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Background: Management of extremity tumor is particularly challenging in low-resource settings where patients are often referred with late presentations. First, diagnostic means are limited, with CT scan, MRI, and pathology usually not being available. Limitations are also related to therapeutic means, as the absence of adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) may preclude any improvement in overall survival despite a curative surgical treatment., Objective: The authors suggest a kind of "toolbox" combining a diagnostic guide, based on clinical examination and X-rays, and therapeutic advice adapted to this context of care. The objective is to help the surgeon to better categorize the tumor to decide whether or not to operate or act in a relevant way., Conclusion: The authors do not aim to provide recommendations but rather an inventory of what the isolated surgeon should know to decide on the best treatment strategy which, however, can only be symptomatic., (© 2021. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to SICOT aisbl.)

Parosteal osteosarcomas and well-differentiated liposarcomas are both well-differentiated locally aggressive tumors. They both have simple karyotypes with amplification of the 12q13-15 regions including MDM2 and CDK4 genes. In this report, we describe the case of a parosteal osteosarcoma intertwined with a low-grade component similar to a well-differentiated liposarcoma. The association of a bone component with an adipose component was initially overlooked. We describe the histological, imaging, and molecular characteristics of this tumor stressing the importance of radio-pathological correlation. To our knowledge, this is the second report of a parosteal osteoliposarcoma. Awareness of this rare presentation may allow radiologists and surgeons to recognize the peripheral fatty component as an integral part of the tumor.

Purpose: The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic started in December 2019 in Wuhan. The lockdown was declared on March 16, 2020 in France. Our centre had to adapt daily practices to continue to take care of bone and soft tissue tumours and emergencies. Through this study, we wanted to assess the various procedures implemented during the lockdown period between March 17 and May 10., Methods: A monocentric retrospective cohort study was conducted in Cochin Hospital (Paris, France). Patients included were those who had surgery during the lockdown period. To take care of COVID-19 positive and negative patients, various procedures have been set up: reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for all hospitalized patients, a specific unit for COVID-positive patients, a specific surgical room, and use of protective personal equipment. To allow the effectiveness of the procedures implemented, we evaluated the number of complications attributed to SARS-CoV-2 and the number of patients who became COVID positive during hospitalization., Results: During the lockdown period, there were 199 procedures of three types of procedures in our centre: 79 traumatology procedures (39.7%), 76 of bone and soft tissues tumours (38.2%), and 44 procedures related to infection (22.1%). We observed 13 complications (6.5%) during hospitalization, and only one patient became COVID-19 positive during the hospitalization., Conclusion: The COVID-19 epidemic has been a challenge for organization and adaptation to manage all COVID-19 positive and COVID negative. Through this study, we wanted to assess our procedures taken. They had been effective due to the low number of contamination and complications.

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical, radiologic, and survival results of dual mobility (DM) sockets in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed for instability versus revision THAs performed for other reasons., Methods: From a computerized database, we identified 84 revision THAs using a modern DM socket performed in 81 patients with a mean age of 71 years. Indication for revision was recurrent dislocation in 47 hips, and other reasons in the remaining 37 hips. A survivorship analysis according to the actuarial method was carried out on the entire series using revision for any cause, revision for dislocation, and radiological cup loosening revised or not, as the end points., Results: Of the 81 patients, twelve died, six were lost to follow-up, eight had been revised, and 55 patients (58 hips) were unrevised and alive at a mean follow-up of 6.4 years. Dislocation occurred in four of the 47 (8.5%) hips for which indication for revision was dislocation versus one of the remaining 37 (2.7%) hips [odds ratio = 3.4 (0.4-31.3), p = 0.07]. According to our criteria, three acetabular components of which one was revised were considered as loosened. When using revision for dislocation as the end-point, the survival rate at seven years was 90.4 ± 5.3% (IC 95% , 79.9-100) in the 47 hips for which the indication for revision was dislocation versus 100% in the remaining 37 hips (log-rank, p = 0.5)., Conclusions: The current study indicated that DM sockets represent an interesting solution to prevent dislocation in revision THAs at mid-term follow-up.

