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Echinococcosis or hydatid disease affecting the spine is an uncommon manifestation of Echinococcus granulosus infection of the spine. More commonly found in endemic areas, it causes significant morbidity and mortality as it grows slowly and produces symptoms mainly by compressing the spinal cord. As diagnostic methods are non-specific, diagnosis and management are usually delayed until the disease is advanced, thereby therapy is usually unlikely. Treatment is usually surgical, aiming at cyst excision, spinal cord decompression and spinal stabilization. This article summarizes the clinical findings of echinococcosis of the spine, discusses the specific laboratory and diagnostic findings, lists the current treatment options, and reviews the patients’ outcomes. The aim is to prompt clinicians to be aware of the possibility of echinococcosis as a possible diagnosis in endemic areas. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:288-296. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200130

A new method to quantify proximal femoral head-neck deformity in slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is presented. In SCFE the femoral head slips posteriorly and inferiorly relative to the femoral neck. The distance of the femoral head center from the femoral neck axis (center-axis distance, CAD) represents the severity of the post-slip deformity. CAD is calculated on the anteroposterior and the frog-lateral pelvis views. It is shown that CAD is only a function of the femoral head-neck offset difference on both sides of the femoral neck. The percentage of CAD relative to the diameter of femoral neck is the femoral head-neck translation ratio (FHNTR) on the respective x-ray projection. Measurements on radiographs of 37 patients with history of unilateral SCFE were performed. The asymptomatic contralateral hips were used as controls. On the anteroposterior pelvis view, mean FHNTR was -12.2% and -4.3% for the affected and asymptomatic contralateral hips, respectively (paired t-test, p < .01), indicating inferior translation of the femoral head relative to the femoral neck. On the frog-lateral view, mean FHNTR was -21.1% and -6.5% for the affected and the contralateral hips, respectively (paired t-test, p < .01), indicating posterior translation of the femoral head relative to the femoral neck. There is a moderate inverse correlation between FHNTR on the frog-lateral pelvis view and Southwick's slip angle (Pearson correlation coefficient r = -0.679, p < .001). FHNTR on two radiological planes (anteroposterior and frog-lateral) is a simple measurement of the posteroinferior translation of the femoral head relative to the femoral neck in SCFE. It is a measurement of the true deformity of the proximal femur in SCFE. Calculation of FHNTR may be applicable to classify SCFE, to monitor femoral head-neck remodeling after slip stabilization, to describe the femoral head-neck relation in healthy individuals, and to monitor femoral head-neck changes secondary to other hip pathology, such as Perthes disease or developmental dysplasia of the hip.

We reviewed the recent literature related to primary musculoskeletal tumors and metastatic bone tumors. With regard to primary bone tumors, computer navigation systems and three-dimensional-printed prostheses seem to be new treatment options, especially in challenging anatomical locations, such as the sacrum and pelvis. Regarding the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone, recent studies have suggested that denosumab administration is related to a higher local recurrence rate following curettage, but a lower local recurrence rate following en bloc resection. In addition, there was no difference in the local recurrence rate at five years after surgery between short-term and long-term denosumab therapy. With regard to soft tissue tumors, percutaneous cryoablation appears to be a new treatment option for extra-abdominal desmoid tumors, with encouraging results. Regarding soft tissue sarcomas, a negative surgical margin of

Posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare and emergent injury. Diagnosis is often missed or delayed. Treatment is challenging because of the joint's inherent instability. This article presents a 15-year-old adolescent who experienced a traumatic posterior dislocation of his right sternoclavicular joint that was treated successfully with open reduction and joint reconstruction using the ipsilateral subclavius tendon autograft. At one-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, with a stable sternoclavicular joint and full range of motion of his right shoulder.

Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures are uncommon injuries that are seen mostly in adolescent male patients during athletic activities. The mechanism of injury usually involves a strong eccentric contraction of the quadriceps femoris muscle when the proximal tibial physis is closing, leading to failure of the physis at the patellar tendon insertion. The treatment of patients with tibial tubercle avulsion fractures depends on the fracture pattern; it can be conservative with immobilization in a long leg cast in extension for 6 weeks with minimal displacement (< 2 mm) and/or acceptable displacement after closed reduction/cast application. Or it can be surgical. This article presents a 14-year-old boy with an Ogden type IIIB tibial tubercle avulsion fracture that was misdiagnosed on radiographs at presentation as type IB. Open reduction and cannulated screw osteosynthesis was done. The outcome was excellent after a 12-week rehabilitation protocol.

