Comparative Analysis of Two Surgical Treatment Options for Giant Cell Tumor of the Proximal Femur: Extended Curettage and Segmental Resection

AimAs a locally destructive intermediate bone tumor with low incidence, high recurrence rate, and difficulty in reconstruction, giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in the proximal femur has no unified surgical treatment standard. This study aimed to compare the differences in local recurrence, reconstruction durability, and postoperative function after treatment with either extended curettage (EC) or segmental resection (SR) for GCTB in the proximal femur so as to provide constructive suggestions for the rational selection of EC or SR operation scheme.Patients and Methods29 patients (15 men and 14 women) were included in this retrospective study, with a mean age of 32.1 years. According to the division method of proximal femur of International Society Of Limb Salvage (ISOLS), there was 1 case in the H1 area, 17 cases in the H2 area, 10 cases in the H1+H2 area, and 1 case in the H1+H2+H3 area. Among them were 11 cases of Campanacci grade II GCTB, 18 cases of Campanacci grade III GCTB, and 7 cases with pathological fractures. All patients underwent either EC or SR surgery. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was used for patient evaluation. The operation effectiveness was analyzed according to the Mankin evaluation standard. Regular follow-up was performed to evaluate the recurrence rate, limb function, and long-term complications of the two surgical methods.ResultsAll patients were followed up for a mean of 60.4 months. Local recurrence occurred in one of 19 patients treated with EC (5.3%) and one of 10 patients treated with SR (10%). The MSTS score of lower limb function in patients in the EC group was better compared to patients in the SR group (P = 0.002). Complications occurred in 2 cases (10.5%) and 5 cases (50%) in the EC group (osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis) and SR group (joint stiffness, infection, prosthesis loosening), respectively, with significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.03). The operation effectiveness was analyzed according to the Mankin evaluation standard. The EC group showed an optimal rate of 94.7% (18/19) as opposed to 80% (8/10) in the SR group.ConclusionsFor GCTB in the proximal femur, when the tumor does not extensively involves the surrounding soft tissues, the articular surface was not damaged, and there is no pathological fracture with apparent displacement, EC surgery should be fully considered.

Hemicortical Resection and Biological Reconstruction using Allograft for Parosteal Osteosarcoma of the Distal Femur. A Case Series

Background: Parosteal osteosarcoma (PAO), which is a surface osteosarcoma, can be treated with wide excision and endoprosthetic or allograft application. However, due to the low local recurrence and metastasis rate, when it appears in the posterior surface of the distal femur, can be managed with hemicortical wide resection and biological reconstruction with hemicortical allograft.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes of patients with parosteal osteosarcoma (PAO) of the posterior cortex of the distal femur who underwent biological reconstruction after hemicortical resection. Methods: Eleven patients who underwent wide tumor resection and defect reconstruction of the posterior surface of the distal femur using hemicortical allograft were studied retrospectively. Local recurrence, metastasis, complications and the functional outcome using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring system (MSTS Score) were evaluated.Results: The average postoperative follow-up period was 53.64 months (range, 30 to 84 months). At the latest follow up, all patients were free of the disease without appearing any metastases. A patient with local recurrence underwent revision surgery with fibula autograft reconstruction. The mean MSTS score was 93.45 ± 3.56. Conclusions: In patients with PAO of the posterior aspect of the distal femur the treatment of hemicortical resection and allograft reconstruction has satisfactory oncological and functional outcomes and low complication rates.

What are the Results of Resection of Forearm Soft Tissue Sarcoma?

Only few reports have assessed the characteristics and oncological and functional outcomes of forearm soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Then, we aimed to investigate the clinical features and survival-related factors for forearm STS who underwent surgical excision at our institution. There were 38 patients. Fourteen patients (41%) were referred to our institution after an unplanned excision and tumor size and grade were significantly associated with the receipt of it. The postoperative median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society rating scale (MSTS) score was 28. Bone resection or major nerve palsy was the only factor influencing the postoperative MSTS score (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in MSTS scores according to the reconstruction procedures (the use of flap or tendon reconstruction). The 5-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rate was 86%. Univariate analysis revealed that the histological diagnosis of myxofibrosarcoma was the only factor that influenced LRFS (P = 0.047). The 5-year metastasis-free survival rate was 77%. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 94%. Age was the only factor that influenced OS (P = 0.01). In conclusion, reconstruction of the skin and tendon can compensate for function. Careful follow-up is important, especially in patients with myxofibrosarcoma, due to its likelihood of local recurrence.