Purpose: The use of adjuvant radiation in the treatment of soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) is equivocal in selected cases. Our objective was to compare the short-term outcomes in patients operated on for a local recurrence who had radiation for the primary tumour to those who were spared radiation., Methods: This was a retrospective study of 103 patients treated for a local recurrence: 48 (47%) with previous radiation and 55 (53%) without. Our primary outcome criterion was to identify the differences in the local treatment provided. Secondary outcomes were the cumulative incidence of a surgical site infection/wound complication (SSI/WC), variables associated with SSI/WC, and local recurrence., Results: Amputation and the incidence of re-operation were significantly more frequent in patients who received previous radiation compared to patients without previous radiation (27% vs 9%, p = 0.02, for amputation; 26% vs 36% at 2 years for SSI/WC, p = 0.049). Multivariable regression models found previous radiation (p = 0.049), arteriopathy (p = 0.012), location at lower limb (p = 0.09), and use of a flap (0.0048) associated with the risk of SSI/WC., Conclusions: Previous radiation is associated with an increased risk of amputation and reoperation for SSI/WC when treating a local recurrence. This information should be accounted for when deciding for the use of radiation.

Purpose: Despite numerous reconstructive techniques and prosthetic devices, pelvic reconstructions following peri-acetabular malignant tumours resections are highly challenging. In the present study, we describe our experience with the Integra® (Lépine, Genay, France) ice-cream cone prosthesis in such indications. The objective was to assess the mid-term outcomes of this device., Methods: Twenty-four patients' chart with peri-acetabular malignant tumours, who underwent types II or II + III peri-acetabular resections according to Enneking and Dunham with subsequent reconstruction using the Integra® prosthesis between February 2009 and February 2015, were reviewed. Seventeen cases were primary surgeries and seven cases were revisions (i.e., failures of previous reconstructions for pelvic tumours). All living patients with the prosthesis implanted were functionally assessed, using the musculoskeletal tumour society (MSTS) and Postel-Merle d'Aubigné (PMA) scores., Results: After a mean follow-up of 49 ± 26 months (range, 8 to 94 months), 21 patients were alive (88%), including 15 patients continuously disease-free (63%). MSTS and PMA scores averaged 72 ± 13% (range, 43 to 87%) and 14.6 ± 2.6 (range, 9 to 18), respectively. Fourteen patients (58%) presented at least one complication during follow-up, including four cases of deep infection (17%), four cases of dislocation (17%), and two mechanical failures (8%). At 5 years, the implant survival rate was 75%., Conclusions: In comparison to previous reconstructive techniques that we used in similar indications, functional and oncologic outcomes were improved with the Integra® implant. However, as commonly observed in pelvic bone tumour surgery, complication rates remain significant., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV-Retrospective Cases Series.

Purpose: Local control of soft tissue sarcomas frequently involves adjuvant radiation to the surgical resection. When opting for post-operative radiation, care should be taken that radiation is started within some reasonable time after the surgery. We were interested to the proportion of patients who did not recieve optimal post-operative radiation and the variables associated., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a series of 77 patients operated on for an extremity soft-tissue sarcoma and due for post-operative radiotherapy. Patients were considered to have received radiation optimally if radiation was started within 12 weeks of surgery. Variables associated with not receiving radiation optimally were looked for using univariable and multivariable regression models., Results: Overall, 26 patients (34%; 95% CI: 23-45%) did not receive radiation optimally. Twenty (26%) did not start radiation within the 12-weeks mark and six (8%) could not have radiation at all. The main reason identified for not receiving radiation on time was the occurrence of a wound complication (14 (54%) patients). An increased body mass index (OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02-1.26; p = 0.02) and an older age (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.18-2.14; p = 0.04; of note, the OR are for a 10 year change) were significantly associated with not receiving radiation optimally. Patients with a social fragility (p = 0.04), metastatic spread at presentation (p = 0.04), and increased duration of surgery (p = 0.02) were more likely to develop a wound complication., Conclusions: About 34% of patients do not receive optimal post-operative radiation treatment. Older and obese patients have a higher risk of not receiving radiation optimally. The decision for pre- or post-operative radiation should account for these findings.

