Mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score Research Articles

Management of Chondroblastoma in Pediatric Patients: 21 Years of Single-Center Experience.

Chondroblastoma (CB), a rare benign bone tumor that produces chondrocytes, often develops in the epiphysis or apophysis of children and young adults. The treatment of these rare tumors is complex. The standard treatment protocol involves curettage with local adjuvants and bone graft or cement application. The authors examined 38 CBs to determine risk factors for local recurrence, complications, and functional outcomes following epiphyseal curettage. Twenty-two girls and sixteen boys aged 10 to 17 years with histologically confirmed chondroblastoma who arrived at our hospital between January 2000 and June 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical data, radiographic images, histological results, treatment, functional outcomes, and the local recurrence rate were examined-surgical treatment involved total tumor curettage, followed by bone grafting and adjuvant techniques. Local recurrences have also been reported. The most frequently affected site was the proximal femur. Sites of involvement included the proximal femur in 10 (26.3%) cases, the proximal tibia in 8 (20.8%), the humerus in 5 cases (13.2%), the distal tibia in 4 cases (10.5%), the distal femur in 3 cases (7.9%), the supracetabular region in 3 cases (7.9%), the talus in 1 case (2.6%), the calcaneus in 1 case (2.6%), the scapula in 1 case (2.6%), the lumbar spine in 1 case (2.6%), and the iliac bone in 1 (2.6%) patient. The mean follow-up was 144.2 months (24 to 276). The local recurrence rate was 7.9%. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 28.3 points (17 to 30). The mean duration of symptoms at presentation was 5.8 (range, 1 to 28) months. Aggressive curettage and bone grafting resulted in local control and good outcomes in most pediatric patients. In a relatively small proportion of cases, long-term complications and recurrence can occur due to growth plate damage and late diagnosis. In patients admitted to the pediatric clinic with pain, which is often accompanied by localized edema and joint effusion, early detection via advanced radiological scans (X-ray, CT, or MRI) may prevent delays in diagnosis.

Outcomes of ilium and iliosacral Ewing's sarcoma resection reconstructed with tibial strut allograft.

Ilium is the most common site of pelvic Ewing's sarcoma (ES). Resection of the ilium and iliosacral joint causes pelvic disruption. However, the outcomes of resection and reconstruction are not well described. In this study, we report patients' outcomes after resection of the ilium and iliosacral ES and reconstruction with a tibial strut allograft. Medical files of 43 patients with ilium and iliosacral ES who underwent surgical resection and reconstruction with a tibial strut allograft between January 2010 and October 2021 were reviewed. The lesions were classified into four resection zones: I1, I2, I3, and I4, based on the extent of resection. Functional outcomes, oncological outcomes, and surgical complications for each resection zone were of interest. Functional outcomes were assessed using a Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). The mean age of the patients was 17 years (SD 9.1). At a mean follow-up of 70.8 months (SD 50), the mean functional outcomes were 24.2 points (SD 6.3) for MSTS and 81 points (SD 11) for TESS. The mean MSTS and TESS scores were associated with the iliac resection zone (< 0.001). Nine patients (20.9%) had local recurrence. The recurrence was not associated with the zone of iliac resection (p = 0.324). The two-year disease-free survival of the patients was 69.4%. The mean time to graft union was longer in patients with the I4 resection zone (p < 0.001). The complication rate was 34.9%, and nerve palsy (11.6%) was the most common. The rate of surgical complications was not associated with the resection zone. Reconstruction using tibial strut allograft is an efficient procedure after the resection of the ilium and iliosacral ES. Functional outcomes and complications of iliac ES depend on the resection zone, and inferior outcomes could be generally expected when more segments of the pelvic ring are resected, even if it is reconstructed.

Clinical and functional results after total scapulectomy in orthopedic oncology: are custom-made scapular prostheses better than humeral suspension?

