Aims. Time to treatment initiation (TTI) is generally defined as the time from the histological diagnosis of malignancy to the initiation of first definitive treatment. There is no consensus on the impact of TTI on the overall survival in patients with a soft-tissue sarcoma. The purpose of this study was to determine if an increased TTI is associated with overall survival in patients with a soft-tissue sarcoma, and to identify the factors associated with a prolonged TTI. Methods. We identified 23,786 patients from the National Cancer Database who had undergone definitive surgery between 2004 and 2015 for a localized high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma of the limbs or trunk. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the relationship between a number of factors and overall survival. We calculated the incidence rate ratio (IRR) using negative binomial regression models to identify the factors that affected TTI. Results. Patients in whom the time to treatment initiation was prolonged had poorer overall survival than those with a TTI of 0 to 30 days. These were: 31 to 60 days (hazard ratio (HR) 1.08, p = 0.011); 61 to 90 days (HR 1.11, p = 0.044); and 91 days (HR 1.22; p = 0.003). The restricted cubic spline showed that the hazard ratio increased substantially with a TTI longer than 50 days. Non-academic centres (vs academic centres; IRR ranging from 0.64 to 0.86; p < 0.001) had a shorter TTI. Those insured by Medicaid (vs private insurance; IRR 1.34), were uninsured (vs private insurance; IRR 1.17), or underwent a transition in care (IRR 1.62) had a longer TTI. Conclusion. A time to treatment initiation of more than 30 days after diagnosis was independently associated with poorer survival. The hazard ratio showed linear increase, especially if the TTI was more than 50 days. We recommend starting treatment within 30 days of diagnosis to achieve the highest likelihood of cure for localized high-grade soft-tissue sarcomas in the limbs and trunk, even when a patient needs to be referred to a specialist centre. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1142–1149

Aims. The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of overall survival (OS) and predictive factors of poor prognosis of conventional high-grade osteosarcoma of the limbs in a single-centre in South Africa. Methods. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis to identify the prognostic factors that predict the OS of patients with histologically confirmed high-grade conventional osteosarcoma of the limbs over ten years. We employed the Cox proportional regression model and the Kaplan-Meier method for statistical analysis. Results. This study comprised 77 patients at a three-year minimum follow-up. The predictors of poor OS were: the median age of ≤ 19 years (hazard ratio (HR) 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92 to 0.99; p = 0.021); median duration of symptoms ≥ five months (HR 0.91; 95% CI 0.83 to 0.99; p < 0.037); metastasis at diagnosis (i.e. Enneking stage III) (HR 3.33; 95% CI 1.81 to 6.00; p < 0.001); increased alkaline phosphatase (HR 3.28; 95% CI 1.33 to 8.11; p < 0.010); palliative treatment (HR 7.27; 95% CI 2.69 to 19.70); p < 0.001); and amputation (HR 3.71; 95% CI 1.12 to 12.25; p < 0.032). In contrast, definitive surgery (HR 0.11; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.38; p < 0.001) and curative treatment (HR 0.18; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.33; p < 0.001) were a protective factor. The Kaplan-Meier median survival time was 24 months, with OS of 57.1% at the three years. The projected five-year event-free survival was 10.3% and OS of 29.8% (HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.12; p = 0.128). Conclusion. In this series of high-grade conventional osteosarcoma of the appendicular skeleton from South Africa, 58.4% (n = 45) had detectable metastases at presentation; hence, an impoverished OS of five years was 29.8%. Large-scale future research is needed to validate our results. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(3):210–217

