Aggressive Benign Bone Tumors Research Articles

May bone cement be used to treat benign aggressive bone tumors of the feet with confidence?

Using bone cement for the reconstruction of defects created after curettage of benign aggressive bone tumors is among acceptable methods. The study aimed to assess the effect of bone cement used in aggressive bone tumors in the feet on the function of the feet. Five patients were reviewed. They were treated between 2004 and 2010. Three cases were female and two male. Their age ranged from 16 to 55 with an average of 34.8. Follow up period ranged from 14 to 86 months with an average of 34. Two cases were giant cell tumor of bone located in calcaneus and 3 were solid variant aneurysmal bone cyst located in talus, navicular and first proximal phalanx. None had any previous treatment. A biopsy was done in all cases. Treatment was curettage, high speed burring (except phalanx case), and filling the cavity with bone cement. The case located in talus recurred and re-operated 1 year later doing the same procedure. Final evaluation included physical examination, X-ray and Maryland Foot Score.No recurrence was present in the final evaluation. No problems were detected related to bone cement. Maryland Foot Scores ranged 84–100, average of 94. Cement integrity was not disturbed. The procedure is found not to effect foot functions adversely.

Over 10-year follow-up of functional outcome in patients with bone tumors reconstructed using distraction osteogenesis

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the long-term functional capabilities of patients who underwent bone distraction for the treatment of bone defects caused by bone tumor excision. MethodsBone distraction was indicated for patients with stage IIB malignant bone tumors when chemotherapy was judged to be effective and an epiphysis could be preserved or for patients with low-grade or aggressive benign bone tumors. Twenty-two patients who underwent reconstruction with bone distraction and were followed up for at least 10years were retrospectively investigated. Patients included 8 males and 14 females, with a mean age of 25.3years. Tumor types included seven osteosarcomas, two osteofibrous dysplasias, one Ewing’s sarcoma, five low-grade osteosarcomas, two adamantinomas, and five giant cell tumors. Chemotherapy was performed during bone distraction in 8 cases. Bone transport was used in 17 cases, while shortening distraction was used in 5 cases. ResultsThe mean distraction length was 8.1cm, and the mean external fixation period was 301days. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (used to measure functional outcome) was 91.5% at mean follow-up of 202months. Fourteen patients were able to play sports without any difficulty. ConclusionsEpiphyseal preservation and reconstruction by bone distraction require both time and effort, but can provide excellent long-term outcomes, resulting in a stable reconstruction that functionally restores the natural limb.

Der proximale und komplette Femurersatz

Reconstruction of segmental bone defects of the proximal femur following wide tumor resection or revision arthroplasty. Aggressive benign or primary malignant bone tumors of the proximal femur; destructive metastases; massive segmental bone defects of the proximal femur; periprosthetic fractures. Local infection; very short life expectancy (< 3months); massive deficiency of acetabular bone stock. Anterolateral approach. Exposure and detachment of the iliopsoas and gluteus medius muscle from the proximal femur with a sufficient safety margin to the bone; distal transsection of the vastus lateralis/intermedius and rectus femoris muscle according to the extraosseous tumor extension; distal femur osteotomy al least 3cm beyond the farthest point of tumor extension; in case of total femur replacement, additional lateral arthrotomy of the knee with resection of the ligaments and menisci; reaming of the medullary canal after securing the shaft with a Verbrugge clamp; trial assembly and reduction followed by the definitive implantation of the prosthesis with adjustment of the femoral neck anteversion in 5° increments; soft tissue reconstruction and fixation to an attachment tube covering the prosthesis; in case of total femur replacement, the preparation of the tibia is followed by the coupling of the tibial and femoral components. Infection prophylaxis, 20kg partial weight bearing, continuous passive motion. A total of 20 patients with proximal femur replacement and 2patients with total femur replacement implanted between June 2007 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Three patients had primary malignant bone tumors, while 19patients underwent resection for metastatic disease. The mean age at surgery was 62.0 ± 18.1years (18-82years). Fifteen patients with a mean follow-up of 20.3 ± 17.2months (4-51months) were studied. Among the 22cases, periprosthetic infection occurred in 3patients (13.6%), dislocation in 2patients (9.1%). Evaluation of the functional outcome in 15patients using the MSTS score by Enneking revealed 3very good (20%), 4good (26.7%), 6fair (40%), and 2poor (13.3%) results.

