Resection Of Malignant Bone Tumors Research Articles

Patient-specific guides for consistently achieving R0 bone margins after resection of primary malignant bone tumors of the pelvis

AimsPrimary malignant bone tumor of the pelvis is an uncommon lesion, the resection of which via freehand osteotomy is subject to inaccuracy due to its three-dimensional anatomy. Patient-Specific Guides (PSG), also called Patient-Specific Instruments (PSI) are essential to ensure surgical planning and resection adequacy. Our aim was to assess their use and effectiveness.MethodsA monocentric retrospective study was conducted on 42 adult patients who underwent PSG-based resection of a primary malignant bone tumor of the pelvis. The primary outcome was the proportion of R0 bone margins. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of overall R0 margins, considering soft-tissue resection, the cumulative incidence of local recurrence, and the time of production for the guides. A comparison to a previous series at our institution was performed regarding histological margins.ResultsUsing PSGs, 100% R0 safe bone margin was achieved, and 88% overall R0 margin due to soft-tissue resection being contaminated, while the comparison to the previous series showed only 80% of R0 safe bone margin. The cumulative incidences of local recurrence were 10% (95% CI: 4–20%) at one year, 15% (95% CI: 6–27%) at two years, and 19% (95% CI: 8–33%) at five years. The median overall duration of the fabrication process of the guide was 35 days (Q1–Q3: 26–47) from the first contact to the surgery date.ConclusionsPatient-Specific Guides can provide a reproducible safe bony margin.

Original Research: Proximal Tibia Hemiarthroplasty Reconstruction Following Resection of Malignant Bone Tumors in Skeletally Immature Patients

BackgroundReconstruction of the proximal tibia following resection of malignant bone tumors in pediatric patients is traditionally limited to osteoarticular allografts or endoprostheses. Endoprostheses typically require resection or disruption of the distal femoral physis, which can lead to a leg length discrepancy (LLD). We introduce a novel form of proximal tibia limb reconstruction using a Compress® tibia hemiarthroplasty, which spares the distal femoral physis. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 5 patients who underwent proximal tibia osteosarcoma resection and reconstruction with a custom Compress® proximal tibia hemiarthroplasty. Data on function, survival, LLD, complications, and patient reported outcomes were collected. ResultsMean age at resection was 10.4 years[range:8.8-12.9 years]. Mean implant survival was 59 months[range:34-83 months]. One patient developed a deep infection and two patients required implant lengthening. Both were later converted to a rotating hinged total knee arthroplasty(RHTKA) >58 months after index surgery. At last follow-up, all living patients had knee ROM from 0-110 degrees, walked unassisted, and had no LLD or knee instability. Mean TESS score was 90[range:80-97]. ConclusionProximal tibia hemiarthroplasty reconstruction after tumor resection in skeletally immature patients preserves the distal femoral physis, and may potentially reduce LLD and delay conversion to a RHTKA until after skeletal maturity. Level of EvidenceCase Series, level IV.

Outcome of Endoprosthetic Hip Reconstruction Following Resection of Malignant Bone Tumors.

Over the past few decades, tumor arthroplasty has evolved into an established therapeutic approach for addressing bone defects following tumor resection in the extremities. As the diagnosis has a significant impact on patients' lives, it is important to give clear expectations for functional recovery. Therefore, we investigated both the functional outcomes and the quality of life (QoL) after tumor arthroplasty for malignant hip tumors. This retrospective study included patients who had undergone resections of malignant hip tumors with consecutive modular hip arthroplasty between 2010 and 2018. Demographics, tumor entity, and complications stemming from both tumors and treatments were evaluated through the analysis of medical records and perioperative records. The assessment of functional outcomes was conducted with the following patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS), and the Short Form Survey 36 (SF-36). Furthermore, we performed subgroup analysis in two groups: one divided into survivors and non-survivors, as well as younger individuals (<57 years) and older individuals (>57 years). A total of 30 patients were included in the study. At the time of follow-up, 19 patients were deceased. The average duration of follow-up was 3.2 (±2.51) years. The average age at the time of surgery was 60.3 (±15.20) years. Notably, there were no cases of amputation reported (0%). Five cases of implant failure were identified (16.67%). Among these, one was attributed to infection (3.3%), while four resulted from aseptic loosening (13.3%). In terms of functional outcomes, MSTS indicated good results (18 ± 7; range: 7-28; 60%), and the HHS demonstrated moderate outcomes (75.3%). Younger survivors (<57 years) exhibited notably superior results in terms of both the MSTS and physical functioning in the SF-36 (p = 0.03). In summary, this study shows declining tumor arthroplasty-related complications and satisfying functional outcomes as well as QoL. Noteworthy aspects include the relatively low rates of amputation and local tumor recurrences, which significantly favor the selection of appropriate therapeutic options. Moreover, the findings underscore the substantial impact of patients' age on overall functionality and engagement in daily activities.

