Real-life effects of pharmacological osteoporosis treatments on bone mineral density by quantitative computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Monitoring of bone mineral density (BMD) is used to assess pharmacological osteoporosis therapy. This study examined the real-life effects of antiresorptive and osteoanabolic treatments on volumetric BMD (vBMD) of the spine by quantitative computed tomography (QCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aged ≥ 50 years with a vBMD < 120 mg/ml had ≥ 2 QCT. For analysis of therapy effects, the pharmacological treatment and the duration of each therapy were considered. Identical vertebrae were evaluated in all vBMD measurements for each patient. A linear mixed model with random intercepts was used to estimate the effects of pharmacological treatments on vBMD. RESULTS: A total of 1145 vBMD measurements from 402 patients were analyzed. Considering potential confounders such as sex, age, and prior treatment, a reduction in trabecular vBMD was estimated for oral bisphosphonates (- 1.01 mg/ml per year; p < 0.001), intravenous bisphosphonates (- 0.93 mg/ml per year; p = 0.015) and drug holiday (- 1.58 mg/ml per year; p < 0.001). Teriparatide was estimated to increase trabecular vBMD by 4.27 mg/ml per year (p = 0.018). Patients receiving denosumab showed a statistically non-significant decrease in trabecular vBMD (- 0.44 mg/ml per year; p = 0.099). Compared to non-treated patients, pharmacological therapy had positive effects on trabecular vBMD (1.35 mg/ml; p = 0.001, 1.43 mg/ml; p = 0.004, 1.91 mg/ml; p < 0.001, and 6.63 mg/ml; p < 0.001 per year for oral bisphosphonates, intravenous bisphosphonates, denosumab, and teriparatide, respectively). CONCLUSION: An increase in trabecular vBMD by QCT was not detected with antiresorptive agents. Patients treated with teriparatide showed increasing trabecular vBMD. Non-treatment led to a larger decrease in trabecular vBMD than pharmacological therapy.

Distances and angles in standing long-leg radiographs: comparing conventional radiography, digital radiography, and EOS.

OBJECTIVE: Distances and angles measured from long-leg radiographs (LLR) are important for surgical decision-making. However, projectional radiography suffers from distortion, potentially generating differences between measurement and true anatomical dimension. These phenomena are not uniform between conventional radiography (CR) digital radiography (DR) and fan-beam technology (EOS). We aimed to identify differences between these modalities in an experimental setup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hemiskeleton was stabilized using an external fixator in neutral, valgus and varus knee alignment. Ten images were acquired for each alignment and each modality: one CR setup, two different DR systems, and an EOS. A total of 1680 measurements were acquired and analyzed. RESULTS: We observed great differences for dimensions and angles between the 4 modalities. Femoral head diameter measurements varied in the range of > 5 mm depending on the modality, with EOS being the closest to the true anatomical dimension. With functional leg length, a difference of 8.7% was observed between CR and EOS and with the EOS system being precise in the vertical dimension on physical-technical grounds, this demonstrates significant projectional magnification with CR-LLR. The horizontal distance between the medial malleoli varied by 20 mm between CR and DR, equating to 21% of the mean. CONCLUSIONS: Projectional distortion resulting in variations approaching 21% of the mean indicate, that our confidence on measurements from standing LLR may not be justified. It appears likely that among the tested equipment, EOS-generated images are closest to the true anatomical situation most of the time.

