Fracture risk assessment in children with benign bone lesions of long bones

BACKGROUNDFracture risk assessment in children with benign bone lesions of long bones remains poorly investigated. AIMTo investigate the risk factors for pathological fracture in children with benign bone lesions and to propose a modified scoring system for quantitative analysis of the pathologic fracture risk. METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed 96 pediatric patients with benign bone lesions. We compared radiographic and clinical features between 40 patients who had fractures through a benign bone lesion and 56 who had no fracture. Information including histological diagnosis, anatomical site, radiographic appearance, severity of pain, and lesion size was recorded for the patients. A modified scoring system was proposed to predict the risk of fracture. RESULTSThe univariate comparisons showed a significant difference between the fracture and non-fracture groups in terms of lesion type, pain, lesion-to-bone width, and axial cortical involvement of the patients (P < 0.05). Lesion type, pain, lesion-to-bone width, and axial cortical involvement were independently correlated with an increased risk of fracture. The mean score of the fracture group was 7.89, whereas the mean score of the non-fracture group was 6.01. The optimum cut-off value of the score to predict pathological fracture was 7. The scoring system had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 80% for detecting patients with fractures. The Youden index was 0.5, which was the maximum value. The area under the receiver operator characteristic was 0.814.CONCLUSIONLesion type, pain, lesion-to-bone width, and axial cortical involvement are risk factors for pathological fracture. The modified scoring system can provide evidence for clinical decision-making in children with benign bone lesions. A bone lesion with a total score > 7 indicates a high risk of a pathologic fracture and is an indication for prophylactic internal fixation.     

Asymptomatische progrediente Knochenzyste der lateralen Femurkondyle

Cystic bone lesions are the result of various pathological mechanisms. They are usually asymptomatic and can be differentiated on the basis of localisation and typical radiological features in most cases. We present the case of a 47-year-old male patient with a subchondral bone cyst of the lateral femoral condyle which was identified as an intraosseous ganglion following ACL reconstruction. Due to the increasing size of the bone cyst, the possibility of fracture to the overlying cartilage could not be excluded. Complete bony healing of the intraosseous ganglion with stabilisation of the surrounding cartilage could be achieved by combined autologous bone grafting and osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS).     

ANEURYSMAL BONE CYST OF THE CLAVICLE IN A CHILD

SUMMARY We report a case of an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the clavicle in a 9-year-old boy, which initially presented as a pathological fracture of a benign cystic lesion. ABC of the clavicle is rare in children less than 10 years old and radiological diagnosis may prove difficult in the early stages of presentation.     

唑来膦酸联合放疗治疗恶性肿瘤骨转移性疼痛的护理

目的:回顾性总结使用唑来膦酸联合放疗的方式治疗恶性肿瘤骨转移性疼痛的护理要点。方法:选取我院2009年1月～2011年6月肿瘤科确诊治疗的80例恶性肿瘤骨转移的患者为研究对象,对有恶性肿瘤骨转性疼痛的患者给予唑来膦酸联合放疗治疗骨性疼痛,回顾性分析疼痛护理、用药护理、基础护理、心理护理、饮食护理、骨髓抑制护理和病理性骨折的预防及护理等多方面护理方式对患者治疗和预后的积极影响。结果:经过积极的治疗及护理,患者的恶性肿瘤骨转移性疼痛症状得到明显的改善,对所有出院患者进行调查问卷评分,患者的生活质量有显著的提高,在院期间对护理服务满意度高达97.50%。结论:有针对性的对唑来膦酸联合放疗治疗恶性肿瘤骨转移性疼痛的患者进行疼痛护理、用药护理、基础护理、心理护理、饮食护理、骨髓抑制护理和病理性骨折的预防及护理等多方面护理对患者的预后和治疗都有着积极的影响和良好的效果,值得临床推广使用。     

A case of an extensive dentigerous cyst in the maxillary sinus leading to epiphora and nasal obstruction

Background

The dentigerous cyst is defined as a cyst that originates by the separation of the follicle from around the crown of an unerupted tooth. The clinical examination reveals a missing tooth or teeth and possibly a hard swelling, sometimes resulting in facial asymmetry and possible pathologic fracture. A large maxillary cyst involves the whole sinus and can transmit pressure to the walls of the sinus and, consequently, cause ophthalmologic and nasal symptoms to develop.

