Joint-sparing or physeal-sparing diaphyseal resections: the challenge of holding small fragments

Infection of surgery for bone and soft tissue sarcoma with biological reconstruction: Data from the Japanese nationwide bone tumor registry

BACKGROUND

Although biological reconstruction (such as recycled autograft, vascularized autograft, allograft, or bone transport) is possible for bone defects after malignant bone or soft tissue tumor resection, a high incidence of postoperative complications, including infection, poses a problem. The difficulty in accumulating cases has resulted in a lack of reliable etiological information, such as the incidence and risk factors of postoperative infections.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study on the nationwide registry data. The primary endpoint was the need for additional surgical intervention for infection control. The overall incidence of postoperative infection and the related risk factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

We included 707 malignant bone and soft tissue tumors with biological reconstruction, including recycled autograft, vascularized autograft, allograft, bone transport, and combinations of these. The incidence of postoperative infection was 10.8%. Patients reconstructed by pedicled autograft showed a higher incidence of infection, while cases involving the combination of recycled and pedicled autograft or allograft showed a lower incidence. Independent risk factors for infection included age over 17, tumor diameter over 10 cm, the tumor located on the trunk or being high grade, reconstruction by pedicled autograft, and delayed wound healing.

CONCLUSION

Infection incidence was comparable to those in previous reports. Several conventional and novel risk factors were extracted by administering nationwide registry data. Data from the nationwide registry was informative for analyzing the incidence of postoperative infection in biological reconstruction with malignant bone and soft tissue tumor resection.

A comparative study of reconstruction modalities after knee joint-preserving tumor resection: reconstruction with a custom-made endoprosthesis versus reconstruction with a liquid nitrogen-inactivated autologous bone graft

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the feasibility, complications, graft survival rate, and clinical outcomes of joint-preserving resection using a custom-made endoprosthesis and liquid nitrogen-inactivated autologous bone graft reconstruction in patients with malignant bone tumors around the knee joint.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 23 consecutive patients who underwent joint preservation surgery between 2008 and 2018 at our center. The study cohort included 13 patients who underwent custom-made endoprosthesis reconstruction and 10 who underwent liquid nitrogen-inactivated autologous bone graft reconstruction. The resected bone length, distance between the resection line and the joint, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, complications, and MSTS were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 68.5 months in the endoprosthesis group and 65.3 months in the inactivated autograft group. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, resected bone length, distance between the resection line and the joint, or intraoperative blood loss between the two groups. The operative time was longer in the inactivated bone graft group than in the endoprosthesis group (p < 0.001). The endoprosthesis group had more complications (six patients) and reoperations due to complications (five) than the inactivated autograft group (one), but there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (p = 0.158). The inactivated autograft group had one patient with type 1b complications, while the endoprosthesis group had one with type 1b complications, one with type 2b complications, and one with type 4a complications. One patient in the endoprosthesis group with type 5a complications experienced two soft tissue recurrences. The overall 5-year survival rate was 86.5% and the graft survival and final limb salvage rates were 100% in both groups. After the follow-up period, the mean MSTS scores were 91% ± 7% in the endoprosthesis group and 94% ± 6% in the inactivated autograft group, with no significant difference (p = 0.280).

CONCLUSION

Joint-preserving resection is a reliable and effective tumor resection method that can achieve good postoperative function. There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications, overall survival rate, or graft survival rate between the two groups.

Reconstruction of a 3D-printed endoprosthesis after joint-preserving surgery with intraoperative physeal distraction for childhood malignancies of the distal femur

BACKGROUND

Joint-salvage surgery has been proposed in children with metaphysis malignancy of the distal femur. However, there is still some drawbacks regarding to the surgical technique and endoprosthetic design. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a joint-sparing surgical technique for the distal femur in pediatric patients using intraoperative physeal distraction and reconstruction of a 3D-printed endoprosthesis.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed pediatric patients with distal femoral malignancy who underwent intraoperative physeal distraction and 3D-printed endoprosthetic reconstruction. Clinically, we evaluated functional outcomes using the 1993 version of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS-93) score pre- and post-operation. Complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

Seven children with a median age of 11 years (range 8-15 years) were finally included in our study. The median follow-up time was 30 months (range 27-59 months). The median postoperative functional MSTS-93 score was increased compared with the preoperative scores. The bone-implant interface showed good osseointegration. One patient developed deep infection and another had lung metastasis after surgery. Endoprosthetic complications were not observed.

