Hepatocellular carcinoma and musculoskeletal system: A narrative literature review.

Musculoskeletal alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are less common than liver-related complications. However, they can significantly impact the quality of life and overall prognosis of patients with HCC. The main obstacle in the clinical assessment of HCC-induced musculoskeletal alterations is related to effective and timely diagnosis because these complications are often asymptomatic and unapparent during routine clinical evaluations. This narrative literature review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the contemporary literature related to the changes in the musculoskeletal system in patients with HCC, focusing on its clinical implications and underlying etiopathogenetic mechanisms. Osteolytic bone metastases are the most common skeletal alterations associated with HCC, which could be associated with an increased risk of low-trauma bone fracture. Moreover, previous studies reported that osteopenia, sarcopenia, and myosteatosis are associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with HCC. Even though low bone mineral density and sarcopenia are consistently reported as reliable predictors of pretransplantation and post-transplantation mortality in HCC patients, these complications are frequently overlooked in the clinical management of patients with HCC. Taken together, contemporary literature suggests that a multidisciplinary approach is essential for early recognition and clinical management of HCC-associated musculoskeletal alterations to improve patient prognosis. Further research into the mechanisms and treatment options for musculoskeletal complications is warranted to enhance our understanding and clinical management of this aspect of HCC.

Macrophage Mechano-Responsiveness Within Three-Dimensional Tissue Matrix upon Mechanotherapy-Associated Strains.

Mechano-rehabilitation, also known as mechanotherapy, represents the forefront of noninvasive treatment for musculoskeletal (MSK) tissue disorders, encompassing conditions affecting tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. Recent emphasis has underscored the significance of macrophage presence in the healing of MSK tissues. However, a considerable gap still exists in comprehending how mechanical strains associated with mechanotherapy impact both the naïve and pro-inflammatory macrophage phenotypes within the three-dimensional (3D) tissue matrix, as well as whether the shift in macrophage phenotype is contingent on the mechanical strains inherent to mechanotherapy. In this study, we delineated alterations in mechano-adaptation and polarization of both naive and M1 macrophages within 3D matrices, elucidating their response to varying degrees of mechanical strain exposure (3%, 6%, and 12%). To evaluate macrophage mechano-adaptation and mechano-sensitivity within 3D collagen matrices under mechanical loading, we employed structural techniques (scanning electron microscopy, histology), quantitative morphological measures for phenotypic assessment, and genotypic methods such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our data reveal that the response of macrophages to mechanical loading is not only contingent on their specific sub-phenotype but also varies with the amplitude of mechanical strain. Notably, although supra-mechanical loading (12% strain) was requisite to induce a phenotypic shift in naive (M0) macrophages, as little as 3% mechanical strain proved sufficient to prompt phenotypic alterations in pro-inflammatory (M1) macrophages. These findings pave the way for leveraging the macrophage mechanome in customized and targeted applications of mechanical strain within the mechano-therapeutic framework. Considering the prevalence of MSK tissue injuries and their profound societal and economic implications, the development of well-informed and effective clinical mechanotherapy modalities for MSK tissue healing becomes an imperative endeavor. Impact statement Mechanotherapy is a primary noninvasive treatment for musculoskeletal (MSK) tissue injuries, but the effect of mechanical strain on macrophage phenotypes is not fully understood. A recent study found that macrophage response to mechanical loading is both sub-phenotype specific and amplitude-dependent, with even small strains enough to induce phenotypic changes in pro-inflammatory macrophages. These findings could pave the way for using macrophage mechanome in targeted mechanotherapy applications for better MSK tissue healing.

Applications of Diffusion-Weighted MRI to the Musculoskeletal System.

