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The management of thoracolumbar burst fractures remains challenging. Ideally, it should effectively correct the deformity, induce neurological recovery, allow early mobilization and return to work, and be associated with minimal risk of complication. This article reviews the related studies reporting their clinical data for the management of thoracolumbar burst fractures, discusses the most suitable approach in cases such as these, highlights specific treatment recommendations, and proposes a treatment algorithm. Using PubMed and Scopus databases to search the term thoracolumbar burst fractures, abstracts and original articles in English investigating the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures were searched and analyzed.

Gorham-Stout disease is a rare disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by spontaneous excessive replacement of bone by proliferative non-neoplastic thin-walled lymphatic and/or blood vessels. Histology shows positive stain for the lymphatic endothelial marker LYVE-1 (lymphatic vascular endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1) and many lymphatic growth factors (PDGF-BB, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3). Patients may present with localized pain and/or weakness and radiographic evidence of massive osteolysis involving contiguous bone structures. The disease usually progresses and complications may occur with significant morbidity and mortality. Close monitoring of these patients is recommended. Treatment remains challenging. Surgical treatment has been combined with pre- and postoperative radiation therapy. Drug regimes including bisphosphonates and vitamin D have been used with various results. Currently, the most effective agent is INF-alpha due to its anti-angiogenic effect. The effect of the newer immunomodulatory agents such as the OK-432 remains to be proved.

Introduction: Biopsy of the musculoskeletal system is useful in the management of bone lesions particularly in oncology but they are often challenging procedures with a significant risk of complications. Computed tomography (CT)-guided needle biopsies may decrease these risks but doubts still exist about their diagnostic accuracy. This retrospective analysis of the experience of a single institution with percutaneous CT-guided biopsy of musculoskeletal lesions evaluates the results of these biopsies for bone lesions either in the appendicular skeleton or in the spine, and defines indications. Materials and methods: We reviewed the results of 2027 core needle biopsies performed over the past 18 years at the authors' institution. The results obtained are subject of this paper. Results: In 1567 cases the correct diagnosis was made with the first CT-guided needle biopsy (77.3% accuracy rate), in 408 cases the sample was not diagnostic and in 52 inadequate. Within 30 days these 408 patients underwent another biopsy, which was diagnostic in 340 cases with a final diagnostic accuracy of 94%. Highest accuracy rates were obtained in primary and secondary malignant lesions. Most false negative results were found in cervical lesions and in benign, pseudotumoral, flogistic, and systemic pathologies. There were 22 complications (18 transient paresis, 3 haematomas, 1 retroperitoneal haematoma) which had no influence on the treatment strategy, nor on patient outcome. Conclusion: This technique is reliable and safe and should be considered nowadays the gold standard for biopsies of the musculoskeletal system.

Metachondromatosis is a rare, inherited disease that was described in 1971 by Maroteaux1. He chose the name metachondromatosis to emphasize the evolving or changing nature of the chondromatous lesions1-5. The complete form of the disease is characterized by multiple metaphyseal juxtaepiphyseal exostoses, metaphyseal enchondromas, periarticular calcifications, and frequent unilateral or bilateral Legg-Calve-Perthes-like changes in the femoral head, resembling osteonecrosis1-3,6-8. The metachondromatosis-associated exostoses are true osteochondromas with cartilaginous caps and characteristically point toward the adjacent joint, often involve the bones of the hands and feet, and do not produce shortening or growth disturbance of the affected bone8. The periarticular calcifications are due to peripheral enchondral ossification in epiphysis-based exophytic enchondromas. The enchondromatous lesions, unlike those of multiple enchondromatosis, most often affect the iliac crests and the metaphyses of certain long bones, showing similar radiographic irregularities. Metachondromatosis-associated enchondromas may appear as metaphyseal enchondromas6,9, have a periarticular flowery appearance3,6,9, or be similar to lesions seen in lytic metastatic disease3,8. The reported locations of these lesions include the iliac crest, proximal and distal end of the femur, proximal part of the fibula, distal end of the tibia, distal aspect of the radius, proximal part of the humerus, and hands and feet4,6,8,9. The disorder has not been mapped in the human genome. The mode of inheritance is autosomal dominant1-3,6,8. Clinical features of metachondromatosis include firm, nontender nodules adjacent to joints in the hands and feet, less frequently at the site of large joints, appearing during the first decade of life6. A common complication is nerve compression that …

