Fluorescence-guided assessment of bone and soft-tissue sarcomas for predicting the efficacy of telomerase-specific oncolytic adenovirus.

Bone and soft-tissue sarcomas are rare malignancies with histological diversity and tumor heterogeneity, leading to the lack of a common molecular target. Telomerase is a key enzyme for keeping the telomere length and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression is often activated in most human cancers, including bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. For targeting of telomerase-positive tumor cells, we developed OBP-301, a telomerase-specific replication-competent oncolytic adenovirus, in which the hTERT promoter regulates adenoviral E1 gene for tumor-specific viral replication. In this study, we present the diagnostic potential of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing oncolytic adenovirus OBP-401 for assessing virotherapy sensitivity using bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. OBP-401-mediated GFP expression was significantly associated with the therapeutic efficacy of OBP-401 in human bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. In the tumor specimens from 68 patients, malignant and intermediate tumors demonstrated significantly higher expression levels of coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) and hTERT than benign tumors. OBP-401-mediated GFP expression was significantly increased in malignant and intermediate tumors with high expression levels of CAR and hTERT between 24 and 48 h after infection. Our results suggest that the OBP-401-based GFP expression system is a useful tool for predicting the therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy on bone and soft-tissue sarcomas.

LRRC15 expression indicates high level of stemness regulated by TWIST1 in mesenchymal stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used as a major source for cell therapy, and its application is expanding in various diseases. On the other hand, reliable method to evaluate quality and therapeutic properties of MSC is limited. In this study, we focused on TWIST1 that is a transcription factor regulating stemness of MSCs and found that the transmembrane protein LRRC15 tightly correlated with the expression of TWIST1 and useful to expect TWIST1-regulated stemness of MSCs. The LRRC15-positive MSC populations in human and mouse bone marrow tissues highly expressed stemness-associated transcription factors and therapeutic cytokines, and showed better therapeutic effect in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model mice. This study provides evidence for the important role of TWIST1 in the MSC stemness, and for the utility of the LRRC15 protein as a marker to estimate stem cell quality in MSCs before cell transplantation.

Measurement of Lag-Screw Anteversion With an iPhone During Trochanteric Fracture Surgery.

Introduction  A useful way to easily evaluate femoral rotation during surgery for trochanteric fractures is not known. Hence, this pilot study aimed to develop an intraoperative indicator to evaluate anteversion in femoral trochanteric fractures. Material and methods Prospectively, from June 2021 to January 2022, all patients with femoral trochanteric fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification: 31A1-3) treated using a cephalo-medullary nail with a lag-screw neck-shaft angle of 125° were included in this study. During surgery, lag-screw anteversion (LS-AV) was measured using the goniometer application in an iPhone with the fractured femur table-top-plane level with the traction table floor. Accuracy was analyzed by comparing axial-projected lag-screw anteversion (AxP-LS-AV) and three-dimensional computed tomography lag-screw anteversion (3DCT-LS-AV) measurements after surgery. Results Fifty patients (14 males and 36 females) were included in the study. The mean age was 87 (range; 69-98) years; the Orthopaedic Trauma Association classifications were A1 (28 patients), A2 (18 patients), and A3 (4 patients). The mean LS-AV was 10.7° ± 6.9°, the mean AxP-LS-AV was 12.8° ± 8.3°, and the mean 3DCT-LS-AV was 13.1° ± 8.6°. The median difference between AxP-LS-AV and 3DCT-LS-AV was 3.0° (range: 0°-12°), and 40 (80%) patients had differences of ≤5° (Bland-Altman plot: inside of limit of agreement = 86%, paired t-test p = 0.7, Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.817, p <0.001). Conclusion Femur malrotation is defined as a deformity of >15° relative to the normal contralateral limb. Intraoperative LS-AV iPhone measurement on table-top-plane standard had sufficient accuracy as an indicator of anteversion in femoral trochanteric fractures.

