Wide resection and reconstruction in a low resource area, cemented nail technique knee arthrodesis; a report of case and surgical technique.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Osteosarcomas are primary malignant bone tumors that are driven from bone-forming mesenchymal cells and account for nearly 20 % of primary bone tumors. CASE PRESENTATION: A 16-year-old female presented with chief complaint of pain and swelling on her right knee for 6 months with history of trauma. Her knee mobility and ROM was limited due to pain and the mass. Physical examination revealed a 15 × 22 cm mass on distal part of right femur with visible dilated veins. There was normal distal motor, sensory functions. Imaging revealed distal femur mass with mixed lytic and blastic features, wide transitional zone with hair and periosteal reaction; features suggestive of osteosarcoma that was confirmed by histopathological examinations as intramedullary osteosarcoma. She undergone surgical treatment consisting of surgical excision of the mass with safety margins and knee reconstruction by knee arthrodesis using femoral-nail and bone cement technique with excellent outcome. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Osteosarcoma is best investigated through plain imaging, MRI and possible CT with histology being confirmatory. It is best approached with meticulous dissection to ensure clear margins or if necessary, amputation. Following resection, reconstruction can be done. In this specific case, the tumor was on the distal femur and the underlying knee was arthrodesed using cemented nail technique in which a cemented intramedullary nail was inserted with excellent clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Surgical approach to osteosarcoma can be performed through limb salvage or amputation. Arthrodesis with cemented nail technique using an intramedullary nail can be performed in some patients with excellent clinical outcome.

Osteosarcoma of the distal fibula and reconstruction of the ankle using inverted fibula, a case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Osteosarcomas are malignant primary bone tumors of mesenchymal origin producing osteoid material and has peak incidence in adolescents. Distal lower limb tumors are rare and can negatively affect ankle joint stability. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old female who has newly graduated from college presented with distal fibular mass measuring around 5 × 15 cm located on the lateral aspect of the right ankle over a period of 2 months. The mass located on the lateral aspect of the right ankle that was hard, oval and measuring around 5 × 15 cm and originating from the fibula. The overlying skin was normal with no discharging sinuses. Distal neurovascular examination was normal with no lymphadenopathy. Imaging using X-rays and MRI as well as pathological examinations thereafter has proven the diagnosis. She was planned for wide surgical resection at distal fibula and ankle reconstruction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, then for adjuvant chemotherapy. Ankle reconstruction using fibular autograft was used after its reversal and was then stabilization by syndesmotic screws. She has clinically good outcome. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Surgery with extensive and meticulous dissection remains the cornerstone for treating osteosarcomas affecting distal fibula. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy are important for managing micro-metastasis. Ankle reconstruction and be performed using different methods with good outcomes. CONCLUSION: Lesson learnt is that ankle reconstruction using fibular autograft can be used after reversal and stabilization by screws with good outcome for managing distal fibular osteosarcomas. However, this finding needs to be strengthened with future reports.