Localized Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor of the Knee: An Arthroscopic Excision

BACKGROUND AND AIM

A tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a proliferative lesion of the synovial membrane of the joints, tendon sheaths and/or bursae. There are two described subtypes, including the localized and diffuse forms. A TGCT can also be intraarticular or extraarticular. An intraarticular localized tenosynovial giant cell tumor (L-TGCT) of the knee is characterized by nodular hyperplasic synovial tissue that can remain asymptomatic for a long time, but as the mass grows, it may cause mechanical symptoms that may require surgical treatment. The aim of our study is to present a rare case of an L-TGCT of the knee joint treated with an arthroscopic excision.

CASE REPORT

We describe the case of a 17-year-old female with pain, swelling and knee locking in the absence of trauma. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) displayed a well-circumscribed small mass in the anterior medial compartment, adherent to the infrapatellar fat pad. The lesion presented the typical MRI characteristics of an intraarticular localized TGCT. The patient was treated with an arthroscopic mass removal and partial synovectomy. The gross pathology showed an ovoid nodule that was covered by a fibrous capsule; a histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was able to return to normal daily activities one month after surgery; at the three-year follow-up, she was free of symptoms with no evidence of disease on the MRI.

CONCLUSION

In patients with a small-dimension L-TGCT in the anterior compartment of the knee that presents an MRI pattern and causes mechanical symptoms, an arthroscopic en-bloc excision can be performed that results in good outcomes and a rapid return to preinjury levels.

Treatment of a subcutaneous tibialis anterior tendon rupture with a semitendinosus autograft

The subcutaneous rupture of the tibialis anterior tendon is a rare and silent lesion which can lead to foot and ankle dysfunction with gait difficulty. The treatment can be either conservative or surgical. Conservative management is reserved for inactive patients and those with a general or local contraindication to surgery, whereas surgical repair includes direct and rotational suture, as well as tendon transfer and auto- or allograft. The choice of surgical treatment is based on multiple factors, including the symptoms, the timespan from injury to treatment, the anatomopathological pattern of the lesion, and the patient's age and level of activity. Large defects present a particular reconstructive challenge, and there is no consensus on the optimal method of treatment. That being said, one of the options is an autograft using the semitendinosus hamstring tendon. We present a case of a 69-year-old woman who sustained a hyperflexion trauma to her left ankle. Three months later, ultrasound examination and a magnetic resonance imaging showed a complete tibialis anterior rupture with a gap of more than 10 cm. The patient was successfully treated with surgical repair. An autograft of the semitendinosus tendon was used to bridge the gap. The tibialis anterior rupture is a rare lesion that must be promptly diagnosed and treated, especially in physically active patients. Large defects pose particular challenges. Surgical management was found to be the treatment of choice. In the case of a lesion with a major gap, semitendinosus grafting can be successfully employed.

Treatment options for secondary osteonecrosis of the knee

Knee osteonecrosis is a debilitating progressive degenerative disease characterized by subchondral bone ischemia. It can lead to localized necrosis, tissue death, and progressive joint destruction. For this reason, it is essential to diagnose and treat this disease early to avoid subchondral collapse, chondral damage, and end-stage osteoarthritis, where the only solution is total knee arthroplasty. Three types of knee osteonecrosis have been documented in the literature: spontaneous or primitive, secondary, and post arthroscopy. Spontaneous osteonecrosis is the most common type studied in the literature. Secondary osteonecrosis of the knee is a rare disease and, unlike the spontaneous one, involves patients younger than 50 years. It presents a particular set of pathological, clinical, imaging, and progression features. The management of secondary osteonecrosis is determined by the stage of the disorder, the clinical manifestation, the size and location of the lesions, whether the involvement is unilateral or bilateral, the patient's age, level of activity, general health, and life expectancy. This review aims to present the recent evidence on treatment options for secondary osteonecrosis of the knee, including conservative treatment, joint preserving surgery, and knee replacement.

Assessment and Management of Loose Bodies in the Knee Joint and Related Disease: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

Loose bodies are frequently encountered during clinical activity and a common finding during knee arthroscopy. Usually, treatment consists of the removal of the loose bodies, which can be challenging even for experienced surgeons. The excision alone is not always the complete treatment, because loose bodies are generally secondary to other diseases that can cause persistent symptoms with the risk of new loose body formation. The aim of this narrative review is to show the clinical, imaging and arthroscopic evaluation of loose bodies in order to plan optimal treatment.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted to find the most recent and relevant studies investigating the aetiopathogenesis, the assessment tools and the therapeutic strategies for knee loose bodies and their related diseases.

