Oncological and functional outcomes of planned and unplanned excision of soft tissue sarcoma: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: In soft tissue sarcomas, the oncological and functional outcomes between planned excision and unplanned excision with additional wide resection remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of unplanned excision on oncological and functional outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was performed. Patients with soft tissue sarcoma surgically treated in 2005-2019 were included in this study. A total of 120 patients consisting of planned excision (PE) group (n = 88), and unplanned excision (UE) group (n = 32) were included. Overall-survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), disease-free survival (DFS), incidence rate of reconstructive surgery and musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) score were assessed. Propensity score matching method was used in statistical analysis. RESULTS: The 5-year survival rate of OS, LRFS, MFS, and DFS did not differ between the PE and UE groups, however, rates of reconstructive surgery were higher in the UE group (PE: 48% vs. UE: 84%, p < 0.001). These results did not differ (PE: 41% vs. UE: 82%, p = 0.012) after propensity score matching was performed to align the backgrounds with difference in tumor size and depth. For MSTS score, the total score and "pain" and "emotional acceptance" scores were higher in the PE group before propensity score matching. The "pain" and "emotional acceptance" scores were higher in the PE group after propensity score matching also. CONCLUSIONS: Unplanned excision did not deteriorate oncological outcomes, however unplanned excision lead to unnecessary reconstructive surgery. Unplanned excision adversely affected patient-reported outcomes without worsening pure functional outcomes.

Partial trapeziectomy for Eaton stage III thumb carpometacarpal arthritis: ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition using the entire flexor carpi radialis and interference screw fixation.

BACKGROUND: Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) is currently the most popular technique for treating primary osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint. However, reduced trapezial height has sometimes been reported after LRTI. Longer immobilization and delayed rehabilitation times are also problematic. In this study, we evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent our modified LRTI procedure. METHODS: Retrospective study included 26 thumbs in 24 cases with advanced stages. Our modified Burton's procedure was as follows: (1) trapeziectomy was limited to distal-half, (2) the entire flexor carpi radialis (FCR) was harvested from the forearm, and (3) half-slip of the FCR tendon was stabilized by interference screw in the first metacarpal bone tunnel. RESULTS: Pain on the visual analogue scale (VAS), the quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand score, tip pinch strength significantly improved postoperatively. The preoperative height of the trapezial space was well-maintained at final follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging at the one-year follow-up showed the existence of FCR tendon ball in 15 cases. Eighteen housewives resumed their daily activities after a mean period of 10 days postoperative, while another 6 patients returned to their original jobs after 3 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified LRTI method involves distal-half trapeziectomy and entire FCR interposition. A sewn FCR tendon ball always provide enough volume to fill the trapeziectomy space, which helps to prevent sinking of the metacarpal bone. Our technique produced sufficient ligamentoplasty and allowed early mobilization after surgery.

Synovial hemangioma of the knee joint in pediatrics: our case series and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Synovial hemangioma is a benign intra-articular tumor. This condition is rare and unfamiliar soft tissue tumor to most orthopedic surgeons. Delayed diagnosis causes osteoarthritic damage and the destruction of joint structures due to infiltrating tumor growth. We discuss the patterns of tumor location and the appropriate surgical procedure for this condition. METHODS: Ten patients were treated surgically in our department. These comprised five males and five females ranging in age from 0 to 17 years (average age 12.4 years). Preoperative diagnosis was made using clinical findings, plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. The follow-up time after surgery was at least 3 years. RESULTS: The main symptom was pain. Three cases revealed hemarthrosis. The range of motion of the affected knee joint was limited in five cases. The average time between onset of pain and diagnosis was 3 years. Tumor location was classified into three patterns: (1) anterior patellofemoral joint type in five, (2) posterior popliteal type in two and (3) diffuse proliferation type in two. Open arthrotomy with synovectomy was performed in all cases. No tumor recurrences were experienced after a minimum follow-up of 3 years. CONCLUSION: Clinical symptom and magnetic resonance imaging are helpful to obtain the diagnosis and determine the extent of the lesion. Depending on the tumor location, synovial hemangioma in the knee joint can be classified into patellofemoral, popliteal and diffuse types. Open arthrotomy with sufficient tumor and synovectomy is important to prevent tumor recurrence.