Oncolytic virotherapy reverses chemoresistance in osteosarcoma by suppressing MDR1 expression.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone tumor primarily affecting children and adolescents. The prognosis of chemotherapy-refractory OS patients is poor. We developed a tumor suppressor p53-expressing oncolytic adenovirus (OBP-702) that exhibits antitumor effects against human OS cells. Here, we demonstrate the chemosensitizing effect of OBP-702 in human OS cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities of doxorubicin (DOX) and OBP-702 were assessed using parental and DOX-resistant OS cells (U2OS, MNNG/HOS) and a DOX-resistant MNNG/HOS xenograft tumor model. RESULTS: DOX-resistant OS cells exhibited high multidrug resistant 1 (MDR1) expression, which was suppressed by OBP-702 or MDR1 siRNA, resulting in enhanced DOX-induced apoptosis. Compared to monotherapy, OBP-702 and DOX combination therapy significantly suppressed tumor growth in the DOX-resistant MNNG/HOS xenograft tumor model. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that MDR1 is an attractive therapeutic target for chemoresistant OS. Tumor-specific virotherapy is thus a promising strategy for reversing chemoresistance in OS patients via suppression of MDR1 expression.

Liquid Biopsy Targeting Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 on the Surface Membrane of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles from Synovial Sarcoma.

The lack of noninvasive biomarkers that can be used for tumor monitoring is a major problem for soft-tissue sarcomas. Here we describe a sensitive analytical technique for tumor monitoring by detecting circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) of patients with synovial sarcoma (SS). The proteomic analysis of purified EVs from SYO-1, HS-SY-II, and YaFuSS identified 199 common proteins. DAVID GO analysis identified monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) as a surface marker of SS-derived EVs, which was also highly expressed in SS patient-derived EVs compared with healthy individuals. MCT1+CD9+ EVs were also detected from SS-bearing mice and their expression levels were significantly correlated with tumor volume (p = 0.003). Furthermore, serum levels of MCT1+CD9+ EVs reflected tumor burden in SS patients. Immunohistochemistry revealed that MCT1 was positive in 96.7% of SS specimens and its expression on the cytoplasm/plasma membrane was significantly associated with worse overall survival (p = 0.002). Silencing of MCT1 reduced the cellular viability, and migration and invasion capability of SS cells. This work describes a new liquid biopsy technique to sensitively monitor SS using circulating MCT1+CD9+ EVs and indicates the therapeutic potential of MCT1 in SS.

Oncolytic virotherapy promotes radiosensitivity in soft tissue sarcoma by suppressing anti-apoptotic MCL1 expression.

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a rare cancer that develops from soft tissues in any part of the body. Despite major advances in the treatment of STS, patients are often refractory to conventional radiotherapy, leading to poor prognosis. Enhancement of sensitivity to radiotherapy would therefore improve the clinical outcome of STS patients. We previously revealed that the tumor-specific, replication-competent oncolytic adenovirus OBP-301 kills human sarcoma cells. In this study, we investigated the radiosensitizing effect of OBP-301 in human STS cells. The in vitro antitumor effect of OBP-301 and ionizing radiation in monotherapy or combination therapy was assessed using highly radiosensitive (RD-ES and SK-ES-1) and moderately radiosensitive (HT1080 and NMS-2) STS cell lines. The expression of markers for apoptosis and DNA damage were evaluated in STS cells after treatment. The therapeutic potential of combination therapy was further analyzed using SK-ES-1 and HT1080 cells in subcutaneous xenograft tumor models. The combination of OBP-301 and ionizing radiation showed a synergistic antitumor effect in all human STS cell lines tested, including those that show different radiosensitivity. OBP-301 was found to enhance irradiation-induced apoptosis and DNA damage via suppression of anti-apoptotic myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1), which was expressed at higher levels in moderately radiosensitive cell lines. The combination of OBP-301 and ionizing radiation showed a more profound antitumor effect compared to monotherapy in SK-ES-1 (highly radiosensitive) and HT1080 (moderately radiosensitive) subcutaneous xenograft tumors. OBP-301 is a promising antitumor reagent to improve the therapeutic potential of radiotherapy by increasing radiation-induced apoptosis in STS.

