Delayed-iatrogenic injury of the thoracic aorta by an anterior spinal instrumentation.

We present a case of a 15-year-old girl who presented to us with an unusual low back pain. About 7 years ago, this patient had corrective surgery for her idiopathic left thoracolumbar scoliosis. Recent surgery revealed a laceration of the posterior wall of the thoracic aorta by an impending screw thread. This injury was repaired by the vascular surgeons and, subsequently, the patient had full recovery without any complications.

[Surgical treatment of stiff massive knee endoprosthesis for bone tumors in children and adolescents]. / Traitement chirurgical de la raideur après prothèse massive du genou pour tumeur osseuse chez l'enfant et l'adolescent.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Improved oncologic outcome and technical advances in limb salvage surgery have made limb salvage therapy a feasible and valuable treatment option. Nevertheless, resection of a bone tumor followed by a reconstruction knee endoprosthesis can create gait abnormalities, of which one of the most frequent is knee stiffness. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the outcomes of revision surgery for a stiff knee following reconstruction of a segmental long bone defect. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1983 and 2005, 19 patients who had undergone wide resection of a tumor close to the knee followed by reconstruction with a massive endoprosthesis were revised for a diagnosis of stiffness. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 12 years (range: 7-19 years). Patients were followed for a mean five years (range: 1-21 years). Three patients were not assessed at the last follow up (two patients died, one patient was amputated for a local recurrence). The mean range of motion improved 80+/-24 degrees preoperatively to postoperatively. The Enneking score improved from 15+/-0.5 to 23+/-3 points at three months follow-up, and to 22+/-5 at last follow-up. Recurrent stiffness occurred three times and required a second operative release with a good final result. DISCUSSION: Outcome depends on the cause of the stiffness of the reconstruction knee arthroplasty. Stiffness can be caused by complications (trauma, implant failure, infection), and patient-related factors (lack of physiotherapy). Open arthrolysis is indicated for chronic stiffness in a motivated patient with an identified cause because failure to identify the cause of stiffness may result in recurrence of the problem.

The benefits of ambulatory physiotherapy after total knee replacement. Clinical practice recommendations.

AIMS: To develop clinical practice guidelines for ambulatory physiotherapy for patients able to leave the surgery department directly for home just after total knee replacement (TKR). METHOD: We used the SOFMER (French Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine) methodology, which associates a systematic revue of the literature, collection of information regarding current clinical practice and external review by a multidisciplinary expert panel. Main outcomes considered in the recommendations were impairment, disability, medico-economic implications and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The literature review did not allow for recommending systematic prescription of ambulatory physiotherapy for patients able to leave the surgery department directly for home just after TKR. However, this prescription could improve muscle strength and function but not mobility. When patients can return home directly after surgery, we recommend ambulatory physiotherapy as suggested by French clinical practice to increase function. CONCLUSION: Good methodological trials must be developed to define the criteria for prescribing ambulatory physiotherapy for patients able to return home just after total knee replacement (TKR) and to evaluate the content of the optimal program.

Malignant tumours of the foot and ankle.

Most of tumours of the foot are tumour-like (synovial cyst, foreign body reactions and epidermal inclusion cyst) or benign conditions (tenosynovial giant cells tumours, planta fibromatosis). Malignant tumours of the soft-tissue and skeleton are very rare in the foot and their diagnosis is often delayed with referral to specialised teams after initial inappropriate procedures or unplanned excisions. The adverse effect of these misdiagnosed tumours is the increasing rate of amputation or local recurrences in the involved patients. In every lump, imaging should be discussed before any local treatment. Every lesion which is not an obvious synovial cyst or plantar fibromatosis should have a biopsy performed.After the age of 40 years, chondrosarcoma is the most usual malignant tumour of the foot. In young patients bone tumours such as osteosarcoma or Ewing's sarcoma, are very unusually located in the foot. Synovial sarcoma is the most frequent histological diagnosis in soft tissues. Epithelioid sarcoma or clear cell sarcoma, involve more frequently the foot and ankle than other sites. The classic local treatment of malignant conditions of the foot and ankle was below-knee amputation at different levels. Nowadays, with the development of adjuvant therapies, some patients may benefit from conservative surgery or partial amputation after multidisciplinary team discussions.The prognosis of foot malignancy is not different from that at other locations, except perhaps in chondrosarcoma, which seems to be less aggressive in the foot. The anatomy of the foot is very complex with many bony and soft tissue structures in a relatively small space making large resections and conservative treatments difficult to achieve. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160078. Originally published online at www.efortopenreviews.org.

