Femoral shortening by a step-cut osteotomy for leg-length discrepancy in adults

The problem of leg-length discrepancy in the adult differs from that in children. The technique of shortening the femur by the step-cut osteotomy and Küntscher rod fixation to correct leg-length discrepancy in the adult was employed in 14 consecutive patients. There were seven male and seven female patients, ranging in age from 15 to 36 years (average, 22.7 years). The leg-length discrepancy ranged from 2.7 to 11.0 cm (average, 5.6 cm), and the shortening of the longer leg (and thus of the patient) ranged from 2.7 to 7.5 cm (average, 5.0 cm). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. All fractures were united clinically and radiologically three to four months after surgery (average, 3.6 months). The follow-up period ranged from two to 18 years (average, 8.9 years). The final leg-length discrepancy was 0 in six patients and ranged from 0.5 to 3.5 cm (average, 1.3 cm) under correction in seven. One patient was overcorrected by 0.5 cm. All patients were satisfied both cosmetically and functionally with the operation.     

Trevira mesh: a promising new implant for the treatment of abdominal hernias

BACKGROUND: Trevira (polyethylene terephthalate) has been in clinical use for more than 20 years, serving as implant material with minimal foreign body reaction for the replacement of the cruciate ligaments of the knee. An animal (pig) trial was performed to ascertain whether a Trevira mesh offers any advantages over currently employed meshes like Prolene for abdominal hernia repair. METHODS: In 12 mini-pigs 10 x 10 cm of the musculofascial abdominal layer was resected preserving the peritoneum. Subsequently, a 15 x 15 cm synthetic mesh was implanted (Prolene, Ethicon, Norderstedt, Germany, or Trevira, Telos GmbH, Marburg, Germany, in six animals each) using sublay technique. The main focus was on the extent of the chronic foreign body reaction. This was assessed by a pathologist who paid special attention to the presence of foreign body giant cells after 2 and 6 months. A further assessment was made of shrinkage of the implant as a result of foreign body reaction. RESULTS: The number of giant cells after two months was significantly higher with the Prolene implant than with the Trevira implant (Prolene 2.2+/-0.4, Trevira 0.8+/-0.2, per fixed microscopic field; P<0.05). After 6 months the number of giant cells associated with the Prolene implants rose further, while it remained relatively constant for those of Trevira (Prolene 4.6+/-1.3, Trevira 1.1+/-0.5; P<0.05). No significant difference was noted over time between the two types of implant with regard to shrinkage (2 months: Prolene 0.8+/-0.3 cm(2), Trevira 0.6+/-0.4 cm(2); 6 months: Prolene 1.3+/-0.6 cm(2), Trevira 1.1+/-0.5 cm(2)). CONCLUSION: In this animal study Trevira mesh demonstrated a high biocompatibility with a low foreign body reaction; it appears to be a promising new implant for the treatment of hernias.     

A huge malignant triton tumour

A 45 years old man presented with progressively increasing abdominal mass of two years duration. The mass had rapidly increased in size in the past five months. The patient was emaciated, with a grossly protuberant abdomen. The biopsy revealed fibrosarcoma. Extirpation of the tumour was contemplated. A huge 82 x 53 x 32 cm retroperitoneal mass was removed and the histopathology confirmed it as malignant triton tumour.     

Endoscopic excision of benign tumors in the forehead and brow

Twenty-five cases of benign tumor of the forehead and brow were excised successfully with endoscope-assisted surgery. The access incision was selected strategically behind the front hairline. For tumors in the middle of the forehead, the tumor was approached by subgaleal dissection. For those in the brow or temporal area, the dissection plane was just superficial to the deep temporal fascia. Patient age ranged from 3 to 59 years. The mass varied in size from 1.0 x 0.5 to 2.0 x 2.0 cm. There were 18 lipomas, 6 dermoid cysts, and 1 pilomatricoma. There was no residual mass or recurrence 1 to 24 months postoperatively. There was no paresthesia or numbness in the scalp. Patients and their families were greatly satisfied with this operation and the absence of visible scarring.     