Impact of Dynamic Contrast Enhanced and Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging on Detection of Early Local Recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of residual or recurrent tumor in soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) is a differential diagnostic challenge since post-therapeutic changes impede diagnosis. PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to detect local recurrence of STS of the limb. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: A totalof 64 consecutive patients with primary STS of the limbs were prospectively included 3-6 months after surgery between January 2016 and July 2021. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 1.5 T; axial DWI echo-planar imaging sequences and DCE-MRI using a 3D T1-weighted spoiled gradient-echo sequence. ASSESSMENT: The quantitative DCE-MRI parameters relative plasma flow (rPF) and relative mean transit time (rMTT) were calculated and ADC mapping was used to quantify diffusion restriction. Regions of interest of tumor growth and postoperative changes were drawn in consensus by two experts for diffusion and perfusion analysis. An additional morphological assessment was done by three independent and blinded radiologists. STATISTICAL TEST: Unpaired t-test, ROC-analysis, and a logistic regression model were applied. Interobserver reliability was calculated using Fleiss kappa statistics. A P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients turned out to have local recurrence. rPF was significantly higher in cases of local recurrence when compared to cases without local recurrence (61.1-4.5) while rMTT was slightly and significantly lower in local recurrence. ROC-analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95 (SEM ± 0.05) for rPF while a three-factor multivariate logistic regression model showed a high diagnostic accuracy of rPF (R2  = 0.71). Compared with morphological assessment, rPF had a distinct higher specificity and true positive value in detection of LR. DATA CONCLUSION: DCE-MRI is a promising additional method to differentiate local recurrence from benign postoperative changes in STS of the limb. Especially specificity in detection of LR is increased compared to morphological assessment. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Hematopoietic islands mimicking osteoblastic metastases within the axial skeleton.

BACKGROUND: Hyperplasia of the hematopoietic bone marrow in the appendicular skeleton is common. In contrast, focal hematopoietic islands within the axial skeleton are a rare entity and can confuse with osteoblastic metastases. This study aimed to characterize typical MRI and CT findings of hematopoietic islands in distinction from osteoblastic metastases to help both radiologists and clinicians, on the one hand, not to overdiagnose this entity and, on the other hand, to decide on a reasonable work-up. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the imaging findings of 14 hematopoietic islands of the axial skeleton in ten patients (nine females, median age = 65.5 years [range, 49-74]) who received both MRI and CT at initial diagnosis between 2006 and 2020. CT-guided biopsy was performed in five cases to confirm the diagnosis, while the other five patients received long-term MRI follow-up (median follow-up = 28 months [range, 6-96 months]). Diffusion-weighted imaging was available in three, chemical shift imaging respectively 18F- fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT in two, and Technetium 99 m skeletal scintigraphy in one of the patients. RESULTS: All lesions were small (mean size = 1.72 cm2) and showed moderate hypointense signals on T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences. They appeared isointense to slightly hyperintense on STIR images and slightly enhanced after gadolinium administration. To differentiate this entity from osteoblastic metastases, CT provides important additional information, as hematopoietic islands do not show sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: Hematopoietic islands within the axial skeleton can occur and mimic osteoblastic metastases. However, the combination of MRI and CT allows for making the correct diagnosis in most cases.

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI) versus whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) for myeloma imaging and staging.

Myeloma-associated bone disease (MBD) develops in about 80-90% of patients and severely affects their quality of life, as it accounts for the majority of mortality and morbidity. Imaging in multiple myeloma (MM) and MBD is of utmost importance in order to detect bone and bone marrow lesions as well as extraosseous soft-tissue masses and complications before the initiation of treatment. It is required for determination of the stage of disease and aids in the assessment of treatment response. Whole-body low-dose computed tomography (WBLDCT) is the key modality to establish the initial diagnosis of MM and is now recommended as reference standard procedure for the detection of lytic destruction in MBD. In contrast, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI) has higher sensitivity for the detection of focal and diffuse plasma cell infiltration patterns of the bone marrow and identifies them prior to osteolytic destruction. It is recommended for the evaluation of spinal and vertebral lesions, while functional, diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI-MRI) is a promising tool for the assessment of treatment response. This review addresses the current improvements and limitations of WBCT and WBMRI for diagnosis and staging in MM, underlining the fact that both modalities offer complementary information. It further summarizes the corresponding radiological findings and novel technological aspects of both modalities.

MR imaging detection of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: impact of intravenous contrast administration and reader's experience on diagnostic performance.