Stro‐1+ stromal cells have stem‐like features in giant cell tumor of bone

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is an aggressive benign bone tumor with poor prognosis whose neoplastic component is stromal cells (SCs). Tumor stem-like cells (TSCs) have been demonstrated as precursors for tumor genesis and growth. The aim of this study is to identify TSCs in GCTB. Stro-1(+) and Stro-1(-) cells were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Stem-like properties of both Stro-1(+) and Stro-1(-) subpopulations were assessed using MTT colorimetric assays, cell cycle analyses, sphere formation assays, and differentiation assays. Molecular profiles were analyzed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR. The existence of rare Stro-1(+) cells was confirmed in vitro using FACS and in vivo by immunohistochemistry. These Stro-1(+) cells exhibited higher proliferative and cisplatin-resistant potentials than Stro-1(-) cells. In serum-free suspension cultures, Stro-1(+) SCs could form cell spheres and maintain self-renewal. Furthermore, Stro-1(+) SCs could differentiate into two mesenchymal lineage cells: osteoblasts and adipocytes. Cell surface markers CD44, CD117, and CD133 and stem cell-associated genes OCT3/4, NANOG, and ABCG2 were significantly higher in the Stro-1(+) subpopulation. This study demonstrates that Stro-1(+) SCs in GCTB possess stem-like biological and molecular phenotypes, indicating that they are the TSCs of GCTB.

Comparison of Phenol and Argon Beam Coagulation as Adjuvant Therapies in the Treatment of Stage 2 and 3 Benign–Aggressive Bone Tumors

Argon beam photocoagulation has gained popularity as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of giant cell tumors of bone and other stage 2 or 3 benign-aggressive bone tumors. Although argon beam photocoagulation has been considered a safe and reasonable adjuvant treatment with acceptable recurrence rates, it has never been directly compared with the commonly described phenol as adjuvant. The purpose of this study was to determine whether argon beam photocoagulation is as effective as phenol in preventing recurrence without affecting functional outcome as an adjuvant to surgical curettage. We retrospectively reviewed 93 consecutive patients with a minimum 10-month follow-up between 1992 and 2007 who were treated with curettage and either phenol or argon beam photocoagulation. Functional outcomes and complications were recorded. Overall, 16 (17.2%) of 93 patients who were initially treated with 1 of the adjuvants had pathologically confirmed recurrences. No additional recurrences were noted after retreatment, leading to an overall recurrence rate of 17.1% with phenol and 14.8% with argon beam photocoagulation (P=.726). While avoiding the toxic effects of phenol, argon beam photocoagulation provides for statistically equivalent recurrence rates, functional outcomes, and complication rates in the treatment of benign-aggressive bone tumors.

How to Overcome Complications of Allograft Transplantation?

Allograft reconstruction is one of the functional reconstructive options, as a biologic reconstructive alternative to the bone defect in limb salvage surgery. However, allograft transplantation after malignant bone tumor and aggressive benign bone tumor have shown a high rate of complications. Mankin et al reported the complications of allograft in 870 massive frozen cadevaric allografts over a long term. During the first 3 years complications including fracture (19%), nonunion (17%) and infection (11%) before achieving stability with their grafts. Many other authors reported similar results concerning complication after allograft reconstruction. The most common causes of graft failure are limited incorporaOriginal Article J Korean Bone Joint Tumor Soc 2011; 17: 65-72 • http://dx.doi.org/10.5292/jkbjts.2011.17.2.65 www.kbjts.or.kr

Résumés des communications

Using bone cement for the reconstruction of defects created after curettage of benign aggressive bone tumors is among acceptable methods. The study aimed to assess the effect of bone cement used in aggressive bone tumors in the feet on the function of the feet. Five patients were reviewed. They were treated between 2004 and 2010. Three cases were female and two male. Their age ranged from 16 to 55 with an average of 34.8. Follow up period ranged from 14 to 86 months with an average of 34. Two cases were giant cell tumor of bone located in calcaneus and 3 were solid variant aneurysmal bone cyst located in talus, navicular and first proximal phalanx. None had any previous treatment. A biopsy was done in all cases. Treatment was curettage, high speed burring (except phalanx case), and filling the cavity with bone cement. The case located in talus recurred and re-operated 1 year later doing the same procedure. Final evaluation included physical examination, X-ray and Maryland Foot Score.No recurrence was present in the final evaluation. No problems were detected related to bone cement. Maryland Foot Scores ranged 84–100, average of 94. Cement integrity was not disturbed. The procedure is found not to effect foot functions adversely.

