[Translated article] Comparative study of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours: Malignancy risk factors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic suspicion of an atypical lipomatous tumour (ALT) is difficult. The aim of this study is to delve into the most controversial diagnostic aspects of the subject. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, longitudinal and retrospective study of a series of 96 deep adipose tumours (75 lipomas and 21 TLA) from 2006 to 2016: demographic, clinical, imaging and pathological variables were analysed and compared, as well as other variables related to treatment and oncological outcomes of the patients. A descriptive analysis of the collected variables was performed for the statistical study. To evaluate the potential predictor variables of malignancy, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, including those that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: Older age at diagnosis, lower limb location and larger size were significantly more frequent in ALTs. MRI findings showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, the same clinical variables were confirmed as predictors of malignancy. In the ROC curve, an optimal cut-off point of 134.0mm was used as a predictor of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, location in the lower limbs and larger size are risk factors for malignancy in the differential diagnosis of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours. No radiological variable on MRI reached significance as a predictor of malignancy in our series.

Comparative study of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours: Malignancy risk factors. / Estudio comparativo de lipomas profundos y tumor lipomatoso atípico. Factores pronósticos de malignidad.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic suspicion of an atypical lipomatous tumour (ALT) is difficult. The aim of this study is to delve into the most controversial diagnostic aspects of the subject. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, longitudinal, and retrospective study of a series of 96 deep adipose tumours (75 lipomas and 21 TLA) from 2006 to 2016: demographic, clinical, imaging and pathological variables were analysed and compared, as well as other variables related to treatment and oncological outcomes of the patients. A descriptive analysis of the collected variables was performed for the statistical study. To evaluate the potential predictor variables of malignancy, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, including those that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: Older age at diagnosis, lower limb location and larger size were significantly more frequent in ALTs. MRI findings showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, the same clinical variables were confirmed as predictors of malignancy. In the ROC curve, an optimal cut-off point of 134.0 mm was used as a predictor of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, location in the lower limbs and larger size are risk factors for malignancy in the differential diagnosis of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours. No radiological variable on MRI reached significance as a predictor of malignancy in our series.

Elastofibroma dorsi: diagnóstico y seguimiento en atención primaria / Elastofibroma dorsi: Diagnosis and follow-up in primary care

Objetivo Presentar una serie de pacientes con elastofibroma dorsi (ED) para recordar la patología y justificar su manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico en el ámbito de la atención primaria. Materiales y métodos Estudio retrospectivo observacional y longitudinal de 12 pacientes con 18ED. Se analizaron las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y de imagen. Los resultados del tratamiento se evaluaron atendiendo al dolor (escala EVA), la función del hombro (escala de Constant y Murley) y la calidad de vida (escala EuroQol-5 dimension [EQ-5D]). El tiempo medio de seguimiento de los casos fue de 60,5meses (5años, RIC: 1-161meses). Resultados Seis pacientes fueron hombres y seis fueron mujeres, con edad media al diagnóstico de 59años. El diagnóstico de sospecha en todos los casos fue clínico y de imagen. Solo tres precisaron intervención quirúrgica. Los resultados de todos fueron satisfactorios. Conclusiones Tanto el diagnóstico como la indicación del tratamiento de un ED puede hacerse en el ámbito de la atención primaria. En los casos típicos, que son mayoría, la historia clínica y una ecografía permiten un diagnóstico de certeza. La indicación terapéutica conservadora o quirúrgica depende de la decisión del paciente informado. Cuando existen dudas diagnósticas o el paciente desea la resección quirúrgica de la tumoración, habría que derivar al paciente al especialista hospitalario (AU)

