Limb Salvage Surgery Research Articles

The anti-infective outcomes of the distal femoral replacement coated with antibiotic cement in limb salvage surgery: A randomized clinical trial.

Background:The aim of this study was to observe the anti-infective effect of the distal femoral tumor prosthesis coated with antibiotic cement during limb salvage treatment, and evaluate its potential prospect in clinic.Methods:In this randomized controlled trial, the en bloc resection and reconstruction were performed in 36 patients with distal femoral primary bone tumor. Patients were divided into 2 groups randomly according to the application of antibiotic bone cement coating, which included antibiotic cement coating group (16 cases) and control group (18 cases). There were 10 men and 6 women in anti-infection group, aged from 18 to 54 years (23.47 ± 3.53), and there were 12 men and 6 women in control group, aged from 19 to 56 years (24.16 ± 4.32). The tumor type, age, sex, and Enneking stage were enrolled with well-matched of the 2 groups of patients. There was no difference between bundles and routine standard care for each group. The antibiotic cement was coated on the surface of polyethylene jacket with punched holes during operation. The peri-prosthetic infection, local recurrence and distant metastasis were followed up and limb functions were evaluated by Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93 (MSTS93) scoring system.Results:Patients were followed up till 34.7 months (range 18∼62 months). There was no periprosthetic infection in anti-infection group. Four cases in control group showed deep infection. Infection rate had significant differences between the 2 groups (P < .05). Infection-related prosthesis mortality was 0% (0/16) in anti-infection group and 16.67% (3/18) in control group. Local recurrence and distant metastasis occurred in 7 of 34 patients with primary malignant bone tumor, wherein 2 cases of local recurrence and 1 cases of distant metastasis occurred in anti-infective group; 2 cases of local recurrence and 2 cases of distant metastasis occurred in the control group. During a latest follow-up, MSTS93 function scoring revealed a mean of 25.6 ± 4.2 in anti-infection group and 18.5 ± 3.3 in control group. The survival rate of anti-infective group is 75%, and the survival rate of control group is 61.11%.Conclusion:The antibiotic cement-coated technique on the surface of the polyethylene jacket of custom-made distal femoral prosthesis is simple and effective in controlling the periprosthetic infection after tumor prosthesis reconstruction.

Norwegian Open Fracture Management System: Outcomes After 10 Years Working in Low-Resource Settings in Cambodian Hospitals.

The treatment of open lower limb fractures represents a major challenge for any trauma surgeon, and this even more so in resource-limited areas. The aim of the study is to describe the intervention, report the treatment plan, and observe the effectiveness of the Norwegian Open Fracture Management System in saving lower limbs in rural settings. A retrospective and prospective interventional study was carried out in the period 2011 through 2017 in six rural hospitals in Cambodia. The fractures were managed with locally produced external fixators and orthosis developed in 2007. Based on skills and living locations, two local surgeons and one paramedic without reconstructive surgery experience were selected to reach the top of the reconstructive ladder and perform limb salvage surgeries. This study evaluated 56 fractures using the Ganga Hospital Open Injury Score (GHOIS) for Gustilo-Anderson Type IIIA and Type IIIB open fracture classification groups. The primary success rate in open tibia fractures was 64.3% (95% CI, 50.3 - 76.3). The average treatment time to complete healing for all of the patients was 39.6 weeks (95% CI, 34.8 - 44.4). A percentage of 23.2% (95% CI, 13.4 - 36.7) experienced a deep infection. Fifteen of the patients had to undergo soft tissue reconstruction and 22 flaps were performed. Due to non-union, a total of 15 bone grafts were performed. All of the 56 patients in the study gained limb salvage and went back to work. The given fracture management program proves that low-resource countries are able to produce essential surgical tools at high quality and low price. Treatment with external fixation and functional bracing, combined with high-level training of local surgeons, demonstrates that a skilled surgical team can perform advanced limb salvage surgery in low-resource settings.

Rotationplasty Salvage Procedure as an Effective Alternative to Femoral Amputation in an Adult With a History of Osteosarcoma: A Case Report and Review.