Radiographic analysis of extracorporeally irradiated autografts

To analyse the long-term radiographic findings of intercalary, pure osteoarticular, and composite bone grafts in patients with primary bone sarcoma who were treated by reimplantation of the bone as an orthotopic autograft. For this observational clinical study, 107 patients who presented with 108 malignant or locally aggressive benign bone tumours were treated by resection, extracorporeal irradiation (300 Gy), and reimplantation and fixation of the autograft. Bone healing features were evaluated with the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) graft evaluation method, which assesses fusion, resorption, fracture, graft shortening, fixation, subluxation, joint narrowing, and subchondral bone. A description of normal and abnormal healing patterns and complications comprised the secondary endpoint. Seventy-seven patients with complete radiographic data were selected for review. The mean ISOLS score was 78.2% (range 25.0-100%, median 79.2%). Three patient subgroups were created: intercalary graft, pure osteoarticular graft, and composite reconstruction consisting of an intercalary graft augmented with a prosthesis; the mean ISOLS scores were 81.3%, 70.7%, and 77.4%, respectively. Each item was scored individually, and no significant difference was observed (P = 0.225). This reconstruction technique is valid for the three methods described; bone stock is retained and, once the graft has healed, it behaves as normal bone. Close radiographic follow-up detects complications early, allowing timely interventions if necessary.

Composite Ceramic Bone Graft Substitute in the Treatment of Locally Aggressive Benign Bone Tumours

To report the use of a composite ceramic bone graft substitute containing calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite (HA) in the treatment of large expansive osteolytic benign bone tumours. 4 women and 9 men aged 8 to 49 (mean, 22) years with aneurysmal bone cysts (n=6) or giant cell tumours (n=7) in the epi- or meta-physeal areas of the lower limbs underwent curettage, phenolisation, and filling with bone graft substitute containing calcium sulphate and HA. The mean tumour size was 38.5 (range, 18-65) ml. The patients were followed up for a mean of 41 (range, 33-52) months. Range of movement, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Rating Score (MTSRS), and haematological and blood biochemical parameters were measured. Two patients had recurrence at 7 and 9 months, both progressed to grade-III giant cell tumours. One underwent revision with an iliac crest autograft, whereas the other underwent en bloc excision and prosthetic replacement. The 11 other lesions displayed clinical and radiological consolidation at a mean of 4.6 (range, 3-7) months. No restriction of range of movement was observed, except in the patient undergoing prosthetic replacement. The mean MTSRS was 96% (range, 83-100%) of that expected for normal function. During the follow-up period, haematological and blood biochemical parameters stayed within normal limits. Composite bioceramic osteoconductive grafts, which combine porous HA with calcium sulphate, provide a framework for human osteogenesis and avoid donor-site morbidity (autologous bone graft harvesting). Tumour recurrence remains a major concern especially in young patients, as revision invariably requires removal of additional bone, potentially compromising joint integrity.

Use of the Argon Beam Coagulator as an Adjuvant for Treating Bone Tumors

Summary: Argon beam coagulation is becoming a user-friendly, safe adjuvant for treatment of benign aggressive bone tumors, despite little scientific literature available pertaining to the use of the device for bone tumors. It is becoming a part of the orthopaedic oncologist armamentarium used in treating bone tumors with a documented high rate of local recurrence. Our goal is to discuss the literature available on this technique as it applies to other surgical fields and to demonstrate how this modality can be applied to orthopaedic surgery. Further basic science research is necessary to better understand the overall safety and efficacy of this technique when applied for bone procedures.

Reconstruction of Noncontained Proximal Tibial Defects with Divergent Screws and Cement

Postoperative fracture is a well described complication following curettage and cementation of aggressive benign bone tumors. We asked whether: (1) the addition of diverging screws that engage the opposite cortex increase the strength and rigidity of the construct in the proximal tibia compared with (a) cement alone and (b) would cement with intramedullary Steinmann pins; and (2) the modes of failure be different for those constructs. The average load to failure for tibias reconstructed with cement augmented with diverging screws (6321 +/- 681 N) was higher than for tibias reconstructed with cement alone (2343 +/- 222 N). The average load to failure for tibias reconstructed with cement augmented with diverging screws (6885 +/- 445 N) was higher than for tibias reconstructed with cement and intramedullary Steinmann pins (5218 +/- 941 N). Furthermore, constructs with cement augmented with diverging screws were less likely to fail by an intraarticular fracture than other types of constructs. Our data support the use of diverging screws that engage the opposite cortex to augment the strength of the construct when using acrylic cement to fill noncontained defects after curettage of the proximal tibia. This more stable, stronger construct might allow earlier mobilization and rehabilitation after curettage, with a decreased risk of fracture.

