Aims. 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. Methods. Records from a single institution were retrospectively reviewed for 308 patients with osteosarcoma of the pelvis or limb treated between January 2000 and December 2022. Primary lesions were located in an upper limb (n = 40), lower limb (n = 198), or pelvis (n = 70). Preoperative imaging and operative reports were reviewed to identify patients with thrombi in proximity to their primary lesion. Imaging and histopathology were used to determine presence of tumour within the thrombus. Results. Tumours abutted the blood vessels in 131 patients (43%) and encased the vessels in 30 (10%). Any form of venous thrombus was identified in 31 patients (10%). Overall, 21 of these thrombi were determined to be involved with the tumour based on imaging (n = 9) or histopathology (n = 12). The rate of VTT was 25% for pelvic osteosarcoma and 1.7% for limb osteosarcoma. The most common imaging features associated with histopathologically proven VTT were enhancement with contrast (n = 12; 100%), venous enlargement (n = 10; 83%), vessel encasement (n = 8; 66%), and visible intraluminal osteoid matrix (n = 6; 50%). Disease-specific survival (DSS) for patients with VTT was 95% at 12 months (95% CI 0.87 to 1.00), 50% at three years (95% CI 0.31 to 0.80), and 31% at five years (95% CI 0.14 to 0.71). VTT was associated with worse DSS (hazard ratio 2.3 (95% CI 1.11 to 4.84). Conclusion. VTT is rare with osteosarcoma and occurs more commonly in the pelvis than the limbs. Imaging features suggestive of VTT include enhancement with contrast, venous dilation, and vessel encasement. VTT portends a worse prognosis for patients with osteosarcoma, with a similar survivability to metastatic disease. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):865–870

Aims. 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. Methods. We identified 63 cases of high-grade sarcomas in or around the distal femur that underwent an EA resection from a prospectively maintained database (January 1996 to April 2020). Suspicion of IA disease was noted in 52 cases, six had IA pathological fracture, two had an effusion, two had prior surgical intervention (curettage/IA intervention), and one had an osseous metastasis in the proximal tibia. To ascertain validity, two musculoskeletal radiologists (R1, R2) reviewed the preoperative imaging (MRI) of 63 consecutive cases on two occasions six weeks apart. The radiological criteria for IA disease comprised evidence of tumour extension within the suprapatellar pouch, intercondylar notch, extension along medial/lateral retinaculum, and presence of IA fracture. The radiological predictions were then confirmed with the final histopathology of the resected specimens. Results. The resection histology revealed 23 cases (36.5%) showing IA disease involvement compared with 40 cases without (62%). The intraobserver variability of R1 was 0.85 (p < 0.001) compared to R2 with κ = 0.21 (p = 0.007). The interobserver variability was κ = 0.264 (p = 0.003). Knee effusion was found to be the most sensitive indicator of IA involvement, with a sensitivity of 91.3% but specificity of only 35%. However, when combined with a pathological fracture, this rose to 97.5% and 100% when disease was visible in Hoffa’s fat pad. Conclusion. MRI imaging can sometimes overestimate IA joint involvement and needs to be correlated with clinical signs. In the light of our findings, we would recommend EA resections when imaging shows effusion combined with either disease in Hoffa’s fat pad or retinaculum, or pathological fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):696–701

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

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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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Due to its indolent clinical behaviour, the treatment paradigm of atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACTs) in the long bones is slowly shifting from intralesional resection (curettage) and local adjuvants, towards active surveillance through wait-and-scan follow-up. In this retrospective cohort study performed in a tertiary referral centre, we studied the natural behaviour of ACT lesions by active surveillance with MRI. Clinical symptoms were not considered in the surveillance programme.

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Tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) is a rare benign tumour of the musculoskeletal system. Surgical management is fraught with challenges due to high recurrence rates. The aim of this study was to describe surgical treatment and evaluate surgical outcomes of TGCT at an Australian tertiary referral centre for musculoskeletal tumours and to identify factors affecting recurrence rates.

