Treatment of femoral neck fractures using actis stem: complication rate in 188 uncemented hemiarthroplasties.

INTRODUCTION: Cemented hemiarthroplasty (HA) is preferred in treating dislocated femoral neck fractures in elderly, osteoporotic patients, since uncemented HA was associated with mechanical complications more frequently. Cementation can conversely cause cardiopulmonary complications, leading to demand on safe, uncemented implants addressing osteoporosis. This study is set up as a retrospective feasibility study on the use of an uncemented, collared wedge implant (Actis®, DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN), for HA in elderly patients, focusing on complication rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1,194 patients, treated with HA in two study centers between 2017-2022, 188 received Actis® uncemented stem with bipolar head. Complete follow-up were retrospectively collected in all patients. RESULTS: In 188 patients (f: 64.9%; age: 83.1 ± 7.7a) included, no case of intra-operative mortality was recorded. 2 day mortality was 1.1%, 30 day mortality was 7.4% and 1 year mortality was 28.2%. 2 (1.1%) intra-operative fractures did not receive surgical revision, 3 (1.6%) post-operative periprosthetic fractures caused separate admission and revision. 2 cases (1.1%) of early infection required surgical revision. CONCLUSION: Our data provide proof of concept, that Actis® Stem allows an alternative, uncemented treatment option for displaced femoral neck fractures with HA. In case of preoperative or intraoperative medial cortical bone defects, stability of this implant is deteriorated.

Microstructural analysis of subchondral bone in knee osteoarthritis.

The results of this study show increased formation of bone in the subchondral areas in advanced stages of osteoarthritis of the knee. These changes seem to be influenced by mechanical factors. INTRODUCTION: Subchondral bone changes seem to contribute to the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to analyze subchondral bone microstructure in specimens of late-stage knee OA in respect to articular cartilage damage, meniscus integrity, and knee joint alignment. METHODS: Thirty proximal tibiae of 30 patients (20 female and 10 male) with late-stage OA retrieved during total knee arthroplasty were scanned using a high-resolution micro-computed tomography. The scans were semi-automatically segmented into five volumes of interest. The volumes of interest were then further analyzed using commercially available software. The degree of articular cartilage damage was assessed semi-quantitatively by magnetic resonance imaging before surgery. RESULTS: The mean bone fraction volume (bone volume/total volume (BV/TV)) in all weight-bearing locations was significantly higher compared to the non-weight-bearing reference point below the anterior cruciate ligament (p = 0.000). The mean BV/TV in the medial compartment was significantly higher compared to the lateral compartment (p = 0.007). As for the BV/TV in intact menisci, there was a significantly lower subchondral bone fraction volume compared to subluxated or luxated menisci in the medial (p = 0.020) and lateral compartment (p = 0.005). Varus alignment had a significantly higher subchondral BV/TV in the medial compartment, whereas valgus alignment had a significantly higher subchondral BV/TV in the lateral compartment (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The results show significant differences of subchondral bone microstructural parameters in respect to cartilage damage, meniscus' structural integrity, and knee joint alignment. Therefore, subchondral bone changes seem to be a secondary process in the late-stage OA of the knee caused by mechanical changes.

Combined serum biomarker analysis shows no benefit in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection.

