Investigating the Anticancer Potential of Zinc and Magnesium Alloys: From Base Materials to Nanocoated Titanium Implants.

In this work, we show the in vitro anticancer potential of surgical wires, obtained from zinc (ZnMg0.004) or magnesium (MgCa0.7) alloys by spatial technology comprising casting, extrusion, and final drawing processes. We also present the selective anticancer effects of applied soluble multilayer nanocoatings of zinc and magnesium onto titanium surfaces using the pulse laser deposition method. In the latter, the titanium samples were produced via 3D printing using the selective laser melting method and coated with various combinations of zinc and magnesium layers. For cytotoxicity studies, human dental pulp-derived stem cells (hDPSCs) and human osteosarcoma SaOS-2 cell line were used as representatives of healthy and cancer cells. Cells were examined against the 0.3-3.0 cm2/mL material extract ratios obtained from experimental and steel surgical wires, the latter being the current clinical industry standard. The MgCa0.7 alloy wires were approx. 1.5 times more toxic to cancer cells at all examined extract ratios vs. the extracts from steel surgical wires that exhibited comparable toxicity towards healthy and cancer cells. The ZnMg0.004 alloy wires displayed increased toxicity towards cancer cells with decreasing extract ratios. This was also reflected in the increased anticancer effectiveness, calculated based on the viability ratio of healthy cells to cancer cells, from 1.1 to 4.0 times. Healthy cell viability remained at 80-100%, whereas cancer cell survival fluctuated at 20-75%, depending on the extract ratio. Furthermore, the culture of normal or cancer cells on the surface of Zn/Mg-coated titanium allowed us to select combinations of specific coating layers that yielded a comparable anticancer effectiveness to that observed with the experimental wires that ranged between 2 and 3. Overall, this work not only demonstrates the substantial anticancer properties of the studied wires but also indicates that similar anticancer effects can be replicated with appropriate nanocoatings on titanium samples. We believe that this work lays the groundwork for the future potential development of the category of new implants endowed with anticancer properties.

Outcomes of Treatment of Spinal Fractures with the SpineJack System.

BACKGROUND: The use of "SpineJack" implants in patients with stable spinal fractures and without neurological deficits enables restoration of the shape of the fractured vertebra and significantly accelerates restoration of normal function. In unstable spinal fractures, additional posterior fixation is recommended. This is not recommended in patients with traumatic spinal stenosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the surgical and functional outcomes of treatment of patients with the SpineJack implant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The objectives of this paper were accomplished on the basis of an evaluation of the outcomes of treatment of 39 patients operated on at the Orthopaedic Oncology Department in Brzozów and the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in the District Hospital in Stalowa Wola in the years 2020-2021. 71% of patients were men; the mean age of women was 54 years and the mean age of men was 41 years. A total of 30 patients suffered traumatic fractures, while 9 patients suffered non-traumatic (pathological) fractures. Fractures were most often located in the lower parts of the thoracic and upper lumbar spine. Patient radiographs taken on the day before, the first day after and 3 months following the surgery were evaluated to assess the correction of vertebral wedging and cement leakage. Functional status was assessed using ODI, the quality of life was assessed with the EQ-VAS and the severity of pain was measured with a VAS. RESULTS: Pain intensity, measured with a VAS scale after the surgery, significantly decreased from the mean preoperative 6.9 to 2.4 three months post-op. The mean functional status of patients (ODI) before surgery was 74.4, compared to 14.8 at 3 months post-op. Mean Quality of life (EQ-VAS) was 56.4 before the surgery and 72.4 at 3 months post-op. The vertebral wedge angle decreased after surgical treatment, from a mean value of 15.8 degrees before surgery to 8.8 degrees after surgical treatment. At three months following the surgery, the mean loss of correction was 2.2 degrees and occurred in 4 patients. The most frequent complication was cement leakage into the disc and into the spinal canal, occurring in 4 and 2 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The use of "SpineJack" implants in the treatment of stable vertebral fractures enables the restoration of the shape and reduction of the vertebral wedge angle. 2. The quality of life of patients after vertebral fracture treatment with "SpineJack" implants assessed using the EQ-VAS improved significantly. The severity of pain assessed on a VAS scale decreased significantly and the patients' functional status improved according to the ODI. 3.Complications observed during treatment with "SpineJack" implants include fractures of the vertebral endplate and cement leakage, mostly asymptomatic.