Telomerase-specific oncolytic immunotherapy for promoting efficacy of PD-1 blockade in osteosarcoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors including anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) antibody have recently improved clinical outcome in certain cancer patients; however, osteosarcoma (OS) patients are refractory to PD-1 blockade. Oncolytic virotherapy has emerged as novel immunogenic therapy to augment antitumor immune response. We developed a telomerase-specific replication-competent oncolytic adenovirus OBP-502 that induces lytic cell death via binding to integrins. In this study, we assessed the combined effect of PD-1 blockade and OBP-502 in OS cells. The expression of coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR), integrins αvß3 and αvß5, and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) was analyzed in two murine OS cells (K7M2, NHOS). The cytopathic activity of OBP-502 in both cells was analyzed using the XTT assay. OBP-502-induced immunogenic cell death was assessed by analyzing the level of extracellular ATP and high-mobility group box protein B1 (HMGB1). Subcutaneous tumor models for K7M2 and NHOS cells were used to evaluate the antitumor effect and number of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ cells in combination therapy. K7M2 and NHOS cells showed high expression of integrins αvß3 and αvß5, but not CAR. OBP-502 significantly suppressed the viability of both cells, in which PD-L1 expression and the release of ATP and HMGB1 were significantly increased. Intratumoral injection of OBP-502 significantly augmented the efficacy of PD-1 blockade on subcutaneous K2M2 and NHOS tumor models via enhancement of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Our results suggest that telomerase-specific oncolytic virotherapy is a promising antitumor strategy to promote the efficacy of PD-1 blockade in OS.

Radiographic and clinical assessment of unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite to treat benign bone tumors.

Unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite (UDPHAp) was developed as an excellent scaffold with unidirectional pores oriented in the horizontal direction with interpore connections. The purpose of this study was to assess radiographic changes and clinical outcomes and complications following UDPHAp implantation to treat benign bone tumors. We retrospectively analyzed 44 patients treated with intralesional resection and UDPHAp implantation for benign bone tumors between 2010 and 2015. Clinical and radiographic findings were evaluated postoperatively at regular follow-up visits. The mean follow-up was 49 months. Radiographic changes were classified into five stages based on bone formation in the implanted UDPHAp according to Tamai's classification. All patients showed excellent bone formation inside and around implanted UDPHAp. Absorption of UDPHAp and bone marrow cavity remodeling was identified in 20 patients at a mean of 17 months postoperatively, and was significantly more common in young patients. Preoperative cortical thinning was completely regenerated in 26 of 31 patients on average 10 months after surgery. There were no cases of delayed wound healing, postoperative infection, or allergic reaction related to implanted UDPHAp. UDPHAp is a useful bone-filling substitute for treating benign bone tumor, and the use of this material has a low complication rate.

Mohawk is a transcription factor that promotes meniscus cell phenotype and tissue repair and reduces osteoarthritis severity.

Meniscus tears are common knee injuries and a major osteoarthritis (OA) risk factor. Knowledge gaps that limit the development of therapies for meniscus injury and degeneration concern transcription factors that control the meniscus cell phenotype. Analysis of RNA sequencing data from 37 human tissues in the Genotype-Tissue Expression database and RNA sequencing data from meniscus and articular cartilage showed that transcription factor Mohawk (MKX) is highly enriched in meniscus. In human meniscus cells, MKX regulates the expression of meniscus marker genes, OA-related genes, and other transcription factors, including Scleraxis (SCX), SRY Box 5 (SOX5), and Runt domain-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). In mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the combination of adenoviral MKX (Ad-MKX) and transforming growth factor-ß3 (TGF-ß3) induced a meniscus cell phenotype. When Ad-MKX-transduced MSCs were seeded on TGF-ß3-conjugated decellularized meniscus scaffold (DMS) and inserted into experimental tears in meniscus explants, they increased glycosaminoglycan content, extracellular matrix interconnectivity, cell infiltration into the DMS, and improved biomechanical properties. Ad-MKX injection into mouse knee joints with experimental OA induced by surgical destabilization of the meniscus suppressed meniscus and cartilage damage, reducing OA severity. Ad-MKX injection into human OA meniscus tissue explants corrected pathogenic gene expression. These results identify MKX as a previously unidentified key transcription factor that regulates the meniscus cell phenotype. The combination of Ad-MKX with TGF-ß3 is effective for differentiation of MSCs to a meniscus cell phenotype and useful for meniscus repair. MKX is a promising therapeutic target for meniscus tissue engineering, repair, and prevention of OA.