Objective To present a series of patients with elastofibroma dorsi (ED) in order to recall the pathology and justify its diagnostic and therapeutic management in the primary care setting. Materials and methods Retrospective observational and longitudinal study of 12 patients with 18ED. Epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics were analysed. Treatment outcomes were assessed in terms of pain (VAS scale), shoulder function (Constant and Murley scale) and quality of life (EuroQol-5 dimension scale, EQ-5D). The mean follow-up of the cases was 60.5months (5years, range 1-161months). Results Six patients were male and six were female, with a mean age at diagnosis of 59years. The diagnosis of suspicion in all cases was based in clinical and imaging findings. Only three required surgery. The results of all were satisfactory. Conclusions Both the diagnosis and the indication for treatment of an ED can be made in the primary care setting. In typical cases, which are the majority, the clinical history and an ultrasound study allow a diagnosis of certainty. The indication for conservative or surgical treatment depends on the informed patient. When there are diagnostic doubts or the patient wishes surgical resection of the tumour, the patient should be referred to a hospital specialist (AU)

[Elastofibroma dorsi: Diagnosis and follow-up in primary care]. / Elastofibroma dorsi: diagnóstico y seguimiento en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To present a series of patients with elastofibroma dorsi (ED) in order to recall the pathology and justify its diagnostic and therapeutic management in the primary care setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational and longitudinal study of 12 patients with 18ED. Epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics were analysed. Treatment outcomes were assessed in terms of pain (VAS scale), shoulder function (Constant and Murley scale) and quality of life (EuroQol-5 dimension scale, EQ-5D). The mean follow-up of the cases was 60.5months (5years, range 1-161months). RESULTS: Six patients were male and six were female, with a mean age at diagnosis of 59years. The diagnosis of suspicion in all cases was based in clinical and imaging findings. Only three required surgery. The results of all were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Both the diagnosis and the indication for treatment of an ED can be made in the primary care setting. In typical cases, which are the majority, the clinical history and an ultrasound study allow a diagnosis of certainty. The indication for conservative or surgical treatment depends on the informed patient. When there are diagnostic doubts or the patient wishes surgical resection of the tumour, the patient should be referred to a hospital specialist.

La aplicación informática «SCAE» en el diagnóstico precoz del cáncer musculoesquelético en el área sanitaria del Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Análisis de su efectividad y propuestas de mejora / The computer application «SCAE» in the early diagnosis of musculoskeletal cancer in the healthcare area of the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Analysis of its effectiveness and proposals for improvement

Introducción: La aplicación informática SCAE-SM (Solicitud de Cita en Atención Especializada-Sospecha de Malignidad) es una herramienta informática de la que disponen los médicos de Atención Primaria (AP) para la derivación de pacientes que deban ser valorados por el especialista en un plazo máximo de 2 semanas, cuando se sospeche una patología maligna. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue analizar la utilidad de esta herramienta y proponer áreas de mejora en la gestión de los pacientes con sospecha de malignidad musculoesquelética. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal de las 235 derivaciones recibidas en los años 2012-2017. Se analizó su procedencia, la información contenida en las solicitudes y la respuesta proporcionada por evaluadores históricos (facultativos traumatólogos sin formación específica oncológica). Para este estudio, se ha realizado una nueva valoración ciega de todas las solicitudes por 13 traumatólogos con distinto nivel de formación específica en oncología musculoesquelética (reevaluadores). Resultados: De entre todas las SCAE-SM, solo el 8,23% de los pacientes presentaron enfermedad maligna o benigna agresiva. Los reevaluadores más acertados en la adecuación del adelanto de cita fueron aquellos con formación oncológica moderada (5-10 años de experiencia). Durante el periodo de tiempo del estudio, de todos los pacientes tratados en la Unidad de Tumores, solo el 18,81% accedieron por el circuito SCAE-SM, transcurriendo un tiempo medio de espera de 18,11 días desde la derivación de AP. Conclusiones: La aplicación informática SCAE-SM como herramienta de gestión y adelanto de la asistencia a los pacientes con patología tumoral musculoesquelética maligna es útil, si bien el uso del circuito es inadecuado. Es necesario difundirlo y generalizarlo, así como implementar programas de formación oncológica básica tanto en el ámbito de la AP como de la Hospitalaria.(AU)