Rotationplasty or Borggreve-Van Ness surgery is lower limb salvage surgery, indicated mainly in the management of femoral bone sarcoma and congenital femur malformations in children. It can also be an interesting surgery option for managing chronic osteoarticular infections, or in cases of non union when curative therapy is no longer an option, as an alternative to femoral amputation. The principle of this surgery is to remove the affected knee and to apply a rotation of 180° to the distal part of the lower limb in order to give the ankle the function of a neo-knee. With the help of an adapted prosthesis, the aim is to allow patients to resume their social and professional activities by keeping most of their lower limb, thus avoiding the known complications of amputation (ghost limb pain, proprioceptive deficit, psychological disorders). Nevertheless, this surgery is complex and exceptional, with vascular, infectious, and psychological risks - the chimeric aspect of the lower limb may cause significant ill-being for the patient. This article reports the case of a 38-year-old patient consulting for management of a complex septic distal femoral non-union following osteosarcoma considered as being in remission. The patient underwent rotationplasty surgery on his left lower limb, with very good functional results and no surgical revision to date. In light of this particular case, we propose a didactic overview of the literature data concerning this surgery, especially in adulthood.

Early Complications after Limb Salvage Procedures: Prospective Cross Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sarcomas are tumors that are mesenchymal in origin involving bone and soft tissues occurring in all age groups. Giant cell tumor, although benign, is locally aggressive and can also destroy the bone. Amputation was once considered primary treatment but now with advancements in diagnostic imaging modalities, surgical procedures and adjuvant therapies, limb salvage surgeries have become the preferred treatment modality. The primary objective of our study was to determine the incidence of early complications occurring within the first thirty days in patients who underwent limb salvage surgery at our hospital. The secondary objective was to assess the association of these complications with patient-related factors, surgical modality, tumor characteristics and neoadjuvant therapy. Methodology: All the patients with bone or soft tissue sarcoma and aggressive giant cell tumors of the extremities who underwent wide excision and limb salvage surgery from February 2020 to December 2021 were included in this study. Data were collected prospectively on follow-up visits in the clinic for one month. Data were compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 22. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered significant throughout the study. Results: A total of 60 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 39.90 years. Bone and soft tissue tumors were found in 35 and 25 patients respectively. A total of 13 patients experienced postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery. The association of these postoperative complications with gender distribution, prior comorbid conditions, type of tumor, anatomical location of the tumor and neoadjuvant therapy was found to be statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The most frequently occurring postoperative complications are wound-related and the incidence of these complications is independent of the proposed risk factors. Research registry number: Researchregistry4695. Highlights

Functional outcome of infected endoprosthesis: A 20-year retrospective analysis.

Bone tumours are increasingly treated with limb-salvage surgeries. However, implant infection is a devastating complication, greatly affecting the functional outcome. Yet, data on functional outcome post-implant infection are scarce. This study aims to determine the functional outcome and implant survival of these patients. Patients' data on endoprosthetic replacement surgeries at our institution (January 1996-December 2016) was retrospectively reviewed. Information was available for 161 patients and was analysed using SPSS and SMART Partial Least Squares. Functional outcome was determined using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) scoring system. Both mean rank MSTS (33.14 vs 87.02) and TESS (48.17 vs 85.13) scores were significantly lower in the infected group. These differences remained statistically significant after excluding amputation and rotationplasty cases within the infected group. Even after the resolution of infection, both MSTS and TESS remained significantly higher in the non-infected group. However, analysis of the infected group showed no significant differences in functional outcome between persistent and resolved infections (implant in-situ). Age significantly impacted the functional outcome for both the non-infected and infected groups, while local recurrence and metastasis significantly impacted the non-infected cases. Local tumour recurrence was lower in infected endoprosthetic patients (8.3% vs 10.5%). 56% of infected implants were removed; the majority were treated with two-stage revision surgery. Endoprosthesis infection worsens the overall functional outcome. Additional factors affecting functional outcome were age, presence of local recurrence and metastatic disease. Local tumour recurrence was lower amongst infected endoprosthesis cases, and >50% of infected implants were removed.

