Current surgical management of bone metastases in the extremities and pelvis

Ten-year retrospect of the investigation of proximal limbs metastasis in cancer: a multi-center study on survival outcome, limb function status and surgical procedures analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of study was to evaluate survival outcome and limb function in cancer patients with proximal limbs metastasis. Associated factors on survival outcome and limb function were identified. The comparative analysis between intramedullary nailing and prosthesis surgery in cancer patients with proximal limb metastasis was performed.

METHODS

In this five-center retrospective study, patients diagnosed with limbs metastasis were collected. Descriptive statistics was used and log-rank test was performed to analyze the survival in subgroups. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify the independent prognostic factors. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system was used to evaluate limb function after surgery, and t test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized in subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 316 patients with limb metastasis were included with mean age at 61.0 years. The most common primary tumor was breast, followed by renal cancer and lung cancer. The median overall survival was 24.0 months and the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 86.9%, 34.7% and 6.8%, respectively. Primary tumor type, visceral metastasis and chemotherapy were proved to be the independent prognostic factors. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 20.5, significant difference was observed in subgroup of solitary/multiple bone metastasis, with/without pathological fracture, and type of surgery.

CONCLUSION

The present study concluded that primary tumor type, visceral metastasis and chemotherapy were three factors affecting the survival of patients. Compared with intramedullary nailing, the patients underwent prosthesis surgery showed better limb function, this procedure should be encouraged in patients with indication.

The Role of Post-Operative Radiotherapy for Non-Spine Bone Metastases (NSBMs)

Non-spine bone metastases (NSBMs) can cause significant morbidity and deterioration in the quality of life of cancer patients. This paper reviews the role of post-operative radiotherapy (PORT) in the management of NSBMs and provides suggestions for clinical practice based on the best available evidence. We identified six retrospective studies and several reviews that examined PORT for NSBMs. These studies suggest that PORT reduces local recurrence rates and provides effective pain relief. Based on the literature, PORT was typically delivered as 20 Gy in 5 fractions or 30 Gy in 10 fractions within 5 weeks of surgery. Complete coverage of the surgical hardware is an important consideration when designing an appropriate radiation plan and leads to improved local control. Furthermore, the integration of PORT in a multidisciplinary team with input from radiation oncologists and orthopedic surgeons is beneficial. A multimodal approach including PORT should be considered for an NSBM that requires surgery. However, phase III studies are needed to answer many remaining questions and optimize the management of NSBMs.

Internal fixation versus endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal femur for metastatic bone disease: Single institutional outcomes

PURPOSE

This study compared internal fixation (IF) to proximal femur replacement (PFR) for proximal femoral metastasis.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2019, 113 lesions underwent IF (n = 94) or PFR (n = 19). Revision risk was calculated with mortality as a competing event.

RESULTS

The 5-year revision risk after IF was 17.6% (95% CI, 9.8%-27.3%) compared to 7.6% (95% CI, 0.3%-28.9%) after PFR (p = 0.59). PFR had longer operative times (p < 0.001), hospital stay (p = 0.039), and higher blood loss (p < 0.001) than IF, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

IF may be considered for patients with poor health and a limited prognosis given the less-invasive procedure and shorter hospital stay.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III. Retrospective Study.

Image-guided Cryotherapy for Musculoskeletal Tumors

BACKGROUND

This article represents a review of the use of image-guided cryotherapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal tumor lesions. Cryotherapy is able to induce a lethal effect on cancer cells through direct and indirect mechanisms. In this manuscript, we combined our experience with that of other authors who have published on this topic in order to provide indications on when to use cryotherapy in musculoskeletal oncology.

