Management of Giant Cell Tumors in Hand and Foot.

The aim of this study is to determine the treatment modalities and clinical characteristics of 12 patients diagnosed with giant cell tumor (GCT) of the hand and foot. The clinical findings, treatment modalities, and treatment failures of 12 patients with giant cell tumors of the hand and foot bones between 2007 and 2018 years were evaluated retrospectively. The average age at diagnosis was 29.2 ± 14.9 std. (between 16 and 62 years old), 8 males (66.6%) and 4 females (33.3%). Tumor was more frequently located in the talus, metacarpal, and metatarsal bones. The mean tumor size was 3.1 ± 1.1 cm (between 2.2 and 5.3 cm). The mean post-operative follow-up period was 76.3 ± 42.5 (between 12 and 139 months). The most of patients' (58.3%) common complaints were pain. The most commonly used surgical method was curettage + autografting (91.7%). Infection was seen in one patient after relapse surgery. Recurrence occurred in 33.3% of the patients in the first year. Only one patient was detected to have knee and lung metastases. Swelling and pain in the hand and foot should be examined for tumor lesions. When a bone lesion is detected, the giant cell tumor of the bone should be included in the differential diagnosis. Patients with giant cell tumors should be followed closely for recurrence and metastasis after treatment.

Surgical outcomes of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma. The aim of this study is to present the results of the patients we treated with the diagnosis of EMC as an oncology reference center. METHODS: Information on 13 patients diagnosed with EMC between 2006 and 2018 was retrospectively reviewed. Patients' demographic information, tumor sizes, surgical treatments, chemotherapy and radiotherapy statuses, follow-up times, recurrences, and metastases were recorded. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 53.6 ± 15 years (range: 28-73). In 8 patients, the tumor was located in the lower limbs, most commonly in the thigh (46.2%). Mean follow-up period was 52.8 ± 19.9 (24-96) months. All patients underwent wide resections and only one had a positive surgical margin. In follow-up, 5 (38.5%) patients experienced recurrence; 6 patients had lung metastasis (46.2%) and 7 patients (53.8%) died. Mean tumor size was 10.4 ± 3.2 (5-17) cm. Median survival time was 61 (50.5-71.4) months and 5-year survival rate was 51.8%. There was no significant difference between survival times according to age, gender, side, limb location, postoperative radiotherapy, recurrence, or presence of lung metastasis. The cut-off value for death obtained by ROC analysis of tumor size was 11 cm. DISCUSSION: EMC is a rare soft tissue sarcoma with high local recurrence and metastasis capacity. Tumor size and metastatic disease are poor prognostic criteria. If it is a localized disease, the first option should be wide resection.

A rare lesion that mimics a bone tumor: Osseous hydatidosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the symptoms, skeletal manifestations, and management of patients with tumor-like osseous hydatidosis treated in our oncology clinic in the long term and to share our clinical experience with this extremely rare disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2010 and May 2019, a total of 11 patients (6 males, 5 females; mean age: 45.1±13 years; range, 22 to 70 years) who were treated with a bone hydatid cyst (HC) and followed were retrospectively analyzed. Epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic data of the patients with long-term follow-up were collected. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 63.2±23.9 (range, 24 to 101) months. The most common site of bone hydatidosis was the femur in four (36%) patients. The most common clinical presentation was pain in seven (63.6%) patients. Two (18.2%) patients had a pathological fracture of the femur. It was detected incidentally in two patients. Contact history was present in two patients (with dog), and two (18.2%) patients had concomitant extraosseous cystic echinococcosis in the liver. Complete blood count analysis was performed in all patients and eosinophilia was positive in three (27.3%) patients. As treatment, curettage cementation was performed in nine (81%) patients (internal fixation was also applied to five of them), while wide resection and prosthesis were applied to two (18.2%) patients. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of osseous hydatidosis is difficult and the prognosis is often poor. This entity should be kept in mind for the differential diagnosis of the cystic or tumoral lesions of the bone.

