Limb Salvage Using Non-hinged Endoprosthesis and Staged Correction of Leg-length Discrepancy for Children with Distal Femoral Malignant Tumors

Advancing pediatric bone sarcoma care: navigating complications and innovating solutions in limb salvage and reconstruction-why, when, and how to treat limb length inequalities

Pediatric bone sarcomas, particularly osteosarcomas, present unique challenges in the realm of orthopedic oncology, given their predilection for the metaphyseal regions of long bones and the intricate balance required between achieving oncologic control and preserving limb function. This abstract encapsulates findings from a comprehensive review aimed at advancing pediatric bone sarcoma care, focusing on navigating the complications and innovating solutions for complications of limb salvage and reconstruction focusing on limb length inequalities and accompanying bone defects. Advancements in imaging, surgical techniques, and adjuvant therapies have shifted the paradigm from amputation to limb-sparing surgeries, albeit with significant challenges, especially in young patients where growth potential complicates reconstructive outcomes. The series highlights the complexity of managing limb length discrepancies (LLD), the cornerstone of limb salvage challenges, and the innovative approaches to address them, including modular endoprosthetic reconstruction with expandable prostheses, magnetic lengthening nails and biological reconstruction strategies like vascularized fibula grafts. This review underlines the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing pediatric bone sarcomas, where the aim extends beyond mere survival to ensuring quality of life through functional limb preservation. It highlights the need for ongoing innovation in surgical and reconstructive techniques tailored to the pediatric population's unique needs, emphasizing the potential of emerging technologies and methodologies to improve outcomes. Future research should aim to fill the existing knowledge gaps, particularly in comparing pediatric and adult surgical outcomes, to refine treatment protocols and improve patient care in this challenging domain.

An innovative staged prosthetic lengthening reconstruction strategy for osteosarcoma-related leg discrepancy

Correction of leg length discrepancy (LLD) in skeletally mature patients with osteosarcoma was rarely reported and quite challenging. This study aimed to propose a treatment strategy of staged lengthening and reconstruction with a standard static prosthesis to address LLD and restore limb function. It also evaluated the effectiveness of the strategy in terms of leg lengthening, functional outcomes, and complications. The strategy for lengthening included three stages. In stage 1, the previous prosthesis was removed and an external fixator with a temporary rod-cement spacer was placed. In this stage, the external fixator was used to lengthen the limb to the appropriate length. In stage 2, the external fixator was removed and the old rod-cement spacer was replaced with a new one. In stage 3, the rod-cement spacer was removed and the standard static prosthesis was planted. Nine skeletally mature distal femoral osteosarcoma patients with unacceptable LLD were treated in our institution from 2019 to 2021. We performed a chart review on nine patients for the clinical and radiographic assessment of functional outcomes, LLD, and complications. The mean (range) leg lengthening was 7.3 cm (3.6-15.6). The mean (range) LLD of the lower limbs decreased from 7.6 cm (4.1-14.2) before the lengthening to 0.3 cm (- 0.3 to 2.1) at the final follow-up with statistical significance (P = 0.000). The mean (range) Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score improved from 30.3% (16.7%-53.3%) before the lengthening to 96.3% (86.7%-100%) at the final follow-up with statistical significance (P = 0.000). Three patients (33.3%) had a minor complication; none needed additional surgical intervention. In the short term, the current staged lengthening and reconstruction with standard static prosthesis provided satisfactory functional outcomes and LLD correction with few complications. The long-term effects of this method need further exploration.

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.

99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy-based growth evaluation and prediction of epiphysis around the knee: a study of paediatric limb salvage for malignant bone tumours

AIM

To investigate the feasibility of bone scintigraphy in the assessment and prediction of bone growth potential after limb-salvage surgery in children with bone tumours.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-five skeletally immature patients with primary bone malignancies in distal femur was enrolled. Thirty-two patients received epiphysis minimally invasive endoprosthesis (EMIE) reconstruction, seven received hemiarthroplasty, and 16 received adult-type rotation-hinged endoprosthesis (ATRHE) reconstruction. All enrolled patients underwent radiographic examination at regular intervals and followed-up for >12 months. The actual limb length discrepancy (LLDa) of the tibia was measured on the radiography image. The expected LLD of tibia (LLDp) was calculated according to multiplier method. The uptake ratio of the ipsilateral epiphysis to the contralateral epiphysis (Ri/c) was calculated at bone scintigraphy. The Ri/c value was accommodated in the formula of multiplier method for a modification. The difference and correlation between the modified expected LLD (LLDm), LLDp and LLDa were analysed.

