Comparison of visibility in needle arthroscopy of the ankle according to surgical experience: A cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Literature regarding the feasibility of inexperienced surgeons using needle arthroscopy is limited. The present study aimed to clarify the feasibility of performing ankle needle arthroscopy for inexperienced surgeons. METHODS: Diagnostic needle arthroscopy was performed for 10 cadaveric ankles by two surgeons with different levels of experience in ankle arthroscopy (inexperienced and expert surgeons). The visibility of arthroscopy was assessed based on a 15-point checklist and compared between surgeons. In addition, iatrogenic articular cartilage injury created by the inexperienced surgeon was investigated. RESULTS: The number of visible points was significantly larger for the expert surgeon than for the inexperienced surgeon (14.1 ± 1.0 vs. 13.7 ± 1.0, P = 0.035). The location of cartilage injury was greatest on the medial talar dome when viewing from the anteromedial portal at a rate of 30%. CONCLUSION: Ankle needle arthroscopy may be an option for surgeons in the future, however, differences in surgeon experience may impact effective visualization.

Clinical effects of combined anteversion and offset on postoperative dislocation in total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Implant impingement and soft tissue tension are factors involved in dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Combined anteversion (CA) has been used as an indicator for implant placement. However, optimal implant placement remains a challenge. Moreover, the effect of changes in offset on dislocation is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effects of postoperative CA and pre- and postoperative changes in offset on dislocation. METHODS: Included were patients who underwent primary cementless THA between 2013 and 2020. The mean values of CA and offset in the dislocation and non-dislocation groups were compared. The CA values within ± 10% of the recommended values were defined as good CA, and those outside the range were rated as poor CA. The dislocation rates were compared between the good and poor CA groups and between the groups with and without increased offset. RESULTS: A total of 283 hips were included. The mean values of CA in the dislocation and non-dislocation groups were significantly different (P < 0.05). The dislocation rate was significantly lower in the good CA group (P < 0.05). The dislocation rates in the groups with and without increased total offset were 0.5% and 4.3%, respectively (P = 0.004). There were no dislocations in patients with good CA and increased offset. CONCLUSIONS: The dislocation rate was significantly lower when implants were placed within ± 10% of the recommended CA value. Our results suggest that dislocation can be avoided by placing the implant in the good CA range and considering the increase in total offset on the operative side.

Induced membrane technique using beta-tricalcium phosphate for reconstruction of clavicle bone defect after fracture related infection - A case report.

The induced membrane technique (IMT) is among the most innovative reconstructive methods for clavicle defects after fracture-related infection (FRI). Herein, we report a case in which a clavicle bone defect after FRI was reconstructed with an autogenous cancellous bone graft mixed with ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) in the second stage of the IMT. A 62-year-old male patient with left clavicle fracture underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Refracture occurred immediately after the implant was removed. The patient was diagnosed with FRI after reopen reduction and internal fixation and was then referred to our hospital. The surgery was performed using the IMT. In the second stage of the IMT, the bone defect was filled with an autogenous cancellous bone mixed with wool-type ß-TCP. At 8 months after surgery, the nonunion area had fused, and the patient had no restrictions in activities of daily living. The IMT with ß-TCP can be a reconstructive method for bone defects after clavicular nonunion.

