicted the final histological grade in 27% of patients. The ten-year disease-specific survival (DSS) for all patients was 89.4%. Local recurrence occurred in 15 patients (29%), more commonly in pelvic tumours (37%) compared with limb tumours (19%). Four patients with pelvic tumours died from progression of local recurrence. No patient with limb tumours died of disease. Wide/radical margin was associated with improved local recurrence-free survival (p = 0.032) and local recurrence was associated with worse DSS (p = 0.005). Conclusion. We recommend that a secondary chondrosarcoma arising from osteochondroma of the pelvis is resected with wide/radical resection margins. The balance between the morbidity of surgery and risk of local recurrence needs to be considered in patients with limb secondary chondrosarcomas. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1313–1320

We have investigated the oncological outcome of 63 patients with soft-tissue sarcomas of the hand managed at three major centres in the United Kingdom. There were 44 males and 19 females with a mean age of 45 years (11 to 92). The three most common diagnoses were synovial sarcoma, clear cell sarcoma and epithelioid sarcoma. Local excision was carried out in 45 patients (71%) and amputation in 18 (29%). All those treated by amputation had a wide margin of excision but this was only achieved in 58% of those treated by local excision. The risk of local recurrence was 6% in those treated by amputation compared with 42% for those who underwent attempted limb salvage. An inadequate margin of excision resulted in a 12 times greater risk of local recurrence when compared with those in whom a wide margin of excision had been achieved. We were unable to demonstrate any role for radiotherapy in decreasing the risk of local recurrence when there was an inadequate margin of excision. Patients with an inadequate margin of excision had a much higher risk of both local recurrence and metastasis than those with wide margins. The overall survival rate at five years was 87% and was related to the grade and size of the tumour and to the surgical margin. We have shown that a clear margin of excision is essential to achieve local control of a soft-tissue sarcoma in the hand and that failure to achieve this results in a high risk of both local recurrence and metastastic disease

Aims. Chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary sarcoma of bone: conventional chondrosarcoma accounts for 85% of all cases. Conventional chondrosarcoma may be central or peripheral. Most studies group central and peripheral chondrosarcomas together, although there is growing evidence that their clinical behaviour and prognosis differ. The aims of this study were to analyze any differences in characteristics between central and peripheral chondrosarcomas and to investigate the incidence and role of different syndromes. Methods. Data from two international tertiary referral sarcoma centres between January 1995 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The study population consisted of 714 patients with surgically treated conventional chondrosarcoma of the pelvis and limbs. Results. In patients with Ollier’s disease and Mafucci’s syndrome, 12/20 (60%) and 2/5 (60%) of malignancies, respectively, were in the limbs, most frequently in the proximal humerus, proximal tibia, and in the hands and feet. In patients with hereditary multiple exostosis (HME), 20/29 (69.0%) of chondrosarcomas were in the pelvis and scapula, specifically in the ilium in 13/29 (44.8%) and the scapula in 3/29 (10.3%). In central chondrosarcoma, survival of patients with Ollier’s disease and non-syndromic patients was the same (p = 0.805). In peripheral chondrosarcoma, survival among HME patients was similar (p = 0.676) in patients with tumours of the pelvis and limbs. Conclusion. Both central and peripheral chondrosarcoma have specific characteristics. HME is frequently seen in patients with a peripheral chondrosarcoma, in whom tumours are commonly located in the ilium and scapula. The incidence of Ollier’s disease is uncommon in patients with a central chondrosarcoma. Disease-specific survival is equal in different subtypes after adjustment for histological grade. The local recurrence-free survival is the same for different locations and subtypes after adjustment for surgical margin. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):984–990

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. Methods. A total of 73 patients with a median age of 19 years (interquartile range (IQR) 14 to 36) were included in this retrospective, multicentre study. Results. Reconstructions included intercalary resection in 17 patients, osteoarticular reconstruction in 11, and ankle arthrodesis in 45. The median follow-up was 77 months (IQR 35 to 130). Local recurrence occurred in eight patients after a median of 14 months (IQR 9 to 36), without a correlation with adequacy of margins or reconstructive technique. Major complications included fracture of the graft in ten patients, nonunion of the proximal osteotomy in seven, and infection in five. In the osteoarticular group, three of 11 patients developed radiological evidence of severe osteoarthritis, but only one was symptomatic and required conversion to ankle arthrodesis. Functional evaluation showed higher values of the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores in the intercalary group compared with the others. Conclusion. Preservation of the epiphysis in patients with a distal tibial bone tumour is a safe and effective form of limb-sparing treatment. It requires rigorous preoperative planning after accurate analysis of the imaging. When joint-sparing resection is not indicated, ankle arthrodesis, either isolated tibiotalar or combined tibiotalar and subtalar arthrodesis, should be preferred over osteoarticular reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1567–1573

Aims. Our aim was to develop and validate nomograms that would predict the cumulative incidence of sarcoma-specific death (CISSD) and disease progression (CIDP) in patients with localized high-grade primary central and dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. Methods. The study population consisted of 391 patients from two international sarcoma centres (development cohort) who had undergone definitive surgery for a localized high-grade (histological grade II or III) conventional primary central chondrosarcoma or dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. Disease progression captured the first event of either metastasis or local recurrence. An independent cohort of 221 patients from three additional hospitals was used for external validation. Two nomograms were internally and externally validated for discrimination (c-index) and calibration plot. Results. In the development cohort, the CISSD at ten years was 32.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 19.8% to 38.4%). Age at diagnosis, grade, and surgical margin were found to have significant effects on CISSD and CIDP in multivariate analyses. Maximum tumour diameter was also significantly associated with CISSD. In the development cohort, the c-indices for CISSD and CIDP at five years were 0.743 (95% CI 0.700 to 0.819) and 0.761 (95% CI 0.713 to 0.800), respectively. When applied to the validation cohort, the c-indices for CISSD and CIDP at five years were 0.839 (95% CI 0.763 to 0.916) and 0.749 (95% CI 0.672 to 0.825), respectively. The calibration plots for these two nomograms demonstrated good fit. Conclusion. Our nomograms performed well on internal and external validation and can be used to predict CISSD and CIDP after resection of localized high-grade conventional primary central and dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas. They provide a new tool with which clinicians can assess and advise individual patients about their prognosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1752–1759