Principles of Defect Reconstruction After Wide Resection of Primary Malignant Bone Tumors of the Calcaneus: A Contemporary Review.

Visual AbstractThis is a visual representation of the abstract.

COMORBIDITY IN ONCOLOGY: MODERN CHALLENGES AND THE SEARCH FOR WAYS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

Introduction. The article is devoted to the current problem of modern oncology – increasing the treatment effectiveness of cancer patients with comorbidities. Comorbidity is accompanied by higher rates of mortality, disability, side effects of treatment, increased use of the patient's body resources, and lower quality of life. The aim of the study. To develop a method of recurrence prevention after bone lesions resection and bone replacement surgery for malignant primary bone tumors, which would ensure a longer duration of the 1st recurrence-free period in patients with comorbidities. Materials and methods. The study included a control group consisting of 27 patients who underwent bone replacement surgery after removal of primary malignant tumors of the pelvis and lower extremities. The study group included 25 patients who underwent biomin bone replacement surgery after removal of malignant primary tumors of the pelvic bones and lower limbs, as well as neuropeptide therapy with the drug dalargin. Results. The obtained data testify to the effectiveness of the proposed method of treatment with the use of dalargin: compaction of the structure of compact and spongy tissues and an increase in their heterogeneity have been established. Under the influence of dalargin, the structure of the interface, characteristic of intact bone tissue, is reorganized, accordingly, the restoration of strength is observed. 12 months after the operation, the bone density in the patients of the main group practically recovered to the values typical for the intact limb (p&lt;0.01). No such recovery was observed in patients of the control group. Within 11 to 23 months, 10 patients of the control group had tumor recurrences. Instead, in the study group, the analysis of the results revealed the following: within 21 months, only 1 patient had a recurrence of the tumor. Conclusions. Neuropeptide Dalargin helps to increase the duration of the 1st relapse-free period in patients with primary malignant bone tumors with polymorbidity. The proposed treatment method with integration into the therapeutic protocol of the neuropeptide dalargin allows to increase the complex therapy effectiveness and improve the prognosis of the course of the disease.

Infection of surgery for bone and soft tissue sarcoma with biological reconstruction: Data from the Japanese nationwide bone tumor registry

BackgroundAlthough biological reconstruction (such as recycled autograft, vascularized autograft, allograft, or bone transport) is possible for bone defects after malignant bone or soft tissue tumor resection, a high incidence of postoperative complications, including infection, poses a problem. The difficulty in accumulating cases has resulted in a lack of reliable etiological information, such as the incidence and risk factors of postoperative infections. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study on the nationwide registry data. The primary endpoint was the need for additional surgical intervention for infection control. The overall incidence of postoperative infection and the related risk factors were analyzed. ResultsWe included 707 malignant bone and soft tissue tumors with biological reconstruction, including recycled autograft, vascularized autograft, allograft, bone transport, and combinations of these. The incidence of postoperative infection was 10.8%. Patients reconstructed by pedicled autograft showed a higher incidence of infection, while cases involving the combination of recycled and pedicled autograft or allograft showed a lower incidence. Independent risk factors for infection included age over 17, tumor diameter over 10 cm, the tumor located on the trunk or being high grade, reconstruction by pedicled autograft, and delayed wound healing. ConclusionInfection incidence was comparable to those in previous reports. Several conventional and novel risk factors were extracted by administering nationwide registry data. Data from the nationwide registry was informative for analyzing the incidence of postoperative infection in biological reconstruction with malignant bone and soft tissue tumor resection.