Invasive Ductal Breast Carcinoma Underneath a Lipoma in a Male Patient

Male breast cancer is a rare malignancy and accounts for less than one percent of all cancers in men. The authors describe the case of a 76-year-old Caucasian man with invasive ductal breast carcinoma who presented with a common lipoma. This paper reviews the current literature on epidemiology, risk factors, etiology, different types of breast cancer, clinical presentation, imaging, diagnostic workup, and treatment.A 76-year-old Caucasian man presented to the authors’ clinic for evaluation of a painless lump on his left breast that had been present for six years, but recently grew over the last six months. The patient’s past medical history was significant for basal cell carcinoma, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, controlled with atenolol, lovastatin, and hydrochlorothiazide. The patient reported no allergies. He denied smoking, but admitted to alcohol use. Review of systems was unremarkable. Patient denied nipple retraction, discharge, or ulceration. Physical examination revealed a well-developed, well-nourished male. Upon complete skin examination, the left lower quadrant of his left breast revealed a soft, rubbery, mobile, well-circumscribed mass about 2.5x2cm in diameter. An excisional biopsy of this mass was performed, which was consistent with a lipoma. However, upon further inspection and palpation of the area, a firm mass was felt in deeper tissue. The irregular mass was about 1.2x0.8cm in diameter, very firm, and noted to have a gray color. This mass was also sent for histological examination and revealed a 0.7cm, grade II invasive ductal carcinoma with microcalcifications. The patient did not exhibit any axillary lymphadenopathy and did not have any breast discharge. There were no abnormalities or masses noted in the contralateral chest wall or contralateral axilla. Following review of the histopathology, the patient was diagnosed with breast ductal carcinoma. A computed tomography (CT) was completed of his chest and abdomen, which demonstrated no metastasis. Since his initial visit, there has been no evidence of recurrence based on mammography taken six months post-biopsy. The patient was referred to surgery for excision and oncology for further workup, including genetic testing, hormonal testing on the pathological tissue, and possibly adjunctive chemotherapy or radiation. The patient is currently under strict surveillance with regular complete cutaneous exams and mammography every six months with oncology. This case report serves to raise awareness of any growths presenting in the breasts of both male and female to exclude breast carcinoma as an underlying pathology. The authors examine the current literature surrounding male breast carcinoma.     

Iatrogenic femoral artery aneurysms in orthopaedic practice

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic injury to the femoral vessel is a rare complication after fracture of hip. Pseudoaneurysm formation of superficial femoral artery or profunda femoris artery is detected quite late. We present our experience for surgical management of pseudoaneurysm of femoral artery after iatrogenic trauma during management of fracture of femur. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out for eight patients with femoral artery pseudoaneurysm treated surgically during the last 10 years in one surgical unit. RESULTS: Of eight patients with pseudoaneurysm of femoral artery, six had superficial femoral artery aneurysm and two profunda femoris artery aneurysm. Mean duration for presentation was 4 months (range 2-6 months). Methods of surgical intervention were direct closure of arterial defect after aneurysmectomy in six cases and use of saphenous vein patch graft for repair of artery in two cases. Mean size of aneurysm was 12 x 7 cm (range 8 x 4 cm to 20 x 12 cm). All patients were doing well during a mean follow up of 72 months (range 6-110 months). CONCLUSION: Large pseudoaneurysms of femoral arteries after iatrogenic injury during management of fractures of femur should be managed by aneurysmectomy and arterial repair with or without saphenous vein patch graft.     