OBJECTIVE: Correct identification of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (ACS) has an important impact on adequate therapy. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of intravenous contrast administration and of reader's experience on sensitivity and specificity of MRI in diagnosing ACS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 patients were included in a retrospective study: 60 subjects with at least 4 of 5 clinical signs of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder and 120 patients with other shoulder diseases who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI. In a first session, only non-enhanced images and in a second session also contrast-enhanced (CE) series were independently evaluated by three radiologists with various levels of professional experience. Readers were blinded to all clinical information and had to rate the shoulder MRIs for absence or presence of adhesive capsulitis. Data analysis included McNemar's test, t test, and U test (p < .05). RESULTS: Using non-enhanced MRI, readers achieved a mean sensitivity of 63.9% and a mean specificity of 86.4%. By additional use of CE sequences, the mean sensitivity (85.5%) and the sensitivity for each reader increased significantly (p = .046, p < .01, p < .001, p = .045) while the improvement in mean specificity was not significant. Reader's experience had a positive effect on sensitivity and specificity, which was in part but not consistently significant. CONCLUSION: The addition of CE sequences can significantly increase the sensitivity of MRI in the diagnosis of ACS. Reader's experience has shown to be another important factor for the diagnostic outcome.

Functional results after oncological scapula resections.

INTRODUCTION: Tumors of the scapula are rare representing only 1.6%-2.8% of all skeletal tumor localizations. Wide resection of these tumors is often necessary, and their anatomic location is the most decisive factor for the extent of the resection. Because of the importance of the shoulder girdle for all daily activities, such resections can have major functional consequences. However, only few reports with small numbers of cases are found in the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 31 consecutive patients with scapular tumors treated surgically for aggressive benign or malignant tumors of the scapula. Patients who had received curettage only were excluded. Four of these 31 patients were lost to follow-up. In 7 of the remaining 27 patients, a total scapulectomy had to be performed, whereas all others received a partial resection. In 1 case, a partial resection and replantation after irradiation was performed. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Scoring System (MSTS) and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) scores were evaluated postoperatively at the time of their follow-up. RESULTS: In 16 men and 11 women, the median age was 46.2 years and the tumor entities were heterogeneous. The median follow-up time was 71 months. Three patients died during follow-up due to their tumor and 1 due to cardiac disease. We found significantly better functional results in the group with incomplete scapula resections as opposed to the scapulectomy group. We did not see a significant functional difference between the patients with benign and those with malignant lesions. Both the MSTS score with median 83.3% (range between 23% and 100%) and the TESS score with 81.6% (ranging from 20.4% to 100%) were at a satisfactory level. The preservation of the supraspinatus muscle was shown to be advantageous for better shoulder function, and younger patients also tended to have better postoperative results. CONCLUSION: The resection of scapular tumors may lead to a significant functional disability of the shoulder girdle and the affected arm in many cases. However, this is represented neither in the MSTS or TESS score nor in the overall acceptance of the patients. Only 1 patient, an artisan, had to change his job. In total, the clinical results are quite good in short- and long-term follow-up. The score results were comparable to other studies.

[Radiological diagnosis of multiple myeloma : Role of imaging and the current S3 guideline]. / Radiologische Diagnostik des multiplen Myeloms : Rolle der Bildgebungsverfahren und aktuelle S3-Leitlinie.

CLINICAL ISSUE: Multiple myeloma is a clonal B­lymphocyte neoplasm of terminally differentiated plasma cells and accounts for approximately 10% of all hematologic malignancies. Reduction of bone mass, seen on computed tomography (CT) as focal osteolysis, or general osteopenia is mainly caused by tumor-induced resorption of bone. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Imaging methods are used in multiple myeloma to record the extent of various dimensions of the disease manifestations (damage to bone substance, bone marrow infiltration, extramedullary involvement) and the disease course. The aim of this review article is to summarize and outline the recommendations of the S3 guideline "Diagnostics, therapy and follow-up care for patients with monoclonal gammopathy of unclear significance (MGUS) or multiple myeloma" in terms of radiographic imaging. APPRAISAL AND PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: The use of the conventional X­ray skeletal status (Paris scheme) is obsolete. When a patient with symptomatic multiple myeloma is initially diagnosed, a whole-body CT should be performed to determine the extent of skeletal damage. The S3 guideline also regards CT as the first imaging modality in relapse and progression.