Outcomes of Odontoid Process Fracture Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Odontoid fractures are found in two age groups. In younger patients, they occur following traffic accidents, falls from a height and during sports. In older patients with poor bone quality, they are usually caused by falls from one's own height. Most fractures are stable and do not require surgical treatment. Unstable, severely displaced fractures with neurological deficits require surgical treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the surgical and functional outcomes of treatment of odontoid fractures with a cannulated screw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 20 patients that underwent surgery in the years 2020-2022. The patients were divided into two groups: below 60 (group A) and over 60 years of age (group B). Patients were assessed at one day pre-op, one day post-op, 6 weeks following surgery and 3 months following surgery. Imaging studies were performed to assess the angulation and degree of displacement of bone fragments. After the fracture was surgically fixed with a cannulated screw, bone union and the stability of fracture fixation were assessed. Preoperative and postoperative pain intensity as per a VAS, functional status assessed with the NDI questionnaire, quality of life (EQ-VAS) and neurological status (ASIA scale) were compared. RESULTS: Good functional and surgical results were obtained in both groups of patients. Performance and quality of life improved, while pain intensity decreased in all patients. In 3 patients with post-traumatic paresis, the dysfunctions gradually subsided. No general medical or perioperative complications were observed. Bone union of the fracture was achieved in 40% of patients in group B and in 80% in group A. Achieving union did not determine the functional status of patients. On functional radiographs, all places of fixation were stable. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Odontoid fracture fixation with a single cannulated screw is a safe method of treatment. It provided a high union rate and good stability of the fracture. 2. Fracture non-union was noted more often in the group of older patients, but it did not negatively impact quality of life and performance.

Quality of life and its selected determinants in the group of patients with surgically treated spinal tumors.

Introduction: Spinal metastases are a common manifestation of advanced neoplastic disease. Destructive neoplastic lesions within the axial skeleton cause unrelieved pain and nervous system disorders involving spinal stenosis and other neural structures. The development of new systemic therapies, radiotherapy and minimally invasive spinal surgeries has increased patients' quality of life by minimising pain and neurological disorders due to vertebral neoplastic infiltration. The aim of the study was to assess the patients' quality of life before and after spine stabilisation surgery with spinal cord decompression to relieve the pressure associated with neoplastic destruction. Materials and Methods: The study involved 115 subjects with spinal metastases in the preoperative period and 3-4 months after the surgery based on the inclusion criteria (metastatic spinal tumour, sensorimotor dysfunction). The data were collected using the following tools: the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL-Rotterdam Symptom Checklist), Acceptance Illness Scale (AIS scale), Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL scale) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The correlation coefficient was calculated using Spearman's rho assuming the significance level at α = 0.05 (p<0.05). Results: A higher quality of life was found after surgery (p<0.001) in terms of experiencing physical symptoms (30.7 ± 11.96 points before surgery vs. 20.91 ± 13.00 points after surgery) and psychological symptoms (43.98 ± 14.82 points before surgery vs. 31.35 ± 14.86 points after surgery). The activity level of the subjects also improved (p<0.001; 36.56 ± 22.43 points to 43.55 ± 20.40 points). The level of disease acceptance in the study group was higher after the surgery compared to the preoperative assessment. The subjects with a high level of disease acceptance presented a higher quality of life postoperatively. The independence of the subjects in performing everyday activities after the operation influenced the quality of life, in terms of somatic symptoms (p=0.006), mental symptoms (p=0.001) and activity (p<0.001). Along with the improvement in functional capacity, the quality of life in terms of symptoms and activity levels increased. Conclusion: The study showed that spinal cord decompression surgery improves the quality of life of patients by reducing neurological dysfunction, increasing the acceptance of the disease and the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Sociodemographic variables did not affect the quality of life of the respondents.

