Aims. Radiotherapy is a well-known local treatment for spinal metastases. However, in the presence of postoperative systemic therapy, the efficacy of radiotherapy on local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) in patients with spinal metastases remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of post-surgical radiotherapy for spinal metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, and to identify factors correlated with LC and OS. Methods. A retrospective, single-centre review was conducted of patients with spinal metastases from NSCLC who underwent surgery followed by systemic therapy at our institution from January 2018 to September 2022. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests were used to compare the LC and OS between groups. Associated factors for LC and OS were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results. Overall, 123 patients with 127 spinal metastases from NSCLC who underwent decompression surgery followed by postoperative systemic therapy were included. A total of 43 lesions were treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) after surgery and 84 lesions were not. Survival rate at one, two, and three years was 83.4%, 58.9%, and 48.2%, respectively, and LC rate was 87.8%, 78.8%, and 78.8%, respectively. Histological type was the only significant associated factor for both LC (p = 0.007) and OS (p < 0.001). Treatment with targeted therapy was significantly associated with longer survival (p = 0.039). The risk factors associated with worse survival were abnormal laboratory data (p = 0.021), lesions located in the thoracic spine (p = 0.047), and lumbar spine (p = 0.044). This study also revealed that postoperative radiotherapy had little effect in improving OS or LC. Conclusion. Tumour histological type was significantly associated with the prognosis in spinal NSCLC metastasis patients. In the presence of post-surgical systemic therapy, radiotherapy appeared to be less effective in improving LC, OS, or quality of life in spinal NSCLC metastasis patients. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(4):350–360

There is currently no consensus about the mean volume of blood lost during spinal tumour surgery and surgery for metastatic spinal disease. We conducted a systematic review of papers published in the English language between 31 January 1992 and 31 January 2012. Only papers that clearly presented blood loss data in spinal surgery for metastatic disease were included. The random effects model was used to obtain the pooled estimate of mean blood loss. We selected 18 papers, including six case series, ten retrospective reviews and two prospective studies. Altogether, there were 760 patients who had undergone spinal tumour surgery and surgery for metastatic spinal disease. The pooled estimate of peri-operative blood loss was 2180 ml (95% confidence interval 1805 to 2554) with catastrophic blood loss as high as 5000 ml, which is rare. Aside from two studies that reported large amounts of mean blood loss (> 5500 ml), the resulting funnel plot suggested an absence of publication bias. This was confirmed by Egger’s test, which did not show any small-study effects (p = 0.119). However, there was strong evidence of heterogeneity between studies (I. 2. = 90%; p < 0.001). Spinal surgery for metastatic disease is associated with significant blood loss and the possibility of catastrophic blood loss. There is a need to establish standardised methods of calculating and reporting this blood loss. Analysis should include assessment by area of the spine, primary pathology and nature of surgery so that the amount of blood loss can be predicted. Consideration should be given to autotransfusion in these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:683–8

Introduction. CT guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermo coagulation is the treatment of choice for osteoid osteomas. Good results with a low complication rate have been shown for spinal lesions. When lesions are within close proximity to neurological structures or if patients have radicular symptoms surgery rather than radiofrequency ablation has been advocated. We present our experience of radiofrequency ablation of spinal osteoid osteomas which are less than 5mm from neurological structures, including those causing radicular symptoms. Methods. Data was collected prospectively on all patients with a spinal osteoid osteoma within 5mm of nerve roots or the spinal cord as measured on CT scanning. There were nine patients, five female and four males. Four were located in the thoracic spine, three in the lumbar spine and two in the cervical spine. The mean distance to the nearest neurological structure was 3mm. Radicular symptoms were present in two patients. The mean number of probe positions used was two. Lesions were heated to 90 degrees for 5 minutes for each probe position. There were two cases of recurrence, both treated successfully with one further procedure each. There were no cases of neurological injury. The two patients with radicular symptoms had full resolution of their symptoms. At a mean follow up of 2 years following treatment all patients are asymptomatic. Conclusion. Radiofrequency ablation can be safely performed to treat osteoid osteomas located within 5mm of neurological structures and has a low rate of recurrence

