Predictive value of seven preoperative prognostic scoring systems for spinal metastases.

Predicting prognosis is the key factor in selecting the proper treatment modality for patients with spinal metastases. Therefore, various assessment systems have been designed in order to provide a basis for deciding the course of treatment. Such systems have been proposed by Tokuhashi, Sioutos, Tomita, Van der Linden, and Bauer. The scores differ greatly in the kind of parameters assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of each score. Eight parameters were assessed for 69 patients (37 male, 32 female): location, general condition, number of extraspinal bone metastases, number of spinal metastases, visceral metastases, primary tumour, severity of spinal cord palsy, and pathological fracture. Scores according to Tokuhashi (original and revised), Sioutos, Tomita, Van der Linden, and Bauer were assessed as well as a modified Bauer score without scoring for pathologic fracture. Nineteen patients were still alive as of September 2006 with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. All other patients died after a mean period of 17 months after operation. The mean overall survival period was only 3 months for lung cancer, followed by prostate (7 months), kidney (23 months), breast (35 months), and multiple myeloma (51 months). At univariate survival analysis, primary tumour and visceral metastases were significant parameters, while Karnofsky score was only significant in the group including myeloma patients. In multivariate analysis of all seven parameters assessed, primary tumour and visceral metastases were the only significant parameters. Of all seven scoring systems, the original Bauer score and a Bauer score without scoring for pathologic fracture had the best association with survival (P < 0.001). The data of the present study emphasize that the original Bauer score and a modified Bauer score without scoring for pathologic fracture seem to be practicable and highly predictive preoperative scoring systems for patients with spinal metastases. However, decision for or against surgery should never be based alone on a prognostic score but should take symptoms like pain or neurological compromise into account.

A reproducible and simple grading system for classical chondrosarcomas. Analysis of 35 chondrosarcomas and 16 enchondromas with emphasis on recurrence rate and radiological and clinical data.

In the past, six histological grading systems for classical chondrosarcoma have been published. Due to the inhomogeneity and complexity of these classifications, the comparison of clinical data, survival rates and local failures has to be considered critically. In 1996, the author published a grading system that was simple to use and easily reproduced. This system was based on a few nuclear features. The main intention of the current study was to verify whether the histological grade, which was defined by the author's classification, correlates with the recurrence rate. In a retrospective study, clinical data, X-rays and histological material from 35 patients with classical chondrosarcoma and 16 patients with enchondroma were analysed. Statistical analysis was done using the chi-squared test and the Fisher exact test. Local recurrence occurred in 25.7% of all patients. The difference in recurrence rate among grades 1-3 was statistically significant ( P=0.002). The frequency of grades 1-3 varied up to 54%, when published grading systems were compared. No significant difference between the histological grade and features such as double nuclei and mitosis were observed. The frequency of cellularity, double nuclei and mitoses was similar between enchondromas and low-grade chondrosarcomas. Of chondrosarcoma patients, 90.6% of total patients and 87.5% of those with grade-1 lesions reported pain, whereas only 43.8% of the enchondroma patients did. Even in patients with grade-1 chondrosarcomas, radiological findings were much more aggressive in comparison with enchondromas. The histological grade, defined on the basis of the author's simple and reproducible grading system, indicates the risk of local recurrence, especially in cases that are inadequately treated. Grade-3 chondrosarcomas and lesions located in regions where the removal of the tumour would be difficult have to be given special attention.

Painful soft-tissue reaction to injectable Norian SRS calcium phosphate cement after curettage of enchondromas.

A prospective single-cohort study was designed to include 20 patients with enchondromas but was stopped because of poor early results. Four patients with an enchondroma, three in the proximal humerus and one in the distal femur, were treated by curettage and filling of the defect with Norian SRS cement. Clinical and radiological follow-up including CT and MRI was carried out for 18 months. All three patients with lesions in the proximal humerus had severe pain and limited movement of the shoulder. The radiological and CT appearances of the cement were unchanged at follow-up. There were characteristic appearances of synovitis and periosteitis on MRI in two patients. Since the cement induces a soft-tissue reaction the bony cavity should be sealed with the curetted and burred bone after curettage and introduction of Norian cement, especially in sites where a tourniquet cannot be applied.

The treatment of painful neuroma on the lower extremity by resection and nerve stump transplantation into a vein.

Lower extremity neuroma resection with nerve stump transposition into a vein was employed in eight patients (five male, three female). The neuromas resulted from amputations (four patients), vein stripping procedures (two patients), tumor resection, and toe-harvest for thumb reconstruction. Follow-up averaged 17 months (range, 8-37). Four of the patients experienced complete and permanent relief of pain; in three patients mild pain recurred within 3 months. All of these patients were satisfied with the result and did not request further treatment. In one case, a painful neuroma recurred. Our results suggest the possibility of inhibiting the formation of painful neuromas by nerve transposition into a vein. Further use of this method is encouraged.

Osteomyelitis of the ulna caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis.

A 41-year-old man was provided with a jacket crown after a root end resection of a molar. Four months later, cortical destruction of the ulnar diaphysis with swelling and pain appeared in his forearm. No microorganism could be grown from an intraoperative tissue specimen, but bacterial 16S rRNA genes were detected by broad-range PCR, revealing Porphyromonas gingivalis as the causative agent of osteomyelitis.