CONCLUSION

We recommended that joint-preserving surgery with intraoperative physeal distraction and a 3D-printed endoprosthesis for reconstruction as an option for malignancies of the distal femur in selected pediatric patients.

Epiphyseal-sparing biological reconstruction of bone sarcoma in children: Focus on articular function and growth

INTRODUCTION

Epiphyseal preservation surgery and biological reconstruction after resection of metaphyseal bone sarcoma in children is a surgical challenge which can only be justified if future joint function is maintained.

HYPOTHESIS

The main hypothesis of this work was that long-term function was maintained. The secondary hypotheses were that local control of the disease and growth restoration were achieved, at the cost of an acceptable number of complications.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This was a retrospective study of 14 children with a median age of 8 years [2-14] at the time of surgery. The tumors (Ewing's sarcoma or osteosarcoma) were mostly situated at the knee (n=9) and hip (n=3). The reconstruction used an induced membrane (n=7) or an allograft (n=7). We studied joint function, mechanisms contributing to loss of growth, surgical complications and survival at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

At the median follow-up of 76 months [24-130], 9 out of 14 patients required revision for non-union, and 4 of them required a second revision. At the last follow-up, 82% of the length had been restored, due to 3 bone lengthenings and 7 contralateral epiphysiodeses. Preserved joint function was excellent with an average modified MSTS score of 28.3/30 [24-30]. No local recurrence was reported.

DISCUSSION

Our experience of epiphyseal preservation allows local control of the disease and very good function but at the cost of a cumbersome surgical program (12 out of 14 patients were reoperated on, with an average of 1.2 interventions per patient). The main difficulty is the growth management, most often by complex programs of alternating bone lengthening and shortening.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study.

Intercalary reconstruction of the distal femur with or without physeal preservation: results and impact on limb growth

PURPOSE

Allograft reconstruction with or without vascularized fibula can be a valuable solution to treat childhood intercalary tumours of the distal femur. We aimed to assess the oncological status, complication rate and survival of distal femur intercalary reconstruction after trans-metaphyseal (TMR) and trans-epiphyseal resection (TER). We also evaluated the impact of distal temporary graft fixation on skeletal growth after TMR.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 23 skeletally immature patients affected by distal femur osteosarcoma (18) and Ewing sarcoma (5). Mean patients age was 10.3 years. In 11 cases, TMR was performed with physis preservation and temporary distal graft fixation. In 9 patients, TER was performed with growth plate sacrifice. The last 3 cases were treated with TMR and sliding plate fixation.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 8.4 years. No deaths occurred, but 3 patients presented lung metastasis and 2 cases presented local recurrence in soft tissues. 10 implant-related complications occurred, all surgically treated. At skeletal maturity, mean femoral dysmetria was 2.3 cm after TMR and temporary epiphysiodesis, and 3.1 cm after TER. In TMR group, a strong trend towards physeal recovery was observed after epiphyseal screws removal (p = 0.061), but valgus deformity in distal femur was more frequent (p = 0.049). MSTS score was good or excellent in all patients, with no statistically significant difference between TMR and TER.

CONCLUSIONS

Intercalary graft reconstruction after TMR and TER allows good local disease control and excellent functional results with long-term follow-up. Temporary distal fixation might reduce the final limb discrepancy after TMR, but valgus deformity could develop.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Oncological and Functional Outcomes in Joint-sparing Resections of the Proximal Femur for Malignant Primary Bone Tumors

BACKGROUND

Joint-sparing resections (JSR) of the proximal femur allow for preservation of the proximal femoral growth plate and native hip joint, but whether this offers fewer complications or better function and longevity of the reconstruction remains unknown. In this study, we compared the functional outcomes of pediatric patients with bone sarcomas undergoing JSR of the proximal femur with intercalary allograft (ICA) reconstruction to those undergoing proximal femoral resections (PFR) with allograft-prosthetic composite (APC) reconstructions.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing JSR with ICA reconstruction and PFR with APC reconstructions between 1995 and 2013 at a tertiary pediatric referral center. Primary outcomes included major and minor complications and secondary outcomes included the need for a secondary procedure, presence of local or distant relapse, survival status, and the presence of pain and ambulatory status (limp, assistive device, highest level of function). We assessed differences in outcomes using the Fisher exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