CT guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation is the treatment of choice for osteoid osteomas. Good results with a low complication rate have been shown for spinal lesions. When lesions are within close proximity to neurological structures or if patients have radicular symptoms surgery rather than radiofrequency ablation has been advocated. We present our experience of radiofrequency ablation of spinal osteoid osteomas which are less than 5mm from neurological structures, including those causing radicular symptoms. Data was collected prospectively on all patients with a spinal osteoid osteoma within 5mm of nerve roots or the spinal cord as measured on CT scanning. There were nine patients, five female and four male with a mean age of 15 years. Four tumours were located in the thoracic spine, three in the lumbar spine and two in the cervical spine. The mean distance to the nearest neurological structure was 3mm. Radicular symptoms were present in two patients. The mean number of probe positions used was two. Lesions were heated to 90 degrees for 5 minutes for each probe position. There were two cases of recurrence, both treated successfully with one further procedure each. There were no cases of neurological injury. The two patients with radicular symptoms had full resolution of their symptoms. At a mean follow up of 2 years following treatment all patients are asymptomatic. Radiofrequency ablation can be safely performed to treat osteoid osteomas located within 5mm of neurological structures and has a low rate of recurrence

The management of spinal metastases is palliative and aimed at improving quality of life at an acceptable risk. This population study uses administrative databases and measures survivorship and complication rates after surgery for spinal metastases. The effects of various potential predictor variables were evaluated. We identified 987 patients with a median survival for all types of cancer of 227 days. The one and three-month mortality was 9% and 29%, respectively. Increasing age, male gender and primary lung cancer were significant risk factors for death within 30 days of surgery. A preoperative neurological deficit contributed a 19% increase in mortality and a 71% increase in the risk of postoperative wound infection. We found an overall major complication rate of 27%. This information will provide patients, families and clinicians with objective data which will help in the choice of treatment and the understanding of the surgical risk and outcome

We analysed the influence of the timing of surgery (< 48 hours, group 1, 21 patients vs > 48 hours, group 2, 14 patients) on the neurological outcome and restoration of mobility in 35 incomplete tetra- and paraplegic patients with metastatic spinal-cord compression.

Pain and neurological symptoms were assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale. More improvement was found in group 1 than in group 2 when comparing the pre-operative findings with those both immediately post-operatively (p = 0.021) and those at follow-up at four to six weeks (p = 0.010). In group 1 the number of pre-operatively mobile patients increased from 17 (81%) to 19 patients (90%) whereas the number of mobile patients in group 2 changed from nine (64%) to ten (71%).

These results suggest that early surgical treatment in patients with metastatic spinal-cord compression gives a better neurological outcome even in a palliative situation.

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the patterns of symptoms and insufficiency fractures in patients with tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) to allow the early diagnosis of this rare condition. Methods. The study included 33 patients with TIO who were treated between January 2000 and June 2022. The causative tumour was detected in all patients. We investigated the symptoms and evaluated the radiological patterns of insufficiency fractures of the rib, spine, and limbs. Results. The mean age of the patients was 57 years (24 to 87), and the mean duration of pain from onset to time of presentation was 3.9 years (0.75 to 23). The primary symptoms were low back pain (ten patients), chest wall pain (eight patients), and hip pain (eight patients). There were symptoms at more sites at the time of presentation compared with that at the time of the onset of symptoms. Bone scans showed the uptake of tracer in the rib (100%), thoracic and lumbar vertebrae (83%), proximal femur (62%), distal femur (66%), and proximal tibia (72%). Plain radiographs or MRI scans identified femoral neck fractures in 14 patients, subchondral insufficiency fractures of the femoral head and knee in ten and six patients, respectively, distal femoral fractures in nine patients, and proximal tibial fractures in 12 patients. Thoracic or lumbar vertebral fractures were identified in 23 of 29 patients (79.3%) when using any imaging study, and a biconcave deformity was the most common type of fracture. Conclusion. Insufficiency fractures in patients with TIO caused spinal pain, chest wall pain, and periarticular pain in the lower limbs. Vertebral fractures tended to be biconcave deformities, and periarticular fractures of the hips and knees included subchondral insufficiency fractures and epiphyseal or metaphyseal fractures. In patients with a tumour, the presence of one or more of these symptoms and an insufficiency fracture should suggest the diagnosis of TIO. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):568–574