RESULTS

When dealing with a loose body, the first issue is the evaluation of the intra-articular fragment (location, size, number, symptoms) and its aetiopathogenesis by identifying the underlying pathology (e.g., osteochondritis dissecans, osteoarthritis, chondral defect, tumour-like lesions, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). In the case of symptomatic intra-articular loose bodies, treatment consists of fragment removal and the management of related diseases (e.g., lifestyle modification, physiotherapy, pharmacological and surgical treatment).

CONCLUSION

Loose bodies are not separate entities and in addition to their pathological aspect, must be evaluated within the context of the underlying disease. Correct assessment and comprehensive management allow for relief of symptomatology and prevention of loose body formation by removal and treatment of the associated diseases.

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a patient with multiple hereditary exostoses

Background:

Multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) also known as Multiple Osteochondromas is a rare benign bone tumour disease, characterized by multiple osteocartilaginous masses. The knee is one of the most affected sites. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery is the most common and generally most successful surgical knee procedure; however, the association between MHE and ACL reconstruction is very rare and may represent a challenging procedure because of the anatomical anomaly related to presence of multiple masses around the knee. Here, we present a case report of ACL reconstruction in a patient affected by multiple exostoses.

Case report:

The patient was a 30-year-old woman affected by MHE, with an ACL tear arising after knee trauma. As the patient complained of pain, swelling and the knee “giving way”, she successfully underwent arthroscopic-assisted ACL reconstruction using quadrupled hamstring tendon grafts, with femoral suspension and double tibial fixations.

Conclusion:

Symptomatic ACL tears in a patient affected by MHE should be considered for arthroscopic reconstruction, which requires that particular attention be paid to tendons harvesting, tunnel placement and the choice of graft fixation system, given the presence of multiple masses around the knee. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Total knee arthroplasty in a young patient with achondroplasia

Achondroplasia is a genetic skeletal dysplasia, characterised by dwarfism, with upper and lower limb deformities, that can lead to knee osteoarthritis; the surgical treatment is a challenge due to the particular joint anatomy variances. We present a 40-year-old woman, affected by achondroplasia with severe left knee osteoarthritis; the patient was treated conservatively with poor results. Between the ages of 12 and 17 years, she underwent multiple operative procedures for lower limb lengthening and a partial correction of the valgus deformity, by applying an external fixator. The patient was successfully treated with cemented posterior stabilised, fixed-bearing, total knee arthroplasty. The patient affected by achondroplasia, with severe knee osteoarthritis, should be considered for total joint replacement, which can be carried out with or without additional extra-articular osteotomy for alignment correction. Due to skeletal dysplasia in joint deformities, knee replacement requires careful preoperative planning and special technical considerations.

Management of suprapatellar synovial plica, a common cause of anterior knee pain: a clinical review

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK

Suprapatellar synovial plica is caused by a congenital thickening of the synovial membrane and is generally asymptomatic. In the literature, suprapatellar plicae are described as one of the causes of anterior knee pain however, their real role in determining symptoms is controversial. The aim of the current paper is to describe the anatomy, classifications, pathophysiology, symptoms and management of suprapatellar plica syndrome, as well as the differential diagnosis from other causes of anterior knee pain.

METHOD

Via a search within the MEDLINE/PubMed database, a current review was conducted, and the results summarized.

RESULTS

Due to idiopathic, traumatic or inflammatory conditions, plicae can become pathological, causing anterior knee pain with possible knee clicking, swelling, giving way and locking after prolonged flexion of the knee. The diagnosis should be formulated based on an accurate medical history and clinical examination, followed by an appropriate imaging study. However, arthroscopy remains the "golden standard" for detecting all synovial plica.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with anterior knee pain, where doubt is present in the imaging investigation for intraarticular or periarticular lesions, pathological suprapatellar synovial plica must be suspected. The treatment should initially be conservative, but in cases where symptoms persist, patients should undergo arthroscopy to confirm diagnosis and to determine a suitable treatment. In the presence of pathological plica associated with cartilage damage of the femoral condyle or patella at the time of diagnostic arthroscopy, plicae excision leads to favourable results in a high number of cases.

