Mirels’ score predicts the likelihood of sustaining pathological fractures using pain, lesion site, size and morphology. The aim is to investigate its reproducibility, reliability and accuracy in upper limb bony metastases and validate its use in pathological fracture prediction. A retrospective cohort study of patients with upper limb metastases, referred to an Orthopaedic Trauma Centre (2013–18). Mirels’ was calculated in 32 patients; plain radiographs at presentation scored by 6 raters. Radiological aspects were scored twice by each rater, 2-weeks apart. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were calculated (Fleiss’ kappa test). Bland-Altman plots compared variances of individual score components &total Mirels’ score. Mirels’ score of ≥9 did not accurately predict lesions that would fracture (11% 5/46 vs 65.2% Mirels’ score ≤8, p<0.0001). Sensitivity was 14.3% &specificity was 72.7%. When Mirels’ cut-off was lowered to ≥7, patients were more likely to fracture (48% 22/46 versus 28% 13/46, p=0.045). Sensitivity rose to 62.9%, specificity fell to 54.6%. Kappa values for interobserver variability were 0.358 (fair, 0.288–0.429) for lesion size, 0.107 (poor, 0.02–0.193) for radiological appearance and 0.274 (fair, 0.229–0.318) for total Mirels’ score. Values for intraobserver variability were 0.716 (good, 95% CI 0.432–0.999) for lesion size, 0.427 (moderate, 95% CI 0.195–0.768) for radiological appearance and 0.580 (moderate, 0.395–0.765) for total Mirels’ score. We showed moderate to substantial agreement between &within raters using Mirels’ score on upper limb radiographs. Mirels’ has poor sensitivity &specificity predicting upper limb fractures - we recommend the cut-off score for prophylactic surgery should be lower than for lower limb lesions

Brachial plexus tumours (BPT) and peripheral nerve sheath tumours (PNST) are largely benign in nature, with malignant tumours being rare and presenting significant surgical challenges. Excision of benign tumours may relieve pain and other symptomology. This retrospective study analysed data from 138 PNST and 92 BPT patients managed by a single consultant orthopaedic or plastic surgeon experienced in nerve tumour surgery between January 1999 to December 2019. The most common benign tumours were schwannomas and neurofibromas, with sarcomas being the most common malignant tumour. In the PNST group 30 patients were managed by observation only. Twenty patients underwent trucut biopsy, 21 patients underwent biopsy and surgical excision and 56 patients underwent surgical excision only. There were nine complications, with two significant neurological deficits requiring further surgical intervention. No recurrence of tumours occurred in this group. In the BPT group 16 patients were managed by observation only. Seven patients underwent trucut biopsy, 16 patients biopsy and surgical excision and 44 BPT patients underwent surgical excision only. Sixteen patients had complications with two significant complications requiring urgent further surgical intervention. Seven patients had recurrence of tumours which presented as metastases, with three patients requiring further surgery to remove recurrence of tumours. BPT patients are more complex and present with both benign and malignant lesions and are therefore more prone to complications due to the complex nature of the surgery and higher recurrence rate of tumours than PNST. Benign tumours in both groups can be safely managed conservatively if patients’ symptomology is acceptable