Distal Femoral Cortical Irregularity in children.

Cortical abnormalities at the distal postero-medial femoral metaphysis may be relatively common. We reviewed the plain radiographs of 197 knees in 130 children aged between 5 and 12 years to investigate the incidence of distal femoral cortical irregularities (DFCI) and their association with symptoms. An adductor magnus lesion was found in 15% of cases, with an even number of irregular and cystic lesions. A medial gastrocnemius lesion was found in 5% of cases, but no association was found between symptoms and the lesion. Overall, lesions were found in 25% of cases aged 5 to 9 years, but in only 13% of cases aged 12 and 13 years. Boys showed a higher incidence of both adductor magnus and medial gastrocnemius lesions. DFCI is a benign, self-limited entity and a relatively common radiologic finding. Regardless of whether or not symptoms are present, imaging findings should be carefully interpreted to avoid unnecessary diagnostic and invasive therapeutic procedures.

Operative treatment for scaphoid osteonecrosis (Preiser disease): salvage or excision? Report on two cases and a review of the literature.

Idiopathic avascular necrosis of the scaphoid, or Preiser disease, is a rare condition. Both the etiology and the pathology are still not well understood. We here present 2 cases with this disease and discuss the recommended treatment according to the stage of disease progression and by reference to previous studies in the literature. Similar to Kienböck disease, the recommended treatment should be selected according to the degree of disease progression. We believe that vascularized bone graft should be restricted to Herbert stage I or II cases with no evidence of radiocarpal arthritis or carpal instability. Our first case showed excellent revascularization following vascularized bone graft, as revealed by magnetic resonance image findings. The presence of arthrosis of the radiocarpal or mid-carpal joints is an indication for scaphoid excision with midcarpal fusion or proximal row carpectomy.

Radial Nerve Palsy Caused by Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Radial nerve palsy (RNP) is classified as traumatic, non-traumatic, or iatrogenic. The most frequent etiologic agent is the fracture of the humerus of the shaftand distal. We experienced a case of RNP caused by desmoid-type fibromatosis around the radial nerve. The RNP caused by desmoid-type fibromatosis has not been reported in the literature. We present this case here with a review of the RNP literature. The patient is a 16-year-old female, right-hand dominant, who became aware of the difficulty in extending her right little finger without any triggers five months ago. She was also aware of the difficulty in extending the ring finger, and her symptoms gradually worsened. She was referred to our hospital after consulting a home doctor. MRI of the elbow showed a high-intensity occupying lesion on T2-weighted images (T2WI) slightly proximal to the elbow joint. Ultrasonography (US) showed a partial nerve constriction and radial nerve enlargement on the distal side of the constriction. The approach was made from the posterior lateral side of the distal upper arm, and the radial nerve was exposed. There was a 1 cm white tissue strongly adherent on the radial nerve, which was compressing the radial nerve, and it was resected piece by piece. After the resection, the radial nerve was indented. The pathological diagnosis of the resected tissue was fibromatosis. Gradually, she was able to extend her fingers after the surgery and recovered completely in six months.

Use of Mini TightRope® for Delayed Presentation of a Fifth Carpometacarpal Joint Dislocation.