Functional and Surgical Outcomes of Corpectomy in Patients with Unstable Spinal Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Unstable fractures of the spine should be managed surgically. An anterior approach allows for precise decompression of the vertebral canal and reconstruction of the fractured vertebral body. The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional and surgical outcomes of anterior surgical approaches for vertebral body removal and prosthetic reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The objectives of this paper were accomplished by reviewing the course of treatment and treatment outcomes of patients operated on at the Orthopaedic Oncology Department in Brzozw and the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in District Hospital in Stalowa Wola in the years 2020-2021. In total, the treatment of 54 patients was analyzed. The study only included patients with traumatic and pathological fractures who underwent a single-level corpectomy. A total of 18 patients with fractures of the cervical spine, 15 of the thoracic spine and 21 of lumbar spine were treated. Before and after treatment, patients' neurological status was assessed according to the Frankel classification, performance was assessed with the Karnofsky score and pain intensity was analyzed with a VAS. The vertebral wedge angle (alpha), the ratio of the anterior height of the fractured vertebral body to the anterior height of the upper adjacent vertebral body (a/c), the ratio of the anterior height to the posterior height of the fractured vertebra (a/b) and the distance between the vertebral endplates adjacent to the fractured vertebra, measured between their anterior edges (A-B) were assessed. The most common general medical and surgical complications were also evaluated. RESULTS: After the surgery, significant pain relief measured using a VAS was noted (the median was 7 preoperatively and 4 postoperatively) and an improvement in performance according to the Karnofsky score was observed (the median was 50 preoperatively and 70 postoperatively). Out of the 14 patients with neurologic deficits 11 improved, while 5 regained the ability to walk. In four patients, the implant migrated into an adjacent vertebra and three patients suffered a fracture of the upper adjacent vertebra. The correction of the spine deteriorated in all 7 patients. There was no postoperative neurological deterioration of patients and no infectious complications. During the surgery, three patients suffered dura mater injury, which was identified intraoperatively and repaired. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Corpectomy followed by vertebral body replacement is an effective and safe method that enables the restoration of the shape of the vertebra, restoration of the physciological spinal curvature and direct neural decompression. 2. The treatment outcomes are good. Pain significantly decreases and performance improves in most patients. 3. Treatment complications are rare. The most often observed complication was migration of the implant into an adjacent vertebral endplate, fractures above the place of fixation and dura mater injury.

Analysis of Difficulties and Complications Following Implantation of Modular Prostheses in Patients with Lower Limb Bone Tumours.

BACKGROUND: The implantation of a modular prosthesis is the most popular method of reconstruction of bone defects in oncological patients. Along with clear-cut benefits associated with this procedure, there is also an increased risk of complications. Common complications include deep infections, aseptic loosening and mechanical implant damage. This study assessed the risk of complications following the implantation of a resection prosthesis in patients with lower limb bone tumours and to evaluate difficulties encountered during the treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 149 patients with lower limb tumours treated at the Department of Oncological Ortho-paedics in Brzozów had resection prostheses implanted in the years 2016 and 2017. We analysed this series and available literature reports with regard to complications of the procedure and those encountered during the treatment. RESULTS: The mean duration of the surgical procedure was 117±45 minutes. Intraoperative complications occurred in 18 cases. Gluteal muscle failure was seen in 34 (43%) of the 74 patients with proximal femoral tumours, and impaired knee extension was noted in 4 (67%) of the 6 patients following resection of the proximal tibia. There were two cases of dislocation following megaprosthetic reconstruction of the hip joint. Impaired wound healing was noted in 7 (5%) patients. Post-operative trophic lesions of the skin were seen in 2 (2%), and peripheral nerve damage in 2 (2%) patients (fibular nerve). Thromboembolic complications were noted in 3 (3%) patients. No aseptic complications, mechanical implant damage or deaths were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The most frequently encountered complication following the implantation of a modular prosthesis was muscle failure, which was associated with the extent of the procedure. 2. Aseptic loosening and mechanical implant damage were rare and occurred in the early postoperative period.

Assessment of Physical Performance and Early Treatment Outcomes after Implantation of Modular Prostheses of Femoral and Tibial Shaft.