Application and Development of Megaprostheses in Limb Salvage for Bone Tumors Around the Knee Joint

In recent decades, limb-salvage surgery has replaced amputation as the first choice for the treatment of bone tumors around knee. After tumor resection, there are a variety of reconstruction methods for us to choose, including autograft or allograft, inactivation and reimplantation, artificial prosthesis replacement, and allograft-prosthesis compound reconstruction. Compared with other reconstruction methods, artificial prosthesis reconstruction has some advantages: relatively simple, early weight bearing, fewer early complications, and good function in the early and mid-term follow-up. After decades of continuous improvements, the design of tumor prosthesis has reached a relatively mature stage, and the failure rate of prosthesis has also been declining year by year. However, artificial prostheses also have multiple complications such as infection, aseptic loosening, prosthetic breakage, and patients sometimes face the risk of revision or amputation. Therefore, clinicians need to deeply understand the characteristics of related complications and the principles of treatment.

Soft tissue reconstruction of the lower extremity in the pediatric population

Lower extremity defects are a source of significant functional and psychosocial morbidity for pediatric patients and require complex reconstructions to restore form and function. The advent of microsurgical reconstruction along with advances in wound care techniques and technologies have empowered reconstructive surgeons to perform limb salvage surgery in patients that would traditionally require amputation; however, the indications for performing reconstructive surgery for complicated cases are not ironclad. While this is the case, applying the principles of lower extremity reconstruction in adults to the pediatric population is often sufficient to achieve a satisfactory outcome. This overview discusses the evaluation and management of soft tissue defects of the leg in pediatric patients.

Clinical outcome in patients who underwent amputation due to extremity soft tissue sarcoma: Tokai Musculoskeletal Oncology Consortium study.

Soft tissue sarcomas are a diverse group of rare malignant tumours, mostly occurring in the lower extremities. Amputations are necessary for achieving local control when the soft tissue sarcomas are too large and/or have neurovascular involvement. Patients who require amputation have a poorer prognosis than those who undergo limb-salvage surgery. We investigated the tumour characteristics and the clinical outcomes in 55 patients with primary soft tissue sarcomas, who underwent amputation. We excluded patients with amputation performed distal to the wrist or ankle joints and those with recurrent soft tissue sarcomas. The mean tumour size was 11.1cm. Hip disarticulation was performed in 6 patients, 20 underwent above the knee amputation, 8 underwent knee disarticulation and 12 underwent below the knee amputation. Shoulder disarticulation was performed in three patients, five underwent above the elbow amputation, and one underwent below the elbow amputation. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 52.8%. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate and 5-year metastasis-free survival rates were 90.1% and 38.5%, respectively. Larger tumour size, age and the distant metastases at first presentation were predictors of poor prognosis for survival in multivariate analysis. Twenty-eight patients could walk using artificial limbs. The level of amputation (above versus below the knee) showed a significant difference in achieving independent gait. Amputation is a useful treatment option for achieving local control in patients with large soft tissue sarcomas. Patients had an opportunity of walking, especially for those who underwent below the knee amputation.

Free Functional Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction of the Quadriceps and Hamstrings following Oncologic Resection of Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Thigh

Background Limb-salvage surgery combined with radiotherapy has become the primary treatment for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity. Free functional latissimus flaps (FFLF) are an option to restore function in the setting of volumetric muscle loss. The purpose of the current study was to examine the use of FFLF in patients undergoing resection of thigh sarcoma. Methods Twelve patients with a sarcoma involving the hamstring (n = 6), quadriceps (n = 5), or combined (n = 1) defects which included multiple muscle groups were reviewed. This included 9 males and 3 females with a mean age and body mass index of 56 ± 12 years and 31.3 ± 5.7 kg/m2. Results The mean defect volume and operative time was 3,689 ± 2,314 cm3 and 587 ± 73 minutes. Following reconstruction, the mean knee range of motion (ROM), MSTS93 score, and muscle strength was 89 ± 24°, 90 ± 15%, and 4 ± 1; with 75% of patients ambulating without gait aids. Seven (58%) patients sustained a complication, namely, delayed wound healing (n = 2). Conclusion Although there was a high incidence of complications, FFLF can restore active knee ROM and function, with most patients ambulating without gait aids following reconstruction of large oncologic defects in the thigh.

3D-Printed Cutting Guides for Resection of Long Bone Sarcoma and Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction.