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

Aims. To assess the correlation between the histological response to preoperative chemotherapy and event-free survival (EFS) or overall survival (OS) in patients with high-grade localized osteosarcoma. Methods. Out of 625 patients aged ≤ 40 years treated for primary high-grade osteosarcoma between 1997 and 2016, 232 patients without clinically detectable metastases at the time of diagnosis and treated with preoperative high-dose methotrexate, adriamycin and cisplatin (MAP) chemotherapy and surgery were included. Associations of chemotherapy-induced necrosis in the resected specimen and EFS or OS were assessed using Cox model and the Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r). Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis was applied to determine the optimal cut-off value of chemotherapy-induced necrosis for EFS and OS. Results. OS was 74% (95% confidence interval (CI) 67 to 79) at five years. Median chemotherapy-induced necrosis was 85% (interquartile range (IQR) 50% to 97%). In multivariate Cox model, chemotherapy-induced necrosis was significantly associated with EFS and OS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.99 (95% CI 0.98 to 0.99); p < 0.001 and HR = 0.98 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99); p < 0.001, respectively). Positive correlation was observed between chemotherapy-induced necrosis and five-year EFS and five-year OS (r = 0.91; p < 0.001, and r = 0.85; p < 0.001, respectively). The optimal cut-off value of chemotherapy-induced necrosis for five-year EFS and five-year OS was 85% and 72%, respectively. Conclusion. Chemotherapy-induced necrosis in the resected specimen showed positive correlation with EFS and OS in patients with high-grade localized osteosarcoma after MAP chemotherapy. In our analysis, optimal cut-off values of MAP chemotherapy-induced necrosis in EFS and OS were lower than the commonly used 90%, suggesting the need for re-evaluation of the optimal cut-off value through larger, international collaborative research. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):795–803

Aims. The aim of this study was to analyse a group of patients with non-metastatic Ewing’s sarcoma at presentation and identify prognostic factors affecting the development of local recurrence, in order to assess the role of radiotherapy. Patients and Methods. A retrospective review of all patients with a Ewing’s sarcoma treated between 1980 and 2012 was carried out. Only those treated with chemotherapy followed by surgery and/or radiotherapy were included. Patients were grouped according to site (central or limb) for further analysis of the prognostic factors. Results. A total of 388 patients were included in the study. Of these, 60 (15%) developed local recurrence at a mean median of 27 months (. sd. 24, range 7 to 150) and the five-year local recurrence-free survival (5yrLRFS) was 83%. For central tumours, the size of the tumour and histological response to chemotherapy were found to be significant factors for local recurrence. For limb tumours, local recurrence was affected by intralesional and marginal resections, but not by the histological response to chemotherapy. Radiotherapy in those with a marginal resection reduced the risk of local recurrence (5yrLRFS: 96% versus 81%, p = 0.044). Conclusion. Local recurrence significantly affects the overall survival in patients with a Ewing’s sarcoma. For those with a tumour in a limb, radiotherapy reduced the risk of local recurrence, especially in those with a marginal margin of excision, but the effect in central tumours was less clear. Radiotherapy for those who have had a wide margin of resection does not reduce the risk of local recurrence, regardless of the histological response to chemotherapy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B: 247–55

Aims

The purpose of this study was to review a large cohort of patients and further assess the correlation between the histological response to chemotherapy in patients with Ewing’s sarcoma with the overall (OS) and event-free survival (EFS).

The February 2024 Oncology Roundup. 360. looks at: Does primary tumour resection improve survival for patients with sarcomas of the pelvis with metastasis at diagnosis?; Proximal femur replacements for an oncologic indication offer a durable endoprosthetic reconstruction option: a 40-year experience; The importance of awaiting biopsy results in solitary pathological proximal femoral fractures: do we need to biopsy solitary pathological fractures?; Effect of radiotherapy on local recurrence, distant metastasis, and overall survival in 1,200 extremity soft-tissue sarcoma patients; What to choose in bone tumour resections? Patient-specific instrumentation versus surgical navigation; Optimal timing of re-excision in synovial sarcoma patients: immediate intervention versus waiting for local recurrence; Survival differences of patients with resected extraskeletal osteosarcoma receiving two different (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy regimens; Solitary versus multiple bone metastases in the appendicular skeleton: should the surgical treatment be different?