Aims. Although chondrosarcomas (CSs) display true malignant features, including local recurrence (LR) and metastases, their behaviour in the hands and feet is thought to differ from that in other parts of the axial and appendicular skeleton by having a lower metastatic potential. The purpose of this study was to investigate the disease-specific and surgical factors that affect the local and systemic prognosis of CS of the hands and feet. Methods. A multicentre retrospective study was carried out at two tertiary sarcoma centres. A database search identified all patients with a CS treated between January 1995 and January 2018. There were 810 CSs of which 76 (9.4%) were located in the fingers, toes, metacarpals, and metatarsal bones. Results. The median age of the study population was 55 years (36 to 68) with a median follow-up of 52 months (22 to 87) months. Overall, 70% of the tumours were in the hand (n = 54) and 30% in the foot (n = 22). Predictors for LR were margin (p = 0.011), anatomical location (p = 0.017), and method of surgical management (p = 0.003). Anatomical location (p = 0.026), histological grade between 1 and 3 (p = 0.004) or 2 and 3 (p = 0.016), and surgical management (p = 0.001) were significant factors for LR-free survival. Disease-specific survival was affected by histological grade (p < 0.001), but not by LR (p = 0.397). Conclusion. Intralesional curettage of a low-grade CS is associated with an increased risk of LR, but LR does not affect disease-specific survival. Therefore, for low-grade CSs of the hands and feet, surgical management should aim to preserve function. In grade 2 CS, our study did not show any decreased disease-specific survival after recurrence; however, we suggest a more aggressive surgical approach to these tumours to prevent local recurrence, especially in the metacarpal and metatarsal bones. In high-grade tumours, the incidence of progressive disease is high and, therefore, the treatment of the primary tumour should be aggressive where possible, and patients observed closely for the development of metastatic disease. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):562–568

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. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients (seven male and nine female, mean age 12.2 years (7 to 16)) with osteosarcoma of the knee who had been treated by TER. We evaluated the MRI scans before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for all patients to assess the extent of the disease and the response to treatment. Results. The mean follow-up period was 64.3 months (25 to 148) after surgery and no patients were lost to follow-up. On MRI evaluation, 13 tumours were near but not in contact with the physes and three tumours were partially in contact with the physes before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Bone oedema in the epiphysis was observed in eight patients. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, bone oedema in the epiphysis disappeared in all patients. In total, 11 tumours were not in contact and five tumours were in partial contact with the physes. The postoperative pathological margin was negative in all patients. At the last follow-up, 12 patients were continuously disease-free and three had no evidence of disease. One patient died due to the disease. Functionally, the patients with retained allograft or recycled autograft had a mean knee range of flexion of 126° (90° to 150°). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 27.6 (23 to 30). Conclusion. TER is an effective limb-salvage technique for treating malignant metaphyseal bone tumours in paediatric and young osteosarcoma patients with open physes when a good response to chemotherapy and no progression of the tumour to the epiphysis have been confirmed by MRI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):772–778

Aims. Myxofibrosarcomas (MFSs) are malignant soft-tissue sarcomas characteristically presenting as painless slowly growing masses in the extremities. Locally infiltrative growth means that the risk of local recurrence is high. We reviewed our experience to make recommendations about resection strategies and the role of the multidisciplinary team in the management of these tumours. Patients and Methods. Patients with a primary or recurrent MFS who were treated surgically in our unit between 1997 and 2012 were included in the study. Clinical records and imaging were reviewed. A total of 50 patients with a median age of 68.4 years (interquartile range 61.6 to 81.8) were included. There were 35 men; 49 underwent surgery in our unit. Results. The lower limb was the most common site (32/50, 64%). The mean size of the tumours was 8.95 cm (1.5 to 27.0); 26 (52%) were French Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer grade III. A total of 21 (43%) had positive margins after the initial excision; 11 underwent further excision. Histology showed microscopic spread of up to 29 mm beyond macroscopic tumour. Local recurrence occurred in seven patients (14%) at a mean of 21 months (3 to 33) and 15 (30%) developed metastases at a mean of 17 months (3 to 30) post-operatively. Conclusion. High rates of positive margins and the need for further excision makes this tumour particularly suited to management by multidisciplinary surgical teams. Microscopic tumour can be present up to 29 mm from the macroscopic tumour in fascially-based tumours. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1682–8

Aims. The aim of the study was to investigate the controversial issue of whether the pelvic ring should be reconstructed following resection of the sarcomas of the ilium. Patients and Methods. From our database, we identified 64 patients who underwent excision of a tumour involving the ilium between 1976 and 2015. A total of 35 underwent complete resection, of whom 24 were reconstructed with a non-vascularised fibula graft, and four with extracorporeal irradiation and reimplantation. A total of 29 patients had a partial resection. The mean follow-up was 9.2 years (1.1 to 25.6). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Toronto Extremity Salvation Score (TESS) at final follow-up. In all, 32 patients (50%) had a chondrosarcoma. Results. The mean TESS for all patients was 71.6% (17% to 100%). The mean TESS for those who underwent total resection with reconstruction was 72.0% (17% to 100%) and without reconstruction it was 53.3% (20% to 90%) and for those who underwent partial resection it was 76.3% (31.3% to 100%). The rate of local recurrence was 42.2% and this was more common in those treated by partial resection (p = 0.048). The risk of local recurrence was related to the margin achieved at resection. Conclusions. Given the high rate of local recurrence following excision of a tumour from the ilium, obtaining wide surgical margins should be a priority even if this requires more aggressive surgery. In young patients, where late recurrence may occur, more radical complete resection should be considered. When total resection of the ilium is considered, reconstruction should also be considered as it confers a higher functional outcome than total resection without reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:538–43

We aimed to identify the incidence, outcome and prognostic factors associated with spindle cell sarcomas of bone (SCSB). We studied 196 patients with a primary non-metastatic tumour treated with the intent to cure. The results were compared with those of osteosarcoma patients treated at our hospital during the same period. The overall incidence of SCSB was 7.8% of all patients with a primary bone sarcoma. The five- and ten-year survival rates were 67.0% and 60.0%, respectively, which were better than those of patients with osteosarcoma treated over the same period. All histological subtypes had similar outcomes. On univariate analysis, factors that were significantly associated with decreased survival were age > 40 years, size > 8 cm, the presence of a pathological fracture, amputation, involved margins and a poor response to pre-operative chemotherapy. Multivariate analyses showed that age > 65 years, amputation and involved margins were all statistically significant prognostic factors. Involved margins and poor response to pre-operative chemotherapy were associated with an increased risk of local recurrence. SCSB has a better prognosis than osteosarcoma when matched for age. Most prognostic factors for osteosarcoma also seem to apply to SCSB. Patients with SCSB should be treated in the same way as patients of the same age with osteosarcoma

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic and therapeutic factors which influence the oncological outcome of parosteal osteosarcoma. A total of 80 patients with a primary parosteal osteosarcoma were included in this retrospective study. There were 51 females and 29 males with a mean age of 29.9 years (11 to 78). The mean follow-up was 11.2 years (1 to 40). Overall survival was 91.8% at five years and 87.8% at ten years. Local recurrence occurred in 14 (17.5%) patients and was associated with intralesional surgery and a large volume of tumour. On histological examination, 80% of the local recurrences were dedifferentiated high-grade tumours. A total of 12 (14.8%) patients developed pulmonary metastases, of whom half had either a dedifferentiated tumour or a local recurrence. Female gender and young age were good prognostic factors. Local recurrence was a poor prognostic factor for survival. Medullary involvement or the use of chemotherapy had no impact on survival. The main goal in treating a parosteal osteosarcoma must be to achieve a wide surgical margin, as inadequate margins are associated with local recurrence. Local recurrence has a significant negative effect on survival, as 80% of the local recurrences are high-grade dedifferentiated tumours, and half of these patients develop metastases. The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of parosteal osteosarcoma is not as obvious as it is in the treatment of conventional osteosarcoma. The mainstay of treatment is wide local excision. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1698–1703