Intercalary Resection of the Tibia for Primary Bone Tumors: Are Vascularized Fibula Autografts With or Without Allografts a Durable Reconstruction?

Intercalary Resection of the Tibia for Primary Bone Tumors: Are Vascularized Fibula Autografts With or Without Allografts a Durable Reconstruction?

Investigating the effect of tannin films prepared by low-energy electron beam deposition on the inhibition of bone tumors

Osteosarcoma is a prevalent malignant bone tumor and incomplete surgical resection of the tumor often results in higher rates of local recurrence. To tackle this issue, there is an urgent requirement to develop implants that possess the capability to inhibit tumor recurrence. In this paper, we prepared three different thicknesses of tannin (TA) films on titanium substrates using low-energy electron beam deposition to study their effects on bone tumor inhibition. The structure and morphology of TA films were analyzed by FT-IR, XPS, SEM, and EDX. The release kinetics of tannins were investigated, revealing their ability to achieve sustained release. This sustained release is advantageous for long-term inhibition of bone tumors. Cellular experiments, including cytotoxicity test, live/dead double staining, cell migration and western blot, were performed to evaluate the tumor-suppressing activity of TA films in vitro. The results indicated that the TA films were not only non-cytotoxic to normal bone cells, but also exhibited excellent in vitro anti-tumor activity by effectively inhibiting the activity and migration of bone tumor cells.

"Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction using 3D Designed, Patient-Specific Surgical Guides and Plate during Resection of Primary Malignant Bone Tumors: Workflow and Surgical Technique"

"Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction using 3D Designed, Patient-Specific Surgical Guides and Plate during Resection of Primary Malignant Bone Tumors: Workflow and Surgical Technique"

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Outcomes of Reconstruction with Vascularised vs Non-Vascularised Bone Graft after Surgical Resection of Primary Malignant and Non-Malignant Bone Tumors.

Vascularised bone grafting (VBG) and non-vascularised bone grafting (NVBG) are crucial biological reconstructive procedures extensively employed in the management of bone tumours. The principal aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the post-resection outcomes associated with the utilisation of vascularised and non-vascularised bone grafts. A comprehensive and systematic literature review spanning the years 2013 to 2023 was meticulously executed, utilising prominent online databases including PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were restricted to comparative articles that specifically addressed outcomes pertaining to defect restoration following bone tumour resection via vascularised and non-vascularised bone grafting techniques. The quality of research methodologies was assessed using the Oxford Quality Scoring System for randomised trials and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for non-randomised comparative studies. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24. Key outcome measures encompassed the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score (MSTS), bone union duration, and the incidence of post-operative complications. This analysis incorporated four clinical publications, enrolling a total of 178 participants (comprising 92 males and 86 females), with 90 patients subjected to VBG and 88 to NVBG procedures. The primary endpoints of interest encompassed MSTS scores and bone union durations. Although no statistically significant distinction was observed in the complication rates between the two cohorts, it is noteworthy that VBG exhibited a markedly superior bone union rate (P<0.001). Our systematic evaluation revealed that VBG facilitates expedited bone union, thereby contributing to accelerated patient recovery. Notably, complication rates and functional outcomes were comparable between the VBG and NVBG groups. Moreover, the correlation between bone union duration and functional scores following VBG and NVBG merits further investigation. reconstruction techniques, vascularised bone grafting, non-vascularised bone grafting, bone tumor, resection.

Coverage of lateral soft tissue defects with sartorius muscle flap after distal femoral replacement for malignant bone tumors.