RESULTS

Eight patients underwent a JSR and ICA reconstruction, while 7 patients underwent a PFR with APC reconstruction. Median patient follow-up was 60.4 months (interquartile range: 36.8 to 112.9) Patients undergoing JSR and ICA reconstruction were younger than patients undergoing PFR with APC reconstruction (7.7 vs. 11.7 y, P=0.043); however, we found no other statistically significant differences in patient demographics. There were no statistically significant differences in primary or secondary outcomes between the study groups; however, patients who underwent JSR with ICA had more major complications (62.5% vs. 42.9%, P=0.29) and a lower rate of minor complications (25% vs. 28.6%, P=0.22).

CONCLUSION

Treatment of proximal femoral bone sarcomas in pediatric and adolescent patients remains a challenging enterprise. JSR with ICA reconstruction in the proximal femur, when feasible, may provide a similar function and risk of intermediate-term major and minor complications when compared with PFR with APC reconstruction. Further long-term studies are required to determine the impact of the native femoral head retention with respect to revision rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Complex joint-preserving bone tumor resection and reconstruction using computer navigation and 3D-printed patient-specific guides: A technical note of three cases

In selected extremity bone sarcomas, joint-preserving surgery retains the natural joints and nearby ligaments with a better function than in traditional joint-sacrificing surgery. Geometric multiplanar osteotomies around bone sarcomas were reported with the advantage of preserving more host bone. However, the complex surgical planning translation to the operating room is challenging.

Using both Computer Navigation and Patient-Specific Guide may combine each technique's key advantage in assisting complex bone tumor resections. Computer Navigation provides the visual image feedback of the pathological information and validates the correct placement of Patient-Specific Guide that enables accurate, guided bone resections. We first described the digital workflow and the use of both computer navigation and patient-specific guides (NAVIG) to assist the multiplanar osteotomies in three extremity bone sarcoma patients who underwent joint-preserving bone tumor resections and reconstruction with patient-specific implants. The NAVIG technique verified the correct placement of patient-specific guides that enabled precise osteotomies and well-fitted patient-specific implants. The mean maximum deviation errors of the nine achieved bone resections were 1.64 ​± ​0.35 ​mm (95% CI 1.29 to 1.99). The histological examination of the tumor specimens showed negative resection margin. At the mean follow-up of 55 months (40–67), no local recurrence was noted. There was no implant loosening that needed revision. The mean MSTS score was 29 (28–30) out of 30 with the mean knee flexion of 140° (130°–150°).

The excellent surgical accuracy and limb function suggested that the NAVIG technique might replicate the surgical planning of complex bone sarcoma resections by combining the strength of both Computer Navigation and Patient-Specific Guide. The patient-specific approach may translate into clinical benefits. The translational potential of this article:

The newly described technique enhances surgeons’ capability in performing complex joint-preserving surgery in bone sarcoma that is difficult to be achieved by the traditional method. The high precision and accuracy may translate into superior clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of computer-aided design software methods for assessment of the three-dimensional geometry of the canine radius

OBJECTIVE

To describe methods to measure the 3-D orientation of the proximal, diaphyseal, and distal segments of the canine radius by use of computer-aided design software (CADS) and to compare the repeatability and reliability of measurements derived by those methods.

SAMPLE

31 canine radii with biapical deformities and 24 clinically normal (control) canine radii.

PROCEDURES

Select CT scans of radii were imported into a CADS program. Cartesian coordinate systems for the humerus and proximal, diaphyseal, and distal radial segments were developed. The orientation of each radial segment in the frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes was measured in triplicate by 3 methods. The repeatability and reliability of those measurements were calculated and compared among the 3 measurement methods.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD within-subject repeatability of radial angular measurements for all 3 methods was 1.40 ± 0.67° in the frontal plane, 3.17 ± 2.21° in the sagittal plane, and 3.01 ± 1.11° in the transverse plane for control radii and 2.56 ± 1.95° in the frontal plane, 3.59 ± 2.39° in the sagittal plane, and 3.47 ± 1.19° in the transverse plane for abnormal radii. Mean ± SD bias between radial measurement methods was 1.88 ± 2.07° in the frontal plane, 6.44 ± 6.80° in the sagittal plane, and 2.27 ± 2.81° in the transverse plane.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results indicated that use of CADS to assess the 3-D orientation of the proximal, diaphyseal, and distal segments of normal and abnormal canine radii yielded highly repeatable and reliable measurements.