Giant Lipomas: A Series of 12 Consecutive Cases and a Giant Liposarcoma of the Thigh

BACKGROUND: The clinical presentation and character of giant lipomas create diagnostic problems because of their close relationship with other mesenchymal benign and malign tumors. It is therefore of primary importance for the clinician to be familiar with epidemiologic and anatomic attributes of these lesions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of giant lipomas operated in our clinic. METHODS: Twelve giant lipomas and one giant liposarcoma are included in the study. RESULTS: There were seven females and six males. The patients ranged in age between 22 and 75. The tumor duration was between 2 months and 40 years. The smallest lipoma size was 10x5x3 cm, and the largest was 19x9x5 cm. Two of the lipomas were located intermuscular. Mild hematoma formation was observed in two patients. Histopathologic evaluation was done for all specimens, and one myxoid liposarcoma was encountered. CONCLUSION: When dealing with giant lipomas, liposarcomas should always be included in the differential diagnosis.     

头皮恶性肿瘤外科切除后的修复

目的 总结不同手术方法修复与重建头皮恶性肿瘤术后缺损,评价其临床效果. 方法 1995 年1 月-2004 年9月,对70例头皮恶性肿瘤患者行手术治疗,其中男41例,女29例;年龄30～85岁,平均50.3岁.病程2周～3年,平均 3.5 个月.基底细胞癌 31 例,鳞状细胞癌24例,恶性黑色素瘤8例,纤维肉瘤4例,脂肪肉瘤2例,血管肉瘤 1 例.病变范围 1.0 cm×0.5 cm～10.0 cm×8.0 cm.根治性切除肿瘤后缺损3 cm×3 cm～12 cm × 11 cm,采用中厚皮片移植 51 例,邻近头皮瓣移位12例,颈肩随意皮瓣移位2例,斜方肌肌皮瓣移位3例,桡动脉逆行岛状皮瓣2例,切取范围 5 cm×4 cm～18 cm × 12 cm. 结果 67 例皮片及皮瓣成活,伤口Ⅰ期愈合;2例皮瓣远端坏死,经过换药后Ⅱ期愈合;1 例桡动脉逆行岛状皮瓣感染,对症处理后愈合.供区均Ⅰ期愈合.55例患者获随访 1～5年,5例复发.植皮患者中鳞状细胞癌患者和纤维肉瘤患者各1例,分别于术后1年及2年半复发,均再次行根治性切除后采用皮瓣移位修复刨面;皮瓣移位患者中血管肉瘤患者及鳞状细胞癌患者各1例于术后6个月及3个月复发放弃治疗,1 例纤维肉瘤患者术后2年复发,再次根治性切除后采用皮瓣移位修复创面.余患者均存活良好. 结论 头皮恶性肿瘤应早期诊断、及时治疗,广泛彻底切除并进行合理的创面修复是有效的治疗方法.     

胎儿骨移植修复良性骨肿瘤术后骨缺损

目的　总结胎儿骨移植修复良性骨肿瘤术后骨缺损的临床应用效果。方法　1994年1月～1999年6月,应用经酒精处理后的胎儿骨移植修复148例良性骨肿瘤术后骨缺损,其中骨囊肿63例,骨纤维异常增生症42例,骨巨细胞瘤26例,内生软骨瘤17例。骨缺损最大3.5cm×10.0cm,最小0.5cm×1.0cm。结果　148例良性骨肿瘤术后骨缺损修复均于3～12个月达骨性愈合,平均愈合时间为6.2个月。随访1～6年,平均14个月,肿瘤无复发,无局部及全身反应。结论　胎儿骨作为良性骨肿瘤术后的骨缺损修复材料无明显组织反应,临床效果满意。     