Purpose: Allograft hip composite prosthesis (APC) is a type of reconstruction after resection of the proximal femur. This study aimed to assess long-term outcomes after an APC reconstruction., Materials and Methods: Forty-six patients were retrospectively included (14 revision total hip replacements, 30 primary malignant bone tumors, two metastasis)., Results: The mean length of femoral bone resection was 16.4 cm (7 to 27). With a mean follow-up of 14.7 years (6.3 to 32.6), Postel-Merle d'Aubigné score was 15.7 (8 to 21), Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at 23.1 or 77% (15 to 29), and abductor strength at 3.4 (2 to 5). Allograft resorption was minor for 20 patients (44.4%), moderate for 13 patients (28.9%), and severe for 12 patients (26.7%). Host-allograft shaft bone fusion was achieved in 37 cases (84.1%). Trochanteric fracture occurred in 26 cases (59.1%). Length of femoral resection, allograft bone resorption, and trochanteric fracture did not have an effect on functional outcomes. At ten years follow-up, overall revision-free and femoral stem survivals were 54.1 ± 0.8% and 81.4 ± 0.6% respectively. No parameter evaluated influenced the survivorship., Conclusion: APC is a reliable reconstruction adapted for huge proximal femoral bone resections. Trochanteric fracture and allograft bone resorption do not seem to influence functional results., Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Purpose: Some data indicate that first-generation highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) can oxidise in vivo and is associated with reduced mechanical properties. To overcome these limitations, a natural anti-oxidant vitamin E has been added to HXLPE to preserve the mechanical properties and decrease oxidative degradation whilst conserving high wear resistance. We hypothesised that after a minimal three years of follow-up the use of vitamin E-blended HXLPE would result in lower radiographic wear when compared with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)., Methods: One hundred patients were randomised to receive hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a monoblock cementless acetabular component made either of UHMWPE or vitamin E-blended HXLPE. All other parameters were identical in both groups. Complete follow-up was available for 74 of these patients. Femoral head penetration was measured using a validated computer-assisted method., Results: The median creep measured 0.111 mm (range, -0.576 - +0.444 mm) in the vitamin E-blended group versus 0.170 mm (range, -0.861 - +0.884 mm) in the UHMWPE group (difference of medians, 0.059; p = 0.046). The median steady state penetration rate was -0.008 mm/year (range, -0.88 - +0.64 mm/year) in the vitamin E-blended group versus 0.133 mm/year (range, -0.84 - +0.85 mm/year) in the UHMWPE group (difference of medians 0.141, p = 0.043)., Conclusions: This study demonstrated that femoral head penetration was lower when using vitamin E-blended HXLPE when compared with UHMWPE, with a steady-state penetration rate far below the osteolysis threshold. Longer-term follow-up is needed to warrant whether wear reduction will generate less occurrence of osteolysis and aseptic loosening.

Introduction: Allograft-prosthesis composite reconstruction after resection of a primary bone tumor may have theoretical advantages, such as restoration of bone stock and soft tissue attachments. However, the reported results of APC of different anatomical sites differ widely. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the revision and infection rates associated with allograft-prosthesis composite (APC) reconstructions after resection of a primary bone tumor. We looked for variables, such as anatomic sites and irradiation of the allograft, associated with these outcomes., Materials and Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was the revision rate, and the secondary outcome was the infection rate. Random effects meta-analyses of single proportions were used to estimate pooled rates of events. Meta-regression models were built to assess the effect of moderators on relevant both outcomes., Results: Thirty-one studies were included: 9 about acetabulum APC, 9 about proximal femur APC, 4 about proximal tibia APC, and 9 about proximal humerus APC. The revision rates ranged from 16 % (95 % CI 10-25 %) for proximal humerus to 38 % (95 % CI 26-52 %) for acetabulum, and were significantly different between anatomic sites (p = 0.028). The infection rates ranged from 8 % (95 % CI 4-16 %) for proximal humerus to 23 % (95 % CI 16-33 %) for proximal tibia and 23 % (95 % CI 15-35 %) acetabulum APCs, and were significantly different between anatomic sites (p = 0.008). Finally, we found that irradiation of the allograft was significantly associated with revision rates (p = 0.033) and infection rates (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Results of an APC reconstruction after resection of a primary malignant bone tumor vary significantly between anatomic sites and after irradiation of the allograft.