Construct validity of the Enneking score for measuring function in patients with malignant or aggressive benign tumours of the upper limb

We evaluated the construct validity of the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society rating scale (Enneking score) as a functional measure for patients with sarcoma involving the upper limb. We compared the Enneking score by examining the correlation between two patient-derived outcome measures, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) as indicators of functional status in 40 patients with malignant or aggressive benign bone and soft-tissue tumours of the upper limb who had undergone surgical treatment. The frequency distributions were similar among the three scoring systems. As for the validity, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of the Enneking score to the DASH questionnaire was -0.79 and that of the Enneking to the SF-36 subscales ranged from 0.38 to 0.60. Despite being a measure from the surgeon's perspective, the Enneking score was shown to be a valid indicator of physical disability in patients with malignant or aggressive benign tumours of the upper limb and reflected their opinion.

Intercalary femur and tibia segmental allografts provide an acceptable alternative in reconstructing tumor resections.

Intercalary femur and tibia segmental allografts were implanted in 59 consecutive patients after segmental resection-52 for malignant and seven for benign aggressive bone tumors. The patients were followed up for an average of 5 years. Allograft survival was determined with the Kaplan-Meier method. Infection, fracture, and nonunion rates were determined. The overall 5-year survivorship for the 59 intercalary allografts was 79%, and we found no significant differences between allograft survival in patients receiving or not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Infection and fracture rates were 5% and 7% respectively. From 118 host-donor junctions, 11 did not initially heal (9%). The nonunion rate (10 of 69 osteotomies) for diaphyseal junctions was higher than the rate (one of 49 osteotomies) for metaphyseal junctions. Although some patients required reoperations because of allograft complications, it seems that the use of intercalary allograft clearly has a place in the reconstruction of a segmental defect created by the resection of a tumor in the diaphyseal and /or metaphyseal portion of the femur or tibia.

Closed argon-based cryoablation of bone tumours.

We report our experience with a new technique for cryosurgical ablation of bone tumours which allows accurate determination of the temperature and freezing time within a cavity of any geometrical shape. Between 1997 and 2000, 58 patients diagnosed with 13 malignant and 45 aggressive benign bone tumours underwent argon-based cryoablation. This technique includes removal of the tumour by curettage and filling the cavity with a gel medium into which metal probes are inserted. Argon gas is delivered through the metal probes and both time and temperature are computer-controlled. After formal reconstruction, all patients were followed for more than two years. None had skin necrosis, infection, neurapraxia or thromboembolic complication. Fractures occurred in two patients (3.4%) and the tumour recurred in two patients (3.4%).

The Saddle prosthesis in periacetabular tumours

The Saddle endoprosthesis provides a means of establishing a stable and mobile articulation between the femur and a partially resected pelvis. Six patients with malignant or aggressive benign bone tumours underwent resection and replacement with custom-made Saddle endoprosthesis. Wide margin was achieved in four cases and marginal margin in two. Follow-up ranged from 24 to 41 months. All the six patients were then alive, five being disease-free. One patient developed deep infection and local recurrence necessitating removal of the prosthesis. The functional results were either excellent or good in five patients.

Semistructural allografting in bone defects after curettage.

A variety of aggressive benign bone tumors often require wide bone and soft tissue excision for adequate local control, but this creates a large defect and a seriously weakened extremity. Restoration of limb function presents a difficult problem. The treatment of 104 patients with space occupying lesions of the long bone were analyzed. Deep-frozen (-70 degrees C) cortical strut allografts with or without allogeneic cancellous bone graft were implanted into the defects after extensive intralesional curettage. Thirty-six patients had fibrous dysplasias, 29 unicameral bone cysts, 22 giant cell tumors, 12 aneurysmal bone cysts, 3 benign fibrous histiocytomas, and 2 ossifying fibromas. Fifty-six patients had pathologic fracture. The average volume after curettage was 210 ml (range 60-460 ml). The average follow-up period was 50 months. At follow-up evaluation, the radiographs demonstrated complete incorporation of the allogeneic implant and new bone formation in the cavity in 83% of the patients (86/104). All fractures healed. There was no local recurrence or fracture of the cortical graft; neither were there other serious complications except one avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Good or excellent functional results were found in 97% (101/104) of the patients. For large osseous defects, the reconstructive technique using cortical stent allograft provides increased strength, easy fixation, remodeling of the cystic defect, and healing of the fracture and prevents deformity. However, remodeling occurs slowly and may never be complete.

Surgery for locally aggressive bone tumours.