Evidence-Based Update on the Surgical Technique and Clinical Outcomes of Retrograde Drilling: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Retrograde drilling is an established surgical technique to treat osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT). It involves non-trans-articular drilling to induce subchondral bone revascularization and bone formation without damaging the overlying articular cartilage. The present study aimed to elucidate the heterogeneity of clinical studies on retrograde drilling for OLT. DESIGN: A systematic search of the MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published between January 1996 and August 27, 2022, was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines by two independent reviewers. The included studies were evaluated for their level of evidence (LoE) and quality of evidence (QoE) using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score. Variables reporting surgical and clinical outcomes and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Eleven studies with 207 ankles were included (mean follow-up period = 31.1 months). The mean LoE was 3.8 (LoE 3: two studies, LoE 4: nine studies), and the mean QoE was 50.8 (fair: three studies, poor: eight studies). Ten studies used the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, which improved from 57.9 preoperatively to 86.1 postoperatively. The period and protocol of conservative treatment, lesion character, surgical technique, and postoperative protocol were inconsistent or underreported. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review revealed that low LoE and poor QoE, coupled with heterogeneity among the included studies, impede definitive conclusions regarding the effectiveness of this technique. Consequently, well-designed clinical trials are essential to develop standardized clinical guidelines for using retrograde drilling in OLT.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Training in Teaching Personal Protective Equipment Skills: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Training on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for infection prevention among health care workers. Traditional methods, such as face-to-face and video-based training, can strain resources and present challenges. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of 360° virtual reality (VR) training for PPE donning and doffing compared with face-to-face and video training in enhancing the PPE use skills of prospective health care practitioners. Design, Setting, and Participants: A blinded, prospective, and randomized noninferiority clinical trial was conducted from August to December 2021 at Teikyo University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan, with a mixed population of medical students. Participants were second- to fourth-year medicine, medical technology, or pharmacy students aged 20 years or older with no prior PPE training. Participants were randomized into 1 of 3 training groups (VR, face-to-face, or video) based on their enrollment order. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. Intervention: A 30-minute lecture on PPE procedures was delivered to all participants before the training. After the lecture, the VR group trained with an immersive 360° VR tool, the face-to-face group trained with actual PPE, and the video group trained by watching video footage on a computer and a projector. After 3 days, a standardized practical skills test was administered. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the mean score on a 20-point practical skills test, and the secondary outcome was the percentage of correct execution. Results: A total of 91 participants were recruited and randomized into 3 groups: VR (n = 30), face-to-face (n = 30), and video (n = 31) training. After excluding 1 participant due to illness, 90 participants (mean [SD] age, 24.2 [3.15] years; 54 males [60.0%]) completed the assessment. The mean (SD) scores were 17.70 (2.10) points for the VR group, 17.57 (2.45) points for the face-to-face group, and 15.87 (2.90) points for the video group. The VR group demonstrated no significant difference in performance from the face-to-face group. However, the VR group had significantly higher effectiveness than the video group (17.70 vs 15.87 points; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this trial indicate that VR training was as effective as face-to-face training in enhancing PPE donning and doffing skills and was superior to video training. The findings suggest that VR training is a viable resource-conserving training option. Trial Registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: jRCT103021029.

Cytopathology of Chondromyxoid Fibroma: Report of 2 Cases with Immunocytochemical Expression of GRM1.

INTRODUCTION: Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare, benign bone tumor that occurs predominantly in the second and third decades of life, more frequently in males. Overexpression of GRM1 as a consequence of tumor-specific gene rearrangement of GRM1 has recently been reported as a useful immunohistochemical marker for histopathological diagnosis of CMF. However, the usefulness of GRM1 staining of cytology specimens has not yet been evaluated. In this report, the cytological findings and GRM1 immunocytochemistry of two cases of CMF are described. CASE PRESENTATIONS: Case 1 was a 15-year-old girl with a rib tumor. Imaging findings suggested a benign neurogenic tumor such as schwannoma. The tumor had increased in size over a 2-year period and was resected. Case 2 was a 14-year-old boy with a metatarsal tumor involving his left first toe. Imaging findings were suspicious of a benign neoplastic lesion. Biopsy findings suggested a benign tumor, and the patient underwent tumor resection. Cytologically, in both cases the tumor cells were predominantly spindle-shaped or stellate, with a myxoid to chondromyxoid background matrix and multinucleated giant cells, and these matrices were metachromatic with Giemsa staining. Cellular atypia was more accentuated in case 2 than in case 1. Immunocytochemical staining for GRM1 was positive in both cases. CONCLUSION: Due to the overlap in cytological findings, it is often difficult to differentiate CMF from chondroblastoma and chondrosarcoma grade 2. Immunocytochemical staining for GRM1 may support the diagnosis of CMF, and the reuse of Papanicolaou-stained specimens is applicable. The present cases further demonstrated the difficulty of differentiating CMF from other mimicking tumors such as chondroblastoma and chondrosarcoma grade 2. In such instances, immunocytochemistry for GRM1 is applicable to the diagnostic process, the value of which is strengthened by reusing Papanicolaou-stained specimens.