Introduction The options for the reconstruction of diaphyseal defects following the resection of bone tumors include biological or prosthetic implants. The purpose of our study was to evaluate different types of intercalary reconstruction techniques, including massive bone allograft, extracorporeal devitalized autograft, vascularized free fibula, and modular prosthesis. Methods We performed a systematic review of articles using the terms diaphyseal bone tumor and intercalary reconstruction. All the studies reporting the non-oncological complications such as infection, nonunion and fracture of the intercalary reconstructions were included. We excluded articles published before 2000 or did not involve humans in the study. Case reports, reviews, technique notes and opinion articles were also excluded based on the abstracts. Thirty-three articles included in this review were then studied to evaluate failure rates, complications and functional outcome of different surgical intercalary reconstruction techniques. Results Nonunion rates of allograft ranged 6%–43%, while aseptic loosening rates of modular prosthesis ranged 0%–33%. Nonunion rates of allograft alone and allograft with a vascularized fibula graft ranged 6%–43% and 0%–33%, respectively. Fracture rates of allograft alone and allograft with a vascularized fibula graft ranged 7%–45% and 0%–44%, respectively. Infection rates of allograft alone and allograft with a vascularized fibula graft ranged 0%–28% and 0%–17%, respectively. All of the allograft (range: 67%–92%), extracorporeal devitalized autograft including irradiation (87%), autoclaving (70%), pasteurization (88%), low-heat (90%) or freezing with liquid nitrogen (90%), and modular prosthesis (range: 77%–93%) had similar Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional scores. Addition of a vascularized fibula graft to allograft did not affect functional outcome [allograft with a vascularized fibula graft (range: 86%–94%) vs. allograft alone (range: 67%–92%)]. Conclusion Aseptic loosening rates of modular prosthesis seem to be less than nonunion rates of allograft. Adding a vascularized fibula graft to allograft seems to increase bone union rate and reduce the risk of fractures and infections, though a vascularized fibula graft needs longer surgical time and has the disadvantage of donor site morbidity. These various intercalary reconstruction techniques with or without a vascularized fibula autograft had similar functional outcome.

BackgroundThis study compared the clinical and functional outcomes of patients initially treated with observation or medical treatment with those of patients treated with local treatment (surgery alone or surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy) to confirm whether observation or medical treatment is an appropriate first-line management approach for patients with desmoid tumors.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 99 patients with histologically confirmed primary desmoid tumors treated between 1978 and 2018. The median follow-up period was 57 months. We evaluated event-free survival, defined as the time interval from the date of initial diagnosis to the date of specific change in treatment strategy or recurrence or the last follow-up.ResultsAn event (specific change in treatment strategy or recurrence) occurred in 28 patients (28.3%). No significant difference in event-free survival was found between the first-line observation/medical treatment and local treatment groups (p= 0.509). The median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of the patients treated with first-line local treatment was 29 (interquartile range [IQR], 23–30), whereas that of the patients managed with first-line observation or medical treatment was 21 (IQR, 19–29.5). First-line observation or medical treatment was more frequently chosen for larger tumors (p= 0.045). In the patients treated with local treatment, local recurrence was not related to the surgical margin (p= 0.976).ConclusionUpfront surgery is not advantageous compared to more conservative treatments such as observation or medical treatment for patients with desmoid tumors.

Tumor resection and solid arthrodesis of the lumbosacral region of the spine are challenging. Tumors in this region as well as their surgical resection can significantly influence the biomechanics of the sacropelvis resulting in failure of axial load transmission. Therefore, to perform an oncologically and functionally optimal surgery, both the anatomical and biomechanical consequences must be carefully considered during preoperative planning.

Adequate oncologic resection of pelvic tumors with safe margins is challenging. The late diagnosis and wide spread of these tumors at the time of initial detection, the highly demanding procedures for complete resection of pelvic tumors, and the high rate of complications following these procedures are some of the causative factors for the poor prognosis for these patients. On the other hand, reconstruction of the bone defect must be considered on a case-by-case basis as it is a complex issue with no strong guidelines. The available reconstruction techniques provide better functional results over nonreconstruction since hip and lower limb functions are preserved, but at the expense of a higher complication rate. This chapter will focus on the principles, advantages, and disadvantages of pelvic resections with and without reconstruction.

Purpose: To compare and discuss the gender disparities in the Orthopaedic specialty. Methods: We reviewed the literature to find the rates of women applying for an orthopaedic residency, fellowship, and academic career program, to understand the causes of the disparities in women in orthopaedics, and how this relates to orthopaedic surgical practice. Results: The idea that men and women are different and have different working styles and skills and the belief that males are more dominant and more status-worthy than females leads to gender barriers and stereotypes that restrict women from entering male-dominated specialties. It is important to mention that equivalent barriers restrict men from pursuing female-dominated specialties such as Gynecology. Economic disparities and gender stereotypes that divide medical specialties into masculine and feminine, creating a gender gap in health care are major concerns. However, the number of women in the health sector is expected to increase due to the growing amount of female students that are expected to soon graduate. A leadership gender gap also exists; although women consist of 70% of the health care workforce they occupy only 25% of leadership positions. Conclusion: The existence of gender-based disparities in healthcare is multifactorial. The explanation behind the existence of a so-called gender gap lies in organizational and individual factors. Early development and family relations, the decision between work and life balance, personal choices and interests, as well as working conditions, absence of role models and mentorship and institutional policies make gender disparities even more evident. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2021.

Intraneural ganglion cysts of the peroneal nerve are rare, and there is lack of evidence for the surgical management of this entity. We performed this study to evaluate the imaging, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of seven patients with intraneural ganglion cysts of the peroneal nerve. We retrospectively studied the files of seven patients with intraneural ganglion cysts of the peroneal nerve, diagnosed and treated from 2016 to 2019. Diagnostic approach included clinical examination of the leg and foot, magnetic resonance imaging, nerve conduction studies, surgical excision of the cyst and histological examination. The mean follow-up was 2 years (range 1–3.5 years). We evaluated the time and methods for surgical treatment, and the clinical outcomes of the patients. All patients presented symptoms of peripheral compression neuropathy; three patients presented with foot drop. The intraneural ganglion cysts were excised in all cases in addition to knee articular nerve branch transection to avoid cysts recurrence. Postoperatively, all patients experienced complete neurological recovery without clinical evidence of intraneural ganglion cysts recurrences. The treating physicians should be aware of intraneural ganglion cysts of the peroneal nerve in patients presenting with limb weakness, sensory deficits at the lateral and anterior side of the leg and foot, paresis or paralysis of the foot and ankle. MR imaging is the imaging modality of choice for a clear and accurate preoperative diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis and wrong treatment. In case of doubt, these patients should be managed in an orthopedic oncology setting with microsurgery facilities available for complete excision of the intraneural ganglion cyst.