Purpose: Tumour hip and knee endoprostheses have become the mainstay for reconstruction of patients with bone tumours. Fixation into host bone has improved over time. However, some patients present with a peri-prosthetic fracture over follow-up. The objective of this study was to analyse the mode of presentation and survival of implant after a peri-prosthetic fracture around a tumour endoprosthesis., Methods: Eighteen peri-prosthetic fractures (17 patients) were included. All patients were treated at a tertiary care center. There were 11 (65%) women; the median age at the time of fracture was 38 years old. All implants were cemented and all knee endoprostheses were fixed-hinge. Twelve (67%) fractures occurred after femoral resection and six (33%) fractures after proximal tibial resection., Results: There were three femoral neck fractures (UCS C), three femoral shaft type C fractures, two femoral shaft type B1, one tibial shaft type B2, three tibial shaft type C, three ankle fractures (UCS C) and three patella fractures (UCS F). Two fractures were treated conservatively and 16 were operated on. Only one patient had the implant revised. There were eight (44%) failures over follow-up; none of the conservative treatment failed. The cumulative probability of failure for any reason was 27% (8-52) and 55% (22-79) at five and ten years, respectively., Conclusions: Peri-prosthetic fractures around massive endoprostheses are different from that of standard implants. There are more type C fractures; internal fixation is an attractive option at the time of presentation but the risk of revision over follow-up is high and patients should be informed accordingly.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate pre-operative education versus no education and mini-invasive surgery versus standard surgery to reach complete independence., Methods: We conducted a four-arm randomized controlled trial of 209 patients. The primary outcome criterion was the time to reach complete functional independence. Secondary outcomes included the operative time, the estimated total blood loss, the pain level, the dose of morphine, and the time to discharge., Results: There was no significant effect of either education (HR: 1.1; P = 0.77) or mini-invasive surgery (HR: 1.0; 95 %; P = 0.96) on the time to reach complete independence. The mini-invasive surgery group significantly reduced the total estimated blood loss (P = 0.0035) and decreased the dose of morphine necessary for titration in the recovery (P = 0.035)., Conclusions: Neither pre-operative education nor mini-invasive surgery reduces the time to reach complete functional independence. Mini-invasive surgery significantly reduces blood loss and the need for morphine consumption.

Purpose: We prospectively compared two types of dressing (conventional gauze-based versus absorbing hydrofibre) after primary total hip (THA) or knee (TKA) arthroplasties., Methods: Eighty candidates for THA (n = 40) or TKA (s = 40) were randomized: gauze-based versus hydrofibre absorbing (Aquacel®, ConvaTec). The two groups were comparable at baseline., Results: There was a statistically significant decrease of dressing changes in the hydrofibre group (p = 0.0006). Two patients from the conventional group presented minor wound complications. Nurses' satisfaction was significantly higher in the hydrofibre group considering the adherence (p = 0.04) and flexibility (p = 0.03). Patients experienced a higher satisfaction with respect to ease of movement (p = 0.01) in the hydrofibre group. The cosmetic appearance of the scars six weeks after surgery was found to be similar between groups., Conclusions: Our findings support an overall improved comfort for the patients and the medical staff by using hydrofibre dressings after primary THA and TKA. The reduction of required dressing changes was observed also.

Purpose: To evaluate the reliability and renal safety of an original schedule of high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) administration with hyper-alkalinization, and without hyper-hydration., Methods: Patients with osteosarcoma received HDMTX (8-12 g/m(2)) as a 4-h infusion. Hypertonic 8.4% sodium bicarbonate was infused prior to HDMTX, then once daily for 3 days. Methotrexate serum concentrations were measured at hour 4 (Cmax), hour 24, hour 48, and hour 72. Urinary pH was measured on each miction. Serum creatinine was assessed on days 1, 3, and 8., Results: Twenty-six patients (median age: 18 years, range: 15-25) received a total of 344 cycles of HDMTX, including 16 patients treated in an outpatient basis. Urinary pH remained constantly higher than 7.5 in all patients. Grade 1 creatininemia toxicity was observed in 31 cycles (9%), and grade 2 creatinine toxicity was observed in one patient. No episode of acute severe nephrotoxicity was observed. No significant worsening was observed in serum creatinine and calculated creatinine clearance from baseline to the end of therapy (P = 0.74). The main extra-renal toxicity was alkalinization-related hypokalemia from H48. No re-hospitalization was required., Conclusion: Hyper-alkalinization appears an efficient and reliable method to prevent the acute renal toxicity of HDMTX and allows its safe administration in the outpatient setting.