BACKGROUND: Tumours of bone diaphyses often require resection followed by bone reconstruction. The use of modular pro-sthe-ses permits early limb loading and rapid improvement in physical performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the func-tioning of patients and early treatment outcomes after the implantation of modular prostheses. The analysis covered the correlation between the extent of resection, physical performance and the number of perioperative complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 10 patients (5 women and 5 men) with diaphyseal tumours who had modular prostheses implanted were treated at the Orthopaedic Oncology Department in Brzozów between 2014 and 2018. The mean age of the patients was 51.1 years (range: 26-63 years). Functional outcomes were assessed using the MSTS and the Karnofsky scoring system. A VAS was used to evaluate pain intensity. the extent of resection was also analysed, considering bone length and tumour weight. RESULTS: The mean tumour weight was 374g (150-700g). The length of the implants varied from 10 to 25 cm. The mean dura-tion of hospitalisation was 16 days (14-19 days). At 3 months following the surgery, the intensity of pain had decreased from a mean of 6.8 points to 4.2 points (a decrease of 26% from the pre-operative baseline). The MSTS showed improvement of functional performance from a mean of 10.8 points (36%) to 22.9 points (76%). The Karnofsky scores demonstrated an increase in physical performance from 47 to 67 points (20 points on average). Superficial infection of the wound developed in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The treatment of diaphyseal tumours with modular prostheses produces good functional outcomes. 2. The extent of the resection and the size of the implant have an effect on the post-operative physical performance of the patients. 3. Pre-operative evaluation of the weight of the tumour may be helpful in predicting the patient's post-operative functional status. 4. Phy-sical perfor-mance is better after the resection of femoral vs tibial tumours.

Bone Diaphysis Metastases, the Ways and Results of Surgical Treatment Saving the Joints.

BACKGROUND: A consequence of the progress in oncological treatment is an increasing number of bone complications asso-ciated with metastases. With appropriate choice of oncological treatment and appropriate surgical management, patients may recover their physical function and maintain the previous level of quality of life. Available surgical techniques include intrame-dullary nailing, stabilisation with plates and screws and the use of modular prostheses. AIM OF THE STUDY: to retrospectively assess the techniques and outcomes of surgical treatment of long bone metastases at the Oncology Orthopaedics Department of the Speciality Hospital in Brzozów, present the possibilities of surgical management and benefits of the chosen method and tentatively choose the most effective approach for restoring function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2013 and 2017, a total of 82 patients were treated for long bone metastases at the Depart-ment of Oncological Orthopaedics. The most common cancers causing bone metastases were breast cancer (37%), myeloma (16%), lung cancer (8%), kidney (15%), prostate (8%), thyroid 4%, colon 1%, uterus 1%, with other sites accounting for 10%. Pathological fractures were diagnosed in 68 patients. Before the surgical treatment, the patients' quality of life was assessed using the Karnofsky scale, Bollen prognostic scale, severity of pain in a VAS scale, and MSTS performance scale. Metastasis morpho-logy was evaluated with conventional radiographs, CT and PET-CT. Types of surgery comprised intramedullary nailing, the use of plates and screws and the placement of modular prostheses. Patients were divided into three groups with regard to the stabi-li-sation systems used and another three related to tumour location (humerus, femur or tibia). RESULTS: Post-operatively, there was a reduction of pain in the VAS scale. Function (MSTS) was best in patients treated with minimally invasive methods and modular prostheses (p <0.05). An improvement in quality of life in the Karnofsky scale was also noted. The complication rate was 7% and was related to wound healing and thromboembolic complications. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Patients with long-bone cancer metastases with pathological fractures or risk of fracture require surgical management. 2. Nailing or modular prosthesis produced the best functional result at 6 weeks post-operatively. 3. All methods of surgical treatment reduced pain and improved the quality of life.

Surgical Treatment Outcomes in Metastatic Tumours Located at the Craniocervical Junction.