Fifty consecutive patients with posterior thoracolumbar spine fusion were included in a prospective study to determine the accuracy of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) for safe pedicle screw placement using postoperative computed tomography (CT). The patients were allocated into two equal groups. Pedicle screw placement was evaluated intraoperatively by using the image intensifier. In group A, the integrity of the pedicle wall was evaluated intraoperatively with monopolar stimulation of each screw head with a hand-held single-tip stimulator; the compound muscle action potentials were recorded. A constant current threshold of 7 mA was considered indicative of pedicle breach;7 mA was considered as direct contact with neural elements, and7mA was considered normal. In group B, pedicle screw placement was performed without IONM. Overall, 306 pedicle screws were inserted in both groups. Postoperatively, all patients underwent CT scans of the spine to evaluate pedicle screw placement. Intraoperatively, five screws in respective group A patients had to be repositioned after IONM (threshold of7 mA); in these patients, postoperative CT scans showed proper screw placement. Postoperative CT scans showed eight misdirected screws; two screws (1.26%) in group A patients and six screws (4%) in group B patients. Two screws were misdirected through the medial pedicle wall and six screws were misdirected through the lateral pedicle wall. Both medially misdirected screws were observed in group B patients (1.35%); these patients developed neurologic symptoms postoperatively and underwent revision surgery, with redirection of the misdirected screws and subsequent resolution of the neurologic symptoms. Two of the six laterally misdirected screws were observed in group A patients (1.26%); the remaining four laterally misdirected screws were observed in group B patients (2.7%). None of these patients had neurologic sequelae; no revision surgery was required. The cut-off value of 7 mA had a 98.73% (95%) positive predictive value for accurate pedicle screw placement.

We present the technique of combined posterior decompression and spinal instrumentation, and surgical (open) vertebroplasty using a novel system called vertebral body stenting (VBS) during a single session in a patient with metastatic vertebral and epidural cauda equina compression.

Objectives To demonstrate the feasibility of spinal canal decompression through the posterior transpedicular approach in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methods We present 25 consecutive patients (19 men and 6 women; mean age 36 years; age range, 24-48 years) with incomplete neurological deficits (ASIA B and C) resulting from thoracolumbar burst fractures treated by posterior transpedicular spinal canal decompression and posterior segmental instrumented fusion. Canal compromise at presentation was 51.7 +/- 11.2%. Results The mean surgical time was 122 minutes (range, 108-122 minutes), and the mean blood loss was 528 +/- 123 ml. Canal compromise improved to 15.3 +/- 7.8%. At a mean followup of 14 months (range, 6-18 months), fourteen patients improved to ASIA D and were able to walk with an orthosis; seven improved to ASIA C, and four had no improvement (ASIA B). Seven ASIA B and all ASIA C patients had immediate postoperative neurological improvement to ASIA C and ASIA D; two ASIA B patients improved to ASIA C within six weeks after the operation. Anterior decompression was necessary in two (8%) ASIA B patients who did not improve after the initial operation; these patients, subsequently improved to ASIA C. There were no intraoperative complications. Superficial wound infections occurred in two patients and were treated with wound care and antibiotics; deep infection occurred in one patient and was treated with debridement and antibiotics. Conclusion Posterior transpedicular spinal canal decompression and instrumentation is a reasonable alternative technique to anterior decompression procedures and circumferential fusion, providing for satisfactory canal decompression and neurological improvement.

Aneurysmal bone cysts are rare lesions that occur more commonly in the first and second decades of life. In children, a juxtaepiphyseal location is associated with increased risk of growth plate damage, skeletal deformity, and recurrence. Different treatments have been reported for the management of aneurysmal bone cysts, including surgical excision with or without adjuvants, intralesional injection of sclerosing agents, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, systemic calcitonin therapy, and selective arterial embolization. The authors present the case of a 5-year-old girl with a large aneurysmal bone cyst at the proximal femur, complicated by a pathologic fracture; treatment with two selective transcatheter arterial embolizations was curative.

Background The best treatment of giant cell tumor of the sacrum is controversial. It is unclear whether adjuvant treatment with intralesional surgery reduces recurrences or increases morbidity. Questions/purposes We therefore asked whether adjuvants altered recurrence rates and complications after intralesional surgery for sacral giant cell tumors. Methods We retrospectively studied 31 patients with sacral giant cell tumors treated with intralesional surgery with and without adjuvants. Survival to local recurrence was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. The differences in survival to local recurrence with and without adjuvants were evaluated using multivariate Cox regression analysis. Complications were recorded from clinical records and images. The minimum followup was 36 months (median, 108 months; range, 36–276 months). Results Overall survival to local recurrence was 90% at 60 and 120 months. Survival to local recurrence with and without radiation was 91% and 89%, with and without embolization was 91% and 86%, and with and without local adjuvants was 88% and 92%, respectively. Adjuvants had no influence on local recurrence. Mortality was 6%: one patient died at 14 days postoperatively from a massive pulmonary embolism and another patient had radiation and died of a high-grade sarcoma. Fifteen of the 31 patients (48%) had one or more complications: eight patients (26%) had wound complications and seven patients (23%) had massive bleeding during curettage with hemodynamic instability. L5-S2 neurologic deficits decreased from 23% preoperatively to 13% postoperatively; S3-S4 deficits increased from 16% to 33%. Conclusions Adjuvants did not change the likelihood of local recurrence when combined with intralesional surgery but the complication rate was high. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Botulinum toxin A injections and orthotics have been used to manage upper extremity spasticity in hemiplegic children. The authors performed a study to evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of a static night splint following outpatient botulinum toxin A treatment in children with upper limb spastic cerebral palsy.Twenty children with upper limb spastic cerebral palsy were treated with botulinum toxin A injections. A static night splint was applied in half of them. Objective assessment of upper limb function was performed at baseline, at 2 and 6 months after botulinum toxin A injection using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test.After botulinum toxin A treatment, both groups showed an improvement on their previous functional level of the injected upper extremity. At 2 months, children in group A showed a 15.4% improvement, whereas children in group B improved by 12.2% from baseline; these were not statistically significant (P=0.326). At 6 months, group A still maintained a 15.9% improvement in function compared to group B which differed only by 4.2% from prebotulinum toxin A baseline; these differences were statistically significant (P=0.000). Complications related to the botulinum toxin A injection were not observed. The staticStatic night splinting following botulinum toxin A injections has shown a definite treatment effect in reducing spasticity and improving function in children with upper limb spastic cerebral palsy.