RESULTS

The growth potential of ipsilateral epiphysis was reserved in all patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty and one fourth of EMIE reconstruction. The Ri/c values in the hemiarthroplasty endoprosthesis group were significantly higher than the EMIE and ATRHE groups. There was no significant difference in Ri/c values between the EMIE and ATRHE group. Data from the 26 patients who reached bone maturation showed that there was a significant difference between LLDp and LLDa. LLDm showed a higher correlation with LLDa than LLDp.

CONCLUSION

Bone scintigraphy is helpful to evaluate the growth potential of epiphysis after surgery. The multiplier method modified by Ri/c value improves prediction accuracy of bone growth.

Custom-made semi-joint prosthesis replacement combined ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS) ligament reconstruction for the limb salvage surgery of malignant tumors in the distal femur in skeletal immature children

Purpose

To explore the application of Custom-made Semi-joint prosthesis replacement combined with Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) ligament reconstruction for the limb salvage surgery (LSS) of malignant tumors in the distal femur and provide selections for the LSS of malignant tumors in skeletal immature children.

Methods

A total of 8 children with malignant tumors in the distal femur who underwent Custom-made Semi-joint prosthesis replacement combined LARS ligament reconstruction for LSS from January, 2018 until December, 2019 in our bone and soft tissue tumor center were retrospectively recruited. The prosthesis related complications, oncological prognosis and knee function were observed, and the surgical efficacy was comprehensively evaluated.

Results

The average follow-up time was 36.6 months (30-50 months). The average osteotomy length was 13.2 cm (8-20 cm) according to the preoperative imaging results and the length of the customized prosthesis. Two years after operation, the average MSTS-93 score was 24.4 (16-29) which indicated good limb functions. The range of motion of the knee was 0°-120°, with an maximum average of 100°. At last follow-up, the average height of the children increased by 8.4 cm (6-13 cm), and the average limb shortening was 2.7 cm (1.8-4.6 cm). One patient had wound complications in the early postoperative period, wound scab fell off to form superficial ulcer, in whom debridement and suturing were performed. One patient developed hematogenous disseminated prosthesis infection 2 years after surgery, and the prosthesis is now in situ with anti-infection treatment. One patient developed pulmonary metastasis during follow-up, and received chemotherapy and targeted therapy with lesion well controlled. At the last follow-up, there was no local tumor recurrence or prosthesis loosening.

Conclusion

Under the premise of appropriate case selection, customized semi-joint prosthesis replacement combined with LARS ligament reconstruction provides a new option for LSS in children with distal femur malignant tumors. LARS ligament reconstruction ensures the stability and range of motion of the knee joint, which maximally preserves the epiphysis of the tibia side and the growth function of the tibia side, reduces the complications of limb length inequality in the long term and creates conditions for limb lengthening or total joint replacement in adults.

Outcomes of Fixed-Hinged Knee Prosthesis for Distal Femoral Osteosarcoma in Skeletally Immature Patients: First Results

The best surgical choice for distal femur osteosarcoma in skeletally immature patients remains controversial. A fixed hinged knee prosthesis has been designed to preserve the growth plates in the adjacent tibia, expecting tibial growth to be continued. This study aims to report the (1) clinical outcomes after prosthetic replacement, (2) postoperative complications, and (3) length of discrepancy of the operative tibia with the unaffected tibia. Thirty-four skeletally immature patients (averaged 9 years at surgery; range, 5-12 years) with distal femoral osteosarcoma underwent placement of this hinged knee prosthesis between January 2015 and August 2018. Postoperative function and complications were assessed. Length discrepancy was measured using a series of full-length standing anteroposterior radiographs of the bilateral lower extremity. The average follow-up duration was 34 months (2.8 years). In the last follow-up, four patients expired because of pulmonary metastasis. Two patients presented with local recurrence of the soft tissue. Postoperatively, the flexion range of the knee joint range was between 100 and 130 degrees, with an average of 115.2 degrees. The mean functional score of living patients evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring system was 89.2% (range, 76.7-100%). Types 1 (three patients), 2 (one patient), 3 (two patients), and 5 (two patients) complications exist. Among them, three patients received revision surgery. The proximal tibial physis still grew after surgery, with an average of 74.3% (range, 30-100%) growth potential compared with the unaffected proximal tibial physis. Moreover, 27 children exhibited tibial length discrepancy compared with the contralateral tibia, and the mean discrepancy in tibial length was 1.1 cm (range, 0.2-3.1 cm). This hinged knee prosthesis can keep the growth potential in the adjacent tibia, provides satisfying functional outcomes, and has a lower postoperative complication rate. Thus, it could serve as an alternative intervention for distal femoral osteosarcoma in skeletally immature patients.