PURPOSE: In many cases, the diagnosis of a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) consisting of the clinical appearance, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic tools remains a difficult task. Single serum biomarkers are easy to collect, are suitable for periodical assessment, and are a crucial tool in PJI diagnosis, but limited sensitivity or specificity is reported in literature. The aim of this study was to combine the best-performing single serum biomarkers into a multi-biomarker model aiming to improve the diagnostic properties. METHODS: Within a 27-month period, 124 surgical procedures (aseptic or septic revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA)) were prospectively included. The serum leukocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6, procalcitonin, interferon alpha, and fibrinogen were assessed 1 day prior to surgery. Logistic regression with lasso-regularization was used for the biomarkers and all their ratios. After randomly splitting the data into a training (75%) and a test set (25%), the multi-biomarker model was calculated and validated in a cross-validation approach. RESULTS: CRP (AUC 0.91, specificity 0.67, sensitivity 0.90, p value 0.03) and fibrinogen (AUC 0.93, specificity 0.73, sensitivity 0.94, p value 0.02) had the best single-biomarker performances. The multi-biomarker model including fibrinogen, CRP, the ratio of fibrinogen to CRP, and the ratio of serum thrombocytes to CRP showed a similar performance (AUC 0.95, specificity 0.91, sensitivity 0.72, p value 0.01). CONCLUSION: In this study, multiple biomarkers were tested for their diagnostic performance, with CRP and fibrinogen showing the best results regarding the AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. It was not possible to further increase the diagnostic accuracy by combining multiple biomarkers using sophisticated statistical methods.

Navigation versus experience: providing training in accurate lumbar pedicle screw positioning.

PURPOSE: Accurate placement of spinal pedicle screws (PS) is mandatory for good primary segmental stabilization allowing consequent osseous fusion, requiring judgmental experience developed during a long training process. Computer navigation offers permanent visual control during screw manipulation and has been shown to significantly lower the risk of pedicle perforation. This study aims to evaluate whether safety, accuracy, and judgmental skills in screw placement, comparable to an experienced surgeon, can be developed during training using computer navigation. METHODS: Lumbosacral PS were placed in 18 patients in a prospective setting, in one segment side with conventional fluoroscopy by a senior spine-surgeon, and computer navigated on the other side by a trainee without prior experience in the technique. At the beginning and at the end of the study, PS were placed freehand in solid foam models by the trainee. PS placement time, intraoperative placement revisions, PS placement accuracy on postoperative CT scans, and postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: Significant improvement of trainee's PS placement accuracy (Sclafani score 8.2-8.83; p = 0.006) and time (13.3-6.8 min per screw; p = 0.005) to a similar level as the experienced surgeon state (5.2-4.1 min per screw; p = 0.39) was explored; similar improvement was explored in the foam models. The number of intraoperative placement revisions kept on a low level for surgeon (3.3-0.0%) and trainee (5.1-2.6%) during the whole study, no postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Navigated PS insertion allows safe teaching from the early beginning of surgical training, due to steady intraoperative control on PS placement. Adequacy of PS placement is similar to screws placed by an experienced surgeon. Progress in judgmental skills in screw placement can be gained rapidly by the trainee, which can also be transferred to non-computer navigated PS placement.

[Clinical administration of platelet-rich plasma and growth factors to the musculoskeletal system]. / Klinische Anwendung von Platelet-rich plasma und Wachstumsfaktoren am Bewegungsapparat.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and growth factors have been increasing in popularity for the orthopedic treatment of degenerative and traumatic diseases. The treatment concept is based on the substitution of growth-inducing substances in tissues with low or absent regeneration capacity (cartilage, tendons) as well as for the induction or further acceleration of growth and regeneration (bone, muscle). This review article provides an overview on the clinical feasibility of usage and a summary of the current study situation.

[Silver coating on tumour prostheses]. / Silberbeschichtung auf Tumorendoprothesen.

BACKGROUND: Modular endoprostheses, so-called "tumour or megaprostheses" are mainly used for limb salvage surgery after resection of malignant soft tissue or a bone tumour. Sometimes, this type of prosthesis is also used for revision surgeries after failed primary joint arthroplasty. Despite continuously improving techniques and quality management systems, periprosthetic infection is one of the most serious complications. AIM OF THE STUDY: Review of the literature in the PubMed data base with the main focus on silver coatings in joint arthroplasty and their effect on infection rate, outcome and patients' safety. RESULTS: The current literature shows that there is a beneficial role of silver coatings in megaprostheses in terms of revision rates for septic complications, especially following tumour resection with bad soft tissue coverage or in (multimorbid) high-risk patients, compared to uncoated implants. DISCUSSION: Based on the results of previous publications examining blood or serum silver concentrations or silver levels in urine, silver coatings do not appear to have side effects, except for local argyria. Continuous monitoring of silver levels in blood or serum is still recommended, and additional long-term studies will be necessary to verify the effectiveness and safety of silver coatings.