[Orthopedic treatment of spinal deformities in infancy and early childhood]. / Le traitement orthopédique dans la pathologie vertébrale du petit enfant.

Surgical treatment of spinal deformities in infancy and early childhood (before age 6) is often very useful if the lesion is localized and curable by one unique surgery, such as hemivertebra resection and fusion. On the contrary, if the lesion, whether idiopathic or paralytic, is extended to a large part of the spine, early surgical treatment in infancy gives very disappointing results and often worsens the status of the child, especially respiratory function if the lesion is mainly thoracic. The goal of this paper is to explain in detail indications and management of non-surgical treatment of such lesions. These are variable according to localization, etiology, and associated anomalies, and are mainly based on proper casting (often repeated), bracing (often intermittent between casting) and proper respiratory equipment. From time to time, a surgical treatment is locally indicated, but most of the time results are disappointing and the best is to repeat non-surgical treatment until proper definitive arthrodesis can be performed. This approach is not very rewarding for the child and family, but is clearly better than sudden extensive surgery in early childhood with very severe and disastrous results in adulthood. It is our hope that the recommendations and thoughts presented in this paper will help readers to manage young children using the most efficient, non-aggressive, but long-lasting therapy.

[Standards and Options for the use of radiation therapy in the management of patients with osteosarcoma. Update 2004]. / Recommandations pour la pratique clinique: Standards et Options 2004 pour la prise en charge par radiothérapie des patients atteints d'ostéosarcome. Mise à jour.

CONTEXT: The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, started in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of French Cancer Centres (FNCLCC), the 20 French regional cancer centres, and specialists from French public universities, general hospitals and private clinics. The main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and the outcome of cancer patients. The methodology is based on a literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts, with feedback from specialists in cancer care delivery. OBJECTIVE: To update the SOR recommendations for the use of radiation therapy in the management of patients with osteosarcoma. This work was performed in collaboration with the French society against cancers in children and adolescent (SFCE). METHODS: Data have been identified by literature search using Medline (from January 1992 to October 2003). In addition several Internet sites were searched in October 2003. RESULTS: The 3 mains standards are: 1) local and exclusive curative irradiation is not indicated as primary treatment for osteosarcoma or for local and operable recurrence, except for lesion in inaccessible sites or if the patient refuses surgery; 2) local and prophylactic adjuvant irradiation is not indicated for the treatment of osteosarcoma after chemotherapy (neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant) and complete macro or microscopic surgery, except for non-operable R1 or R2 surgical resection; 3) whole-lung prophylactic irradiation is not indicated in non-metastatic osteosarcoma. Systemic metabolic radiotherapy for pain treatment, using samarium-153 ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonic acid (Sm-153-EDTMP) can be offered to patients with painful metastatic osteosarcoma or in case of recurrent bone sites inaccessible to local therapies (surgery, external irradiation).

Bone cysts: unicameral and aneurysmal bone cyst.