Background In orthopedic oncology, total scapulectomy is necessary to allow a wide resection of extended malignancies of the scapula and scapular girdle. Scapular reconstruction is challenging even for the most experienced surgeon. This paper reports our experience with total scapular resections, followed by humeral suspension or custom-made prostheses. Methods In this retrospective study, we evaluated all the oncologic patients treated in our institution between 2016 and 2023 with total scapulectomy and consequential reconstruction using humeral suspension or a custom-made prosthesis. Only cases suffering from malignant bone tumors were included. The postoperative functionality of the treated limbs was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring scale. Complications and local recurrences were also recorded. Results Nine patients were enrolled. Five had custom-made implants, and four had humeral suspensions. The mean postoperative MSTS score of patients treated with custom-made prostheses was 24.0 (22–26). Globally, our cohort’s mean MSTS score was 19.1 (9–26). Patients with custom-made prostheses had significantly better functional outcomes (MSTS 24 vs 13) and similar complication rates (40% vs 50%) than those who received humeral suspensions. Conclusion Our outcomes suggest that, when feasible, custom-made scapular prostheses can represent a reliable reconstructive option after total scapulectomy for malignant scapular tumors.

Postoperative Outcomes of Total Humerus Replacement for Oncologic Reconstruction of the Upper Limb: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Total humerus replacement (THR) is a reconstruction procedure performed after resection of massive humeral tumors. However, there is limited literature on the rates of failure and functional outcomes of this implant. Our study aimed to determine the main failure modes, implant survival, and postoperative functional outcomes of THR. A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Embase databases was conducted. We registered our study on PROSPERO (448684) and used the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist for quality assessment. The Henderson classification was used to assess endoprosthesis failure and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score for functional outcomes. Weighted means and standard deviations were calculated. Ten studies comprising 171 patients undergoing THR were finally included. The overall failure rate was 32.2%. Tumor progression (12.6%) and prosthetic infections (9.4%) were the most common failure modes, followed by soft-tissue failures (5.9%), aseptic loosening (3.5%), and structural failure (1.8%). Two-year, 5-year, and 10-year implant survival rates for the entire cohort were 86%, 81%, and 69.3%. Ten-year implant survival for primary THRs was 78.3%, compared with 38.6% for revision THRs (p = 0.049). The mean MSTS score at the last follow-up was 77%. Patients whose implants did not fail had a higher MSTS score (79.3%) than those with failed implants (71.4%) (p = 0.02). One-third of THR will fail, mostly due to tumor progression and prosthetic infection. Overall functional scores were acceptable, with MSTS scores displaying great hand and elbow function but limited shoulder function. Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Total Humeral Endoprosthetic Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Total humeral endoprosthetic reconstruction (THER) is a rare reconstruction option for limb salvage surgery for large humeral neoplasms or bone destruction. Because of the limited data and need for this procedure, we reviewed the literature surrounding THER and assessed functionality, complications, and revisions using the PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Scopus databases. Among 29 articles and 175 patients, the most common indication was neoplasm (n=25, 86%), mean follow-up was 61.98 months (SD=55.25 months), and mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 73.64% (SD=10.69%). Reported complications included 26 (23%) revisions in 7 studies, 35 (36%) cases of shoulder instability in 7 studies, and 13 (13.54%) cases of deep infection in 4 studies. THER should be considered with a thorough knowledge of outcomes and potential complications to guide patient and clinician expectations. [Orthopedics. 202x;4x(x):xx-xx.].

Joint-Sparing Resection around the Knee for Osteosarcoma: Long-Term Outcomes of Biologic Reconstruction with Vascularized Fibula Graft Combined with Massive Allograft.

(1) Background: We aim to address the following questions. What was the complication rate of vascularized fibula graft (VFG) combined with massive allograft in patients treated with joint-sparing resection around the knee for a high-grade osteosarcoma? What was the long-term survivorship of VFG free from revision and graft removal? What were the functional results as assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score? (2) Methods: 39 patients treated in our unit for osteosarcoma around the knee with intercalary resection and reconstruction with VFG combined with massive allograft were included; 26 patients underwent intercalary tibial resection, while 13 underwent intercalary femoral resection. (3) Results: Mean Follow-Up was 205 months (28 to 424). Complications that required surgery were assessed in requiring surgical revision in 19 patients (49%) after a mean of 31 months (0 to 107), while VFG removal was necessary in three patients (8%). The revision-free survival of the reconstructions was 59% at 5 years and 50% at 10 to 30 years. The overall survival of the reconstructions was 95% at 5 to 15 years and 89% at 20 to 30 years. The mean MSTS score was 29.3 (23 to 30). (4) Conclusions: VFG represents an effective reconstructive option after joint-sparing intercalary resection around the knee for osteosarcoma.