What Are the Results of Resection of Localized Dedifferentiated Liposarcomas in the Extremities?

BACKGROUND: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is a rare malignancy that transitions from an atypical lipomatous tumor to a sarcoma with a variable morphologic appearance. The behavior of this tumor in the retroperitoneum is aggressive, but the behavior of DDLPS in the extremities is less well-defined because it is rare. Few reports have assessed the imaging features and clinical outcomes of primary DDLPS in the extremities. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In patients with primary DDLPS of the extremity, we asked the following questions: (1) How frequently do additional primary malignancies occur in patients with DDLPS? (2) What is the rate of overall survival, metastases, and local recurrence in DDLPS? (3) What factors are associated with metastasis-free survival and local recurrence in DDLPS? METHODS: We defined DDLPS as a biphasic neoplasm that transitions from an atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT) to a sarcoma of variable morphologic appearance and histologic grades. We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of patients with DDLPS of the extremities who underwent surgery in our institution between 2003 and 2017. During that time, 16 patients were treated for this diagnosis; one was excluded from this study because the patient did not have an MRI, leaving 15 patients (nine men, six women; their median [range] age was 67 years [42 to 87]) for evaluation. All had a minimum of 2 years follow-up (median [range] 54 months [25 to 136]); 14 of 15 have been seen in the last 5 years (one patient, who was doing well at the time, was lost after 9 years of follow-up). In 11 patients, MRI demonstrated two components: an ALT component with high intensity on both T1-weighed and T2-weighted sequences and a dedifferentiated component low-to-intermediate intensity on T1-weighed and heterogeneous hyperintensity on T2-weighted sequence. Nine patients were evaluated using 2-deoxy-2-18F-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) combined with CT (PET/CT). PET/CT showed a biphasic pattern with a close relationship to MRI findings. The dedifferentiated component presented with high FDG uptake (median [range] maximum standardized uptake value 5.1 [1.9 to 22.6]), while the atypical lipomatous tumor component showed almost no FDG uptake. In all patients, immunohistochemical studies of p16 and cyclin-dependent kinase-4 (CDK4) were investigated. Positive staining for both p16 and CDK4 were seen in 13 of 15 patients.We retrospectively evaluated the electronic medical records of all patients in our institution for the presence of additional primary malignancies, local recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival, and overall survival. The survival rate was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Wilcoxon exact test was used to determine the prognostic importance of the following survival variables: age, sex, maximum tumor size, radiotherapy, and surgical margin. RESULTS: Seven additional primary malignancies developed in five of 15 patients (two lung cancers, two sarcomas, one renal cell cancer, one uterine cancer, and one non-Hodgkin lymphoma). The 3- and 5-year metastasis-free survival rates were 86% (95% CI 0.67 to 1.00) and 75% (95% CI 0.49 to 1.00), respectively. With the numbers available, we found no factors associated with metastasis-free survival. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 100% (95% CI 1.00 to 1.00) and 88% (95% CI 0.65 to 1.00), respectively. Three of 15 patients had local recurrence. The 3- and 5-year local recurrence-free survival rates were 86% (95% CI 0.67 to 1.00) and 75% (95% CI 0.49 to 1.00), respectively. Large (> 15 cm) tumors were more likely to have a local recurrence (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In this small series, we found that the extremities are a favorable site for DDLPS compared with the retroperitoneum, although we did not directly compare the two sites. This rare tumor has a relatively high likelihood of being associated with other malignancies. We believe patients should be assessed and monitored carefully for this possibility. In the future, larger studies are needed to better define predictors of local recurrence, although the tumor's size may be associated with a greater propensity for local recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study.