Aims . Osteosarcoma of the pelvis is a particularly difficult tumour to treat as it often presents late, may be of considerable size and/or associated with metastases when it presents, and is frequently chondroid in origin and resistant to chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to review our experience of managing this group of patients and to identify features predictive of a poor outcome. Patients and Methods. Between 1983 and 2014, 121 patients, (74 females and 47 males) were treated at a single hospital: 74 (61.2%) patients had a primary osteosarcoma and 47 (38.8%) had an osteosarcoma which was secondary either to Paget’s disease (22; 18.2%) or to previous pelvic irradiation (25; 20.7%). . The mean age of those with a primary osteosarcoma was 29.3 years (nine to 76) and their mean follow-up 2.9 years (0 to 29). The mean age of those with a secondary sarcoma was 61.9 years (15 to 85) and their mean follow-up was one year (0 to 14). . A total of 22 patients with a primary sarcoma (52.4%) and 20 of those with a secondary sarcoma (47.6%) had metastases at the time of presentation. . Results. The disease-specific survival at five years for all patients was 27.2%. For those without metastases at the time of diagnosis, the five-year survival was 32.7%. Factors associated with a poor outcome were metastases at diagnosis and secondary tumours. In primary osteosarcoma, sacral location, surgical margin and a diameter > 10 cm were associated with a poor outcome. Conclusion. In this, the largest single series of patients with an osteosarcoma of the pelvis treated in a single hospital, those with secondary tumours and those with metastases at presentation had a particularly poor outcome. For those with a primary sarcoma, sacral location, an intralesional margin and a diameter of > 10 cm were poor prognostic indicators. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:555–63

We reviewed 124 patients with a conventional pelvic chondrosarcoma who had been treated over a period of 20 years. We recorded the type of tumour (central or peripheral), type of operation (limb salvage surgery or hemipelvectomy), the grade of tumour, local recurrence and/or metastases, in order to identify the factors which might influence survival. More satisfactory surgical margins were achieved for central tumours or in those patients treated by hemipelvectomy. However, grade 1 tumours, whatever the course, did not develope metastases or cause death, while grade 3 tumours had the worst outcome and prognosis. Central, high-grade tumours require aggressive surgical treatment in order to achieve adequate surgical margins, particularly in those lesions located close to the sacroiliac joint. By contrast, grade 1 peripheral chondrosarcomas may be treated with contaminated margins in order to reduce operative morbidity, but without reducing survival

Aims. The aim of this study was to identify factors that determine outcomes of treatment for patients with chondroblastic osteosarcomas (COS) of the limbs and pelvis. Patients and Methods. The authors carried out a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 256 patients diagnosed between 1979 and 2015. Of the 256 patients diagnosed with COS of the pelvis and the limbs, 147 patients (57%) were male and 109 patients (43%) were female. The mean age at presentation was 20 years (0 to 90). Results. In all, 82% of the patients had a poor response to chemotherapy, which was associated with the presence of a predominantly chondroblastic component (more than 50% of tumour volume). The incidence of local recurrence was 15%. Synchronous or metachronous metastasis was diagnosed in 60% of patients. Overall survival was 51% and 42% after five and ten years, respectively. Limb localization and wide surgical margins were associated with a lower risk of local recurrence after multivariable analysis, while the response to chemotherapy was not. Local recurrence, advanced patient age, pelvic tumours, and large volume negatively influenced survival. Resection of pulmonary metastases was associated with a survival benefit in the limited number of patients in whom this was undertaken. Conclusion. COS demonstrates a poor response to chemotherapy and a high incidence of metastases. Wide resection is associated with improved local control and overall survival, while excision of pulmonary metastases is associated with improved survival in selected patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:739–744

Skeletal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma are highly destructive vascular lesions which severely reduce the quality of life. Pre-existing liver cirrhosis presents unique challenges during the surgical management of such lesions. We carried out a retrospective study of 42 patients who had been managed surgically for skeletal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma affecting the appendicular skeleton between January 2000 and December 2006. There were 38 men and four women with a mean age of 60.2 years (46 to 77). Surgery for a pathological fracture was undertaken in 30 patients and because of a high risk of fracture in 12. An intralesional surgical margin was achieved in 36 and a wide margin in six. Factors influencing survival were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. The survival rates at one, two and three years after surgery were 42.2%, 25.8% and 19.8%, respectively. The median survival time was ten months (95% confidence interval 6.29 to 13.71). The number of skeletal metastases and the Child-Pugh grade were identified as independent prognostic factors by Cox regression analysis. The method of management of the hepatocellular carcinoma, its status in the liver, the surgical margin for skeletal metastases, the presence of a pathological fracture and adjuvant radiotherapy were not found to be significantly related to the survival of the patient, which was affected by hepatic function, as represented by the Child-Pugh grade

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of local recurrence and survival in patients with osteosarcoma based on the proximity of the tumour to the major vessels. Patients and Methods. A total of 226 patients with high-grade non-metastatic osteosarcoma in the limbs were investigated. Median age at diagnosis was 15 years (4 to 67) with the ratio of male to female patients being 1.5:1. The most common site of the tumour was the femur (n = 103) followed by tibia (n = 66). The vascular proximity was categorized based on the preoperative MRI after neoadjuvant chemotherapy into four types: type 1 > 5 mm; type 2 ≤ 5 mm, > 0 mm; type 3 attached; type 4 surrounded. Results. Limb salvage rate based on the proximity type was 92%, 88%, 51%, and 0% for types 1 to 4, respectively, and the overall survival at five years was 82%, 77%, 57%, and 67%, respectively (p < 0.001). Local recurrence rate in patients with limb-salvage surgery was 7%, 8%, and 22% for the types 1 to 3, respectively (p = 0.041), and local recurrence at the perivascular area was observed in 1% and 4% for type 2 and 3, respectively. The mean microscopic margin to the major vessels was 6.9 mm, 3.0 mm, and 1.4 mm for types 1 to 3, respectively. In type 3, local recurrence-free survival with limb salvage was significantly poorer compared with amputation (p = 0.025), while the latter offered no overall survival benefit. In this group of patients, factors such as good response to chemotherapy or limited vascular attachment to less than half circumference or longitudinal 10 mm reduced the risk of local recurrence. Conclusion. The proximity of osteosarcoma to major blood vessels is a poor prognostic factor for local control and survival. Amputation offers better local control for tumours attached to the blood vessels but does not improve survival. Limb salvage surgery offers similar local control if the tumour attachment to blood vessels is limited. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1024–1031