The use of 3-dimensional (3D)-printed cutting guides for resection of long bone sarcoma is a novel technique. These 3D-printed guides provide a potential benefit over navigational or freehand osteotomy. We evaluated whether the use of 3D-printed cutting guides in the resection of long bone sarcoma affects margin status and rates of union compared with historical controls. In this study, we performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained surgical database and reviewed 6 patients who underwent limb salvage for long bone sarcoma. We collected and analyzed clinicopathologic and surgical data. Six (100%) cases recorded negative margins, with mean postoperative follow-up of 108 weeks (range, 8-211 weeks). Time (mean±SD) to bony union was 20.5±10.5 weeks. Nine of 12 (75%) cumulative (proximal and distal) osteotomy sites went on to achieve union, with a nonunion rate of 25% per osteotomy. One (33%) nonunion occurred after adjuvant radiation therapy. Long-term complications were limited to 2 (33.3%) patients overall who had implant failure according to the Henderson classification system, and there were zero local recurrences at the conclusion of the study. Our institution has successfully performed limb salvage surgery with patient-specific 3D-printed technology. We show high rates of negative margin resection and junctional union that align with and improve on earlier findings. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(1):e35-e41.].

Role of Bone Scan and MRI in Designing of Customized Prosthesis for Limb Salvage Surgery of Long Bone Tumors: 4 Years of Single Institution Analysis.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of bone scan (BS) and MRI measurement data in designing Custom Made Prosthesis (CMP) in Limb Salvage Surgery (LSS) in orthopedic oncology patients. The study was done on 126 patients, which include 88 males and 38 females. Pre-operative planning including determination of the osteotomy plane and dimension of the prosthesis was performed based on Tc99m MDP bone scan and MR images comparing with the histopathology examination (HPE) values. Descriptive statistics using appropriate measures of central tendency and dispersion were employed to describe the data. Karl-Pearson correlation coefficient was used to establish the association between continuous covariates. Paired t-test was utilized to test the differences in paired values for statistical significance. Bone scan and HPE values are positively correlated; p value is 0.913 (p < 0.001). However, mean difference between the HPE and bone scan is statistically significant (p < 0.001). MRI scan and HPE values are positively correlated 0.920 (p < 0.001) and mean difference is also statistically not significant (0.920; p < 0.001). If we apply ± 20% window, 94/126 patients (75%) bone scan measurements and 94/112 patients (84%) MRI measurements are matching with the HPE measurements. We conclude that bone scan measurements were found to be more or less equal to MR imaging for determining the tumor extent for the fit of the prosthesis and excellent functional results.

Cryosurgery and vascularized fibular graft reconstruction in proximal tibia osteosarcoma in young children: A case report.

IntroductionOsteosarcoma epidemiology in children younger than 5-year-old is very rare. Currently, limb salvage surgery becomes the preferred treatment in osteosarcoma. Wide excision using cryosurgery has been reported as an effective and safe procedure for malignant bone tumors.Case reportA 5-year-old girl was presented with pain and a lump on her right knee. Physical examination showed a solid circumferential mass in the proximal tibia, with limited range of motion due to mass and pain. Osteoblastic lesion with a discrete margin and narrow transition zone on the proximal tibia from plain radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. Histopathological examination suggested osteosarcoma with a giant cell rich osteosarcoma subtype. Three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was conducted with cisplatin, ifosfamide, and adriamycin. We performed limb salvage surgery by wide excision with cryosurgery and vascularized fibular graft reconstruction. Wide excision was performed with the respect to preserve the epiphyseal plate. The proximal tibia segment was recycled using liquid nitrogen and re-implanted, fixed with a locking 2.7 mm T-plate and a straight reconstruction 2.7 mm reconstruction plate. Vascularized fibular graft was used to fill the bone defect on the medial side. Post-operative radiograph showed the plate and screws are well-fixated and the post-operative histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of conventional osteosarcoma HUVOS I. There was no post-operative complication observed, and the functional outcome was good.ConclusionsCryosurgery and vascularized fibular graft is a viable reconstructive option for proximal tibia osteosarcoma in very young children.