To prevent infection after limb-sparing surgery for primary malignant bone tumors, it is important to cover the megaprosthesis with muscle tissue that has sufficient blood flow. Coverage with a lateral gastrocnemius flap has been reported in cases of distal femoral replacement in which the vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius muscles have been resected; however, the risk of peroneal nerve palsy is reportedly high because the muscle flap passes near the peroneal head. This study was performed to examine the postoperative outcomes of patients with primary malignant bone tumors of the distal femur who underwent wide resection (including the vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius muscles) followed by reconstruction with a megaprosthesis and coverage of the lateral side of the prosthesis with a sartorius muscle flap. We retrospectively analyzed three patients who underwent reconstruction with a megaprosthesis after wide resection of a primary malignant bone tumor of the distal femur involving the vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius muscles and reconstruction of the soft tissue defect on the lateral side of the prosthesis with a sartorius muscle flap. The average defect size was 6×13cm, the average time required for a sartorius muscle flap was 100min, and the average implant coverage was 93%. The average postoperative follow-up period was 35 months, during which no postoperative complications such as infection, skin necrosis, or nerve palsy occurred. The distally based sartorius muscle flap is easy to elevate in the supine position, has minimal functional loss after harvesting, and has minimal risk of nerve palsy. It can be advocated as the first option for coverage of soft tissue defects lateral to distal femoral replacement.

The use of distraction osteogenesis for the reconstruction of bone defects following resection of malignant bone tumours

The reconstruction of extensive bone defects following resection of malignant bone tumours is achallenge and is mainly influenced by tumour-related factors. In defect reconstructions using distraction osteogenesis isotropic, high-quality (new) bone is formed. For the reconstruction of bone defects and secondary limb length discrepancies following tumour resection, predominately threetechniques have been described: bone transport, primary shortening and secondary lengthening, as well as "bio-expandable tumour endoprostheses". The use of distraction osteogenesis represents an excellent method for defect reconstruction and treatment of secondary limb length discrepancies following bone tumour resection. Due to the complex anatomical preconditions in tumour patients, ahigh degree of expertise in distraction osteogenesis (and tumour endoprostheses) is paramount. Therefore, treatment of these patients at highly specialised centres is recommended.

Biological reconstruction of bone defect after resection of malignant bone tumor by allograft: a single-center retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAllograft reconstruction following the resection of malignant bone tumors is associated with high rates of complications and failures. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and current problems of allograft reconstruction techniques to optimize treatment strategies at our center.Materials and methodsThirty-eight cases (16 men and 22 women), who were diagnosed with malignant bone tumors and had undergone allograft reconstruction, were recruited. Allograft was fixed by intramedullary nail, single steel plate, double plate, and intramedullary nail combined plate in 2, 4, 17, and 15 cases, respectively. Allograft union, local recurrence, and complications were assessed with clinical and radiological tests. Tumor grade was assessed using the Enneking staging of malignant bone tumors. Functional prognosis was evaluated by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system.ResultsIntercalary and osteoarticular reconstructions were performed in 32 and 6 cases, respectively. Six patients underwent reoperation related to allograft complications, four patients had local recurrence, and three patients with allograft fracture underwent allograft removal. A total of eight host–donor junctions showed nonunion, including seven cases (18.4%) in diaphysis and one case (3.1%) in metaphysis (p < 0.01). Host rejection and secondary osteoarthritis occurred in nine and two cases, respectively. No deep infection and internal fixation device fracture occurred. The overall allograft survival rate was 81.6%. Postoperative MSTS score of patients with allograft survival was 26.8 ± 2.9, indicating a significant improvement as compared to their preoperative function.ConclusionsAllograft represents an excellent choice for intercalary bone defects after malignant bone tumor resection. Robust internal fixation protection across the whole length of the allograft is an important prerequisite for the survival of the allograft, while multidimensional osteotomy, intramedullary cement reinforcement, and pedicled muscle flap transfer can effectively improve the survival rate and healing rate of the allograft.