Effect of postoperative fracture gap on bone union: A retrospective cohort analysis of simple femoral shaft fractures.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is considered the gold-standard treatment for femoral shaft fractures. The post operative fracture gap is commonly recognized as a risk factor for nonunion. However, no evaluation standard for measuring the fracture gap size has yet been established. In addition, the clinical implications of the fracture gap size have also not been determined so far. This study aims to clarify how we should evaluate fracture gaps when assessing simple femoral shaft fractures with radiographs and to determine the acceptable cut-off value of the fracture gap size in simple femoral shaft fractures. METHOD: A retrospective observational study with a consecutive cohort was conducted at the trauma center of a university hospital. We investigated the fracture gap using postoperative radiography and the postoperative bone union of transverse and short oblique femoral shaft fractures fixed by IMN. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to obtain the fracture gap's mean, minimum, and maximum cut-off values. Fisher's exact test was used at the cut-off value of the most accurate parameter. RESULTS: In the four nonunions among the 30 cases, the analysis using ROC curves revealed that the maximum value had the highest accuracy among the maximum, minimum, and mean values of fracture-gap size. The cut-off value was determined to be 4.14 mm with high accuracy. Fisher's exact test showed that the incidence of nonunion was higher in the group with a maximum fracture gap of 4.14 mm or greater (risk ratio = not applicable, risk difference = 0.57, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In simple transverse and short oblique femoral shaft fractures fixed with IMN, the fracture gap on radiographs should be evaluated by the maximum gap in the AP and lateral views. The remaining maximum fracture gap of ≥4.14 mm would be a risk factor for nonunion.

Anterior Malreduction is Associated With Lag Screw Cutout After Internal Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Lag screw cutout is a devastating complication after internal fixation of an intertrochanteric fracture. Although the tip-apex distance (TAD) is known to be associated with this complication, another factor we thought was potentially important-fracture reduction on an oblique lateral view-has not, to our knowledge, been explored. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Is a well-reduced fracture position on an oblique lateral view after internal fixation of intertrochanteric fracture associated with a lower odds of postoperative cutout, independently of the TAD? (2) Is postoperative sliding of the lag screw after fixation associated with postoperative cutout? METHODS: Patients with intertrochanteric fractures who were at least 65 years old and who had been treated with internal fixation in one of six facilities between July 2011 and December 2017 were included. All patients in the study group had lag screw cutout, and controls were selected by risk-set sampling of age-matched and sex-matched patients using a ratio of 4:1 for patients from each hospital. Of the 2327 intertrochanteric fractures, there were 36 patients (0.02 per person-year), with a mean age of 85 years; 89% (32) were women. In the control group, there were 135 controls. There was no difference in age or sex between the two groups. Sagittal reduction was evaluated using an immediate postoperative oblique lateral radiograph (anterior malreduction versus anatomic reduction or posterior malreduction). The association between anterior malreduction and the odds of cutout was estimated by conditional logistic regression analysis with the TAD and interaction between the TAD and the reduced position as covariates. As a sensitivity analysis, we estimated whether sliding within 2 weeks postoperatively was associated with cutout. RESULTS: After controlling for the potentially confounding variables of age and sex, we found that anterior malreduction was independently associated with a higher odds of cutout compared with anatomic reduction or posterior malreduction (adjusted OR 4.2 [95% CI 1.5 to 12]; p = 0.006). There was also an independent association between cutout and larger TAD (≥ 20 mm) (adjusted OR 4.4 [95% CI 1.4 to 14]; p = 0.01). However, the association between cutout and reduction was not modified by the TAD (adjusted OR of interaction term 0.6 [95% CI 0.08 to 4]; p = 0.54). Postoperative sliding ≥ 6 mm within 2 weeks was associated with higher odds of cutout after adjusting for age and sex (adjusted OR 11 [95% CI 3 to 40]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients older than 65 years with intertrochanteric fractures, anterior malreduction on a lateral oblique view was associated with much greater odds of postoperative cutout than anatomic reduction or posterior malreduction. Because anterior malreduction is within the surgeon's control, our findings may help surgeons focus on intraoperative reduction on an oblique lateral view to prevent cutouts. Although this factor is a reliable indicator, the results should be applied to cephalomedullary nails, because there was only one patient with cutout among those with sliding hip screws. Because this study was conducted in a homogenous Japanese population, future studies should focus on the association between anterior malreduction and cutout in people of different ethnicities, adjusting for confounding factors such as implant type and surgeon level. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