Characterization of primary fibular bone tumors and post-surgical clinical and functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we present the characterization of tumors located in the fibula, which is a rare site for tumors, and the clinical and functional results of patients with fibular tumors that we operated in our clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2008 and December 2018, a total of 104 patients (58 males, 46 females; mean age: 26±18 years; range, 3 to 78 years) who were operated for tumor located in the fibula were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, histopathological diagnosis, tumor localization, surgical method and postoperative complications, metastases, follow-up time, and functional results of the patients were recorded. The fibula was divided into three groups as proximal, diaphysis and distal one-third. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 56±25.3 (range, 24 to 108) months. Eighty (76.9%), seven (6.7%) and 17 (16.3%) patients were located proximal, diaphysis and distal to the fibula, respectively. The number of patients with malignant tumors located in the fibula was 26 (25%), the tumor was benign in 54 (51.9%) patients and 24 (23%) tumors were borderline. The most common tumor localized to the fibula was osteochondroma with 28 (26.9%) patients. The most common malignant tumors located in the fibula were Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma in 11 patients each. The most common surgical method was curettage in 44 (42.3%) patients. Distant organ metastases were present in 18 (17.3%) patients. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of 17 patients who underwent resection of the proximal fibula were 87%. CONCLUSION: Fibula is a rare location for tumors and fibula tumors tend to be located more proximal. Tumors located in the fibula have good functional outcomes after surgery.

Clinical outcomes of tumors and tumor-like lesions located in the clavicle.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the characterization of tumors and tumor-like lesions located in the clavicle and to present their clinical results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2018, a total of 44 patients (25 males, 19 females; mean age: 36.2±21.8 years; range, 2 to 87 years) who were operated in our clinic for a clavicular lesion were included. Among 4,856 extremity tumors operated in our clinic between these years, 44 cases (0.9%) located in the clavicle were eligible. Demographic data, tumor types, location, surgical method, metastasis, survival analyzes and clinical results of these patients were reviewed retrospectively. According to the clavicle location, the patients were divided into groups according to their involvement in proximal, middle, lateral and more than one region. RESULTS: The most frequently involved site was the lateral edge of the clavicle, and the most common tumor was aneurysmal bone cyst. The most common malignant tumor was Ewing sarcoma and plasmacytoma (13.6%) and the most common surgical method in the clavicle was wide resection with 34.1%. Of the 38 primary clavicle tumors remaining after the metastatic lesions were removed, 21 (55%) were benign, while 17 (45%) were malignant. Aneurysmal bone cyst was most common in the group under 30 years of age, osteochondroma was most common in the 30-50 age group, and plasmacytoma was most common in those over 50 years of age. The mean musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) score of 15 patients (34.1%) who underwent clavicle resection was 79.4±6. CONCLUSION: We believe that a wide spectrum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumors located in the clavicle. Age is an important predictive factor for malignancy. We believe that resection should be applied without fear considering its effects on function and recurrence.

Diagnostic and prognostic role of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio in patients with osteosarcoma.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) values in patients with osteosarcoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 172 patients (111 males, 61 females; mean age: 24.3±15.3 years; range, 7 to 82 years) diagnosed with osteosarcoma in our institution between January 2002 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 165 healthy individuals (115 males, 50 females; mean age: 20.2±9.2 years; range, 10 to 65 years) who did not have infectious, rheumatological or hematological diseases or any pathological finding were assigned as the control group. The clinical, laboratory, and demographic findings of the patients were obtained from hospital records. Pre-treatment NLR, PLR, and LMR values were calculated in all patients. Diagnostic and prognostic values of pre-treatment NLR, PLR and LMR were assessed using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. RESULTS: For diagnostic approach, the highest significance in area under the curve (AUC) values was obtained for NLR (AUC=0.763). The AUC for PLR and LMR was statistically significant, while the statistical power was weak compared to NLR (AUC=0.681 and 0.603). The NLR, PLR, and LMR were found to be predictors of mortality. The cut-off value was found to be 3.28 for NLR, 128 for PLR, and 4.22 for LMR. The prognostic value of NLR for mortality was higher than (AUC=0.749) PLR (AUC=0.688) and LMR (AUC=0.609). The NLR, PLR, and LMR were associated with overall survival (OS). There was a significant difference in the median OS time among the NLR, PLR, and LMR values (log-rank test order p<0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: Based on our study results, pre-treatment NLR, PLR and MLR have diagnostic and prognostic values in osteosarcoma.