Is the EOS imaging system as accurate as conventional radiography in grading osteoarthritis of the knee?

OBJECTIVES: The EOS imaging system allows for the acquirement of long-leg radiographic images in a standing position without stitching artifacts or projection bias and at a comparatively low-radiation-dose exposure. The aim of our study was to compare the accuracy of EOS images of the lower limb to conventional radiographs (CR) of the knee in a.p. view for the grading of osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: One hundred forty-two patients who had undergone EOS of the lower limb and radiography of the knee on the same day were included. For the grading of OA, the Kellgren and Lawrence score (KL) score and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) system were used. Additionally, the joint space was measured and compared between the two techniques. EOS images were compared to conventional anteroposterior radiographs of the knee which constitute the gold standard. RESULTS: Measurements of the joint space showed very good intra-class correlation. The calculated weighted kappa for the KL score of EOS versus CR was excellent. The comparison of the different parameters of the OARSI score showed superb weighted kappa scores between 0.9 and 0.96 (α < 0.001) for the parameters osteophytes and joint space narrowing. The parameter deformity showed a good agreement between EOS and radiographs (sensitivity 93.6%; specificity 100%). For the sclerosis parameter, an overall sensitivity of 71.3% and a specificity of 99.3% were calculated. CONCLUSIONS: The grading of OA using the KL score as well as the quantitative assessment of joint space width can be performed on EOS images in a.p. view as reliably as on CR. Subchondral sclerosis of the lateral and medial femur condyle or tibia is sometimes not as evident on EOS images. KEY POINTS: • Grading of OA may be performed as reliably with EOS images in a.p. view as with conventional radiographs in a.p. view. • EOS can be safely used for primary assessment of osteoarthritis of the knee. • In the preoperative setting for knee replacement surgery, conventional radiographs in two or three planes of the knee should still be acquired in addition to long-leg EOS images.

Technique and results after immediate orthotopic replantation of extracorporeally irradiated tumor bone autografts with and without fibular augmentation in extremity tumors.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the skeletal defects resulting from the resection of bone tumors remains a considerable challenge and one of the possibilities is the orthotopic replantation of the irradiated bone autograft. One technical option with this technique is the addition of a vital autologous fibular graft, with or without microvascular anastomosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical results of the treatment of our patient cohort with a specific view to the role of fibular augmentation. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with 22 reconstructions were included. In all cases, the bone tumor was resected with wide margins and in 21 of them irradiated with 300 Gy. In the first case, thermal sterilization in an autoclave was used. The autograft was orthotopically replanted and stabilized with plates and screws. Fifteen patients underwent an additional fibular augmentation, 8 of which received microvascular anastomoses or, alternatively, a locally pedicled fibular interposition. RESULTS: the most common diagnosis was a Ewing sarcoma (8 cases) and the most common location was the femur (12 cases). The mean follow-up time was 70 months (16-154 months). For our statistical analysis, the one case with autoclave sterilization and 3 patients with tumors in small bones were excluded. During follow-up of 18 cases, 55.6% of patients underwent an average of 1.56 revision surgeries. Complete bony integration of the irradiated autografts was achieved in 88.9% of cases after 13.6 months on average. In those cases with successful reintegration, the autograft was shorter (n.s.). Microvascular anastomosis in vascularized fibular strut grafts did not significantly influence the rate of pseudarthrosis. CONCLUSIONS: the replantation of extracorporeally irradiated bone autografts is an established method for the reconstruction of bone defects after tumor resection. Our rate of complications is comparable to those of other studies and with other methods of bone reconstruction (e.g. prosthesis). In our opinion, this method is especially well suited for younger patients with extraarticular bone tumors that allow for joint preservation. However, these patients should be ready to accept longer treatment periods.