DISCUSSION

Image-Guided percutaneous cryotherapy is a therapeutic method now widely accepted in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal tumors. It can be used both for palliative treatments of metastatic bone lesions and for the curative treatment of benign bone tumors, such as osteoid osteoma or osteoblastoma. In the treatment of bone metastases, cryotherapy plays a major role in alleviating or resolving disease-related pain, but it has also been demonstrated that it can have a role in local disease control. In recent years, the use of cryotherapy has also expanded for the treatment of both benign and malignant soft tissue tumors.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous cryotherapy can be considered a safe and effective technique in the treatment of benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors. Cryotherapy can be considered the first option in benign tumor lesions, such as osteoid osteoma, and a valid alternative to radiofrequency ablation. In the treatment of painful bone metastases, it must be considered secondarily to other standard treatments (radiotherapy, bisphosphonate therapy, and chemotherapy) when they are no longer effective in controlling the disease or when they cannot be repeated (for example, radiotherapy).

Pathologic fracture healing after femoral limb salvage in a dog

BACKGROUND

Bone sarcomas are a significant cause of pain, disability, and mortality in dogs. A variety of surgical limb salvage options are available to preserve limb function with comparable prognosis to amputation.

CASE REPORT

This report describes successful healing after plate fixation of an undifferentiated sarcoma pathologic femoral fracture in a dog. The fracture was treated surgically with curettage of the tumour site, placement of autogenous bone graft, and then stabilized using a locking plate rod construct. The patient regained excellent mobility after surgery and was managed with monthly pamidronate therapy. Serial radiographs demonstrate progressive healing of the pathologic fracture. Ultimately, the patient developed a maxillary fibrosarcoma and was euthanased 1 year after treatment of the femoral fracture. Postmortem histopathological evaluation of the pathologic fracture site demonstrated complete bone healing.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the possibilities of limb salvage by fracture stabilization and bone healing as a viable option in select patients.

Principles of Management of Extremity Skeletal Metastasis

Understanding the epidemiology of extremity skeletal metastasis and the factors deciding the treatment decision-making are essential in developing a diagnostic and treatment strategy. This leads to optimum care and reduces disease-related burden. With the evolution of medical, radiation therapy, and surgical methods, cancer care has improved the quality of life for patients with improved survival and functional status in patients with skeletal metastasis. Based on the currently available literature, we have described a step-wise evaluation and management strategy of metastatic extremity bone disease. The present review article addresses various aspects and related controversies related to evaluation, staging, and treatment options in the management of extremity bone metastasis. This article also highlights the role of multidisciplinary involvement in management of extremity skeletal metastasis.

Giant monostotic osteofibrous dysplasia of the ilium: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Osteofibrous dysplasia (OFD) is a developmental skeletal disorder, and cases with a giant affected area in the pelvis are rare.

CASE SUMMARY

In this case report, a 48-year-old man presented with a large tumor in the right iliac region that turned out to be OFD. The patient had rebound tenderness in his right hip. After radiography examination, magnetic resonance imaging examinations and some physical examination, extensive bone destruction in the right ilium was confirmed. Moreover, changes in bone mineral density and peripheral cortical bone sclerosis with surrounding soft tissue swelling were observed. Thus, this patient was considered to have giant monostotic OFD of the ilium. The tumor-related area was removed completely by surgery, and the remaining cavity was filled by artificial bones from the opposite ilium. According to the results of follow-up, the patient had normal flexion and extension activities of the right hip joint, and there was no evidence of recurrence of the tumor.

CONCLUSION

Suture of iliopsoas and gluteus medius muscle following focus curettage and bone grafting is a promising and effective method to treat giant OFD of the ilium. It is a feasible way to fill a large cavity after removing a lesion like the one is this case.

Functional recovery after surgical stabilization and postoperative radiotherapy due to metastases of long bones

PURPOSE

To reinvestigate the functional recovery after combined treatment with surgery and postoperative irradiation of complete or impending pathologic fractures of long bones.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the results of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) carried out after 68 orthopedic stabilization procedures (femur, n = 55, 80.8%; humerus, n = 13, 19.2%) for actual or impending pathological fracture of long bone in 61 patients with skeletal metastases. The mean normalized total dose was 34.7 ± 7.8 Gy. Endpoints were patient's functional status (FS; 1 = normal pain free status; 2 = normal use with pain; 3 = significantly limited used; 4 = nonfunctional status), a need for a secondary procedure to the same site and overall survival following surgery.

