Surgical treatment for pelvic bone metastatic disease from renal cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are challenging due to their destructive pattern, poor response to radiotherapy and hypervascularity. The purpose of our study was to review a series of patients undergoing surgical treatment with the aim to investigate: 1) survival; 2) local disease control; and 3) complications. METHODS: A series of 16 patients was reviewed. A curettage procedure was performed on 12 patients. In eight the lesion involved the acetabulum; a cemented hip arthroplasty with cage was performed in seven; a flail hip in one. Four patients received a resection; in two cases with acetabular involvement, reconstruction was performed with a custom-made prosthesis and with an allograft and prosthesis. RESULTS: Disease-specific survival accounted for 70% at 3 years and 41% at 5 years. Only one local tumor progression after curettage occurred. Revision surgery (flail hip) was necessary for deep infection of the custom-made prosthesis. CONCLUSION: A prolonged survival in patients affected by bone metastatic disease from RCC can justify also major surgical procedures. Due to a low local progression rate after intralesional procedures, curettage, cement and a total hip arthroplasty with cage, when feasible, should be considered as an alternative to more demanding surgeries like resections and reconstructions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE (OXFORD): Level 4.

Return to sports following lower limb musculoskeletal tumor surgery-A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Survivors of primary malignant musculoskeletal tumors often face long-term disability. Clinicians at present are unable to provide evidence-based advice about returning to sports, which is important for active patients. PURPOSES: Identify patients returning to sports. Describe the sporting activities in which patients participate. Identify the outcome measures used to assess return to sport. Identify barriers preventing return to sports. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify relevant studies combining the following concepts: (1) Bone/Soft tissue tumor, (2) Lower limb, (3) Surgical interventions, and (4) Sports. Studies were selected according to eligibility criteria with the consensus of three authors (MTB, FS, and CG). RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were selected, published between 1985 and 2020, including 1005 patients. Fifteen of the 22 studies had valid data on return to sports, with 705 participants, of which 412 (58.4%) returned to some form of sport such as swimming and cycling, at a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years. Four studies directly compared limb sparing surgery and amputation; none of these were able to identify a difference in sports participation or ability. CONCLUSION: There is insufficient published research to provide guidance for patients with respect to return to sports following musculoskeletal tumors. Future prospective studies are needed to collect better pre- and post-treatment data at multiple time intervals. Validated clinical and patient sports participation outcomes such as type of sports, level, frequency, and validated sports-specific outcome scores should be recorded. In particular, more comparison between limb sparing surgery and amputation would be welcome.

Qualitative versus automatic evaluation of CT perfusion parameters in acute posterior circulation ischaemic stroke.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy (ACC) in the detection of acute posterior circulation strokes between qualitative evaluation of software-generated colour maps and automatic assessment of CT perfusion (CTP) parameters. METHODS: Were retrospectively collected 50 patients suspected of acute posterior circulation stroke who underwent to CTP (GE "Lightspeed", 64 slices) within 24 h after symptom onset between January 2016 and December 2018. The Posterior circulation-Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) was used for quantifying the extent of ischaemic areas on non-contrast (NC)CT and colour-coded maps generated by CTP4 (GE) and RAPID (iSchemia View) software. Final pc-ASPECTS was calculated on follow-up NCCT and/or MRI (Philips Intera 3.0 T or Philips Achieva Ingenia 1.5 T). RAPID software also elaborated automatic quantitative mismatch maps. RESULTS: By qualitative evaluation of colour-coded maps, MTT-CTP4D and Tmax-RAPID showed the highest sensitivity (SE) (88.6% and 90.9%, respectively) and ACC (84% and 88%, respectively) compared with the other perfusion parameters (CBV, CBF). Baseline NCCT and CBF provided by RAPID quantitative perfusion mismatch maps had the lowest SE (29.6% and 6.8%, respectively) and ACC (38% and 18%, respectively). CBF and Tmax assessment provided by quantitative RAPID perfusion mismatch maps showed significant lower SE and ACC than qualitative evaluation. No significant differences were found between the pc-ASPECTSs assessed on colour-coded MTT and Tmax maps neither between the scores assessed on colour-coded CBV-CTP4D and CBF-RAPID maps. CONCLUSION: Qualitative analysis of colour-coded maps resulted more sensitive and accurate in the detection of ischaemic changes than automatic quantitative analysis.

