Trauma center rehabilitation systems in Latin America.

Trauma is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide with high rates of disability in survivors. With improvements in care, rehabilitation of the trauma patient is a cornerstone to reducing sequelae. A lack of well-established hospital rehabilitation units and standardized protocols for managing posttraumatic injuries is a common problem in Latin American countries. Future studies should seek to understand the barriers and gaps in care so that consensus and ultimately best practice guidelines can be developed and included in rehabilitation programs throughout trauma centers in Latin America.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR BRAZILIAN ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS.

Objective: To report on the experience and impressions of the Brazilian orthopedic trauma surgeons attending the Leadership Development Program (LDP) hosted by the Sociedade Brasileira do Trauma Ortopédico (SBTO) in Sao Paulo, Brazil on November 4, 2022. Methods: Forty-eight orthopedic trauma surgeons from five different regions throughout Brazil were provided a link to complete The Big Five Test, a validated online personality assessment. The questionnaire was available in Portuguese and was intended to provide a background on individual personality traits and their influence on interpersonal interactions. The LDP integrated content from literature reviews specific to Latin America, established leadership programs from leading business schools, and various subject matter experts. Prior to the start of the LDP, participants received a pre-course survey evaluating demographic information, a needs assessment, and the prioritization of leadership topics utilizing a 5-point Likert-scale. Attendees participated in the one-day, interactive LDP focusing on the fundamental principles of leadership development, communication, personal development, emotional intelligence and negotiation. Following the LDP, a post-course evaluation was administered to determine the participants' overall experience, and suggestions for LDP improvement. Results: Forty-one of the forty-eight course participants completed the pre-course evaluation, whereas forty-six of the forty-eight participants completed the post-course evaluations. Overwhelmingly, the lack of opportunity was most prevalently reported as the main obstacle to attending a leadership course, as cited by 56% of respondents. Conclusion: Expanding the accessibility, diversity, and customizability of leadership programs can facilitate the development of personal tools needed to move healthcare forward. Critical topics include emotional intelligence and other differentiating leadership qualities that distinguish true transformational and servant leaders. Advancing leadership skills can stimulate networking, expose learners to experiential learning styles, inspire others to create positive change, and engender creative solutions for systematic improvements and health outcomes. Level of Evidence III; Individual Case-Control Studies.

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência e as impressões de cirurgiões de trauma ortopédico brasileiros participantes do Programa de Desenvolvimento de Liderança (PDL), organizado pela Sociedade Brasileira do Trauma Ortopédico (SBTO), em São Paulo, Brasil, em 4 de novembro de 2022. Métodos: Quarenta e oito cirurgiões de trauma ortopédico de cinco regiões diferentes do Brasil receberam um link para preencher o The Big Five Test, uma avaliação de personalidade on-line validada. O questionário estava disponível em português e pretendia fornecer informações básicas sobre traços de personalidade individuais e sua influência nas interações interpessoais. O PDL integrou conteúdo de análises de literatura específicas da América Latina, e programas de liderança estabelecidos pelas principais escolas de negócios e por vários especialistas no assunto. Antes do início do PDL, os participantes receberam uma pesquisa pré-curso solicitando informações demográficas, uma avaliação de necessidades e a priorização de tópicos de liderança utilizando uma escala Likert de 5 pontos. Os participantes participaram do PDL interativo de um dia com foco nos princípios fundamentais de desenvolvimento de liderança, comunicação, desenvolvimento pessoal, inteligência emocional e negociação. Após o PDL, foi realizada uma avaliação pós-curso para determinar a experiência geral dos participantes e sugestões para melhoria do PDL. Resultados: Quarenta e um dos quarenta e oito participantes do curso concluíram a avaliação pré-curso, enquanto quarenta e seis dos quarenta e oito participantes concluíram a avaliação pós-curso. A falta de oportunidade foi relatada com maior prevalência como o principal obstáculo para frequentar um curso de liderança, conforme citado por 56% dos entrevistados. Conclusão: Expandir a acessibilidade, a diversidade e a personalização dos programas de liderança podem facilitar o desenvolvimento de ferramentas pessoais necessárias para fazer avançar os cuidados de saúde. Os tópicos críticos incluem inteligência emocional e outras qualidades de liderança diferenciadas, que distinguem verdadeiros líderes transformacionais e servidores O avanço das competências de liderança pode estimular o networking, expor os alunos a estilos de aprendizagem experiencial, inspirar outros a criar mudanças positivas e gerar soluções criativas para melhorias sistemáticas dos resultados na saúde. Nível de Evidência III; Estudos de caso-controle individuais.

ROLE OF INCISIONAL VACUUM THERAPY IN ENDOPROSTHETIC BONE RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY.

