Aims

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.

Objectives. To assess the accuracy of patient-specific instruments (PSIs) versus standard manual technique and the precision of computer-assisted planning and PSI-guided osteotomies in pelvic tumour resection. Methods. CT scans were obtained from five female cadaveric pelvises. Five osteotomies were designed using Mimics software: sacroiliac, biplanar supra-acetabular, two parallel iliopubic and ischial. For cases of the left hemipelvis, PSIs were designed to guide standard oscillating saw osteotomies and later manufactured using 3D printing. Osteotomies were performed using the standard manual technique in cases of the right hemipelvis. Post-resection CT scans were quantitatively analysed. Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U test were used. Results. Compared with the manual technique, PSI-guided osteotomies improved accuracy by a mean 9.6 mm (p < 0.008) in the sacroiliac osteotomies, 6.2 mm (p < 0.008) and 5.8 mm (p < 0.032) in the biplanar supra-acetabular, 3 mm (p < 0.016) in the ischial and 2.2 mm (p < 0.032) and 2.6 mm (p < 0.008) in the parallel iliopubic osteotomies, with a mean linear deviation of 4.9 mm (p < 0.001) for all osteotomies. Of the manual osteotomies, 53% (n = 16) had a linear deviation > 5 mm and 27% (n = 8) were > 10 mm. In the PSI cases, deviations were 10% (n = 3) and 0 % (n = 0), respectively. For angular deviation from pre-operative plans, we observed a mean improvement of 7.06° (p < 0.001) in pitch and 2.94° (p < 0.001) in roll, comparing PSI and the standard manual technique. Conclusion. In an experimental study, computer-assisted planning and PSIs improved accuracy in pelvic tumour resections, bringing osteotomy results closer to the parameters set in pre-operative planning, as compared with standard manual techniques. Cite this article: A. Sallent, M. Vicente, M. M. Reverté, A. Lopez, A. Rodríguez-Baeza, M. Pérez-Domínguez, R. Velez. How 3D patient-specific instruments improve accuracy of pelvic bone tumour resection in a cadaveric study. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:577–583. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.610.BJR-2017-0094.R1

Resection of the proximal femur raises several challenges to the orthopedic oncology surgeon. Among these is the re-establishment of the abductor mechanism that might impacts on hip function. Extent of tumor resection and surgeons’ preferences dictate the reconstruction method of the abductors. While some surgeons advocate the necessity of greater trochanter (GT) preservation whenever possible, others attempt direct soft tissues reattachment to the prosthesis. Sparse data in the literature evaluated the outcomes of greater trochanter fixation to the proximal femur megaprosthesis. This is a retrospective monocentric study. All patients who received a proximal femoral replacement after tumor resection between 2005 and 2021 with a minimum follow-up of three months were included. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) those with preserved GT reattached to the megaprosthesis and (2) those with direct or indirect (tenodesis to fascia lata) abductor muscles reattachment. Both groups were compared for surgical outcomes (dislocation and revision rates) and functional outcomes (Trendelenburg gait, use of walking-assistive device and abductor muscle strength). Additionally patients in group 1 were subdivided into patients who received GT reinsertion using a grip and cables and those who got direct GT reinsertion using suture materials and studied for GT displacement at three, six and 12 months. Time to cable rupture was recorded and analyzed through a survival analysis. Fifty-six patients were included in this study with a mean follow-up of 45 months (3-180). There were 23 patients with reinserted GT (group 1) and 33 patients with soft tissue repair (group 2). Revision rate was comparable between both groups(p=0.23); however, there were more dislocations in group 2 (0/23 vs 6/33; p=0.037). Functional outcomes were comparable, with 78% of patients in group 1 (18/23) and 73% of patients in group 2 (24/33) that displayed a Trendelenburg gait (p=0.76). In group 1, 70% (16/23) used walking aids compared to 79% of group 2 (27/33) (p=0.34). Mean abductor strength reached 2.7 in group 1 compared to 2.3 in group 2 (p=0.06). In group 1, 16 of the 23 patients had GT reinsertion with grip and cables. Median survival of cables for these 16 patients reached 13 months in our series. GT displacement reached a mean of two mm, three mm, and 11 mm respectively at three, six and 12 months of follow-up in patients with grip and cables compared to 12 mm, 24 mm and 26 mm respectively at the same follow-up intervals in patients with GT stand-alone suture reinsertion(p<0.05). Although GT preservation and reinsertion did not improve functional outcomes after proximal femur resection and reconstruction with a megaprosthesis, it was significantly associated with lower dislocation rate despite frequent cable failure and secondary GT migration. No cable or grip revision or removal was recorded. Significantly less displacement was observed in patients for whom GT reattachment used plate and cables rather than sutures only. Therefore we suggest that GT should be preserved and reattached whenever possible and that GT reinsertion benefits from strong materials such as grip and cables