The April 2024 Oncology Roundup. 360. looks at: Midterm outcomes of total hip arthroplasty after internal hemipelvectomy and iliofemoral arthrodesis; Intraosseous conventional central chondrosarcoma does not metastasize irrespective of grade in pelvis, scapula, and in long bone locations; Oncological and functional outcomes after resection of malignant tumours of the scapula; Reconstruction following oncological iliosacral resection – a comparison of techniques; Does primary tumour resection improve survival for patients with sarcomas of pelvic bones, sacrum, and coccyx who have metastasis at diagnosis?; Older patients with Ewing’s sarcoma: an analysis of the National Cancer Database; Diagnostic challenges in low-grade central osteosarcoma; Effect of radiotherapy on local recurrence, distant metastasis, and overall survival in 1,200 limb soft-tissue sarcoma patients: a retrospective analysis using inverse probability of treatment weighting-adjusted models

Aims. Low-grade central osteosarcoma (LGCOS), a rare type of osteosarcoma, often has misleading radiological and pathological features that overlap with those of other bone tumours, thereby complicating diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to analyze the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of patients with LGCOS, with a focus on diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 49 patients with LGCOS (Broder’s grade 1 to 2) treated between January 1985 and December 2017 in a single institute. We examined the presence of malignant features on imaging (periosteal reaction, cortical destruction, soft-tissue invasion), the diagnostic accuracy of biopsy, surgical treatment, and oncological outcome. Results. Based on imaging, 35 of 49 patients (71.4%) exhibited malignant features. Overall, 40 of 49 patients (81.6%) had undergone a biopsy before en-bloc resection: 27 of 40 patients (67.5%) were diagnosed on the first biopsy, which was more accurate when carried out by open rather than needle biopsy (91.3% vs 35.3% diagnostic accuracy, respectively; p < 0.001). Of the 40 patients treated by en-bloc resection, surgical margins were wide in 38 (95.0%) and marginal in two (5.0%). Furthermore, nine of 49 patients (18.4%) underwent curettage (intralesional margin) without previous biopsy. All patients with a positive margin developed local recurrence. Distant metastases occurred in five of 49 patients (10.2%). The mean five-year overall survival (OS) and distant relapse-free survival (D-RFS) were 89.3% (SD 5.1%) and 85.7% (SD 5.5%), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the occurrence of distant metastasis was a poor prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 11.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92 to 69.17; p < 0.001). Local recurrence was a poor prognostic factor for D-RFS (HR 8.72, 95% CI 1.69 to 45.0; p = 0.002). Conclusion. The diagnosis of LGCOS can be challenging because it may present with non-malignant features and has a low diagnostic accuracy on biopsy. If precisely diagnosed, LGCOS can be successfully treated by surgical excision with wide margins. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(1):99–106

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the long-term prognosis of patients with multiple Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) involving the spine, and to analyze the risk factors for progression-free survival (PFS). Methods. We included 28 patients with multiple LCH involving the spine treated between January 2009 and August 2021. Kaplan-Meier methods were applied to estimate overall survival (OS) and PFS. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with PFS. Results. Patients with multiple LCH involving the spine accounted for 15.4% (28/182 cases) of all cases of spinal LCH: their lesions primarily involved the thoracic and lumbar spines. The most common symptom was pain, followed by neurological dysfunction. All patients presented with osteolytic bone destruction, and 23 cases were accompanied by a paravertebral soft-tissue mass. The incidence of vertebra plana was low, whereas the oversleeve-like sign was a more common finding. The alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in patients with single-system multifocal bone LCH than in patients with multisystem LCH. At final follow-up, one patient had been lost to follow-up, two patients had died, three patients had local recurrence, six patients had distant involvement, and 17 patients were alive with disease. The median PFS and OS were 50.5 months (interquartile range (IQR) 23.5 to 63.1) and 60.5 months (IQR 38.0 to 73.3), respectively. Stage (hazard ratio (HR) 4.324; p < 0.001) and chemotherapy (HR 0.203; p < 0.001) were prognostic factors for PFS. Conclusion. Pain is primarily due to segmental instability of the spine from its destruction by LCH. Chemotherapy can significantly improve PFS, and radiotherapy has achieved good results in local control. The LCH lesions in some patients will continue to progress. It may initially appear as an isolated or single-system LCH, but will gradually involve multiple sites or systems. Therefore, long-term follow-up and timely intervention are important for patients with spinal LCH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):679–687