Introduction: The SCAE-SM (Request for an Appointment in Specialized Care-Suspicion of Malignancy) computer application is a tool available to Primary Care (PC) physicians for the referral of patients who should be evaluated by the specialist in a maximum period of 2 weeks when malignancy is suspected. The objective of our work was to analyze the usefulness of this tool and propose areas for improvement in the management of patients with suspected musculoskeletal malignancy. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 235 referrals received in the years 2012–2017 was carried out. Their origin, the information contained in the applications and the response provided by historical evaluators, without specific oncology training, were analyzed. For this study, a new blind assessment of all applications was carried out by 13 orthopedists with different levels of specific training in musculoskeletal oncology (re-evaluators). Results: Among all SCAE-SM, only 8.23% of patients had aggressive benign or malignant disease. The most successful re-evaluators in the adequacy of early appointment were those with moderate oncological training (5–10 years of experience). During the study, of all the patients treated in the Tumor Unit, only 18.81% accessed through the SCAE-SM circuit, with a mean waiting time of 18.11 days from the PC referral. Conclusions: The SCAE-SM computer application as tool for improve the management and advance care for patients with malignant musculoskeletal tumor pathology is useful, although the use of the circuit is inadequate. It is necessary to disseminate and generalize it, as well as to implement basic oncology training programs both in the field of PC and Hospital.(AU)

The computer application “SCAE” in the early diagnosis of musculoskeletal cancer in the healthcare area of the “Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre”. Analysis of its effectiveness and proposals for improvement / La aplicación informática«SCAE» en el diagnóstico precoz del cáncer musculoesquelético en el área sanitaria del Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Análisis de su efectividad y propuestas de mejora

Introduction: The SCAE-SM (Request for an Appointment in Specialized Care-Suspicion of Malignancy) computer application is a tool available to Primary Care (PC) physicians for the referral of patients who should be evaluated by the specialist in a maximum period of 2 weeks when malignancy is suspected. The objective of our work was to analyze the usefulness of this tool and propose areas for improvement in the management of patients with suspected musculoskeletal malignancy. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 235 referrals received in the years 2012–2017 was carried out. Their origin, the information contained in the applications and the response provided by historical evaluators, without specific oncology training, were analyzed. For this study, a new blind assessment of all applications was carried out by 13 orthopedists with different levels of specific training in musculoskeletal oncology (re-evaluators). Results: Among all SCAE-SM, only 8.23% of patients had aggressive benign or malignant disease. The most successful re-evaluators in the adequacy of early appointment were those with moderate oncological training (5–10 years of experience). During the study, of all the patients treated in the Tumor Unit, only 18.81% accessed through the SCAE-SM circuit, with a mean waiting time of 18.11 days from the PC referral. Conclusions: The SCAE-SM computer application as tool for improve the management and advance care for patients with malignant musculoskeletal tumor pathology is useful, although the use of the circuit is inadequate. It is necessary to disseminate and generalize it, as well as to implement basic oncology training programs both in the field of PC and Hospital.(AU)