Introduction. Vascularized fibular grafting following tumor resection is an essential treatment option in limb salvage surgery. This study aimed to assess the surgical and oncological outcomes of patients treated in Denmark between 2010 and 2022. Method. We present a retrospective review of a national cohort comprising 27 patients. The indications were 13 cases of Ewing sarcoma, 12 cases of osteosarcoma, and 2 cases of giant cell tumor. The median age at surgery was 16 years (range: 2-39), and the median follow-up was 82 months (range: 12-138). Patients were analyzed overall and stratified into upper and lower extremity groups based on tumor location. Result. The primary rate of graft union was 63%, and after secondary procedures, the overall rate of graft union was 67%, with a median time to union of 13 months (range: 7-29). The reoperation rate was 74%, while the rate of limb salvage was 93%, with two patients undergoing amputation during follow-up. The 5-year overall survival rate was 81% (95% CI: 61-92). Patients with upper extremity tumors were more likely to attain graft union (92% vs. 47%, p=0.02) and less likely to undergo multiple reoperations (17% vs 60%, p=0.047) compared to patients with lower extremity tumors. Conclusion. Vascularized fibula grafting remains a valuable option in limb salvage surgery with acceptable long-term outcomes. However, especially in lower extremity cases, a low rate of graft union and multiple reoperations are to be expected

Biological reconstruction techniques after diaphyseal tumour resection have increased in popularity in recent years. High complication and failure rates have been reported with intercalary allografts, with recent studies questioning their role in limb-salvage surgery. We developed a technique in which large segment allografts are augmented with intramedullary cement and fixed using compression plating. The goal of this study was to evaluate the survivorship, complications and functional outcomes of these intercalary reconstructions. Forty-two patients who had reconstruction with an intercalary allograft following tumour resection between 1989 and 2010 were identified from our prospectively collected database. Allograft survival, local recurrence-free, disease-free and overall survival were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Patient function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scoring system and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). The 23 women and 19 men had a mean age of 33 years (14–77). The most common diagnoses were osteosarcoma (n=16) and chondrosarcoma (n=9). There were 9 humerus, 18 femur and 15 tibia reconstructions. At a mean follow-up of 95 months (5–288), 31 patients were alive without disease, 10 were dead of disease and 1 was deceased of other causes. There were 4 local recurrences and 11 patients developed metastatic disease. 5-year local recurrence free survival was 92%, 5-year disease-free survival was 70% and overall survival was 75%. Fourteen of 42 patients (33%) experienced complications: 5 wound healing complications, 4 infections, 2 non-unions, 2 fractures and 1 nerve palsy. Four allografts (9.5%) were revised for complications and 2 (5%) for local recurrence. Mean allograft survival was 85 months (4–288). Mean time to union was 8.2 (3–36) months for the proximal osteotomy site and 8.1 (3–23) months for the distal osteotomy site. The mean score for MSTS 87 was 29.4 (+/− 4.4), MSTS 93 was 83.7 (+/−14.8) and TESS was 81.6 (+/−16.9). An intercalary allograft augmented with intramedullary cement and compression plate fixation provides a reliable and durable method of reconstruction after tumour resection. Complication rates are comparable to the literature and are associated with high levels of patient function and satisfaction