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

Aims. The aim of this study was to analyse a group of patients with non-metastatic Ewing’s sarcoma at presentation and identify prognostic factors affecting the development of local recurrence, in order to assess the role of radiotherapy. Patients and Methods. A retrospective review of all patients with a Ewing’s sarcoma treated between 1980 and 2012 was carried out. Only those treated with chemotherapy followed by surgery and/or radiotherapy were included. Patients were grouped according to site (central or limb) for further analysis of the prognostic factors. Results. A total of 388 patients were included in the study. Of these, 60 (15%) developed local recurrence at a mean median of 27 months (. sd. 24, range 7 to 150) and the five-year local recurrence-free survival (5yrLRFS) was 83%. For central tumours, the size of the tumour and histological response to chemotherapy were found to be significant factors for local recurrence. For limb tumours, local recurrence was affected by intralesional and marginal resections, but not by the histological response to chemotherapy. Radiotherapy in those with a marginal resection reduced the risk of local recurrence (5yrLRFS: 96% versus 81%, p = 0.044). Conclusion. Local recurrence significantly affects the overall survival in patients with a Ewing’s sarcoma. For those with a tumour in a limb, radiotherapy reduced the risk of local recurrence, especially in those with a marginal margin of excision, but the effect in central tumours was less clear. Radiotherapy for those who have had a wide margin of resection does not reduce the risk of local recurrence, regardless of the histological response to chemotherapy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B: 247–55

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Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) of soft-tissue is a rare melanocytic subtype of mesenchymal malignancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and therapeutic factors associated with increased survival, stratified by clinical stage, in order to determine the optimal treatment.

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Surgical site infection (SSI) after soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) resection is a serious complication. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the risk factors for SSI after STS resection, and to develop a nomogram that allows patient-specific risk assessment.

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Ilium is the most common site of pelvic Ewing’s sarcoma (ES). Resection of the ilium and iliosacral joint causes pelvic disruption. However, the outcomes of resection and reconstruction are not well described. In this study, we report patients’ outcomes after resection of the ilium and iliosacral ES and reconstruction with a tibial strut allograft.

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Intra-articular (IA) tumours around the knee are treated with extra-articular (EA) resection, which is associated with poor functional outcomes. We aim to evaluate the accuracy of MRI in predicting IA involvement around the knee.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of 3D-printed modular prostheses in patients who underwent joint-sparing limb salvage surgery (JSLSS) for malignant femoral diaphyseal bone tumours.

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The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is the only mechanical connection between the axial skeleton and lower limbs. Following iliosacral resection, there is debate on whether reconstruction of the joint is necessary. There is a paucity of data comparing the outcomes of patients undergoing reconstruction and those who are not formally reconstructed.

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The aim of this study was to determine the rate of indocyanine green (ICG) staining of bone and soft-tissue tumours, as well as the stability and accuracy of ICG fluorescence imaging in detecting tumour residuals during surgery for bone and soft-tissue tumours.

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The ulna is an extremely rare location for primary bone tumours of the elbow in paediatrics. Although several reconstruction options are available, the optimal reconstruction method is still unknown due to the rarity of proximal ulna tumours. In this study, we report the outcomes of osteoarticular ulna allograft for the reconstruction of proximal ulna tumours.

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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.

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Venous tumour thrombus (VTT) is a rare finding in osteosarcoma. Despite the high rate of VTT in osteosarcoma of the pelvis, there are very few descriptions of VTT associated with extrapelvic primary osteosarcoma. We therefore sought to describe the prevalence and presenting features of VTT in osteosarcoma of both the pelvis and the limbs.

Aims. Adjuvant treatment after intralesional curettage for atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACTs) of long bones is widely accepted for extending surgical margins. However, evaluating the isolated effect of adjuvant treatment is difficult, and it is unclear whether not using such adjuvants provides poor oncological outcomes. Hence, we analyzed whether intralesional curettage without cryosurgery or chemical adjuvants provides poor oncological outcomes in patients with an ACT. Patients and Methods. A total of 24 patients (nine men, 15 women) (mean age 45 years; 18 to 62) were treated for ACTs of long bones and followed up for a median of 66 months (interquartile range 50 to 84). All patients were treated with extensive manual curettage and limited burring. Bone cement and grafts were used to fill bone defects in 16 and eight patients, respectively. No chemical adjuvants or cryosurgery were used. Results. No local recurrence was detectable on plain radiographs and MRI or CT images. At the last follow-up, there were no distant metastases or disease-specific deaths. No procedure-related complications or postoperative fractures developed. Conclusion. Intralesional curettage without cryosurgery or chemical adjuvants may provide excellent oncological outcomes for patients with ACTs of long bones, without the risk of complications related to adjuvant use. Our investigation suggests thorough curettage alone is a reasonable treatment option for ACT. However, we acknowledge the limited size of our investigation warrants a multicentre collaborative study to confirm our findings. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:256–61

Aims. Few studies dealing with chondrosarcoma of the pelvis are currently available. Different data about the overall survival and prognostic factors have been published but without a detailed analysis of surgery-related complications. We aimed to analyse the outcome of a series of pelvic chondrosarcomas treated at a single institution, with particular attention to the prognostic factors. Based on a competing risk model, our objective was to identify risk factors for the development of complications. Patients and Methods. In a retrospective single-centre study, 58 chondrosarcomas (26 patients alive, 32 patients dead) of the pelvis were reviewed. The mean follow-up was 13 years (one week to 23.1 years). Results. A total of 26 patients (45%) were alive and 32 patients (55%) had died. Overall survival was 76%, 55% and 45% at one, five and ten years post-operatively, respectively. In a competing risk model the cumulative risk of the development of a surgery-related complication was 64% at six months and 69% at one year, post-operatively, respectively. Endoprosthetic reconstruction was a significant risk factor for the development of complications (p = 0.006). Complications were not significantly related to age or the location or grade of the tumour (p = 0.823, p = 0.976, p = 0.858). The development of complications did not have a negative effect on survival (p = 0.147). Conclusion. This is the first study with competing risk analysis of surgery-related complications in patients with a pelvic chondrosarcoma. The surgery in these patients remains prone to complications. Endoprosthetic reconstruction significantly increases the risk of the development of complications (p = 0.006). A competing risk model showed that the development of complications does not have a negative influence on overall survival (p = 0.147). An aggressive, surgical resection with the goal of achieving wide margins whenever possible remains the mainstay of treatment. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:686–96

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The risk of postoperative complications after resection of soft-tissue sarcoma in the medial thigh is higher than in other locations. This study investigated whether a vessel sealing system (VSS) could help reduce the risk of postoperative complications after wide resection of soft-tissue sarcoma in the medial thigh.

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The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with five-year cancer-related mortality in patients with limb and trunk soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) and develop and validate machine learning algorithms in order to predict five-year cancer-related mortality in these patients.

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Treatment of high-grade limb bone sarcoma that invades a joint requires en bloc extra-articular excision. MRI can demonstrate joint invasion but is frequently inconclusive, and its predictive value is unknown. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of direct and indirect radiological signs of intra-articular tumour extension and the performance characteristics of MRI findings of intra-articular tumour extension.

