Is liquid nitrogen recycled bone and vascular fibula combination the biological reconstruction of choice in lower extremity long bone tumor-related defects?

INTRODUCTION

Combination techniques, which encompass the combined use of vascularized bone grafts with massive allografts or autografts (recycled bone grafts), are especially important in the biological reconstruction of tumor-related lower extremity long bone defects. Liquid nitrogen recycled bone (frozen autograft) and free vascular fibula graft (FVFG) combination, which was coined as the "frozen hotdog (FH)" method by the authors, has not been as widely used nor its outcomes reported for significantly sized patient groups. This study aims to provide an answer to whether FH is a safe and effective reconstructive tool for limb salvage in malignant tumors of the lower extremity regarding radiological, functional, and oncological outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-six (male/female: 33/33) patients, who underwent FH reconstruction for tumor-related massive defects of lower extremity long bones between 2006 and 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age was 15.8 (3.8-46.7) years. The most common tumor localizations were distal femur (42.4%) and proximal tibia (21.2%) while classic osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma were the most common pathologies (60.6% and 22.7%, respectively). Mean resection and FVFG lengths were 160 (90-320) mm and 192 (125-350) mm, respectively. The mean follow-up was 73.9 (24-192) months.

RESULTS

The mean MSTS score was 25.4 (15-30) and the mean ISOLS radiographic score was 22.6 (13-24). Mean time to full weight bearing without any assistive devices was 15.4 (6-40) months and the median time was 12 months. MSTS score negatively correlated with resected segment length and vascular fibula length (p < 0.001; p = 0.006). Although full contact apposition of the FH segment correlated with earlier full weight bearing compared to partial apposition (mean 13.7 vs. 17.9 months) (p = 0.042), the quality of reduction did not affect the ISOLS radiographic score at LFU. Overall limb survival rate was 96.3% at 5 and 10 years while FH survival rate was 91.0% and 88.1% at 5 and 10 years. Local recurrence-free survival rates were 88.8% and 85.9%, and overall survival was 89.9% and 86.1% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Limb length discrepancy was the most common complication with 34 (51.5%) patients while shell nonunion was seen in 21 (31.8%) patients and graft fracture in 6 (9.1%).

CONCLUSION

The "FH" method is a safe, effective, and extremely cost-efficient reconstructive tool for tumor-related lower extremity long bone defects. Patient compliance to protracted weight-bearing, ensuring the vitality of the FVFG, and achieving an oncologically safe resection are key factors for a successful outcome.

Primary bone tumors and tumor like lesions of the ulna

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to discuss the diagnosis and surgical management and their results according to stage of primary bone tumors at ulna and to share our experience on this exceptional location for bone tumors.

METHODS

We have retrospectively reviewed our clinics database and identified 23 cases (14 males and 9 females, mean age was 28.9 (range 4-77)) with primary bone tumors and tumor like lesion involvement of ulna. The patients were evaluated according to complaints, type and grade of tumor, treatment, recurrence and functional status.

RESULTS

The most common first referral complaint was constrictive pain in 52.1% of the cases, benign tumors and tumor like lesions of the bone constituted 73.9% whereas malignant bone tumors were 26.1%, 39.1% of the lesions were located in distal end of ulna and the mean follow up was 33.8 months (range 8-172 months). Local recurrence has unexpectedly occurred in 3 benign lesions (13.1%).

CONCLUSION

Benign bone lesions tend to involve distal and proximal ends, malign bone lesions involve diaphysis mostly. Both benign and malignant diaphyseal lesions of the ulna have better postoperative results regarding the lesions at both ends of ulna. One should also take care of recurrences even after a decade from the primary surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Coexistence of secondary chondrosarcoma and lung carcinoma metastasis in the humerus of a patient with Ollier's disease: A case report

Tumor-to-tumor metastasis in the same bone is an extremely rare condition. Limited number of case reports exists for coincidence of benign and malign neoplasms but none for malignant to malignant metastasis. Occurrence of several individual malignancies in the same patient may eventually cause such coexistences. We report an Ollier's disease patient with malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma complicated by a pathologic fracture and eventually whose pathological examination revealed that the lesion was not only the chondrosarcoma but an accompanying metastasis from existing lung adenocarcinoma. This report includes clinical, radiological, histological diagnostic challenges in an unexpected lesion and a review of literature.