Functional and oncological outcomes of patients with proximal humerus osteosarcoma managed by limb salvage.

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy in skeletally immature patients. The proximal humerus is the third most common site of osteosarcoma. The literature shows a paucity of published data concerning the outcome of proximal humerus osteosarcoma managed by limb salvage. The purpose of this study was to answer the following questions: (1) do patients with proximal humerus osteosarcoma managed by limb salvage and neoadjuvant chemotherapy show good functional and oncological outcomes, and (2) are there any prognostic factors that are associated with better oncological and functional outcomes? The study was a retrospective case series study assessing the overall outcome of 34 patients with proximal humerus osteosarcoma. Eighteen patients were males (53%) while 16 were females. Biological reconstruction was done in 15 patients (44%), while nonbiological reconstruction was done in 19 patients. Resections were mainly intraarticular (82%). Functional outcome was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, while oncological outcome was assessed based on local recurrence and development of chest metastasis. Comparisons between quantitative variables were done using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. To compare categorical data, the chi-square (χ2) test was performed. The exact test was used instead when the expected frequency was less than 5. Correlations between quantitative variables were examined using the Spearman correlation coefficient. The mean MSTS score was 25.5 (range 23-29). A younger age was statistically correlated with a poorer MSTS score (P = 0.0016). Six patients out of 34 (17.6%) had local recurrence and four of them (67%) were treated by forequarter amputation. 41% of patients developed chest metastasis, and the majority of them were treated by chemotherapy (71%). In comparison with patients with osteosarcoma at other sites who were also managed in our institution, proximal humerus osteosarcoma patients showed higher incidence rates of local recurrence and chest metastasis along with lower 5-year patient and limb survivorships compared to distal femur, proximal tibia and proximal femur osteosarcoma patients. Treatment of osteosarcoma of the proximal humerus by limb salvage and chemotherapy yields a good functional outcome. The method of reconstruction does not impact the resultant function. The 5-year survivorship of these patients is 65%. Younger patients have a better oncological outcome and an inferior functional outcome. Level IV therapeutic study.

Giant cell tumor of bone at distal radius suffered more soft tissue recurrence and ultrasonography is effective to detect the soft tissue recurrence

BackgroundSoft tissue recurrence of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is rare. This study aims to provide its prevalence, recurrent locations, risk factors, effective detection methods and a modified classification for this recurrence.MethodsPatients with soft tissue recurrence after primary surgery for GCTB were screened from January 2003 to December 2022. General data, recurrence frequency, types according to an original classification (type-I: peripheral ossification; type-II: central ossification; type-III: without ossification), a modified classification with more detailed subtypes (type I-1: ≤ 1/2 peripheral ossification; type I-2: ≥ 1/2 peripheral ossification; type II-1: ≤ 1/2 central ossification; type II-2: ≥ 1/2 central ossification; type III: without ossification), locations, detection methods such as ultrasonography, X-ray, CT or MRI, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores were recorded. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for recurrence frequency.ResultsA total of 558 recurrent cases were identified from 2009 patients with GCTB. Among them, 32 were soft tissue recurrence. The total recurrence rate was 27.78% (558/2009). Soft tissue recurrence rate was 5.73% among 558 recurrent cases, and 1.59% among 2009 GCTB patients, respectively. After excluding one patient lost to follow-up, 10 males and 21 females with the mean age of 28.52 ± 9.93 (16–57) years were included. The definitive diagnosis of all recurrences was confirmed by postoperative pathology. The interval from primary surgery to the first recurrence was 23.23 ± 26.12 (2–27) months. Eight recurrences occurred from primary GCTB located at distal radius, followed by distal femur (6 cases). Recurrence occurred twice in 12 patients and 3 times in 7 patients. Twenty-seven recurrences were firstly detected by ultrasonography, followed by CT or X-ray (10 cases in each). Types at the first recurrence were 5 cases in type-I, 8 in type-II and 18 in type-III. According to the modified classification, 3 patients in type I-1, 2 in type I-2, 1 in type II-1, 7 in type II-2, and 18 in type III. The mean MSTS score was 26.62 ± 4.21 (14—30). Neither Campanacci grade nor recurrence type, modified classification and other characters, were identified as risk factors.ConclusionsSoft tissue recurrence of GCTB may recur for more than once and distal radius was the most common location of primary GCTB that would suffer a soft tissue recurrence. Ultrasonography was a useful method to detect the recurrence. Since no risk factors were discovered, a careful follow-up with ultrasonography was recommended.