Clinical relevance and functional significance of cell-free microRNA-1260b expression profiles in infiltrative myxofibrosarcoma.

Infiltrative tumor growth into adjacent soft tissues is a major cause of the frequent recurrence and tumor-related death of myxofibrosarcoma (MFS), but no useful biomarkers reflecting tumor burden and infiltrative growth are available. While emerging evidence suggests a diagnostic and functional role of extracellular/circulating microRNA (miRNA) in various malignant diseases, their significance in MFS patients remains unknown. Global miRNA profiling identified four upregulated miRNAs in MFS patient sera and culture media of MFS cells. Among these, serum miR-1260b level was significantly upregulated in patient serum discriminating from healthy individuals and closely correlated with clinical status and tumor dynamics in MFS-bearing mice. In addition, high miR-1260b expression in serum was correlated with radiological tail-like patterns, characteristic of the infiltrative MFS. The extracellular miR-1260b was embedded in tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and promoted cellular invasion of MFS through the downregulation of PCDH9 in the adjacent normal fibroblasts. Collectively, circulating miR-1260b expression may represent a novel diagnostic target for tumor monitoring of this highly aggressive sarcoma. Moreover, EV-miR-1260b could act as a transfer messenger to adjacent cells and mediate the infiltrative growth of MFS, providing new insights into the mechanism of infiltrative nature via crosstalk between tumor cells and their microenvironment.

Bone and Soft-Tissue Sarcoma: A New Target for Telomerase-Specific Oncolytic Virotherapy.

Adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) is widely and frequently used as a virus vector in cancer gene therapy and oncolytic virotherapy. Oncolytic virotherapy is a novel antitumor treatment for inducing lytic cell death in tumor cells without affecting normal cells. Based on the Ad5 genome, we have generated three types of telomerase-specific replication-competent oncolytic adenoviruses: OBP-301 (Telomelysin), green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing OBP-401 (TelomeScan), and tumor suppressor p53-armed OBP-702. These viruses drive the expression of the adenoviral E1A and E1B genes under the control of the hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase-encoding gene) promoter, providing tumor-specific virus replication. This review focuses on the therapeutic potential of three hTERT promoter-driven oncolytic adenoviruses against bone and soft-tissue sarcoma cells with telomerase activity. OBP-301 induces the antitumor effect in monotherapy or combination therapy with chemotherapeutic drugs via induction of autophagy and apoptosis. OBP-401 enables visualization of sarcoma cells within normal tissues by serving as a tumor-specific labeling reagent for fluorescence-guided surgery via induction of GFP expression. OBP-702 exhibits a profound antitumor effect in OBP-301-resistant sarcoma cells via activation of the p53 signaling pathway. Taken together, telomerase-specific oncolytic adenoviruses are promising antitumor reagents that are expected to provide novel therapeutic options for the treatment of bone and soft-tissue sarcomas.

Regeneration of the Fibula with Unidirectional Porous Hydroxyapatite.

A fibula graft is one of the most common orthopedic procedures for reconstruction of a bone defect, and some complications related to persistent defects of the fibula have been reported previously. We believe that regeneration of the fibula may be critical for postoperative function and prevention of complications. This report describes a 9-year-old female with Ewing sarcoma of the pelvis who was treated with the double-barrel fibula grafts for pelvic bone defect following tumor resection. The defect after fibular resection was filled with unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite (UDPHAp) implants. A plain radiograph revealed new bone formation and a callus-like structure at one month after surgery and bony union between each UDPHAp implant 5 months after surgery. Resorption of implanted UDPHAp was identified, and partial remodeling of the bone marrow cavity could be seen 1 year 2 months after surgery. A radiograph at final follow-up (5 years 10 months after surgery) demonstrated almost complete absorption of the implanted UDPHAp and clear formation of the cortex and bone marrow in the resected part of the fibula. The patient is able to walk well without any walking supports and to take part in sports activities.