Introducción: La aplicación informática SCAE-SM (Solicitud de Cita en Atención Especializada-Sospecha de Malignidad) es una herramienta informática de la que disponen los médicos de Atención Primaria (AP) para la derivación de pacientes que deban ser valorados por el especialista en un plazo máximo de 2 semanas, cuando se sospeche una patología maligna. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue analizar la utilidad de esta herramienta y proponer áreas de mejora en la gestión de los pacientes con sospecha de malignidad musculoesquelética. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal de las 235 derivaciones recibidas en los años 2012-2017. Se analizó su procedencia, la información contenida en las solicitudes y la respuesta proporcionada por evaluadores históricos (facultativos traumatólogos sin formación específica oncológica). Para este estudio, se ha realizado una nueva valoración ciega de todas las solicitudes por 13 traumatólogos con distinto nivel de formación específica en oncología musculoesquelética (reevaluadores). Resultados: De entre todas las SCAE-SM, solo el 8,23% de los pacientes presentaron enfermedad maligna o benigna agresiva. Los reevaluadores más acertados en la adecuación del adelanto de cita fueron aquellos con formación oncológica moderada (5-10 años de experiencia). Durante el periodo de tiempo del estudio, de todos los pacientes tratados en la Unidad de Tumores, solo el 18,81% accedieron por el circuito SCAE-SM, transcurriendo un tiempo medio de espera de 18,11 días desde la derivación de AP. Conclusiones: La aplicación informática SCAE-SM como herramienta de gestión y adelanto de la asistencia a los pacientes con patología tumoral musculoesquelética maligna es útil, si bien el uso del circuito es inadecuado. Es necesario difundirlo y generalizarlo, así como implementar programas de formación oncológica básica tanto en el ámbito de la AP como de la Hospitalaria.(AU)

The computer application «SCAE¼ in the early diagnosis of musculoskeletal cancer in the healthcare area of the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Analysis of its effectiveness and proposals for improvement. / La aplicación informática «SCAE¼ en el diagnóstico precoz del cáncer musculoesquelético en el área sanitaria del Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Análisis de su efectividad y propuestas de mejora.

INTRODUCTION: The SCAE-SM (Request for an Appointment in Specialized Care-Suspicion of Malignancy) computer application is a tool available to Primary Care (PC) physicians for the referral of patients who should be evaluated by the specialist in a maximum period of 2 weeks when malignancy is suspected. The objective of our work was to analyze the usefulness of this tool and propose areas for improvement in the management of patients with suspected musculoskeletal malignancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 235 referrals received in the years 2012-2017 was carried out. Their origin, the information contained in the applications and the response provided by historical evaluators, without specific oncology training, were analyzed. For this study, a new blind assessment of all applications was carried out by 13 orthopedists with different levels of specific training in musculoskeletal oncology (re-evaluators). RESULTS: Among all SCAE-SM, only 8.23% of patients had aggressive benign or malignant disease. The most successful re-evaluators in the adequacy of early appointment were those with moderate oncological training (5-10 years of experience). During the study, of all the patients treated in the Tumor Unit, only 18.81% accessed through the SCAE-SM circuit, with a mean waiting time of 18.11 days from the PC referral. CONCLUSIONS: The SCAE-SM computer application as tool for improve the management and advance care for patients with malignant musculoskeletal tumor pathology is useful, although the use of the circuit is inadequate. It is necessary to disseminate and generalize it, as well as to implement basic oncology training programs both in the field of PC and Hospital.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de los osteomas osteoides del retropié: un método terapéutico para cada caso / Diagnosis and treatment of hindfoot osteoid osteoma: A therapeutic method for each case

Objetivos: 1) Recordar el diagnóstico de los osteomas osteoides (OO) del pie; y 2)definir las indicaciones de su tratamiento en el retropié. Material y método: Se han revisado un total de 5 osteomas osteoides (3 localizados en el astrágalo y 2 en el calcáneo). El diagnóstico se estableció por datos clínicos y de imagen. En todos los casos se identificó un nidus calcificado en la TC, edema óseo perilesional en la RM y captación focal gammagráfica. Se realizaron 2 termoablaciones con ondas de radiofrecuencia y 3 resecciones: 2 abiertas y una artroscópica. Se evaluaron los resultados clínicos y oncológicos al final del seguimiento. Resultados: No se registró ninguna complicación. El resultado clínico fue excelente en todos los casos. Un paciente fue tratado inicialmente con cirugía abierta y, después, por fracaso del procedimiento, mediante termoablación. No hubo recidivas después de un tiempo medio de seguimiento de 4 años y 6 meses (rango: 1-12 años). Discusión: Los OO del retropié son poco frecuentes y su diagnóstico se basa en la conjunción de datos clínicos con los característicos hallazgos de imagen. El tratamiento depende del asiento del nidus y de las relaciones de este con estructuras anatómicas próximas. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico de un OO del retropié puede asegurarse cuando los datos epidemiológicos, clínicos y de imagen son compatibles con la enfermedad. La termoablación está indicada en casos intracorticales o esponjosos en los que el nidus dista más de 1cm de la piel y de estructuras neurovasculares mayores. En el resto de casos una resección abierta o artroscópica sería de elección

