Pseudotumours associated with metal-on-metal hip resurfacings

We report 17 patients (20 hips) in whom metal-on-metal resurfacing had been performed and who presented with various symptoms and a soft-tissue mass which we termed a pseudotumour. Each patient underwent plain radiography and in some, CT, MRI and ultrasonography were also performed. In addition, histological examination of available samples was undertaken. All the patients were women and their presentation was variable. The most common symptom was discomfort in the region of the hip. Other symptoms included spontaneous dislocation, nerve palsy, a noticeable mass or a rash. The common histological features were extensive necrosis and lymphocytic infiltration. To date, 13 of the 20 hips have required revision to a conventional hip replacement. Two are awaiting revision. We estimate that approximately 1% of patients who have a metal-on-metal resurfacing develop a pseudotumour within five years. The cause is unknown and is probably multifactorial. There may be a toxic reaction to an excess of particulate metal wear debris or a hypersensitivity reaction to a normal amount of metal debris. We are concerned that with time the incidence of these pseudotumours may increase. Further investigation is required to define their cause.

Optimal acetabular orientation for hip resurfacing

Pseudotumours are a rare complication of hip resurfacing. They are thought to be a response to metal debris which may be caused by edge loading due to poor orientation of the acetabular component. Our aim was to determine the optimal acetabular orientation to minimise the risk of pseudotumour formation.

We matched 31 hip resurfacings revised for pseudotumour formation with 58 controls who had a satisfactory outcome from this procedure. The radiographic inclination and anteversion angles of the acetabular component were measured on anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis using Einzel-Bild-Roentgen-Analyse software. The mean inclination angle (47°, 10° to 81°) and anteversion angle (14°, 4° to 34°) of the pseudotumour cases were the same (p = 0.8, p = 0.2) as the controls, 46° (29° to 60°) and 16° (4° to 30°) respectively, but the variation was greater. Assuming an accuracy of implantation of ± 10° about a target position, the optimal radiographic position was found to be approximately 45° of inclination and 20° of anteversion. The incidence of pseudotumours inside the zone was four times lower (p = 0.007) than outside the zone.

In order to minimise the risk of pseudotumour formation we recommend that surgeons implant the acetabular component at an inclination of 45° (± 10) and anteversion of 20° (± 10) on post-operative radiographs. Because of differences between the radiographic and the operative angles, this may be best achieved by aiming for an inclination of 40° and an anteversion of 25°.

The reasons people give for taking overdoses: a further inquiry

A representative sample of 41 cases of self-poisoning was studied in depth. In each case 'reasons' for taking the overdose, both stated spontaneously and chosen from a presented list, were recorded. The commonest spontaneous reason was the 'wish to die'. Nearly one-third indicated some non-suicidal purpose early in the interview and consistently denied suicidal intent subsequently. Apart from suicidal intent, reasons chosen from the list bore little resemblance to reasons that had been offered earlier in the interview and are therefore of uncertain relevance. Three psychiatric judges attributed reasons for each case based on common-sense criteria. Several reasons were seldom or never chosen by them; four were chosen frequently with good agreement, i.e. communicating hostility, influencing others, relieving a state of mind and suicidal intent. The first two were the most frequently chosen, attributed to 71 per cent and 54 per cent of cases respectively. They were the reasons chosen least frequently by the self-poisoners themselves. Of 23 (56 per cent) subjects indicating suicidal intent, 12 (29 per cent) were judged to be suicidal by psychiatrists. These were not clearly distinguishable on the basis of their original interviews, except that those judged suicidal tended to indicate suicidal intent early in the interviews. The clinical and research implications of these findings are discussed.