Simple and aneurysmal bone cysts are benign lytic bone lesions, usually encountered in children and adolescents. Simple bone cyst is a cystic, fluid-filled lesion, which may be unicameral (UBC) or partially separated. UBC can involve all bones, but usually the long bone metaphysis and otherwise primarily the proximal humerus and proximal femur. The classic aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an expansive and hemorrhagic tumor, usually showing characteristic translocation. About 30% of ABCs are secondary, without translocation; they occur in reaction to another, usually benign, bone lesion. ABCs are metaphyseal, excentric, bulging, fluid-filled and multicameral, and may develop in all bones of the skeleton. On MRI, the fluid level is evocative. It is mandatory to distinguish ABC from UBC, as prognosis and treatment are different. UBCs resolve spontaneously between adolescence and adulthood; the main concern is the risk of pathologic fracture. Treatment in non-threatening forms consists in intracystic injection of methylprednisolone. When there is a risk of fracture, especially of the femoral neck, surgery with curettage, filling with bone substitute or graft and osteosynthesis may be required. ABCs are potentially more aggressive, with a risk of bone destruction. Diagnosis must systematically be confirmed by biopsy, identifying soft-tissue parts, as telangiectatic sarcoma can mimic ABC. Intra-lesional sclerotherapy with alcohol is an effective treatment. In spinal ABC and in aggressive lesions with a risk of fracture, surgical treatment should be preferred, possibly after preoperative embolization. The risk of malignant transformation is very low, except in case of radiation therapy.

Rotationplasty after failure of a knee prosthesis for a malignant tumour of the distal femur.

Failure of massive knee endoprostheses implanted for malignant tumours of the distal femur in children presents a difficult problem. We present the results of rotationplasty undertaken under these circumstances in four boys. They had been treated initially at a mean age of 9.5 years for a stage-IIB malignant tumour of the distal femur by resection and implantation of a massive knee endoprosthesis. After a mean period of eight years and a mean of four operative procedures, there was failure of the endoprosthesis because of aseptic loosening in two and infection in two. Function was poor with a mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of 7.5/30, and considerable associated psychological problems. At a mean follow-up of 4.5 years after rotationplasty there was excellent function with a mean score of 27.5/30 and resolution of the psychological problems.

[Indentation fractures of the femoral head complicating the traumatic dislocation of the hip. Treatment by intertrochanteric osteotomy]. / Fractures par impaction de la tête fémorale compliquant la luxation traumatique de hanche. Traitement par ostéotomie intertrochantérienne.

INTRODUCTION: Indentation fractures of the femoral head, are known to be rare with poor long-term prognosis. This study aimed to demonstrate that intertrochanteric osteotomy allowed improvement of late outcome after indentation fractures of the femoral head. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1980 and 1984, four patients with a femoral head fracture after traumatic hip dislocation were treated by intertrochanteric osteotomy. The mean age at time of surgery was 24 years. The injury was a traffic accident in 2 out of 4 cases. All of four had indentation fractures of the left femoral head. All patients underwent immediate reduction of the dislocation. The intertrochanteric osteotomy, was delayed between 1 months to 3 years. Four Müller's osteotomies and one Sugioka's osteotomy were performed. One patient had 2 successive procedures. Mean pre-operative Merle d'Aubigne score was 13.5. In this retrospective study, results were assessed according to Merle d'Aubigne score and Epstein clinical and radiological method. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 9 years (7 to 12). Three patients had a good result and one had two successive poor results in the same hip. Mean last follow-up Merle's score was 16.3 (15 to 18). The only poor result occurred because of late femoral head necrosis, in one hip with 2 successive osteotomies. DISCUSSION: As indentation fractures occurred in the upper part of the femoral head, the goal of the osteotomy was to displace the impacted articular surface out of the weight-bearing area. The prognosis of such lesions was usually poor, because in previously reported series, patients received no treatment. In our experience, intertrochanteric osteotomy could be proposed as an efficient therapy in femoral head indentation fractures.