Serous borderline tumor of the paratestis: a report of seven cases

We report the clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and ploidy findings of seven cases of serous borderline tumor of the paratestis. Mean patient age was 56 years (range, 14-77 years), and the clinical presentation was that of a testicular mass. Tumors ranged in size from 1 to 6 cm (mean, 3.5 cm). Six tumors arose from the tunica albuginea, and two of these tumors were intratesticular. One tumor arose from the tunica vaginalis. Serous borderline tumor of the paratestis is histologically identical to its ovarian counterpart. The tumors were cystic with numerous intracystic blunt papillae lined by stratified epithelial cells with minimal to mild cytologic atypia. Psammoma bodies were present in two cases. In all cases, the neoplastic cells stained strongly and diffusely for cytokeratin 7, estrogen receptor, and CD15, and six of seven cases were positive for progesterone receptor and MOC-31. The cells did not stain for cytokeratin 20, carcinoembryonic antigen, calretinin, and HER2/neu. Proliferative activity, as assessed by MIB-1 staining, ranged from 1.3% to 10% (mean, 5.5%). Five of six tumors were diploid, and one was tetraploid. Patients were treated by radical orchiectomy and followed up from 4 months to 18 years (mean, 48 months; median, 8.5 months). No recurrences or metastases occurred. Serous borderline tumor of the paratestis is morphologically and immunophenotypically identical to ovarian serous borderline tumor. To date, no serous borderline tumor of the paratestis reported in the literature or in our series has recurred or metastasized after resection.     

Rupture of a synthetic VSD patch 28 years after total correction of Fallot's anomaly

We describe the case of a 58-year-old man who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with an unremarkable transesophageal echocardiogram. Three years later he underwent a routine transthoracic echocardiogram that was normal. Eleven months later he presented with dyspnea and right-sided heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed a large mass located in the right atrium in which the base was inserted by the junction of the inferior vena cava and coronary sinus. Pathology showed a myxoma that measured 15 x 3 cm implying a growth rate of 1.36 x 0.3 cm/month.     

The risks and benefits of a low protein-essential amino acid-keto acid diet

Twelve patients with progressive renal failure were placed on a very low protein diet supplemented by an essential amino acid-keto acid mixture for six to twelve months. Total daily intake was 0.04 g nitrogen/kg and 50 kcal/kg. Eight subjects had a significant change in the slope of reciprocal plasma creatinine, becoming less steep and in two cases positive. GFR did not improve, but in four patients the decline over twelve months was less than 0.5 mliter/min. There were significant falls in blood and urinary urea, serum phosphate PTH and calcium X phosphate product. Body wt decreased during the first three months. Arm muscle circumference fell by 0.9 cm (P less than 0.005). Serum albumin and transferrin levels did not change significantly. Muscle mass and plasma creatinine fell simultaneously in several patients. Creatinine excretion per kg muscle mass, assessed anthropometrically, declined by 21% in the first three months. This diet may slow the decline in renal function in a proportion of patients. However, muscle mass can be lost. Serum protein levels do not accurately reflect nutritional changes. A fall in plasma creatinine may not be due to improved GFR but instead to altered creatinine metabolism.     

Transanal excision of early rectal carcinoma—review of a personal series

Transanal excision of small rectal tumours is a relatively minor procedure that is potentially curable and can be employed in selected cases of rectal cancer. The outcome of 22 cases treated by local excision was reviewed. This represented 9% of patients treated for rectal cancer over the study period. All patients had a transanal excision with curative intent and included three patients who were medically unfit for a major procedure. Follow up was for a minimum of 5 years or until death if this was earlier. The mean age was 65.7 years with 10 males and 12 females. The 5‐year recurrence rate was 27% (five of 22). The crude 5‐year survival for curative resection was 77%. Of the 22 local excisions, 10 were T1 and 12 were T2. The size of tumour varied from 0.5 cm to 3.5 cm. Eight were well differentiated, 10 moderate and two poorly differentiated. Two of the earlier cases in the series were unclassified. There were six recurrences, all of which were extraluminal. Three recurrences were in less than 3 years (early recurrence) and three beyond this time. Of the recurrences, one presented with liver metastases within 2 months of surgery, one was unfit for a major procedure and subsequently died of a myocardial infarction. The remaining patients with recurrences had salvage surgery. Three are still alive and one died over 5 years after a local excision, with the presence of recurrence. All recurrences were of T2 stage, with moderate (n=5) or poor differentiation (n=1). Three of the six tumours measuring > 3 cm recurred compared with three of the 16 tumours between 0.5 cm and 3 cm. Analysis of these cases demonstrates that local resection of small rectal tumours can give good results and salvage operation is possible in the event of recurrence. Long term follow up is recommended because of risks of late recurrence. The best prognosis group appears to be with the well‐differentiated T1 tumours with no involved margins.     