Necrotic granulomatous pseudotumours in bilateral resurfacing hip arthoplasties: evidence for a type IV immune response

Clinical, radiological and histological findings were analysed in four patients who developed bilateral pseudotumours following metal-on-metal (MoM) resurfacing arthroplasties of both hips. Using a panel of monoclonal antibodies directed against HLA-DR, macrophages (CD14, CD68), dendritic cells (DC-SIGN, S100, CD11c), B cells (CD20), and T cells (CD3, CD4, CD8), the nature of the heavy inflammatory response seen in these cases was examined. Bilateral masses developed in periprosthetic soft tissues following the second MoM arthroplasty; these were characterised histologically by extensive coagulative necrosis, a heavy macrophage infiltrate and the presence of granulomas containing macrophages and giant cells; there was also a diffuse lymphocyte and variable plasma cell and eosinophil polymorph infiltrate. Immunohistochemistry showed strong expression of HLA-DR, CD14 and CD68 in both granulomatous and necrotic areas; lymphocytes were predominantly CD3+/CD4+ T cells. The clinical, morphological and immunophenotypic features of these necrotic granulomatous pseudotumours, which in all cases develop following a second resurfacing hip arthroplasty, is suggestive of a type IV immune response, possibly to MoM metal alloy components.

Case report: imaging and surgical treatment of a snapping hip due to ischiofemoral impingement

An association between hip pain and quadratus femoris MRI abnormality with concurrent narrowing of the ischiofemoral space has been reported in a number of patients to date, raising the possibility that the muscular damage observed is due to ischiofemoral impingement. Possible impingement has been noted primarily in middle-aged females either with or without a history of trauma or surgery, and associated snapping of the hip is a rarely described feature. We report here on a 17-year-old girl who presented with post-traumatic hip pain; she later developed evidence of ischiofemoral narrowing and quadratus femoris edema on MRI in addition to an audible snapping. Surgical resection of the lesser trochanter was performed, relieving both her hip pain and the snapping. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of non-iatrogenic ischiofemoral impingement with surgical confirmation. The diagnosis of ischiofemoral impingement should be considered in patients complaining of a snapping hip.

Comparison of doctors and nurses in the assessment of deliberate self-poisoning patients

The assessments of deliberate self-poisoning patients carried out by 8 doctors and 8 nurses were compared. Both groups of staff had undergone special training in the assessment procedure. The adequacy of the assessments was determined by blind judges' ratings of transcripts of assessment interviews, comparisons of the types of treatment offered and repetition of self-poisoning The attitudes of the patients and their general practitioners were also investigated. No major differences were found between the assessments of the 2 groups of subjects. It is concluded that nurses under supervision of a senior psychiatrist can safely carry out the assessment of self-poisoning patients, provided they have received appropriate training. The findings suggest that services in which nurses assess most self-poisoning patients could be established in district general hospitals. This would reduce the demands currently placed on psychiatrists and physicians.

The imaging spectrum of peri-articular inflammatory masses following metal-on-metal hip resurfacing

INTRODUCTION

Resurfacing metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty is increasing in popularity, especially in younger patients. To date, studies indicate that the procedure is associated with a good outcome in the medium-term. Formation of a peri-articuar mass is a rarely reported complication. In this study we analyse the imaging findings in patients with resurfacing implants presenting to our institution with peri-articular masses identified on cross sectional imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with documented peri-articular masses following resurfacing arthroplasty were included. The available imaging related to the masses was reviewed and the findings documented along with the patient's demographics.

RESULTS

There were 10 patients (13 joints). All patients were female. Patients presented with periprosthetic anterior or posterolateral solid and cystic masses. The anterior masses involved psoas muscle and were predominately solid. The posterolateral masses were predominately cystic. In the three cases with bilateral arthroplasties, masses were detected in both hips. Histology in six cases showed features compatible with a type IV hypersensitivity reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The preponderance of females, the bilateral nature of the masses and the histological features suggest that peri-articular masses following resurfacing arthroplasty is due to the metal hypersensitivity.

Retrospective audit of 957 consecutive 18F-FDG PET-CT scans compared to CT and MRI in 493 patients with different histological subtypes of bone and soft tissue sarcoma

Background

The use of ¹⁸F-FDG PET–CT (PET–CT) is widespread in many cancer types compared to sarcoma. We report a large retrospective audit of PET–CT in bone and soft tissue sarcoma with varied grade in a single multi-disciplinary centre. We also sought to answer three questions. Firstly, the correlation between sarcoma sub-type and grade with ¹⁸FDG SUVmax, secondly, the practical uses of PET–CT in the clinical setting of staging (during initial diagnosis), restaging (new baseline prior to definitive intervention) and treatment response. Finally, we also attempted to evaluate the potential additional benefit of PET–CT over concurrent conventional CT and MRI.