IntroductionIn patients who have undergone a total joint replacement, any mass occurring in or adjacent to the joint needs thorough investigation and a wear debris-induced cyst should be suspected.Case presentationAn 81-year-old man presented with a painful and enlarging mass at the popliteal fossa and calf of his right knee. He had had a total right knee replacement seven years previously. Plain radiographs showed narrowing of the medial compartment. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion at the postero-medial aspect of the knee joint mimicking popliteal cyst or soft tissue sarcoma. Fine needle aspiration was non-diagnostic. A core-needle biopsy showed metallosis. Intraoperative findings revealed massive metallosis related to extensive polyethylene wear, delamination and deformation. Revision knee and patella arthroplasty was carried out after a thorough debridement of the knee joint.ConclusionLong-term follow-up is critical for patients with total joint replacement for early detection of occult polyethylene wear and prosthesis loosening. In these cases, revision arthroplasty may provide a satisfactory knee function.

We studied 140 patients with femoral neck fractures treated from January 1999 to December 2006. There were 68 men and 72 women with a mean age of 72 years (range 60–80 years). Seventy patients were treated with closed reduction and internal fixation (group A), and 70 patients with hip arthroplasty (group B). The duration of surgery, length of hospitalization, complications, postoperative Harris hip score, and need for reoperation were recorded. Group B had significantly higher blood loss, increased surgical time and length of hospitalization compared to group A patients. The Harris hip score was significantly higher in group B at the 3, 6, and 12-month follow-up evaluations; however, the differences were no longer significant at the 24-month evaluation. The overall complications rate was 18.6% (13 patients) in group A compared to 25.7% (18 patients) in group B; this was not statistically significant (P = 0.309). A statistically significant difference was found regarding reoperation rate in group A (11.4%, eight patients) compared to group B (1.4%, one patient) (P = 0.016). Arthroplasty compared to internal fixation for displaced femoral neck fractures is associated with a significantly higher functional score and lower risk of reoperation at the cost of greater infection rates, blood loss, and operative time.

One hundred ninety-six patients with Dupuytren's contractures were treated by partial fasciectomy and adequate postoperative rehabilitation. All patients had flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint of20 degrees ; 93 patients had flexion contracture of the associated metacarpophalangeal joint of30 degrees ; 143 patients had risk factors for Dupuytren's disease. Primary skin closure and splinting were done in all patients. Range of motion was begun by the 1st week. Splinting was discontinued by the 2nd week, followed by night-time splinting until the 8th week. The mean follow-up was 6.6 years (range, 2-9 years). At the latest examination, 72.5% of the patients had complete range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints; 20.2% had 5 degrees -10 degrees of extension deficit and 7.3% had recurrent contractures of20 degrees at the proximal interphalangeal joint and were subjected to reoperation. Complications included digital neurovascular injury in 5%, complex regional pain syndrome in 10.1%, and wound-healing problems and superficial infections in 15.1%.

Osseointegration refers to a direct structural and functional connection between ordered, living bone and the surface of a load-carrying implant. Currently, an implant is considered as osseointegrated when there is no progressive relative movement between the implant and the bone with which it has direct contact. A direct bone contact as observed histologically may be indicative of the lack of a local or systemic biological response to that surface. It is therefore proposed that osseointegration is not the result of an advantageous biological tissue response but rather the lack of a negative tissue response. The rationale of the present review is to evaluate the basic science work performed on the concept of biology of osseointegration, and to discuss the specific factors as they may relate to osseous healing around an implant.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is an aggressive tumor with significant metastatic potential. A 40-year-old man presented with an asymptomatic mass at the left ischial fossa. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 9x6-cm mass with variable signal intensity and cystic formations. A computed tomography scan of the chest showed multiple pulmonary nodules. A computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy was consistent with low-grade extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. Despite the presence of lung metastases, wide resection of the primary tumor was performed. Wide resection included the perineal mass and the adjacent ischiopubic ramus. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. One month postoperatively, thoracotomy was performed, and approximately 20 pulmonary nodules were excised. Histological analysis of the excised specimens was consistent with extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma metastases. Two years postoperatively, the patient is alive without evidence of local recurrence or distant disease. Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is an unusual soft tissue sarcoma with ultrastructural and molecular features distinct from that of skeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. The EWS-CHN gene fusion is highly specific to extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma; the gene fusion is positive inor=75% of cases. Treatment should include wide excision for local tumor control. Resection of the lung metastases is feasible. Because of the prolonged survival of patients with extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, long-term follow-up is recommended for early detection of local recurrence or distant metastases.