Effect of the defect localization and size on the success of third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee joint.

INTRODUCTION: Femoral and patellar cartilage defects with a defect size > 2.5 cm2 are a potential indication for an autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). However, the influence of the localization and the absolute and relative defect size on the clinical outcome has not yet been determined. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of the localization and the absolute and relative defect size on the clinical outcome after third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with cartilage defects of the knee were treated with third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (Novocart® 3D). A match paired analysis was performed of 25 treated femoral and 25 treated patella defects with a follow-up of three years. MRI data was used to do the manual segmentation of the cartilage layer throughout the knee joint. The defect size was determined by taking the defect size measured in the MRI in relation to the whole cartilage area. The clinical outcome was measured by the IKDC score and VAS pre-operatively and after six, 12, 24, and 36 months post-operatively. RESULTS: IKDC and VAS scores showed a significant improvement from the baseline in both groups. Femoral cartilage defects showed significantly superior clinical results in the analyzed scores compared to patellar defects. The femoral group improved IKDC from 33.9 (SD 18.1) pre-operatively to 71.5 (SD 17.4) after three years and the VAS from 6.9 (SD 2.9) pre-operatively to 2.4 (SD 2.5) after three years. In the patellar group, IKDC improved from 36.1 (SD 12.6) pre-operatively to 54.7 (SD 20.3) after three years and the VAS improved from 6.7 (SD 2.8) pre-operatively to 3.4 (SD 2.) after three years. Regarding the defect size, results showed that the same absolute defect size at med FC (4.8, range 2-15) and patella (4.6, range 2-12) has a significantly different share of the total cartilaginous size of the joint compartment (med FC: 6.7, range 1.2-13.9; pat: 18.9, range 4.0-47.0). However, there was no significant influence of the relative defect size on the clinical outcome in either patellar or femoral localization. CONCLUSION: Third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation in ACI-treated femoral cartilage defects leads to a superior clinical outcome in a follow-up of three years compared with patellar defects. No significant influence of the defect size was found in either femoral or patellar cartilage defects.

Tumor load in patients with multiple myeloma: ß2-microglobulin levels versus low-dose whole-body CT.

OBJECTIVE: Beta-2-microglobulin is a serum marker of tumor burden in multiple myeloma (MM). Our aim was to correlate serum ß2-microglobulin levels in patients with MM to tumor burden determined by low-dose whole-body CT (LDWBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 52 patients with newly diagnosed, untreated MM who underwent LDWBCT were included. LDWBCT scans were assessed by two musculoskeletal radiologists in consensus for focal lesions. The Durie and Salmon PLUS staging system was used for staging patients in stages I-III. ß2-microglobulin was also subdivided into stages I-III on the basis of the multiple myeloma International Staging System (ISS). RESULTS: Using the Durie and Salmon PLUS staging system criteria for image evaluation, we were able to identify stage I MM in 17 patients, stage II MM in nine patients, and stage III MM in 26 patients. Eight of nine patients with stage II MM and 16 of 26 patients with stage III MM had normal ß2-microglobulin levels. Thus, 24 of 35 patients (68.6%) had 5 or more focal lesions and false-negative ß2-microglobulin levels. CONCLUSION: Serum ß2-microglobulin levels alone may not indicate the full extent of tumor burden in a significant subset of myeloma patients.