Background. There is doubt regarding resection compared to curettage for pelvic metastases. Previous studies have reported that curettage is associated with decreased survival compared with wide resection, and have justified a radical surgical approach to achieve pain palliation and tumor control. Aim. To evaluate the role of wide en bloc resection compared to curettage/marginal resection for patients with pelvic metastases. The rationale was that wide resection does not improve survival even in patients with solitary pelvic metastases. Method. Between 1985 and 2009, 21 patients (6 women, 15 men; age, 34–76 years) were treated for pelvic metastases. Histology included thyroid carcinoma in 5 patients, bladder carcinoma in 4 patients, renal and endometrium in 2 cases each and colon, ovarium, cerebral and lung carcinoma in 1 case each; the primary tumor was undiagnosed in 4 patients. Three patients had sacral and 1 patient had sacroiliac joint metastasis. According to Enneking's classification of the anatomical site involved, 5 patients had type I, 1 patient had type II, 6 patients had type III, 1 patient had type I and II, and 4 patients had type II and III pelvic metastasis. Metastatic disease was localized in the pelvic ring in 15 patients and multifocal in 6 patients. Eight patients had surgical treatment only; 13 patients had surgical treatment in addition to radiation therapy (2 patients), chemotherapy (1 patient), embolization (3 patients), or combined adjuvant treatments (7 patients). 21 patients with pelvic metastases were treated with wide resection (12 patients) and curettage/marginal resection (9 patients) and adjuvants. Sixteen patients had solitary pelvic metastases. Reconstruction of the hip joint was performed in three patients. Results. At a mean of 27.6 months (range, 2–152 months), the overall survival to death and local recurrence was 15% at 66 months and 47% at 26 months, respectively. Survival to death of patients treated with wide en bloc resection was 18% at 46 months compared to 62% at 12months of patients treated with curettage/marginal resection; no difference in survival to death between wide en bloc resection and curettage/marginal resection was observed (p=0.570). Survival to local recurrence of patients treated with wide en bloc resection was 67% at 24 months compared to 26% at 24 months of patients treated with curettage/marginal resection; this was also not statistically significant (p=0.0683). One patient treated with wide en bloc resection for a solitary pelvic bone metastasis had a postoperative complication. Conclusion. This series showed that neither the combination of surgical and adjuvant treatments nor the type of surgical resection were statistically significant parameters for local recurrence. We found no difference in survival to death or local recurrence 1 with wide en bloc resection compared to curettage or marginal resection, even in patients with solitary pelvic metastases

Study design: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 448 patients with a variety of spinal metastases. Objective. To compare the predictive value of the Tokuhashi scoring system (T12) and its revised edition (T15) for life expectancy both in the entire study group as well as in the various primary tumor subgroups. Summary of background data. In 1990 Tokuhashi and coworkers formulated a one point-addition-type prognostic scoring system with a total sum of 12 points for preoperative prediction of life expectancy as an adjunct in selecting appropriate treatment. Because the site of the primary tumor influences ultimate survival, the scoring system was revised in 2005 to a total sum of 15 points based on the origin of the primary tumor. Methods. This study included 448 patients with vertebral metastases, all of whom underwent surgical treatment during November 1992 to November 2009 at the Aarhus University Hospital. Data was retrieved from the Aarhus Spinal Metastases Algorithm. Scores based on the T12- and T15 scoring systems were calculated prospectively for each patient. All the patients were divided into three survival groups with different life expectancies according to their score points in both scoring systems. Furthermore, we divided all the patients into different groups dictated by the site of their primary tumor. The predictive value of each scoring system, both in the entire group and in each subgroup determined by the original tumour site, was evaluated by the Log-rank-test. The McNemar's test was used to compare the differences in accuracy rates between these two scoring systems. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier methods. Probability value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result. For the 448 patients with vertebral metastases, both the T12 and T15 scoring systems showed statistically significant predictive value (T12 group p<0.0001, T15 group p<0.0001, Log-rank test). The correlation between predicted survival period and real survival was significantly higher in T15 (p<0.0001, McNemar's test) than in T12. The further analyses by type of metastases showed that the predictive value of T12 and T15 was found in the prostate (p=0.0003), breast (p=0.0385), other tumor group (p<0.001) and lymphoma (p<0.05). Only T12 displayed predictive value in the colon group (p=0.0011). The accuracy rate of prognosis in T15 was significantly higher in those groups with spinal metastases originating from prostate (p=0.0032), breast (p<0.0001) and lung (p=0.0076). Conclusion. Both the T12 and T15 scoring systems have significant preoperative predictive value in terms of predicting the survival period for the entire vertebral metastases patient group as well as in the prostate, breast, lymphoma, and colon tumor groups. The accuracy rate was significantly improved in T15 for the total study group and in the subgroups of prostate, breast, and lung tumor