Involvement of ADAM12 in Chondrocyte Differentiation by Regulation of TGF-ß1-Induced IGF-1 and RUNX-2 Expressions.

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 12 (ADAM12) is known to be involved in chondrocyte proliferation and maturation; however, the mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, expression and localization of ADAM12 during chondrocyte differentiation were examined in the mouse growth plate by immunohistochemistry. Adam12 expression during ATDC5 chondrogenic differentiation was examined by real-time PCR and compared with the expression pattern of type X collagen. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 system was used to generate Adam12-knockout (KO) ATDC5 cells. Adam12-KO and Adam12 overexpressing cells were used for analyses of ADAM12 expression with or without TGF-ß1 stimulation. ADAM12 was identified predominantly in chondrocytes of the proliferative zone in mouse growth plates by immunohistochemistry. Adam12 was upregulated prior to Col10a1 during chondrogenic differentiation in wild-type ATDC5 cells. In Adam12-KO ATDC5 cells, following initiation of chondrogenic differentiation, we observed a reduction in Igf-1 expression along with an upregulation of hypertrophy-associated Runx2, Col10a1, and type X collagen protein expressions. In ATDC5 wild-type cells, stimulation with TGF-ß1 upregulated the expressions of Adam12 and Igf-1 and downregulated the expression of Runx2. In contrast, in Adam12-KO ATDC5 cells, these TGF-ß1-induced changes were suppressed. Adam12 overexpression resulted in an upregulation of Igf-1 and downregulation of Runx2 expression in ATDC5 cells. The findings suggest that ADAM12 has important role in the regulation of chondrocyte differentiation, potentially by regulation of TGF-ß1-dependent signaling and that targeting of ADAM12 may have a role in management of abnormal chondrocyte differentiation.

Temporary External Fixation Can Stabilize Hip Transposition Arthroplasty After Resection of Malignant Periacetabular Bone Tumors.

BACKGROUND: The choice of reconstructive procedure to restore limb function is challenging after internal hemipelvectomy. Hip transposition arthroplasty, also known as resection arthroplasty, removes a malignant or aggressive tumor of the pelvis and acetabulum after which the remaining femoral head is moved proximally to the lateral surface side of the sacrum or the underside of the resected ilium after internal hemipelvectomy. It may provide reasonable functional results and have some advantages such as lowering the risk of an infected implant compared with other reconstructions because no foreign implants are used. Hip transposition is generally managed with prolonged bed rest or immobilization postoperatively to stabilize the soft tissue surrounding the remaining femur. Because enabling patients to be mobile while the soft tissues heal might be advantageous, we reviewed our experience with an external fixation for this procedure. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Does temporary external fixation facilitate postoperative physiotherapy in patients who undergo hip transposition arthroplasty? (2) What functional Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores were achieved at short term in a small series of patients treated with hip transposition and temporary external fixation? (3) What were the complications of using external fixation in a small series of patients who received it for malignant tumors? METHODS: Between 2008 and 2012, we treated seven patients (three men and four women; median age, 37 years; age range, 18-53 years) with acetabular resection for malignant bone tumors; all were managed with a hip transposition, initially stabilized using external fixation. No other types of procedures were used for this indication in this period. Minimum followup in this retrospective study was 45 months, except for one patient who died at 18 months (range of followup duration, 18-90 months; median followup, 57 months), and no patients were lost to followup. The pins for external fixation were inserted into the affected side of the femur and the healthy contralateral ilium. External fixation was removed 6 weeks postoperatively and weightbearing was started at that time. Preoperative chemotherapy was administrated in four patients, but postoperative chemotherapy was delayed since it was given after external fixation removal in three patients. The postoperative rehabilitation course and functional results were assessed by chart review, functional results were determined using MSTS scores, tallied by physiotherapists who were not part of the surgical team, and complications were ascertained through chart review. Major complications were defined as complications that were treated with additional operations, such as deep infection, or ones that could cause severe postoperative dysfunction, such as nerve injury. RESULTS: With temporary external fixation, standing next to a bed was achieved in median 7 days (range, 6-9 days) postoperatively, transferring to a wheel chair in median 8 days (range, 6-28 days), and gait training using parallel bars in median 15 days (range, 7-48 days). At most recent followup, three patients could walk without a crutch or cane, three could walk with a cane, and one could walk with a crutch. The median MSTS score at most recent followup (median, 57 months) was 63%. Two patients had complications that resulted in reoperations; one had a wound dehiscence, and one had an abdominal herniation that gradually developed, and which was reconstructed using polypropylene mesh 2 years after pelvic resection. Two patients had nerve palsies that recovered by the end of the first year. All patients had pin tract infections that resolved with nonsurgical approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Hip transposition with temporary external fixation can stabilize the bone soft tissue after pelvic resection. Although we did not have a comparison group of patients, we believe that external fixation facilitates early postoperative physiotherapy and rehabilitation and provides good functional results without major surgical complications. Because it delays the resumption of chemotherapy, more patients with longer followup are needed to determine whether this will be associated with poorer oncologic results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Mini-open excision of osteoid osteoma using intraoperative O-arm/Stealth navigation.

