Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of local recurrence and survival in patients with osteosarcoma based on the proximity of the tumour to the major vessels. Patients and Methods. A total of 226 patients with high-grade non-metastatic osteosarcoma in the limbs were investigated. Median age at diagnosis was 15 years (4 to 67) with the ratio of male to female patients being 1.5:1. The most common site of the tumour was the femur (n = 103) followed by tibia (n = 66). The vascular proximity was categorized based on the preoperative MRI after neoadjuvant chemotherapy into four types: type 1 > 5 mm; type 2 ≤ 5 mm, > 0 mm; type 3 attached; type 4 surrounded. Results. Limb salvage rate based on the proximity type was 92%, 88%, 51%, and 0% for types 1 to 4, respectively, and the overall survival at five years was 82%, 77%, 57%, and 67%, respectively (p < 0.001). Local recurrence rate in patients with limb-salvage surgery was 7%, 8%, and 22% for the types 1 to 3, respectively (p = 0.041), and local recurrence at the perivascular area was observed in 1% and 4% for type 2 and 3, respectively. The mean microscopic margin to the major vessels was 6.9 mm, 3.0 mm, and 1.4 mm for types 1 to 3, respectively. In type 3, local recurrence-free survival with limb salvage was significantly poorer compared with amputation (p = 0.025), while the latter offered no overall survival benefit. In this group of patients, factors such as good response to chemotherapy or limited vascular attachment to less than half circumference or longitudinal 10 mm reduced the risk of local recurrence. Conclusion. The proximity of osteosarcoma to major blood vessels is a poor prognostic factor for local control and survival. Amputation offers better local control for tumours attached to the blood vessels but does not improve survival. Limb salvage surgery offers similar local control if the tumour attachment to blood vessels is limited. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1024–1031

The December 2023 Trauma Roundup. 360. looks at: Distal femoral arthroplasty: medical risks under the spotlight; Quads repair: tunnels or anchors?; Complex trade-offs in treating severe tibial fractures: limb salvage versus primary amputation; Middle-sized posterior malleolus fractures – to fix?; Bone transport through induced membrane: a randomized controlled trial; Displaced geriatric femoral neck fractures; Risk factors for reoperation to promote union in 1,111 distal femur fractures; New versus old – reliability of the OTA/AO classification for trochanteric hip fractures; Risk factors for fracture-related infection after ankle fracture surgery

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

The August 2024 Oncology Roundup. 360. looks at: What factors are associated with osteoarthritis after cementation for benign aggressive bone tumour of the knee joint: a systematic review and meta-analysis; Recycled bone grafts treated with extracorporeal irradiation or liquid nitrogen freezing after malignant tumour resection; Intercalary resection of the tibia for primary bone tumours: are vascularized fibula autografts with or without allografts a durable reconstruction?; 3D-printed modular prostheses for the reconstruction of intercalary bone defects after joint-sparing limb salvage surgery for femoral diaphyseal tumours; Factors influencing the outcome of patients with primary Ewing’s sarcoma of the sacrum; The significance of surveillance imaging in children with Ewing’s sarcoma and osteosarcoma; Resection margin and soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremities treated with limb-sparing surgery and postoperative radiotherapy