Objectives

To report the case of an extensive dentigerous cyst with swelling of the right cheek, accompanied by unilateral nasal obstruction and epiphora.

Case Report

A 21-year-old man presented with swelling of the right cheek, right-sided nasal obstruction, and watering of the right eye. Panoramic radiography revealed a relatively large and well-defined radiolucency enveloping an unerupted maxillary canine tooth. Computed tomography scan showed a cystic lesion measuring 5.2 cm horizontally, 4.3 cm vertically, and 4 cm sagittally, with expansion and erosion of the anterosinus cortical bone. The mass was seen to extend into the right half of the nasal cavity up to the right ethmoid air cells, and was in contact with the base of the skull. The bony margins of the right maxillary antrum were thinned out, the osteomeatal complex was pushed medially-superiorly, and the pterygoid plates were intact. Excision of the dentigerous cyst of the right maxilla was performed using the Caldwell-Luc approach under general anesthesia.

Conclusion

A dentigerous cyst arising from an unerupted tooth should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nasal obstruction, watering or epiphora of the eye, and fistula of the gingivobuccal sulcus.     

Acute isolated suprascapular nerve palsy limited to the infraspinatus muscle: a case report

Suprascapular nerve palsy resulting in isolated weakness of the infraspinatus muscle is subtle at its onset and must be differentiated from cervical radiculopathy or bone and joint diseases of the shoulder, especially in the presence of pain. The literature suggests an association of cumulative trauma with ganglionic cyst formation and entrapment neuropathy of the suprascapular nerve in the spinoglenoid notch. Here we present clinical, electrodiagnostic, and radiologic features in a young patient who presented with a 2-week history of isolated, painless weakness of the right shoulder. His electromyography showed acute denervation of the right infraspinatus muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a ganglionic cyst in the spinoglenoid fossa and edema in the infraspinatus muscle consistent with denervation. The patient recovered after removal of the cyst.     

Groin and hip pain due to fractures at or near the pubic symphysis

Three patients with fractures at or near the pubic symphysis presented with groin pain simulating hip fracture or arthritis. A 71-year-old osteoarthritic woman was treated with a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) and exercises for right-sided sciatic pain after a minor fall, but developed left groin pain and tenderness over the pubic symphysis after two days of exercise. She had an impacted fracture of the left pubic symphysis which responded to use of a cane. The second patient was a 90-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (on steroids) who complained of right hip pain after a series of falls in her home. Initially treated with Buck traction for a presumed hip fracture, she was later treated with heat and exercises after negative hip x-rays were obtained. Retrospective analysis of pelvic films and bone scan revealed a right pubic symphysis fracture. The third patient was an 83-year-old rheumatoid arthritic woman with inability to walk secondary to left groin pain. Pubic tomograms revealed disruption of the superior aspect, and bone scan showed increased uptake of the left pubic bone. She was treated with moist heat, rest, and NSAID. Twenty-four cases of os pubis fractures without major trauma or symphysis disruption have been reported. All patients had osteoporosis, and six had rheumatoid arthritis. Our three cases are presented to increase awareness of pubic symphysis fractures as a cause for groin pain, especially in patients with osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.     

Palliative radiotherapy in the treatment of skeletal metastases.

Two-third of patients with metastatic cancer suffer from pain. Pain originating from skeletal metastases is the most common form of cancer pain. Bone pain, often exacerbated by pressure or movement, limits the patient's autonomy and social life. Pathological fracture and spinal cord compression are additional complications caused by bone metastases.Radiotherapy is effective in treating bone pain not adequately controlled by analgesics. Seventy percent of patients benefit from radiotherapy. Single and multifraction regimens are equally effective in relieving pain. Retreatment is needed somewhat more often following single fraction therapy. Most patients benefit from retreatment irrespectively of previous fractionation schedule. Hemibody irradiation and radioisotopes, e.g., strontium-89 and samarium-153 are used in treating scattered painful bone metastases.Radiotherapy is used for preventing pathological fracture by treating osteolytic lesions especially in the weight-bearing bones such as the spinal column and long bones.Radiotherapy is the treatment of choice in spinal cord compression, which is the most serious complication caused by bone secondaries.Radiotherapy provides efficient, well-tolerated and cost-effective palliative care.     