Reconstructive surgery with endoprostheses is the chosen method for treating bone malignancies. Postoperative infections are frequent complications, and their treatment involves prolonged hospital stays and antibiotic therapy. Among the advancements aimed at reducing the rate of postoperative infection, the use of incisional negative pressure therapy (iNPT) has shown promising results, with no reports in the literature regarding its use in patients with such conditions. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of iNPT in reducing postoperative complications in surgeries for resection of bone tumors associated with modular endoprosthesis reconstruction. Methods: Retrospective case series of 16 patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma, who underwent resection and reconstruction with endoprosthesis associated with iNPT during the postoperative period. Follow-up was performed for a period of six months, and the evaluated outcomes were the incidence of postoperative infection and complications of the surgical wound. Results: The use of iNPT for a postoperative period of seven days resulted in only three (18.7%) cases of postoperative infection. No cases of wound dehiscence, seroma formation, or hematoma at the surgical site were observed. Conclusion: The rate of surgical wound complications in our case series is lower than that reported in most of the literature, and iNPT appears to be an efficient way to reduce the rate of local complications in reconstructive surgeries with endoprosthesis after resection of bone malignancies. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

A cirurgia reconstrutiva com endopróteses é o método escolhido no tratamento de malignidades ósseas. As infecções pós-operatórias são complicações frequentes, e seu tratamento envolve internações e antibioticoterapia prolongadas. Entre os avanços que visam reduzir a taxa de infecção pós-operatória, o uso da terapia com pressão negativa incisional (TPNi) vem mostrando resultados promissores, não havendo relatos na literatura de seu emprego em pacientes com tal quadro. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da TPNi em reduzir complicações pós-operatórias em cirurgias de ressecção de tumores ósseos associadas à reconstrução com endopróteses modulares. Métodos: Série de casos retrospectiva de 16 pacientes diagnosticados com osteossarcoma, submetidos à ressecção e reconstrução com endoprótese associada à TPNi durante o pós-operatório. Foi realizado seguimento por um período de seis meses e os desfechos avaliados foram incidência de infecção pós-operatória e complicações da ferida operatória. Resultados: O uso da TPNi por um período pós-operatório de sete dias resultou em apenas três (18,7%) casos de infecção pós-operatória. Não foram observados casos em que ocorreu deiscência da ferida operatória, formação de seromas ou hematomas no sítio cirúrgico. Conclusão: A taxa de complicações de ferida operatória em nossa série de casos é menor que a da maior parte da literatura, e a TPNi parece ser uma forma eficiente de reduzir a taxa de complicações locais em cirurgias reconstrutivas com endoprótese após ressecção de malignidades ósseas. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.

Intramedullary Steinmann pin nailing of the ulna: an option for the damage control orthopedics treatment of forearm fractures in open injuries in polytraumatized patients - A description of the technique and presentation of a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Forearm shaft fracture is common in young adult patients and associated with soft tissue and organ injuries. In open fractures in polytrauma patients, damage control orthopaedics (DCO) is well indicated. The aim of this study is to describe intramedullary Steinmann pin fixation of the ulna as a DCO procedure for the forearm and present a case series. DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNIQUE: A 3.0 mm Steinmann pin is inserted retrograde in the ulna proximal fragment through the fracture site using the open wound as the approach. With direct visualization of the reduction, the pin is advanced into the distal fragment. The reduction of the longitudinal axis and shortening is thus achieved. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This method was used for all open fractures of forearm both-bone fractures in polytrauma patients undergoing DCO from 2014 to 2019. The alignment and length of the ulna were evaluated radiographically after pin fixation and before and after definitive fixation. Differences in the need for secondary procedures and infection rate between DCO and definitive fixation were also evaluated. RESULTS: There were 30 males (85.7%) with an average age of 32.9 ± 12.0 years and a mean ISS (Injury Severity Score) of 29.4 (range, 18.0-41.0). The most common associated injuries were thoracic trauma (62.8%) and head trauma (45.7%). In the radius and ulna, 51.4% and 60.0% of fractures, respectively, were multifragmentary (types B and C). Gustilo type IIIA represented 77.1% of the injuries. Pin fixation achieved good alignment and length in all cases. The mean time between DCO and definitive fixation was 12.0 days, and no secondary procedure was needed, nor any case developed either superficial or deep infection. The conversion from DCO to definitive fixation was considered easy in all cases. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary Steinmann pin fixation of the ulna is a viable option for DCO for forearm both-bone fractures in open fractures in polytrauma patients.

PRIMARY LEIOMYOSARCOMA OF BONE: CLINICOPATHOLOGIC AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS ANALYSIS IN A SINGLE INSTITUTION.