Induced-membrane technique for lower limb reconstruction after malignant bone tumour resection in paediatric patients: Complication and re-operation rates

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to assess the complication and re-operation rates, evaluate the risk of non-union, and describe the functional outcomes at last follow-up in children and adolescents after lower-limb malignant tumour resection and reconstruction using the induced-membrane technique. HypothesisWeight-bearing resumption 6 weeks after the second stage of the induced-membrane procedure promotes bone healing. Material and methodsThe study included 13 patients (9 with osteosarcoma, 3 with Ewing's sarcomas, and 1 with alveolar sarcoma) managed between 2000 and 2020 by oncological femoral or tibial resection followed, at a distance from adjuvant chemotherapy, by reconstruction using the induced-membrane technique. Non-union was the primary outcome measure and the MusculoSkeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) lower-limb functional score was the secondary outcome measure. Mean follow-up was 6.1 years (range, 2.0–12.7). At last follow-up, mean age was 18.1 years (range, 11.0–26.0) and the mean MSTS score was 66.6% (37.0–93.0%). ResultsAfter the second reconstruction stage, 8 complications developed in 6 patients (46%). Either a complication or limb-length inequality required 12 re-operations in 8 patients (61.5%). Non-union occurred after reconstruction in 5 (38.5%) patients. Early resumption of 50% weight-bearing 6 weeks after reconstruction was associated with bone healing (p=0.02). ConclusionThe non-union rate was 38.5%. Partial, 50% weight-bearing with two elbow crutches and an orthosis, if allowed by construct stability, may promote bone healing. Level of evidenceIV.

Revision surgery for periprosthetic fracture of distal femur after endoprosthetic replacement of knee joint following resection of osteosarcoma.

Periprosthetic fracture (PPF) is one of the severe complications in patients with osteosarcoma and carries the risk of limb loss. This study describes the characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes of this complication. Patients were consecutively included who were treated at our institution between 2016 and 2020 with a PPF of distal femur. The treatment strategies included two types: 1) open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws and 2) replacement with long-stem endoprosthesis and reinforcement with wire rope if necessary. A total of 11 patients (mean age 12.2 years (9-14)) were included, and the mean follow-up period was 36.5 (21-54) months. Most fractures were caused by direct or indirect trauma (n = 8), and others (n = 3) underwent PPF without obvious cause. The first type of treatment was performed on four patients, and the second type was performed on seven patients. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 20 (17-23). All patients recovered from the complication, and limb preservation could be achieved. PPF is a big challenge for musculoskeletal oncologists, particularly in younger patients. Additionally, PPF poses a challenge for orthopedic surgeons, as limb preservation should be an important goal. Hence, internal fixation with plates and endoprosthetic replacement are optional treatment strategies based on fracture type and patient needs.

Does the intercondylar approach provide a better outcome for chondroblastoma of the distal femur in skeletally immature patients?

