Brown tumors: Retrospective analysis of 26 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Brown tumors are reactive osteolytic lesions caused by hyperparathyroidism. These rare lesions are non-neoplastic processes that result from bone resorption. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review a 34-year experience with brown tumors in our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 26 consecutive patients with brown tumor who were treated in our institution between May 1988 and October 2020, with a mean follow-up of 36,1 months. RESULTS: 17 male (65,4%) and 9 female (34,6%) patients with a mean age of 41,6 were included in the study. Localized bone pain was present in 13 cases (50,0%) as the first presenting symptom. 3 patients (11,5%) presented with diffuse bone pain. 7 patients (26,9%) were diagnosed with brown tumor while being investigated for pathological fractures. The other 3 patients (11,5%) were diagnosed while being evaluated for hypercalcemia symptoms. 7 patients (26,9%) had solitary lesions, while 19 patients (73,1%) had multiple lesions. Pelvis, femur, ribs, tibia, proximal humerus and mandible were the most common sites of localization. 23 patients (88,5%) were diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism, while the other 3 patients (11,5%) had secondary hyperparathyroidism. A total of the 65 lesions, 23 (35.4%) underwent orthopedic surgery, and 42 (64.6%) were followed up conservatively after parathyroidectomy. Orthopedic surgery was performed in 21 of 26 patients, the other 5 cases were followed up conservatively. Intralesional curettage was performed in 19 cases (82,6%). The resulting cavity was filled with bone cement in 11 cases (47,8%). Bone grafting was applied in 8 cases (34,8%). No recurrence was observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of brown tumor begins with clinical suspicion. Endocrinology and general surgery consultation is important before surgery. Treatment of brown tumors requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Zoledronic Acid Supplementation With Excision of a Giant Cell Tumor of the Distal End Radius to Prevent Recurrence: A Case Report.

Giant cell tumors are benign yet locally aggressive neoplasms commonly observed in the distal radius, exhibiting higher recurrence rates compared to other tumor types. This study presents a case involving a 50-year-old farmer who presented with swelling at the distal end of his wrist. The patient underwent treatment involving intralesional curettage and supplementation with zoledronic acid, resulting in a significant reduction in the tumor's potential for recurrence. This approach aims to achieve an optimal balance between functional outcomes and disease management in the majority of cases. While this strategy proves effective in most instances, there may be scenarios where resection becomes imperative due to the severity of the disease, ensuring adequate disease clearance. In such circumstances, judicious decision-making coupled with an appropriate treatment plan is crucial to guarantee a satisfactory outcome, even in the face of challenges.

Intraoperative three-dimensional navigation for surgical treatment of osteoid osteoma in the upper extremity: A series of 19 cases.

The surgical treatment for osteoid osteoma (OO) in the upper extremity is challenging due to the difficulty in locating the lesion and the crowding of sensitive structures within the anatomy. This study aimed to describe the outcomes of navigated minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation and those of navigated mini open-intralesional curettage in treating these lesions. Nineteen consecutive patients with OO in the upper limb who underwent navigated surgery were included. The average QuickDASH and Numeric Pain Rating Scale improved from 62.2 ± 23.7 to 11.7 ± 16.9 and from 8.1 ± 1.6 to 0.5 ± 1.8, respectively (p < .01 each) following the procedure. Two complications were recorded: one patient had persistent radial nerve palsy, and one patient had transient partial radial nerve weakness. In conclusion, navigation is an important tool in the surgical treatment of OO in the upper limb. A mini open approach to identify and protect neurovascular structures is recommended.

An improved total en bloc spondylectomy for L5 vertebral giant cell tumor through a single-stage posterior approach.