Objectives: 1) to set a reminder of the diagnostic approach to osteoid osteomas (OOs) of the foot; 2) to define the indications of treatment for hindfoot OOs. Material and method: 5 OOs were checked (3 cases located in the talus and two cases in calcaneus). The diagnosis was established by clinical and imaging data. In all cases, a calcified nidus was identified on CT, perilesional bone oedema on MRI and focal scintigraphic uptake. Two cases were treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and 3 cases with surgical resections: two open surgeries and one arthroscopic surgery. Clinical and oncological outcomes were evaluated at the end of the follow-up. Results: No complications were reported. The clinical outcome was excellent in all cases. One patient was initially treated with open surgery and then subsequently with RFA due to failure of the procedure. There were no recurrences after an average follow-up time of 4 years and 8 months (range, 1-12 years). Discussion: Hindfoot OOs are uncommon and their diagnosis is based on clinical data in conjunction with characteristic imaging findings. Their treatment choices depend on the location of the nidus and relationships with nearby anatomical structures. Conclusions: The diagnosis of an OO of the hindfoot can be ensured when the epidemiological, clinical and imaging data are compatible with this pathological entity. RFA is indicated for intracortical or cancellous cases in which the nidus is more than 1cm off the skin and significant neurovascular structures. For all other cases an open surgical resection or arthroscopic resection would be the first choice

Diagnosis and treatment of hindfoot osteoid osteoma: A therapeutic method for each case. / Diagnóstico y tratamiento de los osteomas osteoides del retropié: un método terapéutico para cada caso.

OBJECTIVES: 1) to set a reminder of the diagnostic approach to osteoid osteomas (OOs) of the foot; 2) to define the indications of treatment for hindfoot OOs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 5 OOs were checked (3 cases located in the talus and two cases in calcaneus). The diagnosis was established by clinical and imaging data. In all cases, a calcified nidus was identified on CT, perilesional bone oedema on MRI and focal scintigraphic uptake. Two cases were treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and 3 cases with surgical resections: two open surgeries and one arthroscopic surgery. Clinical and oncological outcomes were evaluated at the end of the follow-up. RESULTS: No complications were reported. The clinical outcome was excellent in all cases. One patient was initially treated with open surgery and then subsequently with RFA due to failure of the procedure. There were no recurrences after an average follow-up time of 4 years and 8 months (range, 1-12 years). DISCUSSION: Hindfoot OOs are uncommon and their diagnosis is based on clinical data in conjunction with characteristic imaging findings. Their treatment choices depend on the location of the nidus and relationships with nearby anatomical structures. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of an OO of the hindfoot can be ensured when the epidemiological, clinical and imaging data are compatible with this pathological entity. RFA is indicated for intracortical or cancellous cases in which the nidus is more than 1cm off the skin and significant neurovascular structures. For all other cases an open surgical resection or arthroscopic resection would be the first choice.

Osteocondromas del extremo proximal del húmero. Manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico / Osteochondromas of the Proximal Humerus. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management

