Limb sparing surgery for bone tumours of the shoulder girdle: the oncological and functional results

It is a great challenge to spare the upper limb with a malignant or invasive benign bone tumour of the shoulder girdle. We retrospectively analysed 35 patients with bone tumours of the shoulder girdle treated with various limb salvage procedures. The tumours included 25 primary malignancies, three metastases and seven giant cell tumours which involved the proximal humerus in 21 patients, scapula in 12 and clavicle in two. The reconstruction procedures included eight prosthetic replacements, four devitalised tumorous bone grafts, three osteoarticular allografts, two autogenous fibular grafts, one intramedullary cemented nail, three Tikhoff-Linberg procedures, two replantation of shortened arms, and four humeral head suspensions. Six partial scapulectomies and two lateral clavicectomies needed no bone reconstruction. With an average follow-up of 71 months, local recurrences occurred in four cases and systemic metastases in six. Nine patients died and 23 remained disease free. The five year Kaplan-Meier survival rate of 28 patients with malignancies was 69.5%. The average Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) functional score was 77% (range 40–100%) in all patients.     

Mechanical failure of unsupported Huckstep intramedullary nail in malignant bone tumor reconstruction.

Seventeen segmental resections of diaphyseal tumors and five knee resection arthrodeses were reconstructed using the Huckstep nail with intercalary bone grafts (fibula), cementation, and ceramic and titanium spacers. Although the bone defects were 0 to 25.5 cm in length (mean, 13.1 cm), all patients had relief of pain and were able to move alone with a wheelchair or a cane. Nail breakage occurred in four patients who had reconstruction surgery using a ceramic spacer (four patients without intercalary fibula graft and one patient with intercalary fibula graft). The nail survival rate was significantly better in the patients with reinforcement by vascularized fibular graft (100% at 5 years and 75% at 10 years; n = 8) than in the patients without reinforcement by vascularized fibular graft (87.5% at 3 years and 0% at 5 years; n = 14). Huckstep nailing is a useful option for reconstruction of large bone defects in diaphyseal tumors and knee resection arthrodesis. It should be used in combination with a vascularized fibula graft to prevent mechanical failure and to achieve durability of limbs with defects from primary bone tumors. Huckstep nailing with nonbiologic augmentation is good for palliative surgery for bone metastases in patients with a shorter expected survival rate.     

吻合血管带腓骨头腓骨移植重建肩腔关节

目的：扩展活腓骨移植在骨肿瘤保肢手术中的应用,特别涉及关节端骨肿瘤保肢治疗的应用。方法：采用吻合血管带腓骨头的腓骨移植重建10例肱骨头周,5例桡骨远端骨肿瘤瘤段切除术后的肩、腕关节。结果：术后6个月所有腓骨移植段与受区骨端愈合良好,骨形态替代理想,重建后的肩、腕关节无论从外观或功能方面均获得较好的重建效果。结论：吻合血管带腓骨头的腓骨移植对肩关节肱骨端、腕关节桡骨端骨肿瘤保肢手术的关节重建中起到较好的替代作用。     

Progress in musculoskeletal oncology from 1922 – 2012

Since 1922 surgical approaches toward limb salvage in bone and soft tissue tumours have been documented. There is the famous “Umkippplastik” of Sauerbruch, the “Tikhoff-Linberg” inter-scapulo-thoracic resection or in 1943 a metallic tumour prosthesis for the hip joint in the United States (Moore, Bohlman). Since 1960 acrylic prostheses and metallic prosthesis with bone cement have been in use. Cement-free implants and the first modular ceramic prostheses were implanted in the 1970s in Vienna. At the same time successful chemotherapy in bone sarcomas was introduced by Gerald Rosen and Norman Jaffe. This was mainly the decade of custom-made prostheses. In the 1980s modular tumour prostheses with cone connection to be adopted to the needs of the patient were built intra-operatively. Since 1981 biannual international meetings (ISOLS) have pushed forward the field of bone tumour treatment to allow also tumour resection in wide borders for spine and pelvic tumours. New hope for resistant tumours could be monoclonal antibodies or even dendritic cell therapy.     

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.     