A micromachined intensity-modulated fiber optic sensor for strain measurements: working principle and static calibration

This paper describes an intensity-modulated fiber optic sensor for strain measurements. The sensing element is a polydimetilsiloxane (PDMS) micro-diffraction grating, 15 mm long, 2 mm thick, with channels 150 µm wide, spaced apart 200 µm. The working principle of the sensor can be summarized as follows: when the sensing element is strained perpendicularly to the grating plane, light passing through the grating undergoes a modulation caused by the phenomenon of diffraction. Since the grating is interposed between a laser source and a fiber optic, the coupled radiation intensity between these two optical elements can be considered as an indirect measure of strain. A static calibration of the measuring system has been performed, showing that the device, with measuring range of about 0.04, is capable to discriminate strain of 0.005 and it presents a sensitivity increase with strain in the whole range of measurements.

Effects of gefitinib (G) on bone metatases (BMs) in non-small cell lung cancer patients

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Background: Selected pts with advanced NSCLC might have particular benefit from EGFR tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor treatment. We have identified 4 NSCLC pts with BMs who had major responses to G. Methods: Pts characteristics: Pt 1, 62 y/o female, never-smoker (ns), NSCLC, brain and BMs with bone pain; pt 2, 51 y/o male, former smoker (fs), ADC and BMs; pt 3, 51 y/o male, ns, ADC and BMs; pt 4, 50 y/o male, fs, ADC, pleural effusion, BMs and bone pain. Pts 1 and 4 had mixed osteolytic-sclerotic BMs; pts 2 and 3 had osteolytic BMs. Pts were treated with 250 mg/day of G; the dose was increased to 375 mg/day in pt 1 for maximum CNS control. Pts 1 and 4 received G as first-line therapy, pts 2 and 3 as second-line following failure of platinum-containing therapy. Pts 1–3 also received zoledronic acid. Results: Pts 1 and 4 experienced significant decrease in bone pain with G, within hours in pt 1 and by day 3 in pt 4. Pts 1–3 developed rash. Objective regression of primary tumor was observed in all 4 pts. After 3 months of G the bone scan did not change in pt 1 but many lesions became more sclerotic. Bone scans became negative after one year of treatment in pts 2 and 3. Pt 2 had resection of the primary tumor with no recurrence, 26+ months (mos) from diagnosis, 9+ mos from surgery. Pt 1 has had disease control for 7+ mos, pt 3 for 15+ mos. Pt 1 had CNS regression with G. Pt 3 was found to have asymptomatic CNS mets at 6 mos of G, received whole-brain radiation, and remains on G at >1 year. Pt 4 died 6 weeks after starting G from unrelated causes but showed dramatic BMs response by PET. Tumor tissue was available for molecular analyses for pts 2 and 4, who respectively showed EGFR-TK domain G719C mutation in exon 18 and L858R mutation in exon 21. Both mutations have been previously described in NSCLC patients responding to G. Conclusions: G may be effective in the treatment of BMs in some NSCLC patients.

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Surgical treatment of spinal deformities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a long term follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of spinal deformities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is influenced by a number of factors which have proven to be a difficult challenge. Each case should be carefully evaluated, considering not only the natural history of the spinal deformity, but also the patient's general condition. These should be thoroughly assessed through clinical and radiographic investigations together with other medical specialists. Life expectancy should be determined according to the cardio-respiratory function, and both preoperative and postoperative quality of life should be taken into consideration, trying to imagine the functional status of each patient after surgery.

METHODS

From February 1985 to February 2000, 58 patients with spinal deformity in DMD were surgically treated. Of 25 patients that were operated on between 1985 and 1995, only 20 were followed-up after 5 years because 5 of them had died during this time. Therefore, the present study focuses on the results obtained in 20 cases. The 20 cases reviewed presented with a mean angular value of scoliosis equal to 48 degrees (range 10-92 degrees). Spinal fusion with our modified Luque technique [6] was performed in 19 cases, whereas CD instrumentation was applied in only one case.

RESULTS

At the 5 year follow-up (range 5.6-10 years), the age ranged from 18 to 24 years and averaged 20.4 years. The postoperative angular value of scoliosis averaged 22 degrees (58%, range 0-43 degrees), the mean correction at follow-up was 28 degrees (range 0-60 degrees), and the mean loss of correction was equal to 6 degrees (range, 0-11 degrees). Vital capacity showed a slow progression, slightly inferior to its natural evolution in untreated patients. The severest complication was the death that occurred in one of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the present study, an early surgery (angular value lower than 35-40 degrees) dramatically reduces the rate of risk factors associated with spinal deformities in DMD, and its advantages far exceed the disadvantages, above all in terms of quality of life.