[Complications from the hinged GUEPAR prosthesis after resection of knee tumor. 102 cases]. / Complications des prothèses à charnière GUEPAR après résection du genou pour tumeur. A propos de 102 cas.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present the complications which occurred in knee replacement with the GUEPAR prosthesis, after bone tumor resection. We tried to point out complications in relation to prosthetic design and surgical technique. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 1972 and 1993, 90 patients had a knee resection, for 80 malignant and 10 benign tumors. There were 51 males and 49 females, aged 12 to 75 years (mean age 35). Fifty-six distal femur resections and 34 proximal tibial resections were performed. Length of resection averaged 16 cm (9 to 30). The reconstruction was always achieved with a cemented, custom-made GUEPAR prosthesis. Including revisions, there was a total of 102 prostheses in 90 patients. A patellar resurfacing was performed in 64 cases. An allograft reconstruction was associated in 39 knees. In all tibial resections and in two extra-articular femoral resections, the extensor mechanism had to be reconstructed. Several reconstruction techniques were associated, in which 19 medial gastrocnemius transfers. The prosthesis design was slightly modified with time. Ten patients received radiotherapy, and 55 had chemotherapy. RESULTS: Results and complications were retrospectively assessed, with an average follow-up of 4.3 years (1 to 22). Six patients were lost for follow-up, 62 patients were alive, with no evolutive disease, 13 had an evolutive disease and 10 were deceased from disease. Nineteen patients had distant metastasis and 17 had local recurrences. Apart from intraoperative complications, late mechanical complications included: 13 aseptic loosening, 2 femoral shaft fractures, 18 knee contractures, 5 femoral stem fractures and, 18 intra-articular instabilities related to wear of the hinge-axis. In the 39 allograft-composite prostheses, only 15 had a favorable evolution. There were 15 extensor mechanism failures and 13 knees had persistent infection. There was a total of 94 reoperations in the 90 patients. In 28 cases, the initially implanted prosthesis was removed. There were also 18 revisions, 7 amputations and 3 arthrodeses. Survivorship analysis showed a 60 per cent probability for the initial prosthesis not to be revised at 10 year-follow-up, apart from oncologic complications. DISCUSSION: Results with allograft-composite reconstruction were not better than with massive prosthesis. When needed, soft tissue coverage and patellar tendon augmentation would better be performed with gastrocnemius plasty. Polyethylene and steel bushes were not solution for hinge axis wear.

[A new technique of osteotomy for femoral varisation in the management of hip dislocation and paralytic subluxation of the hip]. / Une nouvelle technique d'ostéotomie fémorale de varisation dans le traitement des luxations et subluxations paralytiques de hanche.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Severe valgus deformity of the upper femur is a frequent feature of the unstable paralytic hip. Thus, the insertion of the osteosynthesis material during a varization osteotomy can be technical demanding. Risks and benefits of a modified femoral varization osteotomy were evaluated in a retrospective follow-up study. MATERIAL: 53 paralytic hips (33 patients) have been operated from September 1989 to april 1993. Mean age at surgery was 6 years. The etiologies were Spinal Amyotrophy in 12 hips, Cerebral Palsy in 31 hips and miscellaneous neurologic diseases in 10 hips. The average neck-shaft angle before surgery was 162 degrees. The mean Reimers' Index was 58 per cent. METHODS: The upper femoral shaft was exposed by subperiosteal dissection in a circumferential manner. An intertrochanteric osteotomy was carried out. The direction of the femoral neck was identified. An AO 100 degree blade plate was then introduced under direct visual control through the cancellous osteotomy surface of the proximal fragment. Radiological and clinical outcome were assessed at last follow-up. Mean follow-up was 16 months. RESULTS: Solid fusion was obtained in all patients. The mean postoperative neck-shaft angle was 104 degrees. The mean Reimers' Index was 17 per cent at last follow-up. Two infections were noted. Voluminous calcifications under the femoral neck have been observed in 6 cases. Recurrence of the valgus deformity was noted in 9 hips at last follow-up. DISCUSSION: This simplified varization technique permits a large amount of varization. The medialization diminishes the problem of protruding hardware. The complications rate appears to be low without any femoral head necrosis in this series despite subperiosteal dissection of the femoral neck. CONCLUSION: The authors think that this modified varization technique may deserve consideration in the treatment of the unstable paralytic hip.