Objetivo: 1) Recordar la epidemiología y semiología de los osteocondromas del extremo proximal del húmero (EPH); 2) determinar las indicaciones de su tratamiento y 3) hacer recomendaciones relativas al tratamiento quirúrgico en ese asiento. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo observacional y longitudinal de 20 osteocondromas solitarios y 12 múltiples del EPH. Se analizaron las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y de imagen de los pacientes de la serie, y los resultados del tratamiento, con un tiempo medio de seguimiento de los casos intervenidos de 45 meses. Resultados: Los osteocondromas solitarios correspondieron a 11 hombres (55%) y 9 mujeres (45%), con una edad media de 21 años. Doce (60%) fueron intervenidos a una edad media de 23 años por ser sintomáticos o, en un caso, por sospecharse malignización. Dos casos solitarios no intervenidos pudieron haber involucionado espontáneamente. Las formas múltiples ocurrieron en 11 hombres (92%) y una mujer (8%) y 3 fueron intervenidos. No hubo complicaciones ni recidivas y el resultado funcional fue excelente en todos los pacientes. Discusión: Los osteocondromas del EPH son relativamente frecuentes, aunque la mayoría de las publicaciones son de casos clínicos aislados o de series cortas. Conclusiones: Los osteocondromas del EPH no difieren de los de otra localización. Los casos sintomáticos y en los que se sospecha malignización serían intervenidos, aquellos mejor con el crecimiento finalizado. El tratamiento quirúrgico se resume en la planificación del abordaje mediante TC o RM, resección en bloque extraperióstica y una eventual reconstrucción ósea, idealmente con homoinjerto

Objective: 1) To recall the epidemiology and signs of osteochondromas of the proximal humerus (OPH); 2) determine treatment indications; 3) and make recommendations for surgical treatment. Methods: Retrospective, observational and longitudinal study of 20 solitary and 12 multiple osteochondromas of the proximal humerus. We analyzed the epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics and treatment results with an average time of follow-up of the operated cases of 45 months.Results: Eleven (55%) males and 9(45%) females with an average age of 21 years presented solitary osteochondromas. Twelve (60%) cases were operated on at a mean age of 23 years because they were symptomatic or, in one case, malignancy was suspected. Two solitary osteochondromas could have spontaneously regressed. Multiple osteochondromas were found in 11(92%) males and one (8%) female of whom 3required surgery. There were no complications or recurrences. Functional outcome was excellent in all patients. Discussion: Osteochondromas of the proximal humerus are relatively common, although most publications are case reports or short series. Conclusions: Osteochondromas of the proximal humerus do not differ from those in other locations. Symptomatic cases and those in which malignancy is suspected would be operated, the former preferably at the end of growth. The surgical treatment is summarized in planning the approach, using CT and/or MRI, extraperiosteal en bloc resection, and eventual bone reconstruction, ideally with allograft

Osteochondromas of the Proximal Humerus. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management. / Osteocondromas del extremo proximal del húmero. Manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico.

OBJECTIVE: 1) To recall the epidemiology and signs of osteochondromas of the proximal humerus (OPH); 2) determine treatment indications; 3) and make recommendations for surgical treatment. METHODS: Retrospective, observational and longitudinal study of 20 solitary and 12 multiple osteochondromas of the proximal humerus. We analyzed the epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics and treatment results with an average time of follow-up of the operated cases of 45 months. RESULTS: Eleven (55%) males and 9(45%) females with an average age of 21 years presented solitary osteochondromas. Twelve (60%) cases were operated on at a mean age of 23 years because they were symptomatic or, in one case, malignancy was suspected. Two solitary osteochondromas could have spontaneously regressed. Multiple osteochondromas were found in 11(92%) males and one (8%) female of whom 3required surgery. There were no complications or recurrences. Functional outcome was excellent in all patients. DISCUSSION: Osteochondromas of the proximal humerus are relatively common, although most publications are case reports or short series. CONCLUSIONS: Osteochondromas of the proximal humerus do not differ from those in other locations. Symptomatic cases and those in which malignancy is suspected would be operated, the former preferably at the end of growth. The surgical treatment is summarized in planning the approach, using CT and/or MRI, extraperiosteal en bloc resection, and eventual bone reconstruction, ideally with allograft.