PURPOSE: Although total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) is strongly recommended for spinal giant cell tumor (GCT), it is extremely difficult to excise a L5 neoplasm intactly through the single-stage posterior approach. Given the risk of neurological and vascular injury, intralesional curettage (IC) is usually recommended for the treatment of L5 GCT. In this study, we presented our experience with the use of an improved TES to treat L5 GCT through the single-stage posterior approach. METHODS: This study included 20 patients with L5 GCT who received surgical treatment in our department between September 2010 and April 2021. Of them, seven patients received improved TES without iliac osteotomy, and the other 13 patients received IC (n = 8), sagittal en bloc resection (n = 1), TES with iliac osteotomy (n = 3), and TES with radicotomy (n = 1) as control. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 331.43 ± 92.95 min for improved TES group and 365.77 ± 85.17 min for the control group (p = 0.415), with the mean blood loss of 1142.86 ± 340.87 ml vs. 1969.23 ± 563.30 ml (p = 0.002). Postoperative treatment included bisphosphonates in nine patients and denosumab in 12 patients including one patient who changed from bisphosphonates to denosumab. Three patients who received IC experienced local recurrence, and no relapse was observed in improved TES group. CONCLUSION: Single-stage posterior TES for L5 GCT was previously considered impossible. In this study, we presented our experience with the use of an improved surgical technique for L5 TES through the single-stage posterior approach, which has proved to be superior to the conventional procedures in terms of blood loss control and complication and recurrence rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Recurrent chondroblastoma of the talus: A case report and literature review of recurrent lesions in the foot and ankle.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Chondroblastoma is a benign cartilaginous tumour that usually presents in the epiphysis of long bones in patients aged 10-20 years old. Only 4 % of primary chondroblastoma occur in the talus. Recurrence is rare, especially in the foot and ankle and there is no consensus regarding how it is best managed. This unique case and literature review add to a limited evidence base. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old male was referred to our elective orthopaedic clinic with persistent anterior ankle pain exacerbated by weight-bearing. Radiographs and MRI revealed a 2.5 cm non-homogenous mass in the anteromedial talus with expansion of overlying bone consistent with chondroblastoma-ABC. Our patient was initially managed by intralesional curettage and autologous bone grafting but had recurrence 4.5 months postoperatively. Subsequent en bloc resection of the talar neck with talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joint fusion resulted in excellent functional outcomes and disease-free survival at 2 years follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: There are few reports discussing treatment options for recurrence in the foot and ankle. Successful treatment of primary and recurrent lesions depends on complete local resection. Repeat curettage or en bloc resection are effective options depending on tumour size and location. Type of bone graft or void filler should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Novel therapies (e.g. phenol instillation) may be beneficial. CONCLUSION: This case details successful management of recurrent chondroblastoma with en bloc resection of the talar neck and hindfoot reconstruction. We review the efficacy and outcomes of all previously reported recurrent chondroblastoma in the foot and ankle. We highlight multiple potential treatment options.

Management of giant cell tumors of the distal radius: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The treatment of giant cell tumors (GCT) of the distal radius remains challenging, with no consensus on the optimal surgical management. Surgical management remains the mainstay of treatment with options including intralesional curettage and en-bloc resection with reconstruction. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate and compare the outcomes of these two procedures. METHODS: Using OVID-Medline and Embase databases, a systematic literature search was performed. Comparative studies, assessing intralesional curettage and en-bloc resection in patients with GCTs of the distal radius, were included. Data regarding rates of local recurrence, metastasis, overall complications, and functional outcomes, were collected and analyzed. The ROBINS-I tool was utilized for risk of bias appraisal within each study outcome. RESULTS: Thirteen studies (n = 373 patients) reporting on 191 intralesional curettage procedures and 182 en-bloc resections were included in the analysis. The average age of participants was 31.9 (SD ± 2.4) years and average follow-up was 7.1 (SD ± 3.6) years. Patients that underwent intralesional curettage were more likely to develop local recurrence (Risk Ratio (RR) 3.3, 95% CI, [2.1, 5.4], p < 0.00001) when compared to patients that underwent en-bloc resection. In Campanacci grade 3 lesions, the risk for local recurrence was 5.9 (95% CI, [2.2, 16.3], p = 0.0006) times higher in patients that received intralesional curettage. Patients that underwent intralesional curettage showed an 84% reduction in the relative risk of developing overall complications compared to en-bloc resection (95% CI, [0.1, 0.4], p < 0.00001), and a larger decrease in Visual Analog Scale and lower Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores (p < 0.00001). Risk ratio for developing a local recurrence, with PMMA versus bone graft following an intralesional procedure was not significant (RR 1.2, 95% CI, [0.6, 2.6], p = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: In the surgical management of GCT of the distal radius, intralesional curettage increased local recurrence compared to en-bloc resection with reconstruction, particularly in grade 3 tumors. However, it led to significantly fewer operative complications, lower pain scores, and improved functional outcomes compared to en-bloc resection. Both treatment options remain relevant in the contemporary management of GCTs of the distal radius. Surgical decision making should include both patient and tumor factors when determining the optimal treatment strategy for these patients. LEVEL 3 EVIDENCE: Meta-analysis of Level 3 studies.