The epiphyseal approach to a chondroblastoma of the intercondylar notch of a child's distal femur does not provide adequate exposure, thereby necessitating the removal of a substantial amount of unaffected bone to expose the lesion. In this study, we compared the functional outcomes, local recurrence, and surgical complications of treating a chondroblastoma of the distal femoral epiphysis by either an intercondylar or an epiphyseal approach. A total of 30 children with a chondroblastoma of the distal femur who had been treated by intraregional curettage and bone grafting were retrospectively reviewed. An intercondylar approach was used in 16 patients (group A) and an epiphyseal approach in 14 (group B). Limb function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system and Sailhan's functional criteria. At final follow-up, the mean MSTS score was 29.1 (SD 0.9) in group A and 26.7 (SD 1.5) in group B (p = 0.006). According to Sailhan's criteria, the knee function was good and fair in 14 (87.5%) and two (12.5%) patients of group A, and eight (57.1%) and six (42.9%) patients of group B, respectively (p = 0.062). The lesion had recurred in one patient (6.2%) in group A and four patients (28.6%) in group B. Limb shortening > 1 cm was recorded in one patient (6.2%) from group A and six patients (42.8%) from group B. Joint degeneration was noted in one patient from group A and three patients from group B. An intercondylar approach to a chondroblastoma of the middle two-quarters of the distal femoral epiphysis results in better outcomes than a medial or lateral epiphyseal approach: specifically, better limb function, a lower rate of recurrence, and a lower rate of physeal damage and joint degeneration.

An innovative staged prosthetic lengthening reconstruction strategy for osteosarcoma-related leg discrepancy

Correction of leg length discrepancy (LLD) in skeletally mature patients with osteosarcoma was rarely reported and quite challenging. This study aimed to propose a treatment strategy of staged lengthening and reconstruction with a standard static prosthesis to address LLD and restore limb function. It also evaluated the effectiveness of the strategy in terms of leg lengthening, functional outcomes, and complications. The strategy for lengthening included three stages. In stage 1, the previous prosthesis was removed and an external fixator with a temporary rod-cement spacer was placed. In this stage, the external fixator was used to lengthen the limb to the appropriate length. In stage 2, the external fixator was removed and the old rod-cement spacer was replaced with a new one. In stage 3, the rod-cement spacer was removed and the standard static prosthesis was planted. Nine skeletally mature distal femoral osteosarcoma patients with unacceptable LLD were treated in our institution from 2019 to 2021. We performed a chart review on nine patients for the clinical and radiographic assessment of functional outcomes, LLD, and complications. The mean (range) leg lengthening was 7.3 cm (3.6–15.6). The mean (range) LLD of the lower limbs decreased from 7.6 cm (4.1–14.2) before the lengthening to 0.3 cm (− 0.3 to 2.1) at the final follow-up with statistical significance (P = 0.000). The mean (range) Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score improved from 30.3% (16.7%–53.3%) before the lengthening to 96.3% (86.7%–100%) at the final follow-up with statistical significance (P = 0.000). Three patients (33.3%) had a minor complication; none needed additional surgical intervention. In the short term, the current staged lengthening and reconstruction with standard static prosthesis provided satisfactory functional outcomes and LLD correction with few complications. The long-term effects of this method need further exploration.

Outcomes of Megaprosthesis ‎Reconstruction for the Salvage of ‎Failed Osteoarticular Allograft ‎‎Around the Knee implanted before ‎Skeletal Maturity in Primary Bone ‎Sarcoma: A Case-Series.