Aims: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the experience of the Prague tumour centre with total hip replacements after tumour resections. Methods: 180 THR were implanted between 1971 and 2001 in the Prague tumour centre after resections of primary and secondary bone tumours. 158 had special long and 22 standard stems. The patients were followed in a minimum one-year interval both clinically and radiologically until their death or for at least þve years. Clinical and radiological data are evaluated. Results: Among the 158 long stem femoral components there were 63 primary bone tumours (10 Ewing sarcoma, 10 myeloma 9 chondrosarcoma, 7 osteosarcoma, 7 malignant þbrous histiocytoma, 4 malignant lymphoma, 4 giant cell tumours and 15 other benign tumours). Most of the 95 metastatic cases originated in the breast, kidney and lungs. The range of motion was surprisingly good when muscles were reattached around the stem. Luxations occurred until the antiluxating cup was developed. Even if these patients showed a higher risk of infection, reoperation was not a severe problem. Conclusions: THR with a long stem is a good salvage method after primary tumour resection around the hip. It is a method of choice in meta-static patients with or without pathologic fractures especially in solitary bone metastasis. Luxation can be a problem when not using an antiluxa-ting cup as well as replacement in children with unþnished skeletal development. Reattachment of the Ç muscle ring È improves the outcome

We performed a retrospective review of 98 patients with malignant tumours of the periacetabular region, treated by resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction between 1971 and 2005 at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore and The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham. The mean age of the patients was 43.6 years (10 to 76). 53 patients (54%) were male. The age distribution demonstrated peaks in the 2nd and 6th decades. The mean follow up was 65 months (2 to 405. The overall 10-year survival rate was 56% (determined by the Kaplan-Meier method). 54 patients (58.1%) had one or more complications. Infection was the most common (30%) with the majority occurring in the first 2 years. Dislocation occurred in 19 (20%) of our patients all in the first year following surgery. All were recurrent with a mean of 2.9 (2 to 6) episodes. Operations performed before 1994 were associated with a dislocation rate of 40.5% and after 1996 the rate was only 3.9% (p < 0.001). Function was assessed according the Toronto Extremity Salvage Sore (TESS). The overall TESS was 59.4. In patients that had a major complication the TESS was 37.1 but in the group that did not the TESS was 70.3 (p < 0.001). Men experienced higher rates of death, infection and revision than women (p < 0.05). The local recurrence rate was 31% with high grade tumours associated with higher recurrence rates (p < 0.05). Tumour resection in the ilium is associated with higher rates of infection than tumours located in the periacetabular region alone (p < 0.05). This method of reconstruction is still associated with high complication rates. Function is good if a major complication can be avoided. The lower dislocation rate more recently is probably the result of improved surgical technique and the use of larger femoral heads

Purpose: To present a series of 49 patients which underwent single or two staged complete spondylectomy, vertebral body reconstruction and segmental spinal stabilization due to spinal tumors. Materials and Methods: From 1992 to 2002, 49 patients with primary or metastatic spinal tumors were treated. There were 36 females and 13 males with mean age at operation of 53.5 years (19 – 80). The preoperative classification was Frankel E in 17 cases, B – D in 31 cases and A in one case. Five patients had nerve root dysfunction and one, classified as Frankel E, had sphincter inadequacy. The parts of the spine involved were lower cervical in 7 cases, thoracic in 10, thoracolumbar in 15 and lumbar in 17 cases. The operations were two staged in 36 cases and single staged in 13 cases. In the cervical spine, titanium cylinders filled with methylmethacrylate were used. For the rest of the spine, the most commonly used instruments were the Kaneda device, followed by the Miami–MOSS system. Bone graft was used in five benign tumors. Mean follow – up was 62.3 months. Results: One patient died during the anterior procedure and in another it had to be interrupted, whereupon he died one week later. Two patients died due to their underlying pathology in the 6th post–operative month. Complications included wound healing problems in 9 patients and local recurrence in one patient. There were no neurological deteriorations or instrument failures. The majority of patients experienced improvement in their neurological status, reduction of pain or both. Most patients were functionally improved and spinal alignment was maintained in all. Conclusion: Spinal tumor resection and spinal reconstruction provide stability, early weight bearing, symptom remission and neurological improvement