Aims. For rare cases when a tumour infiltrates into the hip joint, extra-articular resection is required to obtain a safe margin. Endoprosthetic reconstruction following tumour resection can effectively ensure local control and improve postoperative function. However, maximizing bone preservation without compromising surgical margin remains a challenge for surgeons due to the complexity of the procedure. The purpose of the current study was to report clinical outcomes of patients who underwent extra-articular resection of the hip joint using a custom-made osteotomy guide and 3D-printed endoprosthesis. Methods. We reviewed 15 patients over a five-year period (January 2017 to December 2022) who had undergone extra-articular resection of the hip joint due to malignant tumour using a custom-made osteotomy guide and 3D-printed endoprosthesis. Each of the 15 patients had a single lesion, with six originating from the acetabulum side and nine from the proximal femur. All patients had their posterior column preserved according to the surgical plan. Results. Postoperative pathological assessment revealed a negative surgical margin was achieved in all patients. At final follow-up, 13.3% (2/15) died and no recurrence occurred. The overall survival was 81.7% at five years. None of the patients showed any signs of aseptic loosening, and no wound healing issues were observed. In total, 20% (3/15) developed complications, with two cases of early hip dislocation and one case of deep infection. The cumulative incidence of mechanical and non-mechanical failure in this series was 13.7% and 9.3%, respectively, at five years. In this cohort, the mean time to full weightbearing was 5.89 (SD 0.92) weeks and the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 24.1 (SD 4.4). Conclusion. For patients with a hip joint tumour who met the inclusion criteria and were deemed suitable for posterior column preservation, a custom-made osteotomy guide combined with 3D-printed endoprosthesis is worth performing when treating patients who require extra-articular resection of the hip joint, as it can achieve adequate margin for local control, maximize bone preservation to maintain pelvic ring integrity, reduce the risk of complications by simplifying the surgical procedure, and allow for more precise reconstruction for better function. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(11):1027–1036

Aims. The current evidence comparing the two most common approaches for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), the deltopectoral and anterosuperior approach, is limited. This study aims to compare the rate of loosening, instability, and implant survival between the two approaches for rTSA using data from the Dutch National Arthroplasty Registry with a minimum follow-up of five years. Methods. All patients in the registry who underwent a primary rTSA between January 2014 and December 2016 using an anterosuperior or deltopectoral approach were included, with a minimum follow-up of five years. Cox and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the approach and the implant survival, instability, and glenoid loosening, independent of confounders. Results. In total, 3,902 rTSAs were included. A deltopectoral approach was used in 54% (2,099/3,902) and an anterosuperior approach in 46% (1,803/3,902). Overall, the mean age in the cohort was 75 years (50 to 96) and the most common indication for rTSA was cuff tear arthropathy (35%; n = 1,375), followed by osteoarthritis (29%; n = 1,126), acute fracture (13%; n = 517), post-traumatic sequelae (10%; n = 398), and an irreparable cuff rupture (5%; n = 199). The two high-volume centres performed the anterosuperior approach more often compared to the medium- and low-volume centres (p < 0.001). Of the 3,902 rTSAs, 187 were revised (5%), resulting in a five-year survival of 95.4% (95% confidence interval 94.7 to 96.0; 3,137 at risk). The most common reason for revision was a periprosthetic joint infection (35%; n = 65), followed by instability (25%; n = 46) and loosening (25%; n = 46). After correcting for relevant confounders, the revision rate for glenoid loosening, instability, and the overall implant survival did not differ significantly between the two approaches (p = 0.494, p = 0.826, and p = 0.101, respectively). Conclusion. The surgical approach used for rTSA did not influence the overall implant survival or the revision rate for instability or glenoid loosening. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(9):1000–1006

