Primary bone tumors and tumor like lesions of the ulna

Outcomes of osteoarticular ulna allograft for the reconstruction of proximal ulna tumour

Aims

The ulna is an extremely rare location for primary bone tumours of the elbow in paediatrics. Although several reconstruction options are available, the optimal reconstruction method is still unknown due to the rarity of proximal ulna tumours. In this study, we report the outcomes of osteoarticular ulna allograft for the reconstruction of proximal ulna tumours.

Methods

Medical profiles of 13 patients, who between March 2004 and November 2021 underwent osteoarticular ulna allograft reconstruction after the resection of the proximal ulna tumour, were retrospectively reviewed. The outcomes were measured clinically by the assessment of elbow range of motion (ROM), stability, and function, and radiologically by the assessment of allograft-host junction union, recurrence, and joint degeneration. The elbow function was assessed objectively by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and subjectively by the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) questionnaire.

Results

The mean follow-up of patients was 60.3 months (SD 28.5). The mean elbow flexion-extension ROM was 95.8° (SD 21). The mean MSTS of the patients was 84.4 (SD 8.2), the mean TESS was 83.8 (SD 6.7), and the mean MEPS was 79.2 (SD 11.5). All the patients had radiological union at the osteotomy site. Symptomatic osteoarthritic change was observed in three patients (23%), one of whom ended up with elbow joint fusion. Two patients (15.4%) had recurrence during the follow-up period. Surgical complications included two allograft fractures, two plate fractures, three medial instabilities, and two infections.

Conclusion

Osteoarticular ulna allograft reconstruction provides acceptable functional outcomes. Despite a high rate of complications, it is still a valuable reconstruction method, particularly in skeletally immature patients who need their distal humerus physis for the rest of hand growth.

Single bone forearm reconstruction of proximal ulna metastatic lesion: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Colorectal cancer rarely metastasizes to the bones, and if so, metastasis usually occurs in the axial skeleton. We encountered a rare case of a metastatic lesion to the right ulna arising from colonic adenocarcinoma that was treated by resection of the proximal ulna and radial neck-to-humerus trochlea transposition to salvage the limb.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 60-year-old man previously diagnosed with colonic adenocarcinoma presented with a single bony metastatic lesion in the right proximal ulna and was referred to our clinic for assessment. After five sessions of systemic therapy, the lesion continued to grow, causing diffuse swelling and loss of elbow range of motion. Local x-rays revealed extensive destruction of the proximal ulna and soft tissue component, with subluxation of the radial head. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extensive lesion involving the proximal half of the ulna and a large soft tissue component. After restaging, only this metastatic lesion was found. Amputation was offered to the patient for wide margin resection, but the patient refused; therefore, we performed resection of the proximal ulna, debulking of soft tissue, and radial neck-to-humerus trochlea transposition to salvage the limb.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Due to the rarity of the location, no clinical standard exists regarding the surgical treatment. Radial neck-to-humerus trochlea transposition is a valid surgical reconstruction technique to salvage the limb and preserve the hand function.

CONCLUSION

Radial neck-to-humerus trochlea transposition is an alternative elbow reconstruction technique after proximal ulna resection in cases where other options are not ideal or contraindicated. Long-term studies are recommended to assess different surgical options for treating and reconstructing proximal ulnar tumors.

Recurrent giant cell tumour of the distal ulna after en bloc resection with preoperative denosumab use

In recent years, denosumab has been used to treat giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) not only in cases where surgery is complicated but also preoperatively to decrease the preoperative grade or to facilitate surgery for Campanacci grade II and III cases. However, there are no clear protocols regarding the preoperative use of denosumab before en bloc resection. There are a few reports of recurrent cases after en bloc resection; however, the association with the use of denosumab is unknown. We present the clinical, radiological and histopathological findings of a case of Campanacci grade III GCTB at the distal end of the ulna, which resulted in soft tissue recurrence after en bloc resection with the preoperative use of denosumab.