Platelet Function Monitoring Performed after Carotid Stenting during Endovascular Stroke Treatment Predicts Outcome.

OBJECTIVES: Many studies showed that platelet reactivity testing can predict ischemic events after carotid stenting or ischemic stroke. The aim of our study was to assess the role of early platelet function monitoring in predicting 90-days functional outcome, stent thrombosis and hemorrhagic transformation in patients with ischemic stroke treated with endovascular procedures requiring emergent extracranial stenting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on consecutive patients with acute anterior circulation stroke admitted to our hospital between January 2015 and March 2020, in whom platelet reactivity testing was performed within 10 days from stenting. Patients were divided according to validated cutoffs in acetylsalicylic acid and Clopidogrel responders and not responders. Group comparison and regression analyses were performed to identify differences between groups and outcome predictors. RESULTS: We included in the final analysis 54 patients. Acetylsalicylic acid resistance was an independent predictor of poor 90 days outcome (OR for modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤ 2: 0.10 95% CI: 0.02 - 0.69) whereas Clopidogrel resistance was an independent predictor of good outcome (OR for mRS ≤ 2: 7.09 95%CI: 1.33 - 37.72). Acetylsalicylic acid resistance was also associated with increased 90-days mortality (OR: 18.42; 95% CI: 1.67 - 203.14). CONCLUSION: We found a significant association between resistance to acetylsalicylic acid and poor 90-days functional outcome and between resistance to Clopidogrel and good 90-days functional outcome. If confirmed, our results might improve pharmacological management after acute carotid stenting.

One-Step Reconstruction with Custom-made 3D-printed Scapular Prosthesis After Partial or Total Scapulectomy.

En bloc scapulectomy with covering muscles was historically considered the only procedure available for surgical treatment of bone and soft tissue tumors of the scapula. When possible, reconstruction with scapular allograft is the gold standard, and gives satisfactory functional, cosmetic, and oncological outcomes. While good results have recently been reported with 3D-printed prostheses for reconstruction of bone loss, there is little information available in the medical literature regarding scapula reconstruction with a 3D-printed prosthesis. Between 2016 and 2018, we performed four scapular resections (two total and two involving the superior 1/3) followed by reconstruction with a 3D-printed prosthesis made of a porous titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V, diameter between 100 and 400 mm), using computer-aided design (CAD) and patient-specific implants (PSI) with previously acquired CT-MR fusion images. At 2 years follow-up, the patients with partial scapulectomy had an MSTS score of 76%, no local or systemic recurrence, good clinical results and no pain. At 1 year 6 months follow-up, the patients with total scapulectomy had an MSTS score of 46%, no local or systemic recurrence, fair clinical results and no pain. Thus, custom-made 3D-printed prostheses appear to be valuable in orthopedic surgery. However, a larger cohort and longer-term analysis are needed to evaluate the scapular 3D-printed prosthesis as a reliable reconstruction technique.

Carbon/PEEK nails: a case-control study of 22 cases.