A 15 year-old-girl with persistent leg pain diagnosed as a giant cell tumor of the tibial diaphysis: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a benign bone tumor typically seen in epiphysis or metaphysis of mature long bones. Multiple large multinucleated giant cells dispersed among mononuclear spindle cells and monocytes constitute characteristic histological background of GCT of bone (GCTB). CASE PRESENTATION: A 15-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital with the complaint of pain and swelling in the left leg with difficulty in walking for 2 years. On X-ray of the left leg, osteolytic, expansile, eccentric lesion with sclerotic bone margin on the diaphysis of the tibia was seen suggesting oesteofibrous dysplasia. MRI demonstrated findings compatible with adamantinoma. The subsequent histology report was rather surprising, consistent with giant cell tumor of the bone. Extended intralesional curettage was done with the help of a high-speed burr followed by chemical cauterization and bone grafting. The patient was followed up for 2 years. The patient could walk normally without assistance or any signs of a recurrence. DISCUSSION: GCTB commonly affects people in their third and fourth decades of life and involves epiphysis of the long bone, but this is a case of diaphyseal GCT, at an age of 15 years. It is challenging to diagnose GCT, if present in an unusual location, unless confirmed by histopathological examinations. CONCLUSION: A multi-disciplinary approach is required to correctly reach the diagnosis of GCT when it happens to be in an uncommon location(s). Early diagnosis with appropriate treatment and long-term follow-up is mandatory for the successful outcome of the treatment.

Intraoperative three-dimensional navigation for surgical treatment of osteoid osteoma in the foot and ankle - A series of 14 cases.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment for osteoid osteoma (OO) in the foot and ankle is challenging. It is difficult to locate the lesion and the anatomy is crowded by sensitive structures. The purpose of this study was to describe the outcomes of navigated mini open-intralesional curettage (NMIC) or navigated minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation (NMRFA) in treating these lesions. METHODS: All patients who underwent surgery for OO in the foot and ankle between 2015 and 2020 were included. O-arm navigation was used in All procedures. The choice of NMIC versus NMRFA was made by the surgeon according to the location of the lesion and its proximity to sensitive anatomic structures. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included. Ten were operated by NMRFA and 4 by NMIC. All patients' symptoms related to OO resolved following a single procedure. Average AOFAS score increased by 18.7 (P < .001). Three patients had the following complications: pathologic fracture, superficial infection and transient deep peroneal nerve sensory loss. CONCLUSION: Navigated surgical treatment of OO in the foot and ankle is accurate, efficient and safe.

Curettage versus wide resection followed by arthrodesis/arthroplasty for distal radius Giant cell tumours: A meta-analysis of treatment and reconstruction methods.