Intercalary reconstruction following resection of diaphyseal bone tumors: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The options for the reconstruction of diaphyseal defects following the resection of bone tumors include biological or prosthetic implants. The purpose of our study was to evaluate different types of intercalary reconstruction techniques, including massive bone allograft, extracorporeal devitalized autograft, vascularized free fibula, and modular prosthesis.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of articles using the terms diaphyseal bone tumor and intercalary reconstruction. All the studies reporting the non-oncological complications such as infection, nonunion and fracture of the intercalary reconstructions were included. We excluded articles published before 2000 or did not involve humans in the study. Case reports, reviews, technique notes and opinion articles were also excluded based on the abstracts. Thirty-three articles included in this review were then studied to evaluate failure rates, complications and functional outcome of different surgical intercalary reconstruction techniques.

RESULTS

Nonunion rates of allograft ranged 6%-43%, while aseptic loosening rates of modular prosthesis ranged 0%-33%. Nonunion rates of allograft alone and allograft with a vascularized fibula graft ranged 6%-43% and 0%-33%, respectively. Fracture rates of allograft alone and allograft with a vascularized fibula graft ranged 7%-45% and 0%-44%, respectively. Infection rates of allograft alone and allograft with a vascularized fibula graft ranged 0%-28% and 0%-17%, respectively. All of the allograft (range: 67%-92%), extracorporeal devitalized autograft including irradiation (87%), autoclaving (70%), pasteurization (88%), low-heat (90%) or freezing with liquid nitrogen (90%), and modular prosthesis (range: 77%-93%) had similar Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional scores. Addition of a vascularized fibula graft to allograft did not affect functional outcome [allograft with a vascularized fibula graft (range: 86%-94%) vs. allograft alone (range: 67%-92%)].

CONCLUSION

Aseptic loosening rates of modular prosthesis seem to be less than nonunion rates of allograft. Adding a vascularized fibula graft to allograft seems to increase bone union rate and reduce the risk of fractures and infections, though a vascularized fibula graft needs longer surgical time and has the disadvantage of donor site morbidity. These various intercalary reconstruction techniques with or without a vascularized fibula autograft had similar functional outcome.

Interlocking reconstruction-mode stem-sideplates preserve at-risk hips with short residual proximal femora

AIMS

We have evaluated the survivorship, outcomes, and failures of an interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate implant used to preserve the native hip joint and achieve proximal fixation when there is little residual femur during large endoprosthetic reconstruction of the distal femur.

METHODS

A total of 14 patients underwent primary or revision reconstruction of a large femoral defect with a short remaining proximal femur using an interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate for fixation after oncological distal femoral and diaphyseal resections. The implant was attached to a standard endoprosthetic reconstruction system. The implant was attached to a standard endoprosthetic reconstruction system. None of the femoral revisions were amenable to standard cemented or uncemented stem fixation. Patient and disease characteristics, surgical history, final ambulatory status, and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score were recorded. The percentage of proximal femur remaining was calculated from follow-up radiographs.

RESULTS

All 14 at-risk native hip joints were preserved at a mean final follow-up of 6.0 years (SD 3.7), despite a short residual femur, often after proximal osteotomies through the lesser trochanter. Overall, 13 of 14 stems had long-term successful fixation. Eight patients required no reoperation. Three patients required reoperation due to implant-related issues, and three patients required reoperation for wound healing problems or infection. There were no dislocations or fractures. At final follow-up the mean MSTS score was 24.9 (SD 4.1). Nine patients required no ambulation aids, and only one had a Trendelenburg gait.

CONCLUSION

This interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate reliably preserves native hip joint anatomy and function after large femoral resection with a short remaining proximal femur, both in the primary and revision setting. This is particularly important for preventing or delaying total femoral arthroplasty in young patients after oncological reconstruction. Hip abductor strength and function could be maintained by this method, and the risk of dislocation eliminated. The success of this technique in this modest series should be verified in a larger collaborative study and will be of interest to revision surgeons and oncologists. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):398-404.