Patient-Reported and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Outcomes of Third-Generation Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation After 10 Years.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) for the treatment of focal cartilage defects of the knee. METHODS: Data capture was carried out between 2004 and 2018. Included were patients with cartilage defects of the knee joint with an International Cartilage Repair Society grade of III or higher treated with third-generation ACI who had a minimum follow-up period of 10 years. International Knee Documentation Committee scores and assessment of pain at rest and on movement using visual analog scale scores were captured preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively, as well as annually thereafter. In addition, we performed magnetic resonance imaging examinations in 13 cases after 10 years. The MOCART (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) score was used to evaluate the ACI cartilage. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 30 reached the 10-year follow-up point and were included in this assessment. At 10 years postoperatively, all clinical outcome parameters showed a statistically significant improvement compared with the preoperative situation, with a responder rate of 70%. The average MOCART (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) score after 10 years was 59.2 points (range, 20-100 points), and over 60% of the evaluated patients showed good integration of the implant at 10 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and radiologic findings of this study show that third-generation ACI is a suitable and effective option in the treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee. At 10 years after surgery, third-generation ACI shows stable results and leads to significant improvement in all clinical outcome parameters. Despite these results, revision surgery after third-generation ACI is common and was needed in 23% of patients in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation after failed bone marrow stimulation leads to inferior clinical results.

PURPOSE: Third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is an established and frequently used method and successful method for the treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects in the knee. There are also an increasing number of patients with autologous chondrocyte implantation as a second-line therapy that is used after failed bone marrow stimulation in the patient's history. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of previous bone marrow stimulation on subsequent autologous chondrocyte implantation therapy. In this study, the clinical results after the matrix-based autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee in a follow-up over 3 years postoperatively were analysed. METHODS: Forty patients were included in this study. A total of 20 patients with cartilage defects of the knee were treated with third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (Novocart® 3D) as first-line therapy. The mean defect size was 5.4 cm2 (SD 2.6). IKDC subjective score and VAS were used for clinical evaluation after 6, 12, 24 and 36 months postoperatively. The results of these patients were compared with 20 matched patients with autologous chondrocyte implantation as second-line therapy. Matched pair analysis was performed by numbers of treated defects, defect location, defect size, gender, age and BMI. RESULTS: Both the first-line (Group I) and second-line group (Group II) showed significantly better clinical results in IKDC score and VAS score in the follow-up over 3 years compared with the preoperative findings. In addition, Group I showed significantly better results in the IKDC and VAS during the whole postoperative follow-up after 6, 12, 24 and 36 months compared to Group II with second-line autologous chondrocyte implantation (IKDC 6 months p = 0.015, 1 year p = 0.001, 2 years p = 0.001, 3 years p = 0.011). Additionally, we found a lower failure rate in Group I. No revision surgery was performed in Group I. The failure rate in the second-line Group II was 30%. CONCLUSION: This study showed that third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation is a suitable method for the treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects. Both, Group I and Group II showed significant improvement in our follow-up. However, in comparing the results of the two groups, autologous chondrocyte implantation after failed bone marrow stimulation leads to worse clinical results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Survival and prognostic factors in conventional G1 chondrosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Chondrosarcoma is the second most frequent malignant bone tumor. Grade I chondrosarcoma (syn.: atypical cartilaginous tumor) is classified as an intermediately and locally aggressive neoplasm and typically is treated less aggressively (i.e., by intralesional curettage). Does the data regarding local recurrence (LR) and metastatic disease justify this? METHODS: From 1982 to 2014, 37 consecutive patients with G1 chondrosarcoma had been resected or curetted. The margin was defined as R0 (wide resection) or R1 (marginal resection). All patients were followed for evidence of local recurrence or metastatic disease. Overall and recurrence-free survival were calculated, and various potentially prognostic factors were evaluated. RESULTS: In 23 patients (62%), the tumor was widely (R0) resected, whereas in 14 patients, (38%) the resection was marginal (R1). Overall survival was 97% after 5 years, 92% after 10 years, and 67% after 20 years. Five-year local recurrence-free survival was 96%. Ten-year local recurrence-free survival was 83%. Local recurrence-free survival showed a significant correlation to margin status but no correlation to location or age. None of the patients with local recurrence died during the follow-up. One patient had metastatic disease at initial presentation, and a further five patients developed metastatic disease during follow-up. Metastatic disease proofed to be a highly significant factor for survival but was not correlated to local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant correlation between the outcome and the primary tumor location. Marginal resection was a risk factor for LR, but there was no significant difference in the overall survival in patients with or without LR. Metastatic disease (16%) was more common than expected from the literature and a significant predictor for poor overall survival.