Periacetabular limb salvage for malignant bone tumours

PURPOSE: To evaluate treatment outcomes in primary malignant periacetabular bone tumour removal and limb salvage with or without bone-graft reconstruction. METHODS: A total of 13 patients were treated for malignant periacetabular bone tumours at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. The diagnoses were chondrosarcoma (n=8), Ewing's sarcoma (n=2), osteosarcoma (n=1), well-differentiated osteosarcoma (n=1), and malignant giant cell tumour (n=1). 11 patients did not undergo reconstruction following tumour resection; 2 patients received fibular bone grafts bridging the periacetabulum to the remaining sacrum. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered for high-grade malignant tumours, and postoperative radiation therapy was performed on patients with a closed surgical margin. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 24.3 months (range, 8.9-43.9 months), 9 patients remained disease-free, 3 had died of the disease, and one was alive with disease. According to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society classification system, the mean functional analysis at final follow-up was 68.7%. Patients who underwent internal hemipelvectomy experienced a subsequent leg-length discrepancy ranging from 3 to 10 cm. Four patients had complications (one each for deep wound infection, skin necrosis, seroma, and vascular spasms) and were successfully treated with multiple debridements and appropriate antibiotics. Three patients had local recurrences; one required a classic hemipelvectomy. CONCLUSION: Malignant periacetabular tumours are difficult to manage. Functional results of our patients with no reconstruction or with bone-graft bridging were fair. Patients undergoing internal hemipelvectomy may experience leg-length discrepancies, which can be balanced with shoe lifts.     

HUCKSTEP INTRAMEDULLARY NAILING FOR NON-UNION OF HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURES

Background : Various techniques of internal fixation for non-union of humeral shaft fractures have been attempted, leading to union rates of between 50 and 90% with persisting non-union causing pain and disability. Some of these techniques have led to shoulder and elbow dysfunction. Methods : Eight patients treated with Huckstep nail fixation for humeral shaft non-union were reviewed and the rate of union was determined. Elbow and shoulder function were assessed as well as the presence of pain or disability. Results : Union was achieved in seven of the eight patients (87.5%). Four patients had occasional mild pain after union. All patients achieved good arm function. Average shoulder abduction was 157° and flexion 151° excluding one patient with antecedent advanced osteoarthrosis of the gleno-humeral joint. No patient experienced any permanent neurological deficit. Conclusions : Huckstep nail fixation achieved union rates comparable to or higher than the other techniques of internal fixation for non-union of humeral shaft fractures. Unlike the various methods of closed nailing, Huckstep nail fixation is not associated with shoulder and elbow dysfunction. It should be considered as a therapeutic option in humeral shaft fracture and non-union, especially where the fracture site needs to be opened.     

Use of Huckstep nail in the periimplant femoral shaft fracture

87-year-old female underwent open reduction of distal femoral fracture and internal fixation with locking compression plate and bone graft. She was operated for ipsilateral proximal femoral fractures and stabilized by intramedullary interlocked nail 5 years ago. She developed stress fracture proximal to locked plate. We inserted Huckstep nail after removal of the previous operated proximal femoral nail without removing the remaining plate and screws. At 15 month followup the fractures have united. The Huckstep nail has multiple holes available for screw fixation at any level in such difficult situations.     

The free vascularized fibular graft for bridging large skeletal defects of the upper extremity

Large skeletal defects of the upper extremity pose a serious clinical problem with potentially deleterious effects on both function and viability of the limb. Recent advances in the microsurgical techniques involved in free vascularized bone transfers for complex limb injuries have dramatically improved limb salvage and musculoskeletal reconstruction. This study evaluates the clinical and radiographic results of 18 patients who underwent reconstruction of large defects of the long bones of the upper extremity with free vascularized fibular bone grafts. Mean patient age was 27 years (7-43 years) and mean follow-up was 4 years (1-10 years). The results confirm the value of vascularized fibular grafts for bridging large bone defects in the upper extremity.     

Limb salvage in malignant tumours of the upper limb using vascularised fibula.

INTRODUCTION: Modern reconstructive techniques can prevent amputation in most cases of malignant musculoskeletal tumours. The free fibula has emerged as the primary method of bridging long bone gaps during limb salvage. METHODS: Limb salvage was attempted in 23 patients (15 males and eight females) aged 17-57 years. The tumour was located in the humerus in 18 patients, radius in four patients and the metacarpals in one patient. Osteogenic sarcoma was the most common tumour (11 cases) followed by Ewing's sarcoma in six patients. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, MRI was repeated and resectability assessed. Wide local excision was performed and the bony defect bridged by free fibulae. RESULTS: All the flaps survived. The average length of defect reconstructed was 18 cm and the average time for bone union was 7 months. At a minimum follow up of 12 months, 21 patients were alive and disease free. One patient required amputation due to recurrence and one died of metastatic disease. Secondary surgery was needed in eight patients (five tendon transfers, two latissimus dorsi flap readjustments and one bone graft). Overall patient satisfaction was high with 21/23 patients having a useful limb. CONCLUSION: Limb salvage in the upper limb using vascularised fibula in patients with malignant musculoskeletal tumours can result in good tumour control along with reasonable limb function.     