This in vivo magnetic resonance imaging study evaluated the deformation of the meniscal posterior horn during loading. Images of the medial and lateral meniscus were obtained in 20 normal knees in 0 degrees and 30 degrees of flexion, and the height of the posterior horn of both menisci was measured. Mean height of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus under no load and load equal to 50% and 100% body weight was 6.8, 6.3, and 6 mm, respectively (P

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is an aggressive tumor with significant metastatic potential. A 40-year-old man presented with an asymptomatic mass at the left ischial fossa. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 9x6-cm mass with variable signal intensity and cystic formations. A computed tomography scan of the chest showed multiple pulmonary nodules. A computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy was consistent with low-grade extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. Despite the presence of lung metastases, wide resection of the primary tumor was performed. Wide resection included the perineal mass and the adjacent ischiopubic ramus. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. One month postoperatively, thoracotomy was performed, and approximately 20 pulmonary nodules were excised. Histological analysis of the excised specimens was consistent with extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma metastases. Two years postoperatively, the patient is alive without evidence of local recurrence or distant disease. Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is an unusual soft tissue sarcoma with ultrastructural and molecular features distinct from that of skeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. The EWS-CHN gene fusion is highly specific to extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma; the gene fusion is positive in >or=75% of cases. Treatment should include wide excision for local tumor control. Resection of the lung metastases is feasible. Because of the prolonged survival of patients with extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, long-term follow-up is recommended for early detection of local recurrence or distant metastases.

Skeletal osteochondromas or osteocartilaginous exostoses represent the most common of all benign bone tumors and 10% to 15% of all bone tumors. Osteochondromas are solitary or multiple, pedunculated or sessile exophytic outgrowths from the bone surface that are composed of cortical and medullary bone with an overlying hyaline cartilage cap. Marrow and cortical continuity with the underlying parent bone defines the lesion. Osteochondromas usually occur in children or adolescents between 10 and 15 years, and increase in size throughout childhood, ranging from 1 to 10 cm. After adolescence and skeletal maturity, osteochondromas usually exhibit no further growth. In adults, growth or imaging alterations of an osteochondroma suggest the rare diagnosis of malignant transformation; however, extensive growth of osteochondromas without histological evidence of malignancy has been reported

The rationale, definition, and techniques of high tibial osteotomies are discussed. The principle indication includes unicompartmental medial or varus knee gonarthrosis with a well-maintained range of motion. Preservation of bone stock and intraarticular structures and realignment during chondral resurfacing procedures are the major advantages of high tibial osteotomies. Newer techniques have provided for less invasive surgical methods, more rigid fixation, accelerated rehabilitation, and improved accuracy of correction for high tibial osteotomies. However, permanent pain relief with high tibial osteotomies is unlikely; overall survival approximates 8 to 10 years. Subsequent conversion to a total knee arthroplasty may at times be technically demanding but the long-term results are likely to be similar to a primary total knee replacement.

Radiation therapy is applied for systemic effects to patients with bone and soft tissue tumors and for local effects that facilitate the surgical procedure. However, while it remains an essential treatment of cancers, radiation therapy is associated with unwanted complications. The purpose of this review is to summarize information regarding the complications of radiation in musculoskeletal oncology and their management. Because preoperative radiotherapy is associated with an increased risk of wound complications and postoperative radiation is associated with an increased risk of postradiation fractures, the physician requires additional information in deciding on the best method of treatment, and such information is provided in this review.

We reviewed the medical files of 32 patients with degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion using the B-Twin system. In 12 of these patients, posterior lumbar interbody fusion has been supplemented with posterior lumbar-instrumented fusion (circumferential fusion) because of spinal instability. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed. The quality of fusion and disc height were recorded. The mean follow-up was 36 months (range, 18 to 42 months). At the latest examination, clinical improvement and fusion were statistically significant in both groups; the mean Oswestry disability index improved from 55% to 24%, and to 22% in the patients with more than 20 months follow-up; the mean Rolland-Morris disability questionnaire improved from 52% to 29% (p < 0.001); 95.6% (22/23) of the levels managed with the B-Twin system alone and 92.9% (13/14) of the levels managed with circumferential fusion showed solid fusion; and the intervertebral disc height increased from 8.1 +/- 0.74 mm to 11.4 +/- 0.93 mm in the B-Twin group and from 7.7 +/- 0.75 mm to 10.6 +/- 0.91 mm in the circumferential fusion group. However, in comparing the two groups there was no statistical significant difference. The B-Twin system is safe and effective for the management of degenerative disc disease as a stand-alone device. The combination with posterior lumbar-instrumented fusion systems for circumferential fusion yields statistically significant differences in fusion rate and functional outcome.