Functional expectations following the salvage of a failed osteoarticular allograft are poorly described. In this study, we aim to evaluate functional outcomes, implant survival, and complications of the megaprosthesis in salvaging a failed osteoarticular allograft around the knee. We retrospectively reviewed the medical profiles of 21 skeletally mature patients who underwent megaprosthesis reconstruction to salvage a failed osteoarticular allograft around the knee implanted before skeletal maturity. The location of reconstruction was the proximal tibia in 13 patients and the distal femur in eight patients. Knee function was evaluated by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) ‎score and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). The mean age of patients was 16±1.7 years. The mean interval between the primary (allograft) and secondary (megaprosthesis) reconstructions was 59.4±23.6 months. At an average follow-up of 51.2 months, the mean knee range of motion was 101.2±15.6°. The mean MSTS score and TESS were 83.6±7 and 86.6±7.9, respectively. The mean limb length discrepancy was 2.5±1 cm before and 0.36±0.74 cm after the operation (P<0.001). Six postoperative complications (28.6%) occurred in this series, including one wound dehiscence, one periprosthetic fracture, two acute infections, one aseptic loosening, and one delayed periprosthetic infection. Only the last two complications required revision. Accordingly, the two- and five-year implant survivals were 95.7% and 90%, respectively. Megaprosthesis is a viable option for salvaging failed osteoarticular allografts around the knee. It also provides the opportunity to correct the limb length discrepancy.

Complications and Outcome of Bone Sarcoma Patients with Limb Salvage using Liquid Nitrogen-treated Bone for Reconstruction.

The recommended treatment method for bone sarcoma is wide local excision and reconstruction to preserve limb function. Established methods of reconstruction are mega prosthesis or biological reconstruction. This study aimed to determine the complications and functional outcomes associated with limb salvage surgery using liquid nitrogen-treated bone. We retrospectively observed the short-term outcome of limb salvage surgeries where liquid nitrogen bone was used for reconstruction. A total of 15 patients underwent reconstruction with liquid nitrogen auto graft from January 2018 to December 2020. We used the free freezing method of liquid nitrogen treatment after wide local excision of sarcoma. We observed short-term outcomes after liquid nitrogen-treated bone reconstruction in limb salvage surgery. Survival of the auto grafts was recorded using the Kaplan-Meier method with a 95% confidence interval. The mean follow-up was 19.83 ± 4.5 months. The mean musculoskeletal tumor society score was 62.4 ± 7.9%, while the average Toronto extremity score was 59.6 ± 5.7%. Three patients died during the study duration due to visceral metastasis. Skin necrosis and wound breakdown were major complications in 9 (60%) patients. Deep infection was observed in 4 (26.7%). Similarly, 4 (26.7%) patients had non-union at either the proximal or distal osteotomy site, while the average time of bone union in the rest of the patients was 6.3 ± 1.7 months. A total of 6 (40%) patients underwent reoperation after liquid nitrogen treatment, either due to infection or non-union at the osteotomy site. Recurrence was observed in 3 (20%) of patients. We observed a high complication rate with liquid nitrogen-treated autograft reconstruction. Vascularized fibula with liquid nitrogen-treated autograft or endoprosthesis should be encouraged.

Reconstruction following oncological iliosacral resection.

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is the only mechanical connection between the axial skeleton and lower limbs. Following iliosacral resection, there is debate on whether reconstruction of the joint is necessary. There is a paucity of data comparing the outcomes of patients undergoing reconstruction and those who are not formally reconstructed. A total of 60 patients (25 females, 35 males; mean age 39 years (SD 18)) undergoing iliosacral resection were reviewed. Most resections were performed for primary malignant tumours (n = 54; 90%). The mean follow-up for surviving patients was nine years (2 to 19). Overall, 27 patients (45%) were reconstructed, while 33 (55%) had no formal reconstruction. There was no difference in the use of chemotherapy (p = 1.000) or radiotherapy (p = 0.292) between the groups. Patients with no reconstruction had a mean larger tumour (11 cm (SD 5) vs 8 cm (SD 4); p = 0.014), mean shorter operating times (664 mins (SD 195) vs 1,324 mins (SD 381); p = 0.012), and required fewer blood units (8 (SD 7) vs 14 (SD 11); p = 0.012). Patients undergoing a reconstruction were more likely to have a deep infection (48% vs 12%; p = 0.003). Nine reconstructed patients had a hardware failure, with five requiring revision. Postoperatively 55 (92%) patients were ambulatory, with no difference in the proportion of ambulatory patients (89% vs 94%; p = 0.649) or mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (59% vs 65%; p = 0.349) score between patients who did or did not have a reconstruction. The ten-year disease-specific survival was 69%, with no difference between patients who were reconstructed and those who were not (78% vs 45%; p = 0.316). There was no difference in the rate of metastasis between the two groups (hazard ratio (HR) 2.78; p = 0.102). Our results demonstrate that SIJ reconstruction is associated with longer operating times, greater need for blood transfusion, and more postoperative infections, without any improvement in functional outcomes when compared to patients who did not have formal SIJ reconstruction.