What Are the Complication Rates and Factors Associated With Total Femur Replacement After Tumor Resection? Findings From the Japanese Musculoskeletal Oncology Group.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing massive tumor resection and total femur replacement (TFR) face a substantial risk of hip dislocation and infection, often resulting in multiple implant revisions or hip disarticulation. These complications can impact their independence and prognosis. Additionally, their shorter life expectancy is influenced by challenges in achieving local radical resection and controlling metastases. Identifying suitable candidates for TFR is vital, necessitating investigations into dislocation, infection, implant failure rates, local recurrence, overall survival, and associated factors. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What is the postsurgical complication (hip dislocation and infection) rate and factors associated with postsurgical complications in patients who underwent TFR after tumor resection? (2) What is the local recurrence rate, implant failure rate, overall survival rate, and factors associated with local recurrence and implant failure? METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 42 patients (median [range] age 47 years [10 to 79 years]) who underwent TFR and tumor resection at the time of the same surgical procedure between 1990 and 2020 at 12 registered institutions that specialized in tumor treatment in Japan. A total of 55% (23) of the patients were men, and 79% (33) had bone sarcoma. The median (range) follow-up period was 36.5 months (2 to 327 months). Of the 42 patients, 12% (5) were lost to follow-up before 2 years without meeting a study endpoint (postsurgical complications, revision, or amputation), and another 19% (8) died before 2 years with implants intact, leaving 69% (29) of the original group who had either follow-up of at least 2 years or met a study endpoint before the minimum surveillance duration. Another 10% (4) had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up but had not been seen in the past 5 years. Infection was defined as deep-seated infection involving soft tissues, bones, joints, and the area around the implant. We did not consider superficial infections. Implant failure was defined when a patient underwent reimplantation or amputation. The complication and implant failure rates were assessed by the cumulative incidence function method, considering competing events. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the overall survival rate. RESULTS: The 1-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year dislocation rates were 5%, 12%, 14%, and 14%, respectively. The 1-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year infection rates were 5%, 7%, 10%, and 15%, respectively. Multivariable analyses for hip dislocation and infection revealed that resection of the abductor muscles and large tumor size were positively associated with hip dislocation. The 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year local recurrence rates were 5%, 15%, and 15%, respectively. The 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year implant failure rates were 5% (95% confidence interval 1% to 15%), 7% (95% CI 2% to 18%), 16% (95% CI 6% to 29%), and 16% (95% CI 6% to 29%), respectively. Multivariable analyses of local recurrence and implant failure that led to reimplantation or amputation revealed that a positive surgical margin was positively associated with local recurrence. The 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year overall patient survival rates were 95% (95% CI 87% to 102%), 77% (95% CI 64% to 91%), and 64% (95% CI 48% to 81%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Hip dislocation, infection, and local recurrence were frequently observed in patients who received massive tumor resection and TFR in our study, eventually leading to reimplantation or amputation. Preserving the abductor muscles and resecting the tumor with a wide margin can prevent postoperative dislocation and local recurrence. Future research should focus on patient selection criteria, prevention of hip dislocation, and innovative treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Initial stability of cementless acetabular cups using robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty compared with the conventional manual technique: An in vitro biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine whether the initial stability of a cementless cup with the Mako system is superior to that of a conventional manual technique using bone models. METHODS: The bone models were prepared using a polyurethane foam block. Two hemispherical cementless cups (highly porous titanium cup [Trident II Tritanium, Stryker] and hydroxyapatite-coated titanium cup [Trident HA, Stryker]) were implanted using the Mako system. The torque of the cups was measured by rotational and lever-out torque testing and compared with that of a conventional manual technique. RESULTS: The two types of cups that were implanted using the Mako system demonstrated significantly higher mean rotational torque than that of the manual technique (p < 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the advantage of the initial stability of a cementless hemispherical cup implanted by the Mako system compared with that of the conventional manual technique.

Inconsistent radiographic diagnostic criteria for lisfranc injuries: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiographic diagnostic criteria and propose standardised radiographic criteria for Lisfranc injuries. METHODS: A systematic review of the PubMed and Embase databases was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The various radiographic criteria for the diagnosis of Lisfranc injuries were extracted. Descriptive statistics were presented for all continuous (as mean ± standard deviation) and categorical variables (as frequencies by percentages). RESULTS: The literature search included 29 studies that totalled 1115 Lisfranc injuries. The risk of bias ranged from "Low" to "Moderate" risk according to the ROBINS-I tool. The overall recommendations according to the GRADE assessment ranged from "Very Low" to "High". 1st metatarsal to 2nd metatarsal diastasis was the most common of the 12 various radiographic diagnostic criteria observed, as was employed in 18 studies. This was followed by 2nd cuneiform to 2nd metatarsal subluxation, as was employed in 11 studies. CONCLUSION: The radiographic diagnostic criteria of Lisfranc injuries were heterogeneous. The proposition for homogenous radiographic diagnostic criteria is that the following features must be observed for the diagnosis of Lisfranc injuries: 1st metatarsal to 2nd metatarsal diastasis of ≥ 2 mm on anteroposterior view or 2nd cuneiform to 2nd metatarsal subluxation on anteroposterior or oblique views. Further advanced imaging by CT or MRI may be required in patients with normal radiographs but with continued suspicion for Lisfranc injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4, systematic review.