Osteoid osteomas in the spine constitute a challenging group for both surgical and percutaneous approaches. Purpose of the present study is to report a case report of a spinal osteoid osteoma in a challenging spinal location and review literature for safety and efficacy of the technique. We report a case of spinal osteoid osteoma extending in the epidural space and abutting the dura in a pediatric patient treated by percutaneous computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation. This is not a systematic review of the literature. A number of separate literature searches were performed. Non-English studies and case reports were excluded from the study. All references of the obtained articles were also evaluated for any additional information. Although all prophylactic measures were taken (hydrodissection, thermocouples and neurophysiologic monitoring) and the procedure was uneventful, patient within three hours, was unable to raise or bend the unilateral lower extremity below the knee. Pain reduction was significant from the first morning post-ablation and during the follow-up period of 18 months. MR scan was within normal limits. Dexamethasone was iv injected for 24 h and prescribed per os for 7 days. At follow-up 1 week later mobility of the lower extremity had returned to normal. As far as spine ablation is concerned, all prophylactic measures should be taken; neurophysiologic monitoring seems to be more sensitive than temperature measurement. Intravenous and per os corticosteroids are extremely useful in case of nerve damage.

Approximately one-fourth of osteosarcoma patients have metastases at presentation. The best treatment options for these patients include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy; however, the optimal scheme has not yet been defined. Standard chemotherapy for osteosarcoma metastatic at presentation is based on high-dose methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (the MAP regimen), with the possible addition of ifosfamide. Surgical treatment continues to be fundamental; complete surgical resection of all sites of disease (primary and metastatic) remains essential for survival. In patients whose tumors do not respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, early surgical resection of the primary tumor with limb-salvage surgery or amputation and multiple metastasectomies, if feasible, after the completion of adjuvant chemotherapy is a reasonable option, as the reduction of the tumor volume could probably increase the effect of chemotherapy. Advanced radiotherapy techniques, such as carbon ion radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery, and molecular targeted chemo-therapy with drugs such as pazopanib or apatinib have improved the dismal prognosis, especially for patients who are medically inoperable or who refuse surgery. Given that the presence of metastatic disease at diagnosis of a patient with osteosarcoma is a poor prognostic factor, a multidisciplinary approach by surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiotherapists is important. [ Orthopedics . 2020;43(5):e345–e358.]

BackgroundThe outcomes of patients with lung metastases from giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) vary from spontaneous regression to uncontrolled growth. To investigate whether observation is an appropriate first-line management approach for patients with lung metastases from GCTB, we evaluated the outcomes of patients who were initially managed by observation.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 22 patients with lung metastases from histologically confirmed GCTB who received observation as a first-line treatment approach. The median follow-up period was 116 months.ResultsDisease progression occurred in 12 patients (54.5%). The median interval between the discovery of lung metastases and progression was 8 months. Eight patients underwent metastasectomy following initial observation. The median interval between the discovery of lung metastases and treatment by metastasectomy was 13.5 months. None of the patients experienced spontaneous regression. Of the 22 patients, 36.4% needed a metastasectomy, and 9.1% required denosumab treatment during the course of the follow-up period. Disease progression occurred in 45.5% of the 11 patients with lung nodules ≤ 5 mm, while all five of the patients with lung nodules > 5 mm experienced disease progression. Progression-free survival was significantly worse in the group with lung nodules > 5 mm compared to the group with lung nodules ≤ 5 mm (p= 0.022).ConclusionsObservation is a safe first-line method of managing patients with lung metastases from GCTB. According to radiological imaging, approximately half of the patients progressed, and approximately half required a metastasectomy or denosumab treatment. However, patients with lung nodules > 5 mm should receive careful observation because of the high rate of disease progression in this group.

Background: The outcome of lung metastases in patients with giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) varies from spontaneous regression to uncontrolled growth. To investigate whether observation is an appropriate first-line management for patients with lung metastases from GCTB, we compared the outcomes of patients initially treated with observation with those treated with metastasectomy.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 29 patients with lung metastases from histologically confirmed GCTB. The median follow-up period was 114 months. We evaluated progression-free survival, which was defined as the time from the date of occurrence of lung metastases to the date of disease progression in the observation or incomplete metastasectomy group, disease recurrence in the complete metastasectomy group, or the last follow-up.Results: Disease progression or recurrence occurred in 14 patients (48.3%). Progression-free survival did not vary significantly between the observation and metastasectomy groups (p=0.373). The total number of metastasectomies was significantly higher in the initial metastasectomy group than in the observation group (p=0.017).Conclusions: The number of patients included in this study is small, however the data suggests that observation can be used safely as first-line management for patients with lung metastases from GCTB with an outcome similar to that of metastasectomy. It is necessary to confirm our result in multi-institutional study with sufficient number of patients.