Oncological and functional outcomes after resection of malignant tumours of the scapula.

The scapula is a rare site for a primary bone tumour. Only a small number of series have studied patient outcomes after treatment. Previous studies have shown a high rate of recurrence, with functional outcomes determined by the preservation of the glenohumeral joint and deltoid. The purpose of the current study was to report the outcome of patients who had undergone tumour resection that included the scapula. We reviewed 61 patients (37 male, 24 female; mean age 42 years (SD 19)) who had undergone resection of the scapula. The most common resection was type 2 (n = 34) according to the Tikhoff-Linberg classification, or type S1A (n = 35) on the Enneking classification. The ten-year disease-specific survival was 76%. High tumour grade (hazard ratio (HR) 4.27; p = 0.016) and a total resection of the scapula (HR 3.84; p = 0.015) were associated with worse survival. The ten-year metastasis-free and local recurrence-free survivals were 82% and 86%, respectively. Total scapular resection (HR 6.29; p = 0.004) was associated with metastatic disease and positive margins were associated with local recurrence (HR 12.86; p = 0.001). At final follow-up, the mean shoulder forward elevation and external rotation were 79° (SD 62°) and 27° (SD 25°), respectively. The most recent functional outcomes evaluated included the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (76% (SD 17%)), the American Shoulder and Elbow Score (73% (SD 20%)), and the Simple Shoulder Test (7 (SD 3)). Preservation of the glenoid (p = 0.001) and scapular spine (p < 0.001) improved clinical outcomes; interestingly, preservation of the scapular spine without the glenoid improved outcomes (p < 0.001) compared to preservation of the glenoid alone (p = 0.05). Resection of the scapula is a major undertaking with an oncological outcome related to tumour grade, and a functional outcome associated with the status of the scapular spine and glenoid. Positive resection margins are associated with local recurrence.

Outcomes of proximal humeral reconstruction with cemented osteoarticular allograft in pediatric patients: a retrospective cohort study.

There is no agreement on the best choice of proximal humeral reconstruction following tumor resection in pediatric patients. We reviewed the functional outcomes, oncologic outcomes, and surgical complications in pediatric patients after proximal humeral reconstruction with cemented osteoarticular allograft. Eighteen patients aged 8-13 years who underwent proximal humeral osteoarticular allograft reconstruction following resection of primary bone sarcoma were included. The mean follow-up period was 88±31.7 months. At the last follow-up assessment, limb function was evaluated based on shoulder range of motion, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score, and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score. Tumor recurrence and postoperative complications were extracted from the patients' medical records. Mean active forward flexion of the shoulder was 38°±18°. Mean active abduction was 48°±18°. Mean active external rotation was 23° ± 9°. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 73.4%±11.2%. The mean Toronto Extremity Salvage Score was 75.6%±12.9%. Local recurrence occurred in 1 patient. Metastasis developed after the operation in 2 additional patients. We recorded 6 postoperative complications in this series, including 1 superficial infection, 1 late-onset deep infection, 1 allograft fracture, 2 cases of nonunion, and 2 cases of shoulder instability. Two complications required allograft removal. In pediatric patients, reconstruction of the proximal humerus with cemented osteoarticular allograft results in acceptable oncologic and functional outcomes while the postoperative complication rate seems to be lower than that of other available techniques.

