Retrospective analysis of radiological investigation of surgically excised head and neck lipomas.

PURPOSE: Differentiating benign lipomas from malignant causes is challenging and preoperative investigative guidelines are not well-defined. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively identify cases of head and neck lipomas that were surgically resected over a 5-year period and to identify the radiological modality chosen and features discussed in the final report. Multidisciplinary outcomes and pathology reports were examined with a view to identifying high risk features of a lipoma to aid in future risk stratification. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of pathology characteristics, radiological features (modality, size, calcifications, septations, globular/nodular foci), multidisciplinary discussion and history of presenting complaint was performed. RESULTS: Two liposarcomas and 138 lipomas were identified. Twenty-two percent of all lipomas received radiological investigation. Twenty-two percent of imaging referrals were possibly inappropriate. Furthermore, radiological features suggestive of malignancy were not present in the final radiology report, X2 = 28.8, p < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: As expected, the incidence of liposarcoma is low. There is limited awareness of radiology referral guidelines superimposed with a tendency to over-investigate lipomas. Furthermore, radiological features suggestive of malignancy were inconsistently reported on and not documented in multidisciplinary discussions. Therefore, we propose a multidisciplinary checklist for referring physicians and radiologists to aid in diagnostic work-up.

Primary appendicular soft-tissue sarcoma resection: What tumour parameters affect wound closure planning?

Wound closure after wide, local excision of an appendicular soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) can be challenging. This study evaluates the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based tumour parameters in planning wound closure. A total of 71 patients with a primary limb-based STS, excluding vascular or osseous involvement, excluding the shoulder or hand and hip or foot were included. Axial MRI images were used to measure the circumferences and cross-sectional areas of the limb, bone, and tumour. The tumour diameter, length, and depth at the level of maximal tumour dimension were measured to identify the tumour's relative contribution to the planning of optimal wound closure management through primary closure (PC) or reconstructive surgery (RS). Eighteen patients required planned wound RS. Wound complications occurred in 14% overall. Tumours, which were closed by PC, were of significantly greater depth, shorter radial diameter, and shorter tumour circumference relative to those closed by RS. On multivariate analysis, tumour depth was the greatest contributory factor in predicting type of wound closure. A quantitative analysis of MRI-based tumour parameters demonstrates tumour depth as the most predictive factor in planning for the type of wound closure and may prove beneficial in providing greater insight into planned wound management of sarcoma resection.

Profound reduction in hospital admissions and musculoskeletal surgical procedures for rheumatoid arthritis with concurrent changes in clinical practice (1995-2010).

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to audit the annual national incidence of inpatient days and musculoskeletal surgical procedures (MSKSPs) for RA patients and to establish concurrent changes in clinical rheumatology practice from 1995 to 2010. METHODS: Hospital inpatient enquiry systems were evaluated for 57 hospitals from 1995 to 2010. National annual TNF inhibitor (TNFi) and MTX prescriptions were analysed. Trends were analysed by logistic regression and correlations by Spearman's rho. RESULTS: Fifty-four thousand eight hundred and six RA inpatient records were reviewed from 1995 to 2010 [70% female, mean age 66 years (s.d. 16)]. RA inpatient days decreased from 53 671 in 1995 to 29 000 in 2010 (r(2) = 0.8, P < 0.0001). Inpatient MSKSPs for RA patients decreased from a peak of 370 in 1996 to 188 in 2010 (r(2) = 0.7, P < 0.0001). Knee and hip replacements for the general population annually increased over the past 15 years, yet there was a significant decrease in the annual ratio of hip arthroplasties and knee arthroplasties for RA patients compared with those done for the general population from 1995 to 2010 (r(2) = 0.6, P < 0.001 and r(2) = 0.8, P < 0.01, respectively). Annual national TNFi prescriptions increased from 2389 units in 2000 to 116 747 in 2010. Concurrently MTX prescriptions increased nationally from 3300 in 2001 to 9600 in 2010. During the same period there was an increase in rheumatologists from 15 to 40 and in orthopaedic surgeons from 64 to 88. CONCLUSION: Elective MSKSPs for RA patients have almost halved over the past 15 years, despite an increase in hip and knee arthroplasties for the general population, along with an almost halving of inpatient days for RA patients.

Arsenic in private drinking water wells: an assessment of jurisdictional regulations and guidelines for risk remediation in North America.