Purpose: Primary aim of this review was to compare the two treatment modalities-curettage and wide excision (WE)- of Giant cell tumours of distal radius along with the methods of reconstruction viz. arthrodesis (AD) and arthroplasty (AP), and determine which had a better outcome. Methods: PubMed and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched using a well-defined search strategy by two independent reviewers. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were predetermined using the PICO format. MINORS tool was used to evaluate study quality. Recurrence rate (RR) was the chief oncological determinant whereas range of motion, grip strength, disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) and musculoskeletal tumour society (MSTS) scores and complication rates were the functional outcome measures used. Results: For the first part, a total of 11 articles (284 patients) were analysed. The second half- AP versus AD-included four studies (71 patients). Quantitative analysis revealed a significantly higher RR (Odds ratio (OR) 8.6 [95% CI, 3.4, 21.75]) with curettage. WE, on the other hand, was associated with a higher complication rate (OR 0.3[ 95% CI, 0.14, 0.62]) and lower grip strength (Standard Mean Difference (SMD) 18.08[95% CI, 13.78, 22.37]). Complication rates were also significantly higher with wrist AP (OR 6.36[ 95% CI, 1.72, 23.52]). Remaining functional parameters failed to show any significant difference between either group. Conclusion: WE is the preferred surgical strategy in terms of lower RR and functionally equivalent results. In terms of the choice of reconstruction following WE, there is a trend towards higher patient satisfaction after wrist AD.

Management of Giant Cell Tumor of Talus With Extended Intralesional Curettage and Reconstruction Using Polymethylmethacrylate Cement.

An 18-year-old man presented with complaints of pain and swelling around the left ankle region. Local examination revealed diffuse, hard, mildly tender swelling with ill-defined margins over the medial aspect of the left ankle joint just below the medial malleolus. Radiographic and computed tomographic assessment revealed osteolytic lesion with moderately defined margins. Provisional diagnosis of Campanacci grade 2 giant cell tumor was made, which was later confirmed on histopathology. Extended intralesional curettage and reconstruction with polymethylmethacrylate cement was done under spinal anesthesia. Full weight bearing was allowed at 4 weeks when the below knee back slab was removed. Radiographic assessment was done every 3 months during the first year of follow-up and then every 6 months. No evidence of recurrence of tumor, collapse of talus, or avascular necrosis was found during follow-up. Managing such rare form of bone tumors with extended intralesional curettage and bone cement is an appropriate treatment and gives good functional results.Level of Evidence: Level V.

Giant cell tumor of bone: A single center study of 115 cases.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a locally aggressive bone tumor that represents about 4-5% of all primary bone tumors. It is characterized by aggressive growth, possible recurrence after surgical treatment and, in rare cases, metastasis. Surgical management is the primary treatment and may include intralesional curettage with adjuvants or, in rare cases, wide resection. In recent years the monoclonal antibody denosumab has been introduced as a potential (neo-)adjuvant systemic treatment option for patients with borderline resectable or unresectable lesions. Currently several studies reported that the use of denosumab prior to curettage possibly increase the risk of local recurrence. METHODS: In this retrospective study we reviewed 115 cases of GCT with a mean follow-up of 65.6 (24-404) months who underwent a surgical treatment with or without preoperative denosumab therapy in our institution. Potential risk factors for LR and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The study includes 47 male (40.9%) and 68 female (59.1%) patients with a mean age of 33.9 (10-77) years and a mean follow-up of 65.6 (24-404) months. Denosumab was used in 33 (28.7%) cases, in 14 cases (12.2%) in a neoadjuvant setting and in 17 cases preoperatively before re-curettage (14.8%) after LR. In 105 cases (91.3%) an intralesional curettage was performed. The overall LR rate was 47.8% (55 cases). Patients who underwent intralesional curettage and bone cement augmentation without neoadjuvant denosumab treatment had LR in 42.2% (38/90) of the cases. Patients who underwent neoadjuvant denosumab treatment prior to curettage had LR in 28.6% (4/14). Re-recurrence was frequent in patients with neoadjuvant denosumab treatment who had LR after initial curettage (50%, 8/16). After wide resection and endoprosthetic replacement one case (20%) of local recurrence was detectable (1/5 cases). CONCLUSIONS: GCTB recurs frequently after intralesional curettage and cement augmentation. While denosumab is a potential (neo-)adjuvant treatment option that might be used for lesions that are difficult to resect, surgeons should be aware that LR is still frequent.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the foot: A series of 10 cases.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign, locally aggressive tumor that occurs in childhood and early adulthood. It usually affects the metaphysis of long bones but can also occur in the foot. METHODS: This single-center study is a retrospective review of ten patients with primary ABCs of the foot which underwent an intralesional curettage or a polidocanol instillation. RESULTS: After intralesional curettage a local recurrence was observed in 3/5 cases. The instillation of polidocanol showed a significant reduction of the initial cyst volume (p=0.0267). In the instillation subgroup a primary complete healing was achieved in three cases. Due to a persisting disease two cases were converted to intralesional curettage without local recurrence in the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous instillation of polidocanol is a minimally invasive treatment option for ABCs of the foot and especially for small bones. Nevertheless, several sequential instillations and a conversion to intralesional curettage can be necessary.