Three-dimensional printed customized uncemented unipolar prosthesis combined with ligament reconstruction for tumorous defect of the distal femur in children

BACKGROUND

Hemiarthroplasty following tumor resection of the distal femur in children provides a chance to preserve the proximal tibial physis for limb elongation. Based on three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, the uncemented unipolar prosthesis with joint stability reinforced structures (JSRSs) was custom-designed for our cases. This study aimed to describe the design and assess the short-term outcomes of this refined prosthetic hemiarthroplasty.

METHODS

Seven patients (four females and three males) received 3D-printed customized uncemented unipolar prosthesis for hemiarthroplasty after removal of the distal femur, from September 2019 to October 2020 at our Orthopedics department. The limb function, growth of the preserved proximal tibial physis, joint stability, and limb length discrepancy (LLD) were assessed. Complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Six patients survived with no evidence of metastasis or local recurrence at the last follow-up, and one patient died of lung metastasis at 19 months postoperatively. Follow-up ranged from 19 to 32 months, with an average of 26 months. Elongation of the tibia was observed in all cases. At the last follow-up, four patients exhibited equal growth length compared with the healthy contralateral tibia. LLD ranged from 0.8 to 1.6 cm with a mean of 1.3 cm. The average knee range of motion was 95.3° of flexion and 4.5° of extension. All patients achieved satisfactory postoperative limb function with a mean MSTS score of 25.8. The results of the drawer, Lachman, and pivot shift tests were negative in all patients. During follow-up, painless joint space narrowing was observed in two patients. The screw for ligament fixation loosened in one of the seven patients at 17 months postoperatively. No subluxation of the joint, angular deformity, or breakage of the implant was detected in the remaining patients.

CONCLUSIONS

3D-printed customized uncemented unipolar prosthesis with JSRS would be a good choice for reconstructing tumorous defect in the distal femur in children.

Tibia Multiplanar Deformities and Growth Disturbance Following Expandable Endoprosthetic Distal Femur Replacement

Background: Expandable distal femur endoprosthesis (EDFE) is commonly used to compensate for the loss of the distal femoral epiphyseal plate in skeletally immature children who have undergone surgical resection of bone malignancies. However, the effect of the passive tibial component of the EDFE on tibial growth has not been extensively studied in the literature. This study aims to delineate the type, frequency, and associated risk factors of multiplanar proximal tibial deformities in skeletally immature children following the use of the expandable distal femur endoprosthesis (EDFE). Moreover, we plan to detect how these deformities influence the long-term functionality of the endoprosthesis in defining the need for subsequent implant revision or further surgical management. Patients and Methods: A total of 20 patients aged (7−12) years underwent expandable distal femur replacement. Two types of implants were used: Juvenile Tumor System (JTS) non-invasive prosthesis in 14 patients, and Modular Universal Tumor and Revision System (MUTARS)® Xpand Growing Prostheses in six patients. A scanogram and CT scan documented the measurements of longitudinal and multiplanar growth as leg length discrepancy (LLD), femur length discrepancy (FLD), tibia length discrepancy (TLD), and the yield values of rotational, sagittal, and coronal deformities of the tibia. The patients were followed up to assess the need for further management. Sex, age, size of tibial plate perforation, and type of implant used were studied for possible correlation with deformities or growth disturbance. Results: The patients were followed up for a mean of 3 (2−7) years. A total of 14 patients, (10 JTS, 4 implant cast) had a tibial deformity and/or growth disturbance. A single patient was found to have all deformities (growth, rotational, coronal, and sagittal). Fourteen patients were found to have an LLD ranging from 5.3 to 59 mm (median 21 mm), 12 had a TLD from 3 to 30 mm, (median 10 mm), and 11 patients showed evidence of malrotation from 6 to 32 degrees (median 11 degrees). TLD was found to contribute entirely to LLD in three patients, and >50% of LLDs in seven patients. All LLDs were treated conservatively, except in three patients; two received contralateral tibia epiphysiodesis and one received revision with a new implant. A single patient had a posterior tibia slope angle (PTSA) of −2.8 degrees, and three patients had a coronal deformity with a mean medial proximal tibia angle (MPTA) of 80.3 (77−83 degrees). Conclusions: Tibial growth disturbance and multiplanar deformities occur in the majority of patients following EDFE replacement, exacerbating LLD. Yet, these disturbances may be well tolerated, managed conservatively, and rarely mandate endoprosthetic revision or subsequent corrective surgery. Age at the time of surgery was found to be the only significant contributor to the development of tibia growth disturbance.

