Effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on localized dedifferentiated low-grade osteosarcoma: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Dedifferentiated low-grade osteosarcomas, which are considered high grade malignancies, can arise from the dedifferentiation of parosteal and low-grade osteosarcomas. Usually, localized dedifferentiated low-grade osteosarcomas are treated by wide resection, and the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy is controversial. We conducted a systematic review of studies that investigated the rates of mortality and significant events, such as recurrence and metastases, in localized dedifferentiated low-grade osteosarcoma patients who received wide resection only and in those who received wide resection and (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: We identified 712 studies through systematic searches of Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Of those studies, seven were included in this review and none were randomized controlled trials. In the seven studies, 114 localized dedifferentiated low-grade osteosarcoma patients were examined. RESULTS: Mortality rates of the resection plus chemotherapy (R + C) and the resection only (Ronly) groups were 20.3% and 11.4%, respectively [overall pooled odds ratio, 1.59 (P = 0.662); heterogeneity I2, 0%]. The local recurrence or distant metastasis rate in the R + C group was 36.7% and that in the Ronly group was 28.6% [overall pooled odds ratio, 1.37 (P = 0.484); heterogeneity I2 was 0%]. CONCLUSIONS: Results show a limited efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy for localized dedifferentiated low-grade osteosarcoma. However, because this was a systematic review of retrospective studies that examined a small number of patients, future randomized controlled trials are needed.

Clinical outcomes of medical treatments for progressive desmoid tumors following active surveillance: a systematic review.

Approximately 80% of desmoid tumors (DTs) show spontaneous regression or disease stabilization during first-line active surveillance. Medical treatment can be considered in cases of disease progression. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity of each medical treatment by reviewing only the studies that included progressive disease as the inclusion criterion. We searched the EMBASE, PubMed, and CENTRAL databases to identify published studies for progressive DTs. The disease control rates of the medical treatments, such as low-dose chemotherapy with methotrexate plus vinblastine or vinorelbine, imatinib, sorafenib, pazopanib, nilotinib, anlotinib, doxorubicin-based agents, liposomal doxorubicin, hydroxyurea, and oral vinorelbine for progressive DTs were 71-100%, 78-92%, 67-96%, 84%, 88%, 86%, 89-100%, 90-100%, 75%, and 64%, respectively. Low-dose chemotherapy, sorafenib, pazopanib, nilotinib, anlotinib, and liposomal doxorubicin had similar toxicities. Sorafenib and pazopanib were less toxic than imatinib. Doxorubicin-based chemotherapy was associated with the highest toxicity. Hydroxyurea and oral vinorelbine exhibited the lowest toxicity. Stepwise therapy escalation from an initial, less toxic treatment to more toxic agents is recommended for progressive DTs. Sorafenib and pazopanib had limited on-treatment side effects but had the possibility to induce long-term treatment-related side effects. In contrast, low-dose chemotherapy has some on-treatment side effects and is known to have very low long-term toxicity. Thus, for progressive DTs following active surveillance, low-dose chemotherapy is recommended in young patients as long-term side effects are minor, whereas therapies such as sorafenib and pazopanib is recommended for older patients as early side effects are minor.

Percutaneous computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation of a spinal osteoid osteoma abutting the dura: a case report and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Osteoid osteomas in the spine constitute a challenging group for both surgical and percutaneous approaches. Purpose of the present study is to report a case report of a spinal osteoid osteoma in a challenging spinal location and review literature for safety and efficacy of the technique. METHODS: We report a case of spinal osteoid osteoma extending in the epidural space and abutting the dura in a pediatric patient treated by percutaneous computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation. This is not a systematic review of the literature. A number of separate literature searches were performed. Non-English studies and case reports were excluded from the study. All references of the obtained articles were also evaluated for any additional information. RESULTS: Although all prophylactic measures were taken (hydrodissection, thermocouples and neurophysiologic monitoring) and the procedure was uneventful, patient within three hours, was unable to raise or bend the unilateral lower extremity below the knee. Pain reduction was significant from the first morning post-ablation and during the follow-up period of 18 months. MR scan was within normal limits. Dexamethasone was iv injected for 24 h and prescribed per os for 7 days. At follow-up 1 week later mobility of the lower extremity had returned to normal. CONCLUSION: As far as spine ablation is concerned, all prophylactic measures should be taken; neurophysiologic monitoring seems to be more sensitive than temperature measurement. Intravenous and per os corticosteroids are extremely useful in case of nerve damage.