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This study aimed to analyze the accuracy and errors associated with 3D-printed, patient-specific resection guides (3DP-PSRGs) used for bone tumour resection.

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Surgery is often indicated in patients with metastatic bone disease (MBD) to improve pain and maximize function. Few studies are available which report on clinically meaningful outcomes such as quality of life, function, and pain relief after surgery for MBD. This is the published protocol for the Bone Metastasis Audit — Patient Reported Outcomes (BoMA-PRO) multicentre MBD study. The primary objective is to ascertain patient-reported quality of life at three to 24 months post-surgery for MBD.

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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.

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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.

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To investigate the benefits of denosumab in combination with nerve-sparing surgery for treatment of sacral giant cell tumours (GCTs).

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

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The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of patients who underwent definitive surgery for secondary chondrosarcomas arising from osteochondromas.

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

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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.

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We present a retrospective review of patients treated with extracorporeally irradiated allografts for primary and secondary bone tumours with the mid- and long-term survivorship and the functional and radiographic outcomes.

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We report a prospective cohort study of the midterm results of surgical dislocation of the hip (according to Ganz) to perform resection of osteochondromas involving the femoral neck in patients with multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE).

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The purpose of this study was to develop a prognostic model for predicting survival of patients undergoing surgery owing to metastatic bone disease (MBD) in the appendicular skeleton.

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.

We analysed the outcome of patients with primary non-metastatic diaphyseal sarcomas who had en bloc resection with preservation of the adjoining joints and reconstruction with re-implantation of sterilised tumour bone after extracorporeal radiation (50 Gy). Between March 2005 and September 2009, 32 patients (16 Ewing’s sarcoma and 16 osteogenic sarcoma) with a mean age of 15 years (2 to 35) underwent this procedure. The femur was the most common site in 17 patients, followed by the tibia in 11, humerus in three and ulna in one. The mean resected length of bone was 19 cm (10 to 26). A total of 31 patients were available at a mean follow-up of 34 months (12 to 74). The mean time to union for all osteotomy sites was 7.3 months (3 to 28): metaphyseal osteotomy sites united quicker than diaphyseal osteotomy sites (5.8 months (3 to 10) versus 9.5 months (4 to 28)). There were three local recurrences, all in soft-tissue away from irradiated graft. At the time of final follow-up, 19 patients were free of disease, one was alive with disease and 11 had died of disease. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score for 29 patients evaluated at the last follow-up was 26 (9 to 30).

Extracorporeal irradiation is an oncologically safe and inexpensive technique for limb salvage in diaphyseal sarcomas and has good functional results.

Atypical cartilaginous tumours are usually treated by curettage. The purpose of this study was to show that radiofrequency ablation was an effective alternative treatment.

We enrolled 20 patients (two male, 18 female, mean age 56 years (36 to 72) in a proof-of-principle study. After inclusion, biopsy and radiofrequency ablation were performed, followed three months later by curettage and adjuvant phenolisation. The primary endpoint was the proportional necrosis in the retrieved material. Secondary endpoints were correlation with the findings on gadolinium enhanced MRI, functional outcome and complications.

Our results show that 95% to 100% necrosis was obtained in 14 of the 20 patients. MRI had a 91% sensitivity and 67% specificity for detecting residual tumour after curettage. The mean functional outcome (MSTS) score six weeks after radiofrequency ablation was 27.1 (23 to 30) compared with 18.1 (12 to 25) after curettage (p < 0.001). No complications occurred after ablation, while two patients developed a pathological fracture after curettage.

We have shown that radiofrequency ablation is capable of completely eradicating cartilaginous tumour cells in selective cases. MRI has a 91% sensitivity for detecting any residual tumour. Radiofrequency ablation can be performed on an outpatient basis allowing a rapid return to normal activities. If it can be made more effective, it has the potential to provide better local control, while improving functional outcome.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1540–5.