Aims. The aim of this study was to identify any progression between benign osteofibrous dysplasia (OFD), OFD-like adamantinoma and malignant adamantinoma, and to investigate the rates of local recurrence, metastases and survival, in order to develop treatment algorithms for each. Patients and Methods. A single institution retrospective review of all patients presenting with OFD, OFD-like adamantinoma and adamantinoma between 1973 and 2012 was undertaken. Complete data were available for 73 patients (42 with OFD; ten with an OFD-like adamantinoma and 21 with an adamantinoma). The mean follow-up was 10.3 years (3 to 25) for OFD, 9.2 years (3.0 to 26.3) for OFD-like and 11.6 years (0.25 to 33) for adamantinoma. Results. The mean age at diagnosis for OFD was 13.5 years (1 to 49), 10.5 years (6 to 28) for OFD-like and 34 years (14 to 86) for adamantinoma. A total of 24 of the 42 patients with OFD (57%) have not required any treatment and have been managed with observation. A total of 18 of the 42 patients with OFD underwent surgery, 13 with curettage and five with resection. In all, three patients developed recurrence following curettage (23%) but none following resection. All these patients were cured with further limited surgery. A total of six patients initially diagnosed with OFD were subsequently found to have OFD-like adamantinoma. Of the ten patients initially diagnosed with OFD-like adamantinoma, three (30%) were managed with observation alone and seven underwent surgery, two with curettage and five with resection. Local recurrence arose in two patients, one each after curettage and resection. No patients with either OFD or an OFD-like adamantinoma developed metastases or had progression to adamantinoma. All patients with an adamantinoma were treated by surgery, three with curettage, six with amputation and 12 with excision. In all, two of the three treated with curettage developed local recurrence, requiring further surgery. Late development of both local recurrence and metastases led to a ten year disease specific survival of 93% which had dropped to 39% by 20 years. Conclusion. We found no evidence of progression from OFD to adamantinoma. Conservative management with observation or curettage is often successful for patients with OFD and OFD-like adamantinoma. Resection with clear margins is required for patients with adamantinoma. Late tumour recurrence is not uncommon in adamantinoma and prolonged follow-up should be considered. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:409–16

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with a sacral chordoma and the surgical management of locally recurrent disease. Between October 1990 and August 2013 we operated on 54 consecutive patients with a sacral chordoma. There were 34 men and 20 women with a mean age of 60 years (25 to 86). The mean maximum diameter of the tumour was 9.3 cm (3 to 20). The mean follow-up was 7.8 years (2 months to 23.4 years). The disease-specific survival was 82% at five years, 57% at ten years and 45% at 15 years. The local recurrence-free survival was 49% at five years, 37% at ten years and 20% at 15 years. Local recurrence occurred in 30 patients (56%) at a mean of 3.8 years (3 months to 13 years) post-operatively. Survival after the treatment of recurrence was 89% at two years, 56% at five years and 19% at ten years. Of nine patients who had complete resection of a recurrence, one died after 72 months and eight remain disease-free. Incomplete resection of recurrent disease resulted in a survival of 54% at two years and 36% at five years. For 12 patients with a local recurrence who were treated palliatively, survival was 81% at two years and 31% at five years. A wide margin of resection gave the best chance of long-term survival and complete resection of local recurrence the best chance of control of disease. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:711–15

We have studied 560 patients with osteosarcoma of a limb, who had been treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy, in order to analyse the incidence of local and systemic recurrence according to the type of surgery undertaken. Of these, 465 patients had a limb-salvage procedure and 95 amputation or rotationplasty. At a median follow-up of 10.5 years there had been 225 recurrences. The five-year disease-free survival and overall survival rates were 60.7% and 68.5%, respectively, with no significant difference between patients undergoing amputation and those undergoing resection. The incidence of local recurrence was the same for patients treated by either amputation or limb salvage and correlated significantly with the margins of surgical excision and the histological response to chemotherapy. The outcome for patients with a local recurrence was significantly worse than for those who had recurrent disease with metastases only. We conclude that limb-salvage procedures are relatively safe in osteosarcoma treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy. They should, however, only be performed in institutions where the margins of surgical excision and the histological response to chemotherapy can be accurately assessed. If the margins are inadequate and the histological response to chemotherapy is poor an immediate amputation should be considered

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

We performed a systematic literature review to define features of patients, treatment, and biological behaviour of multicentric giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone.

We report our experience of using a computer navigation system to aid resection of malignant musculoskeletal tumours of the pelvis and limbs and, where appropriate, their subsequent reconstruction. We also highlight circumstances in which navigation should be used with caution. We resected a musculoskeletal tumour from 18 patients (15 male, three female, mean age of 30 years (13 to 75) using commercially available computer navigation software (Orthomap 3D) and assessed its impact on the accuracy of our surgery. Of nine pelvic tumours, three had a biological reconstruction with extracorporeal irradiation, four underwent endoprosthetic replacement (EPR) and two required no bony reconstruction. There were eight tumours of the bones of the limbs. Four diaphyseal tumours underwent biological reconstruction. Two patients with a sarcoma of the proximal femur and two with a sarcoma of the proximal humerus underwent extra-articular resection and, where appropriate, EPR. One soft-tissue sarcoma of the adductor compartment which involved the femur was resected and reconstructed using an EPR. Computer navigation was used to aid reconstruction in eight patients. Histological examination of the resected specimens revealed tumour-free margins in all patients. Post-operative radiographs and CT showed that the resection and reconstruction had been carried out as planned in all patients where navigation was used. In two patients, computer navigation had to be abandoned and the operation was completed under CT and radiological control. The use of computer navigation in musculoskeletal oncology allows accurate identification of the local anatomy and can define the extent of the tumour and proposed resection margins. Furthermore, it helps in reconstruction of limb length, rotation and overall alignment after resection of an appendicular tumour. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:258–64

The aim of this study was to assess a specific protocol for the treatment of patients with a parosteal osteosarcoma of the distal femur with limb salvage involving hemicortical resection and reconstruction using recycled pasteurised autograft and internal fixation. Between January 2000 and January 2010, 13 patients with a mean age of 26.5 years (17 to 39) underwent this procedure. All the tumours were staged according to Enneking’s criteria: there were eight stage IA tumours and five stage IB tumours. The mean follow-up was 101.6 months (58 to 142), and mean post-operative Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional score was 88.6% (80% to 100%) at the final follow-up. All the patients had achieved bony union; the mean time to union was 11.2 months (6 to 18). Local recurrence occurred in one patient 27 months post-operatively. No patient had a pulmonary metastasis. A hemicortical procedure for the treatment of a parosteal osteosarcoma is safe and effective. Precise pre-operative planning using MRI is essential in order to define the margins of resection. Although it is a technically demanding procedure, gratifying results make it worthwhile for selected patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1275–9

Aims

Iliosacral sarcoma resections have been shown to have high rates of local recurrence (LR) and poor overall survival. There is also no universal classification for the resection of pelvic sarcomas invading the sacrum. This study proposes a novel classification system and analyzes the survival and risk of recurrence, when using this system.