Association of malnutrition with surgical site infection following spinal surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) following spinal surgery is a frequent clinical problem with significant clinical and socio-economic consequences. Malnutrition has been linked with SSI in various other surgical procedures. AIM: To investigate whether malnutrition is a risk factor for SSI following spinal surgery. METHODS: Two electronic databases (PUBMED and SCOPUS) and the Cochrane Library were searched systematically from inception to May 2019. Cohort and case-control studies assessing malnutrition as a risk factor for SSI in patients undergoing spinal procedures were considered eligible. Μalnutrition was defined according to laboratory measurements or by relevant International Classification of Diseases-9 codes. SSI was the outcome of interest. Two reviewers independently abstracted study data and assessed the risk of bias for each study. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using random effects models. FINDINGS: In total, 22 studies (20 retrospective cohort and two case-control) with over 175,000 participants (of whom 2.14% developed postoperative SSI) were analysed. SSIs were more likely to develop in malnourished patients [odds ratio (OR) 2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75-3.05]. While pre-operative malnutrition was significantly associated with SSI in patients undergoing thoracolumbar spinal and sacral surgery, no significant difference was seen in patients undergoing cervical spinal surgery. In subgroup analyses, similar results were observed for both hospital-based (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.84-5.43) and population-based (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.63-2.46) studies. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition is associated with increased risk of developing SSI after spinal surgery. Further high-quality research is warranted to investigate whether improvement of pre-operative nutritional status can decrease SSI rates.

Association of malnutrition with periprosthetic joint and surgical site infections after total joint arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence associates malnutrition with several adverse outcomes. AIM: To investigate the link between malnutrition with surgical site and periprosthetic joint infections (SSIs and PJIs) following total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA and THA) through a comprehensive meta-analysis of observational studies. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus databases through December 2018, and recent proceedings of major orthopaedic meetings. Data from eligible studies were extracted and synthesized; pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. FINDINGS: Seven publications were included, reporting eight independent cohort studies with >250,000 subjects. SSIs and PJIs were more likely to develop in malnourished patients (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 2.13-2.90; and 3.62; 2.33-5.64, respectively). The association of SSI with malnutrition was evident both after TKA (2.42; 1.94-3.02) and after THA (2.66; 1.64-4.30). Similarly, PJI was associated with malnutrition after TKA (2.55; 1.10-5.91) and after THA (3.10; 1.84-5.25). Finally, PJI correlated with malnutrition both after primary arthroplasty (3.58; 1.82-7.03) and revision arthroplasty (3.96; 2.47-6.33). The subgroup analysis by study setting confirmed the relationship between PJI and malnutrition in hospital (6.02; 3.07-11.81) and population-based (2.80; 1.76-4.44) studies. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition is associated with PJIs and SSIs after total joint arthroplasty. Further high-quality research is warranted to confirm or refute these findings.

Neovascularization in Ewing's sarcoma.

Ewing's sarcoma is the second most common bone malignancy in adolescents and young adults after osteosarcoma. Similar to other solid tumors, Ewing's sarcomas require an adequate vascular supply to grow and survive. The development and maintenance of vascular supply is accomplished via three main mechanisms; angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and tumor cell vasculogenic mimicry. In addition, growth factors, parallel biochemical pathways and the tumor microenvironment are implicated in the initiation and maintenance of neovascularization. This article summarizes the different mechanisms and factors that contribute to neovascularization in Ewing's sarcoma, and discusses the significance of this phenomenon for current treatment options.

Median nerve biodegradable wrapping : Clinical outcome of 10 patients.