Corrective osteotomy for the treatment of genu procurvatun. Surgery

The authors present the method known as proximal tibial osteotomy for the treatment of genu procurvatum. The importance of an accurate preoperative study, particularly aimed at avoiding negative repercussions on the position of the patella, and of a correct anatomical exposure with isolation of the peroneal nerve for any iatrogenic lesions, must be emphasized; a condylic plate was used to stabilize osteotomy was stabilized, adapting well to the anatomy of the region, and allowing us to obtain correction of any associated deformities on the frontal plane.

Chondrosarcoma as a complicating factor in Paget's disease of bone

A 65-year-old male patient with an 8-year history of poliostotic Paget's disease complained of shoulder pain that started 6 months prior to admission. An extensive lytic area was identified in the right proximal humerus along with Paget's disease. There was cortical destruction and a soft tissue mass. Following an incisional biopsy, a diagnosis of grade 2 chondrosarcoma associated with Paget's disease was made. The histologic identification of chondrosarcoma associated with Paget's disease is rare. However, the presence of a calcified matrix in a destructive lesion associated with Paget's disease should alert the radiologist and the pathologist to the possibility of a chondromatous differentiation taking place in the sarcoma associated with Paget's disease. The histologic evaluation of the lesion will form the basis for the diagnosis.

Aneurysmal bone cyst and giant cell tumor of the foot

From 1950 to 1994, 257 cases of benign bone tumors of the foot were treated at the Bone Tumor Center of the Rizzoli Institute. Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) and giant cell tumors (GCT) are rare and often they are misdiagnosed. To define the clinical and radiographic features useful for diagnosis, x-rays of 24 ABCs and 21 GCTs of the foot were reviewed. Adding our series to the cases reported in the literature, the only important clinical data that emerged was the average age of patients affected by ABC and GCT (15 and 27 years, respectively). ABCs localized in small tarsal bones were rare (6%), whereas 19% of GCTs were found in this site. The eccentric, round shape of a lytic lesion was more characteristic of GCT. An aggressive pattern of radiographic bone destruction was observed more frequently in GCT than in ABC (P = 0.01). Septation was seen in both tumors. Typical of ABC was a sharp and trabeculated margin, whereas GCT had an ill-defined edge with normal cancellous bone (P = 0.007). The growth of ABCs often expanded the cortex, while GCTs eroded, thinned, and broke the cortical bone (P = 0.001). A saucerized cortex was observed only in ABCs. A bony shelf was more characteristic of ABC than of GCT (P = 0.002). Pathologic fractures (67%) and joint involvement, evaluated by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (83%), were more frequent in GCTs, whereas fluid levels were more frequently observed in ABCs (47%). The majority of the tumors were stage 2, but GCTs represented 70% of stage 3 aggressive lesions.

Reconstruction by Grosse-Kempf nailing in resections for bone tumor

The authors report 38 reconstruction by Grosse-Kempf nailing for resection of bone tumor; there were: intercalar resections: 16; arthrodeses of the knee: 13; arthrodesis of the ankle joint: 5; gyroplasty: 4. Massive homoplastic bone graft was used in 26 cases, in 3 of which autoplastic grafting was associated; autoplastic grafts were used exclusively in 7 cases, and a cement spacer was used in 1. Twenty-nine patients (76%) obtained satisfactory final results, but in 10 cases secondary surgery was performed for a total of 14 operations, of which 7 major (1 nail substitution and 6 vascularized fibula operations). There were 7 failures: mechanical complications: 6; infection: 1. The highest number of non-unions were observed where massive homoplastic grafting was used: intercalar reconstruction: 11; arthrodesis of the knee: 7. The results were evidently better and the incidence of complications low in cases in which autoplastic grafting was used or where gyroplasty was performed. Absolute stiffness and best possible contact are difficult to obtain with blocked intramedullary nailing. On the contrary, when autoplastic grafts are used or when gyroplasty is performed micromovements allowed the instrumentation are compatible with good consolidation.