X线骨骼摄片与核素骨显像在多发性骨髓瘤骨破坏的比较

目的 评价X线骨骼平片与放射性核素全身骨显像在多发性骨髓瘤(multiple myeloma，MM)患者骨损害的应用价值。方法 对20例初发MM患者X线骨骼平片和放射性核素(99MTC—MDP)全身骨显像对比研究。结果 X线骨骼平片穿凿样溶骨性骨破坏占90％(18／20例)，病理性骨折占80％(16／20例)，弥漫性骨质疏松占80％(16／20例)。放射性核素骨显像阳性率45％(9／20例)，其表现是放射性核素浓聚灶、稀疏区，分布不均。结论 放射性核素骨显像对MM骨损害检查不如x线骨骼平片敏感、特异性高。X线骨骼摄片检查仍是诊断MM骨骼损害的首选。     

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura presenting with pathologic fracture: a case report

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is an acute syndrome with abnormalities in multiple organ systems, which becomes manifest with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. The hereditary or acquired deficiency of ADAMTS-13 activity leads to an excess of high molecular weight von Willebrand factor multimers in plasma, leading to platelet aggregation and diffuse intravascular thrombus formation, resulting in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Thrombotic lesions occurring in TTP leads to ischemia and convulsion. Depending on the properties of the bony tissue, fractures are divided into three groups as traumatic, pathological, and stress fractures. A pathologic fracture is a broken bone caused by disease leading to weakness of the bone. This process is most commonly due to osteoporosis, but may also be due to other pathologies such as cancer, infections, inherited bone disorders, or a bone cyst. We herein report a case with a pathologic fracture due to convulsion secondary to thrombotic thrombocytopenic pupura. Thrombotic lesions occurring in TTP may lead to ischemia and convulsion, as in our patient and pathological fractures presented in our case report may occur as a result of severe muscle contractions associated with convulsive activity. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic pupura is a disease that involves many organ systems and thus may have a very wide spectrum of clinical presentations.     

Postpartum sacral stress fracture: an unusual case of low-back and buttock pain

Low-back and buttock pain is a common complaint during pregnancy and the postpartum period and is usually attributable to mechanical lesions of the pelvis. Sacral stress fractures are unusual but important causes that should be considered in differential diagnosis. To date, only eight postpartum sacral stress fractures have been reported in the literature. A 32-yr-old woman presented with low-back and right buttock pain that started 15 days after uneventful cesarean section delivery. Imaging studies revealed a right sacral stress fracture. Lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density were normal and, except for pregnancy and lactation, no risk factors for osteoporosis were identified. There was no history of trauma, excessive weight gain, strenuous physical activity, or contribution of mechanical factors. The question remains whether this is an insufficiency fracture or a fatigue fracture. Clinicians should consider sacral fracture during pregnancy and the postpartum period as a diagnostic possibility in patients with low-back and/or buttock pain.     

外固定方法制作的大鼠股骨骨折模型

背景：外固定器抗旋转能力强,不影响局部血运,不固定关节,动物可以自由活动,适合用于骨折模型的制作。目的：创立一种新型的股骨骨折动物模型。方法：SD大鼠24只于大鼠右侧股骨截骨,以自行研究设计的微型单边外固定器为固定装置,制成骨折模型,术后通过大体观察、影像学观察及组织学方法观察股骨对位情况和截骨端的愈合情况。结果与结论：术后外固定器保持正常位置,未见螺纹钉拔出,针孔松动,骨折等现象,大鼠股骨保持正常生理位置。固定后第2周骨断端已经有模糊的原始骨痂形成。第4周时已有连续性骨痂通过,但骨断端仍较清晰。第8周时,骨断端已经愈合,髓腔再通,出现骨性愈合。证实微型单边外固定器可以为股骨骨折模型大鼠提供可靠的固定,并且右侧股骨截骨骨折模型大鼠制作合理。     