Intercalary Reconstruction of the "Ultra-Critical Sized Bone Defect" by 3D-Printed Porous Prosthesis After Resection of Tibial Malignant Tumor

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the early stability, limb function, and mechanical complications of 3D-printed porous prosthetic reconstruction for "ultra-critical sized bone defects" following intercalary tibial tumor resections.

Methods

This study defined an "ultra-critical sized bone defect" in the tibia when the length of segmental defect in the tibia was >15.0 cm or >60% of the full tibia and the length of the residual fragment in proximal or distal tibia was between 0.5 cm and 4.0 cm. Thus, five patients with "ultra-critical sized bone defects" following an intercalary tibial malignant tumor resection treated with 3D-printed porous prosthesis between June 2014 and June 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient information, implants design and fabrication, surgical procedures, and early clinical outcome data were collected and evaluated.

Results

Among the five patients, three were male and two were female, with an average age of 30.2 years. Pathological diagnoses were two osteosarcomas, one Ewing sarcoma, one pseudo-myogenic hemangioendothelioma, and one undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma . The average length of the bone defects following tumor resection was 22.8cm, and the average length of ultra-short residual bone was 2.65cm (range=0.6cm-3.8cm). The mean follow-up time was 27.6 months (range=14.0-62.0 months). Early biological fixation was achieved in all five patients. The average time of clinical osseointegration at the bone-porous interface was 3.2 months. All patients were reported to be pain free and have no limitations in their walking distance. No prosthetic mechanical complications were observed.

Conclusion

Reconstruction of the "ultra-critical sized bone defect" after an intercalary tibial tumor resection using 3D-printed porous prosthesis achieved satisfactory overall early biological fixation and limb function. Excellent primary stability and the following rigid biological fixation were key factors for success. The outcomes of this study were supposed to support further clinical application and evaluation of 3D-printed porous prosthetic reconstruction for "ultra-critical sized bone defects" in the tibia.

Joint-preservation surgery for pediatric osteosarcoma of the knee joint

The multi-disciplinary approach involving imaging, multi-agent chemotherapy, meticulous surgical procedures, and careful postoperative care has facilitated an increase in the use of limb-sparing surgery for pediatric osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma usually occurs around the metaphysis of the distal femur or proximal tibia and needs wide excision with the adjacent joint and replacement by a megaprosthesis. The recent advancement in imaging modalities and surgical techniques supports joint-preservation surgery (JPS), involving the preservation of the adjacent epiphysis, for select patients following careful assessment of the tumor margins and precise tumor excision. An advantage of this surgery is that it maintains the adjacent joint and preserves the growth of the residual epiphysis, which provides excellent limb function. Various reconstruction options are available, including allograft, tumor-devitalized autograft, vascularized fibula graft, distraction osteogenesis, and custom-made implants. However, several complications are inevitable with these options, such as loosening, non-union at the host-graft junction, infection, fracture, implant loosening, breakage, deformity, limb-length discrepancy related to the reconstruction methods, or patient growth in pediatric osteosarcoma. Surgeons should fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure. In this review, we discuss the concept of JPS, types of reconstruction methods, and current treatment outcomes. It is our opinion that the further analysis by multi-institutional setting is necessary to clarify long-term outcomes and establish global guidelines on the indications and surgical procedure for JPS.

Three-dimensional-printed intercalary prosthesis for the reconstruction of large bone defect after joint-preserving tumor resection

BACKGROUND

Joint-preserving intercalary tumor resection can result in better proprioception and a more normal joint function after reconstruction. However, most reported reconstruction techniques are usually associated with frequent complications. Therefore, the approach of reconstruction following joint-preserving tumor resection warrants further study.