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an established MRI technique that can investigate tissue microstructure at the scale of a few micrometers. Musculoskeletal tissues typically have a highly ordered structure to fulfill their functions and therefore represent an optimal application of DWI. Even more since disruption of tissue organization affects its biomechanical properties and may indicate irreversible damage. The application of DWI to the musculoskeletal system faces application-specific challenges on data acquisition including susceptibility effects, the low T2 relaxation time of most musculoskeletal tissues (2-70 msec) and the need for sub-millimetric resolution. Thus, musculoskeletal applications have been an area of development of new DWI methods. In this review, we provide an overview of the technical aspects of DWI acquisition including diffusion-weighting, MRI pulse sequences and different diffusion regimes to study tissue microstructure. For each tissue type (growth plate, articular cartilage, muscle, bone marrow, intervertebral discs, ligaments, tendons, menisci, and synovium), the rationale for the use of DWI and clinical studies in support of its use as a biomarker are presented. The review describes studies showing that DTI of the growth plate has predictive value for child growth and that DTI of articular cartilage has potential to predict the radiographic progression of joint damage in early stages of osteoarthritis. DTI has been used extensively in skeletal muscle where it has shown potential to detect microstructural and functional changes in a wide range of muscle pathologies. DWI of bone marrow showed to be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of benign and malignant acute vertebral fractures and bone metastases. DTI and diffusion kurtosis have been investigated as markers of early intervertebral disc degeneration and lower back pain. Finally, promising new applications of DTI to anterior cruciate ligament grafts and synovium are presented. The review ends with an overview of the use of DWI in clinical routine. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Dual-Energy Computed Tomography and Beyond: Musculoskeletal System.

Traditional monoenergetic computed tomography (CT) scans in musculoskeletal imaging provide excellent detail of bones but are limited in the evaluation of soft tissues. Dual-energy CT (DECT) overcomes many of the traditional limitations of CT and offers anatomical details previously seen only on MR imaging. In addition, DECT has benefits in the evaluation and characterization of arthropathies, bone marrow edema, and collagen applications in the evaluation of tendons, ligaments, and vertebral discs. There is current ongoing research in the application of DECT in arthrography and bone mineral density calculation.

Explaining Skeletal System Anatomy with Classical Method, Video Assisted Method and 3D Imaging Techniques and Comparison of Learning Levels Between Methods

SUMMARY: The aim of this research is to introduce the ideal lecture technique to the literature by explaining the anatomy of the skeletal system using the classical method, video-assisted method and 3D imaging techniques. The research was carried out with 180 students. The number of samples was determined by power analysis (a=0.05,b=0.20, effect size=0.25). Participants were pre-screened and divided into 4 groups with the closest group mean (group 1: control group: the group that did not take anatomy lessons, group 2: video-assisted anatomy education, group 3: 3D anatomy course, group 4: classical anatomy education group). The courses in the training groups were organised as 4 hours/day, 2 days/week for 5 weeks. At the end of the course, the students were re-examined and scaled to determine the difference in scores and self-efficacy between the groups. A one-way ANOVA test was performed because the data were normally distributed when comparing between groups. The mean scores were calculated as group 1=30.22±6.24, group 2=39.02±9.15, group 3=49.77±9.20 and group 4=59.28±8.95. In the post hoc comparison, in pairwise comparisons between all groups, the differences were highly significant (pgroup 3>group 2>group 1 (p<0.001). According to the results of this study, the laboratory method in skeletal anatomy teaching is the best alternative to 3D anatomy teaching.

El objetivo de esta investigación es introducir la técnica de lectura ideal en la literatura, explicando la anatomía del sistema esquelético, utilizando el método clásico, el método asistido por video y las técnicas de imágenes en 3D. La investigación se llevó a cabo con 180 estudiantes. El número de muestras se determinó mediante análisis de potencia (a=0,05, b=0,20, tamaño del efecto=0,25). Los participantes fueron preseleccionados y divididos en 4 grupos con la media de grupo más cercana (grupo 1: grupo de control: el grupo que no tomó lecciones de anatomía, grupo 2: educación de anatomía asistida por video, grupo 3: curso de anatomía 3D, grupo 4: grupo de educación en anatomía clásica). Los cursos en los grupos de formación se organizaron con 4 horas/día, 2 días/semana durante 5 semanas. Al final del curso, los estudiantes fueron reexaminados y escalados para determinar la diferencia en puntajes y autoeficacia entre los grupos. Se realizó una prueba de ANOVA de una vía debido a que los datos se distribuyeron normalmente al comparar entre grupos. Las puntuaciones medias se calcularon como grupo 1=30,22±6,24, grupo 2=39,02±9,15, grupo 3=49,77±9,20 y grupo 4=59,28±8,95. En la comparación post hoc, en comparaciones por pares entre todos los grupos, las diferencias fueron altamente significativas (pgrupo 3>grupo 2>grupo 1 (p<0,001). Según los resultados de este estudio, el método de laboratorio en la enseñanza de la anatomía esquelética es la mejor alternativa a la enseñanza de la anatomía en 3D.