Primary Angiosarcomas Of The Bone: An Evaluation Of 4 Cases.

Angiosarcoma is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that may arise from vascular or lymphatic tissue. Angiosarcoma of bone is a rare high-grade malignant vascular tumour, representing less than 1% of all angiosarcomas. The most common locations of unifocal tumour are the long and short tubular bones, followed by the pelvis, and trunk. The literature regarding treatment and outcome of patients with this tumour is limited. We performed a retrospective study to analyse treatment and survival of four patients with angiosarcoma of bone.

Diagnostic and prognostic role of mean platelet volume and mean platelet volume/platelet ratio in the most common soft tissue sarcomas.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic role of mean platelet volume (MPV) and MPV/platelet (PLT) ratio in the most common soft tissue sarcomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 131 patients (76 males, 55 females; mean age: 51.8±17.1; range, 18 to 87 years) with soft-tissue sarcomas between January 2011 and January 2019. Demographic features, MPV, PLT counts, mortality, and recurrence records of the patients were obtained from archives. A total of 165 healthy volunteers (101 males, 64 females; mean age 52.9±4.1; range, 18 to 60 years) who applied to the outpatient clinic in 2019 and had routine blood control without any additional disease formed the control group. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were diagnosed with liposarcoma and 76 with pleomorphic sarcoma. Of the tumors, 77.1% were located in the lower limbs. Lesions were mostly localized on the thigh 48.8% (n=64). Recurrence occurred in 28.2% of the patients. A total of 25 (19.1%) patients were exitus. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 34.4±19.1 (range, 9 to 112) months. The mean PLT value of the patient group was significantly higher than the control group. The median MPV and MPV/PLT ratio were statistically significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group. The MPV and MPV/PLT ratio were not associated with mortality and recurrence. CONCLUSION: As a result, MPV and MPV/PLT ratio can be used as a diagnostic support parameter in soft tissue sarcomas, but have no prognostic value.

Prognostic significance of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio patients with giant cell tumor of bone.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in giant cell tumor of bone (GCT). METHODS: The patients with GCT were identified in the hospital records and pre-treatment complete blood count results were acquired retrospectively. Whether preoperative NLR lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) values had prognostic significance in predicting recurrence was evaluated by Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Furthermore, the prognostic value of NLR was evaluated by Multivariable Cox Regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 96 patients with GCT. It was found that only NLR values had prognostic significance for predicting recurrence (AUC:0.647; 95% CI:0.533-0.762; P=0.021). The statistically significant cut-off value of NLR for predicting recurrence was ≥2.25. NLR was ≥2.25 in 51% (n = 49) of patients. Multivariable analysis showed that NLR ≥2.25 (HR=2.9, 95% CI:1.3-6.6; p=0.009) and lung metastasis (HR=7.9, 95% CI:2.2-28.2; p=0.001) were independent factors of recurrence. In patients with lung metastasis and patients with NLR ≥2.25, recurrence was observed in a sooner period (Log rank test; p=0.001; p=0.009, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that NLR is a new and promising inflammation-based prognostic factor in GCT patients.

Are Daily Life Activities of Patients with Proximal Femoral Tumor Resection Prosthesis as Good as those of Patients Undergoing Total Hip Prosthesis for Non-Tumor Causes?

INTRODUCTION: The Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Life (ADL) is a scale used to evaluate performance in daily life activities and investigate the reason and resulting relationships in a comprehensive, non-biased manner. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the daily life activities of patients who underwent proximal femoral tumor resection prosthesis assessed by the Barthel Index with the activities of daily living of patients with a total hip prosthesis performed for non-tumor reasons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were included in the study. Sixteen patients underwent hip prosthesis for reasons other than tumor (femur proximal avascular necrosis, coxarthrosis, etc.) and 12 underwent wide resection and femur proximal tumor resection prosthesis due to primary malignant bone tumor or metastasis in the proximal femur. The Barthel Index was used to evaluate their life quality at 3 months. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients (mean age 60.9±1.4 yrs, range 19.0-84.0, 17 female and 11 male patients) were included into the study. Mean ADL score was 84.5±20.6 (5-100.0). While only one patient was totally dependent in terms of daily life activities, 8 other patients were totally independent. When the patient groups were categorized by degree of dependency according to the ADL scores, it was found that dependency states of the two surgery groups were similar in distribution (p=0.212, p=0.703, and p=1.000 respectively). CONCLUSION: Functional recovering levels were good in the patients who underwent a surgery for proximal femoral tumor resection prosthesis; there was no significant difference when we compared the functional level after total hip prosthesis applied for non-tumor reasons.