METHODS

Between September 2016 and October 2018, 12 patients with metaphyseal malignant bone tumors around the knee joint were treated by joint-preserving intercalary resections with the aid of three-dimensional (3D)-printed osteotomy guide plates and reconstructions using 3D-printed intercalary prostheses. We assessed the accuracy of the resection by comparing the cross sections at the resection plane with 3D-printed matching surface of the prostheses. The functional outcomes, complications and oncological status were also evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients were observed for 7 to 32 months with an average follow-up of 22.5 months. The achieved resection was accurate, with accurate matching between the residual bone and prosthesis. The mean MSTS score was 28 (range, 26-30). Superficial infection occurred in two patients. Local recurrence was observed in one patient, while pulmonary metastasis was identified in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The personalized osteotomy guide plate and prosthesis based on 3D printing technique facilitate joint-preserving tumor resection and functional reconstruction. However, longer follow-up and larger sample size are required to clarify its long-term outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

Surgical Technique and Outcome of Custom Joint-Sparing Endoprosthesis as a Reconstructive Modality in Juxta-Articular Bone Sarcoma

Background

Joint-sparing limb salvage surgery (JSLSS) is an advancement in the techniques and concepts of limb salvage surgery, which makes it possible to save not only the limb affected by malignancy but also the adjacent joint and the epiphyseal plate. In the growing child, this procedure is technically demanding due to the availability of small length of bone for implant purchase. Reconstruction options can be biological reconstruction or endoprosthesis; however, the outcome of endoprosthetic reconstruction after joint-sparing resection is not well described in the literature.

Purposes

(1) To determine the prosthesis survival rates when using customized Joint-Sparing Endoprosthesis (JSE) after juxta-articular resection of bone tumors, (2) to investigate the rates of local recurrence, (3) to evaluate the need for revision surgery, and (4) to compare the outcome of customized JSE with that of joint-sacrificing techniques.

Methods

In our study, joint sparing is defined as any procedure where a custom-made JSE is used in lieu of sacrificing the adjacent joint whenever the length of the remaining bone segment is not enough to accommodate the stem of a modular implant. Twenty-eight patients received JSE, and 31 joints were spared. Their age ranged from 4 to 55 years with a median age of 13 years. Twenty-one patients received surgery for primary reconstruction and 7 patients for revision of failed bone allograft or modular implant. Twenty-four joints are spared in the lower limbs and 7 in the upper limbs. Osteosarcoma was the most common pathological diagnosis (n = 13). Flat surface HA-coated custom JSE was used to spare 15 joints, and short-stemmed custom JSE was used to spare 16 joints. The length of the remaining bone epiphysis for JSE anchorage from the knee and ankle joints was 25-75 mm, median = 45 mm, and the length of the cortical bone remaining for the proximal femur and distal humerus was 5-70 mm, median = 10 mm.

Results

Operative time was 2.5 to 4 hours (avg. 3 hr.) The bone resection surface fitted the prosthesis surface with <2 mm difference. Histological examination of all resected specimens shows clear bone resection margins; 2 patients had positive soft tissue margins. At mean follow-up period of 3 years (6 months-10 years), 6 patients developed local and systemic recurrences, three of them had a pathological fracture at the time of diagnosis (P=0.139), and 4 showed a poor response to chemotherapy (P=0.139), and 4 showed a poor response to chemotherapy (.

Conclusions

Whenever this kind of implant is affordable and can be utilized, particularly in younger age groups, JSE may be a good reconstruction option to avoid the use of expandable implants and to avoid the potentially higher revision and complication rates associated with biological reconstruction, as well as the complications of conventional joint-sacrificing implant, mainly dislocations and polyethylene wear and tear.

Vascularized fibula with and without extracorporeal radiotherapy for limb salvage surgery in Indian patients

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of segmental bone defects following resection of bone sarcomas is a challenging procedure. Vascularised fibula grafts alone or in combination with extracorporeal radiotherapy and reimplantation of tumor bone have long been established as a method of reconstruction of such defects, with satisfying results. Prompted by paucity of data on Indian patients, we report our experience with vascularised fibula graft for patients undergoing limb salvage surgery for sarcomas of bone.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 25 patients underwent the procedure from December 2008 to December 2014. Femur was the commonest site and osteosarcoma was the commonest diagnosis. Intercalary resection was done in 19 patients and arthrodesis in 6 patients. Vascularised fibula was used in combination with extra corporeally irradiated bone in eight patients, and alone in 17 patients.

RESULTS

All but one limb could be salvaged, and all but three patients had united at final follow up. Combination of extracorporeal radiotherapy and reimplantation with vascularised fibula fared better than vascularised fibula alone in terms of time to union (9.6 months vs 12.2 months) and rate of graft related complications (14.2% vs 62.5%).