Limb salvage surgery for giant cell tumours around knee joint: a single institute experience

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Giant cell tumours (GCTs) of bone are benign but locally aggressive tumours. The surgical treatment of GCTs in the around knee joint mainly includes curettage and bone grafting, extended curettage and cement filling, segmental resection and modular endo prosthesis reconstruction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Retrospective analysis of the presentation, the functional outcome following modular endoprosthetic reconstruction, prosthetic survival and the recurrence rate in 17 patients with Campanacci grade 3 GCTs involving distal femur and proximal tibia, who underwent segmental resection and modular endoprosthesis reconstruction in a single centre from 2015 to 2018. The surgery was performed according to the general principles of limb salvage surgery and modular segmental replacement was used. All stems were cemented in place. Isometric exercises and mobilization with crutches were started on 2&lt;sup&gt;nd&lt;/sup&gt; postoperative day. Knee joint bending was started for proximal tibia patients after 2 to 3 weeks. Functional outcome was scored by musculoskeletal tumour society scoring (MSTS). Immediate post-operative complication like delayed wound healing, flap necrosis, wound infection, foot drop, leg length discrepancies were evaluated.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The average MSTS functional score was 78%.3 year prosthetic survival was 100%. None of the patients had recurrence. One patient had left lower lobe metastasis for which wedge resection was done.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Segmental resection and endoprosthetic replacement has good functional outcome in patients with tumours around the knee joint. As GCTs are tumours with less chance of local and distant metastasis after complete excision, endoprosthetic prosthesis is a good treatment option after complete excision.&lt;/p&gt;

Amputation for Extremity Sarcoma: Indications and Outcomes.

Simple SummarySarcomas are malignant tumors of soft tissues or bone. While limb salvage surgery (LSS) is the standard treatment, amputation is an option especially in local recurrence (LR) or complications after LSS. Two groups with primary amputations (n = 120) or secondary amputations after failed LSS due to LR or complications (n = 29) were compared. Five-year LR-free survival was 84% and 17 (16%) patients developed LR, of which 16 were in group I and only one in group II. Overall survival (OS) at five years was 44%, and the rate was identical in both groups. In those group II patients who had a secondary amputation after LSS due to contaminated margins or LR (n = 12) five-year OS was 33% compared to 48% in patients with complications (n = 17). This study indicates the worse oncological outcomes with respect to OS of sarcoma patients needing an amputation as compared to LSS. Patients with primary amputation or those who had a secondary amputation after failed LSS for whatever reason showed the same results.Background: Sarcomas are rare, malignant tumors of soft tissues or bone. Limb salvage surgery (LSS) is the standard treatment, but amputation is still an option, especially in local recurrence or complications after LSS. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed indications and oncological outcomes in patients who underwent an amputation. Two groups with either primary amputations (n = 120) or with secondary amputations after failed LSS with local recurrence or complications (n = 29) were compared with the main end points of LRFS and OS. Results: Five-year LRFS was 84% with 17 (16%) patients developing local recurrence, of which 16 (13%) occurred in group I. Forty-two (28%) patients developed metastatic disease and overall survival at five years was 44%. Overall survival (OS) was the same in both groups. In those group II patients who had a secondary amputation due to LR or insufficient margins after LSS (n = 12) the five-year OS was 33% compared to 48% in patients with amputation due to complications (n = 17) (n.s.). Conclusions: This study indicates the worse oncological outcomes with respect to OS of sarcoma patients requiring an amputation as compared to LSS. Patients with primary amputation or those who had a secondary amputation after failed LSS for whatever reason showed the same oncological results.

1462 Sarcoma of the Distal Fibula; Presentation of an Anatomical Reconstruction and Literature Review

Abstract Introduction Musculoskeletal tumours affecting the lower limb, and the distal fibula in particular, are rare. Substantial variation exists in both reconstructive techniques employed in their management and reported results; a consequence of their low incidence and the specific challenges presented by the location. Advances in imaging and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy have sparked a paradigm shift in the management of these cases. Where amputation was once the mainstay, limb salvage surgery is now a viable option and multiple techniques exist, but outcomes are poorly studied. Method We performed a literature review and report a three-patient case series. All three patients underwent our novel reconstruction technique, utilising a vascularised ipsilateral fibula graft. Results 102 patient cases of distal fibula resection were identified. 57 of these patients had malignant disease. Evidence that limb salvage surgery produces good functional outcomes for sarcoma patients is limited; 25% of patients with malignant disease were reported as having poor outcomes or disease progression. All three patients undergoing our novel reconstructive technique have had good functional and oncological outcomes. Conclusions This is the largest literature review of patients undergoing distal fibula resection. Reconstruction is complex and no single solution exists. We present the use of a vascular proximal ipsilateral fibula graft, which to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously reported. The reconstructive method we present appears to be a durable technique offering an excellent functional outcome and is an appealing alternative to arthrodesis or amputation in appropriate patients.