Endoprosthetic Reconstruction in Ewing's Sarcoma Patients: A Systematic Review of Postoperative Complications and Functional Outcomes

Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is a rare primary bone cancer managed by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgical resection. The existing literature on limb salvage surgery with endoprostheses combines data for ES patients with osteosarcoma. This review aimed to evaluate surgical and functional outcomes of endoprosthetic reconstruction in exclusively Ewing's patients. We believe that this is the first comprehensive review to evaluate the outcomes of limb salvage surgery with endoprostheses exclusively in Ewing's sarcoma patients. Clinical data and outcomes were collected from PubMed, Embase, Medline and Scopus. The inclusion criteria were studies on limb salvage surgery in ES patients, where individual patient data was available. Seventeen studies with a total of 57 Ewing's patients were included in this review. Fifty-three of the ES patients preserved the limb after limb salvage with endoprostheses. The average five-year implant survivorship was 85.9% based on four studies in this review. Postoperative complications were categorised by Henderson's failure modes. Soft tissue failure was the most common, occurring in 35.1% of patients, followed by deep infection in 15.7% of patients. There was a suggestion of 'good' functional outcomes with limb salvage surgery. The salient limitation of this review is the variability and rarity of the patient population. Homogenous data in a larger population is necessary to provide more insight into outcomes of limb reconstruction in ES.

Outcomes of Semiknee Replacement in Skeletally Immature Bone Sarcoma Patients

INTRODUCTION

 A semiknee mega endoprosthesis (SKMEP) was used to replace the resected distal femur or proximal tibia in skeletally immature bone sarcoma patients. This study investigated the surgical technique, endoprosthesis survival rate, functional outcome, complications, and approaches to resolve limb-length discrepancy (LLD) following this procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 In total, 15 girls and 16 boys with a mean age of 9.1 years (range, 4-12) and 8.9 years (range, 5-13), respectively, were included in this study. The mean length of the resected distal femur (15 cases) and proximal tibia (16) was 145.0 and 122.8 mm, respectively. Altogether, 19 custom-made SKMEPs and 12 modular units were used to reconstruct the bone and joint defects.

RESULTS

 The average follow-up was 82.8 months (range, 4-225 months). Five patients died of disease. Seven SKMEPs were revised to total knee endoprosthesis after a mean of 40.3 months. Nineteen patients retained the original SKMEP, and the mean LLD was 4.3 cm (range, 0-10 cm). One case each of Henderson type 1B, type 2A, type 2B, and type 5B failures was observed. Knee subluxation occurred in two cases. Although a slight laxity of the knee was identified on physical examination, the average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93(MSTS93) functional score was 84.5% (range, 57-97%). The estimated implant survival was 70.5% at 5 years.

CONCLUSION

 This was the largest retrospective study reporting the application of SKMEP in bone sarcoma patients. For selected skeletally immature bone sarcoma patients, SKMEP is an option with satisfactory functional outcomes and survival rates. However, heightening pads or shoes to compensate the LLD were indispensable before subsequent LLD was adjusted by further operation(s).

Biomechanical Comparison Between Porous Ti6Al4V Block and Tumor Prosthesis UHMWPE Block for the Treatment of Distal Femur Bone Defects

Purpose: The management of bone defects is a crucial content of total knee revision. This study compared the biomechanical performance of porous Ti6Al4V block and tumor prosthesis UHMWPE block in treating distal femoral bone defects.

Methods: The finite element models of AORI type 3 distal femoral bone defect treated with porous Ti6Al4V block and UHMWPE block were established. Sensitivity analysis was performed to obtain the appropriate mesh size. The biomechanical performance of treatment methods in bone defects were evaluated according to the peak stress, the Von Mises stress distribution, and the average stresses of regions of interest under the condition of standing on one foot and flexion of the knee. Statistical analysis was conducted by independent samples t-test in SPSS (p < 0.05).

Results: In the standing on one-foot state, the peak stress of the porous Ti6Al4V block was 12.42 MPa and that of the UHMWPE block was 19.97 MPa, which is close to its yield stress (21 MPa). Meanwhile, the stress distribution of the UHMWPE block was uneven. In the flexion state, the peak stress of the porous Ti6Al4V block was 16.28 MPa, while that of the UHMWPE block was 14.82 MPa. Compared with the porous Ti6Al4V block group, the average stress of the region of interest in UHMWPE block group was higher in the standing on one foot state and lower in the flexion state (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: More uniform stress distribution was identified in the porous Ti6Al4V block application which could reserve more bone. On the contrary, uneven stress distribution and a larger high-stress concentration area were found in the UHMWPE block. Hence, the porous Ti6Al4V block is recommended for the treatment of AORI type 3 distal femoral bone defect.