The Effectiveness of Tranexamic Acid in Patients With Proximal Femoral Tumor Resection Prosthesis.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of thromboembolic events and amount of postoperative blood loss and transfusion in patients who received preoperative tranexamic acid (TXA) administration in proximal femoral resection and endoprosthesis of proximal femur malignant lesion. METHODS: In this study, the data of 46 patients who underwent extensive resection and proximal femoral tumor prosthesis for proximal femoral bone malignancies were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to preoperative 15 mg/kg bolus intravenous administration of TXA. These patients were compared in terms of postoperative blood loss, postoperative bleeding, and transfusion requirements. RESULTS: There were 46 patients (18 female, 28 male) with a mean age of 60.7±14.7 (19-89) years. Fifteen patients (32.6%) were treated with iv TXA. In the TXA group (46.7%), there was a statistically significant decrease in the need for transfusion compared to the patient group (93.5%) without TXA (p=0.001). Postoperative 24th hour, 48th hour,and total drainage blood loss values were found to be significantly lower in the TXA group (p=0.047, p=0.015, and p=0.019, respectively). There was no thromboembolic event observed. CONCLUSION: Because of proximal femoral malignancy, extensive tumor resection and preoperative bolus 15 mg/kg TXA administration in proximal femoral prosthesis surgery significantly decreased the amount of postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirement without increasing the risk of thromboembolic event. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III - retrospective comparative study.

Management and retrospective analysis of pelvic ramus tumors and tumor-like lesions: Evaluation with 31 cases.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the characterization, treatment approaches, and follow-up results of tumors and tumor-like lesions located in the pelvic ramus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients (9 males, 22 females; mean age 48.9 years; range, 7 to 79 years) with benign and malignant tumors or tumor-like lesions in the pelvic ramus region treated and followed-up in our clinic between January 2005 and January 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Surgical procedures were performed with anterior approach or inner-thigh approach. Twelve patients were diagnosed with malignant tumors, 12 patients with benign tumors, and seven patients with tumor-like lesions. RESULTS: Seventeen patients who underwent surgical treatment were followed-up for a mean period of 61.7 months. The diameters of benign and malignant tumors were similar (p=0.425). Of all lesions, 64.5% were located in the pubis. Ischium location was significantly higher in patients with malignant lesions than tumor-like lesions. The most common complication was diffuse subcutaneous edema in the inguinal region and thigh (8.3%). CONCLUSION: There are many different tumoral lesions in the pelvic ramus. Pelvic ramus tumors tend to settle more frequently in pubic ramus, whereas ramus ischium tumors are more likely to be malignant. In addition, the diagnosis of insufficiency fracture should be considered primarily in pathologic fractures of pubic ramus in females over 50 years of age. In the postoperative follow-up of pelvic ramus tumors, diffuse edema may occur even if there is no intraoperative vascular damage.

Diagnostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with enchondroma and low-grade chondrosarcoma.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the role of elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte-to- lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in differential diagnosis of enchondroma and low-grade chondrosarcoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One-hundred-and-one patients (44 males, 57 females; mean age 53.6±11.5 years; range, 21 to 85 years) diagnosed with enchondroma and low-grade chondrosarcoma in Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital between January 2010 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Patients' age, gender, location and type of tumor, and pre-treatment complete blood count results were acquired. One-hundred patients (48 males, 52 females; mean age 50.9±13.6 years; range, 19 to 76 years) with complete blood count results admitted to the same center for reasons other than fracture, infection or tumors with similar age and gender to the aforementioned study group were included as healthy controls. RESULTS: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and MLR of the study group were found to be significantly higher than the control group (p<0.001). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and MLR held diagnostic importance with statistically significant cut-off values. Statistically significant cut-offs for NLR and MLR were ≥2.0 (sensitivity=73.3%, specificity=67%) and ≥0.2 (sensitivity=76.2%, specificity=63%), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed adjusting for age and gender and NLR ≥2 [odds ratio (OR)=3.1] or MLR ≥0.2 (OR=2.9) were found to be associated with approximately three-fold risk for diagnosis of enchondroma or low-grade chondrosarcoma. CONCLUSION: The NLR and MLR have diagnostic value in cartilaginous tumors such as enchondroma and low-grade chondrosarcoma. However, our results do not support utilization of NLR and MLR as diagnostic value for differentiation of enchondroma and low-grade chondrosarcoma.

Comparison of mini-open versus all-arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: retrospective analysis of a single center.

INTRODUCTION: the aim of this study was to compare the impacts of all-arthroscopic repair and mini-open repair for rotator cuff tendon tear on post-operative pain, shoulder joint range of motion and physical function. METHODS: the study was a retrospective comparative analysis of rotator cuff repair between January 2013 and January 2018. The patients included in the study were enrolled into all-arthroscopic surgery or mini-open surgery groups. Patients were assessed with a 10mm visual analog scale for pain in the 7th day post-operatively. The physical function was assessed with Quick Disabilities Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire at 12th month. The flexion and abduction ROM of the involved site were measured preoperatively and 12 months after the surgery. RESULTS: a total of 40 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the all-arthroscopic surgery group was significantly lower than the open surgery group (46.9±6.9 vs. 52.45±4.0 years). While no complication was seen in the arthroscopic group, 5 patients had superficial infection in the open surgery group. The patients in the all-arthroscopic surgery group experienced significantly less pain in the 7th day of the surgery. Improvement in Quick Dash score and shoulder flexion after surgery were significantly higher in the all-arthroscopic surgery group. None of the patients needed revision surgery in both groups. CONCLUSION: according to the results of this study, arthroscopically operated patients with rotator cuff tear had less pain in the first week after surgery. Patients in this group had better shoulder flexion and function in long-term follow-up with no post-operative complication.

Primary aneurysmal bone cyst of the scapula in adult patient: two case reports and a review of the literature.

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare, benign but locally aggresive bone tumor of unknown origin tumor. It commonly affects children and usually occurs at the metaphysis of long bones. Scapula is a very rare location and ABCs of the scapula have been sparsely described in the literature. Differential diagnosis can be challenging as it shares common radiological and clinicopathological features with other benign and malignant bone tumors. The degree of diagnostic difficulty increases even more when an unusual tumor site has to be taken into account. Here, we describe rare and challenging cases of a primary ABC located at the scapula that was surgically treated. This is the first case report of ABC involving the scapula in adult patient.

Talus localized osteochondromas: Treatment management and mid-term outcomes - Case series.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to define the demographic and clinical findings of patients with talus localized osteochondroma, to present treatment management and mid-term results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 10 patients (4 males, 6 females; mean age 31.9+19.5 years; range, 11 to 70 years) with osteochondroma of the talus who were admitted to our center between January 2008 and December 2015. Clinical findings, treatment methods, and clinical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were followed-up for at least two years. RESULTS: The most frequent localization was anterior of the talus (70%, n=7). The mean tumor size was 2.4±1.4 cm (range, 1-5 cm). When the relationship between tumor diameter and age was analyzed, no statistically significant correlation was detected (p=0.973). Besides, no statistically significant difference was found between the genders in terms of tumor diameters (p=0.584). The most common symptoms were pain, swelling, and restricted movements. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 48.1±27.7 months (range, 24-114 months). All patients underwent complete surgical excision. None of the patients developed recurrence or complication related to the treatment of osteochondroma. CONCLUSION: Talus localized osteochondromas are often symptomatic and more common in adults. Also, they are more common in females. The ideal treatment approach is resection of the tumor. When rigorous surgical excision is performed, recurrence rates are low with satisfactory outcomes.