OBJECTIVE: Primary leiomyosarcoma of bone (PLB) is a rare type of malignant bone tumor considered as a variant of the spindle cell sarcomas (SCS). The objective of this study was to analyze the clinicopathologic and the prognostic factors of patients with PLB treated at a single institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 22 patients with pathologically confirmed PLB. The data collected were: age, sex, tumor size and location, grade and stage of the disease and histopathologic features. Mean age was 45.5 years (range, 17 to 73 y). Location was: upper limb (27.3%), lower limb (68.2%) and pelvis (4.5%). Patients had high grade in 90.9% of the reports. Margins were negative in 77.3% of the cases. Histological reports describe spindly sarcomatous cells arranged in fascicles with increased vascular formation without osteoid or chondroid matrix production. On immunohistochemistry, smooth muscle actin and desmin where positive in all cases. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 73.5 months (range, 5.3 to 331.1 m). We found 22.7% of local recurrence (LR). Distant metastasis (DM) was reported in 9 (40.9%) patients. Lung metastasis was the only DM affected site. Overall survival (OS) rate in 5 years was 59.1%. Predictors of OS were LR and DM. CONCLUSIONS: PLB is an extremely rare malignant bone tumor that has a higher rate of DM and similar OS prognosis compared with other bone sarcomas. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

OBJETIVOS: O leiomiossarcoma primário do osso (LPO) é um tumor ósseo maligno raro, considerado uma variante do sarcoma de células fusiformes (SCF). O objetivo deste estudo foi fazer uma análise clínico-patológica e dos fatores de prognóstico dos pacientes diagnosticados com LPO tratados em uma instituição única. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de 22 pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado de LPO. Os dados coletados foram: idade, sexo, tamanho e localização do tumor, grau histológico, estádio da doença e as características histopatológicas. A média de idade foi 45,5 anos (de 17 a 73 a). A localização foi: membro superior (27,3%), membro inferior (68,2%) e pelve (4,5%). Os pacientes apresentaram alto grau em 90,9% dos relatos. As margens foram livres em 77,3% dos casos. Os relatos histológicos descrevem células sarcomatosas finas e compridas, arranjadas em fascículos, com aumento da vascularização e sem produção de matriz osteoide ou condral. No estudo imuno-histoquímico, a actina do músculo liso e a desmina foram positivas em todos os casos. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio de seguimento foi 73,5 meses (de 5,3 a 331,1 m). Dos pacientes, 22,7% apresentaram recorrência local (RL). Metástase à distância (MD) foi reportada em 9 (40,9%) pacientes. O único local de MD foi o pulmão. O tempo médio de sobrevida em 5 anos foi de 59,1%. Os fatores preditivos de sobrevida global foram: RL e MD. CONCLUSÃO: O LPO é um tumor ósseo maligno extremamente raro que tem uma taxa maior de MD, com uma sobrevida global similar aos outros sarcomas ósseos. Nível de Evidencia IV, Série de Casos.

Leadership development training for brazilian orthopedic surgeons / Treinamento de desenvolvimento de liderança para cirurgiões ortopédicos brasileiros

ABSTRACT Objective: To report on the experience and impressions of the Brazilian orthopedic trauma surgeons attending the Leadership Development Program (LDP) hosted by the Sociedade Brasileira do Trauma Ortopédico (SBTO) in Sao Paulo, Brazil on November 4, 2022. Methods: Forty-eight orthopedic trauma surgeons from five different regions throughout Brazil were provided a link to complete The Big Five Test, a validated online personality assessment. The questionnaire was available in Portuguese and was intended to provide a background on individual personality traits and their influence on interpersonal interactions. The LDP integrated content from literature reviews specific to Latin America, established leadership programs from leading business schools, and various subject matter experts. Prior to the start of the LDP, participants received a pre-course survey evaluating demographic information, a needs assessment, and the prioritization of leadership topics utilizing a 5-point Likert-scale. Attendees participated in the one-day, interactive LDP focusing on the fundamental principles of leadership development, communication, personal development, emotional intelligence and negotiation. Following the LDP, a post-course evaluation was administered to determine the participants' overall experience, and suggestions for LDP improvement. Results: Forty-one of the forty-eight course participants completed the pre-course evaluation, whereas forty-six of the forty-eight participants completed the post-course evaluations. Overwhelmingly, the lack of opportunity was most prevalently reported as the main obstacle to attending a leadership course, as cited by 56% of respondents. Conclusion: Expanding the accessibility, diversity, and customizability of leadership programs can facilitate the development of personal tools needed to move healthcare forward. Critical topics include emotional intelligence and other differentiating leadership qualities that distinguish true transformational and servant leaders. Advancing leadership skills can stimulate networking, expose learners to experiential learning styles, inspire others to create positive change, and engender creative solutions for systematic improvements and health outcomes. Level of Evidence III; Individual Case-Control Studies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar a experiência e as impressões de cirurgiões de trauma ortopédico brasileiros participantes do Programa de Desenvolvimento de Liderança (PDL), organizado pela Sociedade Brasileira do Trauma Ortopédico (SBTO), em São Paulo, Brasil, em 4 de novembro de 2022. Métodos: Quarenta e oito cirurgiões de trauma ortopédico de cinco regiões diferentes do Brasil receberam um link para preencher o The Big Five Test, uma avaliação de personalidade on-line validada. O questionário estava disponível em português e pretendia fornecer informações básicas sobre traços de personalidade individuais e sua influência nas interações interpessoais. O PDL integrou conteúdo de análises de literatura específicas da América Latina, e programas de liderança estabelecidos pelas principais escolas de negócios e por vários especialistas no assunto. Antes do início do PDL, os participantes receberam uma pesquisa pré-curso solicitando informações demográficas, uma avaliação de necessidades e a priorização de tópicos de liderança utilizando uma escala Likert de 5 pontos. Os participantes participaram do PDL interativo de um dia com foco nos princípios fundamentais de desenvolvimento de liderança, comunicação, desenvolvimento pessoal, inteligência emocional e negociação. Após o PDL, foi realizada uma avaliação pós-curso para determinar a experiência geral dos participantes e sugestões para melhoria do PDL. Resultados: Quarenta e um dos quarenta e oito participantes do curso concluíram a avaliação pré-curso, enquanto quarenta e seis dos quarenta e oito participantes concluíram a avaliação pós-curso. A falta de oportunidade foi relatada com maior prevalência como o principal obstáculo para frequentar um curso de liderança, conforme citado por 56% dos entrevistados. Conclusão: Expandir a acessibilidade, a diversidade e a personalização dos programas de liderança podem facilitar o desenvolvimento de ferramentas pessoais necessárias para fazer avançar os cuidados de saúde. Os tópicos críticos incluem inteligência emocional e outras qualidades de liderança diferenciadas, que distinguem verdadeiros líderes transformacionais e servidores O avanço das competências de liderança pode estimular o networking, expor os alunos a estilos de aprendizagem experiencial, inspirar outros a criar mudanças positivas e gerar soluções criativas para melhorias sistemáticas dos resultados na saúde. Nível de Evidência III; Estudos de caso-controle individuais.