Treatment of 16 patients with aggressive benign bone tumours and one patient with a low grade malignancy with a combined regimen of cryosurgery, phenolization and acrylic cementation is reported. Patients were aged between 9 and 51 years and were treated by this method between the years 1986 and 1993. Minimal follow up was 13 months. The commonest histological diagnosis was giant cell tumour (7), followed by aneurysmal bone cyst (6), chondromyxoidfibroma (3) and low grade chondrosarcoma (1). Patients were assessed for functional outcome and local recurrence. On average 86 per cent of premorbid function was restored at follow up and there was one local recurrence (6.29 per cent). We conclude that this is a satisfactory method of gaining local control of these tumours.

En bloc resections of bone tumors of the thoracolumbar spine. A preliminary report on 29 patients.

Twenty-nine patients with primary bone tumors and solitary metastases of the thoracolumbar spine treated with en bloc resection are reviewed retrospectively. To demonstrate the possibility to apply in the spine the same principles of surgical oncology adopted for primary bone tumors of the limbs. The surgical oncologic staging systems currently applied in limb tumor surgery are difficult to apply to spinal tumors. The anatomic conditions make extralesional surgery difficult or impossible, which has restrained a more common use of resection surgery in the spine. Focus is put on a new surgical staging system and en bloc vertebral resection. Twenty-five primary malignant and aggressive benign bone tumors and four solitary metastases were treated. The patients were submitted to oncologic and surgical staging for surgical planning. The primary tumors were classified according to Enneking system: three Stage IA, six Stage IB, eight Stage IIB, eight Stage 3 benign. Staging according to the Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini system was also done. Thirteen lesions involved the vertebral body; nine lesions developed in the posterior arch, or part of it, and seven lesions occupied part of the body and part of the arch. A careful anesthesiologic evaluation was performed as well as a continuous intraoperative on-line monitoring of the vital parameters. The en bloc resections (multisegmental in five patients) were performed in 10 thoracic, in 16 lumbar, in two thoracolumbar lesions, and in one lumbosacral lesion. Reconstruction was performed, aiming to replace the resected columns. The specimens were submitted to histologic study of the margins. All the patients were followed, and their status was defined on clinical and imaging studies. In 20 patients, a wide margin was achieved, in eight a marginal margin, in one an intralesional margin. The margin was contaminated in seven patients. Surgical time was 3-21 hours (average, 12 hours). No patient died during surgery or from surgical complications. Three mechanical failures of the implants required additional surgery. One deep infection arose. The only neurologic problems observed were related to the nerve roots sectioned for oncologic purpose. No local recurrence was found at follow-up evaluation after 6-134 months (average, 30 months). En bloc resection can be performed in selected tumors of the spine; the indication to such major surgery must be based on the oncologic stage, and the procedure must be carefully planned. For this purpose, the Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini system could be a helpful tool. Long-term results must be weighed before a definitive statement of the indications can be made.

Resection Arthrodesis of the Knee with an Intercalary Allograft*

Thirty-nine patients who had a malignant or an aggressive benign bone tumor about the knee were managed with a resection arthrodesis with use of an intercalary allograft fixed with an intramedullary nail. In thirty-one patients, this was the method chosen for the initial reconstruction after resection of the tumor. In eight patients, another type of reconstruction had already failed. Both the proximal and the distal allograft-host junction healed and the functional outcome was satisfactory in thirty-two patients. Non-union developed in seven patients: at one junction in six patients and at both junctions in one. In five patients, the non-union healed after bone-grafting, repeat internal fixation, or replacement of the allograft. An above-the-knee amputation was done for two patients, both of whom had had a chronic non-union. One patient had a local recurrence, and it was treated with an above-the-knee amputation.

Allograft Transplantation in Aggressive or Malignant Bone Tumors

Twenty-three patients with aggressive benign or malignant bone tumors had segmental allograft replacements after resection of the tumors. The mean age of the patients was 30 years of age. The mean length of the allografts was 14 cm. The allografts consisted of intercalary allograft (5), allograft arthrodesis (12), and allograft-prosthetic composite (6). Intramedullary fixation with or without additional compression plate was used to osteosynthesize all the osteotomy sites with the exception of one in which a long nail plate was used. A supplement of autogeneic bone grafts at the allograft-host junction was performed in 18 patients. Seven patients received preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy for high grade sarcomas. At an average follow-up period of four years, 78% of the patients had excellent or good results. The union rate of the grafts was 86%. Supplement with autografts shortened the union time of the allograft from 15 to eight months. One patient had a tumor recurrence and one died of the disease. Other complications included one delayed union, two nonunions of the allograft, two late infections, and one neuropathy. Allograft transplantation is an acceptable method for tumor reconstruction. The adjuvant chemotherapy did not have significant adverse effects on its outcome. Complications that relate to allografting are common, but most of them are salvageable.