Introduction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional and oncological outcome of extracorporeally irradiated autografts as a method of pelvic reconstruction after internal hemipelvectomy. Methods. The study included fifteen patients with primary malignant bone tumours of the pelvis. There were 10 males and 5 females with a mean age of 21.5 years (range, 8 to 46 years). Six patients had Ewing's sarcoma, six osteosarcoma, and three chondrosarcoma. Results. At a mean follow-up of 52.3 months (range, 4 to 180 months), five patients were free from disease, nine had died with metastatic disease, while one patient was alive with pulmonary metastasis. Local recurrence occurred in three patients (20%) and all eventually died of disease progression. Two patients developed deep infection which necessitated graft removal. The mean MSTS functional score in those thirteen patients who could be followed up for at least 12 months was 77% (range, 60-87%). According to Mankin's allograft functional grading system, there were five excellent, five good, one fair result and two failures. Discussion. Periacetabular reconstruction after tumour resection is a real challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. There is no ideal method of reconstruction and the decision needs to be individualized. Extracorporeal irradiation and re-implantation of bone is a valid method of reconstruction after pelvic resections with acceptable morbidity rate and functional outcome that compares favourably to other available reconstructive techniques

Introduction: Osteoarticular allograft represents a reliable option for distal femur reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to describe the technical details and results of distal femur tumor resection and reconstruction with an osteoarticular allograft. Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty-two patients who received an osteoarticular allograft after distal femur resection were reviewed, with a mean follow-up of 7 years. Key points for successful fixation are allograft selection, absolute stability and satisfactory soft-tissue reconstruction at the time of surgery that allows aggressive rehabilitation. Survival of the allograft was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Functional and radiographic results were documented according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring system at the time of the latest follow-up. Results: Three patients were lost to follow and twenty-three patients died for tumor related reasons without allograft failure. In the remaining 96 allografts, eighteen allografts failed due to 7 infections, 7 local recurrences, 1 massive resorption and 3 fractures. Overall allograft survival was 82% +/− 7.6% (+/− 2 SE) at five and ten years. Those patients who preserved the original allograft had an average functional score of 27 points and a mean radiographic score of 89%, which represents a good and excellent functional and radiographic result. Discussion and conclusion: Osteoarticular allograft is a successful procedure for reconstruction of the distal femur. Adequate preoperative planning, careful surgical technique and aggressive rehabilitation lead to excellent function and low complication rate

Our study includes 20 patients with femoral tumors during the years 1997–2002. The primary tumors were 5 sarcomas and 3 myelomas and we had 12 metastatic bone tumors. We used 12 modular prothesis and 8 long stem revision both for primary and for metastatic bone tumors. We applied special surgical techniques for the prevention of hip dislocation, the most common complication of proximal femoral resections. In our study we describe the various surgical techniques used, the modes of application of the endoprothesis and also the techniques of the soft tissue reconstruction, hi 17 cases we used bipolar hemiarthroplasty and in 3 cases, where acetabular metastasis was evident, we used special endoprothesis which allowed us to reconstruct the acetabulum with the use of a special plexus. The most frequently used approach was the anterolateral. In one case we used an anteromedial approach due to the femoral triangle invasion by the tumor. We put special emphasis in the techniques of the soft tissue reconstruction, like capsuloplasty, with the use of a Dacron plexus under a specific modification. This plexus was also used as an extension to cover the muscular defects created due to wide tumor resection. The follow up period ranged from 6 months up to 5 years. Out of the 20 cases we had only one dislocation. The functional results according to the Ennekin scale were: Excellent – Good: 65%, Fair: 30%, Poor: 5%. In conclusion, the new reconstruction techniques and the appropriate application of the modular prothesis that also preserve the femoral length, provide very good joint stability with good functional results