Comparison of Muscle Mass Between Healthy Subjects and Patients With Malignant Tumors Undergoing Outpatient Treatment.

Background In recent years, advances in the treatment of malignant tumors have improved life expectancy and diversified treatment options. However, maintaining high activities of daily living in patients is essential for appropriately treating the primary disease, and interventions for patients with impaired motor function will lead to improved quality of life. Here, we compared the muscle mass of malignant tumor patients who are visiting bone metastasis outpatient clinics with that of healthy subjects. Methods We compared the muscle mass of 61 malignant tumor patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤ 2 (mean 66.3 ± 12.0 years; 30 males and 31 females) attending our bone metastasis outpatient clinic since 2018 with that of 315 healthy subjects (mean 65.0 ± 17.7 years; 110 males and 205 females). Body mass index, skeletal muscle mass, and body fat percentage were assessed by bioimpedance analysis, and the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was calculated. Results To eliminate age bias in the malignant tumor patients and healthy subjects, 1:1 propensity score matching was performed separately for males and females. There was no significant difference in right upper limb, left upper limb, right lower limb, or left lower limb mass or SMI between the two groups, whereas trunk muscle mass and muscle mass were significantly higher in the healthy females compared with malignant tumor females. Conclusion There was no significant difference in the SMI measured by bioimpedance analysis between the two groups in either males or females, while muscle mass and trunk muscle mass were significantly lower in female malignant tumor patients than in healthy subjects. These results suggest that even malignant tumor patients whose performance status was maintained enough to allow outpatient visits still had impaired motor function.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) of the bone and soft tissue: a Japanese Musculoskeletal Oncology Group (JMOG) multi-institutional study.

PURPOSE: Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) of the bone and soft tissues are rare mesenchymal neoplasms, some of which are malignant. However, their clinical and pathological characteristics remain unclear. This study was performed to investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of PEComas in bone and soft tissues by leveraging information from the Japanese Musculoskeletal Oncology Group. METHODS: Nine patients, including four male and five female patients with a median age of 50 years, were retrospectively reviewed. PEComas of the visceral organs, including the uterus and retroperitoneum, were excluded. RESULTS: Eight tumors arose in the soft tissue and one in the bone, with a mean size of 8.8 cm. Four patients showed local recurrence or distant metastasis. The 1-year survival rate was 78%. Pathologically, eight tumors were classified as malignant and one as having uncertain malignancy potential. Half of the tumors showed high MIB-1 index values of > 30%. Immunohistochemically, the melanocyte marker HMB45 was expressed in 89% of the cases, and muscle-specific markers were expressed only in 30-50% of the cases. Transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3 (TFE3) expression was positive in 100% of the patients. Tumors with high expression of TFE3 were classified as PEComas with malignant potential according to Folpe's classification. CONCLUSIONS: Bone and soft tissue PEComas may have a higher malignancy potential than other visceral PEComas and are more likely to develop as TFE3-rearranged PEComas.

Comparison of Visibility and Risk of Neurovascular Tissue Injury Between Portals in Needle Arthroscopy of the Anterior Ankle Joint: A Cadaveric Study.

Background: For needle arthroscopy with 0° viewing, the visible range of intra-articular structures and the difference between portals remain unknown, as do the risks for neurovascular tissue at each portal. Purpose: To clarify the visibility and safety of needle arthroscopy. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Ten cadaveric ankle specimens were used. A needle arthroscope with a 1.9-mm diameter was inserted from 4 portals (anteromedial [AM], anterolateral [AL], medial midline [MM], and anterocentral [AC]). Visibility was assessed using a 15-point ankle arthroscopy checklist. In addition, the ankles were dissected to measure the distance between each portal and neurovascular tissues. The visibility of the ankle joint was compared between portals. Results: The success rate of visibility in the deltoid ligament and the tip of the medial malleolus was 100% from the AM, MM, and AC portals and 10% from the AL portal, with significant differences between the portals (P < .01). The visibility success rates in the origin of the anterior talofibular ligament and the tip of the lateral malleolus were 20% for the AM portal, 90% for the MM and AC portals, and 100% for the AL portal, with significant differences between the portals (P < .01). All other points of the ankle joint were visualized from all the portals with a 100% success rate. The AC portal was in contact with the anterior neurovascular bundle in 4 of the 10 specimens. Conclusion: When needle arthroscopy was performed from the AM or AL portal, the site opposite to the portal in the ankle joint was difficult to visualize. Conversely, most points of the ankle joint could be visualized from the MM and AC portals. Care should be taken when creating an AC portal because of its proximity to the anterior neurovascular bundle. Clinical Relevance: The present study provides information regarding which portal should be selected to perform needle arthroscopy in the ankle joint, which will be beneficial for management of ankle injuries.