Aims. Surgical limb sparing for knee-bearing paediatric bone sarcoma is considered to have a clinically significant influence on postoperative function due to complications and leg-length discrepancies. However, researchers have not fully evaluated the long-term postoperative functional outcomes. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the risk factors and long-term functional prognosis associated with paediatric limb-sparing surgery. Methods. We reviewed 40 patients aged under 14 years who underwent limb-sparing surgery for knee bone sarcoma (15 cases in the proximal tibia and 25 in the distal femur) between January 2000 and December 2013, and were followed up for a minimum of five years. A total of 35 patients underwent reconstruction using artificial materials, and five underwent biological reconstruction. We evaluated the patients’ postoperative complications, survival rate of reconstruction material, and limb, limb function, and leg-length discrepancy at the final follow-up, as well as the risk factors for each. Results. Complications were observed in 55% (22/40) of patients. The limb survival and reconstruction material rates at five and ten years were 95% and 91%, and 88% and 66%, respectively. Infection was the only risk factor in both survivals (p < 0.001, p = 0.019). In the 35 patients with limb preservation, the median International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) score at the final follow-up was 80 (47% to 97%). Younger age (p = 0.027) and complications (p = 0.005) were poor prognostic factors. A negative correlation was found between age and leg-length discrepancy (R = −0.426; p = 0.011). The ISOLS scores were significantly lower in patients with a leg-length discrepancy of more than 5 cm (p = 0.005). Conclusion. Young age and complications were linked to an unfavourable functional prognosis. Leg-length correction was insufficient, especially in very young children, resulting in decreased function of the affected limb. Limb-sparing surgery for these children remains a considerable challenge. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):868–878

The December 2024 Oncology Roundup. 360. looks at: Non-reversed great saphenous vein grafts for vascular reconstruction after resection of lower limb sarcoma; Detrimental effects of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with limb bone sarcoma: reference centre experience; Whole-body staging guidelines in sarcoma; Intraoperative marrow margin frozen section in limb bone sarcoma resection; Vacuum-assisted closure and paediatric oncological limb salvage; Treatment differences and long-term outcomes in adults and children with Ewing’s sarcoma; Survival, complications, and functional outcomes of uncemented distal femoral endoprosthesis with short, curved stem for patients with bone tumours

Aims. Hindfoot arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nailing has been described as a surgical strategy to reconstruct deformities of the ankle and hindfoot in patients with Charcot arthropathy. This study presents case series of Charcot arthropathy patients treated with two different retrograde intramedullary straight compression nails in order to reconstruct the hindfoot and assess the results over a mid-term follow-up. Patients and Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of 18 consecutive patients and 19 operated feet with Charcot arthropathy who underwent a hindfoot arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary compression nail. Patients were ten men and eight women with a mean age of 63.43 years (38.5 to 79.8). We report the rate of limb salvage, complications requiring additional surgery, and fusion rate in both groups. The mean duration of follow-up was 46.36 months (37 to 70). Results. The limb salvage rate was 16 of 19 limbs. Three patients had to undergo below-knee amputation due to persistent infection followed by osteomyelitis resistant to parenteral antibiotic therapy and repeated debridement. Complications including infection, hardware removal, nonunion, and persistent ulcers requiring further intervention were also observed. Postoperative functional scores revealed significant improvement compared with preoperative scores on American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) – Hindfoot scale, Foot Function Index (FFI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Conclusion. The use of retrograde intramedullary compression nail results in good rates of limb salvage when used for hindfoot reconstruction in patients with Charcot arthropathy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:190–6

Aims. To evaluate mid-to long-term patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of endoprosthetic reconstruction after resection of malignant tumours arising around the knee, and to investigate the risk factors for unfavourable PROMs. Methods. The medical records of 75 patients who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed, and 44 patients who were alive and available for follow-up (at a mean of 9.7 years postoperatively) were included in the study. Leg length discrepancy was measured on whole-leg radiographs, and functional assessment was performed with PROMs (Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Comprehensive Outcome Measure for Musculoskeletal Oncology Lower Extremity (COMMON-LE)) with two different aspects. The thresholds for unfavourable PROMs were determined using anchor questions regarding satisfaction, and the risk factors for unfavourable PROMs were investigated. Results. The thresholds for favourable TESS and COMMON were 64.8 and 70.4 points, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age at surgery (p = 0.004) and postoperative leg length discrepancy (p = 0.043) were significant risk factors for unfavourable TESS results, while age at surgery (p < 0.001) was a significant risk factor for unfavourable COMMON-LE results. Following receiver operating characteristic analysis, the threshold for both TESS and COMMON-LE was 29 years of age at surgery. Additionally, a leg length discrepancy of 8.2 mm was the threshold for unfavourable TESS. Conclusion. Patients aged > 29 years at the time of surgery require appropriate preoperative counselling and adequate postoperative physical and socioemotional support. Reconstruction equivalent to the length of the resected bone can reduce the risk of functional disabilities in daily living. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(12):906–913