[Stress injuries of bone in children and adolescents]. / Stressverletzungen des Knochens bei Kindern und Jugendlichen.

Stress injuries of bone in childhood and adolescence are the result of an imbalance between physical stress on the growing musculoskeletal system and its intrinsic resilience. Children who are very active in sports are particularly affected. The classical stress injuries mainly occur in the area of the lower leg, the metatarsus and the lower lumbar spine due to the disproportionate load on healthy bone; however, overuse syndromes can also occur in the area of the growth plates and possibly lead to growth plate disorders. The anamnesis usually shows stress-related pain that has existed for a long time without trauma. As part of the differential diagnosis, a stress injury must first be included in the considerations due to it being a rare entity. An X­ray examination can show the first signs of a stress reaction. In the event of a conspicuous periosteal reaction, a malignant event must also be considered. As a rule, the MRI examination is then groundbreaking and in some rare cases biopsies have to be considered. The treatment of stress injuries is usually conservative. Recurrences should be counteracted by exercise control.

Excellent Clinical Outcomes and Return to Dance of 6 Active, Professional Ballet Dancers Aged Younger Than 40 Years at Total Hip Arthroplasty Through Direct Anterior Approach With a Custom Stem: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical outcomes and return to dance after total hip arthroplasty (THA) by direct anterior approach (DAA) using custom stems in young, active, professional ballet dancers. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Tertiary. PATIENTS: Six active, professional ballet dancers younger than 40 years who intended to resume ballet after THA. INTERVENTIONS: Primary THA by muscle-sparing DAA using custom stems. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Return to dance, Oxford hip score (OHS), forgotten joint score (FJS), and satisfaction with surgery and pain using numeric rating scale (NRS). CTs were acquired 2 days after surgery to assess implant position. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 4 women and 2 men aged 15 to 39 years. At 2.5 to 5.1 years of follow-up, all patients returned to professional ballet dance. Time to return to dance was 3 to 4 months for 3 patients and 12 to 14 months for 3 patients. Clinical scores were excellent, except for FJS in 1 patient who had considerable pain at her spine and ipsilateral foot. All patients were satisfied with surgery (NRS = 10). There were no complications, reoperations, or revisions. CTs confirmed that stems and cups were correctly positioned. CONCLUSIONS: All 6 young, active, professional ballet dancers who underwent THA by muscle-sparing DAA using custom stems returned to professional ballet dance and were completely satisfied with surgery. At >2 years of follow-up, 5 patients had excellent clinical outcomes and reported their dancing level to be as expected or better, whereas 1 patient had a lower FJS and was unable to return to her expected dance level.

Full study of characteristics of morphological adaptations in response to chronic exercise across musculoskeletal tissues: a systematic review / Estudio completo de adaptaciones morfológicas en respuesta al ejercicio crónico en los tejidos osteomusculares: una revisión sistemática

León, F., Mestre. A., Priego, L., & Vera, J.C. (2023). Full study of Morphological adaptations in response to chronic exercise across musculoskeletal tissues: a systematic review. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 21(1), 1-21. To date, there is no systematic review that summarizes the morphological adaptations of the musculoskeletal system in response to chronic exercise. This systematic review selected original articles published in English between 2000 and 2020, with a clear exercise intervention and presenting a morphological change in the tissue under study, and covering human participants irrespective of age, gender or health condition. In total, 2819 records were identified. After removal of duplicates, title and abstract screening and full-text review, 67 records were included in the final analysis (6 for inter-vertebral disc, 6 for cartilage, 36 for bone, 2 for ligament, 9 for tendon and 7 for muscle). The most used interventions were aerobic, resistance, and plyometric exercise. Population ranged from children and healthy active people to individuals with a health condition. In conclusion, as a response to chronic exercise there are morphological adaptations in the tissues of the musculoskeletal system which vary from increased stiffness to an increase in cross-sectional area. Although tissues can adapt, several questions still linger, such as optimal dose and type of exercise, whether adaptations can occur in an injured tissue, and functional implications of these adaptations. Future research should address these questions.