Arsenic is a known carcinogen found globally in groundwater supplies due to natural geological occurrence. Levels exceeding the internationally recognized safe drinking water standard of 10 µg/L have been found in private drinking water supplies in many parts of Canada and the United States. Emerging epidemiological evidence confirms groundwater arsenic to be a significant health concern, even at the low to moderate levels typically found in this region. These findings, coupled with survey data reporting limited public adherence to testing and treatment guidelines, have prompted calls for improved protective measures for private well users. The purpose of this review is to assess current jurisdictional provisions for private well water protection in areas where arsenic is known to naturally occur in groundwater at elevated levels. Significant limitations in risk management approaches are identified, including inconsistent and uncoordinated risk communication approaches, lack of support mechanisms for routine water testing and limited government resources to check that testing and treatment guidelines are followed. Key action areas are discussed that can help to build regulatory, community and individual capacity for improved protection of private well water supplies and enhancement of public health.

Glomangiomatosis of the lower leg.

This paper demonstrates a case of multiple glomangiomas, or glomangiomatosis, including clinical presentation, imaging appearances, and subsequent management. Differentiating features from typical glomus tumors are described. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a glomangioma involving the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Inter- and intra-observer variability associated with the use of the Mirels' scoring system for metastatic bone lesions.

Metastatic bone disease is increasing in association with ever-improving medical management of osteophylic malignant conditions. The precise timing of surgical intervention for secondary lesions in long bones can be difficult to determine. This paper aims to evaluate a classic scoring system. All radiographs were examined twice by three orthopaedic oncologists and scored according to the Mirels' scoring system. The Kappa statistic was used for the purpose of statistical analysis. The results show agreement between observers (κ = 0.35-0.61) for overall scores at the two time intervals. Inter-observer agreement was also seen with subset analysis of size (κ = 0.27-0.60), site (κ = 0.77-1.0) and nature of the lesion (κ = 0.55-0.81). Similarly, low levels of intra-observer variability were noted for each of the three surgeons (κ= 0.34, 0.39, and 0.78, respectively). These results indicate a reliable, repeatable assessment of bony metastases. We continue to advocate its use in the management of patients with long bone metastases.

High bone turnover and hyperparathyroidism after surgery for tumor-induced osteomalacia: A case series.

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is an ultrarare disorder that is caused by renal phosphate wasting due to uncontrolled tumoral production of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) from phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors. Surgical removal of the tumor is curative. There is limited information on the biochemical changes in mineral metabolism and bone remodeling activity after surgery, but it is reported that surgery is followed by a hungry bone syndrome (HBS) with hypocalcemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism. We report the biochemical response to surgery in two patients, who presented with severe TIO, as manifested by proximal myopathy, multiple stress fractures, high FGF23, low serum phosphate, low maximum renal phosphate reabsorption threshold (TmP/GFR), and low 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D). Prior to surgery, both patients developed secondary hyperparathyroidism and one case had progressed to tertiary hyperparathyroidism. After surgery there was normalization of FGF23, TmP/GFR, and phosphate. High 1,25(OH)2D was recorded. One patient had hypocalcaemia and worsening secondary hyperparathyroidism consistent with HBS; the other patient did not have hypocalcemia but had worsening tertiary hyperparathyroidism that only resolved with cinacalcet. There was a marked increase in bone remodeling markers, both resorption and formation, consistent with a high bone turnover state. There was a different pattern of change in bone specific alkaline phosphatase, reflecting healing of osteomalacia. Biochemical monitoring in the post-surgical management of TIO is warranted for guiding adjustments in medical intervention, both short-term and long-term. Future use of burosumab prior to surgery for TIO may ameliorate the immediate post-surgery effects.

Intermediate to Long-Term Follow-up of Distal Femoral Replacements in the Treatment of Neoplastic Disease About the Knee.