This study reports the experience of one treatment centre with routine surveillance MRI following excision of musculoskeletal sarcoma. The case notes, MRI and histology reports for 57 patients were reviewed. The primary outcome was local tumour recurrence detected on either surveillance MRI in asymptomatic patients, or interval MRI in patients with clinical concern. A total of 47 patients had a diagnosis of soft-tissue sarcoma and ten of a primary bone tumour. A total of 13 patients (22%) had local recurrence. Nine were identified on a surveillance scan, and four by interval scans. The cost of surveillance is estimated to be £4414 per recurrence detected if low-grade tumours with clear resection margins are excluded. Surveillance scanning has a role in the early detection of local recurrence of bone and soft-tissue sarcoma

Aims

Patients with soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) who undergo unplanned excision (UE) are reported to have worse outcomes than those who undergo planned excision (PE). However, others have reported that patients who undergo UE may have similar or improved outcomes. These discrepancies are likely to be due to differences in characteristics between the two groups of patients. The aim of the study is to compare patients who underwent UE and PE using propensity score matching, by analyzing data from the Japanese Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor (BSTT) registry.

The use of a navigation system in musculoskeletal tumour surgery enables the integration of pre-operative CT and MRI images to generate a precise three-dimensional anatomical model of the site and the extent of the tumour. We carried out six consecutive resections of musculoskeletal tumour in five patients using an existing commercial computer navigation system. There were three women and two men with a mean age of 41 years (24 to 47). Reconstruction was performed using a tumour prosthesis in three lesions and a vascularised fibular graft in one. No reconstruction was needed in two cases. The mean follow-up was 6.9 months (3.5 to 10). The mean duration of surgery was 28 minutes (13 to 50). Examination of the resected specimens showed clear margins in all the tumour lesions and a resection that was exactly as planned

We describe a consecutive series of five patients with bone or soft-tissue sarcomas of the elbow and intra-articular extension treated by complex soft tissue, allograft bone and prosthetic joint replacement after wide extra-articular en bloc excision. All had a pedicled myocutaneous latissimus dorsi rotation flap for soft-tissue cover and reconstruction of the triceps. Wide negative surgical margins were obtained in all five patients. No local wound complications or infections were seen. There were no local recurrences at a mean follow-up of 60 months (20 to 105). The functional results were excellent in four patients and good in one. Longer term follow-up is necessary to confirm the durability of the elbow reconstruction

We studied 153 patients with non-metastatic chondrosarcoma of bone to determine the risk factors for survival and local tumour control. The minimum follow-up was for five years; 52 patients had axial and 101 appendicular tumours. Surgical treatment was by amputation in 27 and limb-preserving surgery in 126. The cumulative rate of survival of all patients, at 10 and 15 years, was 70% and 63%, respectively; 40 patients developed a local recurrence between 3 and 87 months after surgery and 49 developed metastases. Local recurrence was associated with poor survival in patients with concomitant metastases but not in those without. On multivariate analysis independent risk factors for rates of survival include extracompartmental spread, development of local recurrence and high histological grade. Independent risk factors for local recurrence include inadequate surgical margins and tumour size greater than 10 cm. Location within the body, the type of surgery and the duration of symptoms are of no prognostic significance. Surgical excision with an oncologically wide margin provides the best prospect both for cure and local control in these patients

We reviewed the surgical treatment and oncological results of 40 patients with pathological fractures from localised osteosarcoma of the long bones to determine the outcome of limb salvage in their management. All had had adjuvant chemotherapy. There were 26 males and 14 females with a median age at diagnosis of 18 years (2 to 46) and a median follow-up of 55 months (8 to 175). We performed limb salvage in 27 patients and amputation in 13. The margins of resection were radical in five patients, wide in 26, marginal in six, wide but contaminated in two and intralesional in one. Local recurrence developed in 19% of those treated by limb salvage and in none of those who had an amputation. The cumulative five-year survival of all the patients was 57% and in those treated by limb salvage or amputation it was 64% and 47%, respectively (p > 0.05). Limb-sparing surgery with adequate margins of excision can be achieved in many patients with pathological fractures from primary osteosarcoma without compromising survival, but the risk of local recurrence is significant

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of application of a 3D-printed megaprosthesis with hemiarthroplasty design for defects of the distal humerus or proximal ulna following tumour resection.

We investigated whether our policy of routine re-excision of the tumour bed after an unplanned excision of a soft-tissue sarcoma was justified. Between April 1982 and December 2005, 2201 patients were referred to our hospital with the diagnosis of soft-tissue sarcoma, of whom 402 (18%) had undergone an unplanned excision elsewhere. A total of 363 (16.5%) were included in this study. Each patient was routinely restaged and the original histology was reviewed. Re-excision was undertaken in 316 (87%). We analysed the patient, tumour and treatment factors in relation to local control, metastasis and overall survival. Residual tumour was found in 188 patients (59%). There was thus no residual disease in 128 patients of whom 10% (13) went on to develop a local recurrence. In 149 patients (47%), the re-excision specimen contained residual tumour, but it had been widely excised. Local recurrence occurred in 30 of these patients (20%). In 39 patients (12%), residual tumour was present in a marginal resection specimen. Of these, 46% (18) developed a local recurrence. A final positive margin in a high-grade tumour had a 60% risk of local recurrence even with post-operative radiotherapy. Metastases developed in 24% (86). The overall survival was 77% at five years. Survival was related to the grade of the tumour and the finding of residual tumour at the time of re-excision. We concluded that our policy of routine re-excision after unplanned excision of soft-tissue sarcoma was justified in view of the high risk of finding residual tumour

We describe 22 cases of bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation, or Nora’s lesion. These are surface-based osteocartilaginous lesions typically affecting the hands and feet. All patients were identified from the records of a regional bone tumour unit and were treated between 1985 and 2009. Nine lesions involved the metacarpals, seven the metatarsals, one originated from a sesamoid bone of the foot and five from long bones (radius, ulna, tibia, and femur in two). The mean age of the patients was 31.8 years (6 to 66), with 14 men and eight women. Diagnosis was based on the radiological and histological features. The initial surgical treatment was excision in 21 cases and amputation of a toe in one. The mean follow-up was for 32 months (12 to 162). Recurrence occurred in six patients (27.3%), with a mean time to recurrence of 49 months (10 to 120). Two of the eight patients with complete resection margins developed a recurrence (25.0%), compared with four of 14 with a marginal or incomplete resection (28.6%). Given the potential surgical morbidity inherent in resection, our data suggest that there may be a role for a relatively tissue-conserving approach to the excision of these lesions