Aneurysmal bone cyst: results of an off label treatment with Denosumab.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) has evolved and less invasive methods have been tried. Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody which inhibits osteoclasts. It has been shown to be effective in giant cell tumour of bone (GCT) of bone and hence promises some effect also in ABC. We report on 6 patients treated with Denosumab and compare our results to the cases already published. METHODS: Data of 6 patients with ABCs and patients whose treatment included Denosumab were retrospectively analyzed. Denosumab was used at a dose of 120 mg on days 1, 8, 15 and 29, and every 4 weeks thereafter. In some of these patients the dose was reduced at the end of the treatment. Clinical and radiological responses were evaluated. RESULTS: In 4 female and 2 male patients with a mean age of 17 years (range: 6-30 years) the lesions were located in the sacrum (2), in distal radius, distal femur, talus and pelvis. One of the sacral lesions healed after 12 months and has stayed stable for 3 years since. The second patient received 2 years of therapy with recalcification, but recurred 1 year later and is under renewed therapy. The pelvic lesion improved but recurred. This patient has a 13-years history of intermittent therapy including surgery, two pregnancies and remains in a stable situation. The lesion of the talus did not improve with Denosumab after surgery and was complicated by destruction of the ankle joint with osteoarthritis. Recurrent lesions of the distal femur and the distal radius, previously treated by curettage and bone grafting healed under Denosumab and have remained stable for 2 and 3 years, respectively. One case of severe hypercalcemia was observed in a 7-year old child 6 months after discontinuation of Denosumab. CONCLUSION: Denosumab provides a treatment option for ABCs in anatomically critical locations. Adjuvant application might reduce the rate of local recurrence. In young patients, severe rebound hypercalcemia months after discontinuation of Denosumab may occur.

The effects of radiosynoviorthesis in pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee.

INTRODUCTION: Tenosynovial giant-cell tumor also known as pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVS) is a benign but aggressive synovial proliferative disease most often affecting the knee joint. The mainstay of therapy is surgical resection. Due to a high rate of local recurrence, radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) is used as an adjuvant method in many cases. The aim of this study was to compare local recurrence (LR) rates after surgical synovectomy with and without adjuvant RSO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1996 to 2014, 37 surgical interventions were performed in 32 patients with diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee. All patients underwent open synovectomy. Adjuvant radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) was applied in 26 cases, the control group consists of 11 cases without RSO. RESULTS: 9 (24%) lesions recurred within a median of 19 months after surgery. Of those 9 recurrences, 3 (17%) were seen in primary disease, 6 (32%) in already recurring cases (n.s.). In 26 RSO treated patients 6 (23%) recurred, in 11 patients of the control group, 3 (27%) recurred (n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: RSO is effective in PVS as also shown in some smaller reports in the literature. But surgery is still the mainstay of therapy. RSO is not a method of compensating for an insufficient surgical approach, but it may reduce the high rate of LR in patients with large and even recurrent diffuse forms of the disease.

Lowering the recurrence rate in pigmented villonodular synovitis: A series of 120 resections.

OBJECTIVES: Tenosynovial giant-cell tumour or pigmented villonodular synovitis is an aggressive synovial proliferative disease, with the knee joint being the most commonly affected joint. The mainstay of therapy is surgical resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main patient characteristics, treatment and outcomes in a large single-centre retrospective study, focusing on meticulous aggressive open surgical procedures. METHODS: From 1996 through 2014, 122 surgical interventions were performed in 105 patients. All patients underwent open synovectomy and when the knee joint was affected, combined anterior and posterior synovectomy. Radiotherapy was applied in 2 patients, radiosynoviorthesis in 27 patients. RESULTS: In histopathology, the diffuse type was seen in 66 (54%) lesions. Two patients were lost during follow-up. At a median follow-up time of 71 months (range: 13-238), 22 (18%) lesions recurred within a median of 18 months, >90% in the first 3 years. Out of those 22 recurrences, 9 (11%) were seen in primary disease and 13 (34%) were a second recurrence. After renewed resection, 6 (5%) out of the 120 resections had persistent tumour at the end of follow-up. Based on the number of patients with complete follow-up (n = 103), this represents 5.8%. CONCLUSION: In diffuse-type pigmented villonodular synovitis, total synovectomy might be difficult to achieve. As shown in our results and also in the literature, meticulous open resection, especially in difficult to approach areas such as the popliteal space, reduces local recurrence rates. External beam radiation is an option in prevention of otherwise non-operable local recurrences or in non-operable disease.