Aim. To present selective arterial embolization with N-2-butyl Cyanoacrylate for the palliative and/or adjuvant treatment of painful bone metastases not primarily amenable to surgery. Material and Methods. From January 2003 to December 2009, 243 patients (148 men and 95 women; age range, 20–87 years) with painful bone metastases were treated with N-2-butyl Cyanoacrylate. Overall, 309 embolizations were performed; 56 patients had more than one embolization. Embolizations were performed in the pelvis (168 procedures), in the spine (83 procedures), in the upper limb (13 procedures), in the lower limb (38 procedures) and in the thoracic cage (21 procedures). Primary cancer included urogenital, breast, gastrointestinal, thyroid, lung, musculoskeletal, skin, nerve and unknown origin. Renal cell carcinoma was the most commonly treated tumor. In all patients, selective embolization was performed by transfemoral catheterization. Results. Complete or significant resolution of pain for more than 6 months was observed in 236 patients (97%), in 56 of them (23%) after repeated embolization; 12 patients had subsequent surgical treatment. Function was restored to normal in the patients with extremity tumors. In 21 cases, after angiography embolization was judged infeasible due to arteriovascular reasons or high risk. Skin and subcutaneous necrosis at the pelvis occurred in one patient after multiple embolizations for a metastatic paraganglioma. Conclusions. Selective embolization of bone metastases with N-2-butyl Cyanoacrylate is safe and effective for the palliative and/or adjuvant management of painful bone metastases. It can be used for surgically inaccessible or irresponsive to radiation therapy lesions, and as an adjuvant to surgical treatment

Endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal femur may be required to treat primary bone tumours or destructive metastases either with impending or established pathological fracture. Modular prostheses are available off the shelf and can be adapted to most reconstructive situations for this purpose. We have assessed the clinical and functional outcome of using the METS (Stanmore Implants Worldwide) modular tumour prosthesis to reconstruct the proximal femur in 100 consecutive patients between 2001 and 2006. We compared the results with the published series for patients managed with modular and custom-made endoprosthetic replacements for the same conditions. There were 52 males and 48 females with a mean age of 56.3 years (16 to 84) and a mean follow-up of 24.6 months (0 to 60). In 65 patients the procedure was undertaken for metastases, in 25 for a primary bone tumour, and in ten for other malignant conditions. A total of 46 patients presented with a pathological fracture, and 19 presented with failed fixation of a previous pathological fracture. The overall patient survival was 63.6% at one year and 23.1% at five years, and was significantly better for patients with a primary bone tumour than for those with metastatic tumour (82.3% vs 53.3%, respectively at one year (p = 0.003)). There were six early dislocations of which five could be treated by closed reduction. No patient needed revision surgery for dislocation. Revision surgery was required by six (6%) patients, five for pain caused by acetabular wear and one for tumour progression. Amputation was needed in four patients for local recurrence or infection. The estimated five-year implant survival with revision as the endpoint was 90.7%. The mean Toronto Extremity Salvage score was 61% (51% to 95%). The implant survival and complications resulting from the use of the modular system were comparable to the published series of both custom-made and other modular proximal femoral implants. We conclude that at intermediate follow-up the modular tumour prosthesis for proximal femur replacement provides versatility, a low incidence of implant-related complications and acceptable function for patients with metastatic tumours, pathological fractures and failed fixation of the proximal femur. It also functions as well as a custom-made endoprosthetic replacement

