Functional evaluation in distal femoral endoprosthetic replacement for bone sarcoma

A multicenter study of successfully treated patients (mean age, 36.7 years) with a minimum 1-year followup (average, 35.4 months) after distal femoral endoprosthetic replacement for bone sarcoma was done using the 1987 and 1993 versions of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, the Short Form-36, and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score functional evaluation criteria. Fifty-six patients (28 women and 28 men) fulfilled the criteria. Thirty-one Kotz prostheses (fixed hinge, uncemented) and 25 Modular Replacement System Prostheses (rotating hinge, cemented) were used. Thirty-five patients walked without aids, 19 used a cane, and two used crutches or a walker. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 1987 mean score was 28.1. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 1993 mean score was 80.4. The Toronto Extremity Salvage Score mean was 81.6. The Short Form-36 Physical Component Score had a mean of 43.2 and Mental Component Score mean of 54.2. The two groups of implants were comparable, except for the length of bone resection. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that patient age, existence of a pathologic fracture, and type of prosthesis all significantly accounted for differences in functional outcome as measured by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 1993, the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, and the Short Form-36 Physical Component Score scales. Although both implants provided satisfactory function, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 1993 and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score results were significantly better with the Modular Replacement System prosthesis. The effect of possible differences among surgeons or institutions was not addressed.     

Radiographic,Functional, and Oncologic Outcomes of Cemented Modular Proximal Femur Replacement Using the “French Paradox” Technique

BackgroundEndoprostheses are frequently used in the management of tumors involving the proximal femur. Aseptic loosening is a common complication that has been linked to the cementing technique. The “French paradox” is well-known cementing technique in the arthroplasty literature. No previous reports have assessed loosening in proximal femur replacements using this technique. We examined rates of femoral stem aseptic loosening in proximal femur replacements, functional outcomes, complications, and oncologic outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 47 patients who underwent proximal femur replacement between 2000 and 2019. Two reviewers evaluated preoperative and postoperative radiographs using the International Society of Limb Salvage scoring system and Barrack criteria for stem loosening. The acetabulum was evaluated according to the criteria of Baker et al. Functional outcomes were assessed using Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score. The mean follow-up was 44 months.ResultsThe mean International Society of Limb Salvage scores for the 2 reviewers were 86% ± 6% and 84% ± 6%. The first reviewer graded femoral stem loosening as “possibly loose” in 2 patients, one of whom was graded as possibly loose by the second reviewer. The 2 reviewers found no acetabular erosion in 16 (70%) and 15 (65.4%) patients, respectively. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score at last follow-up were 61% and 72%, respectively. Twenty complications occurred in 13 patients, and 5 patients experienced local recurrence.ConclusionDespite complications, we showed favorable femoral component survival rates. Cementing the proximal femur prosthesis with tight canal fit and thin cement mantle is a viable option for the short and medium term.Level of EvidenceIII.     

Iliofemoral arthrodesis and pseudarthrosis: a long-term functional outcome evaluation

Reconstruction after the resection of pelvic tumors is a major challenge. It depends on many factors such as age, activity level, type of tumor, its adjuvant treatment, and the extent of the disease. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the functional and oncologic outcomes of patients who had an iliofemoral arthrodesis after resection of a pelvic sarcoma. Between 1981 and 1999, 20 males and 12 females with a mean age of 39.9 years (range, 10-71 years) had an iliofemoral arthrodesis, either as a solid fusion or primary pseudarthrosis, at one institution. The functional outcome was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and the Toronto Extremity Salvage scores. At a mean followup of 97 months (range, 14-226 months), 15 of 32 patients were alive, all without disease. The radiographic union rate was 86%. The mean overall Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and Toronto Extremity Salvage scores were 64% and 48%, respectively. Patients with a primary solid fusion did functionally better compared with patients who had pseudarthrosis (Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, 76%; Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score, 71% versus Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, 52%; Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score, 25%). Biomechanical analysis showed that the loss of motion in the hip is well-compensated. The authors conclude from this series that iliofemoral reconstruction after resection of a pelvic sarcoma provides acceptable and durable long-term results, not only from the oncologic, but also from the functional perspective.     