León, F., Mestre. A., Priego, L. y Vera, J.C. (2023). Estudio complete de Adaptaciones morfológicas en respuesta al ejercicio crónico en los tejidos osteomusculares: una revisión sistemática. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 21(1), 1-21. Hasta la fecha, no existe una revisión sistemática que resuma las adaptaciones morfológicas del sistema osteomuscular en respuesta al ejercicio crónico. Esta revisión sistemática seleccionó artículos originales, con fecha de publicación de 2000 a 2020, idioma de publicación en inglés, con una clara intervención de ejercicio y que presentaron un cambio morfológico en el tejido estudiado. Participantes humanos independientemente de la edad, el género o condición de salud. Se identificaron 2819 registros. Después de eliminar los duplicados, la selección de títulos y resúmenes y la revisión de texto completo, se incluyeron 67 registros en el análisis final (6 para disco intervertebral, 6 para cartílago, 36 para hueso, 2 para ligamento, 9 para tendón y 7 para músculo). Los resultados destacan que las intervenciones más utilizadas fueron ejercicio aeróbico, contra resistencia y pliométrico. La población abarcó desde niños y personas sanas activas hasta personas con alguna condición de salud. Se concluye que como respuesta al ejercicio crónico existen adaptaciones morfológicas en los tejidos del sistema musculoesquelético, que pueden variar desde un aumento de rigidez hasta un aumento de área. Aunque los tejidos pueden adaptarse, aún quedan varias preguntas, como la dosis y tipo de ejercicio óptimo, si pueden ocurrir adaptaciones en un tejido lesionado y las implicaciones funcionales de estas adaptaciones. La investigación futura debe abordar estas preguntas.

León, F., Mestre. A., Priego, L. e Vera, J.C. (2023). Estudo completo de Adaptações morfológicas em resposta ao exercício crônico nos tecidos osteomusculares: uma revisão sistemática. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 21(1), 1-21. Até o momento, não há uma revisão sistemática que resuma as adaptações morfológicas do sistema osteomuscular em resposta ao exercício crônico. Esta revisão sistemática selecionou artigos originais, com data de publicação de 2000 a 2020, idioma de publicação em inglês, com clara intervenção de exercícios e que apresentaram alteração morfológica no tecido estudado. Participantes humanos, independentemente da idade, sexo ou condição de saúde. Foram identificados 2.819 registros. Após eliminar os artigos duplicados, triagem de título e resumo e revisão do texto completo, 67 registros foram incluídos na análise final (6 para disco intervertebral, 6 para cartilagem, 36 para osso, 2 para ligamento, 9 para tendão e 7 para músculo). Os resultados destacam que as intervenções mais utilizadas foram exercícios aeróbicos, resistidos e pliométricos. A população variou de crianças e pessoas saudáveis ativas a pessoas com alguma condição de saúde. Conclui-se que, em resposta ao exercício crônico, ocorrem adaptações morfológicas nos tecidos do sistema musculoesquelético, que podem variar desde um aumento de rigidez até um aumento de área. Embora os tecidos possam se adaptar, várias questões permanecem, como a dose ideal e o tipo de exercício, se adaptações podem ocorrer no tecido lesado e as implicações funcionais dessas adaptações. Pesquisas futuras devem abordar essas questões.

Morphological adaptations in response to chronic exercise across musculoskeletal tissues: a systematic review / Adaptaciones morfológicas en respuesta al ejercicio crónico en los tejidos osteomusculares: una revisión sistemática

León, F., Mestre. A., Priego, L., & Vera, J.C. (2023). Morphological adaptations in response to chronic exercise across musculoskeletal tissues: a systematic review. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 21(1), 1-28. To date, there is no systematic review that summarizes the morphological adaptations of the musculoskeletal system in response to chronic exercise. This systematic review selected original articles published in English between 2000 and 2020, with a clear exercise intervention and presenting a morphological change in the tissue under study, and covering human participants irrespective of age, gender or health condition. In total, 2819 records were identified. After removal of duplicates, title and abstract screening and full-text review, 67 records were included in the final analysis (6 for inter-vertebral disc, 6 for cartilage, 36 for bone, 2 for ligament, 9 for tendon and 7 for muscle). The most used interventions were aerobic, resistance, and plyometric exercise. Population ranged from children and healthy active people to individuals with a health condition. In conclusion, as a response to chronic exercise there are morphological adaptations in the tissues of the musculoskeletal system which vary from increased stiffness to an increase in cross-sectional area. Although tissues can adapt, several questions still linger, such as optimal dose and type of exercise, whether adaptations can occur in an injured tissue, and functional implications of these adaptations. Future research should address these questions.