Aim. Bone metastases of the upper limb are a frequent complication of primary tumors. The aim of this study is to evaluate treatment and functional results of patients with prosthetic reconstruction of the proximal humerus. Method. Between 1975 and 2007, 67 patients were treated by resection of humeral metastasis and reconstruction with prosthesis. Cemented modular prostheses of the proximal humerus were implanted in 59 cases (all MRS Bioimpianti® prostheses), uncemented prostheses in 2 (HMRS® Stryker), 4 elbow Coonrad-Morrey prostheses (in 2 cases with bone allograft), 1 elbow custom-made cemented and 1 intercalary prosthesis (Osteobridge Merete®). Sites of primary tumors: kidney (23), lung (13), bone and unknow (7 each), liver and breast (3 each), bladder, endometrium, thyroid, soft tissues and nervous tissues (2 each), ovarium (1). Complications were evaluated and univariate analysis with actuarial Kaplan-Meier curves of implant survival was performed. Functional results were assessed with the MSTS system. Results. At mean follow-up 27 months oncologic outcome showed 7 patients NED (mean time 7 yrs.), 57 DOD, 3 lost to follow-up. Complications were deep infection (2 cases, 3%) and loosening (1 case, 1.5%) causing failure requiring revision. Functional results were good or excellent in 93% of patients, with average score of 71%. Conclusion. Resection of metastatic lesion is indicated: 1) for patients with solitary metastases and long free interval from treatment of primary cancer, 2) for patients with meta-epiphyseal metastases not amenable to durable internal fixation even in presence multiple metastases. Indications of resections are increasing, due to prolonged survival with newer medical treatments. Different reconstructive techniques are available, depending on type of resection and soft tissues removal. Cemented prostheses are mostly used, since cemented fixation is not affected by radiotherapy. Although prognosis was poor, prosthetic reconstructions of the humerus provided satisfactory results

Aim. Aim of this study was to review surgical treatment of femural metastases, comparing nailing versus resection and prosthetic reconstruction. Method. Between 1975 and 2008 110 patients were surgically treated for metastatic disease of the femur. Prostheses were implanted in 57 cases (16 HMRS® Stryker, 38 MRP® Bioimpianti, 2 Osteobridge® and 1 GMRS®). In 53 patients femoral nailing was performed with different types of locked nails (32 Gamma, 14 Grosse-Kempft and 6 T2-Stryker®). Sites of primary tumor were breast (33 cases), kidney (18), lung (17), undifferentiated carcinoma (14), g.i. (8), bladder and prostate (5 each), endometrium and thyroid (3 each), skin (2), pheochromocytoma and pancreas (1 each). Indications to nails were given in patients with femoral metastasis and poor prognosis: multiple metastases, short free interval, unfavourable histotype, poor general conditions. Resection and prosthesis was preferred for patients with solitary metastasis, long free interval, favourable histotype, good general conditions or in whenever the extent of the lesion was not amenable to a durable internal fixation. Complications were analysed. Univariate analysis by Kaplan-Meier curves of implant and oncological survival was performed. Functional results were assessed with MSTS system. Results. Outcome showed: 23 AWD at mean 52 months, 57 DWD at mean 9 months, 30 lost to follow up. Survival in patients treated with femoral nailing was about 10% at 5 years versus 20% for patients treated with resection. Patients with resections had a better survival curve at 2 years. Complications were: infections (4/110, 3.7%), aseptic loosening (1/110, 1%). Statistical analysis showed a significantly better survival for patients resected versus those treated by internal fixation (p=0.0214). Multivariate analysis indicated that pathologic fracture is the only significant adverse prognostic factor (p=0.006). Conclusion. Internal fixation is indicated in patients with multiple metastases and poor prognosis. When expected survival is longer and there is a solitary metastasis a resection is preferable. Indications of resections are progressively increasing due to newer medical treatment giving longer survival to metastatic patients