[Proximal femoral reconstruction with megaprosthesis versus allograft prosthesis composite. A comparative study of functional results, complications and longevity in 41 cases]. / Prothèse massive et prothèse manchonnée d'une allogreffe pour la reconstruction de l'extrémité supérieure du fémur.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To compare femoral reconstruction using megaprosthesis versus allograft prosthesis composite. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-one consecutive proximal femoral reconstructions with an allograft-prosthesis composite (21 cases) or a megaprosthesis (20 cases) after tumor resection were reviewed in a retrospective study. The following criteria were considered: functional outcome; long term survival; complications. Chi-square test and Wilcox tests were used to compare groups. The medium and long-term survival curves for these reconstructions were made using the Kaplan-Meier standard methods. The failure of prosthesis was defined as revision for mechanical failure (either aseptic loosening or dislocation), for infection or local recurrence. The comparison of the curves was performed using the Log-Rank test. RESULTS: Infection (10 p. 100) and instability, in both groups, and loosening, in the megaprosthesis group, were the common causes of failure. There was difference between functional results in the two groups (limping and crutches using was more lower in allograft-prosthesis composite group). Survival analysis showed a 5 and 10-year survival of 77 +/- 12 p. 100 for the patients with composites. Five and ten - year survival were 73 +/- 11 p. 100 and 0 p 100 respectevely for those with megaprostheses. No significant difference was noted between survival of these two groups but a tendancy (p =0.09). Radiological allograft resorption was noted for more than 50 p. 100 of allograft composite prosthesis without modification of functional result or symptomatic loosening. DISCUSSION: The functional results seem better in the composite group when compared to the megaprosthesis group. Reconstruction of the abductor mechanism is essential to stabilize the prosthesis and to decrease the limp. When the great trochanter cannot be preserved, we used suture of gluteus medius tendon to tensor of fascia lata, which is re-enforced using a piece of biceps femoris. The dislocation rate was approximately the same in our two groups. Several authors reported a lower dislocation rate with composite reconstructions than massive prosthesis. The rate of infection is similar to other reported series. In our study it has been possible to show a tendancy for superior survival of the composite reconstruction. When the review was later than 5 years the radiological appearance of the graft in our series was often concerning with resorption or fragmentation present in six of the eight cases. This radiological appearance is not as yet responsible for any revision or any change in the functional result however it does remain a worry. CONCLUSION: Composite reconstructions probably allow a better functional result when considering proximal reconstruction of the femur. The radiological appearance of these allografts in the long term is however worry some without any evidence so far of worsening functional level or any evidence of prosthetic loosening. It would seem to us that the current level of knowledge would advocate the use of massive allografts together with prosthesis. This does seem still to remain the best choice for proximal femoral reconstruction.

[Conservative surgical treatment of osteogenic sarcoma of the limb in children and adolescents]. / Traitement chirurgical conservateur des sarcomes ostéogéniques des membres de l'enfant et de l'adolescent.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Advances in chemotherapy protocols over the last 20 years have considerably improved the prognosis and functional outcome in patients with osteogenic sarcoma. We report here the results of a cooperative study conducted under the auspices of the French Society of Pediatric Oncology (SFOP). Twenty-nine oncology centers participated in this retrospective national multicentric study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 153 patients with osteogenic sarcoma of the limb who were treated by the OS87 protocol with conservative surgery between 1987 and 1994. The OS87 protocol consisted in conservative or non-conservative surgery combined with pre- and postoperative chemotherapy. The following inclusion criteria were used: age under 20 years, tumor localization in a limb (pelvis and spine excluded), no metastasis at diagnosis, biopsy proven osteogenic sarcoma. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 13 years. The knee localization predominated (80 p. 100). 82.5 p. 100 of the patients had grade IIB disease (Enneking classification). For the 187 patients included in the protocol surgery was non-conservative in 20 p. 100 of the cases and conservative in 80 p. 100. The choice of the surgical technique (arthroplasty, allograft, autograft, resection without reconstruction) depended on the patient's age and school situation. Data analyzed here concerned only those patients who had conservative treatment. Mean follow-up was 64 months. The actuarial survival curve plateaued at 71 p. 100 at more than 6 years. Early and late complications were numerous and variable (mechanical, infectious, local recurrence). Secondary amputation was required in 10 p. 100 of the patients. The overall functional outcome of the preserved limbs was nevertheless good with rapid restoration of self-sufficiency despite major surgery and a high number of reoperations (about 65 p. 100 of cases). DISCUSSION: In light of the frequency and the seriousness of the complications, these results are modest. Patients and family should be advised of the risk, particularly the risk of secondary amputation which may be required early due to contaminated excision or at mid term due to major non-cancerological complications. As survival has been improved, functional capacity must be preserved for several years. This orients surgery towards more "biological" reconstruction which can provide greater longevity than arthroplasty.

