Histopathological pattern of primary bone tumours and tumour-like lesions in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Bone tumours are relatively rare in comparison with neoplasms in other parts of the body. Previous studies have noted higher frequencies of these tumours in young adults with potentially devastating consequences. METHODS: This study aimed to demonstrate the histopathological pattern of primary bone tumours and tumour-like lesions in Ile-Ife, Nigeria with emphasis on relative frequencies and distribution according to age, sex and anatomical location. A 13 year (1991-2003) retrospective study was carried out on 100 cases of primary bone tumours and tumour-like lesions. Records were retrieved from the surgical registers of the Histopathology Department, Qbafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife. Original histopathological slides were retrieved for examination and when they were unavailable, the paraffin blocks were searched out and new slides were made. RESULTS: A total of 100 cases met the inclusion criteria for this study accounting for 1.55% of the 6,464 cases of all neoplasms seen within this period. Of the 100 cases, 50 were malignant (50%), 28 were benign (28%) and 22 had tumour-like lesions (22%). The male to female ratio was 1.3:1 and the most common benign and malignant tumours were osteochondroma and osteosarcoma respectively. The femur was the most frequently involved bone in primary malignant lesions (24%) followed by the pelvis and the maxilla (14% each). CONCLUSION: The age, sex and morphological distribution of benign and malignant bone tumours is similar to earlier reports in other African and international journals. Tumour-like lesions occur more frequently in females than in males. The femur is the most favourable site for malignant primary bone tumours and the jaw bones for tumour-like lesions.

Bellini duct carcinoma of the kidney masquerading as an iliac bone tumour in an adult Nigerian.

Bellini Duct Carcinoma (BDC) of the Kidney is a rare type of Renal Cell Carcinoma. It usually presents with features of local advancement or metastasis and rarely diagnosed incidentally. We present a case report of a young man who was found to have BDC of the Right Kidney following presentation with an iliac bone tumour. A 40 year old man presented to the Orthopaedic outpatient clinic on account of right sided pelvic pain and limping following a trivial fall at home. There was no antecedent history of loin pain, loin mass or haematuria. On evaluation, he was found to have a huge right iliac bone tumour invading the contiguous muscles. An incidental hypodense central ipsilateral renal mass with enlarged peri-hilar lymph nodes were found. He subsequently had right radical nephrectomy via a right sub-coastal approach and wide local excision of the Iliac bone tumour in two separate procedures. The resection margins were negative for tumour cells. Histology of the resected specimens were consistent with a metastatic right BDC of the kidney. He had a smooth post-operative recovery. One third of BDC of the kidney presents with metastasis. A high index of suspicion is required in order to diagnose BDC following such unusual presentations.

Determinants of re-operation following tibia intramedullary nailing at a tertiary hospital in south-west Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: intramedullary nailing is a method of choice in the management of long bone diaphyseal fractures. However, complications necessitating re-operation may arise. This study was aimed at determining the rate and indications for re-operation following intramedullary nailing of tibia shaft fractures. METHODS: it was a cross-sectional study done at Orthopaedic Department of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife in Southwest Nigeria. Records of patients who had interlocking nailing for tibia shaft fracture between 2005 and March 2013 were retrieved. Variables of interest extracted included aetiology of fracture, type of fracture, cadre of surgeon and indication for re-operation. Frequency distribution and chi-square analysis were done using SPSS version 22. Level of statistical significance was determined at p-value <0.05. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-six patients had tibia nailing done during the study period. Eighty-six patients met the study criteria with male to female ratio of 2.6:1. There were 51 (59.3%) with open fractures and 35 (40.7%) with closed fractures. Ten patients had re-operation giving a re-operation rate of 11.6 %. Two most common indications for re-operation included loose screw 3 (25%) and surgical site infection (SSI) 3 (25%). There was no statistically significant association between rate of re-operation and the cadre of surgeon (p=0.741) and type of fracture whether closed or open (p=0.190). CONCLUSION: Re-operation following tibia intramedullary nailing is an ever present risk. Precautions should be taken to prevent the common indications such as loose screw and surgical site infections.