Successful Outcome After Intralesional Curettage for Spindle Cell Hemangioma of Fibula in an Infant: A Case Report.

Spindle cell hemangioma (SCH), a non-neoplastic reactive vascular lesion, rarely locates in bones. We herein report a successful case of intralesional curettage for an infant with SCH of fibula. An 11-month-old boy was admitted to our center with a painless mass in the right proximal calf. Preoperative digital radiograph demonstrated a massive vascular lesion with an irregular bone destruction of proximal fibula. The lesion was removed via the intralesional curettage approach and pathologically diagnosed as SCH. The patient gained bone structure recovery of right proximal fibula. Two years after the surgery, he experienced no local recurrence. For the management of SCH of fibula with partial bone destruction, we suggest early-stage intralesional curettage as its safety and effectiveness.

Primary Aneurysmal Bone Cyst and Its Recent Treatment Options: A Comparative Review of 74 Cases.

(1) Background: An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign, locally aggressive tumor. Different treatment modalities are described in the literature i.e., en bloc resection, intralesional curettage and percutaneous sclerotherapy. (2) Methods: This single-center study is a review of 74 patients with primary ABCs who underwent a surgical treatment or polidocanol instillation. Cyst volume measurements using MRI and conventional radiographs are compared. (3) Results: The mean pre-interventional MRI-based cyst volume was 44.07 cm3 and the mean radiographic volume was 27.27 cm3. The recurrence rate after intralesional curettage with the need for further treatment was 38.2% (13/34). The instillation of polidocanol showed a significant reduction of the initial cyst volume (p < 0.001) but a persistent disease occurred in 29/32 cases (90.6%). In 10 of these 29 cases (34.5%) further treatment was necessary. After en bloc resection (eight cases) a local recurrence occurred in two cases (25%), in one case with the need for further treatment. (4) Conclusions: MRI scans are superior to biplanar radiographs in the examination of ABCs. Sequential percutaneous instillations of polidocanol are equally effective in the therapy of primary ABCs compared to intralesional curettage. However, several instillations have to be expected. In a considerable number of cases, a conversion to intralesional curettage or en bloc resection may be necessary.

Curettage and cryosurgery for enchondroma and atypical cartilaginous tumors of the long bones: Oncological results of a large series.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intralesional surgical treatment is the preferred therapy for atypical cartilaginous tumors (ACTs) of the long bones in many institutions. However, the literature is still controversial regarding intralesional treatment versus wide resection. Due to the relative rarity of these tumors, studies reporting on the results of intralesional treatment are often small sample studies. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the oncological results of 55 enchondromas, 119 ACTs, and 5 chondrosarcomas grade 2 (CS2) treated with curettage and cryosurgery between the years 2004 and 2017 at our institution. The median follow-up period was 53 months (range, 24-169 months). RESULTS: In total, seven cases (three ACT, four CS2) recurred. Residual tumor was detected in 20 cases. Three cases underwent secondary curettage and cryosurgery due to local recurrence. Four cases underwent wide resection and reconstruction due to local recurrence with aggressive imaging characteristics. In total, 20 postoperative complications were seen. CONCLUSION: Curettage and cryosurgery for enchondroma and ACT show very good oncological results with a low recurrence rate and acceptable complication rate. Curettage and cryosurgery is reliable as a surgical treatment for enchondroma and ACT. Further research should define the criteria for determining which specific cartilaginous tumors necessitate surgical treatment.