Outcomes of Cemented Distal Femoral Replacement Using “Line to Line” Technique With All-Polyethylene Tibial Implant for Tumors

BackgroundBoth cemented and cementless stemmed endoprosthetic implants have been used to reconstruct large skeletal defects after tumor resection with similar outcomes. In this study, we examined the oncologic, clinical, and functional outcomes in patients undergoing distal femur replacement using the French paradox technique.MethodsA total of 125 patients who underwent distal femur replacement between 1990 and 2019 using the line-to-line cementation technique were reviewed. Implant failure was recorded as per Henderson’s classification. Functional outcomes were analyzed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score scoring systems. The mean follow-up was 84 (1-350) months.ResultsAseptic loosening of the femoral stem was recorded in one patient at 21-years of follow-up. Twenty of 125 patients required bushing exchange for polyethylene wear, all after 10 years. Six tibial bearing component fractures were recorded in four patients while one femoral stem component Morse taper fractured. Two all-polyethylene cemented tibial implants were revised for polyethylene granuloma. Deep surgical site infection occurred in 13 patients, while six patients experienced local recurrence. Kaplan-Meier estimates for implant survival for all-cause revision were 85% at 1 year and 70% at 5 years. These estimates for femur or tibia loosening as an end point were 96% at 10 years and 90% at 15 years. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score scores at the last follow-up were 76% and 74%, respectively. Thirty-five patients died of disease progression.ConclusionThe line-to-line cementation technique, used with all-polyethylene tibial implants, demonstrates low incidence of aseptic loosening at medium and long-term follow-ups.Level of EvidenceIII.     

Enhancing Soft Tissue Ingrowth in Proximal Femoral Arthroplasty With Aortograft Sleeve : A Novel Technique and Early Results

Hip abductor function is critical to joint stability after proximal femoral arthroplasty. Normal soft tissue relationships are often violated during this procedure for complete tumor resection. Abductor insufficiency leads to abnormal gait mechanics and poor function. To improve soft tissue stability about a metallic proximal femoral endoprosthesis, we devised a novel use of vascular graft material. Two patients received a proximal femoral arthroplasty using this technique. These patients were followed for an average of 26.5 months. They demonstrated mean active hip abduction of 48°, hip flexion of 90°, mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of 24 (80%), and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score of 80. We believe that this technique may be useful in achieving soft tissue stability about a metal endoprosthesis and may facilitate better function in patients undergoing this surgery.     

Effect of an Endoprosthetic Reconstruction Tube and Medial Gastrocnemius Flap on Extensor Mechanism Function After Oncologic Prosthesis Reconstruction of the Proximal Tibia

BackgroundExtensor mechanism reconstruction after the proximal tibial resection and implantation of a megaprosthesis is challenging. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the Trevira tube and medial gastrocnemius flap in restoring extensor mechanism following the resection of proximal tibial tumor and implantation of megaprosthesis.MethodsForty patients who underwent endoprosthetic implantation following the resection of proximal tibial tumor and patellar tendon reconstruction with the Trevira tube and medial gastrocnemius flap were included. The outcome measures were knee range of motion, extensor mechanism function, patellar position, and limb function subjectively evaluated through Toronto Extremity Salvage Score and objectively through Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score. The mean follow-up of the patients was 6.1 years.ResultsThe patellar position was normal in 28 (70%) patients, patella baja in 3 (7.5%) patients, and patella alta in 9 (22.5%) patients. The mean active knee range of motion was 98.9 ± 17° (range: 85°-125°). Extension lag was present in 7 (17.5%) patients (range: 5°-20°). The mean Toronto Extremity Salvage Score of patients was 92.1 ± 6.9% (range: 85-100). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of the patients was 87.7 ± 13 (range: 73.3-100). Postoperative complications included aseptic wound dehiscence (2 patients), aseptic loosening of the tibial component (1 patient), periprosthetic fracture in the femur (2 patients), and wound infection (1 patient).ConclusionTrevira tube combined with gastrocnemius flap augmentation is a suitable procedure for restoring extensor mechanism after proximal tibial resection and megaprosthesis implantation.     

Functional salvage of a mangled lower limb using custom-made endoprosthetic replacement

Functional salvage of a severely injured extremity is a challenge for the patient and the treating surgeon. We report a case of a woman presenting with severely injured lower limb and bone loss, which was managed using a custom-made endoprosthetic replacement for successful functional outcome. Despite being complicated by bone loss, nerve injury and infection; a planned staged surgical treatment and rehabilitation have resulted in satisfactory outcome. At 3-year follow-up, the functional score according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society-International Symposium on Limb Salvage System was 70% and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score was 62%. Endoprosthetic replacements may have a limited role in managing selected patients with mangled extremity and can lead to a good functional outcome to these patients.     