Incidence and risk of surgical site infection/periprosthetic joint infection in tumor endoprosthesis—data from the nationwide bone tumor registry in Japan

BackgroundSurgical site infection (SSI)/periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication in limb salvage surgery with endoprosthesis reconstruction for malignant bone tumors. The main bottleneck for data collection and analysis for the status of SSI/PJI in tumor endoprosthesis is the low absolute case numbers of this rare cancer. The accumulation of many cases is possible by administrating nationwide registry data. MethodsThe data on malignant bone tumor resection with tumor endoprosthesis reconstruction were extracted from the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Registry in Japan. The primary endpoint was defined as the need for additional surgical intervention for infection control. The incidence of postoperative infection and its risk factors were analyzed. ResultsA total of 1342 cases were included. The incidence of SSI/PJI was 8.2%. The incidence of SSI/PJI in the proximal femur, distal femur, proximal tibia, and pelvis were 4.9%, 7.4%, 12.6%, and 41.2%, respectively. Location in the pelvis or proximal tibia, tumor grade, indication of myocutaneous flaps, and delayed wound healing proved to be independent risks for SSI/PJI, whereas age, sex, previous surgery, tumor size, surgical margin, application of chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not significant. ConclusionsThe incidence was equal to those in previous studies. The result reconfirmed the high incidence of SSI/PJI in pelvis and proximal tibia cases and cases with delayed wound healing. Novel risk factors such as tumor grade and application of myocutaneous flaps were marked. The administration of nationwide registry data was informative for the analysis of SSI/PJI in tumor endoprosthesis.

Evaluation of endoprosthetic reconstruction after distal femoral bone-tumor resection

Background Endoprosthetic reconstruction is considered a reliable reconstructive option after periarticular tumor resection as it provides component modularity, improved fixation, near-anatomic appearance, and good functional outcomes. This study aimed at evaluation of the outcomes of the cemented modular distal femoral tumor prosthesis after wide intra-articular resection of aggressive or malignant bone tumors. Patients and methods The mean age of the patients was 29.77 years. There were 12 males and six females. The final diagnosis was osteosarcoma in 13 patients, giant-cell tumor in three patients, and chondrosarcoma in two patients. All patients with osteosarcoma received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Wide intra-articular tumor resection was done through the anteromedial approach of the femur with reconstruction by cemented modular endoprosthesis. Results One patient died with pulmonary metastasis. The 5-year cumulative patient-survival rate was 88.88% and 5-year cumulative implant-survival rate was 93.65%. Local recurrence occurred in one (5.5%) patient, while distant metastasis occurred in another. Both of those patients died and were consequently excluded from further statistical work. The mean functional score, the modified Musculoskeletal Tumor Society rating scale, was 73.7%. Complications occurred in five (27.7%) patients. One (5.5%) patient had had a deep infection with failure of reconstruction requiring two-staged revision. There were four cases of superficial wound infection that were successfully treated conservatively. There was no aseptic loosening, periprosthetic fracture or dislocation, soft-tissue problem, or vascular impairment in the operated limb till the final follow-up. Conclusion Modular prosthetic reconstruction after wide resection of aggressive and malignant bone tumors of distal femur offers satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes as it allows immediate postoperative stability, early mobilization, and rehabilitation, with reasonable complication rate. Level of evidence: IV case series.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL ORTHOPAEDIC BIOMATERIALS LOADED WITH CISPLATIN FOR LOCAL TREATMENT OF BONE TUMOURS