Myxoid liposarcoma: local relapse and metastatic pattern in 43 patients.

BACKGROUND: Liposarcomas are the second most common type of soft tissue sarcomas, 30-50% of these are of myxoid subtype. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the local control rate, the metastatic pattern and survival of patients in a consecutive single-institution series. METHODS: From 1983 to 2015, 43 patients with myxoid liposarcoma of the extremities and trunk wall underwent resections. The margin was defined as R0 (wide) or R1 (marginal). Patients were followed for evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis. Overall and recurrence-free survival was calculated. RESULTS: The mean age was 48.6 years. The lower extremity was involved in 40 cases, the mean tumour size was 12 cm. In 31 cases a wide and in 12 cases a marginal resection was performed. Grading was G1 in 14, G2 in 25 and G3 in 4 cases. Nine patient died in follow-up, 4 of them with metastatic disease, all nonpulmonary. 5-year local recurrence (LR) free survival was 82%. 4 (9.3%) patients developed LR (all R1). Overall survival (OS) was 81% after 5 and 72% after 10 years. In multivariate analysis age and Grading proved to be significant on OS. According to univariate analysis, only age over 48 years and distant metastasis had a significant impact on overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with myxoid liposarcomas have a good prognosis. Myxoid liposarcoma has a distinct pattern of nonpulmonary metastatic disease. Therefore, patients with high-risk extremity myxoid liposarcoma should undergo imaging studies of the chest, abdomen, spine and pelvis as part of their staging and follow-up examinations preferably with whole body MRI, or CT scans and MRI of the spine and pelvic region for detection of suspected metastatic disease.

Survival and prognostic factors in conventional central chondrosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Chondrosarcoma is the second most frequent primary malignant bone tumor. Treatment is mainly based on surgery. In general, wide resection is advocated at least in G2 and G3 tumors. But which margins should be achieved? Does localization as for example in the pelvis have a higher impact on survival than surgical margins themselves? METHODS: From 1982 to 2014, 87 consecutive patients were treated by resection. The margin was defined as R0 (wide resection), R1 (marginal resection) or, R2 if the tumor was left intentionally. All patients were followed for evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis. Overall and recurrence-free survival were calculated, significance analysis was performed. RESULTS: In 54 (62%) cases a R0 resection, in 31 (36%) a R1 and in 2 (2%) patients a R2-resection was achieved. Histology proved to be G1 in 37 patients (43%), G2 in 41 (47%) and G3 in 9 cases (10%). 5-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) was 75%. Local recurrence-free survival showed a significant association with the margin status and the localization of the tumor with pelvic lesions doing worst. Metastatic disease was initially seen in 4 patients (4.6%), 19 others developed metastatic disease during follow-up. Overall survival of the entire group at 5 and 10 years were 79 and 75%, respectively. The quality of surgical margins and the presence of local recurrence did not influence overall survival in a multivariate analysis. Pelvic lesions had a worse prognosis as did higher grades of the tumor, metastatic disease and age. CONCLUSIONS: The mainstay of therapy in Chondrosarcoma remains surgery. Risk factors as grading, metastatic disease, age and location significantly influence overall survival. Margin status (R0 vs. R1) did influence local recurrence-free survival but not overall survival. Chondrosarcomas of the pelvis have a higher risk of local recurrence and should be treated more aggressively.