Nerve wrap protectors are bioabsorbable synthetic materials made of collagen or extracellular matrix that provide a non-constricting encasement for injured peripheral nerves. They are designed to be used as an interface between the nerve and the surrounding tissue. After hydrated, they transform into a soft, pliable, nonfriable, easy to handle porous conduit. The wall of the nerve wrap has a longitudinal slit that allows to be placed around the injured nerve. Τhis article presents the surgical technique for median nerve neurolysis and nerve coverage using a collagen or an extracellular matrix nerve wrap protector in 10 patients with recurrent or persistent carpal -tunnel syndrome. All patients had a mean of three previous open carpal tunnel operations, which were not successful. The mean follow-up was 3 years. -Under axillary nerve block anaesthesia with the use of -pneumatic tourniquet, a standard open carpal tunnel approach was done incorporating the previous incision. Scar tissue was excised in a healthy bed and the median nerve was thoroughly released with external neurolysis. An appropriate length of nerve wrap protector was cut longitudinally according to the length of nerve release. The nerve wrap was loosely sutured with separate polypropylene sutures No. 7-0. A volar splint was applied for a mean of 2 weeks followed by progressive passive and active range of motion rehabilitation exercises of the wrist and fingers. At the last follow-up, all patients showed improvement of clinical symptoms, static two-point discrimination test and median nerve conduction studies, and absence of Tinel sign. Differences in outcome and complications with respect to the nerve wrap materials used were not observed.

Percutaneous Augmented Peripheral Osteoplasty in Long Bones of Oncologic Patients for Pain Reduction and Prevention of Impeding Pathologic Fracture: The Rebar Concept.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical efficacy/safety of augmented peripheral osteoplasty in oncologic patients with long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Percutaneous augmented peripheral osteoplasty was performed in 12 patients suffering from symptomatic lesions of long bones. Under extensive local sterility measures, anesthesiology care, and fluoroscopic guidance, direct access to lesion was obtained and coaxially a metallic mesh consisting of 25-50 medical grade stainless steel micro-needles (22 G, 2-6 cm length) was inserted. PMMA for vertebroplasty was finally injected under fluoroscopic control. CT assessed implant position 24-h post-treatment. RESULTS: Clinical evaluation included immediate and delayed follow-up studies of patient's general condition, NVS pain score, and neurological status. Imaging assessed implant's long-term stability. Mean follow-up was 16.17 ± 10.93 months (range 2-36 months). Comparing patients' scores prior (8.33 ± 1.67 NVS units) and post (1.42 ± 1.62 NVS units) augmented peripheral osteoplasty, there was a mean decrease of 6.92 ± 1.51 NVS units. Overall mobility improved in 12/12 patients. No complication was observed. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous augmented peripheral osteoplasty (rebar concept) for symptomatic malignant lesions in long bones seems to be a possible new technique for bone stabilization. This combination seems to provide necessary stability against shearing forces applied in long bones during weight bearing.

Assessment of inbreeding resulting from selection for scrapie resistance: a model for rare sheep breeds.

Inbreeding in a small population of Chios sheep undergoing intense selection for the PrP gene was assessed 10 years after the beginning of a scrapie resistance selection programme. Inbreeding in this stock, already under selection for production traits, was analysed by using pedigree records containing 10,492 animals from 1968 to 2008, and also by genotyping 192 individuals with a panel of 15 microsatellites. Genetic markers indicated a loss of heterozygosity (FIS over all loci was 0.059) and allelic diversity (mean effective number of alleles was 3.075±0.275). The annual rate of inbreeding increased significantly after the start of the scrapie resistance programme, ΔF=0.005 compared with ΔF=0.001 before 1999, and was subjected to several genetic bottlenecks, mainly due to the low initial frequency of resistant animals. However, the mean individual inbreeding coefficient estimated from the pedigree - in this closed stock resembling the case of a rare breed - stood at the level of 4.5 per cent, five generations after the implementation of selection for the PrP gene. The inbreeding coefficient estimated by genetic markers was 4.37 per cent, implying that such a marker panel could be a useful and cost-effective tool for estimating inbreeding in unrecorded populations.

