Epidemiologic trend of mobile spine and sacrum chordoma: A National population-based study

Establishment of Iran Musculoskeletal Tumor Registry: A Study Protocol and Lessons Learned from Implementation and the Pilot Phase

Background

The number of available musculoskeletal tumor registries is relatively small. We developed a registry system focused on the clinical aspects of musculoskeletal tumors to improve quality of care indexes through the development of updated national protocols. In this study, we describe our protocol, challenges, and the data collected during the implementation of the registry system in a single-specialty orthopedic center in Iran.

Methods

Three main malignant bone tumors, including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma, were included in the registry. After establishing a steering committee, we defined the minimum data set based on a literature review and suggestions from an expert panel. Accordingly, the data collection forms and the web-based software were developed. The collected information was categorized into 9 classes, including demographics, socioeconomic data, signs and symptoms, past medical history, family history, laboratory tests, tumor characteristics, primary treatment, and follow-up. Data collection was performed both retrospectively and prospectively.

Results

Until September 21, 2022, a total of 71 patients were registered (21 patients prospectively and 50 patients retrospectively) and consisted of 36 (50.7%) cases of osteosarcoma, 13 (18.3%) cases of Ewing sarcoma, and 22 (31%) cases of chondrosarcoma. The implementation of the registry demonstrated promising data regarding the tumor characteristics, delay patterns, and socioeconomic status of the patients.

Conclusion

The main lessons learned were to develop a monitoring system to make sure that the new staff is adequately trained for the registration process as well as avoid the inclusion of time-consuming useless data in the minimum data set.

One-year follow-up after partial sacrectomy without stabilization in sacral chordoma: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Chordoma is a rare sarcoma of the bone with a slow-growing nature but an aggressive nature locally. The subtle onset and minor symptoms cause a delayed diagnosis. Unfortunately, Chordoma is discovered when the prognosis is poor, which make the management procedure more difficult.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 56 years old woman presented with back pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and numbness around the anus for the last six months. Sensory examination revealed hypoesthesia on the S2-S4 dermatomes and the rectal toucher revealed a mass. Pelvic x-ray revealed an osteolytic lesion on the sacrum and a MRI revealed a sacrum mass on S2. Confirmed by a CT Scan lumbosacral contrast that revealed a solid mass with osteolytic and osteosclerotic changes on the sacrum bone from S2 to the coccyx. We performed a partial en bloc sacrectomy by posterior approach with an inverted goblet incision without lumbopelvic stabilization.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

A few months after surgery, the patient still had some similar complaints and went to physiotherapy and radiotherapy on a regular basis. 1 year follow-up, there was no recurrence process proven by adjunct examination and the improvement was demonstrated by the relief of back pain, and ability to do daily activities.

CONCLUSION

Chordoma can be improved by partial sacrectomy without lumbopelvic stabilization that revealed good results from function and complication. A multi-professional approach to the patient is essential.

Musculoskeletal Tumor Registry, Time to Act and Take Steps Forward

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