Partial long-stem resection Austin-Moore hip endoprosthesis in the treatment of metastases to the proximal femur

Background. The proximal femur is a frequent location of bone metastases, and pathological fractures in this area are common. A pathological fracture and/or pain associated with bone destruction are indications for surgery. Among many methods of surgical treatment, partial resection and subsequent arthroplasty appears to be the most efficient. The low cost of the implant and the relatively simple surgical technique incline us to apply long-stem (305mm) partial Austin-Moore hip prosthesis in these cases. Material and methods. Between June 2003 and February 2005 we operated 31 patients (10 men and 21 women) for pathological fracture or proximal femur metastasis. The average age of these patients was 63.8 years. The most common primary neoplasmatic focus among the women was breast cancer (17 cases, 80%), and among the men, clarocellular renal cancer (3 cases, 34%). Results. In most cases - 21 patients (67%) - we achieved excellent or good outcome according to the Merle d'Aubigne Functional Test, as well as reasonable pain relief. Endoprosthesis dislocation occurred in 2 cases and early postoperative death in 2 other cases. Conclusions. Surgical treatment is needed in cases of actual or impending pathological fracture of the proximal femur. Resection arthroplasty is the method of choice in bone metastases to proximal femur. This procedure is well tolerated by patients. The use of long-stem partial Austin-Moore hip prosthesis appears to be a good alternative to costly modular implants, while its long stem protects the femoral shaft against fractures in cases where additional metastatic lesions are found there.     

Sonographic detection of an isolated cuboid bone fracture not visualized on plain radiographs

We report the case of an isolated cuboid bone fracture in a child that was missed on radiography but was diagnosed on sonography. Plain radiographs of the patient's right foot showed no fracture, whereas sonograms demonstrated a fracture of the cuboid bone that appeared as a steplike discontinuity in the cortical bone. The diagnosis was confirmed on MRI. The fracture was treated with cast immobilization and no weight bearing for 4 weeks. In 8 weeks, the patient had no symptoms and good motor and sensory function of her right foot. Other imaging modalities are usually advocated for diagnosing fractures that are missed by radiography. Over the last decade, sonography has been increasingly used for diagnosing occult fractures. Although its use in such cases is not yet fully established, we believe that in the future, the sonographic detection of an injury that corresponds to the site of the reported pain will be adequate for initiating treatment of many types of fractures.     

Possibilities of surgical treatment of bone metastases to the proximal epiphysis of the femur: a review of the literature and own experience

Background. The most common complication of bone metastases to the hip is pathological fracture of the proximal epiphysis. The present study presents the indications and contraindications for surgery and the choice of particular surgical techniques, based on the literature and the authors' own experience.
Material and methods. In the period 1992-2002 we treated 25 patients with bone metastases to the proximal epiphysis of the femur. All had suffered pathological fractures. Various surgical procedures were used, depending on the indications. In two cases we used pallative treatment.
Results. There were no intraoperative or immediate post-operative deaths. In all cases but one we observed reduced pain after surgery. 23 patients recovered hip mobility. 22 patients could walk with elbow crutches after surgery. A functional evaluation performed on day 14 post-surgery produced an average score of 13.2, which on Merle d'Aubigne's scale is a "good" outcome. The survival time ranged from 6 weeks to 4 years (average 13.5 months).
Conclusions. Surgical treatment is essential, both in existing and imminent pathological fractures of the proximal epiphysis of the femur, in order to provide relief from persistent pain and enable independent movement. A patient with advanced neoplastic disease and bone metastases to the hip should be operated even before a pathological fracture occurs, which enables the use of a less invasive surgical technique and prevents immobility and worsening of the patient's physical and mental status.     

Chondroblastoma of a metacarpal bone mimicking an aneurysmal bone cyst: a case report and a review of the literature.