[Is there a magic bullet for sarcomas? : Personalised treatment for maligant tumours of bone and soft tissue]. / Gibt es eine Magic Bullet für Sarkome? : Personalisierte Therapie von malignen Tumoren des Stütz- und Bewegungsapparates.

BACKGROUND: Personalised tumour therapies aim to selectively target pathways and structures to which a tumour shows an oncogenic addiction. OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: This article aims to provide an overview of relevant genetic alterations in bone and soft-tissue tumours, which might serve as potential therapeutic targets for personalised medicines in the future. Recent approaches towards a personalised treatment of various tumours of bone and soft tissues are reviewed. RESULTS: Molecular diagnosis has become an essential tool for the characterisation of bone and soft-tissue tumours. Currently, no targeted therapies are routinely available for bone sarcomas. Denosumab is merely a symptomatic treatment for giant cell tumours of the bone. Imatinib has become the paradigm of a targeted treatment for subgroups of malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitors, various other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies are currently being evaluated in several (sub-)types of soft-tissue sarcomas. Sorafenib showed promising results in the treatment of aggressive desmoid-type fibromatosis. Histology-tailored chemotherapies did not yield superior results in a prospective randomised multicentre trial. CONCLUSION: More in-depth knowledge is required for many sarcomas to link their genetic alterations to tumorigenesis in order to develop efficient personalised treatment strategies. Clinical trial designs need to be adapted to evaluate new therapeutic strategies in these ultra-rare tumours and their various sub-types more efficaciously.

Best practices for the management of local-regional recurrent chordoma: a position paper by the Chordoma Global Consensus Group.

Chordomas are rare, malignant bone tumors of the skull-base and axial skeleton. Until recently, there was no consensus among experts regarding appropriate clinical management of chordoma, resulting in inconsistent care and suboptimal outcomes for many patients. To address this shortcoming, the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the Chordoma Foundation, the global chordoma patient advocacy group, convened a multi-disciplinary group of chordoma specialists to define by consensus evidence-based best practices for the optimal approach to chordoma. In January 2015, the first recommendations of this group were published, covering the management of primary and metastatic chordomas. Additional evidence and further discussion were needed to develop recommendations about the management of local-regional failures. Thus, ESMO and CF convened a second consensus group meeting in November 2015 to address the treatment of locally relapsed chordoma. This meeting involved over 60 specialists from Europe, the United States and Japan with expertise in treatment of patients with chordoma. The consensus achieved during that meeting is the subject of the present publication and complements the recommendations of the first position paper.

Langerhans cell sarcoma: a case report and review of the literature.

We present the case of a 62-year-old male patient with a three-month history of pain in the left shoulder. Magnetic resonance imaging of the left scapula showed an osteo-destructive lesion. H and E stained sections revealed a Langerhans cell sarcoma, and immunohistochemistry was performed additionally; CD68, CD163, CD14, fascin, HLA-DR, lysozyme, S100 CD1a and langerin showed a positive reaction, while CD20, CD30, CD34, CD31, pan-cytokeratin, AE/1AE3, SMA, desmin, EMA, ERG, INI-1, CD21, CD4, PLAP, MPO and CD117c were negative. We suggested palliative treatment with chemotherapy and radiation. The patient refused any treatment and died 2 weeks later.

Evaluation of prognostic scoring systems for spinal metastases in 196 patients treated during 2005-2010.