Metatarsal reconstruction with use of free vascularized osteomyocutaneous fibular grafts following resection of malignant tumors of the midfoot. A series of six cases

BACKGROUND: Bone and soft-tissue sarcomas are uncommon, and their location in the foot is extremely rare. While limb salvage has become the standard of care in the treatment of sarcoma in an extremity, the unique anatomy of the foot presents challenges in reconstructing a viable and functional limb. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2005, we used free microvascularized osteomyocutaneous fibular grafts to reconstruct the defects created after extensive midfoot resection in six consecutive patients with a primary malignant tumor. In all but one patient, the extent of the resection involved at least two metatarsals. The mean age (and standard deviation) at the time of the operation was 30+/-13 years. At the final follow-up examination, clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed on all patients, and functional outcome and quality of life were assessed with use of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score, and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score. RESULTS: The median duration of follow-up was 52.2 months. Limb salvage was achieved in five patients. In the remaining patient, amputation was necessary because of flap failure. Revision surgery was necessary in all patients because of complications (skin ulcerations in three patients; hematoma in two patients; and infection, necrosis of the second toe, and flap necrosis in one patient each). At the time of final follow-up, five patients had satisfactory function and reported good quality of life. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, and Toronto Extremity Salvage scores were 82%, 75 points, and 92%, respectively. At the time of the final follow-up, five patients had no evidence of disease and one patient had disease. CONCLUSIONS: Following the resection of a malignant tumor in the midfoot, the use of microvascularized osteomyocutaneous fibular grafts has proven to be a successful surgical technique, offering an alternative to ablative surgery with functional restoration of the salvaged limb.     

Pathologic fractures of the proximal femur secondary to benign bone tumors.

Pathologic fractures of the proximal femur secondary to benign bone tumors often are difficult to treat because of specific anatomic features of this region and the aggressiveness of the tumors. Between 1986 and 1996, 11 patients presented with a pathologic fracture of the proximal femur secondary to a benign bone tumor. All were treated with a uniform approach consisting of biopsy, intralesional curettage, high-speed burring, and reconstruction using morselized allograft, autograft, and a fixed-angle implant. The average followup was 4 years 3 months (range, 24-114 months). One patient was lost to followup. All fractures healed, and there were no local recurrences and no cases of avascular necrosis. Functional evaluation revealed generally good results. Patients scored a mean of 32.6 on the original Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scale and 95.8 on the revised version. The average Toronto Extremity Salvage Score was 91.3. With the numbers available, there were no significant differences between the study group and population norms in the Short Form-36. These results suggest that a uniform approach based on preservation of the femoral head can be applied successfully to the treatment of these lesions with good local tumor control, fracture healing, and acceptable functional outcomes.     

Osteosarcoma in children: long-term functional analysis

Multimodal, limb-saving therapy is the treatment of choice in children with osteosarcoma. However, few data are available on long-term functional problems and disabilities in surviving patients. Seventy-eight children treated for Stage II-B osteosarcoma who were treated between 1970 and 1997 were evaluated. Beyond the clinical examination, functional results were assessed using the scoring system of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society. Patients reported their physical disabilities when completing the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score. The most recent cohort of patients who had tumor resection combined with preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy had the best 10-year survival rate at 70%. Thirty-four children (44%) were treated by limb-sparing therapy with 25 children requiring an endoprosthesis. Ten of these 25 children (40%) required one or in some cases several replacements of the endoprostheses because of complications. The original prostheses were in place for a median of 4.9 years before the first exchange (range, 2.0-12.0 years). Evaluations with rating scales showed that the subjective estimation of disabilities by the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score was significantly higher than a rating of limb functions by a doctor using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score. Best results were observed in children with an endoprosthesis of the distal femur who achieved as much as 90% ability to do their daily life routine. Limb-saving therapy in children with osteosarcoma enables a return to activities of daily living in long-term survivors with a minimum of remaining disability.     

Proximal humeral replacement using a fixed-fulcrum endoprosthesis

Between 1997 and 2007, 68 consecutive patients underwent replacement of the proximal humerus for tumour using a fixed-fulcrum massive endoprosthesis. Their mean age was 46 years (7 to 87). Ten patients were lost to follow-up and 16 patients died. The 42 surviving patients were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) Score and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) at a mean follow-up of five years and 11 months (one year to ten years and nine months). The mean MSTS score was 72.3% (53.3% to 100%) and the mean TESS was 77.2% (58.6% to 100%). Four of 42 patients received a new constrained humeral liner to reduce the risk of dislocation. This subgroup had a mean MSTS score of 77.7% and a mean TESS of 80.0%. The dislocation rate for the original prosthesis was 25.9; none of the patients with the new liner had a dislocation at a mean of 14.5 months (12 to 18). Endoprosthetic replacement for tumours of the proximal humerus using this prosthesis is a reliable operation yielding good results without the documented problems of unconstrained prostheses. The performance of this prosthesis is expected to improve further with a new constrained humeral liner, which reduces the risk of dislocation.     