Methods

A total of 957 consecutive PET–CT scans were performed in a single supra-regional centre in 493 sarcoma patients (excluding GIST) between 2007 and 2014. We compared, PET–CT SUVmax values in relation to histology and FNCCC grading. We compared PET–CT findings relative to concurrent conventional imaging (MRI and CT) in staging, restaging and treatment responses.

Results

High-grade (II/III) bone and soft tissue sarcoma correlated with high SUVmax, especially undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, translocation induced sarcomas (Ewing, synovial, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma), de-differentiated liposarcoma and osteosarcoma. Lower SUVmax values were observed in sarcomas of low histological grade (grade I), and in rare subtypes of intermediate grade soft tissue sarcoma (e.g. alveolar soft part sarcoma and solitary fibrous tumour). SUVmax variation was noted in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours, compared to the histologically benign plexiform neurofibroma, whereas PET–CT could clearly differentiate low from high-grade chondrosarcoma. We identified added utility of PET–CT in addition to MRI and CT in high-grade sarcoma of bone and soft tissues. An estimated 21% overall potential benefit was observed for PET–CT over CT/MRI, and in particular, in ‘upstaging’ of high-grade disease (from M0 to M1) where an additional 12% of cases were deemed M1 following PET–CT.

Conclusions

PET–CT in high-grade bone and soft tissue sarcoma can add significant benefit to routine CT/MRI staging. Further prospective and multi-centre evaluation of PET–CT is warranted to determine the actual predictive value and cost-effectiveness of PET–CT in directing clinical management of clinically complex and heterogeneous high-grade sarcomas.

Will virtual multidisciplinary team meetings become the norm for musculoskeletal oncology care following the COVID-19 pandemic? - experience from a tertiary sarcoma centre

Background

Like with all cancers, multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings are the norm in bone and soft tissue tumour (BST) management too. Problem in attendance of specialists due to geographical location is the one of the key barriers to effective functioning of MDTs. To overcome this problem, virtual MDTs involving videoconferencing or telemedicine have been proposed, but however this has been seldom used and tested. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the implementation of virtual MDTs in the Oxford sarcoma service in order to maintain normal service provision. We conducted a survey among the participants to evaluate its efficacy.

Methods

An online questionnaire comprising of 24 questions organised into 4 sections was circulated among all participants of the MDT after completion of 8 virtual MDTs. Opinions were sought comparing virtual MDTs to the conventional face-to-face MDTs on various aspects. A total of 36 responses were received and were evaluated.

Results

72.8% were satisfied with the depth of discussion in virtual MDTs and 83.3% felt that the decision-making in diagnosis had not changed following the switch from face-to-face MDTs. About 86% reported to have all essential patient data was available to make decisions and 88.9% were satisfied with the time for discussion of patient issues over virtual platform. Three-fourths of the participants were satisfied (36.1% - highly satisfied; 38.9% - moderately satisfied) with virtual MDTs and 55.6% of them were happy to attend MDTs only by the virtual platform in the future. Regarding future, 77.8% of the participants opined that virtual MDTs would be the future of cancer care and an overwhelming majority (91.7%) felt that the present exercise would serve as a precursor to global MDTs involving specialists from abroad in the future.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the forced switch to virtual MDTs in sarcoma care following the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic to be a viable and effective alternative to conventional face-to-face MDTs. With effective and efficient software in place, virtual MDTs would also facilitate in forming extended MDTs in seeking opinions on complex cases from specialists abroad and can expand cancer care globally.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-020-03925-8.