Limb-preserving resection operations in the management of bone tumors of the shoulder region

Authors describe the frequency of bone tumours in the shoulder region and the anatomical characteristics of this region, that are important, regarding tumour surgery. Six cases are reported in whom resection was performed for malignant, semimalignant and benign bone tumours. In their material one primary and two secondary chondrosarcomas, one Ewing's sarcoma, one osteoclastoma and one benign chondroblastoma were found. Follow-up range was 3-7 years. In two patients partial and total scapulectomy was performed, in the later the proximal end of the humerus was resected only, in three of them endoprosthesis was given, and in one case the missing bone was replaced with a fibular graft. The function of the limbs was in every case, even in those in which the replacement of the bone segment was not carried out, adequate. Metastases developed in three patients, two of them were lost, one is alive. The rest of the patients was free of tumour at the follow-up.     

Resection arthrodesis of the shoulder with autogenous fibular bone grafts

We report the results of wide local excision of stage II8 proximal humeral tumors followed by reconstruction with parallel nonvascularized fibular bone grafts in three patients. Mean follow-up was 5 years (range 3 years to 8 years, 6 months). The pathologic diagnosis was osteogenic sarcoma in two patients and Ewing's sarcoma in one. The rotator cuff and deltoid were excised to achieve a wide margin around these tumors. All patients remain free from disease. They were able to return to previous work and sport activities. Two had a fracture of the graft; one fell from a mountain bike and the other fell at work. The former fracture united; the latter fracture required fixation and bone grafting to achieve union. By Enneking's 30-point functional evaluation, all three patients were in the excellent category with scores of 25, 26, and 28. We conclude that for the treatment of malignant tumors of the shoulder region with muscle involvement, excision followed by arthrodesis with parallel autogenous fibular bone grafts provides a method of retaining satisfactory upper limb function and acceptable cosmesis.     

Reconstruction of distal radius by fibula following excision of grade III giant cell tumour: Follow-up of 18 cases

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of vascularised fibular graft for reconstruction of the wrist after excision of grade III giant cell tumour in the distal radius. From January 1998 to September 2003, 18 patients with wrist defects due to distal radius grade III giant cell tumour resection were treated with vascularised fibular graft and were followed-up. The limb function was restored to an average 80% of normal function and bone union was achieved within six months in 18 patients with vascularised fibular graft. MSTS score averaged 25.6 and ranged between 21 and 29; Mayo wrist score averaged 56 with a range from 40 to 65. It is appropriate to use the head of the fibula as a substitute for the distal radius. The healing of vascularised fibular graft is very quick and without bone resorption. Thus, in the procedure for reconstruction and limb salvage after bone tumour resection of distal radius, the free vascularised fibular graft with fibular head is an ideal substitute.     

骨肿瘤初次保肢手术后生物性重建失败的肿瘤假体翻修术

目的评估骨肿瘤初次保肢手术后生物性重建失败的肿瘤假体翻修的疗效。方法2004至2006年，13例骨肉瘤和3例骨巨细胞瘤患者在香港威尔斯亲王医院接受手术治疗。15例患者应用同种异体骨重建，另1例患者应用带血管腓骨移植重建骨缺损。应用肿瘤型假体进行翻修手术的重建。翻修术后患者膝关节活动范围良好时，订制的可延长假体接受延长手术。结果患者平均年龄23．2岁（13～43岁），平均随诊26．4个月（6～47个月）。翻修手术的原因包括：7例患者出现同种异体骨骨折或软骨下骨塌陷，5例患者骨不愈合，3例患者异体骨感染，1例患者膝关节僵硬。翻修手术的假体包括10例患者应用订制型假体，其他患者应用组合式假体。翻修手术的部位包括9例股骨远端假体，6例胫骨近端假体和1例股骨中段假体。订制假体中6例是可延长假体，假体的延长方式中5例是微创延长、1例无创延长。翻修手术后，膝关节活动改善，平均从18．1°（0°-90°）至91．9°（50°-120°）。下肢缩短不等长畸形从平均5cm（2-11．5cm）纠正至平均1．5cm（0-4cm）。翻修术后患肢功能MSTS评分从34．6％改善到89．2％。翻修术后2例患者出现部分皮肤坏死，1例患者出现腓总神经麻痹，以后部分恢复，1例患者出现胫骨裂纹骨折；没有感染和植入物失败。结论保肢手术后生物学重建失败所引起下肢缩短和僵硬，应用人工假体翻修是可行的，早期效果令人鼓舞。膝关节僵硬患者可获得良好的关节活动度。严重的下肢缩短畸形通过可伸长假体逐渐获得纠正。     