What Are the Complications, Function, and Survival of Tumor-devitalized Autografts Used in Patients With Limb-sparing Surgery for Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors? A Japanese Musculoskeletal Oncology Group Multi-institutional Study.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-devitalized autografts treated with deep freezing, pasteurization, and irradiation are biological reconstruction methods after tumor excision for aggressive or malignant bone or soft tissue tumors that involve a major long bone. Tumor-devitalized autografts do not require a bone bank, they carry no risk of viral or bacterial disease transmission, they are associated with a smaller immunologic response, and they have a better shape and size match to the site in which they are implanted. However, they are associated with disadvantages as well; it is not possible to assess margins and tumor necrosis, the devitalized bone is not normal and has limited healing potential, and the biomechanical strength is decreased owing to processing and tumor-related bone loss. Because this technique is not used in many countries, there are few reports on the results of this procedure such as complications, graft survival, and limb function. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What was the rate of complications such as fracture, nonunion, infection, or recurrence in a tumor-devitalized autograft treated with deep freezing, pasteurization, and irradiation, and what factors were associated with the complication? (2) What were the 5-year and 10-year grafted bone survival (free from graft bone removal) of the three methods used to devitalize a tumor-containing autograft, and what factors were associated with grafted bone survival? (3) What was the proportion of patients with union of the tumor-devitalized autograft and what factors were associated with union of the graft-host bone junction? (4) What was the limb function after the tumor-devitalized autograft, and what factors were related to favorable limb function? METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study that included data from 26 tertiary sarcoma centers affiliated with the Japanese Musculoskeletal Oncology Group. From January 1993 to December 2018, 494 patients with benign or malignant tumors of the long bones were treated with tumor-devitalized autografts (using deep freezing, pasteurization, or irradiation techniques). Patients who were treated with intercalary or composite (an osteoarticular autograft with a total joint arthroplasty) tumor-devitalized autografts and followed for at least 2 years were considered eligible for inclusion. Accordingly, 7% (37 of 494) of the patients were excluded because they died within 2 years; in 19% (96), an osteoarticular graft was used, and another 10% (51) were lost to follow-up or had incomplete datasets. We did not collect information on those who died or were lost to follow-up. Considering this, 63% of the patients (310 of 494) were included in the analysis. The median follow-up was 92 months (range 24 to 348 months), the median age was 27 years (range 4 to 84), and 48% (148 of 310) were female; freezing was performed for 47% (147) of patients, pasteurization for 29% (89), and irradiation for 24% (74). The primary endpoints of this study were the cumulative incidence rate of complications and the cumulative survival of grafted bone, assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. We used the classification of complications and graft failures proposed by the International Society of Limb Salvage. Factors relating to complications and grafted autograft removal were analyzed. The secondary endpoints were the proportion of bony union and better limb function, evaluated by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score. Factors relating to bony union and limb function were also analyzed. Data were investigated in each center by a record review and transferred to Kanazawa University. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence rate of any complication was 42% at 5 years and 51% at 10 years. The most frequent complications were nonunion in 36 patients and infection in 34 patients. Long resection (≥ 15 cm) was associated with an increased risk of any complication based on the multivariate analyses (RR 1.8 [95% CI 1.3 to 2.5]; p < 0.01). There was no difference in the rate of complications among the three devitalizing methods. The cumulative graft survival rates were 87% at 5 years and 81% at 10 years. After controlling for potential confounding variables including sex, resection length, reconstruction type, procedure type, and chemotherapy, we found that long resection (≥ 15 cm) and composite reconstruction were associated with an increased risk of grafted autograft removal (RR 2.5 [95% CI 1.4 to 4.5]; p < 0.01 and RR 2.3 [95% CI 1.3 to 4.1]; p < 0.01). The pedicle freezing procedure showed better graft survival than the extracorporeal devitalizing procedures (94% versus 85% in 5 years; RR 3.1 [95% CI 1.1 to 9.0]; p = 0.03). No difference was observed in graft survival among the three devitalizing methods. Further, 78% (156 of 200 patients) of patients in the intercalary group and 87% (39 of 45 patients) of those in the composite group achieved primary union within 2 years. Male sex and the use of nonvascularized grafts were associated with an increased risk of nonunion (RR 2.8 [95% CI 1.3 to 6.1]; p < 0.01 and 0.28 [95% CI 0.1 to 1.0]; p = 0.04, respectively) in the intercalary group after controlling for confounding variables, including sex, site, chemotherapy, resection length, graft type, operation time, and fixation type. The median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 83% (range 12% to 100%). After controlling for confounding variables including age, site, resection length, event occurrence, and graft removal, age younger than 40 years (RR 2.0 [95% CI 1.1 to 3.7]; p = 0.03), tibia (RR 6.9 [95% CI 2.7 to 17.5]; p < 0.01), femur (RR 4.8 [95% CI 1.9 to 11.7]; p < 0.01), no event (RR 2.2 [95% CI 1.1 to 4.5]; p = 0.03), and no graft removal (RR 2.9 [95% CI 1.2 to 7.3]; p = 0.03) were associated with an increased limb function. The composite graft was associated with decreased limb function (RR 0.4 [95% CI 0.2 to 0.7]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This multicenter study revealed that frozen, irradiated, and pasteurized tumor-bearing autografts had similar rates of complications and graft survival and all resulted in similar limb function. The recurrence rate was 10%; however, no tumor recurred with the devitalized autograft. The pedicle freezing procedure reduces the osteotomy site, which may contribute to better graft survival. Furthermore, tumor-devitalized autografts had reasonable survival and favorable limb function, which are comparable to findings reported for bone allografts. Overall, tumor-devitalized autografts are a useful option for biological reconstruction and are suitable for osteoblastic tumors or osteolytic tumors without severe loss of mechanical bone strength. Tumor-devitalized autografts could be considered when obtaining allografts is difficult and when a patient is unwilling to have a tumor prosthesis and allograft for various reasons such as cost or socioreligious reasons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Clinical Outcome of Low-Grade Myofibroblastic Sarcoma in Japan: A Multicenter Study from the Japanese Musculoskeletal Oncology Group.