Background Osteosarcoma is a very aggressive primary bone tumour, affecting mainly young populations. Most cases diagnosed have distant macro- and micro-metastases at the time of diagnosis. Surgical resection with neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies improves the overall and disease-free survival of patients. Doxycycline, a synthetic tetracycline, has been found to act either as an antibiotic drug or as a chemotherapeutic agent. Its anti-neoplastic role has been found to be significant, in vitro and in vivo laboratory trials, in various types of cancer, such as prostate, intestinal, central neural system cancers and osteosarcoma. Inhibition of metalloproteinases (MMPs) in different stages of tumour expansion is the most well-understood mechanism. MMPs are secreted molecules from various normal cells, such as fibroblasts, leucocytes and vascular smooth muscles, as well as from cells with high proliferative potential, such as tumour cells. In osteosarcoma, MMPs have been found to be overexpressed. MMPs help osteosarcoma cells survive, grow and produce metastases in distant sites, mainly in the lungs. Doxycycline blocks extracellular matrix and basic membrane degradation by suppressing MMP function. As a consequence, osteosarcoma cells lose their ability to invade and metastasize. Additionally, doxycycline eliminates the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and deprives the supply of circulating nutrients by its anti-angiogenesis action. The aim of this review is to evaluate doxycycline’s action against osteosarcoma cells as an MMP-inhibitor and interpret its usage as a chemotherapeutic agent. Methods We checked PubMed and Google Scholar for recently published data, on the tumour-supportive role of MMPs and VEGF in osteosarcoma cells. We further studied published experimental trials on the role of doxycycline as a tumour-suppressive agent via MMPs and VEGF inhibition. Results MMPs and VEGF have been found to play a fundamental role in osteosarcoma cells survival and high aggressiveness by in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials. Nevertheless, doxycycline has proved its tumour-suppressive effect by in vivo experimental trials in various cancers but not yet in osteosarcoma. Conclusion Doxycycline remains a promising chemotherapeutic agent against osteosarcoma via MMP inhibition, showing the need for further in vivo and clinical trials to be carried out in the future.

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease predisposing to low-energy fractures millions of patients worldwide on a yearly basis. To reduce personal medical burden as well as financial costs for health-care systems, it is important to diagnose and effectively treat all osteoporotic patients at high risk of fracture. The monitoring of medical treatment includes measurements of bone mineral density by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at a 1- to 2-year basis, as well as monitoring of bone turnover markers when available to ensure adequate response to treatment. Novel techniques such as quantitative computed tomography (QCT) of the central and peripheral skeleton provide detailed information of drug-induced changes of bone mineral mass and microarchitecture but are not readily available in clinical settings and may increase exposure to radiation as well as increased costs of surveillance.

The management of limb deformity, shortening, and bone defects in treatment of Ollier’s disease is a major challenge. This study aims to summarize and compare the different surgical treatments, and to evaluate the outcome and possible prognostic factors of leg lengthening in these patients. A systematic review of the literature from 1993 to 2017 was performed. Nineteen articles were found including a total of 121 patients with limb deformities because of Ollier’s disease. The mean patients’ age at the time of first surgery was 12 years. A total of 272 segments were surgically treated (14 segments in the upper limbs) with variable techniques including osteotomies and external fixation, intramedullary nails, as well as epiphysiodesis and lengthening over nail. We studied the bone healing index (BHI), distraction index (DI), distraction time, gained length, total treatment time, and complications. Available implants and techniques allowed correction of patients’ deformities (lengthening and correction of angular defects) in most cases. External fixators, circular or monolateral frames were the most commonly used technique. The Ilizarov external fixator was the most commonly used frame (196 segments). The BHI was significantly better when the external fixation was combined with intramedullary nails. Epiphysiodesis was most likely to be more associated with the past than to the present. Joint stiffness, infection, early consolidation, pathological fracture, deformity recurrence, delayed union, non-union, neurapraxia, and overlengthening were the reported complications with an overall rate of 27.9%. There is no consensus for the optimal surgical technique and implants for correction of limbs deformities in patients with Ollier’s disease. External fixators most commonly circular are the most commonly used implants; however, complications do occur.

Despite the evolution in imaging, especially the introduction of advanced imaging technologies, radiographs still are the key for the initial assessment of a bone tumor. Important aspects to be considered in radiographs are the location, shape and size or volume, margins, periosteal reaction, and internal mineralization of the tumor's matrix; careful evaluation of these may provide for accurate diagnosis in >80% of cases. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are often diagnostic for lesions with typical findings such as the nidus of osteoid osteoma and bone destruction such as in Ewing sarcoma and lymphoma that may be difficult to detect with radiographs; they may also be used for surgical planning. Magnetic resonance imaging accurately determines the intraosseous extent and articular and vascular involvement by the tumor. This article summarizes the diagnostic accuracy of imaging analyses in bone tumors and emphasizes the specific radiographic findings for optimal radiographic diagnosis of the patients with these tumors.

Differentiation of malignant from benign soft tissue tumors is challenging with imaging alone, including that by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. However, the accuracy of this differentiation has increased owing to the development of novel imaging technology. Detailed patient history and physical examination remain essential for differentiation between benign and malignant soft tissue tumors. Moreover, measurement only of tumor size based on Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors criteria is insufficient for the evaluation of response to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Change in metabolic activity measured by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography or dynamic contrast enhanced-derived quantitative endpoints can more accurately evaluate treatment response compared to change in tumor size. Magnetic resonance imaging can accurately evaluate essential factors in surgical planning such as vascular or bone invasion and “tail sign”. Thus, imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue tumors.