PURPOSE: Estimating the survival time of patients with spinal metastases based on pre-treatment parameters is important for the best choice of therapy. Following two previous studies, this sequel analyzes possible changes in the impact of various parameters and scoring systems and includes a comparison to the previous dataset for the purpose to find the most predictive parameters and scores for this patient group. METHODS: Included were 196 patients retrospectively with confirmed spinal metastases treated between 2005 and 2010 (35% surgery, 65% conservative). Possible prognostic factors [primary tumor, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), visceral metastases, number of bone metastases, pathological fracture and neurologic status] and six scoring systems (Tokuhashi original/revised, Tomita, van der Linden, Bauer original and modified) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox-regression models. RESULTS: Median overall survival was 7 months with 9% of all patients alive at the time of analysis. Stepwise multivariate analysis showed significant influence on survival for visceral metastases (p<0.0001), primary tumor (p<0.0001), KPS (p<0.0001) and number of spinal metastases (p=0.0271). All scoring systems significantly predicted longer survival at a better score (absolute scores, p<0.001) in this dataset. Significant differentiation between the prognostic groups was seen only for the Tokuhashi original, the Bauer original and modified scores (p<0.001). In comparison to the previous dataset with varying age, gender and primary tumor distribution, the Bauer original and modified scores were the least influenced by the different patient collectives. CONCLUSIONS: The Bauer modified score has shown consistent impact on predicting the remaining survival in patients with spinal metastases and is simultaneously simple in clinical use.

Validation of the prognostic relevance of plasma C-reactive protein levels in soft-tissue sarcoma patients.

BACKGROUND: The concept of the involvement of systemic inflammation in cancer progression and metastases has gained attraction within the past decade. C-reactive protein (CRP), a non-specific blood-based marker of the systemic inflammatory response, has been associated with decreased survival in several cancer types. The aim of the present study was to validate the prognostic value of pre-operative plasma CRP levels on clinical outcome in a large cohort of soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) patients. METHODS: Three hundred and four STS patients, operated between 1998 and 2010, were retrospectively evaluated. CRP levels and the impact on cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and univariate as well as multivariate Cox proportional models. Additionally, we developed a nomogram by supplementing the plasma CRP level to the well-established Kattan nomogram and evaluated the improvement of predictive accuracy of this novel nomogram by applying calibration and Harrell's concordance index (c-index). RESULTS: An elevated plasma CRP level was significantly associated with established prognostic factors, including age, tumour grade, size and depth (P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, increased CRP levels were significantly associated with a poor outcome for CSS (HR=2.05; 95% CI=1.13-3.74; P=0.019) and DFS (HR=1.88; 95% CI=1.07-3.34; P=0.029). The estimated c-index was 0.74 using the original Kattan nomogram and 0.77 when the plasma CRP level was added. CONCLUSION: An elevated pre-operative CRP level represents an independent prognostic factor that predicts poor prognosis and improves the predictive ability of the Kattan nomogram in STS patients. Our data suggest to further prospectively validate its potential utility for individual risk stratification and clinical management of STS patients.

Elevated preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is associated with poor prognosis in soft-tissue sarcoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Recent data indicate that tumour microenvironment, which is influenced by inflammatory cells, has a crucial role in cancer progression and clinical outcome of patients. In the present study, we investigated the prognostic relevance of preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio on time to tumour recurrence (TTR) and overall survival (OS) in soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) patients who underwent curative surgical resection. METHODS: In all, 260 STS patients were included in this retrospective study. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional models were calculated for TTR and OS. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, elevated N/L ratio was significantly associated with decreased TTR (hazard ratio (HR), 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30-4.14; P=0.005) and remained significant in the multivariate analysis (HR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.05-3.71; P=0.035). Patients with elevated N/L ratio showed a median TTR of 77.9 months. In contrast, patients with low N/L ratio had a median TTR of 99.1 months. Regarding OS, elevated N/L ratio was also significantly associated with decreased survival in univariate analysis (HR, 2.90; 95%CI, 1.82-4.61; P=0.001) and remained significant in multivariate analysis (HR, 1.88; 95%CI, 1.14-3.12; P=0.014). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our findings suggest that an elevated preoperative N/L ratio predicts poor clinical outcome in STS patients and may serve as a cost-effective and broadly available independent prognostic biomarker.