BACKGROUND: Interest around carbon/PEEK plates and nails has been raising. The elastic modulus close to the bone, the high load-carrying capacity and radiolucency make CFR/PEEK materials a potential breakthrough. In the literature, there are abundant data about CFR/PEEK plates in the treatment of proximal humerus, distal radius and distal fibula fractures. In patients affected by bone metastasis, CFR/PEEK nails were proved effective and safe with 12 months of follow-up. Very little is known about performances of CFR/PEEK nails in patients affected by other pathologies. PURPOSES: The aim of the study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of CFR/PEEK nails in the treatment of various pathological conditions. It was also investigated whatever radiolucency of this nails could lead to a more objective evaluation of bone callus or disease site. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the study group were included 20 patients (22 bone segments) who underwent CFR/PEEK nail implantation (eight humerus, one tibia, nine femur and four knee arthrodesis). They were affected by pathological fractures, and in four cases, they required an arthrodesis of the knee. They were retrospectively evaluated considering nail failures and bone callus or disease progression (RUSH scores). Mean follow-up time was 11 months (min 6.8-max 20.3). In the control group were included patients treated with titanium nails in the same institution for the same pathologies. An interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis was performed in both groups considering RUSH scores by two expert surgeon from two institution to assess whether radiolucency could lead to a more objective evaluation of disease or bone callus site. RESULTS: The ICC of mean values between RUSH scores was 0.882 (IC 95%: 0.702-0.953) in the CFR/PEEK group, while it was 0.778 (IC 95%: 0.41-0.91) in the titanium group. Observers' evaluation showed a significantly higher obscuration by titanium nails than by CFR/PEEK nails. No osteosynthesis failures were reported in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the safety of CFR/PEEK nails in the short-medium term. The radiolucency of these materials led our observers to perform more objective evaluations of bone callus formation or disease progression compared to the titanium group given the higher ICC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III Case-control therapeutic study.

LARS versus hamstring tendon autograft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a single-centre, single surgeon retrospective study with 8 years of follow-up.

PURPOSE: The choice of graft type in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains a subject of controversy. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes in ACL reconstructions performed using a four-strand hamstring tendon graft (4SHG) or a LARS ligament comparing the effectiveness of the two grafts at a medium follow-up of 8 years. METHODS: This retrospective, single-centre, single surgeon study evaluated the clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes in 50 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (25 4SHG and 25 LARS). Patients who underwent surgery after more than 6 months from injury and showed radiographically visible degenerative changes at time of surgery were excluded from the study. RESULTS: None of the patients underwent re-surgery in the same knee. The range of motion of the operated knee, compared to the contralateral, was good for both groups. The anterior drawer test resulted negative in 21 patients (84%) in the LARS group and eight patients (32%) in the 4SHG group (P = 0.039). The Lachman test was negative in 19 patients (76%) in the LARS group and in 11 patients (44%) in the 4SHG group (P = 0.045). Although other results of ACL reconstruction measured by Lysholm scores, IKDC evaluation, Tegner scores and radiographic images showed using a LARS graft tended to be superior to using a 4SHG, there were no statistically significant differences calculated. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that 4 years after ACL reconstruction using a LARS ligament or 4SHG dramatically improves the function outcome, while the patients in the LARS group displayed a higher knee stability than those in the 4SHG group.

Complex Fibular Head Avulsion Fracture: Surgical Management of a Case.

Fibular head avulsion fractures are rare injuries determined by traction of the fibular attachment of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Surgical treatment is often recommended with different techniques such as tension band fixation or lag screws stabilization. In this article, we describe a fixation technique of fibular head fractures obtained through the use of anchors. A 45-year-old athletic patient came to our attention in our traumatologic service after a motorcycle accident. He reported a complex injury of the posterolateral corner with an avulsion fracture of the left fibular head. We performed a clinical evaluation at the final follow-up visit (six months). We demonstrated that the use of suture anchors may be an effective technique of fixation in avulsion fracture of the fibular head associated with combined posterolateral corner injuries.

Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture Treated with Allograft: A Case Report.

In clinical practice, chronic Achilles tendon ruptures are uncommon. Usually, these lesions are discovered four to six weeks after injuries. More frequently, Achilles tendon ruptures are acute and treated with tendon sutures.1 Many surgical techniques are available to treat chronic lesions such as sutures or V-Y elongation with or without augments.2-3 Our case is about a chronic Achilles tendon rupture discovered two years after injury. Our patient came to our attention with a 6 cm tendon gap. We performed tendon repair with cadaver allograft. After four years of follow-up, our patient has a complete functional recovery and he can normally perform daily and working tasks without pain.

