We studied the safety of external fixation during post-operative chemotherapy in 28 patients who had undergone distraction osteogenesis (17, group A) or vascularised fibular grafting (11, group B) after resection of a tumour. Four cycles of multi-agent post-operative chemotherapy were administered over a mean period of 14 weeks (6 to 27). The mean duration of external fixation for all patients was 350 days (91 to 828). In total 204 wires and 240 half pins were used. During the period of post-operative chemotherapy, 14 patients (11 in group A, 3 in group B) developed wire- and pin-track infection. A total of ten wires (4.9%) and 11 half pins (4.6%) became infected. Seven of the ten infected wires were in periarticular locations. External fixation during post-operative chemotherapy was used safely and successfully for fixation of a vascularised fibular graft and distraction osteogenesis in 27 of 28 patients. Post-operative chemotherapy for malignant bone tumours did not adversely affect the ability to achieve union or cause hypertrophy of the vascularised fibular graft and had a minimal effect on distraction osteogenesis. Only one patient developed osteomyelitis which required further surgery

Aims

The aim of the LightFix Trial was to evaluate the clinical outcomes for one year after the treatment of impending and completed pathological fractures of the humerus using the IlluminOss System (IS), and to analyze the performance of this device.

Aims

The epiphyseal approach to a chondroblastoma of the intercondylar notch of a child’s distal femur does not provide adequate exposure, thereby necessitating the removal of a substantial amount of unaffected bone to expose the lesion. In this study, we compared the functional outcomes, local recurrence, and surgical complications of treating a chondroblastoma of the distal femoral epiphysis by either an intercondylar or an epiphyseal approach.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to determine the morbidity of a tibial strut autograft and characterize the rate of bony union following its use.

Aims

Intercalary allografts following resection of a primary diaphyseal tumour have high rates of complications and failures. At our institution intercalary allografts are augmented with intramedullary cement and fixed using compression plating. Our aim was to evaluate their long-term outcomes.

Aims

The aim of the study was to investigate the controversial issue of whether the pelvic ring should be reconstructed following resection of the sarcomas of the ilium.

Giant cell tumour is the most common aggressive benign tumour of the musculoskeletal system and has a high rate of local recurrence. When it occurs in proximity to the hip, reconstruction of the joint is a challenge. Options for reconstruction after wide resection include the use of a megaprosthesis or an allograft-prosthesis composite. We performed a clinical and radiological study to evaluate the functional results of a proximal femoral allograft-prosthesis composite in the treatment of proximal femoral giant cell tumour after wide resection. This was an observational study, between 2006 and 2012, of 18 patients with a mean age of 32 years (28 to 42) and a mean follow-up of 54 months (18 to 79). We achieved excellent outcomes using Harris Hip Score in 13 patients and a good outcome in five. All allografts united. There were no complications such as infection, failure, fracture or resorption of the graft, or recurrent tumour. Resection and reconstruction of giant cell tumours with proximal femoral allograft–prosthesis composite is a better option than using a prosthesis considering preservation of bone stock and excellent restoration of function.

A good result requires demanding bone banking techniques, effective measures to prevent infection and stability at the allograft-host junction.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1106–10.

We evaluated the oncological and functional outcome of 18 patients, whose malignant bone tumours were excised with the assistance of navigation, and who were followed up for more than three years. There were 11 men and seven women, with a mean age of 31.8 years (10 to 57). There were ten operations on the pelvic ring and eight joint-preserving limb salvage procedures. The resection margins were free of tumour in all specimens. The tumours, which were stage IIB in all patients, included osteosarcoma, high-grade chondrosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone, and adamantinoma. The overall three-year survival rate of the 18 patients was 88.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 75.4 to 100). The three-year survival rate of the patients with pelvic malignancy was 80.0% (95% CI 55.3 to 100), and of the patients with metaphyseal malignancy was 100%. The event-free survival was 66.7% (95% CI 44.9 to 88.5). Local recurrence occurred in two patients, both of whom had a pelvic malignancy. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 26.9 points at a mean follow-up of 48.2 months (22 to 79).

We suggest that navigation can be helpful during surgery for musculoskeletal tumours; it can maximise the accuracy of resection and minimise the unnecessary sacrifice of normal tissue by providing precise intra-operative three-dimensional radiological information.

Vascularised fibular grafts (VFGs ) are a valuable surgical technique in limb salvage after resection of a tumour. The primary objective of this multicentre study was to assess the risk factors for failure and complications for using a VFG after resection of a tumour.

The study involved 74 consecutive patients (45 men and 29 women with mean age of 23 years (1 to 64) from four tertiary centres for orthopaedic oncology who underwent reconstruction using a VFG after resection of a tumour between 1996 and 2011. There were 52 primary and 22 secondary reconstructions. The mean follow-up was 77 months (10 to 195).