Intramedullary osteosynthesis with Grosse-Kempf nailing for the treatment of distal fractures of the femur

The authors report the results they obtained in a homogeneous series of fractures of the distal third of the femur treated by Grosse-Kempf nailing. Of the 67 fractures (58 closed, 9 exposed) treated with closed surgery (except for 1 case treated by nailing 35 days after trauma) non-union was never observed. The two cases of delay in consolidation (one related to an infection) did not require a change in method. Bone grafting was never necessary. Only in 3 cases (2 with multiple trauma, 1 treated by open reduction) was moderate reduction in range of movement of the knee observed.

Grosse-Kempf nailing in fractures of the tibia

A series of 136 tibial fractures treated with locked Grosse-Kempf nailing is reviewed, evaluating the results according to rapidity of healing, functional recovery, and complications. Locked nailing proved so reliable that immediate mobilization was possible. There was only a 6% incidence of delayed union, including infections (3 cases, 2%) and nail breakage (2 cases, 1.5%). Several details of the operative technique that were decisive in the final result are discussed.

Syringomyelic arthropathy: a description of two cases and a review of the literature

Neurogenous arthropatHy is a rare disease. Nonetheless, every orthopaedist will sooner or later be faced with the arthropathy before the neurologic disease has been diagnosed. The authors report their study on two cases of syringomyelic arthropathy, repropose its anatomopathological, clinical and radiographic features, and discuss the etiopathogenesis, differential diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

An evaluation of the "quoad vitam" prognosis in the elderly patient with medial fracture of the femoral neck

The authors analyzed 425 consecutive cases of medial fracture of the femoral neck with the purpose of establishing a simple and practical system, and one which is easy to use, in order to evaluate this type of lesion and to compare different series of cases. Based on these criteria the death rate occurring intra-hospital and 6 months after trauma, the influence of the age factor, the type of anesthesia used and the type of treatment carried out, were evaluated. The results were as follows: The classification devised by the American Society of Anesthesiology continues to be an effective system for the evaluation of vital risk. The death rate was always directly related to age, and it was not influenced by either the type of anesthesia or the type of surgery used; however, it doubled when non-surgical treatment was used.

Acute external capsuloligamentous lesions of the knee

The authors discuss 18 cases of acute capsuloligamentous lesions of the external compartment of the knee submitted to surgical treatment. The results obtained by separately studying the progression of the various types of anatomical lesions revealed a relationship between the entity of the lesion and the results. Positive results were as follows: 100% in isolated lesions of the EC, 70% in lesions of the EC and ACL, 40% in lesions of the EC + ACL + PCL. In grade I distorsion trauma surgery is not indicated; in grade II lesions treatment is based on an objective examination in narcosis, and surgery should be performed when dynamic tests are positive; in grade III lesions surgery is always indicated. An objective examination in narcosis (rarely arthroscopy) is thus of essential importance to therapeutic indications.

Grosse-Kempf nailing in the elderly

The authors report on 30 fractures of the femur and tibia treated with the Grosse-Kempf locked nail in patients aged more than 60 years. Neither nonunion nor severe complications were observed; surgical trauma was well sustained. Functional results were particularly satisfactory; most patients began walking within the first week after fixation.

Problems related to blocked nailing in fractures of the proximal femur

The modern treatment of fractures of the proximal femur in the adult usually involves surgery. Open plating has proved to be reliable, but often involves a high percentage of complications: axial deformity, delayed union, breakage of the plate and/or screws (the risk of which increases in relation to the degree of comminution). At this site, in fact, the plate is submitted to strong flexion stress. It therefore becomes essential to associate cancellous grafts (as proposed by the AO School) (Muller et al., 1981) or a homoplastic cortical craft (as in our experience) (Zinghi and Masetti, 1982). Furthermore, open osteosynthesis is time consuming and this means considerable blood loss and a risk of infection. There are thus many reasons for preferring closed surgery, but effective stabilisation can only be obtained with blocked nailing; in fact, only metadiaphyseal screwing is capable of neutralising the rotation or axial stresses which cause deviation, instability or telescoping of the fracture (Kempf et al., 1978; Tigani et al., 1986; Zinghi et al., 1984). Osteosynthesis with Grosse-Kempf nailing is thus an effective alternative to open nailing, particularly in those fractures which would require additional bone grafting with this method. The purpose of our study was to verify the effectiveness of intramedullary osteosynthesis with Grosse-Kempf blocked nailing, in particular analysing the problems encountered in the use of this method.