Aims. Most patients with advanced malignancy suffer bone metastases, which pose a significant challenge to orthopaedic services and burden to the health economy. This study aimed to assess adherence to the British Orthopaedic Oncology Society (BOOS)/British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) guidelines on patients with metastatic bone disease (MBD) in the UK. Methods. A prospective, multicentre, national collaborative audit was designed and delivered by a trainee-led collaborative group. Data were collected over three months (1 April 2021 to 30 June 2021) for all patients presenting with MBD. A data collection tool allowed investigators at each hospital to compare practice against guidelines. Data were collated and analyzed centrally to quantify compliance from 84 hospitals in the UK for a total of 1,137 patients who were eligible for inclusion. Results. A total of 846 patients with pelvic and appendicular MBD were analyzed, after excluding those with only spinal metastatic disease. A designated MBD lead was not present in 39% of centres (33/84). Adequate radiographs were not performed in 19% of patients (160/846), and 29% (247/846) did not have an up-to-date CT of thorax, abdomen, and pelvis to stage their disease. Compliance was low obtaining an oncological opinion (69%; 584/846) and prognosis estimations (38%; 223/846). Surgery was performed in 38% of patients (319/846), with the rates of up-to-date radiological investigations and oncology input with prognosis below the expected standard. Of the 25% (215/846) presenting with a solitary metastasis, a tertiary opinion from a MBD centre and biopsy was sought in 60% (130/215). Conclusion. Current practice in the UK does not comply with national guidelines, especially regarding investigations prior to surgery and for patients with solitary metastases. This study highlights the need for investment and improvement in care. The recent publication of British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST) defines auditable standards to drive these improvements for this vulnerable patient group. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(10):1115–1122

Aims

Advances in treatment have extended the life expectancy of patients with metastatic bone disease (MBD). Patients could experience more skeletal-related events (SREs) as a result of this progress. Those who have already experienced a SRE could encounter another local management for a subsequent SRE, which is not part of the treatment for the initial SRE. However, there is a noted gap in research on the rate and characteristics of subsequent SREs requiring further localized treatment, obligating clinicians to extrapolate from experiences with initial SREs when confronting subsequent ones. This study aimed to investigate the proportion of MBD patients developing subsequent SREs requiring local treatment, examine if there are prognostic differences at the initial treatment between those with single versus subsequent SREs, and determine if clinical, oncological, and prognostic features differ between initial and subsequent SRE treatments.

Aims

The modern prevalence of primary tumours causing metastatic bone disease is ill-defined in the oncological literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of primary tumours in the setting of metastatic bone disease, as well as reported rates of pathological fracture, postoperative complications, 90-day mortality, and 360-day mortality for each primary tumour subtype.

Aims

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.

Aims

Acridine orange (AO) demonstrates several biological activities. When exposed to low doses of X-ray radiation, AO increases the production of reactive radicals (radiodynamic therapy (AO-RDT)). We elucidated the efficacy of AO-RDT in breast and prostate cancer cell lines, which are likely to develop bone metastases.

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.