There are conflicting reports regarding the outcome and effect of denosumab for distal radius giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB). The authors performed this study to evaluate the behavior of distal radius GCTB in relation to the type of treatment and the administration of denosumab. The files of 72 patients with distal radius GCTB treated from 1984 to 2018 were reviewed. Fourteen patients were administered denosumab. Surgical treatment consisted of curettage (25 patients) or resection (47 patients) and allograft or vascularized fibular head graft reconstruction. Median follow-up was 63.1 months (interquartile range [IQR], 35.5–107.1 months). The authors evaluated local recurrences, metastasis, function, and complications. The local recurrence rate was 30.6% at a median of 14.0 months (IQR, 10–19 months), with no difference between curettage and resection. The local recurrence rate was significantly higher in the patients who received denosumab. The metastasis rate was 9.7% at a median of 41.0 months (IQR, 15–114 months), with no difference regarding denosumab administration. Function was significantly better in patients after curettage. The complication rate was 25%; vascularized fibular graft reconstruction was associated with fewer complications. This study found that denosumab increases the risk of local recurrence after curettage, function is better after curettage, and vascularized fibular graft is the optimal reconstruction after resection of distal radius GCTB. [ Orthopedics . 2020;43(5):284–291.]

We report the case of a 40 year-old male with Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis of the proximal humerus after open reduction and internal fixation of a fracture from motor vehicle accident. Removal of the osteosynthesis, extensive debridement and intravenous antibiotics administration was done followed by external fixation stabilization and reconstruction with a combined pedicled flap using the serratus anterior reversed flap and the 6th rib. At the last follow-up, healing of the bone flap was observed; the patient experienced useful motion of his upper extremity without any evidence of recurrent infection.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Chondrosarcomas (CS) of the chest wall are rare, but present an aggressive biological behavior compared to CS of the extremities. The aims of the present study were to determine factors associated with oncological outcomes as well as complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 53 patients (42 primary, 11 recurrent tumors). In total, 39 central CS, 10 peripheral CS, 3 dedifferentiated CS and 1 mesenchymal CS were included. The ribs were most commonly affected (68%). Overall survival and disease-free survival were estimated with Kaplan-Meier analyses and compared with log-rank test. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 7 years. Negative margins were achieved in 87% of patients. Thirty patients (57%) remained continuously disease-free (NED), three (5%) NED after treatment of relapse, seven (13%) were alive with disease, twelve (23%) were dead with disease and one of other cause. The 10-year survival rate was 81% and 45% in primary and recurrent tumors, respectively. Survival was significantly affected by tumor stage (p

Multifocal, extraosseous, and surface aneurysmal bone cysts are rare variants of the primary lesions. The clinicopathological features are similar, and the optimal treatment is surgical. Although local recurrences may occur, the prognosis is excellent. This review article introduces the readers to a rare diagnosis which they may have been previously unfamiliar with, presents the clinicopathological and imaging features of these rare aneurysmal bone cyst variants, and discusses their diagnosis and treatment. The clinicians who treat patients with aneurysmal bone cysts should be familiar with these uncommon entities and their differential diagnosis.

Bone and joint infections are associated with a devastating global burden. The successful treatment of these infections requires a multidisciplinary approach between orthopedic surgeons and experts of different disciplines. This multidisciplinary approach has gained ground over the past decades in modern infection units as a more effective treatment strategy, yielding better outcomes regarding infection eradication rates, length of hospital stay, and overall cost of treatments. Additionally, preventing and managing musculoskeletal infections requires strong connections between medical associations, biological laboratories, and the pharmaceutical industry worldwide. In this context, SICOT and World Association against Infection in Orthopaedics and Trauma (WAIOT) relationships have been increasing. The present editorial article discusses the multidisciplinary approach for managing bone and joint infections worldwide, explores the controversies in practices in terms of training, area of expertise, and extent of clinical involvement, and emphasizes the role of societies in research, prevention and management of musculoskeletal infections. The purpose is to acknowledge what orthopedics can obtain from specialists dealing with bone and joint infections and to consolidate their practice to provide the best care for orthopedic patients.

The purpose of this historic review is to summarize the life and work of Avicenna (980–1037) and his contribution to the diagnosis and treatment of spinal deformities and trauma. We conducted an extensive search in libraries as well as online in Pubmed and Google Scholar. Avicenna in his work Canon of Medicine combines the knowledge of ancient Greek and Roman physicians and surgeons and he combines them with the extensive of Arabic medicine and pharmacology. Avicenna made an impact with his medical writings in which he summarized the works of ancient Greek and Roman physicians like Hippocrates and Galen with the influence of medieval authors and the knowledge of the Arabic medicine and pharmacology. His descriptions and comments in his work Canon of Medicine summarize and comment the work of his predecessors and it remained a work of reference until at least the sixteenth century.