Purpose: Primary bone tumours situated at the distal end of the humerus are exceptional and observed in only 1% of the cases. Reconstruction at this level is often difficult due to the wide bone resection. Choosing a massive prosthesis is an interesting method allowing correct carcinological and functional results. We report a series of ten patients who underwent reconstruction of the lower end of the humerus between 1970 and 2001 with a massive prosthesis after tumour resection. Material and methods: This series included four men and six women, mean age 51 years (15–76). Eight patients had primary bone tumours and two had secondary bone lesions. Mean follow-up was 79 months (9–372). The custom-made constrained hinge prosthesis composed of chromium-cobalt and titanium was cemented. Regular clinical and radiological follow-up data were recorded. The Henneking score and the Toronto Extremity Survival Score (TESS) were used to assess functional outcome. Results: Three patients underwent revision for aseptic loosening of the humeral component at 48, 56 and 366 months with problem of polyethylene insert wear for two of them. There were no infctions or local recurrences and no secondary amputations. The posterior or anterolateral approach was used for humeral resection (mean 153 mm, 63–160 mm). Postoperatively, three patients developed transient palsy (one radial and two ulnar) which regressed. Four patients died from metastasis and had a satsifactory prosthesis result at time of death. The mean TESS was 73% (29–93%) at last follow-up. Discussion: Although this is a small series, the long-term results appear to indicate that reconstruction of the lower extremity of the humerus with a massive prosthesis is a satisfactory option for this rare tumour localisation

Reconstruction of pelvic bone defect after resection for bone tumours is a challenging procedure especially when the hip joint is involved due to the anatomy and the complex biomechanical and structural function of the pelvic ring. This surgery is associated to high complication rate. The additive 3D printing technology allows us to produce trabecular titanium custom based implants with an accurate planning of resection using bone cutting jigs. From August 2013 to January 2017, we treated 8 patients for bone pelvic sarcoma with custom-made osteotomy jigs (Nylon) and custom-made trabecular titanium prosthesis produced through rapid prototyping technology based on mirroring of the contralateral hemipelvis. Mean follow up time was 18 months (range 2–30) Wide margins were obtained in all cases, in one a local recurrence developed. Surgical time was 4 hours average (from 180 to 250 mins). No postoperative complications were reported. Rapid prototyping is a promising technique in order to achieve wide surgical margins and restore the anatomy in pelvic bone tumour resection as well as reducing complications

Introduction: The use of allograft prosthetic composite (APC) of the proximal tibia offers advantages over prosthetic replacement or osteoarticular graft with a better functional outcome since the possibility of a careful soft tissue reconstruction;. Materials and Methods: From 1994 to 2002, 62 APC of the proximal tibia were performed in our department after bone tumor resection (56 malignant bone tumors, 4 cases of previously failed knee implant and 2 stage 3 benign tumors). The patients median age was 18 yrs (range: 11–77 yrs) and the mean resected length was 13.2 cm (range: 8.5–28 cm). The median follow up was 59 months (range: 13–137 months). Results: In three patients (4,8%) a recurrence was reported at 22, 33 an 40 months and amputation was performed. Infection was reported in 15 patients (24.2%): 2 early infections (healed with surgical debridment), 1 femoral stem septic loosening (treated with early revision with cemented stem); in 8 cases removal of the infected APC was required followed by implant of a new prosthetic device after cement spacer; two infections did not healed and patient underwent amputation; in two cases a good functional result was achieved removing the infected graft and covering the proximal tibia with cement and no other surgery was required. Non union of the graft was observed in 8 patients (12.9%): in 4 patients autologous bone grafting was necessary to heal the osteotomy line. In other 3 cases non union was associated with graft fracture. In one case non union was associated with tibial stem loosening and revision of the whole implant was done. Polyethylene wear was assessed in 5 patients (8%) and revision of the polyethylene components was always required. Nine patellar tendon rupture (14.5%) were assessed and repaired was performed in seven cases. The functional outcome of 42 patients with more than two years of follow up was excellent in 25 cases, good in 13, fair in 2 and poor in 2. Discussion: APC of the proximal tibia is an effective alternative to osteoarticular graft and modular prosthesis because it allows good to excellent results in most of the patients (90.4%). The major concern is infection rate (24.2%) that usually lead to amputation (80%). Non union does not usually represent a problem because it’s tendency to spontaneous or bone grafting induced healing. Aseptic loosening of the tibial or femoral stem is rare. Patellar tendon rupture rate (14.5%) is similar to modular prosthetis rate and can be lowered using a femoral component with patellar groove