Overcoming severe calcified lower extremity artery in lower limb salvage operation by using the Fogarty catheter and vein graft.

With severe vascular calcifications, vascular clamp application and utilizing the vessel for free flap recipient vessel becomes impossible. These obstacles can be overcome with the Fogarty catheter and vein graft. When unclampable artery was encountered intraoperatively, a vein graft was used to make a clampable recipient site for six diabetic foot patients (ages from 42 to 80). The end of the Fogarty catheter was inserted into the proximal end of the vein graft and the transected calcified vessel in sequence, and the balloon of the catheter was used as an intraluminal tourniquet. The remaining end of the vein graft was connected to the distal vessel with a vascular clamp. Five short vein graft revascularization for segmental arterial occlusion, one long vein graft for recipient artery elongation was done (lengths from 2 to 13.8cm). Three delayed, and two immediate anterolateral thigh flaps (sizes from 15 to 150 cm2 ) were performed, and one patient received vein graft revascularization surgery only. Postoperative vascular sonography of all six patients showed well-maintained patency. Minor flap marginal disruption occurred at two patients but healed with conservative care. Postoperative follow-up was done for 1-18 months (average 7.17). Limb salvage was achieved for five patients and all five free flaps survived. However, for one patient, arterial restenosis at popliteal artery a month later lead to major amputation. Using a Fogarty catheter and a vein graft may obtain perfect hemostasis during micro-anastomosis and achieve successful microvascular reconstruction in patients with severely calcified vessels.

Early outcomes of limb salvage surgery with mega-prosthesis

Objective: To determine the early outcomes of limb salvage surgery with mega prosthesis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&amp;RC) from 1st January 2017 till 31st January 2020. Data like demographics, histopathology, functional and survival outcomes were retrieved from the Hospital Information System. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was used to evaluate the functional outcomes after the surgery. For survival analyses, Kaplan-Meier curve was applied. Prosthesis joint infection, amputation rate, metastasis, mortality rate, and recurrence were also recorded. Results: This study included 43 patients who underwent limb salvage surgery with endoprosthesis reconstruction at SKMCH&amp;RC. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was (26.5±15.8) years. Patients with distal femoral replacement had the highest MSTS scores (81.45±9.70) while those with proximal humerus replacement has the lowest MSTS scores (56.8±11.2). There was a strong association between site of tumor and MSTS (F=3.30, P=0.017). We also found a correlation between surgical site infection and MSTS scores (r=0.484, P=0.001). Patients with recurrence also had significantly lower MSTS scores (P&lt;0.05). The cumulative survival rate at the end of two-year follow-up was (71.4±17.1)% in proximal femur tumor patients, (88.0±7.8)% in distal femur tumor patients, and (50.0±3.5)% in proximal humerus tumor patients. Besides, patients with Ewing sarcoma had the highest survival rate (97.5±11.0)% while patients with chondrosarcoma had the lowest survival rate (77.8±13.9)%. Conclusions: Limb salvage surgery with mega-prosthesis can be performed with satisfactory functional and survival outcomes, but further studies are needed to compare it with other limb salvage methods. This study can be used as a reference for future studies.

Endoprosthetic Proximal Femoral Hemiarthroplasty Versus Total Hip Endoprosthetic Reconstruction After Proximal Femoral Resections in Young Adults