Chondroblastoma of the metacarpal bone has been extremely rare and only seven cases have been reported in the English literature. Here we reported the eighth case of a chondroblastoma that developed on the first metacarpal bone of the right hand of a 21-year-old man. Radiographs showed an expansile osteolytic lesion with a multilocular appearance. In MR images, the lesion showed low intensity in T1 and high intensity in T2-weighted images with multiple fluid-fluid levels, which are findings resembling those of an aneurysmal bone cyst. From the pathological findings, however, it was recognized as a chondroblastoma with aneurysmal bone cyst-like change. Good clinical results was obtained by the subtotal resection of the metacarpal bone with a columnar-shaped iliac bone graft.     

骨质疏松压缩椎体骨折时的骨密度与病理对照

背景：骨密度作为骨质疏松判断标准的一个条件已被广泛应用于临床疾病诊断中,但其体现椎体骨折自身病理改变特点的价值很少得到体现。目的：观察骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折在不同时期的骨密度范围及病理学特征,验证骨密度变化与病理特点的一致性。方法：对45例影像学表现为骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的病例按年龄进行分组,术前均行股骨颈及腰椎骨密度（T值）检测,同时常规行影像学检查,之后给予经皮穿刺椎体成形术,术中常规行活组织取出进行病理切片观察。结果与结论：术前骨密度测定可见骨密度值随年龄增加而逐渐减低;病理学表现：骨小梁随骨密度的丢失而变细、稀疏、数量减少,同时骨小梁之间间隔增宽,排列随着压缩程度的不同呈不规则或断裂、紊乱、甚至出现坏死,周围可见纤维增生,后期有反应性新生骨的形成。骨密度下降的趋势与骨折病理表现的过程有一致的相关性。结果表明骨质疏松性椎体骨折的骨质破坏分期是一个渐进性的病理发展过程,而骨密度的下降可反映椎体的压缩破坏程度。     

超声显像在颌骨囊性病变中的临床应用

目的：探讨超声显像在颌骨囊性病变中的特征及诊断价值,方法：29例颌骨囊性病变的患者,术前均经超检查,术后病理对照。结果：1．超声能显法颌骨骨皮质破坏的范围,最小病变检出范围为0．3cm;2．超声能显示含牙囊肿有光点密集的特点,可见囊内含牙声像;3．超声能显示囊内不均质的变化;4．超声不能显示颌骨囊壁 破坏及牙根吸收的特点。论：超声显像在颌骨囊性病变诊断中有重要的临床价值。     

动脉瘤样骨囊肿影像学表现及诊断价值（附15例分析）

目的：探索动脉瘤样骨囊肿的影像学诊断和鉴别诊断,提高ABC术前诊断正确率,同时评估影像学检查对该病的诊断价值。材料与方法：回顾性分析经病理学证实的15例动脉瘤样骨囊肿的影像学表现,其中男9例,女6例,年龄10～65岁,中位年龄30岁,病程1周-2年,其中有外伤病史3例。15例均有平片检查,7例同时有平片和CT检查,4例同时有平片、CT及MR检查资料。结果：发生部位：股骨4例,脊椎3例,骨盆、胫骨及肱骨各2例,肩胛骨和跟骨各1例。其中2例合并巨细胞瘤,1例合并骨纤维异常增殖症,1例合并病理性骨折。X线检查均表现为囊性、膨胀性骨质破坏伴骨包壳形成。CT检查能显示病灶内部的细小骨嵴、骨包壳中断情况及囊性低密度区。MRI T1WI呈混杂低信号,T2WI呈囊状或片状高信号,3例CT和MRI显示出病灶内液-液平面。结论：动脉瘤样骨囊肿有其典型的影像学表现,外伤病史,吹气球样改变,液-液平面是其比较特异性征象,平片、CT及MRI检查各有其优势。     

膈肌支气管源性囊肿误诊为肺囊肿一例

支气管源性囊肿为一种先天性病变,发生于膈肌罕见。该文报道1例膈肌支气管源性囊肿被误诊为肺囊肿的患者。其为46岁女性,因行胸部CT检查发现胸腔内肿块入院,结合MRI结果,术前诊断为右下肺囊肿,排除手术禁忌证后于胸腔镜下切除囊肿,术中发现囊肿发生于膈肌,与右下肺组织分界清晰,最终病理诊断为膈肌支气管源性囊肿。术后随访半年,患者情况良好。