CONCLUSION

Reconstruction with VFG with or without ECRT has a good and predictable functional outcome. Though manageable with active intervention, complications were more commonly seen with vascularised fibula alone than a combination of the two techniques.

Titanium mesh cage as an alternative reconstruction method for epiphyseal-sparing tumour resections in children

In this study, we introduced an alternative reconstruction option for epiphysis-sparing tumour resection in children. Eight patients with a malignant tumour in the diaphysis or metaphysis-diaphysis junction of a long bone underwent epiphysis-sparing intercalary resection. Reconstruction was performed using a titanium mesh cage filled with impacted cancellous bone allograft and autograft. A plate and screws were used to supplement the fixation. At the last follow-up, union was achieved in seven patients. Limb-length discrepancy occurred in three patients. Functional scores revealed a good functional outcome. This technique may be an alternative method for epiphyseal-sparing tumour resections in children.

Short-term outcomes of reconstruction subsequent to intercalary resection of femoral diaphyseal metastatic tumor with pathological fracture: Comparison between segmental allograft and intercalary prosthesis

Reconstruction of bone defects following femoral diaphyseal tumor resection is challenging. Segmental allograft (SA) and intercalary prosthesis (IP) are the most common reconstruction methods for femoral diaphyseal metastatic tumors with pathological fracture. However, whether the complications and functional outcomes differ between SA and IP remains unclear. To compare the clinical outcomes and complications for patients treated with SA reconstruction or IP replacement for femoral shaft tumors, 34 patients who had undergone intercalary resection for metastatic tumor with pathological fracture in the femoral diaphysis were evaluated. Of these, 18 had received SA and 16 IP. There were 11 males, and 24 females, with a mean age of 64.5±11.3 years. The most common sites of primary metastases were lung (26.5%), breast (17.6%) and liver (14.7%). The visual analog scale (VAS), implant-related complications and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores for each patient were collected. The follow-up period for patients ranged from 2 to 27 months. At the most recent follow-up, 28 patients had succumbed to mortality, with a mean survival time of 6.9±3.7 months for the IP group and 7.4±3.0 months for the SA group. Patients with IP had a significantly shorter time to full weight bearing and hospitalization time than those who received SA (P=0.003 and P=0.002, respectively). The rates of overall complications and implant-related complications were significantly lower for IP as compared with SA (18.8 vs. 66.7%, P=0.007; 12.5 vs. 55.6%, P=0.013). The reoperation rate of the SA group was higher than that of the IP group (38.9 vs. 12.5%), however the difference between the two groups was statistically insignificant (P=0.125). MSTS scores were significantly higher for the IP group as compared with the SA group at one month after surgery (IP, 26.7±1.6 vs. SA, 20.3±1.5; P<0.05), without a significant difference at the final follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, length of resection, follow-up time, operative time or blood loss between the two groups. In summary, IP reconstruction may provide improved early functional outcomes and fewer early complications, particularly for patients with a shorter life expectancy due to femoral metastatic tumors with pathological fracture.

Surgical Innovation in Sarcoma Surgery

The field of orthopaedic oncology relies on innovative techniques to resect and reconstruct a bone or soft tissue tumour. This article reviews some of the most recent and important innovations in the field, including biological and implant reconstructions, together with computer-assisted surgery. It also looks at innovations in other fields of oncology to assess the impact and change that has been required by surgeons; topics including surgical margins, preoperative radiotherapy and future advances are discussed.

A comparison of function after limb salvage with non-invasive expandable or modular prostheses in children

BACKGROUND

Modular and non-invasive expandable prostheses have been developed to provide a functional knee joint that allows future expansion as growth occurs in the contralateral extremity in children with bone sarcomas that require removal of the growth plate. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of paediatric patients who received either a non-invasive expandable or modular prosthesis for bone sarcomas arising around the knee.

METHODS

We evaluated clinician-reported, patient-reported and measured function in 42 paediatric patients at least one year (median age at assessment 19.1 years) after limb salvage surgery, and compared patients who received modular system prostheses (N = 29, median age 15.5), who did not require lengthening procedures to those who received non-invasive expandable prostheses (N = 13, median age 11.1) requiring lengthening procedures (median 5).