Aims. Limb salvage surgery (LSS) is the primary treatment option for primary bone malignancy. It involves the removal of bone and tissue, followed by reconstruction with endoprosthetic replacements (EPRs) to prevent amputation. Trabecular metal (TM) collars have been developed to encourage bone ingrowth (osseointegration (OI)) into EPRs. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether OI occurs when TM collars are used in EPRs for tumour. Methods. A total of 124 patients from July 2010 to August 2021 who underwent an EPR for tumour under the West of Scotland orthopaedic oncology team were identified. Overall, 81 patients (65%) met the inclusion criteria, and two consultants independently analyzed radiographs at three and 12 months, as well as the last radiograph, using a modified version of the Stanford Radiological Assessment System. Results. OI of the TM collar occurred in approximately 65% of patients at last radiograph. The percentage of patients with OI at three months (65.4%) reflected the 12-month (65%) and long-term (64.4%) follow-up. The median amount of OI across all radiographs was one at all three timepoints, with only five cases (11.1%) showing OI in all four zones at last radiograph. Radiolucency at the bone:collar junction was present in 23 cases (28.4%) at three months, but only four (6.7%) showed progression of this at 12 months. The interobserver reliability was found to be highly reliable in all parameters (p < 0.001). Conclusion. OI occurs in approximately 65% of TM collars, and is similar at three months, 12 months, and last radiograph. The extent of OI at the bone:collar junction was found to have decreased at longer-term follow-up. Furthermore, radiolucency at the bone-collar impact junction does occur in some patients but only a low number will show radiolucency progression at longer-term follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(12):1092–1100

Previous classification systems of failure of limb salvage focused primarily on endoprosthetic failures and lacked sufficient depth for the effective study of the causes of failure. In order to address these inadequacies, the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) formed a committee to recommend revisions of the previous systems. The purpose of this study was to report on their recommendations. The modifications were prepared using an earlier, evidence-based model with subclassification based on the existing medical literature. Subclassification for all five primary types of failure of limb salvage following endoprosthetic reconstruction were formulated and a complementary system was derived for the failure of biological reconstruction. An additional classification of failure in paediatric patients was also described. . Limb salvage surgery presents a complex array of potential mechanisms of failure, and a complete and precise classification of types of failure is required. Earlier classification systems lacked specificity, and the evidence-based system outlined here is designed to correct these weaknesses and to provide a means of reporting failures of limb salvage in order to allow the interpretation of outcome following reconstructive surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1436–40

Aims. The standard of surgical treatment for lower limb neoplasms had been characterized by highly interventional techniques, leading to severe kinetic impairment of the patients and incidences of phantom pain. Rotationplasty had arisen as a potent limb salvage treatment option for young cancer patients with lower limb bone tumours, but its impact on the gait through comparative studies still remains unclear several years after the introduction of the procedure. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of rotationplasty on gait parameters measured by gait analysis compared to healthy individuals. Methods. The MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched without time restriction until 10 January 2022 for eligible studies. Gait parameters measured by gait analysis were the outcomes of interest. Results. Three studies were eligible for analyses. Compared to healthy individuals, rotationplasty significantly decreased gait velocity (-1.45 cm/sec; 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.98 to -0.93; p < 0.001), stride length (-1.20 cm; 95% CI -2.31 to -0.09; p < 0.001), cadence (-0.83 stride/min; 95% (CI -1.29 to -0.36; p < 0.001), and non-significantly increased cycle time (0.54 sec; 95% CI -0.42 to 1.51; p = 0.184). Conclusion. Rotationplasty is a valid option for the management of lower limb bone tumours in young cancer patients. Larger studies, with high patient accrual, refined surgical techniques, and well planned rehabilitation strategies, are required to further improve the reported outcomes of this procedure. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(11):817–824