Femoral replacement for salvage of periprosthetic fracture around a total hip replacement

A total of 20 patients with a mean age of 72 (range: 36-91) were managed with replacement of the proximal (15) or total (5) femur for salvage of a periprosthetic femoral fracture with bone loss. A mean 12.5 years had elapsed between primary total hip replacement and surgery and the mean follow-up was 48 months (range: 12-116 months). Clinical outcome was assessed using the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (mean: 68, range: 32-98) and Short Form 36 (SF-36; mean Physical Component Score (PCS): 53, range: 44-62; mean Mental Component Score (MCS): 51, range: 41-64). No prostheses were radiologically loose. There were six major complications; three patients suffered a postoperative dislocation; two patients had persistent deep infection (present preoperatively); and one patient suffered a fracture of their femur distal to the femoral stem of a proximal femoral replacement. Endoprosthetic replacement of the femur is a reasonable salvage option for patients with periprosthetic fracture and bone loss, with good clinical results. It allows immediate weight bearing and does not rely on bony union for success.     

Endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus. Long-term results

We studied 100 patients who had undergone endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus between 1976 and 1998. The outcome was assessed with regard to the survivorship of the patients, the salvaged limbs and the prostheses. Function was determined in the 47 surviving patients, of whom 30 were assessed using the Musculo-Skeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) rating scale and 38 completed the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) questionnaire. The median age of the patients was 34 years (10 to 80). The mean follow-up period for surviving patients was nine years (2 to 20). The mean MSTS score at follow-up was 79% and the mean TESS score was 72%. The length of bone which was resected influenced the functional outcome. Abduction of the shoulder was to 45 degrees in most patients. The overall survival was 42% at ten years and that of the limb without amputation 93%. The survival of the prostheses using mechanical failure as the endpoint was 86.5% at 20 years. Endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus is a predictable procedure providing reasonable function of the arm with a low rate of complications at long-term follow-up.     

Acetabular Erosion After Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty in Proximal Femoral Replacement for Malignant Bone Tumors

BackgroundHemiarthroplasty megaprosthetic proximal femur reconstruction after tumor resection is a widespread procedure in orthopedic oncology. One potential complication is acetabular wear requiring secondary acetabular revision. The study’s purpose is to investigate prevalence of acetabular erosion, secondary revisions, and potential risk factors.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 112 patients who underwent proximal femur replacement after resection of a malignant bone tumor and had radiological follow-up longer than 12 months. Patient demographic, surgical, and oncologic factors were recorded, acetabular wear was measured using the classification proposed by Baker, and prosthetic failure was classified using the International Society on Limb Salvage classification. Functional assessment was performed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score and Harris Hip Score.ResultsPrevalence of acetabular wear was 28.6%. Secondary conversion to total hip arthroplasty was required in 5 patients (4.6%), all treated for primary bone tumors. No patient treated for metastatic tumor had higher grade acetabular wear or required revision. Significant risk factors for the development of acetabular wear were age under 40 (P = .035) and longer follow-up (63 vs 43 months, P = .004). Other patient, surgical, or adjuvant treatment-related factors were not associated with acetabular revision or acetabular wear. The dislocation rate in the patient cohort was 0.9%.ConclusionBipolar hemiarthroplasty proximal femoral replacement represents a durable reconstruction after tumor resection. Hip instability is rare. Acetabular erosion is rare and can be successfully treated with conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Young patients with long-term survival over 10 years are at risk. In reconstruction for metastases, instability and acetabular wear are rare.     

Successful results of total femoral resection and prosthetic replacement in two patients

Resection of the whole femur, together with endoprosthetic replacement is a major limb-salvaging procedure. We performed total femoral resection and endoprosthetic replacement with TMTS (Turkish Musculoskeletal Tumor Society) prosthesis in two young (20 years old) male patients with stage-IIB osteosarcoma. Postoperative complications were only temporary sciatic nerve neuropraxia and minor skin necrosis around the surgical wound. After a four-staged individualized rehabilitation program, both patients were able to walk without any support or limitation. At the end of a follow-up period of 22 and 26 months, both patients achieved a nearly full range of motion of the knee and the hip, with Enneking functional scores being excellent. Endoprosthetic total femoral reconstruction results in satisfactory oncologic and functional outcome in selected patients.     