Introduction: Isolated dislocations of the fifth carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) are uncommon injuries of the hand that is often missed but can be diagnosed correctly with a high index of suspicion and adequate imaging. Treatment for chronic cases is usually open reduction with temporary fixation using Kirschner wires, but for this case, we used Mini TightRope® as well to allow for early finger exercise. The case presented here is unique because of a delayed dislocation of a CMCJ detected 9 weeks from initial injury which was treated with a novel form of fixation with Mini TightRope®. Case Report: A 70-year-old, right-hand dominant, male farmer injured his left hand when he slipped and fell on a concrete surface, landing on the ulnar side of his left hand. He was immediately seen in the clinic, just with a swollen left hand but no obvious deformity and with apparently normal PA and oblique radiographs of the hand. Nine weeks later, he came back due to persistent ulnar-sided hand pain; repeat radiographs and a CT scan of the left hand showed ulno-palmar dislocation of the fifth CMCJ. He then underwent trial closed reduction of the 5th CMCJ dislocation but failed. Open reduction, temporary K-wire fixation, and fixation using Mini TightRope® through the 4th and 5th metacarpals were done. A full range of motion of the hand was allowed immediately post-operative. Reduction was maintained and no complications were noted on subsequent follow-up visits. Conclusion: This paper presents a brief literature review on 5th CMCJ dislocation, discussing the anatomic considerations contributing to joint stability, helpful radiographic parameters for diagnosis, and enumeration of treatment options.

Anterior Congenital Radial Head Dislocation in an Adult with Associated Posterior Interosseous Nerve Palsy.

Introduction: Anterior congenital radial head dislocation (CRHD) is a rare abnormality that is less commonly seen in the adult population. Most of the time, adult-onset symptoms are due to the prolonged dislocation of the radiocapitellar joint that has been present since birth. One of the possible complications of having a prolonged radial head dislocation is the presence of neuropathies such as posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsy. There has been, however, no literature published regarding the relationship of CRHD with PIN palsy. Case Report: We here report a 66-year-old male incidentally diagnosed with anterior CRHD with concomitant PIN palsy after acquiring a fracture of the lateral humeral condyle. Open reduction internal fixation of the lateral condyle was done along with decompression of the said nerve. PIN palsy was completely recovered 2 months after surgery. Conclusion: Surgeons must be aware that PIN palsies can occur in the presence of a chronic radial head dislocation, even if asymptomatic. Prompt nerve decompression as well as removal of the mechanical block is pertinent to avoid the perilous effects of an irreversible PIN palsy.

Unusual peroneal nerve palsy caused by intraneural ganglion cyst: pathological mechanism and appropriate treatment.

The origin of the peroneal intraneural ganglion and the outcome of treatment are still controversial. We report here three cases with peroneal intraneural ganglion and discuss the appropriate treatment. In our cases, 58-, 62-, and 65-year-old patients were operated on with extraneural decompression and epineurotomy within 4 months after onset of drop foot. Two cases demonstrated intraneural ganglion connecting to the articular branch and traversing to the deep and common peroneal nerve. At the 1-year follow-up, paralyzed peroneal nerve could be recovered in all patients even with residual ganglion. We propose correct early diagnosis, simple exoneural dissection, and atraumatic epineurotomy for the successful treatment of peroneal intraneural ganglion. Disruption of the stalk in the articular branch is a key point to prevent recurrence. For early diagnosis, clinicians should be aware of the existence of this rare lesion.

Severe ulnar nerve palsy caused by synovial chondromatosis arising from the pisotriquetral joint: a case report and review of literature.

We report here the unique case of 60-year-old man with severe ulnar nerve palsy caused by synovial chondromatosis arising from the pisotriquetral joint. At operation, the tumor entrapped the ulnar nerve proximal to the Guyon canal so that it was severely paralyzed. The ulnar neurovascular bundle could be separated safely under the microscope. To our knowledge, this type of severe neuropathy has not been reported before. Although synovial chondromatosis associated with peripheral nerve neuropathy is extremely rare, we should be aware of the existence of this type of compression neuropathy in the upper limb.

Vascularized sural nerve graft and extracorporeally irradiated osteochondral autograft for oncological reconstruction of wrist sarcoma: case report and review of literature.