Aims. Socioeconomic and racial disparities have been recognized as impacting the care of patients with cancer, however there are a lack of data examining the impact of these disparities on patients with bone sarcoma. The purpose of this study was to examine socioeconomic and racial disparities that impact the oncological outcomes of patients with bone sarcoma. Methods. We reviewed 4,739 patients diagnosed with primary bone sarcomas from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry between 2007 and 2015. We examined the impact of race and insurance status associated with the presence of metastatic disease at diagnosis, treatment outcome, and overall survival (OS). Results. Patients with Medicaid (odds ratio (OR) 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15 to 1.72) and uninsured patients (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.26 to 2.86) had higher risks of metastatic disease at diagnosis compared to patients with health insurance. Compared to White patients, Black (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.85) and Asian/Pacific Islander (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.91) were less likely to undergo surgery. In addition, Black patients were less likely to receive chemotherapy (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.91) compared to White patients. In patients with chondrosarcoma, those with Medicaid had worse OS compared to patients with insurance (hazard ratio (HR) 1.65, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.56). Conclusion. In patients with a bone sarcoma, the cancer stage at diagnosis varied based on insurance status, and racial disparities were identified in treatment. Further studies are needed to identify modifiable factors which can mitigate socioeconomic and racial disparities found in patients with bone sarcomas. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(5):278–291

Aims. Survival rates and local control after resection of a sarcoma of the pelvis compare poorly to those of the limbs and have a high incidence of complications. The outcome for patients who need a hindquarter amputation (HQA) to treat a pelvic sarcoma is poor. Our aim was to evaluate the patient, tumour, and reconstructive factors that affect the survival of the patients who undergo HQA for primary or recurrent pelvic sarcoma. Methods. We carried out a retrospective review of all sarcoma patients who had undergone a HQA in a supraregional sarcoma unit between 1996 and 2018. Outcomes included oncological, surgical, and survival characteristics. Results. A total of 136 patients, with a mean age of 51 (12 to 83) underwent HQA, 91 for a bone sarcoma and 45 for a soft tissue sarcoma. The overall survival (OS) after primary HQA for a bone sarcoma was 90.7 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 64.1 to 117.2). In patients undergoing a secondary salvage HQA it was 90.3 months (95% CI 58.1 to 122.5) (p = 0.727). For those treated for a soft tissue sarcoma (STS), the mean OS was 59.3 months (95% CI 31.1 to 88.6) for patients with a primary HQA, and 12.5 months (95% CI 9.4 to 15.5) for those undergoing a secondary salvage HQA (p = 0.038). On multivariate analysis, high histological grade (hazard ratio (HR) 2.033, 95% CI 1.127 to 3.676; p = 0.018) and a diagnosis of STS (HR 1.653, 95% CI 1.027 to 2.660; p = 0.039) were associated with a poor prognosis. The 30-day mortality for patients with curative intent was 0.8% (1/128). For those in whom surgery was carried out with palliative intent it was 33.3% (2/6) (p = 0.001). In total, 53.7% (n = 73) of patients had at least one complication with 23.5% (n = 32) requiring at least one further operation. Direct closure was inferior to flap reconstruction in terms of complete primary wound healing (60.0% (3/5) vs 82.0% (82/100); p = 0.023). Conclusion. In carefully selected patients HQA is associated with satisfactory overall survival, with a low risk of perioperative mortality, but considerable morbidity. However, caution must be exercised when considering the procedure for palliation due to the high incidence of early postoperative mortality. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):788–794

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. Methods. This is a retrospective analysis of 151 patients (with median follow-up in survivors of 44 months (interquartile range 12 to 77)) who underwent hemipelvectomy with iliosacral resection at a single centre between 2007 and 2019. The proposed classification differentiates the extent of iliosacral resection and defines types S1 to S6 (S1 resection medial and parallel to the sacroiliac joint, S2 resection through the ipsilateral sacral lateral mass to the neuroforamina, S3 resection through the ipsilateral neuroforamina, S4 resection through ipsilateral the spinal canal, and S5 and S6 contralateral sacral resections). Descriptive statistics and the chi-squared test were used for categorical variables, and the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed. Results. Resections were S1 in 25/151 patients (17%), S2 in 70/151 (46%), S3 in 33/151 (22%), S4 in 77/151 (11%), S5 in 4/151 (3%), and S6 in 2/151 (1%). An internal hemipelvectomy was performed in 113/151 patients (75%), and 38/151 patients (25%) had an external hemipelvectomy. The predominant types of sarcoma were high-grade osteosarcoma in 48/151 patients (32%), chondrosarcoma in 41/151 (27%), Ewing sarcoma in 33/151 (22%), pleomorphic sarcoma in 17/151 (11%), and others in 2/151 (8%). LR was found in 24/151 patients (15%) with S3, S5, with S6 resections showing the highest rate of LR (p = 0.038). Overall, 19/151 patients (16%) had evidence of metastastic disease at the time of surgery and these patients showed poorer survival when compared to patients with no metastasis. Conclusion. The proposed classification can help to report and compare different surgical and reconstructive approaches in these difficult cases who are still have a considerable risk of LR. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):290–296