Aims

The incidence of bone metastases is between 20% to 75% depending on the type of cancer. As treatment improves, the number of patients who need surgical intervention is increasing. Identifying patients with a shorter life expectancy would allow surgical intervention with more durable reconstructions to be targeted to those most likely to benefit. While previous scoring systems have focused on surgical and oncological factors, there is a need to consider comorbidities and the physiological state of the patient, as these will also affect outcome. The primary aim of this study was to create a scoring system to estimate survival time in patients with bony metastases and to determine which factors may adversely affect this.

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

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.

Aims

The aim of this study was to analyze the complications and outcomes of treatment in a series of previously untreated patients with a primary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) who had been treated by percutaneous sclerosant therapy using polidocanol.

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the use of 3D-printed sacral endoprostheses to reconstruct the pelvic ring and re-establish spinopelvic stability after total en bloc sacrectomy (TES) and to review its outcome.

Chondrosarcoma of bone is a surgical disease and excision with wide margins is the optimum treatment. Sometimes the size or location of the tumour at the time of diagnosis mean that only a marginal excision can be achieved. The effect of the margin of excision on outcome is investigated. Method. All patients with newly diagnosed primary chondrosarcoma of bone and without metastases at the time of diagnosis were identified from a prospective database. Their outcome was investigated to assess whether the margin of excision affected outcome. Results. 492 patients were included in the analysis with a mean age of 48. The mean tumour size was 11cm and 59% were male. The 10 year tumour specific survival was 85% for clear cell (N=7) and grade 1 (N=210), 60% for grade 2 (N=180), 47% for grade 3 (N=59) and 16% for dedifferentiated (N=36). The 10 year local recurrence free survival was 86% (clear cell), 73% (grade 1), 67% (grade 2), 36% (grade 3) and 56% dedifferentiated. Local recurrence was strongly related to older age (p=0.0065), grade (p⋋0.0001) and margins (p⋋0.0001). Patients who developed local recurrence had a 43% survival at 10 years compared with 76% for those who did not (p⋋0.0001). They also had a 49% risk of developing metastases compared to a 17% risk for those without local recurrence (p⋋0.0001). However most of these patients had metastases before developing LR(57%). 16 of 65 patients with local recurrence but no metastases, died due to local progression (usually pelvic or spinal tumours). There was however no relation of the margin of excision to either the risk of developing metastases or survival for any grade of tumour. Conclusion. Whilst local control is strongly related to margins of excision and grade, overall survival is related principally to grade but not to margins

Background. It is common practice nowadays to treat patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) surgically. Extend and type of surgery should be in proper relation to the expected survival time of the patient. It is still difficult to predict patient's survival time and different scoring systems are used. Reliable prediction of survival is mandatory, in that way adjustable surgical treatment can be established. Aim. Evaluating potential prognostic factors for survival after surgery for MESCC. Methods. In this retrospective study we included 56 patients who underwent surgery for MESCC in two hospitals in the Netherlands between 2001 and 2007, Medical records were studied for the origin of the primary tumour, location of MESCC and the number of spots, presence of visceral or axial metastases, Karnofsky-score and ASA-score. Patients were grouped, according Tomita et al., for the localization of the primary tumour; fast (n=21), moderate (n=19) and slow (n=16) growing tumours. Survival times were compared with log-rank tests. Results. The overall median survival after surgery was 7, 8 months (range: 0-69, 95% IV: 3, 2-12,2). The origin of the primary tumour (p=0,001), presence of visceral metastases (p=0,017) and Karnofsky-score (p=0,033) were related to survival; other evaluated parameters were not. Patients within the fast group had a shorter median survival time (3, 5 months) than patients in the slow (32 months) and moderate group (15 months). Patients with visceral metastases survived shorter than patients without (5, 5 vs. 15 months). Patients with a baseline Karnofsky-score of 80% or higher had a longer survival time than patients with a lower score (11, 5 vs. 7, 8 months). Conclusion. The origin of the primary tumour seems to be strongly associated with survival time, as are the presence of visceral metastases and the Karnofksy-score. A prediction model of spinal metastases should include these factors