Wide resection and limb-salvage surgery remain the gold standard for the management of patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities. Innovations in understanding tumor biology and limb-salvage techniques have led amputation rates to decline. Radiation therapy and novel chemotherapy agents and dosing regimens are supplementing oncology-related surgical treatment. A multidisciplinary team approach with input from oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, and orthopaedic and plastic surgeons is necessary for the management of patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities.

Electromyographic biofeedback is a therapeutic modality used along with other interventions in the treatment of pain. This article presents a brief review of the effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback in treating musculoskeletal pain. Electromyographic biofeedback may provide pain relief for chronic musculoskeletal pain due to cumulative trauma, and may be proposed as an additional intervention to exercise in patellofemoral pain syndrome and acute sciatic pain. Electromyographic biofeedback is comparable to cognitive behavioral treatment and relaxation techniques. When added to an exercise program in patients with patellofemoral pain or acute sciatic pain, no further pain reduction is achieved. Electromyographic biofeedback promotes active participation and thus may motivate patients to adopt an active role in establishing and reaching goals in rehabilitation. Further research is required to investigate its effect on musculoskeletal pain.

The clinical value of distal ulnar or radial artery adipofascial perforator flaps is shown in a series of 30 patients with severe hand and wrist injuries and major soft tissue defects requiring coverage. There were 22 men and 8 women, aged 16-73 years. The defects were dorsal and/or palmar, with or without transpalmar or transcarpal amputation, or amputation of the thumb and/or the digits. Tendon injuries have been treated primarily or secondarily, or reconstructed using silicon rods. In all cases, after surgical debridement of the wound, reconstruction of the defect was done using distal ulnar (21 patients, in 3 patients primary reconstruction) and distal radial artery (11 patients; in 2 patients primary reconstruction and in 2 patients after necrosis of distal ulnar perforator flap) adipofascial perforator flaps. Minimum follow-up was 6 months. Two ulnar flap showed partial necrosis and were revised successfully by distal radial adipofascial perforator flaps. One radial and one ulnar flap showed 50% and 60% necrosis, respectively, and were revised by groin flaps. All donor sites healed uneventfully. Functional and cosmetic result was very good in 15 patients and good or satisfactory in the remaining. Range of motion of the wrist and hand joints was almost within normal limits (less than 25 degrees extension or flexion deficits). Distal ulnar and radial artery adipofascial perforator flaps for traumatic defects of the hand and wrist offer several advantages compared to other local flaps; they are easy to obtain and cover effectively both dorsal and palmar defects without significant functional deficits or donor site complications to the upper limb.

Summary We reviewed the medical files of nine patients with localised soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremities treated with surgical resection, free vascularised tissue transfer, and computerised after-loading iridium-192 high dose rate brachytherapy over a period of 8 years. All patients had external beam radiation therapy in fractions with a total dose of 48–52 Gy, followed by surgery at approximately 4–5 weeks post-irradiation. Surgical treatment included wide resection of the primary tumour in six patients, and marginal resection in three patients. Microsurgical reconstruction of the soft-tissue defect used a free vascularised musculocutaneous flap that included the gracilis flap in five patients, the latissimus dorsi flap in four patients, and the radiovolar flap in one patient. Postoperative brachytherapy dose ranged from 12 to 24 Gy. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered in five patients with large tumours and marginal resection. At a mean follow-up of 36 months, eight patients were still alive with no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastases; all these patients had good cosmetic and functional outcomes. Two patients died with lung metastases; one of these patients had local tumour recurrence. Wound healing problems and seroma formations were observed in two patients. Intramedullary nailing was required in one patient for a pathological fracture. Tumour resection for soft-tissue sarcomas combined with microsurgical reconstruction of the soft-tissue defect, preoperative external beam radiation and high dose rate brachytherapy results in a high degree of local control with acceptable complications.

Limb salvage surgery and reconstruction of bone defects is challenging in orthopaedic oncology. Allogenic and autologous bone grafting are well-recognized methods for bone reconstruction. Custom-made and modular, cemented and cementless, mega-prostheses provide the modular options needed intraoperatively to bridge variable bone defects. However, these megaprostheses have worse long-term results compared to conventional total joint replacements. Mechanical failure, aseptic loosening, infection, dislocation, skin necrosis, extensor mechanism ruptures and periprosthetic fractures are acknowledged complications of orthopaedic oncology procedures. These complications are due to the large defects that need to be bridged with a more difficult fixation in the diaphysis of the native bone, the more complex restoration of joint biomechanics, the extensive soft-tissue resection, the lengthy surgical operations, and the need for chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Because of the difficulties and the high rate of complications associated with the implantation of such highly modular systems, the treatment of patients with malignant bone tumors should only be carried out in specialized centers. © 2008 by Begell House, Inc.

