Functional and oncologic outcomes after excision of the total femur in primary bone tumors: Results with a low cost total femur prosthesis

BACKGROUND

The extent of tumor may necessitate resection of the complete femur rarely to achieve adequate oncologic clearance in bone sarcomas. We present our experience with reconstruction in such cases using an indigenously manufactured, low-cost, total femoral prosthesis (TFP). We assessed the complications of the procedure, the oncologic and functional outcomes, and implant survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight patients (four males and four females) with a mean age of 32 years, operated between December 2003 and June 2009, had a TFP implanted. The diagnosis included osteogenic sarcoma (5), Ewing's sarcoma (1), and chondrosarcoma (2). Mean followup was 33 months (9-72 months) for all and 40 months (24-72 months) in survivors. They were evaluated by Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score, implant survival as well as patient survival.

RESULTS

There was one local recurrence and five of seven patients are currently alive at the time of last followup. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score for patients ranged from 21 to 25 with a mean of 24 (80%). The implant survival was 88% at 5 years with only one TFP needing removal because of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

A TFP in appropriately indicated patients with malignant bone tumors is oncologically safe. A locally manufactured, cost-effective implant provided consistent and predictable results after excision of the total femur with good functional outcomes.

Biological reconstruction of bone defects: the role of the free fibula flap

This review describes the kinds of skeletal bone defects in bones which develop through enchondral ossification. It focuses on the biological reconstruction of those defects according to the two main subtypes, intercalary and osteoarticular. We list the causes of bone defects and outline the different types and configurations that result from them. We then review the currently available reconstructive options according to the patient's age and describe the theoretical options as well. Finally, the history, surgical anatomy and clinical use of the free fibula flap will be reviewed. From our own clinical experience and review of the literature, we conclude that biological reconstruction is, in many ways, superior to alloplastic materials, especially in children, adolescents and young adults.

Extremity and Orthopaedic Injuries

The extremities remain the most common sites of wounding in combat, and are often a combination of injures to soft tissues, bones, vessels and nerves. While these injuries are managed only after life threatening injuries are tackled first, precise evaluation and prompt management strategies to attain optimal outcome remain the goals of treatment. With advancements in tourniquet science, broader spectrum antibiotics, use of negative pressure wound therapy, easier options for fracture stabilization and continuously evolving reconstructive procedures have all increased the tools available to the surgeon to salvage severely damaged limbs.

Management of extremity soft tissue sarcomas

Soft-tissue sarcomas are a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors. The last few decades have seen rapid strides in surgery with function preserving alternatives for local control in these lesions becoming the norm without compromising on overall disease survival. Good functional and oncological results can be achieved with a combination of excision of the tumor, and where required, suitable adjuvant therapies. These lesions are best managed at specialty centres where the requisite multidisciplinary care can be offered to the patient to optimise results. This overview is intended as a review of current understanding and the multimodality management of these challenging tumors.

Limb salvage surgery and wound treatment in the establishment of globally standardized diabetes, amputation, and limb salvage centers to address lower extremity morbidity and mortality in Thailand

Diabetes and its consequences, particularly diabetic foot ulcerations and amputations, are increasing exponentially on a global level. Universal interest exists in the establishment of educational programs, clinics, and patient materials. However, the availability and skills needed to develop, implement, and consistently manage diabetes and related problems are lacking. This article reviews problems related to care of the diabetic foot, with a focus on Thailand as a model. Recommendations are made to assist with the development and implementation of limb salvage centers for the treatment of the at-risk diabetic foot. The guidelines presented may be applied to any countries where diabetic foot care is in the initial stages of development.

Complicated lower extremity wound caused by immune thrombocytopenic purpura leading to hypercoagulable state: a team approach for limb salvage

This article describes a complicated lower extremity wound due to hypercoagulable state caused by immune thrombocytopenic purpura. A team approach was important to limb salvage. A literature review is included.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen is a treatment in which a patient breathes 100% oxygen intermittently while inside a treatment chamber at a pressure higher than at sea level pressure (ie, >1 atm). In certain circumstances, it represents the primary treatment modality, whereas in others it is an adjunct to surgical or pharmacologic interventions. After reviewing all the scientific evidence available to date, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, in its latest publication, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications (12th ed.), recommends 13 indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Several of these indications are related to our practice of wound care. The article discusses these indications in detail.

Direct exchange endoprosthetic reconstruction with tumour prosthesis for periprosthetic knee infection associated with segmental bone defects

Revision knee arthroplasty for infection poses a treatment challenge. The presence of massive osteolysis limits the treatment options in this cohort. Controversy exists in the management of these patients. Direct exchange arthroplasty has provided good results in the presence of infection, but whether this is appropriate in the presence of massive bone defects associated with the infection is undetermined. We present our experience in revision knee arthroplasty for infection associated with massive bone defects. The aim of the study is to present the preliminary results of a direct exchange endoprosthetic reconstruction with tumour prosthesis for periprosthetic infection associated with segmental bone defects. This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data, involving six patients with periprosthetic infection and massive bone defects treated by direct exchange tumour prostheses between 2003 and 2007 (four distal femoral replacements and two total femoral replacements). The mean age and follow-up were 74.2 (±5.2) years and 32.5 (±8.2) months respectively. Each patient had an infected revised knee arthroplasty at the time of referral to our institution. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causal organism. The mean duration of antibiotics was 6 weeks intravenous therapy followed by 3.5 months oral. The recurrences of infection, pain or immobility were outcome criteria considered failures. Our success rate was 80%. Salvage of infected revised knee arthroplasty by direct exchange endoprosthetic reconstruction has provided an effective means of pain relief, joint stability and improved mobility in our cohort. It reduces morbidity through earlier mobilisation and avoids a second major operation.

Iliocrural long bypass using the deep femoral artery as a midway outflow for limb salvage: report of a case

A patient who presented with total occlusion of the right common femoral artery, superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery is reported. Ilio-deep femoral and deep femoroposterior tibial bypass with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft and an in situ saphenous vein graft, respectively, was successfully performed. A simple and reproducible technique for crural bypass in patients whose common and superficial femoral arteries are unavailable as inflow and outflow sites is presented.