BACKGROUND: Limb salvage procedures have become more prevalent in orthopedic oncology. Endoprostheses have been used successfully to reconstruct large skeletal deficits. The aim was to review intermediate to long-term follow-up of distal femoral replacements in the setting of neoplastic disease about the knee. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study from 1997 to 2018 in a national referral center for oncology. The secondary objectives were to describe morbidity and mortality in this cohort. We recorded the modes of failure using Henderson classification system, complications, revisions, and all further operations. RESULTS: Seventy-two distal femoral replacements were performed. Osteosarcoma was the most common indication (55 patients). Other indications included chondrosarcoma (7 patients), giant cell tumor (5 patients), Ewing's sarcoma (2 patients), metastatic spread (2 patients), and leiomyosarcoma (1 patient). One-year mortality was 1.38% with an overall mortality of 13.8%, at the end of the study period. The 1-year revision rate was 4.2%, 30.5% for 10 years, and 38.8% for more than 15 years. The overall implant survival rate was 63.8%. The most common reasons for failure included aseptic loosening (16.6%), infection (16.6%), and local recurrence (9.7%) with an amputation rate of 6.9% in the cohort. CONCLUSION: Neoplastic disease of the lower limb is associated with significant morbidity. Aseptic loosening (16.6%) and infection (16.6%) were the most common reasons for failure in this cohort.

Does resurfacing of asymptomatic full-thickness localized articular defects of the trochlea influence the outcome following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty of the medial compartment?: A retrospective cohort study with minimum seven-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral joint (PFJ) degeneration has been found not to affect outcome following medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). However, PFJ disease occasionally presents as isolated trochlear cartilage lesions, with little available evidence regarding treatment options or necessity. We evaluated the effectiveness of concomitant trochlear resurfacing in patients undergoing medial UKA with asymptomatic trochlear lesions. METHODS: We included 60 patients undergoing medial UKA with an associated full thickness lesion of the trochlea. A fixed bearing UKA implant (PKR™, Stryker, Warsaw, IND) was used in all cases. In 30 patients, trochlear lesions were resurfaced with a HemiCAP® PF Classic (HemiCAP® PFC) implant (Arthrosurface, Franklin, MA). Outcome measures included VAS-, KOOS-, WOMAC-, SF-36 scores and radiological assessment. RESULTS: Average length of follow-up was 97.4 months (range: 88-106 months). Both groups showed significant improvement for all clinical scores post-operatively compared to pre-operatively (p < 0.001 for all). The UKA group showed a better VAS score at all follow-up moments (p < 0.01 for all), but no differences were found between both groups at all time points for other outcome measures. None of the HemiCAP® PFC implants needed to be revised within the timeframe of the study. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective cohort study, we found a 100% survivorship of the HemiCAP® PFC implant at an average eight-year follow-up. However, no clinical benefits were found in performing trochlear resurfacing in conjunction with medial UKA for asymptomatic end-stage trochlear cartilage lesions. Therefore, these lesions can be safely ignored when performing a medial UKA.

Chordoma and chondrosarcoma gene profile: implications for immunotherapy.

Chordoma and chondrosarcoma are malignant bone tumors characterized by the abundant production of extracellular matrix. The resistance of these tumors to conventional therapeutic modalities has prompted us to delineate the gene expression profile of these two tumor types, with the expectation to identify potential molecular therapeutic targets. Furthermore the transcriptional profile of chordomas and chrondrosarcomas was compared to a wide variety of sarcomas as well as to that of normal tissues of similar lineage, to determine whether they express unique gene signatures among other tumors of mesenchymal origin, and to identify changes associated with malignant transformation. A HG-U133A Affymetrix Chip platform was used to determine the gene expression signature in 6 chordoma and 14 chondrosarcoma lesions. Validation of selected genes was performed by qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on an extended subset of tumors. By unsupervised clustering, chordoma and chondrosarcoma tumors grouped together in a genomic cluster distinct from that of other sarcoma types. They shared overexpression of many extracellular matrix genes including aggrecan, type II & X collagen, fibronectin, matrillin 3, high molecular weight-melanoma associated antigen (HMW-MAA), matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9, and MMP-19. In contrast, T Brachyury and CD24 were selectively expressed in chordomas, as were Keratin 8,13,15,18 and 19. Chondrosarcomas are distinguished by high expression of type IX and XI collagen. Because of its potential usefulness as a target for immunotherapy, the expression of HMW-MAA was analyzed by IHC and was detected in 62% of chordomas and 48% of chondrosarcomas, respectively. Furthermore, western blotting analysis showed that HMW-MAA synthesized by chordoma cell lines has a structure similar to that of the antigen synthesized by melanoma cells. In conclusion, chordomas and chondrosarcomas share a similar gene expression profile of up-regulated extracellular matrix genes. HMW-MAA represents a potential useful target to apply immunotherapy to these tumors.

Functional outcome following traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis.

