Analysis of Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity and abdominal wall. This is the retrospective analysis of patients from a prospectively maintained data base from a single institute. We identified 79 patients with intermediate- to high-grade soft tissue sarcomas who were treated at our institute between Jan 2015 and July 2018. Low-grade tumors were excluded. There were 60 males and 19 females with a mean age of 44.6 years. Of the 79 sarcomas, 50 were in the lower limb and 24 in the upper limb and 5 were in abdominal wall. The commonest subtypes were undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (n = 21) and synovial sarcoma (n = 19). Only 9 patients had metastatic disease at presentation. All 79 patients underwent surgical resection with an intent to achieve clear margins. Amputation was done in 19 patients while wide excision of the tumor was done in 60 patients. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given in 49 patients while adjuvant chemotherapy was given in 35 patients. At last follow-up (73 patients), 48 patients are alive without disease, 9 are alive with disease, 12 patients had died of disease, and 4 patients died due to other causes. Overall survival (OS) for 3 year is 77.6%, and estimated mean survival is 55.05 months. Relapse-free surviva (RFS)l at 3 year is 74.3%, and estimated mean RFS is 51.78. The only independent factor that affected the OS was the dimension of primary tumor (p = 0.02). For disease-free survival, the independent factors that affected outcome were stage at presentation (p = 0.04) and dimension of the tumor (p = 0.04). Short-term results shown by this study shows good outcome in patient with intermediate- to high-grade sarcomas when multidisciplinary approach is utilized for the management. Patients who had metastatic disease at presentation did worse than patients who did not.

Giant ulcerative benign osteochondroma of shoulder.

Osteochondromas in hereditary multiple exostosis have increased risk of malignant transformation as compared with solitary osteochondromas. We present a case of a 54-year-old man who presented to us with complaints of swollen mass of the left shoulder with an ulcerative lesion. Radiograph showed a sessile growth from the proximal humerus and scapula. MRI revealed a sessile osteochondroma measuring about 11×10.1×8.0 cm. The malignant nature of the disease was anticipated due to increased cap thickness and non-healing ulcer, however, biopsy showed a benign lesion without any sarcomatous change. The patient was successfully treated with extra-periosteal excision and was recurrence-free at 24 months follow-up. This case illustrates an extra-articular giant osteochondroma of the proximal humerus, with possible signs of a malignant lesion but diagnosed benign on biopsy. We conclude that a biopsy should always preclude definitive management as this can change the overall mortality and morbidity of the patient.

Giant cell tumour of EHL tendon sheath in young: a rare case report and review of the literature.

Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath also known as benign synovioma is a slow-growing benign tumour originating from tendon sheath, ligaments or bursa. We present a case of swelling over the left foot of 7-month duration in 11-year-old boy diagnosed as giant cell tumour of tendon sheath. There was an extensive pressure effect of tumour mass on the second metatarsal evident by scalloping. Local excision was planned and executed, and reduction in scalloping was evident at 26-month follow-up with no recurrence. We conclude that en bloc resection of tumour with a hydrogen peroxide lavage may result in a favourable prognosis without recurrence.

Primary Fibular Sarcomas: Do They Behave Differently? An Institutional Review of 14 Patients.

Surgical resection with wide margins is pivotal for sarcoma treatment but achieving the same for fibular sarcomas is a surgical challenge. Thus, we decided to evaluate our own institutional database of primary fibular sarcomas for surgical treatment, margins and pattern of relapse. From July 2014 to October 2018, we identified fourteen patients with histologically confirmed fibular sarcomas. Limb salvage surgery (LSS) was performed in thirteen patients included in our study. One patient treated with definitive radiotherapy was excluded from final survival and functional analyses. The proximal third fibula was the most common site of involvement (85.7%). Osteosarcoma was the histological diagnosis in eight (57.1%) and Ewing's in the remaining six (42.9%). All patients with proximal fibular tumours underwent Malawer type II resection. Margins were reported as free in twelve and involved in one case. The mean follow-up period was 37.15 months. In the operated group (n = 13), distant relapse occurred in 3 patients, combined relapse in 1 patient and 10 patients are alive and disease free until the last follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier survival analyses revealed the EFS (event-free survival-local/distant relapse) probability as 72.7% at 24 months and 53% at the end of 42 months. The OS (overall survival) probability at 24 months was 75.5% and 57.5% at the end of 42 months. Although it is difficult to achieve conventional wide margins in fibular sarcomas, our results suggest no increased incidence of local recurrence rates as compared to sarcomas at other common sites as reported in literature. Our series helps in understanding site-specific behaviour of sarcomas while contributing to the available data.

Adamantinoma of Pelvis: A Rare Tumor at an Uncommon Site, with Diagnostic Implications.