Discovery and Characterization of Intercondylar Transphyseal Complexes and their Oncological Significance in Transphyseal Extension of Pediatric Osteosarcoma

Objective

To explore whether there exist undiscovered transphyseal vasculature‐canal compound structures in immature femurs and tibias, and reveal their potential oncological impact.

Methods

This investigation was divided into a morphological study and a clinical study. In the morphological part, a new‐identified anatomic structure was investigated by using radiographical, anatomical, and histological methodologies. Twenty‐eight 1‐mm‐slice thickness magnetic resonance images of pediatric knees were generated and 10 pediatric knees were dissected to verify the existence and universality, observe the radiographic and anatomic characteristics, and determined the located region of this structure. Hematoxylin–eosin staining, immunofluorescence, and angiography procedures were performed to illustrate its histological feature, molecular identification, and vascular origination, respectively. In the clinical part, 38 pediatric osteosarcoma patients were enrolled from January 2014 to December 2020. A descriptive clinical study including 13 typical participants was conducted to investigate the oncological significance of this new‐identified structure. Meanwhile, the discrepancy in transphyseal osteosarcoma extension between different physeal regions was evaluated in a cross‐sectional study.

Results

In the morphological study, we discovered a new‐found vasculature‐canal compound structure, intercondylar transphyseal complex (ITC), which originated from the middle genicular vessels, traversed the whole epiphysis, and breached the intact open physis in the immature proximal tibia or distal femur. The components of ITC included the juxta‐articular, epiphyseal, and transphyseal segments of vessels, the canals that traverse the entire epiphysis and physis and enclosed the vessels, vascular foramina on articular facet and foramina‐covered synovium. Depending on the location, ITCs can be divided into three types: femoral ITC, anterior tibial ITC, and posterior tibial ITC. Clinically, the ITC may facilitate intercondylar transphyseal sarcomatous dissemination without damaging the adjacent physeal cartilage. Compared to bilateral condylar physes, more osteosarcomas transgressed the open growth plates through intercondylar regions in which ITC was located (P = 0.022).

Conclusion

As the “gap” on intact open physis, ITC, which is a new‐identified compound structure in intercondylar regions of immature femur or tibia, may promote intercondylar transphyseal tumor extension. Moreover, the identification and characterization of ITC subvert some traditional comprehensions about physis and may provide novel perspectives for pediatric osteosarcomas.

Influence of Congruency Design on the Contact Stress of a Novel Hinged Knee Prosthesis Using Finite Element Analysis

Objectives

To investigate the contact stress and the contact area o tibial inserts and bushings with respect to different congruency designs in a spherical center axis and rotating bearing hinge knee prosthesis under gait cycle loading conditions using finite element analysis.

Methods

Nine prostheses with different congruency (different degrees of tibiofemoral conformity and different distances between the spherical center and the bushing) designs were developed with the same femoral and tibial components. The models were transferred to finite element software. The peak contact stresses and contact areas on tibial inserts and bushings under the gait cycle loading conditions were investigated and compared.

Results

For tibial insert, the peak contact stress was the highest in the low conformity‐long group (61.4486 MPa), and it was 1.88 times higher than that in the group with the lowest stress (moderate conformity‐short group, 32.754 MPa). The contact area was the largest in the low conformity‐long group (420.485 mm²), and it was 1.19 times larger than that in the group with the smallest area (moderate conformity‐middle group, 352.332 mm²). For bushing, the peak contact stress was the highest in the high conformity‐long group (72.8093 MPa), and it was 3.21 times higher than that in the group with the lowest stress (high conformity‐short group, 22.6928 MPa). The contact area was the largest in the low conformity‐short group (2.41 mm²), and it was 2.27 times larger than that in the group with the smallest area (high conformity‐middle group, 1.063 mm²).

Conclusion

The results of our study showed that the congruency of the tibiofemoral surface and bushing surface should be considered carefully in the design of the spherical center axis and rotating bearing hinge knee prosthesis. Different levels of contact performance were observed with different congruency designs. In addition, the influence of contact stress and contact area on the polyethylene wear of rotating hinge knee prostheses should be confirmed with additional laboratory tests.