Infected nonunion of a long bone continues to present difficulties in management. In addition to treating the infection, it is necessary to establish bony stability, encourage fracture union and reconstruct the soft-tissue envelope. We present a series of 67 infected nonunions of a long bone in 66 patients treated in a multidisciplinary unit. The operative treatment of patients suitable for limb salvage was performed as a single procedure. Antibiotic regimes were determined by the results of microbiological culture. At a mean follow-up of 52 months (22 to 97), 59 patients (88%) had an infection-free united fracture in a functioning limb. Seven others required amputation (three as primary treatment, three after late failure of limb salvage and one for recalcitrant pain after union). The initial operation achieved union in 54 (84%) of the salvaged limbs at a mean of nine months (three to 26), with recurrence of infection in 9%. Further surgery in those limbs that remained ununited increased the union rate to 62 (97%) of the 64 limbs treated by limb salvage at final follow-up. The use of internal fixation was associated with a higher risk of recurrent infection than external fixation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:814–17

Aims. Complex fractures of the femur and tibia with associated severe soft tissue injury are often devastating for the individual. The aim of this study was to describe the two-year patient-reported outcomes of patients in a civilian population who sustained a complex fracture of the femur or tibia with a Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) of ≥ 7, whereby the score ranges from 2 (lowest severity) to 11 (highest severity). Methods. Patients aged ≥ 16 years with a fractured femur or tibia and a MESS of ≥ 7 were extracted from the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (January 2007 to December 2018). Cases were grouped into surgical amputation or limb salvage. Descriptive analysis were used to examine return to work rates, three-level EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) outcomes at 12 and 24 months post-injury. Results. In all, 111 patients were included: 90 (81%) patients who underwent salvage and 21 (19%) patients with surgical amputation. The mean age of patients was 45.8 years (SD 15.8), 93 (84%) were male, 37 (33%) were involved in motor vehicle collisions, and the mean MESS score was 8.2 (SD 1.4). Two-year outcomes in the cohort were poor: six (7%) patients achieved a GOS-E good recovery, the mean EQ-5D-3L summary score was 0.52 (SD 0.27), and 17 (20%) patients had returned to work. Conclusion. A small proportion of patients with severe lower limb injury (MESS ≥ 7) achieved a good level of function 24 months post-injury. Further follow-up is needed to better understand the long-term trajectory of these patients, including delayed amputation, hospital readmissions, and healthcare utilization. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):769–774

Aims. Controversy exists as to what should be considered a safe resection margin to minimize local recurrence in high-grade pelvic chondrosarcomas (CS). The aim of this study is to quantify what is a safe margin of resection for high-grade CS of the pelvis. Methods. We retrospectively identified 105 non-metastatic patients with high-grade pelvic CS of bone who underwent surgery (limb salvage/amputations) between 2000 and 2018. There were 82 (78%) male and 23 (22%) female patients with a mean age of 55 years (26 to 84). The majority of the patients underwent limb salvage surgery (n = 82; 78%) compared to 23 (22%) who had amputation. In total, 66 (64%) patients were grade 2 CS compared to 38 (36%) grade 3 CS. All patients were assessed for stage, pelvic anatomical classification, type of resection and reconstruction, margin status, local recurrence, distant recurrence, and overall survival. Surgical margins were stratified into millimetres: < 1 mm; > 1 mm but < 2 mm; and > 2 mm. Results. The disease-­specific survival (DSS) at five years was 69% (95% confidence interval (CI) 56% to 81%) and 51% (95% CI 31% to 70%) for grade 2 and 3 CS, respectively (p = 0.092). The local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) at five years was 59% (95% CI 45% to 72%) for grade 2 CS and 42% (95% CI 21% to 63%) for grade 3 CS (p = 0.318). A margin of more than 2 mm was a significant predictor of increased LRFS (p = 0.001). There was a tendency, but without statistical significance, for a > 2 mm margin to be a predictor of improved DSS. Local recurrence (LR) was a highly significant predictor of DSS, analyzed in a competing risk model (p = 0.001). Conclusion. Obtaining wide margins in the pelvis remains challenging for high-grade pelvic CS. On the basis of our study, we conclude that it is necessary to achieve at least a 2 mm margin for optimal oncological outcomes in patients with high-grade CS of the pelvis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1150–1154