We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients with a diffuse-type giant-cell tumour (Dt-GCT) (previously known as pigmented villonodular synovitis) around the knee in order to assess the influence of the type of surgery on the functional outcome and quality of life (QOL). Between 1980 and 2001, 15 of these tumours had been treated primarily at our tertiary referral centre and 15 had been referred from elsewhere with recurrent lesions.

The mean follow-up was 64 months (24 to 393). Functional outcome and QOL were assessed with range of movement and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) score, the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and the SF-36 questionnaire. There was recurrence in four of 14 patients treated initially by open synovectomy. Local control was achieved after a second operation in 13 of 14 (93%). Recurrence occurred in 15 of 16 patients treated initially by arthroscopic synovectomy. These patients underwent a mean of 1.8 arthroscopies (one to eight) before open synovectomy. This achieved local control in 8 of 15 (53%) after the first synovectomy and in 12 of 15 (80%) after two. The functional outcome and QOL of patients who had undergone primary arthroscopic synovectomy and its attendant subsequent surgical procedures were compared with those who had had a primary open synovectomy using the following measures: range of movement (114º versus 127º; p = 0.03); KOOS (48 versus 71; p = 0.003); MSTS (19 versus 24; p = 0.02); TESS (75 versus 86; p = 0.03); and SF-36 (62 versus 80; p = 0.01).

Those who had undergone open synovectomy needed fewer subsequent operations. Most patients who had been referred with a recurrence had undergone an initial arthroscopic synovectomy followed by multiple further synovectomies. At the final follow-up of eight years (2 to 32), these patients had impaired function and QOL compared with those who had undergone open synovectomy initially.

We conclude that the natural history of Dt-GCT in patients who are treated by arthroscopic synovectomy has an unfavourable outcome, and that primary open synovectomy should be undertaken to prevent recurrence or residual disease.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1111–18.

Dedifferentiated chordoma is a rare and aggressive variant of the conventional tumour in which an area undergoes transformation to a high-grade lesion, typically fibrous histiocytoma, fibrosarcoma, and rarely, osteosarcoma or rhabdomyosarcoma. The dedifferentiated component dictates overall survival, with smaller areas of dedifferentiation carrying a more favourable prognosis. Although it is more commonly diagnosed in recurrences and following radiotherapy, there have been a few reports of spontaneous development. We describe four such cases, which were diagnosed de novo following primary excision, and discuss the associated clinical and radiological features.

We undertook this retrospective study to determine the rate of recurrence and functional outcome after intralesional curettage for chondroblastoma of bone. The factors associated with aggressive behaviour of the tumour were also analysed. We reviewed 53 patients with histologically-proven chondroblastoma who were treated by intralesional curettage in our unit between 1974 and 2000. They were followed up for at least two years to a maximum of 27 years.

Seven (13.2%) had a histologically-proven local recurrence. Three underwent a second intralesional curettage and had no further recurrence. Two had endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus and two underwent below-knee amputation after aggressive local recurrence. One patient had the rare malignant metastatic chondroblastoma and eventually died. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional score of the survivors was 94.2%.

We conclude that meticulous intralesional curettage alone can achieve low rates of local recurrence and excellent long-term function.

Giant cell tumours (GCT) of the synovium and tendon sheath can be classified into two forms: localised (giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath, or nodular tenosynovitis) and diffuse (diffuse-type giant cell tumour or pigmented villonodular synovitis). The former principally affects the small joints. It presents as a solitary slow-growing tumour with a characteristic appearance on MRI and is treated by surgical excision. There is a significant risk of multiple recurrences with aggressive diffuse disease. A multidisciplinary approach with dedicated MRI, histological assessment and planned surgery with either adjuvant radiotherapy or systemic targeted therapy is required to improve outcomes in recurrent and refractory diffuse-type GCT.

Although arthroscopic synovectomy through several portals has been advocated as an alternative to arthrotomy, there is a significant risk of inadequate excision and recurrence, particularly in the posterior compartment of the knee. For local disease partial arthroscopic synovectomy may be sufficient, at the risk of recurrence. For both local and diffuse intra-articular disease open surgery is advised for recurrent disease. Marginal excision with focal disease will suffice, not dissimilar to the treatment of GCT of tendon sheath. For recurrent and extra-articular soft-tissue disease adjuvant therapy, including intra-articular radioactive colloid or moderate-dose external beam radiotherapy, should be considered.