Aims. The objective of this study was to present the outcomes of rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) over a 30-year period for osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to dysplasia of the hip in pre- or early-stage OA. Methods. Between September 1987 and December 1994, we provided treatment to 47 patients (55 hips) with RAO for the management of pre- or early-stage OA due to developmental hip dysplasia. Of those, eight patients (11 hips) with pre-OA (follow-up rate 79%) and 27 patients (32 hips) with early-stage OA (follow-up rate 78%), totalling 35 patients (43 hips) (follow-up rate 78%), were available at a minimum of 28 years after surgery. Results. In the pre-OA group, the mean Merle d'Aubigné score improved significantly from 14.5 points (SD 0.7) preoperatively to 17.4 points at final follow-up (SD 1.2; p = 0.004) and in the early-stage group, the mean score did not improve significantly from 14.0 (SD 0.3) to 14.6 (SD 2.4; p = 0.280). Radiologically, the centre-edge angle, acetabular roof angle, and head lateralization index were significantly improved postoperatively in both groups. Radiological progression of OA was observed in two patients (two hips) in the pre-OA group and 17 patients (18 hips) in the early-stage group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, with radiological progression of OA as the primary outcome, projected a 30-year survival rate of 81.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 1.00) for the pre-OA group and 42.2% (95% CI 0.244 to 0.600) for the early-stage group. In all cases, the overall survival rate stood at 51.5% (95% CI 0.365 to 0.674) over a 30-year period, and when the endpoint was conversion to total hip arthroplasty, the survival rate was 74.0% (95% CI 0.608 to 0.873). Conclusion. For younger patients with pre-OA, joint preservation of over 30 years can be expected after RAO. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5 Supple B):25–31

Aims. Several short- and mid-term studies have shown minimal liner wear of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) in total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the safety of using thinner HXLPE liners to maximize femoral head size remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to analyze clinical survival and radiological wear rates of patients with HXLPE liners, a 36 mm femoral head, and a small acetabular component with a minimum of ten years’ follow-up. Methods. We retrospectively identified 55 patients who underwent primary THA performed at a single centre, using HXLPE liners with 36 mm cobalt-chrome heads in acetabular components with an outer diameter of 52 mm or smaller. Patient demographic details, implant details, death, and all-cause revisions were recorded. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival was used to determine all-cause and liner-specific revision. Of these 55 patients, 22 had a minimum radiological follow-up of seven years and were assessed radiologically for linear and volumetric wear. Results. Overall survival rate for all-cause revision was 94.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 81.7% to 97.2%) at a mean follow-up of 12.8 years (10.9 to 18.7). Three patients were revised, none for liner wear, fracture, or dissociation. A total of 22 patients were included in the radiological analysis (mean follow-up 9.9 years (7.5 to 13.7)). Mean linear liner wear was 0.085 mm (95% CI -0.086 to 0.257) and the volumetric wear rate was 11.097 mm. 3. /year (95% CI -6.5 to 28.7). Conclusion. Using HXLPE liners with 36 mm heads in 52 mm acetabular components or smaller is safe, with excellent survival and low rates of linear and volumetric wear at medium-term follow-up. Patients did not require revision surgery for liner complications such as fracture, dissociation, or wear. Our results suggest that the advantages of using larger heads outweigh the potential risks of using thin HXLPE liners. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(1):29–34