In all, 69 patients (93%) had successful limb salvage; all of these united and 65 (88%) showed hypertrophy of the graft. The mean time to union differed between those involving the upper (28 weeks; 12 to 96) and lower limbs (44 weeks; 12 to 250). Fracture occurred in 11 (15%), and nonunion in 14 (19%) patients.

In 35 patients (47%) at least one complication arose, with a greater proportion in lower limb reconstructions, non-bridging osteosynthesis, and in children. These complications resulted in revision surgery in 26 patients (35%).

VFG is a successful and durable technique for reconstruction of a defect in bone after resection of a tumour, but is accompanied by a significant risk of complications, that often require revision surgery. Union was not markedly influenced by the need for chemo- or radiotherapy, but should not be expected during chemotherapy. Therefore, restricted weight-bearing within this period is advocated.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:853–61.

We describe the management of nonunion combined with limb-length discrepancy following vascularised fibular grafting for the reconstruction of long-bone defects in the lower limb after resection of a tumour in skeletally immature patients. We operated on nine patients with a mean age of 13.1 years (10.5 to 14.5) who presented with a mean limb-length discrepancy of 7 cm (4 to 9) and nonunion at one end of a vascularised fibular graft, which had been performed previously, to reconstruct a bone defect after resection of an osteosarcoma.

Reconstruction was carried out using a ring fixator secured with correction by half pins of any malalignment, compression of the site of nonunion and lengthening through a metaphyseal parafocal osteotomy without bone grafting. The expected limb-length discrepancy at maturity was calculated using the arithmetic method. Solid union and the intended leg length were achieved in all the patients. Excessive scarring and the distorted anatomy from previous surgery in these patients required other procedures to be performed with minimal exposures and dissection in order to avoid further compromise to the vascularity of the graft or damage to neurovascular structures. The methods which we chose were simple and effective in addressing these complex problems.

Peri-acetabular tumour resections and their subsequent reconstruction are among the most challenging procedures in orthopaedic oncology. Despite the fact that a number of different pelvic endoprostheses have been introduced, rates of complication remain high and long-term results are mostly lacking.

In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the outcome of reconstructing a peri-acetabular defect with a pedestal cup endoprosthesis after a type 2 or type 2/3 internal hemipelvectomy.

A total of 19 patients (11M:8F) with a mean age of 48 years (14 to 72) were included, most of whom had been treated for a primary bone tumour (n = 16) between 2003 and 2009. After a mean follow-up of 39 months (28 days to 8.7 years) seven patients had died. After a mean follow-up of 7.9 years (4.3 to 10.5), 12 patients were alive, of whom 11 were disease-free. Complications occurred in 15 patients. Three had recurrent dislocations and three experienced aseptic loosening. There were no mechanical failures. Infection occurred in nine patients, six of whom required removal of the prosthesis. Two patients underwent hindquarter amputation for local recurrence.

The implant survival rate at five years was 50% for all reasons, and 61% for non-oncological reasons. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at final follow-up was 49% (13 to 87).

Based on these poor results, we advise caution if using the pedestal cup for reconstruction of a peri-acetabular tumour resection.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1706–12.

We have developed a hollow perforated cannulated screw. One or more of these was implanted percutaneously in 11 patients with an osteolytic metastasis in the femoral neck and multiple metastases elsewhere. They were supplemented by one or two additional standard 6.5 mm cannulated screws in nine patients. Polymethylmethacrylate bone cement was injected through the screw into the neck of the femur using small syringes, as in vertebroplasty. The mean amount of cement injected was 23.2 ml (17 to 30). Radiotherapy was started on the fourth post-operative day and chemotherapy, on average, was resumed a day later.

Good structural stability and satisfactory relief from pain were achieved in all the patients. This technique may be useful in the palliation of metastases in the femoral neck.

We report the results of the treatment of nine children with an aneurysmal bone cyst of the distal fibula (seven cysts were juxtaphyseal, and two metaphyseal). The mean age of the children was 10 years and 3 months (7 years and 4 months to 12 years and 9 months). All had open physes. All cysts were active and in seven cases substituted and expanded the entire width of the bone (type-2 lesions). The mean longitudinal extension was 5.7 cm (3 to 10). The presenting symptoms were pain, swelling and pathological fracture. Moderate fibular shortening was evident in one patient.

In six patients curettage was performed, using phenol as adjuvant in three. Three with juxtaphyseal lesions underwent resection. A graft from the contralateral fibula (one case) and allografts (two cases) were positioned at the edge of the physis for reconstruction. The mean follow-up was 11.6 years (3.1 to 27.5). There was no recurrence.

At the final follow-up there was no significant difference in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores (excellent/good in all cases) and in growth disturbance, alignment, stability and bone reconstitution, but in the resection group the number of operations, including removal of hardware, complications (two minor) and time of immobilisation/orthosis, were increased. Movement of the ankle was restricted in one patient.