We reviewed 36 consecutive patients, 24 males and 12 females, presenting to our institution, a tertiary referral spinal trauma centre, over a 6-year period. The mean age was 46 (range18-82 years) years. We assessed: (a) the mechanism of injury, (b) the mode of treatment, (c) the radiographic classification using the Levine and Edwards system and (d) functional outcome using the cervical spine outcomes questionnaire (CSOQ) by BenDebba. The commonest mechanism of injury was road traffic accidents. There were 14 Type-I, 11 Type-II and 1 Type-IIA fractures. Twenty-seven patients were treated with halo-vest immobilisation and nine were immobilised in a Minerva jacket. All fractures demonstrated radiographic union at a mean of 12 (range 10-16) weeks. There were no neurological complications. Upon review, all patients, whether Type-I or Type-II demonstrated low CSOQ scores approaching their pre-morbid status. However, Type-II fractures scored higher in three functional outcome categories when compared to Type-I fractures.

Resection and reconstruction of pelvic and extremity soft tissue sarcomas with major vascular involvement: Current concepts.

Soft tissue sarcoma accounts for approximately 1% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. When these rare malignant mesodermal tumours arise in the pelvis and extremities, they may potentially encase or invade large calibre vascular structures. This presents a major challenge in terms of safe excision while also leaving acceptable surgical margins. In recent times, the trend has been towards limb salvage with vascular reconstruction in preference to amputation. Newer orthopaedic and vascular reconstructive techniques including both synthetic and autogenous graft reconstruction have made complex limb-salvage surgery feasible. Despite this, limb-salvage surgery with concomitant vascular reconstruction remains associated with higher rates of post-operative complications including infection and amputation. In this review we describe the initial presentation and investigation of patients presenting with soft tissue sarcomas in the pelvis and extremities, which involve vascular structures. We further discuss the key surgical reconstructive principles and techniques available for the management of these complex tumours, drawn from our institution's experience as a national tertiary referral sarcoma service.

Evaluation of the incidence of pulmonary embolus in the early postoperative period following cemented hemiarthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Little is known regarding the incidence of early postoperative pulmonary embolus (PE) following hip fracture surgery. Clinical suspicion of PE mandates therapeutic anticoagulation, adding a further insult to those of trauma and surgery in a physiologically frail population. The aim of the study was to evaluate for the presence of PEs by performing postoperative CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in patients who demonstrated intraoperative, or early postoperative cardiorespiratory lability following surgery with a cemented prosthesis for intracapsular hip fracture. METHODS: All patients undergoing cemented hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular neck of femur fracture were recruited during a 6-month period, and signed consent obtained from the patient or their next of kin for CTPA in the event of any cardiorespiratory instability. Patient demographics, comorbidities were reviewed, and premorbid mobility status documented. RESULTS: 18 of the 66 patients in the study having cemented hemiarthropalsty demonstrated intra- or early postoperative lability, all had early postoperative CTPA scans. 6 of the 18 were noted to have PE. All had more than 1 risk factor for VTE on admission (excluding their injury). Patients diagnosed with PE had a higher ASA grade, and lower mobility scores than those who did not have a PE. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical suspicion alone is inadequate to diagnosis PE in patients undergoing cemented hip arthroplasty. Only 1 in 3 patients suspected of PE on account of intraoperative or immediate postoperative cardiorespiratory lability was found to have a PE based on CTPA. Early postoperative CTPA is helpful to prevent unnecessary anticoagulation for suspected PE.

Epidemiological study of soft-tissue sarcomas in Ireland.

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) account for 1% of adult and 7% of pediatric malignancies. Histopathology and classification of these rare tumors requires further refinements. The aim of this paper is to describe the current incidence and survival of STS from 1994 to 2012 in Ireland and compare these with comparably coded international published reports. This is a retrospective, population study based on the data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI). Incidence and relative survival rates for STS in Ireland were generated. Incidence of STS based on gender, age and anatomical location was examined. Annual mean incidence rate (European Age Standardized) in Ireland between 1994 and 2012 was 4.48 ± 0.15 per 100,000 person-years. The overall relative 5-year survival rate of STS for the period 1994-2011 in Ireland was 56%, which was similar to that reported in the U.K. but lower than in most of Europe and U.S.A. Survival rate fluctuated over the period examined, declining slightly in females but showing an increase in males. STS incidence trends in Ireland were comparable to international reports. Survival trends of STS were significantly different between Ireland and other European countries, requiring further study to understand causation.