Reconstruction of the proximal radius with 3D-printed personalized prosthesis after tumor resection: case series

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) (Campanacci III) or malignant tumors extend to the epiphyseal region, and intra-articular resection of the proximal radius is often needed. In the present study, we present the patients who underwent reconstruction of the proximal radius with 3D-printed personalized prosthesis after tumor resection, aiming to describe the prosthesis design and surgical technique and evaluate the clinical outcomes of this method. Between November 2018 and January 2021, nine patients received radial hemiarthroplasty with 3D-printed personalized prostheses after tumor resection. The pathological diagnosis was GCTB (Campanacci III) in seven patients, osteosarcoma (IIB) in one patient, and synovial sarcoma (IIB) in one patient. The range of motion (ROM) and strength in terms of elbow flexion/extension and forearm supination/pronation were evaluated. Pain was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively and at each follow-up visit. To evaluate the functional outcome, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) system and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system were administered at each follow-up visit. Complications and oncological outcomes were recorded. The patients were followed from 24 to 51 months, with a median follow-up of 35 months. No patients were lost to follow-up. During the follow-up, local recurrence and metastasis were not observed. The VAS score improved from a median of 5 points (range 4 to 7) preoperatively to 1 point (range 0 to 2) at the last follow-up visit. The mean MEPS score was 88.5% (83 to 93), and the mean MSTS score was 25.3 (24 to 27) at the last follow-up visit. No complications such as infection and aseptic loosening were detected. The implantation of a 3D-printed personalized prosthesis after proximal radial resection showed excellent oncologic outcomes and postoperative function at short-term follow-up and is a viable alternative method for reconstruction of the proximal radius bone defect after tumor resection.

Cemented K-wire external fixation in juxta-articular enchondroma-related phalangeal pathological fracture

PurposeThis study aimed to introduce a technique of external fixation using a combination of bone cement and K-wires, to treat pathological fractures related to solitary digital enchondroma close to the finger joints. MethodsFrom October 2015 to January 2021, 21 patients (8 males and 13 females) with acute pathological fracture due to solitary digital enchondroma close to the finger joints were treated with cemented K-wire external fixators. Mean age was 32 (19–51) years. The digits involved were the index (n = 4), long (n = 4), ring (n = 6), and little (n = 7) fingers. Time to bone healing and complications were assessed. At final follow-up, active range of motion, grip strength and key pinch strength of the tumor-involved and contralateral healthy digits were measured and compared. Functional outcomes were evaluated on Takigawa criteria. Pain was measured on a 10-cm visual analog scale. We assessed the affected upper extremity on the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score questionnaire. ResultsMean bone healing time was 5.5 (4–8) weeks. Pin site infection was observed in 1 patient and cured with dressing changes. Mean follow-up was 34 months, with no recurrences or refractures. Mean active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint, grip and key pinch strength of the involved digits reached 92%, 97%, and 99% of the contralateral digits, respectively. On Takigawa criteria, 20 functional results were excellent and 1 good. Mean pain score was 1 (0–3) cm. Mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 95 (80–100). ConclusionThe combination of bone cement and K-wires is a reliable technique for pathological fracture related to solitary enchondroma close to the joints of the digits, leading to good functional outcomes. Level of evidenceTherapeutic study, Level IVa.

Durability of intercalary endoprosthesis for humeral reconstruction.

The humerus is a common site of metastases and primary tumors. For some patients with a segmental defect and/or diaphyseal cortical destruction a cemented intercalary device may provide a more reliable construct, however data on their use is limited. We reviewed 43 (28 male and 15 female) patients treated with an intercalary humeral spacer at a single tertiary referral center between 1989 and 2022. Humeral lesions were most commonly secondary to metastatic disease (n = 29, 68%), with 25 (58%) patients presenting with a pathologic fracture. Mean age and body mass index were 66 years and 27.9 kg/m2 . First generation taper joint device were used in 22 patients and second-generation lap device in 21 patients. Following reconstruction the 2-year overall survival was 30%. Mechanical complications occurred in 11 patients, most commonly aseptic loosening (n = 6, 14%). With death as a competing risk, the cumulative incidence of mechanical failure was 28% at 2-years postoperative. Following the procedure, mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores was 70% and mean shoulder elevation was 87°. Reconstruction of the humeral diaphysis with an intercalary endoprosthesis provides restoration of function of the upper extremity, however, is associated with one in four patients having mechanical failure.