RESULTS

Overall, 75% of patients achieved normal functional status (FS 1-2) within 12 weeks after surgery. Functional recovery in surviving patients reached 93%. Median survival was 17 months (95% confidence interval 13.7-20.2). Secondary surgical intervention at the same location was necessary in 3 patients (4.4%). On multivariate analysis, only general status (p = 0.011) and growing potential of primary tumor (p = 0.049) were associated with achieving normal functional status within 12 weeks after surgery and radiotherapy. The applied radiation schemes demonstrated a comparable impact on functional recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the effectiveness of stabilizing surgery and fractionated postoperative radiotherapy in terms of functional recovery, supporting prior results assessing postsurgical radiotherapy versus follow-up. The patient's general status is a strong prognostic factor for functional recovery. Rapidly growing tumors may hinder achievement of a normal functional status.

Indications for prophylactic osteosynthesis associated with curettage in benign and low-grade malignant primitive bone tumors of the distal femur in adult patients: a case series

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the use of preventive osteosynthesis after curettage in benign and primitive low-grade malignant bone tumor localized in the distal femur in adult patients provides sufficient mechanical stability to the system as to allow weight-bearing and reduce the risk of postoperative fracture. Additionally, lower limb function after curettage and preventive osteosynthesis was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed twelve cases of benign and low-grade malignant bone lesions of the distal femur in adult patients treated in our orthopedic department between 2008 and 2011 with curettage, bone filling and preventive osteosynthesis. All patients were treated with curettage with the use of high-speed cutters, plus liquid nitrogen as local adjuvant in low-grade malignant lesions, and filling of the lesion with bone graft or allograft or acrylic cement, followed by osteosynthesis.

RESULTS

No fractures or major complications were observed; good function of the knee was observed.

CONCLUSION

We recommend preventive osteosynthesis after curettage in patients with very large lesions (>5 cm, >60 cm³) or high functional requirements, in obese patients, and when local adjuvants are used.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV retrospective case-series study.

Radiotherapy, Bisphosphonates and Surgical Stabilization of Complete or Impending Pathologic Fractures in Patients with Metastatic Bone Disease

Purpose: To report the treatment outcomes of patients with metastatic bone disease with complete or impending pathologic fractures, who were treated with postoperative radiotherapy (RT), bisphosphonates or both after orthopedic stabilization.

Material and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the results of RT, bisphosphonates or both after orthopedic stabilization for complete or impending pathologic fractures in 72 patients with skeletal metastases. After surgery, 32 patients (44%) were treated with RT alone (group 1), 31 patients (43%) were treated with RT and bisphosphonates (group 2) and 9 (13%) patients were treated with bisphosphonates (group 3), respectively. Patients were treated with a median dose of 30Gy (30-40 Gy/2-3Gy per fraction).The local tumor progression, pain progression and need for re-operation or re-radiotherapy were assessed from patients' medical records. Median follow-up time was 9 months.

Results: Median overall survival time was 14 months (95% CI: 12-17). Secondary surgical intervention at the same location was necessary in 1 patient of group 1 (2%), 2 patients of group 2(5%) and 2 patients of group 3 (15%), respectively (p=0.097). Local tumor progress was observed in 3 patients of group 1 (9%), 2 patients of group 2 (7%) and 4 patients in group 3 (44%), respectively (p=0.021). Local pain progress was observed in 19%, 16% and 67% of the same groups (p=0.011).

Conclusion: Our data confirm the efficacy and necessity of postoperative RT after orthopedic stabilization for metastatic bone disease to control the local disease. Bisphosphonates do not obviate the need for RT in the management of bone metastases after surgical stabilization. The combined treatment might lead to a better local tumor and pain control.