Percutaneous Hallux Valgus Correction: Modified Reverdin-Isham Osteotomy, Preliminary Results.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is a metatarsophalangeal joint deformity that can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Treatment is recommended for pain or severe deformities. Recently, operative percutaneous correction techniques have been performed to treat mild deformities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, single-surgeon, single-center study of 49 HV percutaneous correction using a modified Reverdin-Isham osteotomy was conducted. HV, intermetatarsal angle (IM), proximal articular set angles (PASA), and American foot and ankle functional score (AOFAS) were assessed pre- and postoperatively by a single operator. Statistical analysis was performed using a Wilcoxon rank test. Medium time of follow-up was 34 months. RESULTS: HV mean value decreased from a preoperative medium value of 35.18° to 14.3° postoperatively, IM mean value decreased from 15.5° to 8.7°, and PASA from 7.2° to 5.25°(p<0.001 for HV and IM, p<0.125 for PASA reduction). Postoperatively AOFAS medium score was 95. DISCUSSION: In our series, functional and clinical results of percutaneous osteotomy without osteosynthesis were comparable to other percutaneous and conventional techniques, both in clinical and radiological findings. High level of patient's satisfaction and improvement on pain-related symptoms are even better referred to traditional techniques. Modified Reverdin-Isham osteotomy technique differs from the others for translation of metatarsal head after osteotomy; we do not correct PASA angles, but we can obtain more HV and IM correction and include some severe HV. Our results suggest that translation of metatarsal head could give higher HV angle correction.

Fractures in bone tumour prosthesis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present narrative review is to report the different aspects related to the fractures around tumour prosthetic implants in terms of technical and medical issues. METHODS: A non systematic literature review on the topic was performed. RESULTS: Given the increased rate of limb salvage procedures and megaprostheses implanted for bone tumours, the increased number of osteoporotic periprosthetic fractures, and the burden of revision arthroplasty, the number of surgeries using endoprosthetic implants is likely to increase in the near future. Surgeons will face more frequently the complications related to tumour endoprosthetic implant. Endoprosthetic reconstruction has a higher risk of intra-operative and post-operative complications compared to conventional prosthetic replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Very rare reports and recommendations are available in literature regarding the treatment of periprosthetic fractures after megaprosthesis, and there is currently no consensus about which should be the standard management for periprosthetic fractures in this population of patients.

Electrical impedance measurements can identify red blood cell-rich content in acute ischemic stroke clots ex vivo associated with first-pass successful recanalization.

Background: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy can determine characteristics such as cell density, size, and shape. The development of an electrical impedance-based medical device to estimate acute ischemic stroke (AIS) clot characteristics could improve stroke patient outcomes by informing clinical decision making. Objectives: To assess how well electrical impedance combined with machine learning identified red blood cell (RBC)-rich composition of AIS clots ex vivo, which is associated with a successfully modified first-pass effect. Methods: A total of 253 clots from 231 patients who underwent thrombectomy in 5 hospitals in France, Japan, Serbia, and Spain between February 2021 and October 2023 were analyzed in the Clotbase International Registry. Electrical impedance measurements were taken following clot retrieval by thrombectomy, followed by Martius Scarlet Blue staining. The clot components were quantified via Orbit Image Analysis, and RBC percentages were correlated with the RBC estimations made by the electrical impedance machine learning model. Results: Quantification by Martius Scarlet Blue staining identified RBCs as the major component in clots (RBCs, 37.6%; white blood cells, 5.7%; fibrin, 25.5%; platelets/other, 30.3%; and collagen, 1%). The impedance-based RBC estimation correlated well with the RBC content determined by histology, with a slope of 0.9 and Spearman's correlation of r = 0.7. Clots removed in 1 pass were significantly richer in RBCs and clots with successful recanalization in 1 pass (modified first-pass effect) were richer in RBCs as assessed using histology and impedance signature. Conclusion: Electrical impedance estimations of RBC content in AIS clots are consistent with histologic findings and may have potential for clinically relevant parameters.