To summarize pharmacies for pain and trauma in ancient Greece, to present several pharmaceutical/therapeutical methods reported in myths and ancient texts, and to theorize on the medical explanation upon which these pharmacies were used. A thorough literature search was undertaken in PubMed and Google Scholar as well as in physical books in libraries to summarize the pharmacies and pain practices used for trauma in ancient Greece. Archeological findings and historical texts have revealed that humans have always suffered from diseases and trauma that were initially managed and healed by priests and magicians. In early Greek antiquity, the term pharmacy was related to herbal inquiries, with the occupants called charmers and pharmacists. Additionally, apart from therapeutic methods, ancient Greeks acknowledged the importance of pain therapy and had invented certain remedies for both acute and chronic pain management. With observations and obtaining experience, they used plants, herbs, metals and soil as a therapeutic method, regardless of the cultural level of the population. They achieved sedation and central and peripheral analgesia with opium and cold, as well as relaxation of smooth muscle fibers and limiting secretions with atropina. History showed a lot of experience obtained from empirical testing of pain treatment in ancient people. Experience and reasoning constructed an explanatory account of diseases, therapies and health and have provided for the epistemology of medicine.

To evaluate the efficacy of the combined intravenous and intra-articular administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) to control the collateral effects and complications of rivaroxaban (RIV) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to compare thromboprophylaxis schemes with and without TXA, RIV and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). We prospectively studied 158 TKA patients from 2014 to 2018. The patients were randomly assigned into three groups. Group A (46 patients) was administered intravenous and intra-articular TXA and RIV postoperatively; group B (58 patients) was administered TXA as in group A and LMWH postoperatively; and group C (54 patients) was administered saline as in group A and RIV postoperatively. We evaluated blood loss, transfusion requirements and hemorrhagic complications. Hct and Hb values significantly decreased in group C compared to groups A and B, without any difference between groups A and B. Suction drain blood volume output was significantly higher in group C compared to group A and B, without any difference between group A and B. Hemorrhagic complications were more common in group C. No patient experienced clinical findings of VTE. Combined intravenous and intra-articular administration of TXA is safe and effective in TKA, with fewer hemorrhagic complications compared to placebo. Thromboprophylaxis with RIV and LMWH is similar.

There have been several studies published comparing the ultrasound-guided with the "blind" infiltrations in the shoulder's area. On the contrary, there is only very limited data regarding the necessity of ultrasound guidance in lateral epicondylitis.A prospective, randomized, blinded at initial and follow-up evaluation, comparative clinical trial was conducted, involving 44 patients with a history of chronic persistent epicondylopathy. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 22 people each. Group A patients underwent three ultrasound-guided betamethazone injections, while group B included those who underwent three "blind" injections, centered at the palpable point of maximum pain. The evaluation was done before and after (4 and 12 weeks) the injections using the Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS, 0-10) and the RolesMaudsley score.There was not any significant statistical difference between the two groups as for mean VAS at 4 weeks (p = 0.150, t-test) and mean VAS at 12 weeks (p = 0.286, t-test). Furthermore, the final success rate, as measured by the RolesMaudsley score, was slightly superior in group B (67 % of the patients with excellent or good results) when compared with group A (46 % of the patients), but without any statistical difference (p = 0.161, chi-square).Our trial proved that an ultrasound-guided injection is not superior than a palpation-guided injection of corticosteroids in the treatment of lateral epicondylopathy.In mehreren Studien wurden ultraschallgesteuerte mit „blinden“ Infiltrationen im Schulterbereich verglichen. Im Gegensatz dazu gibt es nur sehr begrenzte Daten bezüglich der ultraschallkontrollierten Infiltrationstherapie bei einer Epikondylitis humeri lateralis.In die prospektive, randomisierte, verblindete Studie wurden 44 Patienten mit chronischer, therapieresistenter Epikondylitis humeri lateralis eingeschlossen. Die Patienten wurden nach dem Zufallsprinzip in 2 Gruppen von jeweils 22 Patienten eingeteilt. Patienten der Gruppe A erhielten drei ultraschallgesteuerte Betamethazon-Injektionen, Patienten der Gruppe B drei „blinde“ (= palpationsgesteuerte) Injektionen am Ort ihrer maximalen Schmerzen. Vor sowie 4 und 12 Wochen nach der letzten Injektion wurden die Schmerzen mittels der Visuellen Analogskala (VAS, 0–10) und der RolesMaudsley-Score erfasst.Weder 4 noch 12 Wochen nach Injektionsbehandlung fand sich ein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied punkto Schmerzen (p = 0,150; p = 0,286). Bzgl. der endgültiger Erfolgsrate (RolesMaudsley-Score) zeigte sich Gruppe B mit 67 % exzellenten oder guten Ergebnissen der Gruppe A mit 46% exzellenten oder guten Ergebnissen leicht überlegen, ohne dass dies statistisch signifikant war.Die Studie zeigt, dass eine ultraschallgesteuerte Injektionsbehandlung der Epikondylitis humeri lateralis der palpationsgesteuerten nicht überlegen ist.

Purpose: There are conflicting reports on the effect of denosumab on lung metastases in patients with giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone. To address these reports, we performed this study to determine if denosumab prevents lung metastasis and to evaluate univariate and multivariate predictors for lung metastases in these patients. Materials and methods: We retrospectively studied 381 GCT patients with surgery alone and 30 GCT patients with surgery and denosumab administration. The median follow-up was 85.2months (IQR, 54.2–124.4months). We evaluated lung metastases and local recurrences, univariate and multivariate predictors for lung metastases, response, and adverse events of denosumab administration. Results: The occurrence of lung metastases was similar (surgery alone 4.7%, 18 patients; denosumab administration 3.3%, 1 patient); however, the occurrence of local recurrences was significantly higher in the patients with denosumab administration. Denosumab administration was not an important predictor for lung metastases; Campanacci stage and type of surgery were the only univariate predictors for lung metastases, and type of surgery and local recurrence were the only multivariate predictors for lung metastases. Histology showed viable tumour in all tumor specimens of the patients with denosumab administration. Conclusion: Denosumab does not decrease the risk of lung metastases in patients with bone GCT; the only important predictors for lung metastases in these patients are type of surgery and local recurrence. However, because the number of patients with lung metastases was small for a multivariate analysis, the possibility of denosumab’s effect could not be completely eliminated.