Residual tumor cells left in the bone defect after malignant bone tumor resection can result in local tumor recurrence and high mortality. Therefore, ideal bone filling materials should not only aid bone reconstruction or regeneration, but also exert local chemotherapeutic efficacy. However, common bone substitutes used in clinics are barely studied in research for local delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs. Here, we aimed to use facile manufacturing methods to render polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement and ceramic granules suitable for local delivery of cisplatin to limit bone tumor recurrence.Porosity was introduced into PMMA cement by adding 1-4% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) containing cisplatin, and chemotherapeutic activity was rendered to two types of granules via adsorption. Then, mechanical properties, porosity, morphology, drug release kinetics, ex vivo reconstructive properties of porous PMMA and in vitro anti-cancer efficacy against osteosarcoma cells were assessed. Morphologies, molecular structures, drug release profiles and in vitro cytostatic effects of two different drug-loaded granules on the proliferation of metastatic bone tumor cells were investigated.The mechanical strengths of PMMA-based cements were sufficient for tibia reconstruction at CMC contents lower than 4% (≤3%). The concentrations of released cisplatin (12.1% and 16.6% from PMMA with 3% and 4% CMC, respectively) were sufficient for killing of osteosarcoma cells, and the fraction of dead cells increased to 91.3% within 7 days. Functionalized xenogeneic granules released 29.5% of cisplatin, but synthetic CaP granules only released 1.4% of cisplatin over 28 days. The immobilized and released cisplatin retained its anti-cancer efficacy and showed dose-dependent cytostatic effects on the viability of metastatic bone tumor cells.Bone substitutes can be rendered therapeutically active for anticancer efficacy by functionalization with cisplatin. As such, our data suggest that multi-functional PMMA-based cements and cisplatin-loaded granules represent viable treatment options for filling bone defects after bone tumor resection.

Development of a novel regenerative therapy for malignant bone tumors using an autograft containing tumor inactivated by high hydrostatic pressurization (HHP).

Surgical resection of malignant bone tumors leads to significant defects in the normal surrounding tissues that should be reconstructed to avoid amputation. Our research aimed to inactivate osteosarcoma (OS)-affected bone to obtain autologous bone grafts for bone defect reconstruction using a novel therapy called high hydrostatic pressurization (HHP) therapy. The key points are complete tumor death and preservation of the non-denatured native extracellular matrix (ECM) and bone tissue by HHP. Previously, we found that HHP at 200MPa for 10min can completely inactivate cells in normal skin and skin tumors, including malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma while maintaining their original biochemical properties and biological components. Based on our previous research, this study used HHP at 200MPa for 10min to eradicate OS. We prepared an OS cell line (LM8), pressurized it at 200MPa for 10min, and confirmed its inactivation through morphological observation, WST-8 assay, and live/dead assay. We then injected OS cells with or without HHP into the bone marrow of the murine tibia, after which we implanted tumor tissues with or without HHP into the anterior surface of the tibia. After HHP, OS cells did not proliferate and were assessed using a live/dead assay. The pressurized cells and tumors did not grow after implantation. The pressurized bone was well prepared as tumor-free autologous bone tissues, resulting in the complete eradication of OS. This straightforward and short-pressing treatment was proven to process the tumor-affected bone to make a transplantable and tumor-free autologous bone substitute.

Fibrinolysis shutdown and elevated D-dimer levels have high prognostic capacity for postoperative thromboembolic complications in patients with bone tumors.

Surgical resection of malignant bone tumors is associated with a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) parameters and VTE following oncologic resections, and to evaluate their prognostic capacity for this complication. A prospective observational study was conducted including 113 patients who underwent surgical resection of malignant bone tumors. ROTEM analysis and conventional coagulation studies were performed preoperatively and on the 2nd postoperative day, while patients were followed for the development of VTE. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between ROTEM parameters and occurrence of VTE. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were calculated as measures of discrimination and predictive accuracy. Fourteen patients (12.4%) developed symptomatic VTE. Development of VTE was associated with shortened INTEM CFT (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.90, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.84 - 0.96, p = 0.004), higher INTEM A10 (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07 - 1.36, p = 0.002), higher INTEM MCF (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08 - 1.37, p = 0.001) and higher INTEM LI60 (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.38 - 3.21, p = 0.001). An INTEM LI60 value indicative of fibrinolysis shutdown (≥ 98%) had the best predictive accuracy for VTE (AUC = 0.887, 95% CI 0.824 - 0.951, sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 67.0%), higher than that of D-dimer levels (p = 0.028). ROTEM parameters were promising predictors of symptomatic VTE. Fibrinolysis shutdown as reflected by ROTEM LI60 and high D-dimer levels can aid the identification of high-risk patients. Future studies should evaluate whether the addition of ROTEM findings to an expanded risk-assessing model can improve the predictive capacity and provide better guidance in thromboprophylaxis.

