[Lipoblastoma and lipoblastomatosis: especially in children]

Lipoblastoma and lipoblastomatosis are rare benign fatty tumours that mainly occur in children under the age of 3 years. Several body sites can be affected. The term 'lipoblastoma' is reserved for an encapsulated neoplasm; 'lipoblastomatosis' for tumours demonstrating infiltrative growth. Most of the clinical symptoms arise from a mass effect of the tumour on surrounding tissues. The tumours should be differentiated from lipoma, myxoid liposarcoma and hibernoma. A clear distinction can be made by cytogenetic analysis, since each of these tumours is known for its own typical genetic abnormalities. In lipoblastoma and lipoblastomatosis, these include a breakpoint in the 8q11-13 region or polysomy of chromosome 8, both leading to the activation of the oncogenic pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) on 8q12. Treatment consists of surgical resection; there is no need for radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Clinical outcome depends on the completeness of the resection and damage that is done to the surrounding tissues during surgery.

Anatomical study of the sesamoid bones of the first metatarsal

The authors undertake an anatomical study of the sesamoid apparatus to determine its mechanical functions. The intersesamoid ligament is of particular interest, since its functions are diverse and complex. The sesamoid apparatus appears to coordinate the various forces that converge upon the forefoot into the great toe. The apparatus then seems to form part of a catapult that assists propulsion.