“Prevalence of chronic pain following resection of pelvic bone tumours: A single centre prospective observational survey”

Background Hemipelvectomy is a major surgery most often performed for pelvic malignancy. These complex surgeries often involve dissection around major neurovascular bundle and resection of tumour being bone along with involved tissues. This may result in short and long term morbidities. There is very little literature about incidence of chronic pain after pelvic resections. We conducted a prospective study at a tertiary cancer hospital to assess the prevalence of chronic pain post hemipelvectomy. Method This is a single centre prospective observational study conducted over 30 months. Pain scores were recorded using Brief pain inventory (BPI) and pain detect questionnaire. The quality of life was assessed using musculoskeletal tumour society (MSTS) score. Intra-operative details like extent of surgical resection, nerves spared, details of intra-operative and post-operative analgesia were retrieved from the patient files. Data were analysed using SPSS 21 version. Results Neuropathic pain post hemipelvectomy was uncommon. The prevalence of mild to moderate somatic pain was around 30%. Functional limitation was minimal as assessed by BPI and MSTS score. A high incidence of numbness was seen to persist in and around the area of surgical incision (50%). Conclusion This is first study to report the incidence of chronic pain post hemipelvectomy done for pelvic tumour resections. Despite the extensive nature of resection involved, there is a low prevalence of neuropathic pain in this population. However, incidence of persistent somatic pain is high and there is a need for further studies for evaluating the causality

Functional Outcomes of Limb Salvage Surgery in Patients with Giant Cell Tumor of Bone of the Lower Extremities: A Retrospective Study

Giant cell tumor of the bone (GCTB) is a benign, locally aggressive neoplasm that is relatively rare, with a propensity to result in progressive bone destruction, and is associated with a high risk of recurrence. There is no widely held consensus regarding its ideal treatment. Worldwide, there are varying techniques ranging from intralesional curettage to resection of the lesion, supplemented with combinations of numerous adjuncts and fillers, depending on the resected amount and integrity of bone, as well as the preference of the surgeon. This was a cross-sectional study that included 20 patients who underwent limb salvage surgery for giant cell tumor of the bone of the lower extremities from January 2009 to February 2020 at two tertiary hospitals. The mean follow-up period was 37.3 months (SD=2.84). The extended curettage (EC) group had a mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Rating Scale (MSTS) score of 28.18 (SD=7.51) which is considered as an excellent outcome, while the resection (RS) group had an mean MSTS score of 19.67 (SD=11.02), which is considered as a good outcome. EC resulted to a total of eight complications (47%), while RS had one complication (33%). Prevalence of recurrence was noted to be 11.75% among those who underwent EC, while no recurrence was noted among those in the RS group. Use of bone cement as a filler was noted to have less recurrence as compared with the use of bone grafts, however were both were noted to result in excellent functional outcomes. Despite the prevalence of complications and recurrence of GCTB of the salvaged extremity in those who underwent EC, there is still report of excellent functionality. It is hence important to disclose all these possible outcomes and to stress the importance of compliance to follow-up for monitoring of these events.

Salvage of limb salvage in oncological reconstructions of the lower limb with megaprosthesis: how much to push the boundaries?

Introduction Megaprosthesis represent the most commonly used limb salvage method after musculoskeletal tumor resections. Nevertheless, they are burdened by high complication rate, requiring several surgical revisions and eventually limb amputation. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of rescuing the limb with subsequent revisions on complication rates (a), incidence of amputations (b), and whether complications reduce functional outcome after the first surgical revision (c). Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed 444 lower limb megaprosthesis implanted for primary musculoskeletal tumors or metastatic lesions, from February 2000 to November 2017. 59 patients received at least one revision megaprosthesis surgery. MSTS score was used to assess final functional results. Complication-revision-amputation free survival rates were calculated both at 5 and 10 years of follow-up. Results Complication free survival, revision free survival and amputation free survival at 10 years were 47% and 53%, 61% and 67%, 90% and 86% among all 444 patients and the group of 59 revised patients, respectively. The incidence of further complications after the first complication was 26% in the group treated with no subsequent revision surgeries and 51% in the group with at least one revision surgery. We found a trend of inverse linear relationship between the number of complications needing subsequent revision surgeries and the final MSTS. Conclusion The number of further revision surgeries after limb salvage with megaprosthesis increases the incidence of complications. Repeated surgical revisions, in particular after infection, increase the amputation rate. The most frequent causes of failure were structural failures and infections. MSTS score was superior for patients undergoing limb salvage than amputees. However, MSTS progressively decreased with multiple revisions becoming inferior to the functional score of an amputated patient.