Aims. Dystrophic calcification (DC) is the abnormal appearance of calcified deposits in degenerating tissue, often associated with injury. Extensive DC can lead to heterotopic ossification (HO), a pathological condition of ectopic bone formation. The highest rate of HO was found in combat-related blast injuries, a polytrauma condition with severe muscle injury. It has been noted that the incidence of HO significantly increased in the residual limbs of combat-injured patients if the final amputation was performed within the zone of injury compared to that which was proximal to the zone of injury. While aggressive limb salvage strategies may maximize the function of the residual limb, they may increase the possibility of retaining non-viable muscle tissue inside the body. In this study, we hypothesized that residual dead muscle tissue at the zone of injury could promote HO formation. Methods. We tested the hypothesis by investigating the cellular and molecular consequences of implanting devitalized muscle tissue into mouse muscle pouch in the presence of muscle injury induced by cardiotoxin. Results. Our findings showed that the presence of devitalized muscle tissue could cause a systemic decrease in circulating transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), which promoted DC formation following muscle injury. We further demonstrated that suppression of TGF-β signalling promoted DC in vivo, and potentiated osteogenic differentiation of muscle-derived stromal cells in vitro. Conclusion. Taken together, these findings suggest that TGF-β1 may play a protective role in dead muscle tissue-induced DC, which is relevant to understanding the pathogenesis of post-traumatic HO. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(11):742–750

Aims. Limb salvage in bone tumour patients replaces the bone with massive segmental prostheses where achieving bone integration at the shoulder of the implant through extracortical bone growth has been shown to prevent loosening. This study investigates the effect of multidrug chemotherapy on extracortical bone growth and early radiological signs of aseptic loosening in patients with massive distal femoral prostheses. Methods. A retrospective radiological analysis was performed on adult patients with distal femoral arthroplasties. In all, 16 patients were included in the chemotherapy group with 18 patients in the non-chemotherapy control group. Annual radiographs were analyzed for three years postoperatively. Dimensions of the bony pedicle, osseointegration of the hydroxyapatite (HA) collar surface, bone resorption at the implant shoulder, and radiolucent line (RLL) formation around the cemented component were analyzed. Results. A greater RLL score (p = 0.041) was observed at three years postoperatively, with those receiving chemotherapy showing greater radiological loosening compared with those not receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy patients experience osteolysis at the shoulder of the ingrowth collar over time (p < 0.001) compared with non-chemotherapy patients where osteolysis was not observed. A greater median percentage integration of the collar surface was observed in the non-chemotherapy group (8.6%, interquartile range (IQR) 0.0% to 37.9%; p = 0.021) at three years. Bone growth around the collar was observed in both groups, and no statistical difference in amount of extracortical bony bridging was seen. Conclusion. Multidrug chemotherapy affects the osseointegration of ingrowth collars and accelerates signs of radiological loosening. This may increase the risk of aseptic loosening in patients with massive segmental implants used to treat bone cancer. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(7):333–340