Purpose: Ifosfamide is a cornerstone of chemotherapy in bone and soft-tissue sarcoma. Results of pharmacokinetic studies indicate that the optimal schedule of ifosfamide should be repeated doses over several days. With the development of 5-day infusion devices, we developed and evaluated a 5-day infusion regimen of ifosfamide in sarcoma patients in the outpatient setting., Methods: Sarcoma patients requiring chemotherapy after at least one doxorubicin-based line were enrolled in this study. Ifosfamide+mesna was administered as 1:1 concentration for a total of 6 g/m2 of each over 5 days (i.e. 1.2 g/m2 per day as continuous infusion) every 3 weeks. Patients were treated until progression or limiting toxicity, and salvage surgery was attempted when possible. An economic study was run comparing ifosfamide plus mesna as a 5-day infusion regimen and conventional Ifosfamide regimen., Results: Thirteen sarcoma patients were evaluable. The median number of cycles per patient was 6 (range, 1-8), for a total of 69 cycles. No acute encephalopathy or aggravation of renal function was noted. Acute grade 3 and 4 haematological toxicities were observed in 11.6 and 1.4% of patients, respectively without febrile neutropenia. Median time to progression survival and overall survival were 8.7 and 21.5 months, respectively. Total cost per cycle for a 2-m2 patient body surface area was ambulatory infusion=1,891 euros and conventional ifosfamide=6,256 euros., Conclusion: The combination of ifosfamide and mesna as a continuous infusion over 5 days is feasible and well tolerated in the outpatient setting using infusion device. Its very favourable cost-effectiveness invites to further develop this approach.

After total hip arthroplasty (THA), many studies report that a small percentage of patients mention painful symptoms, whose origin remains more or less obscure. We investigated 1,000 patients who had undergone a THA at least one year before their inclusion in the survey protocol. Among these 1,000 patients, 64 were complaining of pain in the region of the operated hip. These were later examined and investigated, both clinically (physical and psychiatric examination) and paraclinically (radiography, biology). Those requiring it received adequate treatment and the others were only regularly followed up. We identified the cause of all but one patient's pain. In all cases except one, the symptoms of pain without physical cause had a psychiatric origin. The results of our study show that, if the clinical picture is not perfectly clear, a psychiatric screening before surgery could contribute to decreasing the incidence of pain syndrome after THA.

A 51 year-old man developed an extensive osteolytic response to wear debris in an uncemented porous-coated total hip arthroplasty, with metal/polyethylene interface, which had been implanted eighteen years previously. This reaction, which involved the upper femur and the ilium, produced a mass which compressed the pelvic viscera.

Twenty-nine patients with malignant giant-cell tumours of bone (GCT) were followed-up for between 6 months and 18 years. Seventeen of the tumours were primary and 12 were due to malignant degeneration of initially benign lesions. The clinical features did not differ from those of benign GCT, except for a higher incidence in the distal tibia and sacrum. Anaplastic GCTs were included in the study because their clinical and radiographic features and prognosis were no different from those of the GCT grade III of Jaffe. Eighteen of the tumours were grade III, and 11 were anaplastic. This retrospective study was intended to assess the effects of chemotherapy and surgery for malignant GCT. Three treatment groups were selected, in which treatment was either by surgery alone, surgery plus chemotherapy, or radiotherapy alone.--The prognosis was poor and the 5 year tumour-free survival rate in the series was 50%. The prognosis was the same for primary as for secondarily malignant tumours. There was no statistical difference in survival between malignant grade III and anaplastic malignant tumours. The one-year survival rate for patients treated by chemotherapy and surgery was statistically higher (chi2 test) than for persons treated by surgery alone. However, the five-year survival rate and the actuarial survival curves were not statistically different in the two groups (log rank test).--Chemotherapy appears to be of some value in the treatment of these malignant tumours but a larger series is required to confirm the efficacy of this approach.

Amputation for tumours is rarely carried out nowadays and has few specific technical features, apart from the rare cases where ingenuity is required to gain a few centimetres in length of a stump. As far as possible, the decision for amputation should not be imposed; it is better that the patient himself should take the initiative. The prosthesis and its constraints should be described honestly to avoid subsequent disappointment. Prevention of a painful phantom limb must always be undertaken, and based on certain operative and perioperative precautions. The most important factors are treatment by psychotropic agents and the quality of the human relationships between patient and surgeon.

Twenty-one patients with subacute osteomyelitis who were initially considered to have bone tumours were reviewed, with an average follow up of 3 years. The clinical symptoms were not specific and laboratory investigations were normal. The radiographic findings were limited osteolysis surrounded by bone sclerosis in 14 cases, osteolysis without definite borders in 6, and onion-layer periosteal bone formation in one. The preoperative diagnoses included osteoid osteoma, osteosarcoma, chondroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, giant cell tumour, fibrosarcoma, eosinophilic granuloma, and bone tumour of unknown aetiology. The definitive diagnosis was made by surgical biopsy, histology and cultures which grew staphylococcus in 9 cases. The gross specimens all showed lymphocytes, plasma cells and granulation tissue with osteogenesis. All the patients recovered completely; 17 were treated with antibiotics and immobilisation, and 4 did not need an antibiotic. There was no recurrence of infection after curettage and excision of the infected tissues.