To compare longitudinal growth and cam deformity of the proximal femur after treatment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) with one screw versus two smooth pins. We studied 43 patients (29 males, 14 females; mean age, 12.1 years; range, 9.5–14 years) with idiopathic unilateral SCFE treated with in situ fixation with one cannulated screw (group A, n = 23) or two smooth pins (group B, n = 20). Anteroposterior and frog-leg radiographs of the pelvis were evaluated for each patient at initial presentation, post-operatively and at physeal closure. Longitudinal growth was evaluated using the femoral neck length (FNL), the caput–collum–diaphyseal (CCD) angle, and the articulo-trochanteric distance (ATD). Cam deformity was assessed using the anterior offset α-angle and the head–neck offset ratio (HNOR). The mean follow-up was 5.1 years (range, 4–7 years). Postoperatively, the mean CCD angle was 138.3°, the mean α-angle was 66.1° and the mean HNOR was − 0.030. At physeal closure, mean CCD angle significantly decreased to 133.6°, mean α-angle significantly reduced to 52.1°, and mean HNOR significantly improved to + 0.039. CCD, FNL, ATD, α-angle, and HNOR were not different between groups. One screw or two smooth pins result in similar longitudinal growth and deformity of the proximal femur after SCFE. The femoral head–neck junction remarkably improves until physeal closure; however, residual cam deformity is not avoided after in situ pinning. The complication rate with smooth pins is higher.

To highlight the most important innovations and milestones in the historical evolution of amputation and disarticulation surgery through the ages, from the early antiquity until the modern era. A thorough search of the literature was undertaken in PubMed and Google Scholar as well as in physical books in libraries to summarize current and classic literature on the hallmarks of the history of amputation surgery in the course of medical history. Amputation of a limb is one of the oldest surgical procedures. Initially, it was fraught with complications and dismal outcome of the patients because of hemorrhage and infection. Due to lack of analgesics and narcotics the operation had to take only a few minutes. Obtaining experience, the surgeons evolved the operative technique and refined the procedure, anesthesia and perioperative analgesia was introduced, instruments were developed, and rehabilitation has enabled functional and social reintegration of amputees. From the Hippocratic era until currently, the surgical approach to amputation has changed little. However, the indications for amputations have changed a lot and had been refined, especially in diabetic patients and in those with severe chronic peripheral vascular disease. An exponential decrease in mortality for an operation once fraught with complications was due to the development of the tourniquet, proper vessel ligation and repair, antisepsis, and anesthesia.

FT-IR spectroscopy was used to investigate the effect of oxidative stress and to approach the mechanism on cancer bone demineralization, aortic valve mineralization and heterotopic ossification on disease development. The FT-IR spectra obtained from paediatric, adult bone and ex vivo irradiated adult healthy bone with a dose of 20Gy were compared with those of healthy bone. The increase of band intensity changes of vasCH2,vsCH2 in the region 3000-2850cm-1 depended on aging, the disease progression and the dose of irradiation. The bands at 3080cm-1 and 1744cm-1, which originate from olefinic terminal bond (v=CH) and ester carbonyl group (vROCO), respectively, indicate the influence of oxidative stress on lipid degradation and peroxidation, respectively. The new bands at about 1690cm-1 and 1516cm-1 denote the presence of β-sheet conformation of the proteins due to the diseases, confirming the increasing amount of lipophilic environment and fibril formation. Comparison of the FT-IR spectra of calcified aortic valve and hip heterotopic ossification with that of normal bones showed that in the bone-like formation the peroxide anion free radicals play an important role in the disease.

Non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis (N-LCH) summarizes a group of rare diseases with different clinical presentations, pathogenesis and morphology. These include primary cutaneous N-LCH, cutaneous N-LCH with systemic involvement, and primary extracutaneous systemic forms with occasional cutaneous involvement. The juvenile (JXG) and non-juvenile xanthogranuloma (N-JXG) family of histiocytoses are N-LCH: the JXG family consisting of the JXG (cutaneous), xanthoma disseminatum (cutaneous and systemic) and Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD; systemic); and the N-JXG family consisting of the solitary reticulohistiocytoma (cutaneous), multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (cutaneous and systemic) and Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD; systemic). ECD is a clonal disorder from the JXG family of N-LCH; RDD is a reactive proliferative entity from the non-juvenile xanthogranuloma family of N-LCH. ECD and RDD N-LCH are rare disorders, which are difficult to diagnose, with multi-organ involvement including bone and systemic symptoms, and which respond to therapy in an unpredictable way. The key to successful therapy is accurate identification at tissue level and appropriate staging. Patients should be observed and monitored in a long-term pattern. Prognosis depends on disease extent and the organs involved; it is generally good for RDD disease and variable for ECD. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:381-390. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170047