The role of hamstring tightness in plantar fasciitis.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis is a repetitive microtrauma overload injury of the attachment of the plantar fascia at the inferior aspect of the calcaneus. Several etiological factors have been implicated in the development of plantar fasciitis; however, the role of hamstring tightness has not been evaluated. METHODS: Fifteen volunteers (mean age 32.6 +/- 4.7 years) were prospectively analyzed for differences in forefoot loading using a Don-Joy brace (dj Orthopedics, Vista, CA) applied to each knee simultaneously. The brace was locked at varying degrees of knee flexion (0 degrees, 20 degrees, and 40 degrees). Their mean popliteal angle was 6.5 degrees. Fifteen patients (mean age 40 +/- 16.5 years) with a diagnosis of chronic plantar fasciitis were similarly analyzed on the pedobarograph. These patients also had their hamstring tightness evaluated by measuring the popliteal angle. The mean popliteal angle was 23 degrees. RESULTS: Increasing the angle of flexion from 0 to 20 degrees at the knee joint led to a statistically significant increase in pressure in the forefoot phase by an average of 0.08 K/cm(2)s (p < 0.05). An increase from 20 to 40 degrees led to increased forefoot phase pressure of 0.08 kg/cm(2)s (p < 0.05). The percentage of time spent in contact phase decreased from 35.37% to 30.87% to 26.37% with increasing flexion (p < 0.05). However there was an inverse increase in the time spent in the forefoot phase 46.6% to 55.6 to 61.25% with increasing degrees of flexion (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that an increase in hamstring tightness may induce prolonged forefoot loading and through the windlass mechanism be a factor that increases repetitive injury to the plantar fascia.

Bone sialoprotein-coated femoral implants are osteoinductive but mechanically compromised.

Aseptic loosening of femoral implants in total hip replacement remains an unsolved orthopaedic problem. This paper investigates the potential role of bone sialoprotein (BSP) in enhancing bone-implant adherence. As BSP is osteoinductive in rat calvarial models, we investigated whether BSP is similarly osteoinductive when coated onto intramedullary femoral implants. BSP-coated titanium implants were implanted into the femur of female 'Wistar' rats (average weight 215 g) that were sacrificed at days 10, 20 and 30. Harvested femoral implants were subjected to pullout testing and then examined histologically. BSP-coated implants demonstrate osteoinduction when examined histologically. Plugging the femoral canal with BSP prior to inserting the implant neither increased implant pullout strengths nor further increased osteoblastic activity. This study has demonstrated for the first time that BSP is osteoinductive when coated onto femoral implants and inserted into bones subjected to mechanical loading. However, we found that pullout strengths are a function of implant surface topographical characteristics and are not affected by BSP coating or histological osteoinduction.

Orthopaedic perspective on bone metastasis.

The incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide, with the advent of a myriad of new treatment options, so is the overall survival of these patients. However, from an orthopaedic perspective, there comes the challenge of treating more patients with a variety of metastatic bone lesions. The consequences of such lesions can be significant to the patient, from pain and abnormal blood results, including hypercalcemia, to pathological fracture. Given the multiple options available, the treatment of bone metastasis should be based on a patient-by patient manner, as is the case with primary bone lesions. It is imperative, given the various lesion types and locations, treatment of bone metastasis should be performed in an individualised manner. We should consider the nature of the lesion, the effect of treatment on the patient and the overall outcome of our decisions. The dissemination of primary lesions to distant sites is a complex pathway involving numerous cytokines within the tumour itself and the surrounding microenvironment. To date, it is not fully understood and we still base a large section of our knowledge on Pagets historic "seed and soil" theory. As we gain further understanding of this pathway it will allow us develop more medical based treatments. The treatment of primary cancers has long been provided in a multi-disciplinary setting to achieve the best patient outcomes. This should also be true for the treatment of bone metastases. Orthopaedic surgeons should be involved in the multidisciplinary treatment of such patients given that there are a variety of both surgical fixation methods and non-operative methods at our disposal.

Pathological fracture of femur secondary to infected synovial sarcoma.

Pathological fracture is not uncommon in musculoskeletal oncological surgical practice. When complicated by infection, it is both limb- threatening and life-threatening problem. Pathological fractures require urgent investigation, not urgent treatment. We present the case of a 75-year-old man who presented with an infected sarcoma causing a pathological fracture of his right femur.