BACKGROUND: Cancer metastases to the upper section of the cervical spine are found in a low percentage of patients. Their conservative treatment consists in radio- and chemotherapy as well as immobilisation in an orthopaedic collar. Surgery is the treatment of choice in patients with lesions causing spinal instability or compressing neural structures. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of surgical treatment conducted in patients with metastases located in the upper section of the cervical spine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study analysed the medical records of 20 patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of Oncological Orthopaedics in Brzozów in 2015-2016. The majority of the patients were female (75%). The mean age of the male patients was 58 years and that of the female patients was 68 years. The most common complaints were pain (90%) and neurological deficits (50%; mainly Frankel Grade C). The most common primary tumour was breast cancer (35%). 58% of the patients had slow-growing tumours according to the Tomita system. Surgical procedures lasted a mean of 117 minutes and involved fixation of a mean of 7.5 levels. The treatment reduced the patients' VAS score for pain by 3.89 points, improved function (Karnofsky scale) by 18 points and produced neurological improvement in 66% of the patients. The overall 2.5-year survival rate was 35%. The mean hospital stay lasted 14.5 days. One patient died on the 8th post-operative day due to cardiovascular complications. There was one case of delayed wound healing due to a haema-toma. No mechanical damage to the implants, infections, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks were found. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Metastases located in the upper cervical spine are rare and cause significant technical difficulties. 2. Fixation with lateral mass screws and plates fixed with screws to the occipital bone is a safe and effective method. 3. Surgical treatment allows for restoring spinal stability, reducing pain, and improving the patients' quality of life.

Primary B-cell Spinal Cord Lymphoma of the Cervical Spine.

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of tumours, with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) being particularly common. Cases of DLBCLs developing in the central nervous system, especially in the spinal cord, are extremely rare and thus pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic problems, particularly for orthopaedists and neurologists since these are the specialists the patients first consult. The tumours often appear in immunosuppressed patients and standard chemotherapy is ineffective. This paper presents the case of a 44-year-old male with a lymphoma located in the spinal cord at the C7-Th1 level. The symptoms appeared suddenly and progressed rapidly, with dissociated sensory loss and limb paresis being the most pronounced. Imaging studies and the rapid symptom progression suggested neoplastic disease. An emergency surgical procedure was performed in order to decompress the spinal cord and thus limit neurological deficits. Tumour resection allowed for making a diagnosis. By four weeks after the surgery, the tumour had grown larger than before the procedure. Chemotherapy with MTX and Ara-C and intrathecal MTX resulted in full remission. Consolidation was achieved with radiotherapy. Currently, with the low incidence of such tumours, there are no standards of management in patients with DLBCLs of the CNS. The literature contains only a few case reports on successfully treated spinal cord DLBCLs.

Evaluation of the Accuracy of Pedicle Screw Insertion without Intraoperative Radiographic Guidance.

BACKGROUND: Three methods of pedicle screw insertion are in common use. Each has its advantages and disad-vantages and the decision to use a particular method depends on the type of procedure, indications, the patient's age, and the preferences and experience of the operator. The accuracy of screw insertion through the vertebral arch into the vertebral body may be assessed on post-operative CT or MRI and classified according to different systems. The free-hand method was analysed according to the Gertzbein classification and was compared with the other methods in terms of accuracy and complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The accuracy of screw insertion was evaluated with post-operative MRI of the spine. A study group of 50 patients was randomly selected from among 124 patients who had undergone surgery. The pla-cement of a total of 426 screws in the thoracic and lumbar spine was assessed. RESULTS: The shortest procedure was 87 minutes long and the longest surgery took 290 minutes. 93% (397) of the screws were classified as inserted in Gertzbein's "safe zone". 7% (29) of the screws were placed in the "dangerous zone"; this was seen in 14 (28%) patients. Only 2 patients had mild neurological symptoms in the form of radicular pain. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Free-hand pedicle screw insertion with pre-operative planning based on CT or MRI requires con-siderable experience, but if this condition is met, the percentage of successfully inserted screws is not significantly different from that seen in other techniques. 2. The highest number of screw placement errors occurs in the thoracic section of the spine, but these errors rarely prompt repeat surgery. 3. Clinically overt complications are very rare and usually have the form of radicular pain.