Vascularized fibular grafts for salvage reconstruction of clavicle nonunion

Three cases of persistent nonunion of the clavicle with segmental bone loss were treated with autogenous, vascularized fibular grafts. In each case, the patient presented with pain and shoulder dysfunction after an average of 3.7 procedures. Each case was characterized by segmental bone loss that failed to unite after treatment of clavicle nonunion by traditional means. Union was achieved in all 3 cases. Average follow-up was 2.8 years. Both pain and shoulder function were improved with the procedure. To date, the use of vascularized fibular grafts has not been described in clavicle reconstruction. We believe that vascularized fibular grafting may be used successfully as a salvage procedure when traditional means of achieving union have failed.     

Upper limb salvage with microvascular bone transfer for major long-bone segmental tumor resections

A series of 14 young, active patients who underwent vascularized bone graft reconstructions of large (9-15 cm) segmental skeletal defects of the upper extremity resulting from resection of a variety of bony tumors is presented. Eight defects involved the proximal humerus and required shoulder joint reconstruction, two were mid humeral and four involved the distal radius. Surgical techniques for both distal radius reconstruction with vascularized iliac crest and vascularized fibular head and glenohumeral reconstruction using the vascularized fibula are described. Several cases are discussed in detail, including achievement of bony union, postoperative range of motion and pain, and each patient's ability to resume activities. The literature is reviewed, and other reconstructive options for large bony defects of the upper extremity after tumor resection are discussed: nonvascularized bone grafts, allograft transfer, and custom prosthetic devices. The authors think that vascularized bone grafting offers the most favorable method of upper extremity salvage with preservation of joint function, especially at the shoulder.     

Limb salvage surgery complimented by customised mega prostheses for malignant fibrous histiocytomas of bone

PURPOSE: To assess functional and oncological outcomes of patients with malignant fibrous histiocytomas of bone, after limb salvage surgery complimented by a customised prosthesis. METHODS: Between May 1991 and December 2002, 15 men and 5 women (mean age, 42 years) with histologically proven malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone underwent treatment involving limb salvage surgery complimented by a customised mega prosthesis. Most of the tumours were stage II according to the Enneking system, and located around the knee. Wide resection margins were achieved in 18 patients. RESULTS: Following a mean follow-up of 58 months, 4 patients underwent amputation for local recurrence and 5 died of the disease. Two patients had prosthesis fractures; revision of the prosthesis was carried out in one. The functional result was excellent in 5 and good in 9 patients. The Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival rates of the patients treated without chemotherapy and with chemotherapy were 50% and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Limb salvage surgery with chemotherapy is a viable treatment option for patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone. It achieves higher survival rates than resection alone. Such therapy improves quality of life and provides a useful and functional limb.     

A modified induced membrane 2-stage technique using a thoracodorsal artery perforator free flap followed by vascularized or non-vascularized free fibular transfer for the treatment of complex bone infection with concomitant severe soft tissue lesion–A case series of 9 cases