Cemented versus cementless endoprostheses for lower limb salvage surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the survival and failures of cemented vs cementless endoprostheses. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 232 patients treated with lower limb salvage surgery and reconstruction using cementless and cemented endoprostheses from 2002 to 2007. We compared survival and failures of the endoprostheses regarding age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis, site of reconstruction, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and stem fixation. RESULTS: The mean patient follow-up was 28 months (median 24; range 12-84). The overall survival of cemented and cementless endoprostheses at 60 months was 64 and 78%, respectively (p=0.0078). Survival at 60 months of cemented and cementless endoprostheses to infection was 68 and 82%, respectively (p=0.0248). Survival of cemented and cementless endoprostheses to aseptic loosening at 60 months was 94 and 96%, respectively (p=0.1493). The only significant univariate and multivariate predictor of survival was the cementless type of stem fixation. CONCLUSION: Cementless endoprostheses have higher overall survival and survival to infection compared to cemented endoprostheses. Survival to aseptic loosening is not different. Stem fixation is the only significant variable for survival.

Embolisation of bone metastases from renal cancer.

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate embolisation for palliative and/or adjuvant treatment of bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma and discuss the clinical and imaging results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 107 patients with bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma treated from December 2002 to January 2011 with 163 embolisations using N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA). Mean tumour diameter before embolisation was 8.8 cm and mean follow-up 4 years. Clinical and imaging effects of treatment were evaluated at follow-up examinations with a pain score scale, analgesic use, hypoattenuating areas, tumour size and ossification. RESULTS: A clinical response was achieved in 157 (96%) and no response in six embolisations of sacroiliac metastases. Mean duration of clinical response was 10 (range 1-12) months. Hypoattenuating areas resembling tumour necrosis were observed in all patients. Variable ossification appeared in 41 patients. Mean maximal tumour diameter after embolisation was 4.0 cm. One patient had intraprocedural tear of the left L3 artery and iliopsoas haemorrhage and was treated with occlusion of the bleeding vessel with NBCA. All patients had variable ischaemic pain that recovered completely within 2-4 days. Postembolisation syndrome was diagnosed after 15 embolisations (9.2%). Transient paraesthesias in the lower extremities were observed after 25 embolisations (25%) of pelvis and sacrum metastatic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Embolisation with NBCA is recommended as primary or palliative treatment of bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma. Strict adherence to the principles of transcatheter embolisation is important to avoid complications.

Palliative embolisation for advanced bone sarcomas.

PURPOSE: Managing patients with advanced bone sarcomas - namely, recurrent, unresectable and metastatic - is mostly aimed at palliation. The role of embolisation for pain relief for these patients has not been previously reported. We therefore performed this study to emphasise the palliative role of embolisation for pain relief of advanced bone sarcoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 43 patients with advanced bone sarcomas treated with palliative embolisation with N-2-butyl-cyanoacrylate from 2004 to 2011. All patients had primary treatments including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radiofrequency thermal ablation, and/or surgery for their advanced sarcomas and were referred for embolisation as end-stage treatment for continuous severe local pain. The effect of embolisation was evaluated with a pain score scale and analgesic use. Mean follow-up was 7 (range, 1-19) months); all patients were dead at the last follow-up. RESULTS: In all patients, angiography showed increased pathological vascularisation of the sarcomas; three to six feeding vessels were embolised in each procedure. Almost complete pain relief and >50% reduction in analgesic use was experienced by 36 patients with highly hypervascular sarcomas and sarcomas in the pelvis and shoulder girdle. Moderate pain relief and 50% reduction in analgesic use was experienced by seven patients with spinal and sacral lesions. Within the available follow-up, no patient had recurrent pain with the same intensity as before embolisation. All patients experienced ischaemic pain at the site of embolisation that resolved completely with analgesics. Six patients with advanced pelvic bone sarcomas experienced paraesthesias at the distribution of the sciatic nerve that resolved completely with methylprednisolone. CONCLUSIONS: Embolisation is a safe and effective local palliative treatment for patients with advanced sarcomas, providing optimum pain relief with the least discomfort and the possibility of minor complications only.