Introduction. Primary malign tumors and solitary metastatic lesions of the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine are indications for radical en bloc resections. Extracompartimental tumor infiltration makes the achievement of adequate oncological resection more difficult and requires an extension of the resection margins. We present a retrospective clinical study of patients that underwent chest wall resection in combination with vertebrectomy due to sarcomas and solitary metastases for assessing the clinical outcome especially focusing on onco-surgical results. Method. From 01/2002 to 01/2009 20 patients (female/male: 8/12; mean age: 52 (range of age: 27–76yrs)) underwent a combined en bloc resection of chest wall and vertebrectomy for solitary primary spinal sarcoma and metastatic lesions. The median follow-up was 20,5 (3–80) months. Histological analysis revealed 17 primary tumors and 3 solitary metastatic lesions. In the group of primary tumors 10 sarcomas, 1 giant cell tumor, 2 PNET, 1 histiocytoma, 1 aggressiv fibrous dysplasia, 1 pancoast tumor and 1 plasmocytoma were histologically documented. We included 1 rectal carcinoma, 1 breast cancer metastases and 1 renal cell carcinoma. All patients underwent a chestwall resection en bloc with multilevel (1/2/3/4 segments: n=4/6/6/4) hemi (n=7) or total vertebrectomy (n=13) with subsequent defect reconstruction. Reconstruction of the spinal defect following total resections was accomplished by combined dorsal stabilization and carbon cage interposition. The chest wall defects were closed with a goretex ® -patch. One patient also received a musculocutaneus latissimus dorsi flap. Results. The surgical margins were R0 in 19 (wide in 14, marginal in 5) and one R1 resection. Marginal/R1 resections were due to extracompartimental sarcoma invasion (spinal canal) and dural involvement. In these patients postoperative radiotherapy was performed. Surgical complications requiring revision occurred in 1 patient due to injury of the ductus thoracicus and persisting chylothorax. Temporary subileus or mild pneumonia appeared in 3 patients. No superficial/deep infection or neurological deficits (except those related to oncologically required dissection of thoracic nerve roots) were observed. At follow up 2 patients died due to the disease after 7,5 months. Local recurrences were seen in 3 patients at median 24 months (13–43). Pulmonary metastases necessitating polychemotherapy were seen in 7 patients after median 17 months (7–44). Conclusion. Despite the only midterm follow up, the combined en bloc resection of chest wall and multilevel en bloc spondylectomy/hemivertebrectomy is a challenging but safe and effective technique in order to achieve adequate margins and local control in selected with spinal sarcomas extending to the dorsolateral chest wall

The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) is a validated prognostic indicator in various carcinomas as demonstrated by several meta-analyses. The mGPS includes pre-operative CRP and albumin values to calculate a score from 0–2 that correlates with overall outcome. Scores of 2 are associated with a poorer outcome. Our aim was to assess if the mGPS is reliable as a prognostic indicator for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients. All patients with a STS diagnosed during years 2010–2014 were identified using our prospectively collected MSK oncology database. We performed a retrospective case note review examining demographics, preoperative blood results and outcomes (no recurrence, local recurrence, metastatic disease and death). 94 patients were included. 56% were female and 53% were over 50 years. 91% of tumours were high grade (Trojani 2/3) and 73% were >5cm. 45 patients had an mGPS score of 0, 16 were mGPS 1 and 33 were mGPS 2. On univariate analysis, an mGPS of 0 or 2 was statically significant with regards to outcome (p=0.012 and p=0.005 respectively). We have demonstrated that pre-treatment mGPS is an important factor in predicting oncological outcome. A score of 0 relates to an improved prognosis whilst a score of 2 relates to an increased risk of developing metastases and death. mGPS as a prognostic indicator was not affected by either the tumour size or grade. We believe that a pre-operative mGPS should be calculated to help predict oncological outcome and in turn influence management. Further work is being undertaken with a larger cohort

Early mortality in patients with hip fractures due to bony metastases is unknown. The aim was to quantify 30 and 90-day mortality in patients with metastatic hip fractures and identify markers associated with early death. Consecutive patients referred to orthopaedics with a metastatic proximal femoral fracture/impending fracture over a six-year period were compared to a matched control group of non-malignant hip fractures. Minimum follow-up was 1 year and data was analysed using the student´s t-test (significance p<0.05). From Jan 2010-Dec 2015, 163 patients were referred with metastatic proximal femoral lesions. 90-day mortality was three times higher than controls (44% 71/163 vs. 12% 4/33, p<0.01). Mean time from referral to surgery was longer in impending versus completed fractures (11 and 4 days respectively, p<0.05). Multiple biochemical markers were associated with early mortality in the metastatic group. Patients who died early were more likely to demonstrate low haemoglobin and albumin, and high c-reactive protein, platelets, urea, alkaline phosphatase and calcium (p<0.05). Several biochemical markers associated with early mortality reached clinical and statistical significance. These markers were combined into a score out of 7 and indicated a higher early mortality in metastatic patients compared to controls. Patients with a score of 5–6/7 were 31 times more likely to die within 90 days versus controls. This scoring system could be utilised to predict early mortality and guide management. The average delay to surgery of 4 days (completed) and 11 days (impending fractures) identifies a window to intervene and correct these abnormalities to improve survival