Background Adipose tissue is one of the most attractive sources of stem cells because it can be easily harvested and yields a greater stromal cell density. The multilineage potential of adiposederived stem cells (ADSCs) demonstrates their significant impact within the field of tissue engineering, with studies successfully demonstrating the ability to produce a range of tissue types. However, although a broad spectrum of applications has already been suggested, many important scientific and medical questions remain unanswered before the clinical application of ADSCs in humans. Importantly, clarification of the biology and identification of the differences of ADSCs from various areas of the body is required. In this continuous endeavor, research in rat models plays an important role in the development of new knowledge. Methods A literature review was done to summarize all information regarding harvesting, isolation, expansion, cryopreservation and differentiation of rat ADSCs. A Wistar rat model was also used to describe harvesting sites of adipose tissue, and to characterize the ADSCs using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and phase contrast microscopy. Aims To discuss all relevant considerations for harvesting, culture, differentiation and phenotypic characterization of ADSCs, to provide a comprehensive roadmap of this process, to identify the differences between ADSCs obtained from various adipose tissues of the rat, and to provide FT-IR spectroscopy marker bands that could be used as fingerprints to differentiate the types of adipose tissues.

Subtrochanteric fractures can result from high-energy trauma in young patients or from a fall or minor trauma in the elderly. Intramedullary nails are currently the most commonly used implants for the stabilization of these fractures. However, the anesthetic procedure for the patients, the surgical reduction and osteosynthesis for the fractures are challenging. The anesthetic management of orthopedic trauma patients should be based upon various parameters that must be evaluated before the implementation of any anesthetic technique. Surgery- and patient-related characteristics and possible comorbidities must be considered during the pre-anesthetic evaluation. Adequate fracture reduction and proper nail entry point are critical. Understanding of the deforming forces acting on various fracture patterns and knowledge of surgical reduction techniques are essential in obtaining successful outcomes. This article discusses the intraoperative reduction techniques for subtrochanteric fractures in adults and summarizes tips and tricks that the readers may find useful and educative.

The purpose of this review is to summarize the life and work of Jean-Louis Petit, his inventions, his discoveries, and his impact on the evolution of surgery of his era. A thorough search of the literature was undertaken in PubMed and Google Scholar as well as in physical books in libraries to summarize current and classic literature on Petit. Jean-Louis Petit (1674–1750) was an eminent anatomist and surgeon of his era with an invaluable contribution to clinical knowledge, surgical technique, and instrumentation as well as innovative therapeutic modalities and basic scientific discoveries. Jean-Louis Petit was an innovative anatomist and surgeon as well as an excellent clinician of his era. He revolutionized the surgical technique of his era with a significant contribution to what would later become orthopaedic surgery.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication during and after hospitalization, yet is a preventable cause of in-hospital death. Without VTE prophylaxis, the overall VTE incidence in medical and general surgery hospitalized patients is in the range of 10% to 40%, while it ranges up to 40% to 60% in major orthopaedic surgery. With routine VTE prophylaxis, fatal pulmonary embolism is uncommon in orthopaedic patients and the rates of symptomatic VTE within three months are in the range of 1.3% to 10%. VTE prophylaxis methods are divided into mechanical and pharmacological. The former include mobilization, graduated compression stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression device and venous foot pumps; the latter include aspirin, unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), adjusted dose vitamin K antagonists, synthetic pentasaccharid factor Xa inhibitor (fondaparinux) and newer oral anticoagulants. LMWH seems to be more efficient overall compared with the other available agents. We remain sceptical about the use of aspirin as a sole method of prophylaxis in total hip and knee replacement and hip fracture surgery, while controversy still exists regarding the use of VTE prophylaxis in knee arthroscopy, lower leg injuries and upper extremity surgery. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:130-142. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170018

Cross-sectional study. To provide data on depressive symptoms rates in the Greek SCI population and to investigate their association with demographic and clinical variables. Greek territory. One hundred and sixty-four individuals with SCI living in the community for at least 1 year after the completion of the primary inpatient rehabilitation program were included in the study. Our group of participants were enrolled from multiple rehabilitation centers throughout Greece and were evaluated for probable depression according to the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Univariable and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the possible association of risk factors with the occurrence of depression. We had also examined the correlation between PHQ-9 and scales measuring social reintegration (Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART)), quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF)), and independence (Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM)). It was found that 18.2% of the sample had probable depression. The mean (SD) PHQ-9 score was 5.7 (4.9). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that high pain scores (P = 0.001) and suffering from both nociceptive and neuropathic pain (P = 0.005) were associated with depressive mood, while pressure ulcers had a significant effect (P = 0.049) only in the univariable analysis. Participant’s PHQ-9 scores had also a negative correlation with almost all CHART, WHOQOL-BREF, and SCIM subscales’ scores. This study documents relatively low rates of probable depression among individuals with SCI in Greece. Severe pain and pressure ulcers were the main identified predictors of depressive mood.

In microsurgical nerve repair, the epineural sleeve technique can be used to bridge short nerve defects and to coverthe coaptation site with the epineurium of the nerve stump. The epineurium serves as a mechanical aid to reducegap size, and increase repair strength, effectively assisting nerve regeneration.This article presents a 32-year-old patient who experienced complete transection of the median nerve at thedistal forearm, which was treated with the epineural sleeve graft reconstruction technique. Nerve regenerationwas followed-up for 18 months and evaluated with the Rosén and Lundborg scoring system. The final outcomewas excellent; at the last follow-up, the patient experienced complete sensory and motor function of the mediannerve.