León, F., Mestre. A., Priego, L. y Vera, J.C. (2023). Adaptaciones morfológicas en respuesta al ejercicio crónico en los tejidos osteomusculares: una revisión sistemática. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 21(1), 1-28. Hasta la fecha, no existe una revisión sistemática que resuma las adaptaciones morfológicas del sistema osteomuscular en respuesta al ejercicio crónico. Esta revisión sistemática seleccionó artículos originales, con fecha de publicación de 2000 a 2020, idioma de publicación en inglés, con una clara intervención de ejercicio y que presentaron un cambio morfológico en el tejido estudiado. Participantes humanos independientemente de la edad, el género o condición de salud. Se identificaron 2819 registros. Después de eliminar los duplicados, la selección de títulos y resúmenes y la revisión de texto completo, se incluyeron 67 registros en el análisis final (6 para disco intervertebral, 6 para cartílago, 36 para hueso, 2 para ligamento, 9 para tendón y 7 para músculo). Los resultados destacan que las intervenciones más utilizadas fueron ejercicio aeróbico, contra resistencia y pliométrico. La población abarcó desde niños y personas sanas activas hasta personas con alguna condición de salud. Se concluye que como respuesta al ejercicio crónico existen adaptaciones morfológicas en los tejidos del sistema musculoesquelético, que pueden variar desde un aumento de rigidez hasta un aumento de área. Aunque los tejidos pueden adaptarse, aún quedan varias preguntas, como la dosis y tipo de ejercicio óptimo, si pueden ocurrir adaptaciones en un tejido lesionado y las implicaciones funcionales de estas adaptaciones. La investigación futura debe abordar estas preguntas.

León, F., Mestre. A., Priego, L. e Vera, J.C. (2023). Adaptações morfológicas em resposta ao exercício crônico nos tecidos osteomusculares: uma revisão sistemática. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 21(1), 1-28. Até o momento, não há uma revisão sistemática que resuma as adaptações morfológicas do sistema osteomuscular em resposta ao exercício crônico. Esta revisão sistemática selecionou artigos originais, com data de publicação de 2000 a 2020, idioma de publicação em inglês, com clara intervenção de exercícios e que apresentaram alteração morfológica no tecido estudado. Participantes humanos, independentemente da idade, sexo ou condição de saúde. Foram identificados 2.819 registros. Após eliminar os artigos duplicados, triagem de título e resumo e revisão do texto completo, 67 registros foram incluídos na análise final (6 para disco intervertebral, 6 para cartilagem, 36 para osso, 2 para ligamento, 9 para tendão e 7 para músculo). Os resultados destacam que as intervenções mais utilizadas foram exercícios aeróbicos, resistidos e pliométricos. A população variou de crianças e pessoas saudáveis ativas a pessoas com alguma condição de saúde. Conclui-se que, em resposta ao exercício crônico, ocorrem adaptações morfológicas nos tecidos do sistema musculoesquelético, que podem variar desde um aumento de rigidez até um aumento de área. Embora os tecidos possam se adaptar, várias questões permanecem, como a dose ideal e o tipo de exercício, se adaptações podem ocorrer no tecido lesado e as implicações funcionais dessas adaptações. Pesquisas futuras devem abordar essas questões.

Deep vein thrombosis and validation of the Caprini risk assessment model in Chinese orthopaedic trauma patients: a multi-center retrospective cohort study enrolling 34,893 patients.