Introduction. Three-dimensional preoperative planning and bone tumour resection by navigation have been used in the past ten years. According to literature this workflow increases the surgical “accuracy”. However, there are a few and not completely clear reports describing accuracy in preoperative planning and navigation. The objective of this preliminary study was to determine the accuracy of osteotomies planned and guided by navigation in pelvis tumour resection. We assume that the surgical specimen scanned and 3D reconstructed is an acceptable method to determine the accuracy qualitatively and quantitatively of a virtual planning and navigation surgical workflow. Materials and Methods. A total of four patients were evaluated between May 2010 and February 2011, age range: 6–38, 17.4 mean; 2 males and 2 females. There were 4 malignant tumours: Malignant Schwannoma (1), Ewing's tumor (1) and Chondrosarcoma (2). All anatomic regions compromised by the tumour were preoperatively CT scanned (Mutislice 64, Aquilion, Toshiba Medical Systems, Otawara, Japan). Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the corresponding region were acquired using a 1.5-T unit (Magnetom Avanto, Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany). Image fusion was applied to CT and MRI studies in order to determine the bone cortex and the intra-extraosseous soft tissues tumour extension. Once the fusion was obtained osteotomies were planned, taking into account the tumour extension in a three-dimensional virtual scenario. All patients were planned for two uniplanar osteotomies (intercalary resection). The minimal margin was determined in each plane by measuring the closest distance between malignant tumour and osteotomy plane. These studies allowed the visualisation of the tumour and the application of a virtual osteotomy. The simulation was carried out by using a computer-aided design (CAD) software, Mimics (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Three-dimensional preoperative planning was obtained in CAD format. Next, 3D models were exported to CT data sets in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format and uploaded to the navigation system (3D OrthoMap navigation software v1.0, Stryker Navigator, Freiburg, Germany). Using the standard navigation tools (navigated pointer, camera and infrared tracker devices applied to the patient) the surgeon was able to establish a correspondence in a computer monitor between 3D images and real bone. Once osteotomies were performed, the tumour surgical specimen obtained was CT scanned and 3D reconstructed similarly to what was done previously to surgery to CT images acquired with the preoperative protocol in patients. Results. The correlation between the osteotomies preoperatively planned and the osteotomies achieved by navigation was in a global mean of 0.73 millimeters (SD: 3.14) in a total of 6 planes evaluated. Conclusion. According to clinical relevance, this work shows an acceptable accuracy in preoperative planning and navigation. Furthermore, we demonstrate the usefulness of three-dimensional models of surgical specimens when surgeons need to determine quantitative and qualitative accuracy of 3D planning and navigation procedures