Prognostic factors and expression of MDM2 in patients with primary extremity liposarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate MDM2 (murine double minute 2) protein expression and evaluate its relationship with some anatomical and pathological aspects, aiming also to identify prognostic factors concerning local recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival in patients with primary liposarcomas of the extremities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 50 patients with primary liposarcomas of the extremities admitted to a Reference Service, between 1968 and 2004, 25 were enrolled in the study, following eligibility and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The adverse factors that influenced the risk for local recurrence in the univariant analysis included male sex (P = 0.023), pleomorphic histological subtype (P = 0.027), and high histological grade (P = 0.007). Concerning metastasis-free survival, age less than 50 years (P = 0.040), male sex (P = 0.040), pleomorphic subtype (P < 0.001), and high histological grade (P = 0.003) had a worse prognosis. Adverse factors for overall survival were age under 50 years (P = 0.040), male sex (P = 0.040), pleomorphic subtype (P < 0.001), and high histological grade (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: There was no correlation between immunohistochemically observed MDM2 protein expressions and the anatomical and pathological variables studied. The immunohistochemical expression of MDM2 protein was not considered to have a prognostic value for any of the surviving patients in this study (local recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival, or overall survival). The immunoexpression of MDM2 protein was a frequent event in the different subtypes of liposarcomas.

PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH APPENDICULAR MYXOFIBROSARCOMA.

OBJECTIVE: Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a common soft tissue sarcoma (STS) that affects the extremities in elderly patients. The objective was to analyze the prognostic factors and outcomes of patients with MFS treated at a single institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 75 patients with MFS. We compared age, sex, tumor size and location, grade and stage of the disease. Median age was 49.7 years (range, 1 to 88 y). LOCATION: upper extremity (25.4%), lower extremity (66.6%) and pelvis (8%). Patients had high-grade tumors in 46.7% of the reports. Margins were negative in 76% of the cases. Bivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine associations between clinical and treatment factors with local recurrence (LR). RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 30.7 months (range, 1.8 to 383.8 m). We found 26.7% of LR. Distant metastasis (DM) was reported in 27 (36%) patients. Lung was the most common site of DM, reported in 92.6% of patients. Overall survival (OS) with metastasis was 21.2 months (range, 4.8 to 114.8 m). Predictors of OS were grade, LR (hazard ratio [HR] 5.13, 95% confidence interval, 2.15-12.24, P <0.001), and DM (HR 540.97, 95% confidence interval, 5.04-58112.03, P< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor grade, LR, positive margins and DM were significant predictors of poor OS prognosis. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