[Vascularized peroneal reconstruction after bloc resection of tumors or congenital malformations of the upper limb in children]. / Reconstruction par péroné vascularisé après résection en bloc pour lésions tumorales ou malformation congénitale du membre supérieur chez l'enfant.

Limb salvage surgery is the standard care for most malignant tumor affecting the extremities in the child, and a vascularized fibula transfer is probably the most popular microsurgical option to reconstruct long-bone defects. Between 1994 and 1999, nine children with intractable diseases of the upper limb were treated using free vascularized fibula grafts (one patient had resection in 1983 and initially prosthetic reconstruction, then fibula transplant in 1996). There were 6 boys and 3 girls. Mean age was 10 years (between 6 and 16). Eight patients had defects after sarcoma resection, one had an aggressive enchondroma. The reconstructed sites were the humerus (= 6), the radius (n = 3). The length of the bone defect ranged from 8 to 19 cm (mean: 14.4 cm). The fibula head with the cartilage and the growth plate was used in 3 children. One girl, 4.5 years old with congenital pseudoarthrosis of radius and cubitus had a resection and reconstruction with a U shaped fibula transplant. One patient died from lung and brain metastasis, two years after the reconstruction. There were no local recurrences. The complications were numerous but usually benign; fracture of the grafted fibula n = 7, necessity of additional bone grafts (n = 4) malunion (n = 1) needed reoperation, pseudoarthrosis (n = 2) with reoperation, ankle valgus (n = 1) required reoperation, necrosis of the fibula head (n = 1), radial inclination (n = 1). The ten patients had bone union. The mean period required to obtain radiographic bone union was 5 months. The functional results of the remaining patients were evaluated according to the scale of ENNEKING. The results ranged from 21 to 30 points. Our results were satisfactory with regard to pain, emotional acceptance, manual dexterity. The vascularized fibula graft is indicated in children with large bone defects, more than 8 cm in the humerus, radius and ulna.

[Reconstruction of the long bones of the legs in children via free vascularized transplant of the fibula after resection for sarcoma]. / Reconstruction des os longs des membres, chez l'enfant, par transplant libre vascularisé du péroné après résection pour sarcome.

Nineteen children were operated on between 1985 and 1994. All the patients presented a sarcoma of long bones: osteosarcoma: 12 and Ewing's sarcoma: 7. They were operated on: resection and reconstruction of the long bones with a free vascularised fibula. Pre and post-operative chemotherapy was used. The average follow-up was 3 years (between 10 years and 1 year). The mean bone defect was 20 cm (between 32 and 11 cm). Boys were more frequently encountered [12]. Average age was 9.5 years. The pathological bone was: femur: 14, tibia: 4, humerus 1. The approach needs usually two incisions for femoral bone: the internal incision allows us to prepare the recipient vessels: deep femoral vessels in 11 cases. In 18 cases, union occurred in less than 14 months. One case of pseudarthrosis occurred. Immediate follow-up was simple in 17 cases. Infection was observed in 2 cases. Secondly, the most frequent complications were: fracture of the fibula: 6 cases, vicious cal: 2 cases; delayed union: 6 cases; stiffness: 2 cases. One patient died later from pulmonary metastasis. Solid osteosynthesis of the member and of the free vascularised fibula permit to shorten these delays. Success depends on two criteria: the graft thickening of the fibula and union of the fibula at both ends. The micro vascular anastomoses must be excellent. Twelve children had bone union with only one operation. In the 6 cases of delayed union, secondary bone grafts give consolidation. The comparison of this technique with standard treatment showed an evident superiority of the free vascularised fibula transplant in extensive defects of bone. The fibula is a life bone which permits rapid union with a short hospitalization, a quick recovery and an early return to school. Free vascularised fibula permit to ameliorate the quality of survival.