Heterotopic ossification following traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury: insight into the etiology and pathophysiology.

Neurogenic heterotopic ossification (HO) is the ectopic formation of lamellar bone in non-osseous tissues following traumatic brain or spinal cord injury. The associated complications affect greatly their quality of life. This fact has shifted the focus of scientific effort towards the investigation and understanding of related risk factors and the pathophysiological mechanisms. Recent advancements include the investigation for genetic predisposition and association various biomarkers. In the present article we will analyze the current concepts on this topic, based on clinical and physiological evidence and we will discuss the potential areas for future research on this field.

Palliative treatments for advanced osteosarcoma.

Advances in diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, chemotherapy and surgery greatly improved the outcome of patients with osteosarcoma, and made limb salvage possible without compromising survival. In these patients, the prognosis is influenced by the site and resectability of the tumor, prior malignancy, and histological response to preoperative chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the progress has not been as significant in the treatment of advanced osteosarcoma, namely metastatic, recurrent and unresectable tumor. Yet, although advanced and forecasting a dismal prognosis, advanced osteosarcoma is not necessarily untreatable. Aggressive local and medical treatments, including surgical removal of primary and/or metastatic disease are currently available; however, yet, most treatments aim at palliation. Palliative local treatments including isolated limb perfusion, radiation therapy, embolization, chemoembolization, thermal ablation and cryoablation, all have an important role for these patients. The aim of palliative treatments is to achieve a mild response by offering the least discomfort to the patient with the minimum possible complications, and possibly increase of survival.

Dual lag screw cephalomedullary nail versus the classic sliding hip screw for the stabilization of intertrochanteric fractures. A prospective randomized study.

This study is a randomized prospective study comparing two fracture fixation implants, the extramedullary sliding hip screw (SHS) and the dual lag screw cephalomedullary nail, in the treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures in the elderly. One hundred and sixty-five patients with low-energy intertrochanteric fractures, classified as AO/OTA 31A, were prospectively included during a 2-year period (2005-2006). Patients were randomized into two groups: group A included 79 hip fractures managed with sliding hip screws and group B included 86 fractures treated with cephalomedullary nails. Delay to surgery, duration of surgery, time of fluoroscopy, total hospital stay, implant-related complications, transfusion requirements, re-operation details, functional recovery, and mortality were recorded. The mean follow-up was 36 months (24-56 months). The mean surgical time was statistically significantly shorter and fluoroscopy time longer for the group B. No intraoperative femoral shaft fractures occurred. There was no statistically significant difference in the functional recovery score, reoperation, and mortality rates between the 2 groups. A new type of complication, the so-called Z-effect phenomenon, was noticed in the cephalomedullary nail group. There are no statistically significant differences between the two techniques in terms of type and rate of complications, functional outcome, reoperation and mortality rates when comparing the SHS and the cephalomedullary nail for low-energy AO/OTA 31A intertrochanteric fractures. Our data do not support recommendations for the use of one implant over the other.

A single nucleotide polymorphism in the acetyl-coenzyme A acyltransferase 2 (ACAA2) gene is associated with milk yield in Chios sheep.

The objective of this work was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the ovine acetyl-coenzyme A acyltransferase 2 (ACAA2) gene and investigate their association with milk production traits. Molecular characterization was accomplished by sequencing the entire coding region and the 3' and 5' untranslated regions (UTR) of the ACAA2 gene from individuals of the Chios sheep bred in Cyprus. All exons appeared to be monomorphic except for the last exon, for which a single SNP located in the 3' UTR of the gene (HM537015:g.2982T>C) was detected. Mixed model association analysis, using SNP data from 318 animals from 104 paternal half-sib families and first-lactation phenotype and pedigree information on 2,405 ewes revealed that this SNP was significantly associated with milk yield. The significance of the SNP effect persisted when milk yield information up to the third lactation was analyzed. Both alleles at the locus segregated at similar frequencies. The T allele was associated with increased milk yield and exhibited partial dominant action. Animals with the g.2982TT or g.2982CT genotype had significantly higher milk yield than those with the g.2982CC genotype, with the g.2982T allele having an additive effect of 13.4 (± 4.7) kg and a dominance effect of 7.9 (± 6.1) kg. Based on estimated allelic effects and sample allele frequencies, the g.2982T>C SNP explained 10% of the additive genetic variance for milk yield. A putative mode of action through nutrient metabolism is discussed.