Clinical usefulness of proximal ulnar and radial fracture-dislocation comprehensive classification system (PURCCS): prospective study of 39 cases.

BACKGROUND: Complex fracture-dislocations of the proximal ulna and radius represent a challenge even for expert orthopaedic surgeons. A new comprehensive classification, the proximal ulnar and radial fracture-dislocation comprehensive classification system (PURCCS), was recently proposed. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical usefulness of this classification in a large series of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 38 patients (39 elbows) with a mean age of 56 years. All patients were classified with the PURCCS by use of standard radiography, computed tomography, and intraoperative fluoroscopy. Surgical treatment was performed according to the PURCCS therapeutic algorithm. Patients were followed up for a mean of 23 months. The clinical evaluation was performed with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Index (MEPS and MEPI); the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score; and the modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (m-ASES) score. RESULTS: Each pattern of fracture-dislocation in our series finds its position within the PURCCS. At the last follow-up, the mean MEPS, DASH score, and m-ASES score were 91.2, 14.9, and 83.9, respectively. The mean extension, flexion, pronation, and supination were 19°, 136°, 81°, and 79°, respectively. According to the MEPI, 72%, 20%, and 8% of cases were rated excellent, good, and fair, respectively. Two patients with elbow stiffness underwent a reoperation, with final satisfactory results. CONCLUSION: The PURCCS helps identify the main lesions of each injury pattern; the associated therapeutic algorithm helps select correct surgical strategies. This study showed that the clinical results were satisfactory in the majority of cases, with few major complications and reinterventions. The PURCCS is a comprehensive classification that may contribute to the surgical management of these difficult fracture-dislocations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series, treatment study.

Tumor size and surgical margins are important prognostic factors of synovial sarcoma - A retrospective study.

Background: Synovial Sarcoma (SS) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma. Mean time to get a SS diagnosis from the onset of symptoms is 10 years, furthermore, SS is associated with late metastasis. Surgery is the main treatment option, whose quality deeply affects SS outcomes, and it can be associated to preoperative or post-operative radiotherapy. Chemotherapy is considered very effective in Children, while in adults its efficacy is still under debate. The aim of this study was to investigate the oncologic results in SS treatment and to identify the risk factors for local and systemic control of the disease. Methods: From 1994 to 2018, 211 patients affected by SS were treated in 3 Referral Centres of Orthopaedic Oncology. One hundred seventy-seven patients were included in the study, the median follow-up length was 96 months (5-374). Results: Overall Survival on the Kaplan Meier Analyses was 80%, 70% and 56% at 5, 10 and 20 years. In multivariate analyses, OS correlated with tumour size and negative surgical margins. Chemotherapy use wasn't associated with better survival although patients who underwent CT had bigger and more aggressive tumours. Conclusions: Our findings suggests that surgery with negative margins is the most important factor in Synovial Sarcoma. Adjuvant treatments as chemotherapy and radiation therapy didn't change the disease's course.

Intracranial Stenosis Treated with Stenting in Patients with Suspected Cerebral Vasculitis: Two Case Reports.

Central nervous system vasculitis (CNSV) is an uncommon and poorly understood form of vasculitis. Early recognition is important because medical treatment might improve the outcome. However, randomized clinical trials on CNSV treatment do not exist. Endovascular treatment has been reported in few cases, but no data exist for intracranial stenting. We report 2 cases of patients with suspected CNSV and recurrent clinical episodes, treated with intracranial stenting. A 48-year-old man had relapsing episodes of right hemiparesis. Neuroradiological exams showed severe left carotid terminus stenosis. Despite immunosuppressive therapy, neuroradiological follow-up exams showed a worsening of the aforementioned stenosis with many transient episodes of weakness in the right limbs and aphasia. A 64-year-old woman had a sudden onset of dysarthria and transient aphasia. Neuroradiological exams showed a severe arterial stenosis involving the origin of left anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery (MCA). Despite dual antiplatelet therapy, she presented an acute onset of severe aphasia, due to an occlusion of the left carotid terminus and proximal MCA. In both cases, endovascular procedure and intracranial stenting was performed, with marked improvement of cerebral blood flow. No more clinical episodes were reported. Intracranial stenting may be a valid therapeutic option in selected patients with CNSV and involvement of medium or large size vessels with clinical worsening despite best medical treatment.