This retrospective multicenter study aimed to analyze the clinical features and prognosis of 24 patients diagnosed with LGMS between 2002 and 2019 in the Japanese sarcoma network. Twenty-two cases were surgically treated and two cases were treated with radical radiotherapy (RT). The pathological margin was R0 in 14 cases, R1 in 7 cases, and R2 in 1 case. The best overall response in the two patients who underwent radical RT was one complete response and one partial response. Local relapse occurred in 20.8% of patients. Local relapse-free survival (LRFS) was 91.3% at 2 years and 75.4% at 5 years. In univariate analysis, tumors of 5 cm or more were significantly more likely to cause local relapse (p < 0.01). In terms of the treatment of relapsed tumors, surgery was performed in two cases and radical RT was performed in three cases. None of the patients experienced a second local relapse. Disease-specific survival was 100% at 5 years. A wide excision aimed at the microscopically R0 margin is considered the standard treatment for LGMS. However, RT may be a viable option in unresectable cases or in cases where surgery is expected to cause significant functional impairment.

Association of high kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing with quality of life in severe hip osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: While fear of movement is an important predictor of pain and disability in osteoarthritis (OA), its impact on patients with hip OA remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine whether fear of movement, evaluated by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK)-11, and pain catastrophizing, evaluated by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), were associated with quality of life (QOL) in patients with hip OA. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2017 and December 2018. Ninety-one consecutively enrolled patients with severe hip OA were scheduled for primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty. The EuroQOL-5 Dimensions questionnaire was used to measure general QOL. The Japanese Orthopedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire was used to assess disease-specific QOL. The covariates included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), pain intensity, high pain catastrophizing (PCS ≥ 30), and high kinesiophobia (TSK-11 ≥ 25). Variables were subjected to multivariate analysis using each QOL scale. RESULTS: In multiple regression analysis, pain intensity, high pain catastrophizing, and BMI were independently correlated with the disease-specific QOL scale. High pain catastrophizing, pain intensity, and high kinesiophobia were independently correlated with the general QOL scale. CONCLUSIONS: High pain catastrophizing (PCS ≥ 30) was independently associated with disease and general QOL scales. High kinesiophobia (TSK-11 ≥ 25) was independently associated with the general QOL scale in preoperative patients with severe hip OA.