Aims. Limb salvage for pelvic sarcomas involving the acetabulum is a major surgical challenge. There remains no consensus about what is the optimum type of reconstruction after resection of the tumour. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes in these patients according to the methods of periacetabular reconstruction. Methods. The study involved a consecutive series of 122 patients with a periacetabular bone sarcoma who underwent limb-salvage surgery involving a custom-made prosthesis in 65 (53%), an ice-cream cone prosthesis in 21 (17%), an extracorporeal irradiated autograft in 18 (15%), and nonskeletal reconstruction in 18 (15%). Results. The rates of major complications necessitating further surgery were 62%, 24%, 56%, and 17% for custom-made prostheses, ice-cream cone prostheses, irradiated autografts and nonskeletal reconstructions, respectively (p = 0.001). The ten-year cumulative incidence of failure of the reconstruction was 19%, 9%, 33%, and 0%, respectively. The major cause of failure was deep infection (11%), followed by local recurrence (6%). The mean functional Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scores were 59%, 74%, 64%, and 72%, respectively. The scores were significantly lower in patients with major complications than in those without complications (mean 52% (SD 20%) vs 74% (SD 19%); p < 0.001). For periacetabular resections involving the ilium, the mean score was the highest with custom-made prostheses (82% (SD 10%)) in patients without any major complication; however, nonskeletal reconstruction resulted in the highest mean scores (78% (SD 12%)) in patients who had major complications. For periacetabular resections not involving the ilium, significantly higher mean scores were obtained with ice-cream cone prostheses (79% (SD 17%); p = 0.031). Conclusion. Functional outcome following periacetabular reconstruction is closely associated with the occurrence of complications requiring further surgery. For tumours treated with periacetabular and iliac resection, skeletal reconstruction may result in the best outcomes in the absence of complications, whereas nonskeletal reconstruction is a reasonable option if the risk of complications is high. For tumours requiring periacetabular resection without the ilium, reconstruction using an ice-cream cone prosthesis supported by antibiotic-laden cement is a reliable option. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):795–803

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

The treatment of infected nonunions is difficult. Antibiotic cement-coated (ACC) rods provide stability as well as delivering antibiotics. We conducted a review of 110 infected nonunions treated with ACC rods. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (67 patients) with an infected arthrodesis, and group B (43 patients) with an infected nonunion in a long bone. In group A, infected arthrodesis, the success rate after the first procedure was 38/67 (57%), 29/67 (43%) required further surgery for either control of infection or non-union. At last follow-up, five patients required amputation, representing a limb salvage rate of 62/67 (93%) overall. In all, 29/67 (43%) presented with a bone defect with a mean size of 6.78 cm (2 to 25). Of those with a bone defect, 13/29 (45%) required further surgery and had a mean size of defect of 7.2 cm (3.5 to 25). The cultures were negative in 17/67 (26%) and the most common organism cultured was methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (23/67, (35%)). In group B, long bones nonunion, the success rate after the first procedure was 26/43 (60%), 17/43 (40%) required further surgery for either control of infection or nonunion. The limb salvage rate at last follow-up was 43/43 (100%). A total of 22/43 (51%) had bone defect with a mean size of 4.7 cm (1.5 to 11.5). Of those patients with a bone defect, 93% required further surgery with a mean size of defect of 5.4 cm (3 to 8.5). The cultures were negative in 10/43 (24%) and the most common organism cultured was MRSA, 15/43 (35%). ACC rods are an effective form of treatment for an infected nonunion, with an acceptable rate of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1349–54

We reviewed the surgical treatment and oncological results of 40 patients with pathological fractures from localised osteosarcoma of the long bones to determine the outcome of limb salvage in their management. All had had adjuvant chemotherapy. There were 26 males and 14 females with a median age at diagnosis of 18 years (2 to 46) and a median follow-up of 55 months (8 to 175). We performed limb salvage in 27 patients and amputation in 13. The margins of resection were radical in five patients, wide in 26, marginal in six, wide but contaminated in two and intralesional in one. Local recurrence developed in 19% of those treated by limb salvage and in none of those who had an amputation. The cumulative five-year survival of all the patients was 57% and in those treated by limb salvage or amputation it was 64% and 47%, respectively (p > 0.05). Limb-sparing surgery with adequate margins of excision can be achieved in many patients with pathological fractures from primary osteosarcoma without compromising survival, but the risk of local recurrence is significant