Is there a link between osteofibrous dysplasia and adamantinoma?

Because of the relative frequency of osteofibrous dysplasia (OFD) and the gravity of adamantinoma, it is important to know whether there is a link between these two entities. A young boy had been followed from the age of 5 years for OFD of the right tibia. At the age of 10, biopsy performed because of pain, revealed OFD-like adamantinoma. Surgery was undertaken, with en bloc proximal tibial resection of 14 cm and reconstruction by free vascularized fibula and internal fixation. This observation illustrates the risk of evolution of OFD-like adamantinoma, showing the same unfavorable evolution as classic adamantinoma. Strict surveillance is mandatory in OFD, with systematic biopsy in case of onset of pain or increased tumor volume.

Free vascularised fibular graft for reconstruction of defects of the lower limb after resection of tumour.

We describe a retrospective review of 38 cases of reconstruction following resection of the metaphysiodiaphysis of the lower limb for malignant bone tumours using free vascularised fibular grafts. The mean follow-up was for 7.6 years (0.4 to 18.4). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 27.2 (20 to 30). The score was significantly higher when the graft was carried out in a one-stage procedure after resection of the tumour rather than in two stages. Bony union was achieved in 89% of the cases. The overall mean time to union was 1.7 years (0.2 to 10.3). Free vascularised fibular transfer is a major operation with frequent, but preventable, complications which allows salvage of the limb with satisfactory functional results.

The incidence and treatment of rocker bottom deformity as a complication of the conservative treatment of idiopathic congenital clubfoot.

Rocker bottom deformity may occur during the conservative treatment of idiopathic congenital clubfoot. Between 1975 and 1996, we treated 715 patients (1120 clubfeet) conservatively. A total of 23 patients (36 feet; 3.2%) developed a rocker bottom deformity. It is these patients that we have studied. The pathoanatomy of the rocker bottom deformity is characterised by a plantar convexity appearing between three and six months of age with the hindfoot equinus position remaining constant. The convexity initially involves the medial column, radiologically identified by the talo-first metatarsal angle and secondly by the lateral column, revealed radiologically as the calcaneo-fifth metatarsal angle. The apex of the deformity is usually at the midtrasal with a dorsal calcaneocuboid subluxation. Ideal management of clubfoot deformity should avoid this complication, with adequate manipulation and splinting and early Achilles' percutaneous tenotomy if plantar convexity occurs. Adequate soft-tissue release provides satisfactory correction for rocker bottom deformity. However, this deformity requires more extensive and complex procedures than the standard surgical treatment of clubfoot. The need for lateral radiographs to ensure that the rocker bottom deformity is recognised early, is demonstrated.

Prevention of ankle valgus after vascularized fibular grafts in children.

Ankle valgus after the use of vascularized fibular grafts is a specific complication of the donor site ankle in the growing child. Incidence of this deformity and prevention strategy are documented poorly. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the rate of such deformities and to analyze efficiency of two prevention methods. Charts of 20 children surgically treated for sarcomas of long bones with a mean followup of 4.1 years were studied retrospectively. Ankle valgus was considered if the tibiotalar angle on radiographs with the patient standing was 5 degrees or greater in valgus than that of the opposite ankle, and deformity was considered severe if it required surgical treatment. Prevention was done in some patients with a tibiofibular syndesmotic screw or with reconstruction of the fibula using a tibial autograft. Valgus occurred in nine patients (45%) and was severe in five (25%). Valgus prevention with a syndesmotic screw was efficient and lacking in complications, whereas patients with fibula reconstruction had a high incidence of deformity and relevant complications. The authors recommend using a tibiofibular screw in all patients whose growth plates are open in the lower limbs at the time of surgery.