Between 1997 and 2007, 68 consecutive patients underwent replacement of the proximal humerus for tumour using a fixed-fulcrum massive endoprosthesis. Their mean age was 46 years (7 to 87). Ten patients were lost to follow-up and 16 patients died. The 42 surviving patients were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) Score and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) at a mean follow-up of five years and 11 months (one year to ten years and nine months). The mean MSTS score was 72.3% (53.3% to 100%) and the mean TESS was 77.2% (58.6% to 100%).

Four of 42 patients received a new constrained humeral liner to reduce the risk of dislocation. This subgroup had a mean MSTS score of 77.7% and a mean TESS of 80.0%. The dislocation rate for the original prosthesis was 25.9; none of the patients with the new liner had a dislocation at a mean of 14.5 months (12 to 18).

Endoprosthetic replacement for tumours of the proximal humerus using this prosthesis is a reliable operation yielding good results without the documented problems of unconstrained prostheses. The performance of this prosthesis is expected to improve further with a new constrained humeral liner, which reduces the risk of dislocation.

Elastofibroma dorsi is an uncommon, benign, slow-growing soft-tissue tumour of uncertain aetiology. It classically presents as an ill-defined mass at the inferior pole of the scapula with symptoms which include swelling, discomfort, snapping, stiffness and occasionally pain.

We report the symptoms, function and outcome after treatment of 21 elastofibromas in 15 patients. All were diagnosed by MRI and early in the series four also underwent CT-guided biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In all, 18 tumours were excised and three were observed. After excision, the mean visual analogue score for pain decreased from 4.6 (0 to 10) pre-operatively to 2.4 (0 to 8) post-operatively (p = 0.04). The mean shoulder function, at a mean follow-up of 4.2 years (3 months to 16 years), was 78.1% (30 to 100) using the Stanmore percentage of normal shoulder assessment scoring system. The mean range of forward flexion improved from 135° (70° to 180°) to 166° (100° to 180°) after excision (p = 0.005). In four patients a post-operative haematoma formed; one required evacuation. Three patients developed a post-operative seroma requiring needle aspiration and one developed a superficial infection which was treated with antibiotics.

Our findings support previous reports suggesting that a pre-operative tissue diagnosis is not necessary in most cases since the lesion can be confidently diagnosed by MRI, when interpreted in the light of appropriate clinical findings. Surgical excision in symptomatic patients, is helpful.

It has been suggested that elastofibroma is caused by a local tissue reaction and is not a true neoplastic process. A strong association has been noted between elastofibroma and repetitive use of the shoulder, which is supported by our findings.

Endoprosthetic reconstruction following resection of 31 tumours of the proximal femur in 30 patients was performed using a Wagner SL femoral revision stem. The mean follow-up was 25.6 months (0.6 to 130.0). Of the 28 patients with a metastasis, 27 died within a mean follow-up period of 18.1 months (0.6 to 56.3) after the operation, and the remaining patient was excluded from the study 44.4 months post-operatively when the stem was removed. The two patients with primary bone tumours were still alive at the latest follow-up of 81.0 and 130.0 months, respectively. One stem only was removed for suspected low-grade infection 44.4 months post-operatively. The worst-case survival rate with removal of the stem for any cause and/or loss to follow-up was 80.0% (95% confidence interval 44.9 to 100) at 130.0 months. The mean Karnofsky index increased from 44.2% (20% to 70%) pre-operatively to 59.7% (0% to 100%) post-operatively, and the mean Merle d’Aubigné score improved from 4.5 (0 to 15) to 12.0 (0 to 18). The mean post-operative Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score was 62.4% (3.3% to 100%).

The Wagner SL femoral revision stem offers an alternative to special tumour prostheses for the treatment of primary and secondary tumours of the proximal femur. The mid-term results are very promising, but long-term experience is necessary.