Fibula autograft reconstruction, both vascularised (v) and non-vascularised (nv), has been established as a standard method in limb salvage surgery of bone and soft tissue tumours of the extremities. This study retrospectively analyses the results of fibula autograft procedures in general and in relation to vascular reconstruction or simple bone grafting. Since the implementation of the Vienna Tumour Registry in 1969, 26 vascularised and 27 non-vascularised fibula transfers have been performed at our institution in 53 patients, 26 males and 27 females with an average age of 21 years (range 4 to 62 years). Indications included osteosarcoma in 18, Ewing’s Sarcoma in 15, adamantinoma in 5, leiomyosarcoma in 3 and others in 12. Thirty patients were operated for reconstruction of the tibia (8v/22 nv), 7 for the femur (6v/1nv), 7 for defects of the forearm (4v/3nv), 5 for metarsal defects (all v), 3 for the humerus (1v/2nv) and one patient was treated for a pelvic defect (nv). Average follow-up was 63 months (range 2 to 259 months). 43 patients showed successful primary bony union of the autograft. In 12 cases pseudarthrosis indicated further surgical revision, 9 of these patients were primarily reconstructed by use of a nv autograft. 4 patients, 2 with v and 2 with nv reconstruction, suffered a fracture of the transplant and were operated for secondary osteosynthesis. 10 patients with v bone graft developed wound healing disturbances which led to surgery, 2 patients with nv grafts suffered such complications. In 2 patients recurrent infection of a nv and a v fibula transfer led to the implantation of a modular tumour prostheses or amputation, retrospectively. Function of all patients with primary bone healing was rated satisfactory. The use of fibula autograft in limb-salvage surgery under oncological conditions allows biological reconstruction with good functional outcome, especially when primary bone healing is achieved. Vascularised bone grafting seems to have a better outcome in terms of primary bone healing than simple fibula bone grafting, and thus represents a feasible choice in the reconstruction of bone defects from tumour resection

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome, complications and survival of the three most commonly used surgical reconstructions of the proximal humerus in adult patients after trans-articular tumour resection. Method. Between1985 and 2005 thirty-eight consecutive proximal humeral reconstructions using either, allograft-prosthesis composite (n=10), osteoarticular allograft (n=13) or a modular tumour prosthesis (n=14), were performed in our clinic. Their mean follow-up was ten years (nine months to 25 years). Of these, twenty-seven were disease free at latest follow-up (Mean follow-up 16.8 years) and ten had died of disease (4.2 years). Complications and implant survival with revision surgery as end-point are presented for the total group of patients, functional scores for surviving patients only. Results. The endoprosthetic group presented the smallest complication rate of 21%, compared to 40% in the allograftprosthesis- composite and 62% in the osteoarticular allograft group. Only one revision was performed in the endoprosthetic group, in a case of shoulder instability. Infection after revision (n=3), pseudoarthrosis (n=2), fracture of the allograft (n=3), and shoulder instability (n=4) were major complications of allograft use in general. Kaplan-Meier-analysis showed a significantly better implant survival for the endoprosthetic group (log-rank p=0.002). At final follow-up the MusculoSkeletal Tumour Society scores averaged at; 72% for the allograft-prosthetic-composite (n=7, mean follow-up 19 years), 76% for the osteoarticular allograft (n=3, 16 years), and 77% for the endoprosthetic reconstruction (n=10, 6 years) groups. Conclusion. An endoprosthetic reconstruction after trans-articular proximal humeral resection resulted in the lowest complication rate, highest implant survival and comparable functional results when compared to allograft-prosthesiscomposite and osteoarticular-allograft use. For all types of reconstruction, gleno-humeral instability remains a major cause of dysfunction at long-term FU. We believe that the additional use of a knitted tube surrounding the humeral prosthesis may have decreased the high incidence of this complication reported in recent literature

Several methods have been used for proximal humeral reconstruction following tumour resection. None of these modalities allow the patient to regain his normal shoulder range of motion. Moreover, every modality has its advantages and disadvantages. The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcome of 2 reconstructive modalities that we are using in our institution for proximal humeral reconstruction; endoprosthesis and shoulder arthrodesis using a vascularised autograft This study included 48 patients diagnosed with malignant or benign aggressive tumours that required resection of their proximal humerus. They were divided into 2 groups according to the method of reconstruction. Group 1 included 22 patients with an average age of 20 years were reconstructed by shoulder arthrodesis using a free vascularised fibular graft (6) or a pedicled scapular crest graft (16). Group 2 included 26 patients with an average age of 26 years were reconstructed with an endoprosthesis. In group 1 the average follow up period was 88 months (range 12 to 184 months). The average functional outcome (according to the MSTS scoring system) was 25 points (range 19 – 28). The average abduction and forward flexion range of motion (scapulothoracic) was 40 degrees (range 20 -60). Complications included failed fixation (2), non union (1), infection (1) and temporary radial nerve palsy (2). In group 2 the average follow up period was 36 months (range 12 – 110). The average functional outcome was 24 points (range 20 – 27). The average abduction and forward flexion range of motion was 40 (range 30 –70). Complications included sublaxation (2), loosening (1) and infection (1). Reconstruction of the proximal humerus by arthrodesis or endoprosthesis yield similar functional outcome. Although endoprosthesis is a much more expensive modality, it does not provide any superior functional outcome over shoulder arthrodesis