OBJETIVOS: O mixofibrossarcoma (MFS) é um sarcoma de partes moles (SPM) frequente em idosos, que afeta os membros. O objetivo foi analisar os fatores prognósticos e os desfechos dos pacientes diagnosticados com MFS em uma única instituição. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados retrospectivamente prontuários de 75 pacientes com MFS. Comparamos idade, sexo, tamanho e localização do tumor, grau histológico e o estádio da doença. A media da idade foi 49,7 anos (faixa de 1 a 88 anos). A LOCALIZAÇÃO FOI: membro superior (25,4%), membro inferior (66,6%) e pelve (8%). Dos tumores, 46,7% foram de alto grau. As margens foram negativas em 76%. A análise de regressão de Cox bivariada foi usada para determinar as associações entre os fatores clínicos e de tratamento com a recorrência local (RL). RESULTADOS: A media do acompanhamento foi 30,7 meses (faixa de 1,8 a 383,8 meses) e 26,7% dos pacientes tiveram RL. Metástases a distância (MD) foram relatadas em 27 (36%) pacientes. O local mais comum de MD foi o pulmão (92,6%). A sobrevida geral (SG) com metástase foi 21,2 meses (faixa de 4,8 a 114,8 meses). Os fatores preditivos de SG foram grau, RL (razão de probabilidades [HR] 5,13, intervalo de confiança de 95%, 2,15-12,24, P < 0,001) e MD (HR 540,97, intervalo de confiança de 95%, 5,04-58.112,03, P < 0.001). CONCLUSÕES: Grau histológico do tumor, margens comprometidas, RL e MD foram fatores preditivos de pior prognóstico da SG. Nível de Evidencia IV, Série de Casos.

Role of incisional vacuum therapy in endoprosthetic bone reconstruction surgery / Papel da terapia a vácuo incisional em cirurgia de reconstrução óssea com endoprótese

ABSTRACT Reconstructive surgery with endoprostheses is the chosen method for treating bone malignancies. Postoperative infections are frequent complications, and their treatment involves prolonged hospital stays and antibiotic therapy. Among the advancements aimed at reducing the rate of postoperative infection, the use of incisional negative pressure therapy (iNPT) has shown promising results, with no reports in the literature regarding its use in patients with such conditions. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of iNPT in reducing postoperative complications in surgeries for resection of bone tumors associated with modular endoprosthesis reconstruction. Methods: Retrospective case series of 16 patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma, who underwent resection and reconstruction with endoprosthesis associated with iNPT during the postoperative period. Follow-up was performed for a period of six months, and the evaluated outcomes were the incidence of postoperative infection and complications of the surgical wound. Results: The use of iNPT for a postoperative period of seven days resulted in only three (18.7%) cases of postoperative infection. No cases of wound dehiscence, seroma formation, or hematoma at the surgical site were observed. Conclusion: The rate of surgical wound complications in our case series is lower than that reported in most of the literature, and iNPT appears to be an efficient way to reduce the rate of local complications in reconstructive surgeries with endoprosthesis after resection of bone malignancies. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

RESUMO A cirurgia reconstrutiva com endopróteses é o método escolhido no tratamento de malignidades ósseas. As infecções pós-operatórias são complicações frequentes, e seu tratamento envolve internações e antibioticoterapia prolongadas. Entre os avanços que visam reduzir a taxa de infecção pós-operatória, o uso da terapia com pressão negativa incisional (TPNi) vem mostrando resultados promissores, não havendo relatos na literatura de seu emprego em pacientes com tal quadro. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da TPNi em reduzir complicações pós-operatórias em cirurgias de ressecção de tumores ósseos associadas à reconstrução com endopróteses modulares. Métodos: Série de casos retrospectiva de 16 pacientes diagnosticados com osteossarcoma, submetidos à ressecção e reconstrução com endoprótese associada à TPNi durante o pós-operatório. Foi realizado seguimento por um período de seis meses e os desfechos avaliados foram incidência de infecção pós-operatória e complicações da ferida operatória. Resultados: O uso da TPNi por um período pós-operatório de sete dias resultou em apenas três (18,7%) casos de infecção pós-operatória. Não foram observados casos em que ocorreu deiscência da ferida operatória, formação de seromas ou hematomas no sítio cirúrgico. Conclusão: A taxa de complicações de ferida operatória em nossa série de casos é menor que a da maior parte da literatura, e a TPNi parece ser uma forma eficiente de reduzir a taxa de complicações locais em cirurgias reconstrutivas com endoprótese após ressecção de malignidades ósseas. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.

Prognostic factors in pathologic fractures secondary to metastatic tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Pathological fractures caused by metastases sharply decrease the quality of life and increase mortality rates for patients with malignant neoplasias. Orthopedic advances in osteosynthesis and endoprosthesis have been beneficial in the prevention and treatment of such fractures. The objective of our study was to determine which prognostic factors for pathologic fractures treated in our Service were significant. METHOD: This was a retrospective study enrolling 112 patients treated for pathologic fractures secondary to metastatic tumors between April 1994 and December 2004 in our Service. Patients were analyzed according to sex, age, bone metastasis site, visceral metastases, origin of primary tumor, treatment type, serum hemoglobin, and survival. RESULTS: The most affected site was the femur (44%), the most frequent primary tumor was breast cancer (25%); the most frequently employed surgical treatment was unconventional endoprosthesis (66%). Sex, age, primary tumor, site affected, non-bone metastasis, and clinical versus surgical treatment variables were not good predictors for survival. The only significant predictor was the type of surgery employed. Patients who received an endoprosthesis presented a worse prognosis (21.6 months) than patients undergoing osteosynthesis (47.8 months). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing osteosynthesis, with a less morbid surgical technique and earlier rehabilitation, had longer survival times than patients who received endoprostheses. Our case series is similar to international ones, where the most frequent primary tumor is breast tumor, followed by tumors of undetermined origin, prostate, and lung tumors.