Prognostic criteria for postoperative mortality in 170 patients undergoing major right hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative hepatic failure is a dreadful complication after major hepatectomy and carries high morbidity and mortality rates. In this study, we assessed the accuracy of the 50/50 criteria (bilirubin >2.9 mg/dL and international normalized ratio >1.7 on postoperative day 5) and the Mullen criteria (bilirubin peak >7 mg/dL on postoperative days 1-7) in predicting death from hepatic failure in patients undergoing right hepatectomy only. In addition, we identified prognostic factors linked to intra-hospital morbidity and mortality in these patients. METHODS: One hundred seventy consecutive patients underwent major right hepatectomy at a tertiary medical center from 2000 to 2008. Nineteen (11.2%) patients suffered from liver cirrhosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of intra-hospital mortality, morbidity and death from hepatic failure. RESULTS: The intra-hospital mortality was 6.5% (11/170). Of the six patients who died from hepatic failure, one was positive for the 50/50 criteria, but all six patients were positive for the Mullen criteria. Multivariate analysis showed that male gender, hepatitis C (HCV), hepatocellular carcinoma, postoperative bilirubin >7 mg/dL and ALT<188 U/L on postoperative day 1 were predictive of death from hepatic failure in the postoperative period. Age >65 years, HCV, reoperation, and renal failure were significant predictors of overall intra-hospital mortality on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The Mullen criteria were more accurate than the 50/50 criteria in predicting death from hepatic failure in patients undergoing right hepatectomy. A bilirubin peak >7 mg/dL in the postoperative period, HCV positivity, hepatocellular carcinoma, and an ALT level <188 U/L on postoperative day 1 were associated with death from hepatic failure in our patient population.

Anatomical variations of the proximal radius and their effects on osteosynthesis.

PURPOSE: In fractures of the radial head and neck requiring open reduction and internal fixation, osteosynthesis may be safely applied in a limited zone. We conducted a morphometric study of the proximal radius at the level of the safe zone to identify different morphologic types of this anatomical region. METHODS: We analyzed 44 dried cadaveric radii. We measured the whole length of the radius, the length of the neck and head, and the minimum and maximum diameter of the radial head. The morphologic aspect of the neck-head curvature of the safe zone was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. RESULTS: The proximal radius at the level of the safe zone exhibited different radii of bending. In particular, we identified a morphologic type A, which showed a flat profile (25% of cases), morphologic types B and C, which showed a low concave curvature (64%), and a marked concave curvature (11%), respectively, of the safe zone. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of the proximal radius in the safe zone shows substantial morphologic variations that should be taken into account when operating on fractures of the proximal radius, to avoid malunions, pain, and stiffness of the elbow joint. A preoperative radiograph of the contralateral uninjured radius may be helpful in selecting the most appropriate internal fixation device to reconstruct the proximal radius after comminuted fractures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the proper bending radius of the safe zone allows the surgeon to select the most appropriate plate, and to achieve good fracture reduction and anatomical restoration of the proximal radius.