Place of orthopedic surgery in gout.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the indications, surgical results, and complications related to tophaceous gout surgery in the orthopedics and traumatology clinic of our hospital. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent surgery for topical gout in our orthopedics and traumatology clinic between January 2008 and December 2017 was carried out. Their history, physical examination, and radiological and laboratory tests were examined. Surgical indications, surgical results, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Total 18 lesions in 15 patients with gout tophi were operated (60% males). The most common lesion was in the elbow (6; 33%). All patients underwent total excision, and the mean mass size was 4.0 cm. Only one patient had a delayed wound healing. All other patients had no complications. CONCLUSION: The results of surgical procedures which were performed to confirm the diagnosis, to reduce mechanical problems due to tophaceous and to alleviate pain were excellent, and complication risk was acceptable. Comorbidities and sepsis were the predictors of surgical complications.

Unusual localization and aggressive progression of large infantile fibrosarcoma.

Infantile fibrosarcoma is a very rare soft tissue tumor in infants and children most commonly located in extremities. It constitutes less then 1 percent of all childhood cancers. Prognosis and clinical course of it is relatively good compared to adult forms. Local recurrence is common but metastasis is infrequent. In this case report we present infantile fibrosarcoma with relapse and lung metastasis despite neoadjuvant chemotherapy, pelvic reconstruction surgery with wide surgical excision and adjuvant chemotherapy protocol. The patient was a 2-year-old girl at the time of diagnosis, and there was a huge mass in pelvic region. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, type 1 pelvic resection and pelvic reconstruction with bone cement performed. The patient presented with relapse and lung metastasis 6 months after the surgery. This is the first report of pelvic infantile fibrosarcoma with pelvic resection surgery. This case suggests that these tumors may exhibit unpredictable clinical behavior.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging and clinical assessments in predicting meniscal tear surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the role of physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in predicting meniscal tear surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of a total of 997 patients (563 females, 434 males; mean age 40.53 years; range 18 to 66 years) who were recommended surgery for meniscal tear in an external center, but continued follow-up in our hospital between January 2012 and March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Data of the patients including demographic and clinical characteristics, physical examination findings, and MRI results were recorded. The visual analog scales (VAS) scores and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were evaluated. RESULTS: Of all the patients evaluated by MRI, 62.4% were recommended surgical treatment in private hospitals and 37.6% were recommended surgical intervention in state hospitals. Only 282 of them (28.3%) were treated surgically for meniscal tear after MRI evaluation and physical examination in our clinic. The median pre-treatment VAS score was 7.0 (range, 4 to 10) and 6.0 (range, 3 to 8) in the patients undergoing surgery and undergoing conservative treatment, respectively. The VAS and KOOS scores were similar between the groups at the postoperative sixth month and first year (p=0.940, p=0.203; p=116, p=0.057, respectively). Pain scores significantly decreased, while the KOOS scores significantly increased after the treatment in both groups (for all p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Decision for surgery should be solely based on physical examination and radiological findings in meniscal tears.

Surgical management of primary malignant proximal fibular tumors: Functional and clinical outcomes of 23 patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with primary malignant tumors located in the proximal fibula. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 23 patients (15 males, 8 females; mean age 22.1 years; range, 9 to 63 years) with primary malignant tumors located in the proximal fibula between May 2007 and May 2017. The anamnesis or medical history, physical examination, plain chest radiography, lung computed tomography, direct radiograph, and magnetic resonance imaging of the affected extremity and routine laboratory tests of all patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the patients, 11 were diagnosed with osteosarcoma (47.8%), nine with Ewing's sarcoma (39.1%), two with chondrosarcoma (8.7%), and one was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma (4.3%). Pain and palpable mass were the most common symptoms. Six patients had lung metastases at the time of diagnosis. Of the patients, eight were performed Malawer type 1 resection (34.8%), nine type 2 resection (39.1%), four above knee amputation (17.4%), and two proximal tibia tumor resection prosthesis (8.6%). Mean follow-up duration was 36 months (range, 12 to 119 months). Local recurrence developed in three patients. Mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score of all patients was 62. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of primary malignant tumors of the proximal fibula is problematic. In appropriate indications, Malawer type 1 resection should be the treatment of choice due to lower local recurrence rates and higher MSTS scores.