Oncologic progression of bone plasmacytomas to multiple myeloma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical aspects, diagnoses, prognostic factors, and percent progression of plasmacytoma to multiple myeloma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 103 medical records of patients suspected of plasmacytoma were surveyed covering the period between 1950 and 1998, and 30 were selected for analysis. Patients were classified into 2 groups: patients who did (n = 17) and did not (n = 13) progress to multiple myeloma. Comparative statistics regarding a variety of clinical aspects were developed. RESULTS: Patients who progressed to multiple myeloma were younger than those who did not (52.3 +/- 2.6 vs 62.6 +/- 3.4 years; mean +/- SEM; P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in gender between groups. A higher incidence of multiple recurrence was observed in patients who progressed to multiple myeloma (75%, P = 0.049). Both groups showed a prevalence of vertebral column injuries. No significant differences were found between groups regarding the disease period (from the onset of symptoms until diagnosis) (P = 0.20) and survival (P = 0.34). The average time to progression from plasmacytoma to myeloma was 41 +/- 39 months (mean +/- SD), and the progression rate was 57%. CONCLUSION: Patients who progressed to multiple myeloma were younger than those who did not. No significant differences were found between groups regarding sex, time from symptom onset to diagnosis, and survival time. In both groups, the most affected anatomic location was the vertebral column, and most affected sex was male. The average time to progression to multiple myeloma was 41 months. It was not possible to determine the factors that influenced the survival of patients with plasmacytoma or for those who progressed to multiple myeloma.

Synovial sarcoma of the extremities: prognostic factors for 20 nonmetastatic cases and a new histologic grading system with prognostic significance.

PURPOSE: To evaluate 20 cases of nonmetastatic synovial sarcoma of the extremities regarding prognostic factors, and to propose a histologic grading system with prognostic significance. METHODS: The cases of 20 patients (14 females and 6 males) with nonmetastatic synovial sarcomas of the extremities treated between 1985 and 1998, were retrospectively evaluated regarding prognostic factors. A histologic grading system with prognostic significance is proposed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 48.4 months (range, 16-116 months). There was local recurrence in 3 cases (15%), microscopic surgical margin being the only prognostic factor identified. Seven patients (35%) died of the disease in a mean postoperative period of 31.7 months (range, 16-53 months), all with pulmonary or brain metastasis. The survival rate was 65% in 48.4 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The unfavorable prognostic factors identified regarding survival were high histologic grade, tumors proximal to the knee or elbow, and spontaneous tumor necrosis over 25%. Local recurrence did not have influence on survival in this study. The presence of mast cells appears to have a positive influence on survival, although statistical significance was not reached (P = 0.07). The oncologic and functional result was good in 6 cases (30%), regular in 7 (35%), and poor in 7 cases (35%).

Comparative analysis between osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma: evaluation of the time from onset of signs and symptoms until diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to describe the early signs and symptoms of osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma, identify symptoms that could be used to help differentiate the two types of tumors, and determine the time elapsed between the onset of signs and symptoms and the definitive diagnosis in our service, providing information and imputus for earlier diagnosis of these tumors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the medical dossiers of 365 patients under 30 years of age diagnosed with osteosarcoma or Ewing's sarcoma was performed, and the aspects of the clinical diagnosis were statistically analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The time between the onset of signs and the symptoms was 5.25 months for osteosarcoma and 8.1 months for Ewing's sarcoma, and the most frequent (89.5%) early symptom of osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma was local pain. Symptoms that might aid diagnosis included early local volume increase and the presence of fever. CONCLUSION: The time until diagnosis of both neoplasias was higher than that reported for North America and Europe. Education of the lay public and medical professionals regarding suspicious early signs and symptoms might shorten the delay of diagnosis.

SERUM VALUES OF ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE AND LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE IN OSTEOSARCOMA.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between the pre and post chemotherapy (CT) serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the percentage of tumor necrosis (TN) found in specimens after the pre surgical CT in patients with osteosarcoma. METHODS: Series of cases with retrospective evaluation of patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Participants were divided into two groups according to serum values of both enzymes. The values of AP and LDH were obtained before and after preoperative CT. The percentage of tumor necrosis (TN) of surgical specimens of each patient was also included. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty seven medical records were included from 1990 to 2013. Both the AP as LDH decreased in the patients studied, being the higher in pre CT than post CT. The average LHD decrease was 795.12U/L and AP decrease was 437.40 U/L. The average TN was 34.10 %. There was no statistically significant correlation between the serums values and the percentage of tumoral necrosis. CONCLUSION: The serum levels values of AP and LDH are not good predictors for the chemotherapy-induced necrosis in patients with osteosarcoma. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Functional and radiographic evaluation of 214 aggressive benign bone lesions treated with curettage, cauterization, and cementation: 24 years of follow-up.