Metastatic osteosarcoma is seen in 10-20% of patients at initial presentation with the lung the most common site of metastasis. Historically, prognosis has been poor. We studied trends in survival in our small developed nation and aimed to identify correlations between the survival rate and three factors: newer chemotherapy, advances in radiological imaging and a more aggressive approach adopted by cardiothoracic surgeons for lung metastases. Our national bone tumour registry was used to identify patients at the age of 18 or under, who presented with metastatic disease at initial diagnosis between 1933 and 2006. There were 30 patients identified. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine survival rates and univariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression proportional hazards model. Median survival has improved over the last 50 years; highlighted by the ‘Kotz’ eras demonstrating incremental improvement with more effective chemotherapy agents (p=0.004), and a current 5-year survival of 16%. Aggressive primary and metastatic surgery also show improving trends in survival. Three patients have survived beyond five years. The introduction of computerised tomography scanning has led to an increase in the prevalence of metastases at initial diagnosis. Metastatic osteosarcoma remains with a very poor prognostic factor, however, aggressive management has been shown to prolong survival

Purpose. To investigate the prognostic effect of surgical margins in soft tissue sarcoma on Local Recurrence (LRFS), Metastasis (MFS) and Disease Free Survival (DFS). Patients and Methods. This is a retrospective, single center study of 105 consecutive patients operated with curative intent. Quality of surgery was rated according to the International Union Against Cancer classification (R0/R1) and a modification of this classification (R0M/R1M) to take into account growth pattern and skip metastases in margins less than 1mm. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to identify potential risk factors. Kaplan-Mayer estimated cumulative incidence for LRFS, MFS and DFS were calculated. Survival curves were compared using Log rank tests. Results. Estimated LRFS was 0.64 [0.52;0.76] at 5 years following R1 surgery, 0.9 [0.85;0.95] following R0 (p=0.023), 0.64 [0.519;0.751] following R1M surgery and 0.92 [0.87;0.96] following R0M (p=0.01). The R status was associated with DFS (p=0.028), but not MFS (p=0.156). The RM status was associated with both outcomes (p=0.001 and p=0.007). Multivariate analysis showed an independent association with LRFS for RM status (HR 6.77 [1.78–25.7], p=0.005), with DFS for RM status (HR 2.83 [1.47–5.43], p=0.001) and Grade (HR=3.17 [1.38–7.27], p=0.003) and with MFS for Grade (HR=3.96 [1.50–10.5], p=0.006). Conclusions. In Soft Tissue Sarcoma, surgical margins are the strongest prognostic factor for LRFS. In this study, taking growth pattern and skip metastases into account for margins less than 1mm increased prognostic significance of surgical margins for LRFS, DFS and MFS

There is comprehensive data addressing the 6 to 18-month survival in patients with pathological neck of femur (NOF) fractures due to bony metastases. However, little is known about early mortality in this group. The aim was to quantify 30 and 90-day mortality in patients with pathological NOF lesions/fractures and identify biochemical markers associated with early death. Orthopaedic trauma lists over one year were used to identify patients with a pathological NOF fracture/lesion. 33 patients had a metastatic NOF fracture/lesion and were compared to a control group of age and gender-matched non-pathological NOF fractures. Time from referral to surgery was higher in patients with a pathological fracture compared to a pathological lesion (average 7.4 and 0.6 days, p<0.05). 30 and 90-day mortality was higher in the metastatic group compared to controls (15% 5/33 vs 9% 3/33 p<0.05, and 42% 14/33 vs 12% 4/33 p<0.01, respectively). Patients with early mortality had lower average sodium (135 vs 138, p<0.05), creatinine (48 vs 62, p<0.05) and APTT (27 vs 32, p<0.05). They had a higher average WCC (11.3 vs 7, p<0.05) and CRP (55 vs 18, p<0.01). Metastatic patients with early mortality had lower albumin (20 vs 30, p<0.01) and haemoglobin (102 vs 121, p<0.01), which were higher in the control NOF group with early mortality (albumin 28 and haemoglobin 118 respectively, p<0.05). Patients with pathological NOF lesions have multiple biochemical abnormalities associated with early mortality. A prospective study is proposed to assess whether correction of these abnormalities can improve survival in this group