Analysis of factors delaying the surgical treatment of patients with neurological deficits in the course of spinal metastatic disease.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic spine cancer metastases is frequently the cause of neurological deficits. Despite the availability of diagnostics, delays in treatment are still quite common. The aim of this work is to analyze the reasons for delayed diagnostics and treatment, in patients with neurological deficits in the course of metastatic spine disease. METHODS: In our study patients medical data was analyzed from 2013 to 2015. The analysis covered the following aspects: symptoms of metastases, time of neurological deficits occurrence, where and when initial diagnostics were performed, time from diagnosis to proper surgical treatment in an oncological centre. In total, 411 patients were consulted and 287 were operated on. Of 112 patients with neurological deficits, 64 underwent surgeries. Women represented the majority of the patients. The most common primary neoplasms were breast cancer and myeloma. RESULTS: In 75% of the patients neurological symptoms occurred prior to admission to a hospital. The average time between the onset of neurological symptoms and medical consultation was 4 days. The patients were diagnosed mainly at neurologic, orthopedic and emergency departments. The mean time between undergoing radiological examinations and receiving the examinations results was 2.4 days for CT and 2.8 days for MRI. The average time between a patients' admission from the department where they were initially diagnosed, to the orthopedic oncology ward was 4.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: The most common cause of the delayed treatment of patients with neurological deficits, in the course of metastatic spine disease, is a combination of the lack of knowledge among patients and healthcare personnel regarding the necessity of early diagnosis.

Oncological and functional results after surgical treatment of bone metastases at the proximal femur.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic lesions to the proximal femur occur frequently (about 10% of patients with cancer) and require surgical treatment. There are many surgical methods of treatment, however, use of the tumor modular endoprostheses seems to be particularly promising. The aim of study was to evaluate oncological and functional results of treatment in patients with proximal femur metastases. Oncological results were evaluated considering the survival of patients and the number of local recurrences. Functional results were assessed as pain intensity in VAS score and performance in Karnofsky and MSTS score. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2016, 122 patients with metastatic tumour to the proximal femur were treated in our hospital. Majority of the patients were women - 77 patients. The mean age was 67 years for women and 72 years for men. Pathological fracture was diagnosed in 98 cases. Metastatic bone tumors commonly develop from breast cancer - 48 and myeloma - 24. One hundred one patients underwent tumor resection and in 21 cases metastatic tumors was not resected. In 75 patients wide tumour resection and modular endoprosthetic replacement were prefomed. Twenty-one patients underwent standard or long stem hip endoprosthetic replacement. Intramedullary gamma nails were implanted in 20 cases and DHS plate in 6 cases. In 92 cases 3-4 weeks after surgery patients undergo external beam radiotherapy (8Gy). Functional results were assessed as pain intensity in VAS score and performance in Karnofsky and MSTS score. Oncological results were evaluated considering the survival of patients and the number of local recurrences. RESULTS: The mean follow-up of patients was 27 months (min 4, max 51). Forty-five patients died before last visit in hospital. The mean survival after modular endoprosthetic replacement was 860 days and after bone fixations 360 days. We noticed 9 cases of local recurrences or progressions, 6 in patients who had no radiotherapy. Three patients after modular endoprosthesis replacement and 6 after bone fixations. After surgery, all patients experienced improvement in the comfort of life resulting from reduction in pain. Mean VAS score before modular endoprosthetic replacement was 6.8 and after 3.4; before standard prothesoplasty 4.9 and after 2.8; and before and after bone fixation 6.9 -5.1. Mean MSTS score was respectively 6.4-19.8; 8.8-22.4 and 10.8-18.2. In 6 patients after modular endoprosthesis replacement, delayed wound healing were observed. Infectious complications were not observed after fixation with nails and plates. In 3 cases, the fixation was failed. The systemic complications affected 12 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Results of surgical treatment for metastases to the proximal femur are particularly good in patients after standard or modular endoprostheses replacement. The author considers this treatment method to be optimal in patients with good prognosis.

Assessment of Post-operative Physical Performance in Patients after Resection Arthroplasty of the Proximal Femur.