The endlock tumor prosthesis with short-length fixation: a clinical study

Anchorage of segmental replacement prostheses in diaphyseal bone remains a challenge in lower limb reconstructions. We developed and studied a new prosthesis design that features an intramedullary anchorage system for which finite element analysis predicted favorable bone remodeling. We retrospectively analyzed the cases of all patients who underwent implantation of the new stem. Their data were prospectively collected. Twenty-four patients (25 prosthetic reconstructions using diaphyseal fixation of the prosthesis) had 18 primary implantations and 7 revision cases. At a mean follow- up of 61 months, TESS (Toronto Extremity Salvage Score) and MSTS (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Rating Scale score) were 80% and 65% that of a normal extremity, respectively. SF-36 (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) Mental and Physical scores were 54 and 44 points, respectively. Minimum follow-up was 31 months (mean, 61 months; range, 31-107 months). Radiographic evaluation (1991 International Symposium of Limb Salvage [ISOLS] Radiological Implant Evaluation System) revealed 65% excellent and 35% good bone remodeling around the implant as a whole, 65% excellent and 35% good results for the anchorage proper, and 70% excellent and 30% good findings for lucencies at the bone-metal interface. Two patients (1 traumatic event) developed a loose stem. The results support the expectations as shown by finite element analysis - that the risk for loosening is reduced and that favorable bone remodeling occurs around the stem over time.     

Malignant tumor of the distal part of the femur or the proximal part of the tibia: endoprosthetic replacement or rotationplasty. Functional outcome and quality-of-life measurements

BACKGROUND: The present study was performed to determine whether there is a difference, with regard to functional outcome and quality of life, between endoprosthetic replacement and rotationplasty for the treatment of malignant tumors of the distal part of the femur or the proximal part of the tibia. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients, between the ages of eleven and twenty-four years at the time of the diagnosis, had a malignant tumor of the distal part of the femur or the proximal part of the tibia. A rotationplasty was performed in thirty-three patients, and an endoprosthetic replacement was done in thirty-four patients. The median duration of follow-up was six years and one month (range, two years to sixteen years and two months). The scale developed by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society was used to evaluate the functional results. Quality-of-life issues were assessed with the questionnaire developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. RESULTS: The patients who had had a rotationplasty had a mean functional score, according to the system of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, of 24 points, and the patients who had had an endoprosthetic replacement had a mean score of 25 points. This difference was not found to be significant, with the numbers available (p = 0.47). Only one patient who had had a rotationplasty used an assistive device when walking long distances, whereas six patients who had had an endoprosthetic replacement used an assistive device. This difference was significant (p<0.001). The quality-of-life questionnaire revealed that the patients who had had a rotationplasty could participate in hobbies such as carpentry and sports as well as in other daily activities to a significantly greater degree than those who had had an endoprosthetic replacement (p = 0.001). Restriction in daily activities due to pain was significantly less common in the group that had had a rotationplasty than it was in the group that had had an endoprosthetic replacement (p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Rotationplasty was not associated with any disadvantages with regard to function or quality of life in comparison with endoprosthetic replacement. It is possible that the psychosocial outcome is influenced by the fact that patients who have a rotationplasty know that additional operative intervention is not usually necessary. Despite good functional and quality-of-life results, the cosmetic appearance may be the most serious disadvantage of rotationplasty. The decision to perform this procedure must be made on a case-by-case basis.     

Endoprosthetic replacement of the distal humerus following resection of bone tumours

Between 1988 and 2006, 18 patients had a custom-made endoprosthetic replacement of the distal humerus for bone tumours at our institution. There were 11 primary malignant neoplasms, six secondary deposits, and one benign aggressive tumour. The mean follow-up was for 4.4 years (1 to 18.2). Complications occurred in nine patients and included aseptic loosening in three (16.6%), local recurrence in two (11%), infection in two (11%), neuropraxia of the radial nerve in one (5.5%) and a peri-prosthetic fracture in one (5.5%). Excision was inadequate in four patients (22%), all of which developed local recurrence and/or metastases. There were seven deaths from the primary disease after a mean of 2.3 years (1 to 5), one of whom had an above-elbow amputation for local recurrence seven months before death. The remaining six had satisfactory elbow function at their last follow-up. The 11 living patients were evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society and Toronto Extremity Salvage scoring systems. The mean scores achieved were 76% (67% to 87%) and 73% (59% to 79%), respectively. Overall, 17 of 18 patients had significant improvement in the degree of their pain following operation. Custom-made endoprosthetic reconstruction of the elbow for bone tumours is a viable treatment in carefully selected patients. It maintains satisfactory function and provides good pain relief.