For tumors that are located beside the main peripheral nerve, combined wide resection of both the tumor and peripheral nerve is mandatory. We here present an interesting case with synovial sarcoma of the wrist. An 8 cm of ulnar nerve defect was reconstructed by vascularized, folded sural nerve graft with the peroneal flap, whereas an 8 cm of distal ulna was reconstructed using extracorporeally irradiated osteochondral autograft. Our case showed excellent nerve regeneration. Extracorporeal irradiated osteochondral graft was a good option for reconstruction of the distal ulna. This procedure should be indicated for the reconstruction of non-weight-bearing joints. These kinds of reconstruction have been addressed in only a few cases of oncological reconstruction.

Digital Neuropathy by Hypertrophy and Hyperplasia of Pacinian Corpuscle - Usefulness of Microscopic Resection.

We present a patient with Pacinian corpuscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the hand and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of this rare condition. A 46-year-old woman presented with radiating pain of the left middle finger. A strong Tinel-like sign was elicited between the index and middle fingers. The patient frequently used mobile phone, with the corner of the phone consistently applying pressure on the palm. The surgery was carried out under the microscope and two enlarged cystic lesions under the epineurium were found in the proper digital nerve. Histologic examination revealed hypertrophied Pacinian corpuscle with normal structure. Postoperatively, her symptoms gradually improved. Preoperative diagnosis of this disease is very difficult. Hand surgeons should keep this disease in mind preoperatively. In our case, we would not have been able to identify multiple hypertrophic Pacinian corpuscles without the microscope. An operating microscope is recommended in a surgery of this nature. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Intraneural Ganglion of the Thumb Digital Nerve - A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Intraneural ganglia are rare, benign cysts that form within the epineurium of the affected nerve. Patients present with features of compressive neuropathy, including numbness. We report a 74-year-old male patient with pain and numbness on his right thumb of 1-year duration. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic lesion with a possible scaphotrapezium-trapezoid joint connection. The articular branch was not identified during the surgery and decompression with excision of the cyst wall was done. A recurrence of the mass was noted 3 years later, but the patient was asymptomatic and no additional intervention was done. Decompression alone can relieve the symptoms of an intraneural ganglion, but excision of the articular branch may be essential in preventing its recurrence. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

The Relationship of Patient Characteristics and Prolonged Pain after Treatment of Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis of the Thumb.

Background: The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb is the second most common site of osteoarthritis in the hand. Clinical severity stage of CMC joint arthritis has not been correlated with the pain level of the patient. Recently, the association of joint pain with patient psychological factor, such as depression or case-specific personality, has been investigated. This study was designed to determine the impact of psychological factors to residual pain after treatment of CMC joint arthritis, using pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) and the Yatabe-Guilford (YG) personality test. Methods: Twenty-six patients (7 males and 19 females) with 26 hands were included. Thirteen patients classified as Eaton stage 3 underwent suspension arthroplasty and 13 patients as Eaton stage 2 underwent conservative treatment using a custom fitted orthosis. Clinical evaluation was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire Score (QuickDASH) at initial evaluation, at 1 month and at 3 months after treatment. We compared both groups using the PCS and YG test. Results: The PCS showed significant difference in the VAS scores only at initial evaluation in both surgical and conservative treatment. There was a significant difference in VAS at 3 months between the two groups in both surgical and conservative treatment and in QuickDASH at 3 months in conservative treatment. Conclusions: The YG test has been used mainly in psychiatry. Although this test has not yet been used worldwide, its usefulness has been recognised and applied clinically, especially in Asia. Patient characteristics are strongly associated with residual pain of the CMC joint arthritis of the thumb. The YG test is a useful tool to analyse pain-related patient characteristics and can be utilised to determine the therapeutic modalities and most effective rehabilitation programme for pain control. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Causes of Iatrogenic Median Nerve Injury after Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release.