Five-year outcome of proximal femoral endoprosthetic arthroplasty for non-tumour indications

OBJECTIVES

A possible solution for the management of proximal femoral bone loss is a modular femoral endoprosthesis (EPR). Although the outcome of EPRs in tumour surgery has been well described, the outcome of their use in revision hip surgery has received less attention. The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of using EPR for non-neoplastic indications.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 79 patients who underwent 80 EPRs for non-neoplastic indications was performed, including the rates of complication and survival and the mean Oxford Hip Scores (OHS), at a mean of five years post-operatively. The mean age at the time of surgery was 69 years (28 to 93) and the mean number of previous operations on the hip was 2.4 (0 to 17). The most common indications for EPR implantation were periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (n = 40), periprosthetic fracture (n = 12) and failed osteosynthesis of a proximal femoral fracture or complex trauma (n = 11).

RESULTS

Salvage was achieved in all patients. A total of 25 patients (25 EPRs, 31.6%) had a complication, the most common being infection (n = 9) and dislocation (n = 3). Further surgery was required for 18 EPRs (22%), nine of which were revision procedures. The five year survival of the EPR was 87% (95%CI: 76% to 98%). The mean OHS was 28 (4 to 48). Inferior survival and outcomes were seen in EPRs which were performed for the treatment of infection. However, the eradication of infection was achieved in 33 of the 40 (82.5%) which were undertaken for this indication.

CONCLUSION

We recommend the continued use of proximal femoral EPRs for non-neoplastic indications, including PJI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1463-70.

Ipsilateral vascularised fibular transport for massive defects of the tibia

The ipsilateral and contralateral fibulae have been used as a vascularised bone graft for loss of tibial bone usually by methods which have involved specialised microvascular techniques to preserve or re-establish the blood supply. We have developed a method of tibialisation of the fibula using the Ilizarov fixator system, ipsilateral vascularised fibular transport (IVFT), and have used it in five patients with massive loss of tibial bone after treatment of an open fracture, infected nonunion or chronic osteomyelitis. All had successful transport, proximal and distal union, and hypertrophy of the graft without fracture. One developed a squamous-cell carcinoma which ultimately required amputation of the limb. The advantage of IVFT is that the fibular segment retains its vascularity without the need for microvascular dissection or anastomoses. Superiosteal formation of new bone occurs if the tibial periosteal bed is retained. Other procedures such as corticotomy and lengthening can be carried out concurrently.

Modular endoprosthetic replacement for failed internal fixation of the proximal femur following trauma

PURPOSE

Although originally designed for reconstruction after primary malignant bone tumour resection, modular endoprosthetic replacement (EPR) can be used in salvage surgery for complex periprosthetic fracture and failed internal fixation. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcome following EPR for failed internal fixation of the proximal femur.

METHODS

We assessed clinical and functional outcomes of using a modular tumour endoprosthesis to reconstruct the proximal femur following failed internal fixation in eight consecutive patients between 2001 and 2008.

RESULTS

There were four men and four women, with a mean age of 67.5 (range 50-79) years and a mean follow-up of 16.5 (6-36) months. All patients had failed internal fixation for traumatic proximal femoral fractures--four 31.A2.3, two 31.A3.1, two 31.A3.3 using the Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) fracture classification. Mean time from the first attempted internal fixation to definitive EPR was 34 (6-102) months, and the median number of previous surgical procedures was two (1-11). Histology revealed infection (two cases), uninfected nonunion (five cases) and plasmocytoma (one case). The EPR was carried out as a one-stage procedure in six cases and a two-stage procedure in two cases. Mean postoperative Harris Hip Score was 71.4 (range 64-85). There were no surgical complications. One patient died as a result of systemic complications of myeloma several years following EPR.

CONCLUSIONS

EPR is an effective salvage procedure for failed fixation of traumatic proximal femoral fractures. Immediate weightbearing and a good functional outcome can be expected in this difficult group of patients.