Treatment of post-traumatic complex bone infection is very challenging. The two principal bone reconstruction approaches are the single-stage vascularized bone graft technique and the two-stage induced membrane technique (IMT). Here we introduce a modified 2-stage induced membrane technique (MIMT) for complex long bone infection with a major bone defect and a concomitant severe soft tissue lesion. The 2-stage procedure consists of bone debridement, placement of a PMMA spacer and soft tissue reconstruction with a thoracodorsal artery perforator free flap (“Tdap”) at stage 1. At stage 2, the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap is elevated and a fibular strut graft (either vascularized of non-vascularized) is placed for bone reconstruction.We retrospectively analyzed the extents of lower extremity, long bone, post-traumatic bone infection treated via MIMT from 2008 to 2020. There were nine such cases (eight males) of mean age 59.8 (range 31 to 79) years. The osteomyelitis durations ranged from 3 to 360 months (mean 53 months). The cortical bone defect sizes was ranged from 9 to 14 cm (mean10.7 cm). All skin resurfacing employed Tdap. Vascularized fibular grafts were placed in six patients and non-vascularized grafts were placed in three. The fibular graft size ranged from 12.5 to 19 cm (mean 16.2 cm). Non-vascularized iliac bone grafts served as the fibula docking sites.Unfortunately, all patients suffered complications before bone union was achieved. One case of plate stress fracture and one case of screw fracture required plate and screw change. In three cases of cellulitis, one resolved by use of intravenous antibiotics, others required plate and screw removal. Wound disruption required re-suture and distal skin flap partial necrosis was covered by perforator-based island flap. One case of fibular stress fracture needed cast for 4 weeks. A peroneal nerve palsy patient recovered spontaneously. Bone union was achieved after 6 months in five patients and after 8 months in three (mean 6.9 months). All patients were able to walk unaided. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 14 years (mean 6.2 years).MIMT saves the limbs in cases with difficult post-traumatic bone infection. It is valid treatment option for complex bone infections with severe soft tissue lesions. However, even with this technique potential complication must be considered.     

Resection-reconstruction arthroplasty for giant cell tumor of distal radius

Background:

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of the distal radius poses problems for reconstruction after resection. Several reconstructive procedures like vascularized and non-vascularized fibular graft, osteo-articular allograft, ceramic prosthesis and megaprosthesis are in use for substitution of the defect in the distal radius following resection. Most authors advocate wrist arthrodesis following resection of distal radius and non vascularized fibular graft. Here we have analyzed the results of aggressive benign GCTs of the distal radius treated by resection and reconstruction arthroplasty using autogenous non-vascularized fibular graft.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-four cases of giant cell tumor of the distal radius (mean age 32 years, mean follow-up 6.6 years) treated by en-bloc resection and reconstruction arthroplasty using autogenous non-vascularized ipsilateral fibular graft with a minimum followup of two years have been included in this retrospective study. Nineteen cases were of Campanacci grade III and five were of Grade II recurrence. The mean resected length of the radius was 9.5 (8-12) cm. Routine radiographs and clinical assessments regarding pain, instability, recurrence, hand grip strength and functional status were done at regular intervals and functional results were assessed using (musculoskeletal tumor society) MSTS-87 scoring.

Results:

Early radiological union at host-graft junction was achieved at mean 12.5 weeks, (range 12-14 weeks) and solid incorporation with callus formation was observed in mean 29 weeks (range 28-32 weeks) in all the cases. Satisfactory range of motion (mean 63%, range 52-78%) of the wrist was achieved in 18 cases. Grip strength compared to the contralateral hand was found to be 67% (range 58-74%). Functional results were excellent in six cases (25%), good in 14 cases (58.3%) and four (16.7%) cases had fair results. Soft tissue recurrence was seen in one patient. The most commonly encountered complication was fibulo-carpal subluxation (10 cases, 41.7%).

Conclusion:

Resection of the distal radius and reconstruction arthroplasty with non-vascularized proximal fibular graft is useful in preserving the functional movement and stability of the wrist as well as achieving satisfactory range of movement and grip strength.     

先天性胫骨假关节的手术治疗

目的探讨先天性胫骨假关节的手术方式及疗效。方法对自1994年1月-2008年1月收治的先天性胫骨假关节7例。彻底切除假关节部位异常骨组织和增生的纤维结缔组织,钻通骨髓腔．创建新鲜的骨折断端。植骨方法分别为带血管蒂的腓骨移植或自体髂骨移植。固定方法采用髓内钉或Ilizarov外固定架固定,结合石膏及支具外固定。结果随访2-11年,5例骨折最终愈合,此5例中一次手术骨愈合3例,再骨折2例3次。失败2例,其中l例报告植骨Ilizamv外固定失败后,拒绝再治疗。另1例双侧胫腓假关节患儿,随访11年,共行5次髓内针内固定,3次Ilizarov外固定,均失败,患儿已14岁,轮椅生活,拒绝截肢。结论目前先天性胫骨假关节的治疗效果仍是不够理想．彻底切除病变组织带血管蒂的腓骨移植结合Ilizarov外固定或可提高治愈率。