Predictive Factors of Lower Urinary Tract Injuries and Spontaneous Voiding Failure After Pelvic Fractures.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to describe the voiding patterns of patients after surgical treatment of pelvic fractures and determine the predictive factors of lower urinary tract injuries (LUTIs) and spontaneous voiding failure among patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures at a tertiary trauma center in Japan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively assessed patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures in our tertiary trauma center during May 2009-April 2021. We excluded patients who died during hospitalization and who had indwelling catheter prior to the injury. Patients' LUTIs and spontaneous voiding failure at discharge were recorded. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the predictive factors of LUTIs and spontaneous voiding failure at discharge. RESULTS: In total, 334 eligible patients were identified. Among them, 301 patients (90%) voided spontaneously with or without diapers at discharge. Thirty-three patients required some form of catheterization for bladder drainage. LUTIs were found to be associated with chronological age [odds ratio (OR)=0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.92-0.99; p=0.024] and pelvic ring fracture (OR=12.0; 95%CI=1.39-255.2; p=0.024). Spontaneous voiding failure was associated with intensive care unit admission (OR=7.17; 95%CI=1.49-34.4; p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Overall, 10% of patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures were not able to void spontaneously at discharge. Spontaneous voiding failure after pelvic fractures was related to injury severity.

[Orthopaedic Management of Bone Metastasis].

Thanks to advancement in cancer therapy, an increasing number of cancer patients are expected to live longer with cancer in Japan. Activities of daily living(ADL)and quality of life(QOL)of cancer patients has become much more important than ever. Because a decline in mobility negatively affects ADL and QOL, the management of locomotive organs of cancer patients is crucial. In 2018, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association decided their annual activity theme as"locomotive syndrome in cancer patients", with the concept of preventing and improving locomotive syndrome for longer and healthier life of cancer patients. Bone metastasis, as a major cause of locomotive syndrome in cancer patients, needs to be evaluated and managed properly for better ADL and QOL of cancer patients. Pathological fractures, spinal instability, and spinal injury cause not only severe pain and massive functional impairment of patients but increased nursing care burden. To resolve these problems, surgery plays a major role. Possible surgical procedures include internal fixation, curettage, cementation, and arthroplasty for the long bones, whereas percutaneous vertebroplasty, decompression, posterior/anterior spinal fusion, and total en bloc spondylectomy for the spine. Less invasive surgical procedure tends to be chosen for a patient with poorer prognosis. The main purpose of bone metastasis surgery is to maintain ADL and QOL of cancer patients hopefully during the remaining survival time; therefore, estimated survival should be considered when determining the surgical strategy. In addition, case-by- case careful peri-operative management is required because cancer therapy can vary widely in patient age, cancer type, and tumor stage. To accommodate the variety of orthopaedic surgeries to the diversity of cancer therapy, the corporation between oncologists and orthopaedic surgeons is indispensable.

Overweight increases perioperative spinal surgery complications: a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a person with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 as overweight. Being overweight is a lifestyle-related disease; however, little is known about the impact of overweight on the perioperative complications of orthopedic surgery. This study aimed to define the effect of overweight on the perioperative complications of spinal surgery. METHODS: This retrospective case series study reviewed 269 consecutive patients who underwent spinal surgery. These patients were divided into the overweight (OW) and non-overweight (NOW) groups. Age, BMI, surgical time, blood loss, and perioperative complications were evaluated and compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were 117 patients (43%) in the OW group and 152 (57%) in the NOW group. Cervical surgery was performed in 72 cases, thoracic surgery in 34, and lumbosacral surgery in 159. The surgical time was significantly longer in the OW group than in the NOW group (204.6 ± 98 min vs. 175 ± 75 min; p = 0.01). Blood loss was greater in the OW group than in the NOW group (446.8 ± 447.9 mL vs. 279 ± 296.5 mL; p = 0.00). Durotomy was more frequent in the OW group than in the NOW group (10 vs. 3 cases; p = 0.02). There was no difference in complications other than durotomy. CONCLUSIONS: OW patients had longer surgical time, more blood loss, and more frequent durotomy than NOW patients. These findings indicate that overweight increases perioperative complications of spinal surgery.