PROSPECTIVE INTERVENTIONAL STUDY OF ASSESS FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF GIANT CELL TUMOUR OF DISTAL END RADIUS TREATED BY EN BLOE RESECTION AND RECONSTRUCTION BY ULNAR TRANSLOCATION

Background: Giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone is a relatively rare, locally aggressive benign neoplasm associated with a wide pathological spectrum, ranging from latent benign to highly recurrent and, occasionally, malignant metastatic potential. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 30 hospitalized patients for surgery in in Jaipur. We followed up all patients with GCT of the distal radius who were treated with en bloc excision and custom prosthetic replacement. All cases were evaluated based on clinical and radiological examinations, passive range of motion (ROM) of the wrist joint, complications, and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. Results: Mean follow-up period was 52.36 months, mean resected length of the radius was 7.11±2.31 cm. One patient had tumor recurrence in the soft tissues after 16.32±2.31 months (recurrence rate 10.00 %). No patient had fracture, recurrence in the bone, metastases, or immune rejection. No complications were seen, such as loosening, rupture, or dislocation of the custom prosthesis. One patient developed superficial infection at the operative site which resolved after a course of antibiotics for 4 weeks. One patient experienced pain, which could be endured without the need for analgesics. Average ROM was 40.6° of dorsiflexion, 29.8° of volar flexion, 46.2° of supination, and 37.8° of pronation. Mean grip strength was 70 % (41–84 %). Overall revised MSTS score averaged 81.36 % with one being excellent, five good, and five satisfactory. Conclusion: The optimal treatment for GCTs arising around the knee remains controversial. Despite the trend towards better oncological control of this tumour after wide resections, the recurrence rates achieved through a more conservative procedure such as the curettage-based interventions seem to be acceptable. Additionally, curettage and local adjuvants allow for overall better function of the knee, in particular with proximal tibia GCTs. Keywords: GCT, MSTS, ROM

Cryoablation-aided joint retention surgery for epiphysis involvement in osteosarcoma compared with endoprosthetic replacement

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

Outcomes of Tumor Resection and Reconstruction by Megaprosthesis around Knee: Our Experience

Introduction: In this modern era, limb reconstructive surgeries have become a standardized procedure for malignant tumor of lower limbs. We performed limb salvage surgeries for tumor around the knee with en bloc resection and subsequent reconstruction with a megaprosthesis. Methods: A total of six cases of malignant and locally aggressive tumor around the knee were operated on from 2017 to 2018, with resection and mega prosthetic reconstruction. Interpretation of functional outcome after surgery was performed with musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) score. Complications such as infection, local recurrence of tumor, implant failure, and distant metastases were evaluated during each follow-up. Results: Postoperatively, one patient developed superficial infection; one local recurrence with metastasis and the rest cases were uneventful. Patients were regularly followed for atleast1 year, and none of them developed any sign of deep infection, implant failure,or loosening. At the beginning of treatment, the average MSTS score was 8.83, which showed a significant increment to 25.83 after 12 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Albeit few cases were operated on, we draw this inference from our short-term experience that mega prosthesis acts as a boon to orthopedic surgeons in musculoskeletal tumor management, thereby uplifting the quality of life of patients even during terminal care. Keywords: Limb salvage surgery, osteosarcoma, giant cell tumor, megaprosthesis.

Implant survival and functional results of endoprosthetic reconstruction for proximal femoral metastases with pathological fractures

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the patient and implant survival, clinical and functional outcomes, and the rate of complications resulting in reconstruction failure following endoprosthetic reconstruction (EPR) of extensive proximal femoral metastases associated with actual or impending pathological fractures. Methods: A total of 111 patients with actual or impending pathological fractures due to metastatic disease of the proximal femur were treated with EPR between 2003 and 2018. Staged surgery, bilateral EPR, was performed in 3 cases. The patients comprised 51 females and 60 males with a mean age of 52.1 ± 12.3 years. The patient and implant survival were recorded. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed by using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) functional scoring, and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). The different types of abductor mechanism repair were evaluated by functional tests and existence of Trendelenburg gait at postoperative follow-ups. The complications resulting in reconstruction failure were investigated. Results: The mean follow-up was 23.1 ± 17.9 months. The overall survival of patients after EPR was 89% at 6 months, 72% at 1 year and 10% at 5 years. The estimated 1- and 5-year overall implant survival was 100% and 97.3% (95% CI, 0.95–0.98), respectively, as the endpoint was defined as complete removal of the prosthesis. Median VAS score before endoprosthetic replacement was 8 and after 3 months 4. Before surgery, the median MSTS score was 40 (30–56.6%) and the median KPS score was 40 (30–50). Postoperative third month, the median MSTS score was 56.6 (53.3–86.6%) and the median KPS score was 60 (40–70). Functional scores were superior in trochanter major split osteotomized group compared to trochanter major removed group. Trendelenburg gait was seen in 20 (17.5%) patients postoperatively. There were 10 (8.7%) complications resulting in reconstruction failure. Conclusion: Endoprosthetic replacement can provide a durable fixation with high implant survival rate and good clinical and functional results in extensive proximal femoral metastases associated with a pathological fracture.