Adamantinoma is a low-grade malignant bone tumor with metastatic potential in the range of 15-20%, commonly affecting mid-diaphyseal tibial region and jaw. Numerous cases of adamantinoma affecting the appendicular skeleton have been reported but only three in the pelvis till date. We present the case of a 24-year-old male, who was initially reported as fibrous dysplasia for a lesion in pelvis. On review, a cellular tumor was noted, including areas resembling fibrous dysplasia, along with cords and nests of polygonal cells, which displayed positive immunoexpression with cytokeratin and p40. Subsequently, he underwent wide local resection (internal hemipelvectomy), along with mesh pseudoarthrosis was done. Diagnosis of adamantinoma was further confirmed, with clear resection margins. Currently, the patient is on a regular clinical and radiological follow-up. Careful assessment of key histomorphologic features, coupled with immunohistochemical stains and clinico-radiological correlation, is helpful in identifying this uncommon tumor at a rather rare site.

Clear cell chondrosarcoma of proximal femur: a rare entity with diagnostic dilemma.

Clear cell chondrosarcoma is an extremely rare malignant neoplasm. The rarity and slow-growing nature of this tumour often lead to prolonged symptoms and also initial misdiagnosis with benign lesions such as chondroblastoma. It can also be confused with avascular necrosis of the femoral head when the lesion is located in the femoral head, as was in the case we report. The patient was kept on observation and conservative treatment for almost 9 years before the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Wide local resection with negative margins forms the mainstay of treatment since intralesional procedures predispose to high local recurrence rate. A prolonged follow-up is recommended since late local recurrences and metastases are common.

Imprint Cytology for Intra-operative Assessment of Surgical Margins for Skeletal Tumours in COVID-19 Pandemic.

In the current COVID-19 pandemic, tremendous pressure is been exerted on the existing health infrastructure of many developing nations. Limb salvage surgeries in bone and soft tissue sarcomas cannot be delayed beyond a certain time-period and constitute an orthopaedic emergency in certain situations. Evaluation of intra-operative surgical margins forms an important step especially in cases with planned close margins or intercalary resections. Techniques such as imprint cytology can be preferred over frozen sections for evaluation of the surgical margins especially in COVID-19 positive patients. The advantages it offers such as completion of the procedure within the operation room complex, no generation of aerosols, and almost equal sensitivity and specificity when compared with frozen section method do warrant a modification of current surgical practice in the current health crisis especially in resource-constrained nations. Awareness and better communication regarding the same from the pathologist to the surgical team will go a long way in conserving resources and avoid unnecessary exposure to potentially infected aerosols.

Fragment-specific fixation of trimalleolar fractures utilizing the posterolateral approach: A preliminary experience.

INTRODUCTION: Ankle fractures involving posterior malleolus are disabling injuries if not managed properly. Clinical and functional outcome of ankle fractures involving posterior tibial plafond is significantly worse. Although the surgical approach and techniques to reduce and fix this fracture are well described in the literature, there still seems to be divided consensus among orthopedic surgeons regarding the same. METHODS: In this case series of eight patients with trimalleolar fractures, a posterolateral approach was used for fixation of posterior malleolus in all the cases. A preoperative computed tomography scan formed an integral part of management of such injuries. The Olerud and Molendar scoring system was employed at 12 months of follow-up to assess the functional outcome. Weight-bearing X-rays were taken to assess for any ankle arthritis. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 48.8 years. The most common mode of sustaining injury was twisting of the ankle joint ( n = 5). The average time to union and full weight-bearing was 12.8 weeks (range 10-16 weeks). An excellent functional outcome in four patients and a good outcome in the rest of the four patients were obtained at the end of 12 months of follow-up. No significant ankle arthritis or complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Appropriate preoperative imaging evaluation is an integral part of planning for these complex injuries. The posterolateral approach provides good exposure for appropriate visualization. Stable fixation of posterior malleolus in trimalleolar fractures plays a vital role in obtaining a positive clinical and functional outcome.

Use of tricortical iliac crest strut autograft in comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures: A case series.

PURPOSE: The results for fixation of comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures are not very promising with reported complications in terms of osteoarthritis, nonunion and malunion which subsequently require conversion to total hip arthroplasty. The conversion to total hip arthroplasty is possible in patients over 50 years of age but not in younger patients. So this requires new methods for salvage of the native hip in young patients. METHODS: There were six patients in our series with highly comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures where the fragments were excised and the gap filled with tricortical anterior iliac-crest strut autograft, fixed with screws and plate. RESULTS: Good results were achieved in four out of six patients analyzed clinically using the Merle d'Aubinge score modified by Matta and radiologically by Matta scoring. These patients have returned to original work and are walking independently. The good result in one patient deteriorated from good to poor between one and two years. One patient developed infection and excision arthroplasty was done. The graft incorporated well in five out of six patients. CONCLUSION: The use of iliac crest autograft is a better, advanced and promising technique as it provides a new wall to the weight bearing dome of the acetabulum for articulation with the femoral head. The rates of nonunion, malunion, post traumatic osteoarthritis are less as compared to the fixation of the comminuted fragments. The need for conversion to total hip arthroplasty is also less.