The potential risks in the management of these lesions include recurrence, physeal injury, instability of the ankle and hardware and graft complications. Although resection is effective it should be reserved for aggressive or recurrent juxtaphyseal lesions.

We investigated the functional outcome in patients who underwent reverse shoulder replacement (RSR) after removal of a tumour of the proximal humerus. A total of 16 patients (ten women and six men) underwent this procedure between 1998 and 2011 in our hospital. Five patients died and one was lost to follow-up. Ten patients were available for review at a mean follow-up of 46 months (12 to 136). Eight patients had a primary and two patients a secondary bone tumour.

At final follow up the mean range of active movement was: abduction 78° (30° to 150°); flexion 98° (45° to 180°); external rotation 32° (10° to 60°); internal rotation 51° (10° to 80°). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 77% (60% to 90%) and the mean Toronto Extremity Salvage Score was 70% (30% to 91%). Two patients had a superficial infection and one had a deep infection and underwent a two-stage revision procedure. In two patients there was loosening of the RSR; one dislocated twice. All patients had some degree of atrophy or pseudo-atrophy of the deltoid muscle.

Use of a RSR in patients with a tumour of the proximal humerus gives acceptable results.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1551–5.

The use of allografts for the treatment of bone tumours in children is limited by nonunion and the difficulty of finding a suitable graft. Furthermore, appositional growth can’t be expected of an allograft.

We used an overlapping allograft in 11 children, with a mean age of ten years (4 to 15), with a mean follow-up of 24.1 months (20 to 33). There were five intercalary and six intra-articular resections, and the tumours were in the femur in six cases and the humerus in five. Rates of union, times to union, remodelling patterns and allograft-associated complications were evaluated.

No allograft was removed due to a complication. Of the 16 junctional sites, 15 (94%) showed union at a mean of 3.1 months (2 to 5). Remodelling between host and allograft was seen at 14 junctions at a mean of five months (4 to 7). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 26.5 of 30 (88.3%). One case of nonunion and another with screw protrusion required re-operation.

Overlapping allografts have the potential to shorten time to union, decrease rates of nonunion and have positive appositional growth effect.

We reviewed 25 patients who had undergone resection of a primary bone sarcoma which extended to within 5 cm of the knee with reconstruction by a combination of a free vascularised fibular graft and a massive allograft bone shell. The distal femur was affected in four patients and the proximal tibia in 21. Their mean age at the time of operation was 19.7 years (5 to 52) and the mean follow-up period 140 months (28 to 213). Three vascularised transfers failed. The mean time to union of the fibula was 5.6 months (3 to 10) and of the allograft 19.6 months (10 to 34). Full weight-bearing was allowed at a mean of 21.4 months (14 to 36). The mean functional score at final follow-up was 27.4 (18 to 30) using a modfied 30-point Musculoskeletal Tumour Society rating system. The overall limb-salvage rate was 88%. The results of our study suggest that the combined use of a vascularised fibular graft and allograft is of value as a limb-salvage procedure for intercalary reconstruction after resection of bone tumours around the knee, especially in skeletally immature patients.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This paper describes the preliminary results of a proximal tibial endoprosthesis which spares the knee joint and enables retention of the natural articulation by replacing part of the tibial metaphysis and diaphysis. In eight patients who had a primary malignant bone tumour of the proximal tibia, the distal stem, which had a hydroxyapatite-coated collar to improve fixation, was cemented into the medullary canal. The proximal end had hydroxyapatite-coated extracortical plates which were secured to the remaining proximal tibial metaphysis using cortical screws. The mean age of the patients at operation was 28.9 years (8 to 43) and the mean follow-up was for 35 months (4 to 48). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score was 79% (57% to 90%), the mean Oxford Knee score was 40 points of 48 (36 to 46) and the mean knee flexion was 112° (100° to 120°). In one patient, revision to a below-knee amputation through the prosthesis was required because of recurrence of the tumour. Another patient sustained a periprosthetic fracture which healed with a painful malunion. This was revised to a further endoprosthesis which replaced the knee.

In the remaining six patients the prosthesis allowed preservation of the knee joint with good function and no early evidence of loosening. Further follow-up is required to assess the longevity of these prostheses.

We undertook a cemental unipolar proximal femoral endoprosthetic replacement in 131 patients with a mean age of 50 years (2 to 84). Primary malignant tumours were present in 54 patients and 67 had metastatic disease. In addition, eight patients had either lymphoma or myeloma and two had non-oncological disorders. The mean follow-up was 27 months (0 to 180). An acetabular revision was required later in 14 patients, 12 of whom had been under the age of 21 years at the time of insertion of their original prosthesis. The risk of acetabular revision in patients over 21 years of age was 8% at five years compared with 36% in those aged under 21 years. All the unipolar hips in this younger age group required revision within 11 years of the initial operation.

We conclude that unipolar replacement should not be used in younger patients and should be avoided in patients with a life expectancy of more than five years.