Background: Endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) is a less invasive procedure but has a higher risk of complications. We analysed ECTR cases dividing them into three periods according to a single surgeon's experience when the ECTR was performed: the initial, midterm and late period. Cases of iatrogenically induced median nerve injuries that occurred after ECTR were then noted and evaluated. Methods: We reviewed 195 ECTRs done with the 2-portal technique and divided the patients into three groups according to periods of when ECTR was done. The indications for ECTR surgery were limited to severe CTS cases. These groups of patients were similar in terms of age, duration of disease, electrophysiological study results and severity of the disease. The patients were evaluated for median neuropathy pre- and postoperatively using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test (SWT), Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) Score, Coin-flip test (CFT), postoperative paraesthesias and complications, such as pillar pain, and so on. Electrophysiological evaluation was performed only preoperatively. Results: Postoperative median nerve recovery was overall good. Normal recovery was noted in 181 cases (93%). SWT, DASH and CFT were all significantly improved upon follow-up in all three groups. In terms of iatrogenic neuropathy, median nerve palsy worsened (including those transiently worsened) after ECTR in 11 cases (5.6%), even in the later period. The sensory disturbance was equally worsening from the radial to the ulnar side. Conclusions: The fact that there were neurologically worsened cases even in the later period, when the operator is higher skilled in the technique, suggests that the surgical technique itself may be the one posing higher risk than the level of surgical skill. The most likely causes of aggravated nerve palsy were a direct injury by cannula insertion at the proximal portal, or additional median nerve compression during cannula insertion into the carpal tunnel. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Refractory satellite ganglion cyst in the hallux and finger.

Painful ganglion cysts that develop in the hallux and finger usually enlarge progressively to the peripheral direction. Simple resection of satellite ganglion cyst alone has been reported to cause a high rate of recurrence and treatment is often very difficult. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the appropriate surgical treatment for painful satellite ganglion cysts in the hallux and finger and discuss the origin of the ganglion cysts in cases treated surgically at our hospital. We reviewed five cases (three males and two females, ages 55-87 years), three of which occurred in the hallux and two in the finger. In all cases, the preoperative magnetic resonance image showed a large fluid of the flexor tendon sheath. And also, joint effusion was found in the metatarsophalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint. The first case of the hallux ganglion underwent simple excision of the cyst and had recurrences three times. In the other four cases, the additional synovectomy of the metatarsophalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint was performed along with ganglion cyst excision. These cases had no recurrence up to 1 year after operation. Recently, there have been reports that tendon sheath ganglions are connected to the ankle, wrist, hallux, and phalangeal joints. Although there are a few cases in our department, satellite ganglion cyst of the hallux and finger possibly originates from adjacent joints. Additional synovectomy of the affected joint should be performed for the excision of satellite ganglion cyst to prevent recurrence.

Neutrophil-, Monocyte- and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios, and Absolute Lymphocyte Count for Diagnosis of Malignant Soft-tissue Tumors.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Soft-tissue tumors are difficult to differentiate as benign or malignant. Immune markers, such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) in serum, have been reported to be useful in the diagnosis and predicting prognosis of several malignancies. We investigated the diagnostic value of these immune markers in differentiating soft-tissue tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 692 patients who underwent biopsy or surgery of soft-tissue tumors were included and divided into benign tumor, low-grade malignancy, or high-grade malignancy groups. Immune markers were calculated from the preoperative blood tests and compared between the groups. A receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was conducted between the benign disease group and a combination of the groups with malignancy to determine which immune marker had the most diagnostic value. RESULTS: NLR and MLR were significantly different between the three groups with benign disease having the lowest value and high-grade malignancies the highest. Benign disease was also associated with lower PLR and higher ALC. There was no difference between the low- and high-grade malignancies in PLR and ALC. From the ROC analysis, NLR had the highest area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.773 out of the four markers. When limited to small tumors (≤30 mm), NLR had the highest AUC value of 0.729. CONCLUSION: The NLR showed the highest diagnostic value, although the diagnostic ability was not adequately high to differentiate benign and malignant soft-tissue tumors alone. NLR may serve as diagnostic support in combination with clinical history, physical findings, and tumor-imaging results.