Dermotaxis v/s loop suture technique for closure of fasciotomy wounds: a study of 50 cases.

Fasciotomy incisions lead to large, unsightly, chronic wounds after surgical intervention. Classic management was to use split-thickness skin grafts, but this leads to insensate skin with reports that as many as 23% of patients are dissatisfied by the appearance of the wound. Since no skin loss has occurred with the fasciotomy incision, utilizing the dermal properties of creep, stress relaxation and load cycling, closure can be achieved in a better way. We describe using dermotaxis for skin edge approximation that is done using inexpensive equipment available readily in any standard operating room. Twenty-five patients had fasciotomy wounds closed either by dermotaxis or a loop suture technique with the inclusion criteria being closed fractures, no concomitant skin loss, fracture-related compartment syndrome and fasciotomy performed within 36 h. The fasciotomy incision was closed in a single stage by loop suture technique or gradually by dermotaxis once the oedema had settled between 3 and 5 days. Results were graded as excellent if approximation could be achieved, good if sutures had to be applied for protective care and poor if wounds needed to be skin-grafted. In the dermotaxis group, results were excellent in 15, good in 8 and poor in 2 cases. In the loop suture technique group, results were excellent in 20, good in 4 and poor in 1 case. Dermal apposition using inexpensive, readily available equipment is an alternative method for closure of fasciotomy wounds. If limb oedema has settled sufficiently, closure using a loop suture can be done in a single stage. If the limb remains oedematous, gradual closure can be done using dermotaxis.

The role of trochanteric flip osteotomy in fixation of certain acetabular fractures.

PURPOSE: Complete visualization of certain acetabular fractures of posterior wall or column with cranial extension involving superior dome from standard surgical exposures is a challenge. Osteotomy of the greater trochanter has been used to enhance fracture visualization, especially the dome, in posterior and lateral exposures of the acetabulum. It also decreases the need for excessive muscle retraction. The purpose of the study was to investigate the outcome associated with trochanteric flip osteotomy in the management of certain acetabulum fractures. METHODS: From January 2011 to December 2013, 25 displaced acetabular fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The fractures were managed using a Kocher-Langenbeck approach along with trochanteric flip osteotomy. At 3rd, 6th and 24th month follow-up, all patients had radiographic examination and underwent a final clinical evaluation based on the modified Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score. The strength of the abductors was assessed according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system. RESULTS: Congruent reduction was achieved in all patients and all osteotomies healed within an average period of 3.8 months. All our patients were allowed full weight bearing at the end of 3 months and with no abductor lurch at the end of 6 months follow-up. There were no cases of avascular necrosis of femoral head. None of the patients had any neurovascular complication or infection by the end of the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Trochanteric flip osteotomy is a very effective technique to fix certain acetabular fractures especially those with dome involvement. It is more accurate and associated with no significant complications compared with conventional way.

Distal Femur Locking Plate: The Answer to All Distal Femoral Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Good results have been published by researchers with distal femur nail, dynamic condylar screw and even addition of a medial plate to a distal femur locking plate for treating distal femur fractures. By this study, we explore the capability of a distal femur locking plate to counter distal femur fractures of extra- articular, partial or intra- articular nature. Positive results have been published by various groups from all over the world. AIM: To study the functional and radiological outcome of distal femoral fractures in skeletally mature patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation with distal femur locking plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted from January 2012 to March 2014 at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) with a 2 year follow-up. Twenty five skeletally mature patients with post-traumatic distal femur fractures were included. Patients with open grade 3B and 3C distal femur fractures, according to the Gustilo- Anderson classification and pathological distal femur fractures were excluded from the study. Patients with any fracture other than the distal femur in the ipsilateral limb were excluded from the study. Follow-up at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years was carried out and evaluation was done according to the Neer scoring system. The statistical data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20 (IBM, Chicago, USA). The p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Following all principles of fracture reduction, union was achieved in all patients with mean time to radiological union being 19 weeks. The mean Range of Motion (ROM) was 109 degrees with 20 patients having a Neer score graded as excellent to satisfactory. Our study had nine cases which required additional surgeries. Out of these, all nine cases required bone grafting, three also required antibiotic cement bead insertion initially. Three patients developed complications in the form of infection (two cases) and mal-union (one case) during the course of our study, but were completely treated by the end of the study. CONCLUSION: Positive results can be obtained by distal femur locking plate alone as it is the main implant of choice for distal femur fractures of all varieties. Best outcome is expected if fracture fixation is done following all the basic principles of fracture fixation and taking benefit of the mechanical properties of a locking plate.