Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma of the Sacrum: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

The authors present a case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma located in the sacrum of a 23-year-old patient treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A review of the literature on the topic is also reported.

Osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma of the sacrum

This retrospective study examined 10 patients with osteoid osteoma and 11 patients with osteoblastoma localized in the sacrococcyx. In the sacrum, the diagnosis was delayed compared to other sites. Curettage through a posterior approach is the treatment of choice. Radiotherapy as well as embolization of feeding arteries may be used for the most aggressive lesions. Prognosis is generally good with a low incidence of local recurrence (<10%).

Osteolytic extra-axial sacral myxopapillary ependymoma

The authors report an unusual case of sacral osteolytic myxopapillary ependymoma treated with curettage and radiotherapy. There is no evidence of recurrence 8 years after treatment. A review of the literature is presented on sacral ependymomas presenting with an osteolytic radiographic appearance (24 cases in 18 reports). The differential diagnosis with other sacral neoplasms is discussed.

Vertebral tumors: differential diagnosis between primary and secondary neoplasms

The authors discuss the criteria of differential diagnosis between primary and secondary tumors, emphasizing the role played by biopsy.

Reconstruction techniques in the treatment of vertebral neoplasms

The authors present a new system for the topographical description of vertebral neoplasms. The general criteria of reconstruction after curettage or vertebral resection are evaluated. The literature is reviewed in terms of the use of prostheses, bone grafts, cement and stabilization systems in the treatment of tumors of the spine. Indications for the different methods are discussed.

Neurologic deficit after resection of the sacrum

The authors describe neurologic deficit (sensory, motor, and sphincteral) resulting from sacrifice of the sacral nerve roots removed during resection of the sacrum. The anatomical and functional bases of sphincteral continence and the amount of neurologic deficit are discussed based on level of sacral resection. A large review of the literature on the subject is reported and discussed. The authors emphasize how the neurophysiological bases of sphincteral continence (rectum and bladder) and of sexual ability are still not well known, and how the literature reveals disagreement on the subject. A score system is proposed to evaluate neurologic deficit. The clinical model of neurologic deficit caused by resection of the sacrum may be extended to an evaluation of post-traumatic deficit.