Abstract Background Metastatic tumors are the most common malignant lesion of the proximal femur, with carcinomas being the most frequent. The proximal femur and midfemur are common sites for primary bone sarcomas; approximately16% of Ewing's sarcomas, 13% chondrosarcomas and 10% of osteosarcomas develop at these locations. The major aim in the management of patients who have bone malignancies is prolonging their survival. Primary bone sarcomas that require surgical resection can be treated by either amputation or limb salvage. Most studies which compared both approaches reported that limb salvage had no adverse effect on patients’ survival on long-term. Objective This is a systematic review of literature with meta-analysis study that compare the functional outcomes and complications of the methods; proximal femoral hemi versus total arthroplasty after proximal femur resection followed by endoprosthetic reconstruction and provide recommendations by the best available evidence. Methods We included Randomized control trails (RCTs), including cluster RCTs, controlled (non-randomized) clinical trials or cluster trials, prospective and retrospective comparative cohort studies, and case-control or nested case-control studies and controlled clinical trials. We excluded cross-sectional studies, case reports, review articles, letters to the editor, meeting abstracts, and technique papers. Search results conducted to systematic review management software and manually screened for eligibility were included. Critical appraisal checklist was used to assess the search results based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results Twenty-three studies are included. Quality appraisal demonstrated that all but one study is retrospective. The pooled results from the meta-analysis showed that the rate of aseptic loosening was only 2% when reconstruction occurs with endoprosthetic proximal femoral hemiarthroplasty. There was unimportant heterogeneity in the included studies. The rate of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) is 4.6% to 8% of oncological patients. The rate of periprosthetic fracture was only 1% Conclusion Proximal femoral endoprosthesis has definitive benefits in the treatment of primary or metastatic tumors affecting the proximal femur. The implants tend to improve the function and quality of life of patients with metastatic disease and high-grade localized disease. It also provides them with a relatively pain-free limb with good functional capacity. With continuing advances in the surgical and oncological fields, there is a great potential for curative limb salvage surgery in the long term. Reconstruction with endoprosthetic Proximal femoral hemiarthroplasty after proximal femoral resection in young adults can confer additional stability with a reduced dislocation rates and systemic complications as compared to total hip arthroplasty.

IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK ON SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF MUSCULOSKELETAL ONCOLOGY PATIENTS: A MULTI-CENTER PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on surgical management of musculoskeletal oncology patients. Methodology: A total of 76 patients were identified and included in this observational study for which data was collected from the databases of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar &amp; Dr. Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from March till August 2020. Patients having malignant bone and soft tissue tumours and locally aggres­sive benign tumours were included in this study. All the patients underwent PCR investigation for SARS-CoV-19 virus pre-operatively and surgeries were performed in PCR negative and asymptomatic PCR positive patients only, with protective equipment. Results: In sample, 8 patients tested positive for Covid-19, out of which 2 were asymptomatic and hence surgery was performed. The remaining 6 were sent for home isolation, of which 2 did not return for surgery. Five patients had ablative surgery due to disruption in medical services whereas the initial plan was for limb salvage surgery. Eight patients developed complications while 2 patients passed away in the post-operative period. None of the patients had any Covid 19 related morbidity or mortality. Conclusion: The study concluded that only a minute number of patients were suffered due to Covid-19 results. Disruption in services due to Covid-19 outbreak has impacted the efficient delivery of health care in various spe­cialties including serious pathologies like musculoskeletal tumours.

Functional Outcomes of Limb Salvage Surgery in Patients with Giant Cell Tumor of Bone of the Lower Extremities: A Retrospective Study

Giant cell tumor of the bone (GCTB) is a benign, locally aggressive neoplasm that is relatively rare, with a propensity to result in progressive bone destruction, and is associated with a high risk of recurrence. There is no widely held consensus regarding its ideal treatment. Worldwide, there are varying techniques ranging from intralesional curettage to resection of the lesion, supplemented with combinations of numerous adjuncts and fillers, depending on the resected amount and integrity of bone, as well as the preference of the surgeon. This was a cross-sectional study that included 20 patients who underwent limb salvage surgery for giant cell tumor of the bone of the lower extremities from January 2009 to February 2020 at two tertiary hospitals. The mean follow-up period was 37.3 months (SD=2.84). The extended curettage (EC) group had a mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Rating Scale (MSTS) score of 28.18 (SD=7.51) which is considered as an excellent outcome, while the resection (RS) group had an mean MSTS score of 19.67 (SD=11.02), which is considered as a good outcome. EC resulted to a total of eight complications (47%), while RS had one complication (33%). Prevalence of recurrence was noted to be 11.75% among those who underwent EC, while no recurrence was noted among those in the RS group. Use of bone cement as a filler was noted to have less recurrence as compared with the use of bone grafts, however were both were noted to result in excellent functional outcomes. Despite the prevalence of complications and recurrence of GCTB of the salvaged extremity in those who underwent EC, there is still report of excellent functionality. It is hence important to disclose all these possible outcomes and to stress the importance of compliance to follow-up for monitoring of these events.