Circuito de asistencia a pacientes con sarcomas de partes blandas de las extremidades: un tortuoso y lento camino hasta las unidades de referencia / Health care circuit for patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities. A tortuous and slow road to referral units

Objetivo: Analizar los tiempos de espera transcurridos desde que los sarcomas de partes blandas (SPB) se hacen sintomáticos hasta su tratamiento específico en nuestra Unidad de Tumores Músculo-Esqueléticos (UTME) para proponer estrategias de mejora en los circuitos de derivación. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, longitudinal y ambispectivo de una cohorte de 61 pacientes con SPB vírgenes obtenidos e identificados de forma continúa del registro de pacientes de la UTME. Se analizó la relación entre diferentes tiempos transcurridos desde que la enfermedad se hizo sintomática hasta la primera consulta en la UTME, y diversas variables ligadas a la persona, tumor y circuito asistencial. Se usó un nivel de significación _ = 0,05. Resultados: El tamaño medio de los sarcomas fue de 11,3 cm. Treinta y seis pacientes (59%) siguieron el circuito habitual del Sistema Nacional de Salud en nuestro país. El tiempo medio transcurrido desde que la enfermedad se hizo sintomática hasta la primera consulta médica fue superior a 9,5 meses; y el que transcurrió desde esta hasta la primera en nuestra UTME fue de casi 8,5 meses. Algunas variables independientes mostraron relación estadísticamente significativa con las variables dependientes analizadas. Discusión: El estudio muestra que la asistencia a los pacientes con SPB de las extremidades en nuestro medio está muy lejos de los tiempos que transcurren en los países de nuestro entorno. Conclusiones: Parece fundamental la necesidad de concienciar a la población sobre la enfermedad y recordarla entre los profesionales sanitarios, al igual que la existencia de un circuito de derivación que es necesario utilizar (AU)

Objective: To analyse the waiting periods elapsed since soft tissue sarcomas become symptomatic until their specific treatment in our unit, and to determine new strategies for the improvement of referral circuits. Material and methods: This is an ambispective observational study of a cohort of 61 patients, with previously untreated soft tissue sarcomas, obtained from our Musculoskeletal Tumors Database. Several variables related to the patient, tumour, and health care circuit were analysed, as well as the different periods between the initial symptoms of the disease and the first consultation in our unit. The significance level was _=0.05. Results: The mean size of the sarcomas was 11.3 cm. Thirty-six patients (59%) followed the usual circuit of the National Health System in Spain. The time elapsed since the disease became symptomatic until the first medical consultation was greater than 9.5 months, and nearly another 8.5 months to the consultation in our specific unit. Statistically significant relationships were found between the independent and dependent variables. Discussion: The study shows that the care of patients with soft tissue sarcomas in our environment is far away from the times of care in our neighbouring countries. Conclusions: It is essential to make the population and health professionals aware of this disease, as well as to remember that there is a referral circuit that must be used (AU)

[Health care circuit for patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities. A tortuous and slow road to referral units]. / Circuito de asistencia a pacientes con sarcomas de partes blandas de las extremidades: un tortuoso y lento camino hasta las unidades de referencia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the waiting periods elapsed since soft tissue sarcomas become symptomatic until their specific treatment in our unit, and to determine new strategies for the improvement of referral circuits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an ambispective observational study of a cohort of 61 patients, with previously untreated soft tissue sarcomas, obtained from our Musculoskeletal Tumors Database. Several variables related to the patient, tumour, and health care circuit were analysed, as well as the different periods between the initial symptoms of the disease and the first consultation in our unit. The significance level was α=0.05. RESULTS: The mean size of the sarcomas was 11.3 cm. Thirty-six patients (59%) followed the usual circuit of the National Health System in Spain. The time elapsed since the disease became symptomatic until the first medical consultation was greater than 9.5 months, and nearly another 8.5 months to the consultation in our specific unit. Statistically significant relationships were found between the independent and dependent variables. DISCUSSION: The study shows that the care of patients with soft tissue sarcomas in our environment is far away from the times of care in our neighbouring countries. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to make the population and health professionals aware of this disease, as well as to remember that there is a referral circuit that must be used.