The records of 68 patients (42 men and 26 women) who underwent spine stabilization with a dynamic neutralization system were reviewed. Mean patient age at operation was 42.8 years. The primary indication for surgery was degenerative spine disease and instability with neurogenic or radicular pain and/or chronic back pain. Forty-one (60.2%) patients had degenerative diskopathy or disk herniation, and 27 (39.8%) patients had lumbar spine stenosis. One-motion segment spine stabilization was performed in 30 patients, 2-motion segment spine stabilization in 32 patients, and 3-motion segment spine stabilization in 6 patients. Within a mean follow-up of 36.2 months (range, 12.9-75.3 months), there were 2 re-operations, and 3 patients with screw loosening. Re-operations were for a deep infection in 1 patient and left leg pain in another patient. Both patients were managed with early implant removal and spinal arthrodesis. Self-assessment questionnaires showed improvement of patients' clinical and functional status. The Oswestry Disability Index and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire score improved from a mean preoperative score of 55.4% (severe disability) and 52% respectively to a mean postoperative score of 22.9% (moderate disability) and 35% respectively. The overall results of this study are highly comparable to fusion procedures. The dynamic neutralization system can be a safe and effective alternative technique to spine arthrodesis in selected cases of degenerative lumbar spine instability.

BackgroundSimple or unicameral bone cysts are common benign fluid-filled lesions usually located at the long bones of children before skeletal maturity.MethodsWe performed demineralized bone matrix and iliac crest bone marrow injection combined with elastic intramedullary nailing for the treatment of simple bone cysts in long bones of 9 children with a mean age of 12.6 years (range, 4 to 15 years).ResultsTwo of the 9 patients presented with a pathological fracture. Three patients had been referred after the failure of previous treatments. Four patients had large lesions with impending pathological fractures that interfered with daily living activities. We employed a ratio to ascertain the severity of the lesion. The extent of the lesion on the longitudinal axis was divided with the normal expected diameter of the long bone at the site of the lesion. The mean follow-up was 77 months (range, 5 to 8 years). All patients were pain free and had full range of motion of the adjacent joints at 6 weeks postoperatively. Review radiographs showed that all 7 cysts had consolidated completely (Neer stage I) and 2 cysts had consolidated partially (Neer stage II). Until the latest examination there was no evidence of fracture or re-fracture.ConclusionElastic intramedullary nailing has the twofold benefits of continuous cyst decompression, and early immediate stability to the involved bone segment, which permits early mobilization and return to the normal activities of the pre-teen patients.

The proximal tibia metaphysis is a potential alternative donor site for a sufficient amount of cancellous bone, associated with low morbidity and complication rate. We performed an observational computed tomography imaging study to determine the volume of cancellous bone that can be harvested from the proximal tibia compared to the anterior iliac crest, based on an advanced three-dimensional medical imaging model. Results of this study support the findings that a sufficient amount of cancellous bone can be harvested from the proximal tibia compared to the anterior iliac crest. By using a computed tomography imaging technique, the volume of cancellous bone can be precisely determined. However, this study does not show how much bone is safe to remove before increasing the tibial fracture risk.

This technique simplifies reattachment of the cortical bone cap at the original anatomical position at the proximal tibia metaphysis.

A 14-year-old girl with a Ewing's sarcoma of the left femoral head and neck is presented. The imaging features mimicked a benign cystic lesion. Biopsy and molecular analysis confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was treated with chemotherapy, wide tumor resection, and proximal femoral reconstruction using an allograft-prosthesis composite. Differential diagnosis, imaging, and pathologic features of Ewing's sarcoma are discussed.

This retrospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of post-operative blood salvage and retransfusion in 430 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and 530 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Volumes of autologous blood retransfused (mean ± SD) were 525 ± 75 and 660 ± 95 ml in the hip and knee replacement groups, respectively. Overall, 230 patients (24%) also required allogeneic blood transfusion. In a subgroup of 150 randomly selected patients, the values of free haemoglobin in the allogeneic, autologous and patients' blood at the time of surgery were 0.568 ± 0.112, 0.272 ± 0.067 and 0.032 ± 0.011 g/l, respectively. On the first and third post-operative days, the levels in patients' blood were 0.092 ± 0.039 and 0.057 ± 0.028 g/l, respectively. There were no major complications; transient chills and fever were reported in 99 (10.3%) and 115 patients (12.0%), respectively. In conclusion, post-operative blood salvage and retransfusion is a safe way to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma that most commonly arises in the deep soft tissues of the lower extremities of adults. Median survival of patients with metastatic ASPS has been reported to be from 3 to 3.3 years. The time between detection of metastases and death varies from 10 months to 6.2 years. In this article, a case of an 11-year-old male with primary ASPS of the right forearm is presented. Successful long-term local control of the primary tumor was achieved with wide margin surgical resection and adjuvant radiation therapy. Three years after diagnosis, the patient developed pulmonary metastases. Chemotherapy was unsuccessfully used to control the metastatic disease. Despite that, the patient survived longer than expected, and passed away 9 years after the detection of pulmonary metastases. This time to death after the development of metastases vastly exceeded the previously reported survival rates of patients with metastatic ASPS.