A systematic literature review of distraction osteogenesis (DO) for the primary reconstruction of bone defects following resection of primary malignant tumours of long bones (PMTLB) is presented. Fewer than 50 cases were identified. Most reports relate to benign tumours or secondary reconstructive procedures. The outcomes of our own series of 7 patients is also presented (4 tibiae, 3 femora). All patients had isolated bone lesions without metastases and were assessed through the hospital sarcoma board. Mean follow-up was 59 months (17–144). Mean age was 42 years. Final histologic diagnoses were 3 chondrosarcoma, 2 malignant fibrous histiocytoma, 1 adamantinoma and 1 malignant intraosseous nerve sheath tumour. Mean bone defect after resection was 13.1cm (10–17) and bone transport was the reconstruction method in all. There was one local recurrence of tumour six months post-resection, necessitating amputation. Mean frame index for remaining cases was 30.9 days/cm (15.7–41.6). Complications included pin infection, docking site non-union, premature corticotomy union, soft-tissue infection and minor varus deformity. Six cases remain tumour-free with united, well-aligned bones and good long-term function. We conclude DO provides an effective biologic reconstruction option in select cases of PMTLB

Aim. To analyse our results after en-block resection of aggressive GCT during 20 years period. Methods. We review 86 patients with skeletal GCT during the last 20 years, from 1990 until 2009, retrospectively. In the cases of latent and active type, extended curettage and bone graft or cement were our treatment of choice, while in aggressive ones we performed en block resection and reconstruction by fibular autograft (e.g. in distal part of radius) or fusion/hinge joint prosthesis (e.g. in GCT around the knee joint). We describe the recurrences, metastases and complications according to treatment. Results. There was no recurrence in 18 cases of en block resection and segmental bone defects were reconstructed with fibular autograft (5), joint fusion (4) and hinge joint arthroplasty (9). We had 2 cases of pulmonary metastasis that underwent resection of the metastasis. In one case, internal fixation failed and the graft broke; thus revision was performed. The rest 68 cases underwent extended curettage and bone graft (51) or cement (17). We had 7 cases of recurrence, 6 treated with repeated curettage and bone cement and one with en lock resection. No death or major complication was reported. Conclusions. In comparison of en block resection with extended curretage, the recurrence rate is greater with the latter; however it results in good control of the disease with less morbidity. In recent years, the invention of hinge knee prosthesis has increased the quality of patients' life in whom we could not preserve the involved joint

Introduction. The rising incidence of metastatic bone disease (MBD) in the UK poses a significant management problem. Poorly defined levels of service provision have meant that improvements in patient prognosis have been mediocre at best. For that reason the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) in conjunction with the British Orthopaedic Oncology Society (BOOS) issued guidelines in 2002 on good practice in the management of MBD. Despite the availability of these standards, there is very little robust data available for audit. The aim of this study was to conduct a regional survey of how these guidelines are being used in the management of MBD. Methods. A questionnaire was designed with 9 multiple choice questions representing the most common MBD scenarios. This was posted to 106 Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons in 12 NHS Trusts in the South East of England. Results. The overall response rate to the questionnaire was 44%. There was considerable variation in the management of solitary femoral diaphyseal lesions, pathological subtrochanteric and intertrochanteric femoral neck fractures and vertebral metastases. Furthermore only 2 out of the 12 Trusts surveyed had a designated MBD lead as per the BOA/BOOS guidelines. Discussion. Our study reflects the variation in the management of MBD throughout the region, which may in turn be linked to poorer clinical outcomes. The results demonstrate the possibility of (i) inappropriate initial treatment, (ii) subsequent late tertiary referral and (iii) poor understanding of the biomechanical basis of orthopaedic implants, with the potential for inappropriate choice of prostheses and high failure rates. Streamlining cancer care will involve establishing regional MBD units within large centres where multidisciplinary services are available. Consequently all surrounding hospitals will need a designated MBD lead that can function as a conduit to this integrated care for selected patients