Metal ion levels in large-diameter total hip and resurfacing hip arthroplasty--preliminary results of a prospective five year study after two years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing is an alternative to metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty, especially for young and physically active patients. However, wear which might be detected by increased serum ion levels is a matter of concern. METHODS: The aims of this preliminary study were to determine the raise of metal ion levels at 2-years follow-up in a prospective setting and to evaluate differences between patients with either resurfacing or total hip arthroplasty. Furthermore we investigated if the inclination of the acetabular component and the arc of cover would influence these findings. Therefore, 36 patients were followed prospectively. RESULTS: The results showed increments for Co and Cr in both implant groups. Patients treated with large-diameter total hip arthroplasty showed fourfold and threefold, respectively, higher levels for Co and Cr compared to the resurfacing group (Co: p < 0,001 and Cr: p = 0,005). Nevertheless, we observed no significant correlation between serum ion levels, inclination and arc of cover. DISCUSSION: In order to clarify the biologic effects of ion dissemination and to identify risks concerning long-term toxicity of metals, the exposure should be monitored carefully. Therefore, long-term studies have to be done to determine adverse effects of Co and Cr following metal-on-metal hip replacement.

[Bone metastases treatment strategies]. / Behandlungsstrategien bei Skelettmetastasen.

The primary goals of multimodal, interdisciplinary treatment of bone metastases are to achieve mobility, pain relief, and improve quality of life. In cooperation with radiotherapists and oncologists, an individual therapy plan has to be designed. As bone metastases are a sign of a systemic spread of the disease, cure is not possible in nearly all cases. A singular bone metastasis of a renal cell carcinoma may be regarded as an exemption, where wide resection might cure the patient. The extent of the operation should be based on the 3S principle "save, short & simple". The prognosis of survival should influence the treatment regime. If it is unclear whether a bone metastasis or a primary bone tumor is present, a biopsy is required.

Economic burden and health-related quality of life in tenosynovial giant-cell tumour patients in Europe: an observational disease registry.

BACKGROUND: Tenosynovial Giant-Cell Tumour (TGCT) is a benign clonal neoplastic proliferation arising from the synovium, causing a variety of symptoms and often requiring repetitive surgery. This study aims to define the economic burden-from a societal perspective-associated with TGCT patients and their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in six European countries. METHODS: This article analyses data from a multinational, multicentre, prospective observational registry, the TGCT Observational Platform Project (TOPP), involving hospitals and tertiary sarcoma centres from six European countries (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain). It includes information on TGCT patients' health-related quality of life and healthcare and non-healthcare resources used at baseline (the 12-month period prior to the patients entering the registry) and after 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: 146 TGCT patients enrolled for the study, of which 137 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 44.5 years, and 62% were female. The annual average total costs associated with TGCT were €4866 at baseline and €5160 at the 12-month follow-up visit. The annual average healthcare costs associated with TGCT were €4620 at baseline, of which 67% and 18% corresponded to surgery and medical visits, respectively. At the 12-month follow-up, the mean healthcare costs amounted to €5094, with surgery representing 70% of total costs. Loss of productivity represented, on average, 5% of the total cost at baseline and 1.3% at follow-up. The most-affected HRQOL dimensions, measured with the EQ-5D-5L instrument, were pain or discomfort, mobility, and the performance of usual activities, both at baseline and at the follow-up visit. Regarding HRQOL, patients declared a mean index score of 0.75 at baseline and 0.76 at the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that TGCT places a heavy burden on its sufferers, which increases after one year of follow-up, mainly due to the healthcare resources required-in particular, surgical procedures. As a result, this condition has a high economic impact on healthcare budgets, while the HRQOL of TGCT patients substantially deteriorates over time.