RESULTS

The number of revisions and time to first revision did not differ between the two groups. There were no differences between the two groups in total scores on the Enneking Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Scale, the Toronto Extremity Salvage Scale, and the Functional Mobility Assessment. Children with non-invasive expandable prostheses climbed stairs (11.93 ± 4.83 versus 16.73 ± 7.24 s, p = 0.02) in less time than those with modular prostheses.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the non-invasive expandable prosthesis produces similar functional results to the more traditional modular prosthesis.

Reconstruction by bone transport after resection of benign tumors of tibia: A retrospective study of 38 patients

BACKGROUND

The commonly used reconstructive options after post resection defects in bone tumors like megaprosthesis, autograft, allograft, bone graft substitutes and recycled bone have their own demerits on a long term. Bone transport that regenerates patient's own bone is a less explored option of reconstruction after resection of benign bone tumors and reports on this are limited. This technique is very much relevant in tibia where Ilizarov fixator is surgeon and patient friendly. We report our experience.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective series of resection and bone transport in 38 patients with benign tumor of tibia. There were 14 males and 24 females with mean age of 23.40 years (range 9-40 years). Lesion was located in proximal third tibia in 27, middle third in two and distal third in nine patients. The diagnosis was giant cell tumor in 32, chondroblastoma in three, chondromyxoid fibroma, enchondroma and desmoplasic fibroma in one patient each. The resection was intercalary in 28 and transarticular in 10 patients. Osteosynthesis was monofocal in three, bifocal in 31 and polyfocal in four cases.

RESULTS

Mean followup was 7.22 years (range 1.5-15 years). Mean resection length was 10.21 cm (range 3-22 cm). The mean duration of external fixator was 308.03 days (range 89-677 days) and mean external fixator index was 36.14 days/cm (range 16.84-97.43 days/cm). Twelve patients had difficulties in the form of 11 problems and five obstacles that were successfully managed. None of the patients had local recurrence of tumor or any long term complication. Mean Musculo-skeletal Tumour Society score at final followup was 27.18 (90.60%).

CONCLUSIONS

Bone transport is an excellent option after resection of benign tumors of tibia with good local control and functional outcome, despite minor difficulties that need timely management.

Computer-assisted navigation in orthopedic surgery

Computer-assisted navigation has a role in some orthopedic procedures. It allows the surgeons to obtain real-time feedback and offers the potential to decrease intra-operative errors and optimize the surgical result. Computer-assisted navigation systems can be active or passive. Active navigation systems can either perform surgical tasks or prohibit the surgeon from moving past a predefined zone. Passive navigation systems provide intraoperative information, which is displayed on a monitor, but the surgeon is free to make any decisions he or she deems necessary. This article reviews the available types of computer-assisted navigation, summarizes the clinical applications and reviews the results of related series using navigation, and informs surgeons of the disadvantages and pitfalls of computer-assisted navigation in orthopedic surgery.

Joint-preserving tumor resection and reconstruction using image-guided computer navigation

BACKGROUND

Joint-preserving surgery is performed in select patients with bone sarcomas of extremities and allows patients to retain the native joint with better joint function. However, recurrences may relate to achieving adequate margins and there is frequently little room for error in tumors close to the joint surface. Further, the tumor margin on preoperative CT and/or MR images is difficult to transpose to the actual extent of tumor in the bone in the operating room.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We therefore determined whether joint-preserving tumor surgery could be performed accurately under image-guided computer navigation and determined local recurrences, function, and complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied eight patients with bone sarcoma of extremities treated surgically by navigation with fused CT-MR images. We assessed the accuracy of resection in six patients by comparing the cross sections at the resection plane with complementary prosthesis templates. Mean age was 17 years (range, 6-46 years). Minimum followup was 25 months (mean, 41 months; range, 25-60 months).

RESULTS

The achieved resection was accurate, with a difference of 2 mm or less in any dimension compared to that planned in patients with custom prostheses. We noted no local recurrence at latest followup. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 29 (range, 28-30). There were no complications related to navigation planning and procedures. There was no failure of fixation at the remaining epiphysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients, the computer-assisted approach facilitates precise planning and execution of joint-preserving tumor resection and reconstruction. Further followup assessment in a larger study population is required in these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.