Primary synovial chondromatosis: a reassessment of malignant potential in 155 cases

OBJECTIVE

Primary synovial chondromatosis (PSC) is a rare disorder characterised by cartilage formation in synovium-lined joints, tendon sheaths and bursae. It is thought that PSC cartilage arises from the proliferation of mesenchymal cells, which exhibit cartilaginous metaplasia in subintimal connective tissue. There are reports of transformation of PSC to chondrosarcoma, although the precise incidence and nature of this complication is uncertain. In this study we carried out a retrospective review PSC to determine the incidence of sarcomatous change in this condition, in addition to the clinical, radiological and pathological features that characterise this complication

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed 155 cases of PSC and identified 4 cases (3 in the hip joint; 1 in the elbow joint) of aggressive behaviour and chondrosarcoma-like histology.

RESULTS

Radiologically, these cases were all reported as showing features consistent with PSC and aggressive extra-articular soft tissue/bone involvement. Histologically, in addition to typical features of PSC, there was morphological evidence of peri-articular soft tissue and, in 2 cases, bone involvement by an infiltrating cartilaginous tumour. These tumours all behaved as locally aggressive neoplasms and did not give rise to metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that chondrosarcoma arises infrequently in PSC (approximately 2.5 %), and that this complication occurs most commonly in the hip joint (approximately 11 % of cases of hip PSC). These tumours behaved mainly as low-grade, locally aggressive tumours analogous to atypical cartilaginous tumour of bone/grade 1 chondrosarcoma of bone.

Durable Response of Spinal Chordoma to Combined Inhibition of IGF-1R and EGFR

Chordomas are rare primary malignant bone tumors arising from embryonal notochord remnants of the axial skeleton. Chordomas commonly recur following surgery and radiotherapy, and there is no effective systemic therapy. Previous studies implicated receptor tyrosine kinases, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R), in chordoma biology. We report an adult female patient who presented in 2003 with spinal chordoma, treated with surgery and radiotherapy. She underwent further surgery for recurrent chordoma in 2008, with subsequent progression in pelvic deposits. In June 2009, she was recruited onto the Phase I OSI-906-103 trial of EGFR inhibitor erlotinib with linsitinib, a novel inhibitor of IGF-1R/insulin receptor (INSR). Treatment with 100 mg QD erlotinib and 50 mg QD linsitinib was well-tolerated, and after 18 months a partial response was achieved by RECIST criteria. From 43 months, a protocol modification allowed intra-patient linsitinib dose escalation to 50 mg BID. The patient remained stable on trial treatment for a total of 5 years, discontinuing treatment in August 2014. She subsequently experienced further disease progression for which she underwent pelvic surgery in April 2015. Analysis of DNA extracted from 2008 (pre-trial) tissue showed that the tumor harbored wild-type EGFR, and a PIK3CA mutation was detected in plasma, but not tumor DNA. The 2015 (post-trial) tumor harbored a mutation of uncertain significance in ATM, with no detectable mutations in other components of a 50 gene panel, including EGFR, PIK3CA, and TP53. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor was positive for brachyury, the molecular hallmark of chordoma, and showed weak–moderate membrane and cytoplasmic EGFR. IGF-1R was detected in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm and was expressed more strongly in recurrent tumor than the primary. We also noted heterogeneous nuclear IGF-1R, which has been linked with sensitivity to IGF-1R inhibition. Similar variation in IGF-1R expression and subcellular localization was noted in 15 further cases of chordoma. In summary, this exceptionally durable response suggests that there may be merit in evaluating combined IGF-1R/INSR and EGFR inhibition in patients with chordomas that recur following failure of local treatment.

Admission avoidance and early discharge of acute hospital admissions: an accident and emergency based scheme

OBJECTIVES

To validate an accident and emergency (A&E) based approach to assisting early discharge or avoiding admission to acute hospital beds by means of two separate teams, one in hospital and the other in the community, working closely together at the interface between primary and secondary health care.

DESIGN

A purpose designed admission avoidance (AA) team was established in the A&E department, and a target group of patients identified whose admissions might be avoided or curtailed. A rapid response community team (RRCT) based in Cambridge was also established to provide basic health care to patients in their homes after discharge from hospital. The key elements of the project were rapid assessment, careful selection of patients, early decision making at senior level, and close liaison with the community team.