The case of a 24-year-old woman with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis is presented. Extensive debridement of the necrotic bone and application of tobramycin-loaded polymethylmethacrylate beads was performed and ciprofloxacin was given post-operatively. Three months later, laboratory tests, including complete blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, were normal. At this time, extensive surgical debridement and filling of the osseous defect with autologous iliac cancellous bone graft and tobramycin-impregnated calcium sulphate pellets and paste were performed. Oral ciprofloxacin was administered for 3 months after surgery. At the latest follow-up, 2 years later, the patient had full weight-bearing function; there was no recurrence of the infection, and complete incorporation of the autologous bone and calcium sulphate graft with the host bone was observed. This case demonstrates that two-stage surgical treatment with extensive debridement and tobramycin-impregnated calcium sulphate was effective in treating chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis.

Pathological fractures in patients with primary bone sarcomas should not be considered an absolute indication for amputation. Initial fracture management should include cast immobilisation or external fixation avoiding tumour-cell dissemination. The extent of fracture displacement and the type of fracture stabilisation may affect the outcome of patients with primary bone sarcomas presenting with pathological fractures. Patients with high-grade primary bone sarcomas should be treated by neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, and limb-salvage surgery. Pathological fractures in chemo-resistant primary bone sarcomas are a relative contraindication for limb salvage surgery.

Background: The Rib Index, (RI), extracted from the double rib contour sign (DRCS) on lateral spinal radiographs to evaluate rib hump deformity, (RHD), in idiopathic scoliosis, (IS), patients, has been previously introduced. Although various papers using the RI have been published, no study on its reproducibility has been reported. The aim of this report is to estimate the variations of the RI in a number of a pair set of lateral chest radiographs (LCRs). The hypothesis was that the RI should have minimal variability for each subject having successive LCRs. Methods: Seventy randomized patients who were treated in the hospital for lung diseases (mainly pneumonia or other communicable lung diseases), were initially included in the study. Each of these patients had two successive LCRs (named A and B group of radiographs) at the radiological department of the hospital, by the same technician, during the course of their treatment. The radiation source - patient distance was constant. LCRs obtained at an incorrect patient’s position, or from patients who underwent a thoracic intervention and all LCRs with symmetric hemi-thoraces were excluded from the study. The LCRs of 49 patients were deemed suitable for inclusion in the study. The RI was calculated in both (A and B) LCRs of each patient. The statistical analysis included the following techniques: paired t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient and intra- and inter-observer error using the formula (SD/√2)/2, where SD is this of the differences of the two sets of measurement (As-Bs). The SPSS v16 statistical package was used. Results: In the 49 pairs of LCRs there was no statistical difference of the RI, (paired t-test p< 0.314). The RI in the A and B group of LCRs was perfectly correlated (correlation coefficient = 0,924, p < 0.0001). The intra-observer error was 0.0080 while the inter-observer error 0.0213 in terms of 95% CI. Conclusion: The RI proves to be a reliable method to evaluate the thoracic deformity and the effect of surgical or non-operative treatment on the IS RHD. RI is a simple method, a safe reproducible way to assess the RHD based on lateral radiographs, without the need for any further special radiographs and exposure to additional radiation.

A case report is presented of an 18-year-old boy with advanced fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. The patient's right hip was ankylosed in 35 degrees of flexion. Excision of the heterotopic bone from the right hip was followed by a combination of a single fraction irradiation (7Gy) given in the first postoperative day, and an 11-day treatment with indomethacin (25 mg, three times daily, orally). One year postoperatively, the patient ambulates nearly normally and he is able to sit and stand up without significant difficulty. Radiographs of the right hip showed a small amount of heterotopic bone formation at the operative site. In contrast with the results published in the literature, the clinical result of the operation is considered satisfactory. Further investigation of the combined use of indomethacin and single fraction irradiation as a preventive measure after surgical excision of heterotopic bone in patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva FOP should be performed.

To investigate outcome and identify prognostic factors, we retrospectively reviewed 24 consecutive patients with periosteal chondrosarcomas. There were 17 males and seven females with a mean age of 37.6 years (range, 15-73 years). The femur was involved in 12 patients, the proximal humerus in five, the tibia in two, and the distal fibula, ilium, pubis, metatarsal, and rib in one patient each. The mean greatest dimension of the lesions was 8.1 cm (range, 1.5-27 cm). Based on the histologic pattern, there were 18 Grade 1 tumors and six Grade 2 tumors. All patients were treated surgically. Two patients had intralesional excisions, five patients had marginal excisions, and 17 patients had wide resections. With a mean followup of 17 years (range, 28 months-47 years), seven of 24 patients (29%) had one or more local recurrences. The 5-year local recurrence-free survival was less in patients treated with intralesional or marginal excisions (25%) than for patients treated with wide resections (93%). At the latest followup, six of 24 patients (25%) had died of pulmonary metastases. The overall 5-year metastasis-free survival was 83%. The 5-year metastasis-free survival was less for patients with Grade 2 tumors (50%) than for patients with Grade 1 tumors (94%).Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series no, or historical control group). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Advances in systemic treatment of cancer have improved patients' survival and increased the number of patients presenting with metastases of the pelvic ring. Pelvic metastatic lesions may cause severe pain and functional disability. A multidisciplinary approach is fundamental for the management of these lesions. Lesions of the pelvis not directly involving the hip joint such as the ischium, pubis or sacroiliac area can generally be treated non-operatively with radiation alone or using minimally invasive procedures of radiofrequency ablation, cryosurgery and percutaneous osteoplasty. Periacetabular destructive lesions may require total hip replacement with reconstruction of the acetabulum dependent on the extent of the defect. Operative treatment should restore the mechanical stability of the hip joint, and preserve the mobility, independence and comfort of these patients.