Aims. The aim of this study was to identify factors that determine outcomes of treatment for patients with chondroblastic osteosarcomas (COS) of the limbs and pelvis. Patients and Methods. The authors carried out a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 256 patients diagnosed between 1979 and 2015. Of the 256 patients diagnosed with COS of the pelvis and the limbs, 147 patients (57%) were male and 109 patients (43%) were female. The mean age at presentation was 20 years (0 to 90). Results. In all, 82% of the patients had a poor response to chemotherapy, which was associated with the presence of a predominantly chondroblastic component (more than 50% of tumour volume). The incidence of local recurrence was 15%. Synchronous or metachronous metastasis was diagnosed in 60% of patients. Overall survival was 51% and 42% after five and ten years, respectively. Limb localization and wide surgical margins were associated with a lower risk of local recurrence after multivariable analysis, while the response to chemotherapy was not. Local recurrence, advanced patient age, pelvic tumours, and large volume negatively influenced survival. Resection of pulmonary metastases was associated with a survival benefit in the limited number of patients in whom this was undertaken. Conclusion. COS demonstrates a poor response to chemotherapy and a high incidence of metastases. Wide resection is associated with improved local control and overall survival, while excision of pulmonary metastases is associated with improved survival in selected patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:739–744

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of first-generation annealed highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 29 patients (35 hips) who underwent THA between December 2000 and February 2002. The survival rate was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Hip joint function was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Two-dimensional polyethylene wear was estimated using Martell’s Hip Analysis Suite. We calculated the wear rates between years 1 and 5, 5 and 10, 10 and 15, and 15 and final follow-up. Results. The mean follow-up period was 19.1 years (SD 0.6; 17.3 to 20.1). The 19-year overall survival rate with the end point of all-cause revision was 97.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91 to 100). The mean JOA score improved from 43.2 (SD 10.6; 30 to 76) before surgery to 90.2 (SD 6.4; 76 to 98) at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). There was no osteolysis or loosening of the acetabular or femoral components. The overall steady-state wear rate was 0.013 mm/year (SD 0.012). There was no hip with a steady-state wear rate of > 0.1 mm/year. There was no significant difference in wear rates for each period. We found no significant correlation between the wear rate and age, body weight, BMI, or cup inclination. Conclusion. First-generation annealed HXLPE shows excellent wear resistance and no acceleration of wear for approximately 20 years, with low all-cause revision rates. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):200–205

Aims. Few studies dealing with chondrosarcoma of the pelvis are currently available. Different data about the overall survival and prognostic factors have been published but without a detailed analysis of surgery-related complications. We aimed to analyse the outcome of a series of pelvic chondrosarcomas treated at a single institution, with particular attention to the prognostic factors. Based on a competing risk model, our objective was to identify risk factors for the development of complications. Patients and Methods. In a retrospective single-centre study, 58 chondrosarcomas (26 patients alive, 32 patients dead) of the pelvis were reviewed. The mean follow-up was 13 years (one week to 23.1 years). Results. A total of 26 patients (45%) were alive and 32 patients (55%) had died. Overall survival was 76%, 55% and 45% at one, five and ten years post-operatively, respectively. In a competing risk model the cumulative risk of the development of a surgery-related complication was 64% at six months and 69% at one year, post-operatively, respectively. Endoprosthetic reconstruction was a significant risk factor for the development of complications (p = 0.006). Complications were not significantly related to age or the location or grade of the tumour (p = 0.823, p = 0.976, p = 0.858). The development of complications did not have a negative effect on survival (p = 0.147). Conclusion. This is the first study with competing risk analysis of surgery-related complications in patients with a pelvic chondrosarcoma. The surgery in these patients remains prone to complications. Endoprosthetic reconstruction significantly increases the risk of the development of complications (p = 0.006). A competing risk model showed that the development of complications does not have a negative influence on overall survival (p = 0.147). An aggressive, surgical resection with the goal of achieving wide margins whenever possible remains the mainstay of treatment. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:686–96