RESULTS

During the first year (1999) of the project the AA team assessed 785 patients and 257 patients were eventually discharged home to the care of the RRCT. Of these, 149 patients (58%) were comparable to a historical control group (from 1997/98), with regard to their demographic and clinical characteristics and care needs, and had an average length of hospital stay of 1.7 days compared with 6.3 days for the control group. The remaining 108 patients were not directly comparable but were supported by the teams because the benefits were clear and exclusion would have been unethical. These patients had an average length of stay of seven days. The readmission rate was 3 of 257(1.2%) for the intervention group and 8 of 531(1.5%) for the control group. A limited patient satisfaction survey among patients cared for at home revealed that 97% of patients were "satisfied to very satisfied" with the care provided. The RRCT had also looked after an additional 194 patients from other sources (total = 451), including postoperative orthopaedic early discharges from an adjacent hospital. The average length of care at home by the RRCT for all 451 patients was 6.6 days. The annual cost of the two teams was pound 113,900.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that an A&E based approach to the identification of patients suitable for short-term domiciliary support that aims rapidly to restore previous levels of independence, can reduce the burden of acute admissions to hospital without reducing quality of care or patient satisfaction. The scheme has now been established on a permanent basis and extension of this strategy to other patient groups is under evaluation.

Primary stability of a short bone-conserving femoral stem

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the stability of a new short femoral stem compared with a conventional femoral stem in patients undergoing cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA), in a prospective randomized controlled trial using radiostereometric analysis (RSA).

Patients and Methods

A total of 53 patients were randomized to receive cementless THA with either a short femoral stem (MiniHip, 26 patients, mean age: 52 years, nine male) or a conventional length femoral stem (MetaFix, 23 patients, mean age: 53 years, 11 male). All patients received the same cementless acetabular component. Two-year follow-up was available on 38 patients. Stability was assessed through migration and dynamically inducible micromotion. Radiographs for RSA were taken postoperatively and at three, six, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Results

At two years, there was significantly less subsidence (inferior migration) of the short femoral stem (head, 0.26 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08 to 0.43, sd 0.38; tip, 0.11 mm, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.31, sd 0.42) compared with the conventional stem (head, 0.62 mm, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.90, sd 0.56, p = 0.02; tip, 0.43 mm, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.65, sd 0.44, p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in dynamically inducible micromotion, rate of complications or functional outcome.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the short femoral stem has a stable and predictable migration. However, longer-term survival analysis still needs to be determined. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1148–56.

The treatment of femoral neuropathy due to pseudotumour caused by metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasty

Concerns now exist about the long-term biological effects of exposure to orthopaedic metal alloys, particularly serum cobalt and chromium ions derived from metal-on-metal wear debris in these patients. A pseudotumour mass complicating metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasty has been recognized by orthopaedic oncologists and specialist hip units. Pseudotumours may also present with a major nerve palsy. Two cases of femoral neuropathy due to pseudotumour masses caused by metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasty are presented. Preoperative neurophysiological studies showed severe and irreversible pathological changes to nerve function with neurohistopathological evidence of complete nerve destruction with a previously unreported pathological appearance. This may represent a previously unrecognized pathological process, possibly 'toxic' in nature, resulting from metal-on-metal wear debris. Prolonged follow-up and detailed clinical assessment of patients after hip resurfacing arthroplasty is advocated with planned and expeditious revision of any patient in whom evidence of femoral neuropathy develops.

Clinical Outcome of Massive Endoprostheses Used for Managing Periprosthetic Joint Infections of the Hip and Knee

BACKGROUND

Endoprosthetic replacement (EPR) is an option for management of massive bone loss resulting from infection around failed lower limb implants. The aim of this study is to determine the mid-term outcome of EPRs performed in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and infected failed osteosyntheses around the hip and knee joint and identify factors that influence it.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all hip and knee EPRs performed between 2007 and 2014 for the management of chronic infection following complex arthroplasty or fracture fixation. Data recorded included indication for EPR, number of previous surgeries, comorbidities, and organism identified. Outcome measures included PJI eradication rate, complications, implant survival, mortality, and functional outcome (Oxford Hip or Knee Score).