We investigated the use of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) proteins as prognostic markers in chondrosarcoma and the relationship of HIF to the biological characteristics of cartilage tumours. The expression of HIF-1α, HIF-2α, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and microvessel density (MVD) were measured immunohistochemically in 29 specimens of cartilage tumour. There was no HIF-1α and HIF-2α staining in any of the nine benign cartilage tumours. In 20 specimens of chondrosarcoma, the rate of HIF-1α and HIF-2α expression was 40% and 25%, respectively. The tumour size (≥ 8 cm), histological grade (grade 2 and grade 3) surgical margin (marginal and intralesional) and HIF-1α expression (positive) correlated significantly with a shorter disease-free survival. There was a significant association between HIF-1α and the MVD and a strong trend towards a correlation between HIF-1α and the PCNA index or histological grade. Our findings suggest that HIF-1α protein may be a useful objective marker in the assessment of the prognosis in chondrosarcoma, since it plays an important role in tumour angiogenesis and cell proliferation

Osteoid osteoma is treated primarily by radiofrequency (RF) ablation. However, there is little information about the distribution of heat in bone during the procedure and its safety. We constructed a model of osteoid osteoma to assess the distribution of heat in bone and to define the margins of safety for ablation. Cavities were drilled in cadaver bovine bones and filled with a liver homogenate to simulate the tumour matrix. Temperature-sensing probes were placed in the bone in a radial fashion away from the cavities. RF ablation was performed 107 times in tumours < 10 mm in diameter (72 of which were in cortical bone, 35 in cancellous bone), and 41 times in cortical bone with models > 10 mm in diameter. Significantly higher temperatures were found in cancellous bone than in cortical bone (p <  0.05). For lesions up to 10 mm in diameter, in both bone types, the temperature varied directly with the size of the tumour (p < 0.05), and inversely with the distance from it. Tumours of > 10 mm in diameter showed a trend similar to those of smaller lesions. No temperature rise was seen beyond 12 mm from the edge of a cortical tumour of any size. Formulae were developed to predict the expected temperature in the bone during ablation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:677–83

Aims

Socioeconomic and racial disparities have been recognized as impacting the care of patients with cancer, however there are a lack of data examining the impact of these disparities on patients with bone sarcoma. The purpose of this study was to examine socioeconomic and racial disparities that impact the oncological outcomes of patients with bone sarcoma.

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.

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.

Aims

Proximal femoral endoprosthetic replacements (PFEPRs) are the most common reconstruction option for osseous defects following primary and metastatic tumour resection. This study aimed to compare the rate of implant failure between PFEPRs with monopolar and bipolar hemiarthroplasties and acetabular arthroplasties, and determine the optimum articulation for revision PFEPRs.

Aims

The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) uses preoperative CRP and albumin to calculate a score from 0 to 2 (2 being associated with poor outcomes). mGPS is validated in multiple carcinomas. To date, its use in soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) is limited, with only small cohorts reporting that increased mGPS scores correlates with decreased survival in STS patients.

Aims

The primary objective of this study was to compare the postoperative infection rate between negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and conventional dressings for closed incisions following soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) surgery. Secondary objectives were to compare rates of adverse wound events and functional scores.

Aims

Urgent referral to a specialist centre for patients with a soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK since 2006. However, the impact of this recommendation on the prognosis for these patients remains unclear. We aimed to determine the impact of the NICE guidelines on the disease-specific survival (DSS) of patients with an STS.

Aims

Orthopaedic and reconstructive surgeons are faced with large defects after the resection of malignant tumours of the sacrum. Spinopelvic reconstruction is advocated for resections above the level of the S1 neural foramina or involving the sacroiliac joint. Fixation may be augmented with either free vascularized fibular flaps (FVFs) or allograft fibular struts (AFSs) in a cathedral style. However, there are no studies comparing these reconstructive techniques.

Aims

Time to treatment initiation (TTI) is generally defined as the time from the histological diagnosis of malignancy to the initiation of first definitive treatment. There is no consensus on the impact of TTI on the overall survival in patients with a soft-tissue sarcoma. The purpose of this study was to determine if an increased TTI is associated with overall survival in patients with a soft-tissue sarcoma, and to identify the factors associated with a prolonged TTI.

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.

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.

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.

Aims

The aims of the study were to analyze differences in surgical and oncological outcomes, as well as quality of life (QoL) and function in patients with ankle sarcomas undergoing three forms of surgical treatment, minor or major limb salvage surgery (LSS), or amputation.

Aims

There is an increased risk of dislocation of the hip after the resection of a periacetabular tumour and endoprosthetic reconstruction of the defect in the hemipelvis. The aim of this study was to determine the rate and timing of dislocation and to identify its risk factors.

Aims

Iliac wing (Type I) and iliosacral (Type I/IV) pelvic resections for a primary bone tumour create a large segmental defect in the pelvic ring. The management of this defect is controversial as the surgeon may choose to reconstruct it or not. When no reconstruction is undertaken, the residual ilium collapses back onto the remaining sacrum forming an iliosacral pseudarthrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term oncological outcome, complications, and functional outcome after pelvic resection without reconstruction.

Aims

Survival rates and local control after resection of a sarcoma of the pelvis compare poorly to those of the limbs and have a high incidence of complications. The outcome for patients who need a hindquarter amputation (HQA) to treat a pelvic sarcoma is poor. Our aim was to evaluate the patient, tumour, and reconstructive factors that affect the survival of the patients who undergo HQA for primary or recurrent pelvic sarcoma.

Aims

Tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) is one of the most common soft-tissue tumours of the foot and ankle and can behave in a locally aggressive manner. Tumour control can be difficult, despite the various methods of treatment available. Since treatment guidelines are lacking, the aim of this study was to review the multidisciplinary management by presenting the largest series of TGCT of the foot and ankle to date from two specialized sarcoma centres.

Aims

To assess the correlation between the histological response to preoperative chemotherapy and event-free survival (EFS) or overall survival (OS) in patients with high-grade localized osteosarcoma.

Aims

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are locally aggressive lesions typically found in the long bones of children and adolescents. A variety of management strategies have been reported to be effective in the treatment of these lesions. The purpose of this review was to assess the effectiveness of current strategies for the management of primary ABCs of the long bones.