Primary Tumor and Tumor-Like Lesions of Bones of the Foot: Single-Center Experience of 166 Cases

Primary bone tumors of the foot are rare lesions. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations, treatment modalities, and recurrences of various primary bone tumors of the foot from a specialized center for orthopedic oncology. Among 3681 musculoskeletal tumor cases, which were diagnosed and surgically treated in our hospital from 1983 to 2013, 166 primary tumor and tumor-like bone lesions of the foot (4.5%) were retrospectively reviewed regarding age, gender, localization, biopsy-revealed diagnosis, applied treatment modalities, follow-up period, and recurrence, if any. Of the 166 primary bone tumors of the foot, 155 (93.4%) were benign and 11 (6.6%) were malignant. The most common primary benign bone tumor was a unicameral bone cyst (57 of 155; 36.8%), and the most common malignant tumor was chondrosarcoma (7 of 11; 63.6%). The hindfoot was the most common location for both primary benign (104 of 155; 67.1%) and malignant (6 of 11; 54.5%) bone tumors of the foot. The results of our study have confirmed that the radiologic findings can be confusing owing to the structural and histopathologic features of the bones of the foot; thus, histopathologic diagnosis should be considered for foot involvement. Because the characteristics of the compartments in the foot allow for the rapid spread of malignant lesions, aggressive surgical management and wider resection are recommended to prevent recurrence and further spread.

Surgical Treatment of Confirmed Intraosseous Lipoma of the Calcaneus: A Case Series

Intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus is a benign lesion formed by mature adipose tissue. When the lesion is symptomatic, the most frequent presentation is localized pain and soft tissue swelling. Because these lesions can regress spontaneously, conservative treatment methods are recommended. Operative excision is mostly required for painful lesions and pathologic fractures. The data from 14 patients with calcaneal intraosseous lipoma, who had undergone surgery in our clinic, were evaluated retrospectively. Using Milgram's classification system, 9 lesions were classified as stage 1, 4 as stage 2, and 1 as stage 3. All lesions were occupying 100% of intracalcaneal cross-section in the coronal plane and >30% in the sagittal plane of magnetic resonance imaging sections. The mean preoperative visual analog scale score was 5.29 ± 1.14 (range 4 to 7), and the mean postoperative visual analog scale score at the last follow-up visit was 1.14 ± 0.36 (range 1 to 2), which was significantly better (p < .01). The mean Maryland foot score at the last follow-up visit was 97.71 ± 2.02 (range 95 to 100). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot scale score was 97.86 ± 2.11 (range 94 to 100) at the last follow-up visit. The differences between the pre- and postoperative values were statistically significant (p < .01). No recurrence had been detected within a median follow-up period of 84 months. Operative management of symptomatic lesions related to intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus provides better results compared with the preoperative state.

The proprioception of the knee joint following tibia plateau fractures

Proprioception is a conscious and/or unconscious perception of position change in an extremity or joint in space. In our study our purpose was to evaluate whether the lower extremity proprioception in long term, is altered following tibia plateau fractures and to assess its relation with age and type of fracture. This retrospective study includes the evaluation of proprioception in 38 tibia plateau fracture patients (29 male, 9 female) of various types who were operated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) technique in our clinic, by comparison of both operated knee and unaffected knee. The mean age of the patients were 38,8 (range, 20-60) and mean follow-up time was 56 months (range, 13-120 months). Proprioception measurements were assessed at 30° and 60° of knee flexion degrees both passively and actively. There were no significant difference between the operated knee and unaffected knee by mean absolute angular deviation values at passive (p = 0,22) or active 60° (p = 0,22). Accordingly passive (p = 0,47) and active 30° (p = 0,62) mean absolute angular deviation values showed no significant difference. Our study has indicated that proprioception at the operated extremity is not significantly different from the unaffected knee in tibia plateau fractures at long term follow-up.

Congenital bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation in unusual location and age: a case report

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP, also known as Nora's lesion) is a rare, benign, locally aggressive condition defined as osteochondromatous exostosis arising from the bony cortex. BPOP presents predominantly in the 2nd and 3rd decades of life, and commonly arises from the periosteum of metacarpals and metatarses, though rare locations have been reported, including the long bones, the maxillae, the bones of calvaria, and the sesamoids. The case of an osteochondromatous lesion in an infant with an intra-abdominal mass arising from the iliac wing, an atypical location of benign solitary lesions, is reported. Benign solitary lesions are exceptional in this age group. The parents of the patient, who was born in term at 3600 grams, discovered a mass in the left groin and observed decreased movement in the lower left extremity. No history of trauma was reported. When the patient was 5 months of age, AP pelvic X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a bony mass displacing intra-abdominal organs anteromedially. Biopsy reported an osteocartilaginous lesion with calcified mature cartilaginous fragments surrounded by plasmacytoid, monotone, fibrinoid cells in myxoid background. Differential diagnosis included osteochondroma, osteochondromyxoma, BPOP, fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma, chondromyxoid fibroma, periosteal chondroma, soft tissue chondroma, myositis ossificans, and juxtacortical chondroma. Biopsy of the resected specimen determined a diagnosis of BPOP. At 6-month postoperative follow-up, neither symptoms nor complaints related to the mass were present.