RESULTS

Sixty-nine EPRs (29 knees and 40 hips) were performed with a mean age of 68 years (43-92). Polymicrobial growth was detected in 36% of cases, followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (28%) and Staphylococcus aureus (10%). Recurrence of infection occurred in 19 patients (28%): 5 were treated with irrigation and debridement, 5 with revision, 1 with above-knee amputation, and 8 remain on long-term antibiotics. PJI eradication was achieved in 50 patients (72%); the chance of PJI eradication was greater in hips (83%) than in knees (59%) (P = .038). The 5-year implant survivorship was 81% (95% confidence interval 74-88). The mean Oxford Hip Score and Oxford Knee Score were 22 (4-39) and 21 (6-43), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the use of EPRs for eradication of PJI in complex, multiply revised cases. We describe PJI eradication rate of 72% with acceptable functional outcome.

Ipsilateral vascularised fibular transport for massive defects of the tibia

The ipsilateral and contralateral fibulae have been used as a vascularised bone graft for loss of tibial bone usually by methods which have involved specialised microvascular techniques to preserve or re-establish the blood supply.

We have developed a method of tibialisation of the fibula using the Ilizarov fixator system, ipsilateral vascularised fibular transport (IVFT), and have used it in five patients with massive loss of tibial bone after treatment of an open fracture, infected nonunion or chronic osteomyelitis. All had successful transport, proximal and distal union, and hypertrophy of the graft without fracture. One developed a squamous-cell carcinoma which ultimately required amputation of the limb.

The advantage of IVFT is that the fibular segment retains its vascularity without the need for microvascular dissection or anastomoses. Superiosteal formation of new bone occurs if the tibial periosteal bed is retained. Other procedures such as corticotomy and lengthening can be carried out concurrently.

Service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experience from The Oxford Bone Tumour and Soft Tissue Sarcoma service

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic has caused an unprecedented strain on healthcare systems across the globe. Apart from being a major hurdle to delivery of basic healthcare services, this may be associated with potential harm for cancer patients. Usually being immunocompromised, cancer patients are at a higher risk of contracting the disease and with hospitals being a potential source of the infection, an urgent need to reorganise the structure of delivery of cancer care is essential. Cancer departments must balance patient care whilst also minimising transmission among patients and healthcare professionals. The Oxford Sarcoma Service was re-structured based on the guidelines issued by the National Health Service (NHS) and the British Orthopaedic Oncology Society (BOOS) to deliver unhindered care to patients. Prioritising patients who needed urgent surgery, weighing the risk-benefit ratio while delivering adjuvant treatments and conducting regular virtual multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings combined with personal protection equipment (PPE) usage by all involved healthcare workers were salient features in terms of ensuring the delivery of effective care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our new model of modus operandi during this global crisis was effective in delivering high standard of care to patients and might serve as a guide to similar units managing bone and soft tissue tumours.

Metastatic bone disease: Have we improved after a decade of guidelines?

Objectives

Guidelines for the management of patients with metastatic bone disease (MBD) have been available to the orthopaedic community for more than a decade, with little improvement in service provision to this increasingly large patient group. Improvements in adjuvant and neo-adjuvant treatments have increased both the number and overall survival of patients living with MBD. As a consequence the incidence of complications of MBD presenting to surgeons has increased and is set to increase further. The British Orthopaedic Oncology Society (BOOS) are to publish more revised detailed guidelines on what represents ‘best practice’ in managing patients with MBD. This article is designed to coincide with and publicise new BOOS guidelines and once again champion the cause of patients with MBD.

Methods

A series of short cases highlight common errors frequently being made in managing patients with MBD despite the availability of guidelines.

Results

Despite guidelines for the management of patients with MBD being available for more than a decade basic errors in management continue to be made, affecting patient survival and quality of life.

Conclusions

It is hoped that by publicising the new BOOS guidelines the management of patients with MBD will improve over the next decade, significantly more than it has over the last decade.