Percutaneous osteoplasty is a useful procedure for the management of painful spine and pelvic lesions. It is promising for pain relief, restoration of function, and ambulation.

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumours are slow-growing, histologically benign tumours of fibroblastic origin with variable biologic behaviour. They are locally aggressive and invasive to surrounding anatomic structures. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice for the diagnosis and the evaluation of the tumours. Current management of desmoids involves a multidisciplinary approach. Wide margin surgical resection remains the main treatment modality for local control of the tumour. Amputation should not be the initial treatment, and function-preserving procedures should be the primary treatment goal. Adjuvant radiation therapy is recommended both for primary and recurrent lesions. Chemotherapy may be used for recurrent or unresectable disease. Overall local recurrence rates vary and depend on patient's age, tumour location and margins at resection.

UNLABELLED We sought to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients who had high tibial osteotomies with or without lateral retinacular release with an emphasis on patellofemoral symptoms. We prospectively studied 64 patients who had proximal tibial osteotomies from 1990 to 1999. The minimum followup was 5 years. Preoperative varus deformity and medial compartment osteoarthritis were present in all patients. A Coventry proximal tibial osteotomy was used in all patients. Retinacular release was not used in 32 patients (Group A) but was added for the other 32 patients (Group B). Flexion was greater for patients in Group B (mean, 110 degrees ; range, 100 degrees -125 degrees ) than for patients in Group A (mean, 95 degrees ; range, 90 degrees -115 degrees ). The Knee Society score also was greater for patients in Group B (mean, 91 points) than for patients in Group A (mean, 80 points). The cohorts were small, but there was a difference favoring patients who had a lateral retinacular release. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, Level II (prospective comparative study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation is a safe and effective method to reduce pain in patients with painful bone tumors. Computed tomography-guided radiofrequency or laser ablation is the modality of choice for most osteoid osteomas. Radiofrequency or laser thermal ablation also offers an alternative method for palliation of localized, painful osteolytic metastatic lesions. Pain can be reduced and neural damage prevented, improving the quality of life for patients with cancer who often have multimorbid conditions and limited life expectancy. A multidisciplinary approach that includes orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, and interventional radiologists is essential to manage these patients.

STUDY DESIGN A retrospective study was performed to identify horizontal fractures of the body of the axis, with special attention to their pattern, prevalence, and clinical outcome. OBJECTIVE The prevalence of this type of injury and the long-term clinical behavior are examined. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Although isolated cases have been reported, horizontal Chance-type fractures of the body of the axis are not common cervical spine injuries. METHODS The medical records of 674 consecutive patients with fractures of the cervical spine admitted to the authors' institute from 1970 to 2002 were reviewed. Of them, 2 (0.3%) had a horizontal Chance-type fracture of the body of the axis. Neurologic deficits were not diagnosed at admission. Mechanism of injury, treatment, and long-term follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS Both patients were treated nonoperatively. At the latest follow-up, 3 and 12 years, respectively, both patients had a satisfactory clinical outcome. CONCLUSION Horizontal fractures of the Chance-type of the body of the axis are rare. Conservative treatment proved to be effective.

Four children and six adults required en bloc resection of the lateral malleolus for malignant tumors. There were four osteosarcomas, three chondrosarcomas, two Ewing's sarcomas, and one adamantinoma. Surgical margins were wide in seven patients, marginal in two, and intralesional in one. A primary ankle arthrodesis was done in four adults and bracing without any reconstruction was done in four children and two adults. During a mean followup of 14.5 years (range, 3-30 years), there were two local recurrences (two of 10 patients) after a marginal excision and an intralesional excision. One patient had reoperation for a skip osteosarcoma lesion in the proximal fibula. Other complications included chronic osteomyelitis, a lateral talus subluxation and cavovarus deformity, and recurrent ankle instability and degenerative changes of the ankle. At the latest followup, all 10 patients showed no evidence of disease. Five patients who had primary or late ankle arthrodesis had a Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and International Society of Limb Salvage functional score of 28 points (92%), and two adolescents who had postoperative bracing alone had a functional score of 24 points (80%). The three remaining patients had a salvage amputation.Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series--no, or historical control group). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.