BACKGROUND: Although osteoid osteomas have traditionally been treated by surgical excision, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has gained favor as a less invasive procedure. However, RFA is contraindicated for osteoid osteomas close to the skin or crucial neurovascular structures, and is not covered by national health insurance in Japan. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of surgical excision of osteoid osteomas using intraoperative navigation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of five patients with osteoid osteoma who underwent a mini-open excision using O-arm/Stealth navigation at our institution. The osteoid osteomas were excised using a cannulated cutter or curetted out with the assistance of navigation. RESULTS: Complete excision was achieved in all patients, which was confirmed by pathological examination. The mean skin incision was 2.1 cm (range, 1.5 to 3.0 cm) and the mean duration required for setup three-dimensional image was 15 min (range, 12 to 20 min). Although the mean visual analog scale score was 7 (range, 4 to 8) before surgery, all patients experienced relief from their characteristic pain immediately after surgery, with the mean scores of 2.2 (range, 1 to 3) and 0 at 2 days and 4 weeks after surgery, respectively. There was no intra-operative complication related to the navigation and no recurrence was observed during the mean follow-up period of 25 months (range, 13 to 33 months). CONCLUSIONS: Mini-open excision using intraoperative O-arm/Stealth navigation is a safe and accurate procedure for patients with osteoid osteoma, which could cover the limitation of RFA.

Injury patterns of medial meniscus posterior root tears.

INTRODUCTION: Medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) can occur in middle-aged patients who have a posteromedial painful popping during light activities. MMPRTs are more common in patients with increased age, female gender, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and varus knee alignment. However, injury mechanisms of minor traumatic MMPRTs are still unclear. We hypothesized that high flexion activities are the major cause of MMPRTs. The aim of this study was to clarify injury patterns of MMPRTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients were diagnosed having MMPRTs after posteromedial painful popping episodes. Details of posteromedial painful popping episode, situation of injury, and position of injured leg were obtained from the patients by careful interviews. Injury patterns were divided into 8 groups: descending knee motion, walking, squatting, standing up action, falling down, twisting, light exercise, and minor automobile accident. RESULTS: A descending knee motion was the most common cause of MMPRTs (38%) followed by a walking injury pattern (18%) and a squatting action related to high flexion activities of the knee (13%). The other injury patterns were less than 10%. DISCUSSION: Descending knee motions associated with descending stairs, step, and downhill slope are the most common injury pattern of MMPRTs. High flexion activities of the knee are not the greatest cause of MMPRTs. Our results suggest that the descending action with a low knee flexion angle may trigger minor traumatic MMPRTs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective cohort study.