We evaluated the results of fibular centralisation as a stand alone technique to reconstruct defects that occurred after resection of tumours involving the tibial diaphysis and distal metaphysis.

Between January 2003 and December 2006, 15 patients underwent excision of tumours of the tibial diaphysis or distal metaphysis and reconstruction by fibular centralisation. Their mean age was 17 years (7 to 40). Two patients were excluded; one died from the complications of chemotherapy and a second needed a below-knee amputation for a recurrent giant-cell tumour. A total of 13 patients were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 29 months (16 to 48). Only 16 of 26 host graft junctions united primarily. Ten junctions in ten patients needed one or more further procedure before union was achieved. At final follow-up 12 of the 13 patients had fully united grafts; 11 walked without aids. The mean time to union at the junctions that united was 12 months (3 to 36). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was 24.7 (16 to 30).

Fibular centralisation is a durable reconstruction for defects of the tibial diaphysis and distal metaphysis with an acceptable functional outcome. Stable osteosynthesis is the key to successful union. Additional bone grafting is recommended for patients who need postoperative radiotherapy.

Four patients who developed malignant synovial tumours are described; one with chondromatosis developed a synovial chondrosarcoma and three with pigmented villonodular synovitis developed malignant change. The relevant literature is discussed.

We report the results of limb salvage for non-metastatic osteosarcoma of the distal tibia using resection arthrodesis, autogenous fibular graft and fixation by an Ilizarov external fixator.

In six patients with primary osteosarcoma of the distal tibia who refused amputation, treatment with wide en bloc resection and tibiotalar arthrodesis was undertaken. The defect was reconstructed using non-vascularised free autogenous fibular strut graft in three patients and a vascularised pedicular fibular graft in three, all supplemented with iliac cancellous graft at the graft-host junction. An Ilizarov external fixator was used for stabilisation of the reconstruction.

In five patients sound fusion occurred at a mean of 13.2 months (8 to 20) with no evidence of local recurrence or deep infection at final follow-up. The mean post-operative functional score was 70% (63% to 73%) according to the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society scoring system. All five patients showed graft hypertrophy.

Union of the graft was faster in cases reconstructed by vascularised fibular grafts. One patient who had a poor response to pre-operative chemotherapy developed local tumour recurrence at one year post-operatively and required subsequent amputation.

Deep-seated lipomas are often atypical histologically and are considered by some to have a high risk of recurrence after excision. We reviewed 215 deep-seated lipomas of the extremities and trunk wall with reference to histology, cytogenetics, clinical features and local recurrence. We classified tumours with atypical features and/or ring chromosomes as atypical lipomas. These were more common in men, larger than ordinary lipomas and more often located in the upper leg. The annual incidence was estimated as ten per million inhabitants and the ratio of atypical to ordinary lipomas was 1:3. In total, six tumours (3%), recurred locally after a median of eight years (1 to 16); of these, four were classified as atypical.

The low recurrence rate of deep-seated lipomas of the extremity or trunk wall, irrespective of histological subtype, implies that if surgery is indicated, the tumour may be shelled out, that atypical lipomas in these locations do not deserve the designation well-differentiated liposarcoma, and that routine review after surgery is not required.

The most appropriate protocol for the biopsy of musculoskeletal tumours is controversial, with some authors advocating CT-guided core biopsy. At our hospital the initial biopsies of most musculoskeletal tumours has been by operative core biopsy with evaluation by frozen section which determines whether diagnostic tissue has been obtained and, if possible, gives the definitive diagnosis. In order to determine the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of this protocol we have undertaken a retrospective audit of biopsies of musculoskeletal tumours performed over a period of two years.

A total of 104 patients had biopsies according to this regime. All gave the diagnosis apart from one minor error which did not alter the management of the patient. There was no requirement for re-biopsy. This protocol was more labour-intensive and 38% more costly than CT-guided core biopsy (AU$1804 vs AU$1308). However, the accuracy and avoidance of the anxiety associated with repeat biopsy outweighed these disadvantages.