Introduction. Telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TOS) is a rare subtype of osteosarcoma. We review our experience to characterize its prevalence, treatment, relapse and survivorship at long term follow-up. Methods. Eighty-seven patients aged from 4 to 60 years (mean 20 years), were treated from 1985 to 2008. Lesions affected the femur (38), humerus (20), tibia (19), fibula (4), pelvis (3), foot (2) and radius (1). Eight patients had metastatic disease at diagnosis. Seventy-eight patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with three or more drugs according to different protocols, nine had surgery as first treatment. Limb salvage surgery was performed in 71 cases, amputation in 14 and rotationplasty in one. One patient died before surgery. Prognostic factors were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results. At a mean follow-up of 8 years, overall survival was 81%, 65% and 65% at 2, 5 and 10 years respectively. Fifty-two patients were disease-free, three were alive with disease, twenty-nine died with disease and three died of other causes. Thirteen local recurrences were observed. Twenty-three patients developed lung (20) or bone (3) metastases. Pathologic fracture did not significantly influence survivorship. Prognostic influence of age of the patients was evaluated at three different cut-off (15, 20 and 25 years-old): younger patients had better survivorship, without statistical significance. Induced necrosis according to Huvos’ classification was significant at both univariate and multivariate regression Cox analysis (p=0.0001). Conclusion. TOS does not have a poor prognosis as previously reported in the literature. A high percentage of patients can be cured with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. In most patients, limb sparing surgery is possible and safe

We have used total hip replacement combined with cemented intramedullary nailing to treat a selected group of nine patients with pathological fractures of the proximal femur and impending fractures of the shaft due to metastases. One patient died from cardiopulmonary failure on the third postoperative day, but the others were able to walk within the first week after operation. Complications included one recurrent dislocation of the THR and one fracture of an osteolytic lesion of the femoral shaft during nail insertion. Both were managed successfully. The hybrid osteosynthesis which we describe is an alternative to the use of tumour or long-stem prostheses; it has the advantage of preserving bone stock and muscle attachments

Introduction. The main symptoms in multiple myeloma are the result of skeletal destruction mainly the vertebral column. The current treatments for multiple myeloma include radiotherapy and chemotherapy but unfortunately it is still incurable. However, the symptoms and quality of life of these patients can be improved by cement augmentation which has gained popularity in the recent years. Aim. To analyse the efficacy and safety of cement augmentation and to assess the survival and outcome of the patients with vertebral fractures secondary to multiple myeloma. Material and Methods. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the data over the last 3 years. Medical records review included correction of vertebral angle (VA), assessment of disability, survival and postoperative improvement in pain and functional status. Results. We reviewed 12 patients with 48 vertebral compression fractures including 9 male and 3 female patients. Mean age was 62.5 years (41–85). 5 patients had single vertebral involvement while 7 had multiple fractures at different levels in thoracolumbar spine. Average length of follow-up was 20.3 months (14–33 months). Based on Modified Tokuhashi score, the expected survival was less than 12 months in 2 patients and more than 12 months in the remaining patients. 11 patients are alive till date with average survival of 26 months (18–42 months) while 1 patient died, 23 months after the initial correction surgery. Prior to correction, the average vertebral angle (VA) was 10.60 (2.30 to 25.20) and after cement augmentation the average VA was 7.00 (1.60–22.80). Mean correction achieved was 3.60. There was no loss of vertebral height in any patient until their latest follow-up. Karnofsky performance score was more than 70 in 5 patients, 50–70 in 6 and less than 50 in 1 patient preoperatively while it improved to more than 70 in all patients postoperatively which indicates improvement in their functional status. All patients reported improvement in their pain level after surgery. No cement leakage or major complication occurred in these patients. Conclusion. Cement augmentation is a safe and effective way of treating the symptoms of multiple myeloma which occur due to vertebral metastases. It results in excellent pain control and improvement in quality of life