A retrospective review of our prospectively collected database was undertaken to determine the functional and oncologic outcome following combined pelvic allograft and total hip arthroplasty (THA) reconstruction of large pelvic bone defects following tumour resection. There were twenty-four patients with a minimum followup of fifteen months. The complication rate following hemipel-vic allograft and THA reconstruction of resection Types I+II and I+II+III was high, but when successful this reconstruction resulted in reasonable functional outcome. In comparison, the functional outcome after allograft and THA reconstruction of isolated Type II acetabular resections was better and more predictable. Resection of large pelvic bone tumours often results in segmental defects with pelvic discontinuity and loss of the acetabulum. We reviewed the functional and oncologic outcomes following pelvic allograft and total hip arthroplasty (THA) reconstruction. Reconstruction of large pelvic defects including the acetabulum using hemipelvic allograft and THA is associated with high complication rates, however when successful provides reasonable function. In comparison, the outcomes of allograft and THA for acetabular defects alone are better and more predictable. A retrospective review of our prospectively collected database was undertaken. Minimum followup was fifteen months (15–167). Nineteen patients were hemipel-vic resections (twelve Type I+II and seven Type I+II+III, eleven cases including partial sacral resection) reconstructed by hemipelvic allograft and THA. Five patients had Type II acetabular resections, reconstructed with structural allograft, roof ring and THA. Osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma were the most frequent tumours. All patients required walking aids. In the hemipelvic group there were two early deaths (peri-operative haemorrhage and aplastic anaemia). In seven patients (37%) the allograft remained intact without infection but three required revision THA for loosening. For these seven patients the functional outcome scores were TESS 64%, MSTS87 17/35 and MSTS93 of 45% (mean fifty-two months.). There were nine cases of deep infection (47%) with three patients maintaining a functional implant. The nineteenth patient was revised following allograft fracture. In the Type II acetabular group, three patients had no complications, and two patients dislocated. The average scores were TESS 78%, MSTS87 21/35 and MSTS93 64% (mean fifty-five months)

To report on the management of a patient with grade 1 holocord pilocytic astrocytoma and scoliosis.

Case report of a rare spinal cord tumour and a management of the scoliosis.

An 11 year boy complained of gradually worsening neck, back pain and pain in all limbs. This was accompanied by unsteadiness, weakness of lower limbs and bed wetting of recent onset. There was a family history of spinal cord tumour.

Examination revealed signs of spinal cord compression and a left thoracic scoliosis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an intra-medullary tumour extending through the spinal cord and syrinx formation.

He underwent T1-3 approach for drainage of syrinx, biopsy of tumour and laminoplasty with plates. He was started on chemotherapy for 14 months. During this period a syringo-peritoneal shunt was inserted. There was further growth of the tumour and neurological deterioration. He subsequently underwent T8-L1 laminoplasty, debulking of tumour and insertion of dual diameter growing rods.

There has been no significant neurological deterioration. There was good correction of the scoliosis with Cobb angle reducing from 50 to 15 degrees. Lengthening of growing rods has been done 4 times with good length achieved.

Excision of tumour and growing rod insertion (not previously reported) is a good way of controlling neurological symptoms and the scoliosis in this rare spinal cord tumour.