Autologous menisci-cruciate ligament composite as a flap for soft tissue reconstruction following malignant bone tumor resection around the knee.

Despite significant improvements in oncological treatment, the management of soft tissue defects following malignant tumor resection remains challenging. We investigated whether autologous menisci and cruciate ligament, which are traditionally discarded, can be recycled as a supplemental flap in repairing soft tissue defects following malignant bone tumor resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction around the knee. Four knee specimens were dissected to provide a basis for the design of the menisci-cruciate ligament composite. Then, 40 patients with bone malignancies around the knee were enrolled and underwent reconstruction with free or vascularized composite following malignant tumor resection. The clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of this technique were evaluated in >1-year follow-up in each patient and compared with 87 patients who suffered from bone malignancies around the knee and were treated by limb salvage but without composite at our center over the same period. During the follow-up, a composite from one patient who underwent secondary amputation was retrieved and examined for in vivo remodeling. Fourteen patients were treated with vascularized composite transfer (10 distal femurs and 4 proximal tibias) and 26 patients with free composite transfer (19 distal femurs and 7 proximal tibias). The composite can be used to cover the area of soft tissue defect from 22 to 48.38 cm2 (34.67 ± 6.48 cm2 ). With contrast-enhanced ultrasound, peripheral rim healing and dotted blood flow signal at the side of anastomosis were detected on a patient 16 months after free composite transfer. Gross macroscopic remodeling and histopathologic analysis of a retrieved composite also indicated good healing with surrounding tissues and living cells in the composite. The complications and oncologic outcomes were comparable between study and control cohorts, but better Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score for patients reconstructed with composite (26.68 vs. 25.66, p =0.004). Of note, MSTS score was higher for patients reconstructed with composite at distal femur subdivision compared with the same subdivision in the control cohort (26.97 vs. 25.90, p =0.009). No statically significant difference was noted in complications, oncologic, and functional outcomes for patients reconstructed with free or vascularized composite. Autogenous menisci-cruciate ligament composite is an alternative option for soft tissue reconstruction. Either vascularized or free composite can be applied, depending on the size and localization of the defect.

A Viability Analysis of Tumor-Bearing Frozen Autograft for the Reconstruction After Resection of Malignant Bone Tumors Using 99m Tc-MDP Scintigraphy.

Several methods are used to reconstruct bony defects after malignant tumor excision. Tumor-bearing frozen autograft reconstruction is a biological procedure in which tumor-bearing bone is reused after devitalization with liquid nitrogen to kill tumor cells. The viability of frozen autografts has not been fully evaluated over time. We therefore aimed to evaluate the viability of devitalized bone grafts, using 99m Tc-MDP scintigraphy. Seventy-four patients who underwent frozen autograft reconstruction after the excision of a malignant bone tumor were enrolled. Two hundred forty-two postoperative 99m Tc-MDP scans were reviewed. For a quantitative analysis, the region of interest on the frozen bone segment and a symmetric region of interest on the contralateral normal area were manually set. The radioactive tracer uptake ratio was calculated by dividing the count density of the frozen bone segment by that of the contralateral normal area in each image. An uptake ratio of 0.9 to 1.1 was defined as a normalization of tracer uptake. Normalization of tracer uptake was achieved in 95% to 97% of the cases by 60 months postoperatively, and earlier in the middle zone and peripheral zone in the pedicle freezing group in comparison to the free freezing group (both P = 0.03). Fracture and nonunion was associated with a low uptake ratio, whereas infection was associated with a high uptake ratio before the occurrence of the event. The calculation of the uptake ratio using 99m Tc-MDP scans was an objective and accurate evaluation method. The period to normalization of tracer uptake in the pedicle frozen bone was significantly earlier than that in the free frozen bone. The postoperative complications can be also predicted.