Open debridement and radiocapitellar replacement in primary and post-traumatic arthritis of the elbow: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Postmortem and clinical studies have shown an early and prevalent involvement of the radiohumeral joint in primary and secondary arthritis of the elbow. The lateral resurfacing elbow (LRE) prosthesis has recently been developed for the treatment of lateral elbow arthritis. However, few data have been published on LRE results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was designed to assess LRE preliminary results. There were 20 patients (average age, 55 years). Preoperative diagnosis were primary osteoarthritis in 11 and post-traumatic osteoarthritis in 9. All patients underwent open debridement and LRE prosthesis. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), modified American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons (m-ASES) elbow assessment, and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH). Mean follow-up was 22.6 months. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, the mean improvement of MEPS and m-ASES was 35 (P = .001) and 34 (P = .001) respectively; the average Quick DASH decreased by 29 (P = .001). Average range of motion was improved by 35° (P = .001). MEPI results were excellent in 12 patients, good in 2, and fair and poor in 3 each. Mild overstuffing was observed in 5 patients, and an implant malpositioning in 3. The implant survival rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: LRE showed promising results in this prospective investigation. Most patients had an uneventful postoperative course and have shown a painless elbow joint, with satisfactory functional recovery at short-term follow-up. Further studies with longer follow-up are warranted.

Impact of the unplanned excision on the oncological outcomes of patients with soft tissue sarcomas: a single-center retrospective review of 490 patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) compare the oncological results of patients who underwent re-excision after unplanned excision with those who underwent planned excision and (2) analyze the impact of local recurrences on oncological outcomes. METHODS: Patients with soft tissue sarcoma who had been treated in our center between 2000 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: Group PE (Planned excision; n=345) and group UE (Unplanned excision; n=145). Two groups were compared in terms of local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and overall survival (OS). Local recurrences effects over MFS and OS were also analyzed. RESULTS: There were 26 (17.9%) local recurrences in the UE group and 30 (8.7%) local recurrences in the PE group (P=0.005). There was no difference in MFS and OS between study groups (P=0.278 and P=0.848, respectively). Five years MFS rates of UE and PE groups were 76.4% and 73.6%, and five-year OS rates of UE and PE groups were 70.3% and 73.9%, respectively (P=0.417, P=0.656). Patients with local recurrence had a 1.96 times higher risk of metastasis than patients without local recurrence (P=0.008). Patients with local recurrence had 1.65 times higher risk of mortality than patients without local recurrence (P=0.047). CONCLUSION: Although local recurrence is much more common in the UE group, this outcome does not seem to affect MFS or OS. These results indicate that similar outcomes can be achieved if UE patients are referred and appropriately treated with wide re-resections. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic Study.

Endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal tibia for oncological conditions.

AIMS: The proximal tibia (PT) is the anatomical site most frequently affected by primary bone tumours after the distal femur. Reconstruction of the PT remains challenging because of the poor soft-tissue cover and the need to reconstruct the extensor mechanism. Reconstructive techniques include implantation of massive endoprosthesis (megaprosthesis), osteoarticular allografts (OAs), or allograft-prosthesis composites (APCs). METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of clinical data relating to patients who underwent proximal tibial arthroplasty in our regional bone tumour centre from 2010 to 2018. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Mean age at surgery was 43.2 years (12 to 86 (SD 21)). The mean follow-up period was 60.1 months (5.4 to 353). In total 21 failures were identified, giving an overall failure rate of 27.6%. Prosthesis survival at five years was 75.5%, and at ten years was 59%. At last follow-up, mean knee flexion was 89.8° (SD 36°) with a mean extensor lag of 18.1° (SD 24°). In univariate analysis, factors associated with better survival of the prosthesis were a malignant or metastatic cancer diagnosis (versus benign), with a five- and ten-year survival of 78.9% and 65.7% versus 37.5% (p = 0.045), while in-hospital length of stay longer than nine days was also associated with better prognosis with five- and ten-year survival rates at 84% and 84% versus 60% and 16% (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, only in-hospital length of stay was associated with longer survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08 to 0.66). CONCLUSION: We have shown that proximal tibial arthroplasty with endoprosthesis is a safe and reliable method for reconstruction in patients treated for orthopaedic oncological conditions. Either modular or custom implants in this series performed well.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(9):733-740.