BACKGROUND: Resection arthroplasty is increasingly used in the treatment of proximal femur metastates. How-ever, a coherent, unified rehabilitation protocol of such patients is yet to be developed. The aim of this study was to present the early treatment outcomes of modular endoprosthetic replacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 42 resections of proximal femur tumour, followed by modular endoprosthetic replacement, were performed at the Orthopaedic Oncology Department in Brzozów between 2012 and 2015. The mean age of the patients was 63 ± 11 years, with females accounting for 54% of the group. All the patients were rehabilitated in accordance with the protocol developed by Shehadeh et al. Pain intensity was measured using the VAS scale, while the HHS, MSTS and an original scale designed by the authors were used to assess overall physical performance and gait efficiency. RESULTS: Thirty GMRS and 12 MUTARS endoprostheses were implanted. The implants were fixed with bone cement in 36 (85%) cases and cementless in 8 (15%). Mean pain severity assessed at 6 weeks after the surgery with the VAS scale was 3.8. Mean gait efficiency and physical performance assessed with the HHS and MSTS scores were 75 and 20 points, respectively. Two patients experienced complications. A total of 39 patients were evaluated post-operatively at 6 weeks after the surgery, of whom 37 (95%) patients could walk efficiently using crutches or with physical assistance of others. CONCLUSION: Modular arthroplasty performed in patients after metastatic tumour resection allows for early rehabi-li-ta-tion and ambulation which significantly improves their quality of life.

Neurological Complications after Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Tumours of the Spine.

[b]Background.[/b] Postoperative impairment of neurological function is a rare but serious complication of surgical treatment of metastatic tumours located in the spine. This paper presents an analysis of the causes, symptoms and methods of treatment of spinal cord function impairment in the postoperative period.[b]Materials and methods. [/b]The study retrospectively analysed the treatment of 525 patients diagnosed with compression of neural structures and neurological deficits in the course of metastatic disease who were operated on in 2012-2015. The baseline degree of spinal cord damage was assessed with the Frankel scale. Surgical treatment methods were selected based on the results obtained with the Tomita system as well as the Tokuhashi and Bauer scores.[b]Results. [/b]A total of 8 (1.5%) cases of impaired neurological function were identified in the postoperative period. The spinal cord damage had no discernible cause in 6 cases. Symptoms of neurological function impairment occurred with a delay in 6 patients. In 2 cases, the symptoms were observed immediately after the end of the surgery. One patient demonstrated improved neurological status after revision surgery.[b]Conclusions.[/b] 1. Surgical decompression of the spinal cord in the course of neoplastic disease is rarely complicated by neurological function impairment. 2. Neurological complications occurred mainly after treatment of tumours located in the thoracic section of the spine. 3. Prognostic scores used for qualifying patients for appropriate surgical treatment focus mainly on patient survival and do not account for potential complications.

Oncological and functional results of the surgical treatment of vertebral metastases in patients with multiple myeloma".

BACKGROUND: In nearly 30% of patients with myeloma, pathological fractures are found to occur in the spine. If the patients are not treated promptly and satisfactorily, the quality of their lives diminishes. Currently, the standard treatment for metastatic lesions of the spine is radiotherapy, but surgical intervention is becoming more frequent. It is very important to quickly identify metastases and implement surgical treatment before any fracture/s occur. METHODS: Over the period of 2010-2014 in our department, a total of 129 patients were treated for metastatic spinal myeloma. 73 patients underwent vertebroplasty and 56 patients were operated on through various methods. Indications for the surgery, its course, technique and outcome were subsequently evaluated. The majority of patients (76%) admitted for treatment, exhibited vertebral fractures. Most lesions were multiplace and involved the vertebral bodies. In 42% of the patients, radiological examinations showed symptoms of compression of the nervous structures, while clinical signs were observed in only 16% of the patients. The functional status of the patients was assessed using the Karnofsky scale, while pain intensity was measured in a VAS score, before and after the surgery. The oncological results were assessed as a survival rate and local recurrence rate. RESULTS: The average follow-up was conducted within 31 months (min 18, max 48). The patients after vertebroplasty survived 42 months, and the patients after surgery 23 months. Local recurrence of the disease was observed in 12 patients. In 10 patients, among a group of 21 with paresis, their neurological conditions improved. The average results of both their VAS score and Karnofsky performance score in patients after surgery was seen to have improved. Only sporadic postoperative complications after vertebroplasty and surgery were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of myeloma spine metastasis is essential to achieve the desired results of treatment. Vertebroplasty, as advised, should be performed as early as possible. Both the functional and oncological results after vertebroplasty are beneficial and the complication rates are low. Three relevant factors were found in our study: patient's age over 65 years, initial diagnosis over 3 years and stage III of disease were related, significantly and statistically to survival.