PURPOSE: Treatment with curettage, cauterization, and methylmethacrylate of aggressive benign bone lesions is a method now widely accepted in most orthopedic oncology centers. However, one of the controversies regarding this technique is the possible complications that may arise from the use of methylmethacrylate, which has caused some authors to remove it 2 years after the surgery and replace it with bone graft. The objective of this paper is to present a functional and radiographic evaluation of 214 patients presenting with aggressive benign bone lesions treated with curettage, cauterization, and methylmethacrylate from 1974 to 1998, with some of them having 24 years of follow-up. These patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated for the incidence of late osteoarthrosis, range of motion, and pain in the involved joint. METHOD: This study comprised 214 patients, with an average follow-up duration of 10.6 years (range: 2 to 24 years. All cases involved aggressive benign lesions. The patients were evaluated according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) functional evaluation system, and the complications are described. RESULTS: The MSTS functional evaluation was excellent in 166 cases (78%), good in 26 (12%), fair in 11 (5%), and poor in 11 (5%). The following complications were observed: late osteoarthrosis, 25 cases (12%); infection, 12 (6%); pathologic fracture, 11 (5%); and local recurrence, 19 (9%). CONCLUSION: Based on clinical assessment, no significant deleterious effects directly related to the use of methylmethacrylate were observed. The functional evaluation performed in 1998 (up to 24 years of follow-up) did not show significant change when compared to the evaluation performed in 1985.

GCT: What happened after 10 years of curettage and cement? Retrospective study of 46 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the functional outcome of patients with and without arthrosis, and to determine whether the development of arthrosis is related to the distance of the tumor from the subchondral bone. METHODS: Forty six patients treated for Giant-cell tumor (GCT) between 1975 and 1999 met inclusion criteria. GCT was diagnosed by percutaneous biopsy and confirmed after resection, in all cases. Campanacci's and Kellgren's classification, the distance of the cement to the articular surface and MSTS score were obtained throughout the sample. RESULTS: The distance of the cement to the subchondral bone was associated with greater risk of developing arthrosis, but there was no difference in MSTS scores between patients with or without arthrosis. CONCLUSION: We found that the distance from the cement to the subchondral bone has a prognostic value regarding future arthrosis, but it does not impact on the functional outcome. Level of Evidence IV, Therapeutic Study.

Volume replacement therapy during hip arthroplasty using hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) compared to lactated Ringer decreases allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative infection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 is considered an effective plasma expander when compared to crystalloids. There is controversy around its superiority regarding hemodynamic optimization and about possible detrimental effects on coagulation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of HES 130/0.4 to lactated Ringer solution during hip arthroplasty in adult patients under spinal anesthesia regarding intraoperative bleeding, hemodynamic parameters, coagulation profile, transfusion requirements and clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled trial, 48 patients scheduled for hip arthroplasty with spinal anesthesia were randomized into two groups: 24 patients were allocated to receive a preload of 15 mL.kg(-1) of HES 130/0.4 and 24 patients received a preload of 30 mL.kg(-1) lactated Ringer solution before surgery. Hemodynamic measurements, hemoglobin concentrations, biochemical parameters and coagulation tests were evaluated in three periods during surgical procedure. Patients received medical follow-up during their hospital stay and up to postoperative 30 days. Primary outcome was the requirement of red blood cell transfusion between groups during hospital stay. Secondary outcome were hemodynamic parameters, length of hospital stay, mortality and occurrence of clinical postoperative complications. RESULTS: Red blood cell transfusion was required in 17% of patients in the HES group and in 46% in the Ringer group (p = .029). Postoperative infections were more frequently observed in the Ringer group (17%) compared to the HES group (0), p = .037. There were no significant differences between groups in mortality, hospital length of stay and clinical complications other than infection. CONCLUSIONS: During hip arthroplasty, patients treated with hypervolemic hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 required less transfusion and presented lower infection rate compared to patients who received lactated Ringer.