BACKGROUND: The risk of venous thromboembolism among orthopaedic trauma patients is high, but prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remains unknown. In addition, the Caprini risk assessment model (RAM) score in orthopaedic trauma patients is undetermined in previous research. This study is aimed to determine the incidence of DVT and then validate the Caprini RAM in orthopaedic trauma patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study enrolling orthopaedic trauma inpatients from seven tertiary and secondary hospitals during a 3-year period (from April 1, 2018 through April 30, 2021). Caprini RAM scores were assessed by experienced nurses on admission. The patients with suspected DVT were verified through duplex ultrasonography by qualified radiologists, and then prospectively followed once a year after discharge. RESULTS: In total, 34,893 patients were enrolled in our study. The Caprini RAM identified 45.7% of patients at low risk (Caprini score 0-2), 25.9% at medium risk (3-4), and 28.3% at high risk (5-6), highest risk (7-8), and superhigh risk (> 8). Patients with Caprini score > 5 were likely to be older, female, and with longer length of hospital stay. Moreover, 8695 patients had received ultrasonography to detect DVT. The prevalence of DVT was determined to be 19.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 18.2-19.9%], which significantly increased with Caprini score. The area under curve of the Caprini RAM for DVT was 0.77 (95% CI 0.76-0.78) with a threshold of 4.5. Furthermore, 6108 patients who had received ultrasonography completed the follow-up. DVT patients had a hazard ratio of 1.75 (95% CI 1.11-2.76; P = 0.005) in the mortality, compared to non-DVT ones. Caprini scores were significantly associated with increase in the mortality [odds ratio (OR) 1.14; 95% CI 1.07-1.21; P < 0.001]; DVT remained an independent effect (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.02-2.26; P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: The Caprini RAM may be valid in Chinese orthopaedic trauma patients. Prevalence of DVT and higher Caprini score were significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality among orthopaedic trauma patients after discharge. Further study is warranted to explore the causes of higher mortality in patients with DVT.

Thermoprotection of Neural Structures During Musculoskeletal Ablation.

Percutaneous thermal ablation is widely used for local control and palliation of a variety of lesions throughout the musculoskeletal system. In this setting, safe ablation is predicated on the avoidance of unintentional injury to vulnerable neural structures that are often in proximity to ablation targets. This article highlights key periprocedural considerations in musculoskeletal ablation and reviews the array of active and passive thermoprotective measures that are critical to safe and successful treatment.

Establishing a consensus on research priorities in orthopaedic trauma within South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Despite improvements in trauma-related morbidity and mortality in high-income countries over recent years, outcomes following MSK injuries in low- and middle-income countries, such as South Africa (SA), have not. Despite governmental recognition that this is required, funding and research into this significant health burden are limited within SA. This study aims to identify research priorities within MSK trauma care using a consensus-based approach amongst MSK healthcare practitioners within SA. METHOD: Members from the Orthopaedic Research Collaboration in Africa (ORCA), based in SA, collaborated using a two round modified Delphi technique to form a consensus on research priorities within orthopaedic trauma care. Members involved in the process were orthopaedic healthcare practitioners within SA. RESULTS: Participants from the ORCA network, working within SA, scored research priorities across two Delphi rounds from low to high priority. We have published the overall top 10 research priorities for this Delphi process. Questions were focused on two broad groups-clinical effectiveness in trauma care and general trauma public health care. Both groups were represented by the top two priorities, with the highest ranked question regarding the overall impact of trauma in SA and the second regarding the clinical treatment of open fractures. CONCLUSION: This study has defined research priorities within orthopaedic trauma in South Africa. Our vision is that by establishing consensus on these research priorities, policy and research funding will be directed into these areas. This should ultimately improve musculoskeletal trauma care across South Africa and its significant health and socioeconomic impacts.

The diagnostic accuracy of 332 incisional biopsies in patients with malignant tumors in the musculoskeletal system.

BACKGROUND: It is known that specimen collection followed by histopathological workup is the core of evidence-based medical therapy of musculoskeletal tumors. There exist many controversies about how a biopsy should be performed. While some centers recommend minimal invasive biopsy procedures, mostly the core needle biopsy (CNB), others prefer the incisional biopsy. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of incisional biopsy for malignant tumors in the musculoskeletal system. Moreover, advantages and disadvantages to other biopsy methods are discussed. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study about 844 incisional biopsies (benign and malignant) analysis the diagnostic accuracy of 332 malignant tumors, concerning the final histopathological result. In addition, surgical complications are analyzed to find the best way to plan and treat patients timely and correct. Secondary endpoints are the patients age, the pure operation time, as well as the type of tumor, and the subsequent therapy. RESULTS: In summary, incisional biopsy corresponded a sensitivity of 100% for malignancy in 844 incisional biopsies and a specificity of 97.6% in 332 malignant tumors, but it features greater operative expense (incision/suture 23.5 min) and the risk of general anesthesia. CONCLUSION: The method of biopsy should be tailored to the individual patient and the experience of the center performing the procedure.