Intralesional curettage versus prosthetic replacement for bone tumors - a finite element analysis case of limb salvage simulation in biomechanics.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To compare mechanical properties of femoral tumor treatments so that better operative strategy for limb tumors surgery is optimized. METHODS: Fourteen femoral CT images were randomly selected to rebuild 3D models by MIMICS. They were then executed by reverse engineering softwares for simulative modes. Mode #1: Intralesional curettage with cement filled plus fixator; Mode #2: Distal femur resection with tumorous prosthesis replaced. Finally, the mechanical aspects such as stress and displacement were compared by finite element analysis. RESULTS: Analyzed by AnSys, the observation indexes were measured as follows: for displacement of femurs, d=1.4762 (< a=3.9042 < c=3.9845 < b=4.1159) in mm is the most staple of all models; for displacement of implants (fixators or prostheses), it's similar to the behavior of femurs and with no significant difference; for stresses of femurs, no significant difference was found among all models; the stresses of implants (fixations and prostheses) were observed as d=39.6334 (< a=58.6206 < c=61.8150 < b=62.6626) in MPa correspondently, which is the least; for stresses of the general system, the average of peak values for integrated devices of all models are: d=40.8072 (< a=58.6206 < c=61.7831< b=62.6626) in MPa, which is also the least. As a final result, both maximum values for displacement and stress of mode 2 are lower than those of mode 1. CONCLUSIONS: Our finite element analysis of limb salvage simulation in biomechanics proved that, to treat distal femoral bone tumors, prosthetic replacement is more efficient than intralesional curettage.

Chondroblastoma: Is intralesional curettage with the use of adjuvants a sufficient way of therapy?

BACKGROUND: Chondroblastoma is a rare benign cartilaginous bone tumor that represents 1-2% of all primary bone tumors. It is characterized by aggressive growth, possible recurrence after surgical treatment and, in rare cases, metastasis. Surgical management is the primary treatment and includes intralesional curettage with or without adjuvants. Local recurrence rates vary between less than 10% up to more than 30%. METHODS: In this retrospective study between 2009 and 2020 we analysed 38 cases of chondroblastoma with a mean follow-up of 27.9 months who underwent a surgical treatment in our institution. Epidemiological data, radiographic and histological examinations, different surgical techniques, complications and local recurrence were evaluated to comment on the question if curettage with or without adjuvants is a sufficient way of therapy. RESULTS: The study includes 25 male (65.8%) and 13 female (34.2%) patients with a mean age of 17.2 (11-51) years. The most common location of manifestation was the proximal epiphyseal humerus (34.2%), followed by the proximal tibia (26.3%) and the distal femur (15.8%). Joint involvement occurred in 28 patients (73.7%). In all cases intralesional curettage was performed; in 25 cases (65.8%) the resulting cavity was filled with bone substitute, in 7.9% (3 cases) with bone cement and in 10.5% (4 cases) with autogenous bone graft. Adjuvant hydrogen peroxide was used in 64.9% of the cases. The overall recurrence rate was 39.5% (15 cases). The following subgroup analysis showed a recurrence rate of 100% (4/4 cases) after curettage and defect reconstruction with autogenous bone. In the case of intralesional curettage and filling of the cavity with bone substitute but without use of adjuvant the recurrence rate was 50% (4/8 cases). A low recurrence rate of 11.8% (2 cases) was observed in the case of intralesional curettage, using hydrogen peroxide as adjuvant (17 cases) and bone substitute for defect reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Chondroblastoma represents a rare pathology. Therapeutically an aggressive intralesional curettage with use of hydrogen peroxide as adjuvant and filling up the defect with bone substitute leads to low recurrence rates.

Adjuvant therapy by high-speed burr may cause intraoperative bone tumor seeding: an animal study.