Surface Aneurysmal Bone Cyst: Clinical and Imaging Features in 10 New Cases

Aneurysmal bone cyst originating from the surface of the bone, either within the cortex or subperiosteally, is an uncommon anatomic subtype. This article reports the clinical and radiologic evaluations and treatment outcomes of 10 patients with surface aneurysmal bone cysts that were surgically treated between 1982 and 2014. Mean age at the time of surgery was 22.4 years (range, 11-44 years). According to Capanna's radiographic evaluation criteria, 6 of the lesions were classified as type V and 4 were classified as type IV. Radiographically, periosteal shell formation was observed to be complete in 4 patients, partial in 3, and absent in 3, and 6 patients had Codman's angle or buttress formation. In 1 patient, computed tomography scan showed birdcage-like ossification attached to the surface of bone. Magnetic resonance imaging showed fluid-fluid levels in 5 patients. All of the patients had standard curettage and high-speed burr application as an adjuvant. No patient had local recurrence at the end of the follow-up period of 98.4 months (range, 13-288 months). These findings show the importance of careful radiologic evaluation and biopsy to better plan a treatment strategy when surface aneurysmal bone cyst is included in the differential diagnosis. The finding of fluid-fluid levels on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography is not pathognomonic for primary aneurysmal bone cyst; however, the absence of this finding does not rule out the diagnosis. The rate of local recurrence after curettage plus high-speed burr is reasonably low, and other adjuvant procedures should be used whenever needed. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(5):e897-e903.].

A rare knee extensor mechanism injury: Vastus intermedius tendon rupture

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The first case of isolated rupture of vastus intermedius tendon in the literature.

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Partial quadriceps tendon rupture can be treated by conservative therapy.

Introduction

Quadriceps tendon injuries are rare. There is a limited number of studies in the literature, reporting partial quadriceps tendon ruptures. We did not find any study reporting an isolated vastus intermedius tendon injury in the literature.

Presentation of case

A 22 years old professional rugby player with the complaints of pain in the right lower limb, decreased range of motion in right knee and a mass in the mid-anterior of the right thigh applied following an overloading on his hyperflexed knee during a rugby match. T2 sequence magnetic resonance images revealed discontinuity in the vastus intermedius tendon and intramuscular hematoma. The patient has been conservatively treated.

Discussion

Quadriceps tendon ruptures generally occur after the 4th decade in the presence of degenerative changes. Our case is a young professional rugby player. Isolated vastus intermedius tendon rupture is unusual. Conservative treatment is performed as the intermedius tendon is in the deepest layer of the quadriceps muscle.

Conclusion

We report the first case of isolated rupture of the vastus intermedius tendon in the literature and we claim that disorder may be succesfully treated with conservative treatment and adequate physiotheraphy.

Chondroblastoma-like osteosarcoma: a case report and review

Chondroblastoma-like osteosarcomas are extremely rare malignancies having varying clinical, radiological and histological features. Their rarity causes challenges in both diagnosis and clinical management. They are often misdiagnosed as benign lesions. Their accurate diagnosis is important because they require adequate treatment. Misdiagnosed lesions or undertreatment may result in recurrences. We report a case of chondroblastoma-like osteosarcoma arising in the left first metatarsal bone with tarsometatarsal joint involvement in a 10-year-old boy for whom surgery with an original technique was planned after a multidisciplinary diagnostic review.

Unusual localizations of unicameral bone cysts and aneurysmal bone cysts: A retrospective review of 451 cases

Unicameral bone cysts (UBC) and aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are benign cystic lesions of bone which are easily diagnosed. However, unusual locations may lead to a false diagnosis. Therefore the aim of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency of unusual localizations. The authors studied 451 cases with histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of UBC or ABC, seen between 1981 and 2012. In the UBC group (352 cases) humerus, femur and calcaneus were found to be the most common sites, while acetabulum, scapula, scaphoid, lunatum, metacarpals, metatarsals, toe phalanges and ulna each accounted for less than 1%. In the ABC group (99 cases) the most common sites of involvement were femur, humerus and tibia, while finger phalanges, ilium, acetabulum, pubis, calcaneus, cuboid, and toe phalanges each accounted for only 1%. The differential diagnosis of cystic bone lesions should include both UBC and ABC. Pain complaints plead for the latter, except in case of fracture.

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

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