Expandable tumor prostheses in children.

Any surgical resection in the lower extremities in children will cause a leg length discrepancy from physeal resection. To avoid the resulting functional deficit, leg length discrepancy must be reconciled with surgical techniques to approximate equal leg lengths at skeletal maturity. Currently there are several manufacturers who offer options for prosthetic reconstruction with expandable implants. These implants can be expanded to a length projected on the basis of three factors: the length of bone resected, the anticipated future growth of the contralateral extremity, and the estimated discrepancy of limb length at skeletal maturity. In this article, we review the basic principles and guidelines for prediction of remaining bone growth and planning lengthening in children, and present the currently available expandable prostheses and the evolution performed over time.

Effect of two sitting postures on lumbar sagittal alignment and intervertebral discs in runners.

PURPOSE: We evaluated in vivo changes in lumbar lordosis and intervertebral discs in runners and assessed the relationship between these changes and degenerative disc disease in runners with and without a history of low back pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using open upright magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, we prospectively studied changes in lumbar lordosis and intervertebral discs of 25 elite long-distance runners in two sitting postures (neutral and extended) before and after 1 h of running and compared the results with disc height and dehydration/degeneration. Seventeen of the 25 runners had a history of low back pain. RESULTS: After 1 h of running, mean lordosis in neutral posture reduced by 4°; reduction was significant in runners with a history of low back pain. A significant reduction in mean lordosis in extension was not observed. Mean disc height significantly reduced in both postures, without, however, any statistical significance between runners with and without a history low back pain in any posture. Variable degrees of disc dehydration/degeneration were observed in 23 runners (57 discs), more commonly at L5-S1. A significant difference of disc dehydration/degeneration between runners with and without a history of low back pain was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intervertebral discs undergo significant strain after 1 h of running that in the long term may lead to low back pain and degenerative disc disease. Runners, especially those with low back pain and degenerative disc disease, should be evaluated after training to preserve the normal lumbar lordosis.

Tumours of the atlas and axis: a 37-year experience with diagnosis and management.

PURPOSE: This paper presents a single institution's longterm experience regarding the incidence and management of tumours of the atlas and axis and discusses clinical and imaging findings and treatment options. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the registry of the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli for patients admitted and treated for tumours of the upper cervical spine. We identified 62 patients over 37 years, from July 1973 to October 2010. There were 39 male and 23 female patients, with a mean age of 39.5 (range 5-77) years. For each patient, we collected data on clinical presentation, imaging and treatment. Mean follow-up was 10 years. RESULTS: Benign bone tumours were diagnosed in 24 (39%) and malignant tumours in 38 (61%) patients. The most common tumours were bone metastases, followed by osteoid osteomas and chordomas. The atlas was involved in six and the axis in 52 patients; in four patients, both the atlas and axis were involved. The most common clinical presentation was pain, torticollis, dysphagia and neurological deficits. Surgical treatment was performed in 35 patients and conservative treatment, including intralesional methylprednisolone injections and halo-vest immobilisation with or without radiation therapy, chemotherapy or embolisation, in the remaining patients. One patient with osteoblastoma of the atlas had local recurrence. All patients with metastatic bone disease had local recurrence; four of the eight patients with plasmacytoma progressed to multiple myeloma within 1-4 years. All patients with chordomas had two to four local recurrences. Patients with osteosarcomas and chondrosarcoma died owing to local and distant disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: Bone tumours of the cervical spine are rare. However, they should be kept in mind when examining patients with neck pain or neurological symptoms at the extremities. In most cases, only intralesional surgery can be administered. Combined radiation therapy and chemotherapy is indicated for certain tumour histologies.