BACKGROUND: Bone tumors are often treated with intralesional curettage. High-speed burring, an adjuvant therapy, was performed to maximize the tumor cell killing; however, tumor recurrence might still occur, which may be caused by residual tumor or local tumor spread during surgery. METHODS: A porcine cadaver (femur) was utilized to determine whether the use of a high-speed burr causes bone cement spray. To mimic residual tumor after curettage, luminescent cement was smeared on two locations of the bone cavity, the wall and the bottom. The cavity in the femoral bone was then placed in the middle of a sheet of drawing paper featuring 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm concentric circles. The luminescent cement was then burred totally with a high-speed burr. RESULTS: The intensity of the area in the wall in circle I was 72.6% ± 5.8%; within circle II, it was 22.1% ± 4.2%; and within circle III, it was 5.4% ± 1.5%. The intensity of the area within the bottom of the femoral bone within circle I was 66.5% ± 6.1%, within circle II was 28.1 ± 4.8%, and within circle III, it was 5.4% ± 1.4%. The amount of luminescent cement seeding decreased with distance, but there was no difference while burring at different locations of the bone cavity. Under the handpiece cover, a greater amount of cement spray was retained in circle I during burring of the cement in the bottom of the cavity and less was sprayed out in circle III. CONCLUSIONS: High-speed burring may cause explosive bone cement spray, which could extend to 20 cm. The intensities of spray did not decrease, even when the handpiece cover was used. The wide range of bone cement spray caused by high-speed burr was inspected in this pilot study, which may lead to tumor seeding. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Giant Cell Tumors of the Upper Extremity: Predictors of Recurrence.

PURPOSE: Giant cell tumors (GCT) of the distal radius are thought to be more aggressive than in other locations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with recurrence of GCTs in the upper extremity. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 82 patients who underwent primary surgical treatment for an upper extremity GCT. Tumors were located in the radius (n = 47), humerus (n = 17), ulna (n = 9), and hand (n = 9). Treatment consisted of either wide resection or amputation or intralesional resection with or without adjuvants. A multivariable logistic regression was performed including tumor grade, type of surgery, and tumor location, from which the percentage of contribution to the model of each variable was calculated. RESULTS: The recurrence rate after intralesional resection was 48%; after wide resection or amputation, it was 12%. Two patients developed a pulmonary metastasis (2.4%). In multivariable analysis, intralesional resection was independently associated with recurrence. Intralesional resection had a 77% contribution to predict recurrence and the distal radius location had a 16% contribution in the predictive model. CONCLUSIONS: As expected, intralesional resection was the strongest independent predictor of recurrence after surgical treatment for GCT. The distal radius location contributed to the prediction of giant cell tumor recurrence to a lesser extent. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Retrospective cohort study of 68 sacral giant cell tumours treated with nerve-sparing surgery and evaluation on therapeutic benefits of denosumab therapy.

AIMS: To investigate the benefits of denosumab in combination with nerve-sparing surgery for treatment of sacral giant cell tumours (GCTs). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with GCT who presented between January 2011 and July 2017. Intralesional curettage was performed and patients treated from 2015 to 2017 also received denosumab therapy. The patients were divided into three groups: Cohort 1: control group (n = 36); cohort 2: adjuvant denosumab group (n = 9); and cohort 3: neo- and adjuvant-denosumab group (n = 17). RESULTS: There were 68 patients within the study period. Six patients were lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up was 47.7 months (SD 23.2). Preoperative denosumab was found to reduce intraoperative haemorrhage and was associated with shorter operating time for tumour volume > 200 cm3. A total of 17 patients (27.4%) developed local recurrence. The locoregional control rate was 77.8% (7/9) and 87.5% (14/16) respectively for cohorts 2 and 3, in comparison to 66.7% (24/36) of the control group. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was significantly higher for adjuvant denosumab group versus those without adjuvant denosumab during the first two years: 100% vs 83.8% at one year and 95.0% vs 70.3% at two years. No significant difference was found for the three-year RFS rate. CONCLUSION: Preoperative denosumab therapy was found to reduce intraoperative haemorrhage and was associated with shorter operating times. Adjuvant denosumab was useful to prevent early recurrence during the first two years after surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):177-185.