Prognostic factors in patients with appendicular myxofibrosarcoma / Fatores de prognóstico em pacientes com mixofibrossarcoma apendicular

ABSTRACT Objective: Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a common soft tissue sarcoma (STS) that affects the extremities in elderly patients. The objective was to analyze the prognostic factors and outcomes of patients with MFS treated at a single institution. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 75 patients with MFS. We compared age, sex, tumor size and location, grade and stage of the disease. Median age was 49.7 years (range, 1 to 88 y). Location: upper extremity (25.4%), lower extremity (66.6%) and pelvis (8%). Patients had high-grade tumors in 46.7% of the reports. Margins were negative in 76% of the cases. Bivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine associations between clinical and treatment factors with local recurrence (LR). Results: Median follow-up time was 30.7 months (range, 1.8 to 383.8 m). We found 26.7% of LR. Distant metastasis (DM) was reported in 27 (36%) patients. Lung was the most common site of DM, reported in 92.6% of patients. Overall survival (OS) with metastasis was 21.2 months (range, 4.8 to 114.8 m). Predictors of OS were grade, LR (hazard ratio [HR] 5.13, 95% confidence interval, 2.15-12.24, P <0.001), and DM (HR 540.97, 95% confidence interval, 5.04-58112.03, P< 0.001). Conclusions: Tumor grade, LR, positive margins and DM were significant predictors of poor OS prognosis. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivos: O mixofibrossarcoma (MFS) é um sarcoma de partes moles (SPM) frequente em idosos, que afeta os membros. O objetivo foi analisar os fatores prognósticos e os desfechos dos pacientes diagnosticados com MFS em uma única instituição. Métodos: Foram analisados retrospectivamente prontuários de 75 pacientes com MFS. Comparamos idade, sexo, tamanho e localização do tumor, grau histológico e o estádio da doença. A media da idade foi 49,7 anos (faixa de 1 a 88 anos). A localização foi: membro superior (25,4%), membro inferior (66,6%) e pelve (8%). Dos tumores, 46,7% foram de alto grau. As margens foram negativas em 76%. A análise de regressão de Cox bivariada foi usada para determinar as associações entre os fatores clínicos e de tratamento com a recorrência local (RL). Resultados: A media do acompanhamento foi 30,7 meses (faixa de 1,8 a 383,8 meses) e 26,7% dos pacientes tiveram RL. Metástases a distância (MD) foram relatadas em 27 (36%) pacientes. O local mais comum de MD foi o pulmão (92,6%). A sobrevida geral (SG) com metástase foi 21,2 meses (faixa de 4,8 a 114,8 meses). Os fatores preditivos de SG foram grau, RL (razão de probabilidades [HR] 5,13, intervalo de confiança de 95%, 2,15-12,24, P < 0,001) e MD (HR 540,97, intervalo de confiança de 95%, 5,04-58.112,03, P < 0.001). Conclusões: Grau histológico do tumor, margens comprometidas, RL e MD foram fatores preditivos de pior prognóstico da SG. Nível de Evidencia IV, Série de Casos.

Volume replacement therapy during hip arthroplasty using hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) compared to lactated Ringer decreases allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative infection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 is considered an effective plasma expander when compared to crystalloids. There is controversy around its superiority regarding hemodynamic optimization and about possible detrimental effects on coagulation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of HES 130/0.4 to lactated Ringer solution during hip arthroplasty in adult patients under spinal anesthesia regarding intraoperative bleeding, hemodynamic parameters, coagulation profile, transfusion requirements and clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled trial, 48 patients scheduled for hip arthroplasty with spinal anesthesia were randomized into two groups: 24 patients were allocated to receive a preload of 15 mL.kg(-1) of HES 130/0.4 and 24 patients received a preload of 30 mL.kg(-1) lactated Ringer solution before surgery. Hemodynamic measurements, hemoglobin concentrations, biochemical parameters and coagulation tests were evaluated in three periods during surgical procedure. Patients received medical follow-up during their hospital stay and up to postoperative 30 days. Primary outcome was the requirement of red blood cell transfusion between groups during hospital stay. Secondary outcome were hemodynamic parameters, length of hospital stay, mortality and occurrence of clinical postoperative complications. RESULTS: Red blood cell transfusion was required in 17% of patients in the HES group and in 46% in the Ringer group (p = .029). Postoperative infections were more frequently observed in the Ringer group (17%) compared to the HES group (0), p = .037. There were no significant differences between groups in mortality, hospital length of stay and clinical complications other than infection. CONCLUSIONS: During hip arthroplasty, patients treated with hypervolemic hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 required less transfusion and presented lower infection rate compared to patients who received lactated Ringer.

Serum values of alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in osteosarcoma

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between the pre and post chemotherapy (CT) serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the percentage of tumor necrosis (TN) found in specimens after the pre surgical CT in patients with osteosarcoma. METHODS: Series of cases with retrospective evaluation of patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Participants were divided into two groups according to serum values of both enzymes. The values of AP and LDH were obtained before and after preoperative CT. The percentage of tumor necrosis (TN) of surgical specimens of each patient was also included. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty seven medical records were included from 1990 to 2013. Both the AP as LDH decreased in the patients studied, being the higher in pre CT than post CT. The average LHD decrease was 795.12U/L and AP decrease was 437.40 U/L. The average TN was 34.10 %. There was no statistically significant correlation between the serums values and the percentage of tumoral necrosis. CONCLUSION: The serum levels values of AP and LDH are not good predictors for the chemotherapy-induced necrosis in patients with osteosarcoma. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series