Current Incidence of Different Morphological Types of Malignant Metastases to the Spine Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Malignant tumours particularly often metastasise to the spine, causing considerable pain and limiting the patient's physical function. Standard therapy consists in surgical treatment with adjuvant radiotherapy. The qualification for surgery is a multifaceted process and detailed analysis of the morphology of the metastasis is a key factor. Numerous types of classification of metastatic lesions exist, among which the Tomita system, based on MRI findings, appears to be the most practical. The aim of this paper is to present the current incidence of different morphological types of metastases as classified by the Tomita system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This work was based on cases treated at the Department of Oncological Orthopaedics of the Specialist Hospital in Brzozów - Podkarpacie Oncological Centre from 2010-2015. A total of 854 patients with spinal metastases were hospitalised at the department. All patients underwent a CT and MRI of the spine and their metastatic lesions were classified as one of the 7 types described by Tomita. The incidence of different morphological types of metastases per type of the primary tumour was also determined. RESULTS: Most patients treated at the department had advanced disease as a result of diagnostic delays. Types T3-T7 were found in 91% of the patients and T7 in 44%. The highest incidence of advanced disease was seen among patients with breast cancer and myeloma. Higher pain severity and incidence of neurological complications were noted in patients with multisite lesions. Neurological deficits were diagnosed in 228 patients, of whom 68% were classified as Type T6 or T7. Most of the T6/T7 patients were unable to walk unassisted and required constant help from their family or medical staff. CONCLUSIONS: The Tomita system allows for easy and clear classification of the morphology of malignant metastases. 66% of patients treated at our department had multisite T6 or T7 metastases.

Comparison of Quality of Life of Patients after Hip Disarticulation and Those after Stump Lengthening with Modular Prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: Disarticulation has been used less and less often in the treatment of musculoskeletal neoplasms; however, in some cases it allows the patient to achieve good oncological and functional outcomes. The aim of this paper is to present the possibilities, surgical technique and treatment outcomes of patients after hip disarticulation and stump lengthening with a modular prosthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three classic hip disarticulation surgeries and 2 hip disarticulation procedures with stump lengthening with a modular prosthesis were performed at the Department of Oncological Orthopaedics in Brzozów in 2013 and 2014. The present paper discusses the indications, surgical technique and outcomes. Pain intensity was assessed in a VAS scale and physical function was measured with the Karnofsky scale. The mental status of the patients was analysed in the Beck Depression Inventory and the ability to perform daily living activities was evaluated according to Katz. The ability to walk after surgery was assessed. RESULTS: Patients after hip disarticulation showed considerably worse functional outcomes. The mean physical function score was 53 points in the Karnofsky scale and 3.33 points in the Katz scale. The patients had difficulty walking and did not ambulate with their prostheses. They reported problems with sitting and using the toilet. Patients with lengthened stumps showed visibly better physical function scores, achieving, on average, 65 points in the Karnofsky scale and 5.5 points in the Katz scale. These patients used their prostheses, ambulated efficiently and were independent. CONCLUSIONS: Stump lengthening with a modular prosthesis in patients after hip disarticulation results in significantly better outcomes than the classic procedure.

Inveterate (42-year-old) Hip Dislocation Treated with Arthroplasty. A Case Study.

Dislocation of the hip usually results from a high-energy injury sustained during a road accident. Inveterate dislocations persisting for many months or years are extremely rare. Selection of an appropriate treatment method is not easy and is always associated with the risk of serious complications. The present authors hope that a description of the course of diagnostic work-up and treatment of a patient in whom a hip dislocation persisted for 42 years will prove interesting and helpful for orthopaedists who may encounter such a case in their practice. The patient sustained a dislocation of the right hip in 1974. He did not agree to undergo reduction immediately after the injury. Initially, he experienced extremely severe pain and difficulty walking, but gradually learned to walk without crutches and even took up a job. The limb was considerably shortened with only minimal movement in the hip joint. The pelvic geometry was altered and spinal scoliosis developed. In the last several years, the patient experienced a significant increase in pain and a decrease in function that prevented him from walking unassisted. Following a thorough physical examination, and based on computed tomography images, the patient was qualified for hip arthroplasty. An analysis of the available literature prompted the present authors to use a cemented implant and not to use bone grafts. Early treatment outcomes are good.