Primary malignant tumours should be resected with wide margins. This may be difficult to apply to lesions of the spine. We undertook total vertebrectomy on seven patients, four males and three females with a mean age at operation of 26.5 years (6.3 to 45.8). The mean follow-up was 52.3 months. Histological examination revealed a Ewing’s sarcoma in two patients and osteosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, spindle-cell sarcoma, chondrosarcoma and malignant schwannoma in one each. In five patients, histological examination showed that a wide resection had been achieved. At follow-up there was no infection and a permanent neurological deficit was only seen in those patients in whom the surgical procedure had required resection of nerve roots. Despite the high demands placed on the surgeon and anaesthetist and the length of postoperative care we consider total vertebrectomy to be an appropriate procedure for the operative treatment of primary malignant lesions of the spine

We have reviewed 13 operations on 11 patients using curettage and polymethylmethacrylate cement for giant-cell tumour of bone (GCT) to assess the value of radiology in the early detection of recurrence. There were four recurrences, the most specific radiological sign on plain radiography was lysis of 5 mm or more at the cement-bone interface. This preceded clinical signs by a mean of four months and was identified at a mean of 3.75 months after operation. There was not always a complete sclerotic margin around the cement, but when it was present, there was never evidence of recurrence. MRI was helpful in assessing cases with evidence of recurrence. Frequent surveillance with plain radiography should continue for one year after operation irrespective of clinical signs of recurrence. When the appearance of the plain radiographs suggests recurrence, MRI should be performed and followed by image-guided needle biopsy

From the European Osteosarcoma Intergroup study 202 patients were assessed with respect to their surgical treatment. Although treated in three different centres the survival of the three groups was identical (57% at five years). Two of the centres had rates of limb salvage of 85% and 83%, respectively, while the third had a rate of 49%. The corresponding risks of local recurrence were 13.3%, 6.8% and 2.5%, with all local recurrences arising in limbs with attempted limb salvage. Local recurrence was closely related to the adequacy of the margins of excision and to the chemotherapeutic response. Patients who had undergone limb-salvage surgery and who developed local recurrence still survival at five years). Of patients who relapsed, 31% of those with local recurrence alone were cured by further treatment, as compared with only 10% of those with metastases. Limb-salvage surgery with effective chemotherapy remains the optimum treatment for osteosarcoma

We retrospectively studied local recurrence of giant cell tumour in long bones following treatment with curettage and cementing in 137 patients. The median follow-up time was 60 months (3 to 166). A total of 19 patients (14%) had at least one local recurrence, the first was diagnosed at a median of 17 months (3 to 29) after treatment of the primary tumour. There were 13 patients with a total of 15 local recurrences who were successfully treated by further curettage and cementing. Two patients with a second local recurrence were consequently treated twice. At the last follow-up, at a median of 53 months (3 to 128) after the most recent operation, all patients were free from disease and had good function. We concluded that local recurrence of giant cell tumour after curettage and cementing in long bones can generally be successfully treated with further curettage and cementing, with only a minor risk of increased morbidity. This suggests that more extensive surgery for the primary tumour in an attempt to obtain wide margins is not the method of choice, since it leaves the patient with higher morbidity with no significant gain with respect to cure of the disease

Aims

Local recurrence remains a challenging and common problem following curettage and joint-sparing surgery for giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB). We previously reported a 15% local recurrence rate at a median follow-up of 30 months in 20 patients with high-risk GCTB treated with neoadjuvant Denosumab. The aim of this study was to determine if this initial favourable outcome following the use of Denosumab was maintained with longer follow-up.

Low-grade surface tumours of bone may theoretically be treated by hemicortical resection, retaining part of the circumference of the cortex. An inlay allograft may be used to reconstruct the defect. Since 1988 we have performed 22 hemicortical procedures in selected patients with low-grade parosteal osteosarcoma (6), peripheral chondrosarcoma (6) and adamantinoma (10). Restricted medullary involvement was not a contraindication for this procedure. There was no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis at a mean follow-up of 64 months (27 to 135). Wide resection margins were obtained in 19 patients. All allografts incorporated completely and there were no fractures or infections. Fractures of the remaining hemicortex occurred in six patients and were managed successfully by casts or by osteosynthesis. The functional results were excellent or good in all except one patient. Hemicortical procedures for selected cases of low-grade surface tumours give excellent oncological and functional outcomes. There was complete remodelling and fewer complications when compared with larger intercalary procedures. The surgery is technically demanding but gives good clinical results

We reviewed retrospectively 236 consecutive patients seen in our soft-tissue sarcoma clinic. Of these, 95 had had a primary soft-tissue sarcoma excised elsewhere, but with histologically inadequate resection margins. All these patients had a secondary and wider re-excision. The tissues removed at the secondary re-excision were examined histologically for the presence of residual tumour. Definite tumour tissue was found in 29 of 55 lower-limb specimens, 16 of 25 upper-limb, 7 of 10 trunk and 4 of 5 head and neck specimens. In 31 cases some residual tumour was visible macroscopically, and in 56 of the 95 patients (59%) the primary tumour had been incompletely excised. Our results indicate that surgical assessment of the adequacy of excision is very inaccurate and that most local recurrences are the consequence of inadequate primary surgery. The large number of patients who had inadequate initial treatment emphasises the need for a co-ordinated multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with soft-tissue sarcoma

We reviewed 20 patients after forequarter amputation performed for high-grade malignant tumours of the shoulder girdle (Enneking grades IIB to III). The operations were classified as palliative or curative according to the resection margins and the presence of disseminated disease at the time of the surgery. There were five palliative and 15 curative procedures. Two patients died from unrelated causes, septicaemia and suicide. Eight died in the first two years, four of whom had had a palliative operation. Four died between two and five years after surgery, one after a palliative operation. Five patients are alive, at a mean of 89.4 months after surgery, four of whom are free from disease. The median survival after a palliative amputation was 20.6 months. Our overall five-year survival (palliative and curative cases) was 21.2%, for curative cases it was 30.2%. None of the patients use an artificial prosthesis. Despite the disfigurement which results from this operation, it still has a useful role to play in the management of high-grade malignant tumours of the upper limb

We have investigated the significance of local recurrence on survival in 173 patients with localised soft-tissue sarcomas of the limbs and of the trunk. The overall survival rates at five and ten years were 75.2% and 68.0%, respectively. After definitive surgery at our hospitals, there was local recurrence in 25 patients (14.5%). After inadequate operations elsewhere, there was a higher incidence of late local recurrence (28.3%), in comparison with those with primary tumours treated by us (9.0%), or patients referred to us immediately after inadequate surgery elsewhere (10.2%). Because of small numbers these differences in the survival rates were not statistically significantly different. Univariate survival analysis showed that local recurrence after definitive surgery (p = 0.006) together with the histological grade (p = 0.0002), the size of the tumour (p = 0.002), its depth in relation to deep fascia (p = 0.003), and the surgical margin (p = 0.0001) were the significant prognostic factors. Local recurrence at the initial presentation did not affect survival. Multivariate analysis showed that local recurrence after definitive surgery also lost its apparent prognostic significance

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.

Aims

There is a lack of evidence about the risk factors for local recurrence of a giant cell tumour (GCT) of the sacrum treated with nerve-sparing surgery, probably because of the rarity of the disease. This study aimed to answer two questions: first, what is the rate of local recurrence of sacral GCT treated with nerve-sparing surgery and second, what are the risk factors for its local recurrence?

Aims

Although internal hemipelvectomy is associated with a high incidence of morbidity, especially wound complications, few studies have examined rates of wound complications in these patients or have identified factors associated with the consequences. The present study aimed to: 1) determine the rate of wound and other complications requiring surgery after internal hemipelvectomy; and 2) identify factors that affect the rate of wound complications and can be used to stratify patients by risk of wound complications.

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.