Local recurrent aggressive angiomyxoma presenting as a para urethral tumor 64 months after the first resection: a case report

We report a case of local recurrent aggressive angiomyxoma presenting as a para-urethral tumor. A 28-year-old woman visited our hospital with a complaint of a painless vulval mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis showed the para-urethral tumor to be 2.5 x 3.0 cm. The tumor was resected, and diagnosed histopathologically as aggressive angiomyxoma. The patient showed a painless vulval mass again at 64 months after the first resection. MRI of the pelvis showed the paraurethral tumor to be 2.5 x 3.0 cm. The tumor was resected, and diagnosed histopathologically as aggressive angiomyxoma. The patient showed no recurrence at 4 months after the second resection.     

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the forearm: a case report

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is a rare soft tissue tumor. We report an exceptional case located in the forearm. A 62-year-old woman consulted for a tumor of the right forearm which she had noticed for six months. Physical examination revealed a 10 x 12 cm tumor with an ulcerated center. MRI demonstrated a heterogeneous mass exhibiting no connection with the bone or subjacent periosteum. Wide surgical resection was performed. The pathology study of the operative specimen confirmed the diagnosis of soft tissue osteosarcoma. The patient was given postoperative chemotherapy and was free of local recurrence or metastasis eighteen months after surgery. We discuss the present case and review data reported in the literature.     

带蒂组织瓣在上肢火器伤修复中的应用

目的　探讨带蒂组织瓣修复火器伤的临床效果。　方法　 1992年 5月～ 2 0 0 0年 10月 ,对 2 1例上肢火器伤患者采用带血管神经蒂组织瓣移位进行修复 ,并行临床观察。受伤部位上臂 11例 ,前臂 7例 ,手部 3例 ;创面1.0 cm× 0 .5 cm～ 8.0 cm× 6 .5 cm;受伤时间 30分钟～ 8小时 ,平均 3小时 30分钟。　结果　术后经 3个月～ 2年随访19例患者皮瓣完全成活 ,外观满意 ,功能恢复好。2例坏死 ,经换药植皮后痊愈。　结论　采用带蒂组织瓣修复火器伤 ,可早期闭合创面 ,缩短治疗时间 ,避免二次手术 ,降低了病残率。     

Retroperitoneal malignant schwannoma: a case report

A 56-year-old woman was admitted with a complaint of a palpable left abdominal mass. The left kidney was compressed by the tumor which measured 18 x 10 cm in size on computed tomographic scanning. We diagnosed a left renal tumor or retroperitoneal tumor. No metastatic lesions were detected. We performed radical nephrectomy with complete tumor resection on August 28, 1997. The tumor had two satellites and was adherent to the renal capsule. A yellowish-white solid tumor was macroscopically encapsulated by fibrous tissue and had cystic lesions filled with bloody fluid, weighed 940 g and was 18 x 11 x 8 cm in size. Histopathological diagnosis was malignant schwannoma. No lymphnode metastases were observed. For poor responsiveness to chemotherapy and radiation therapy in this type of tumor, we did not perform adjuvant therapy. The patient is alive with no evidence of recurrence more than four years after surgery.     

Lengthening of the humerus using the Ilizarov technique. Description of the method and report of 43 cases

From 1982 to 1986, 43 humeral lengthenings were performed on 29 patients using the Ilizarov technique. Diagnoses included achondroplasia, old septic arthritis, birth palsy, fracture, congenital shortening, and benign neoplasm. The achondroplastic patients (14) had bilateral lengthenings. There were 16 male and 13 female patients aged ten to 36 years (mean, 18 years). The total lengthening in each segment ranged from 5 to 16 cm (mean, 9 cm) and mean treatment time from four to 14 months (mean, eight months). The average follow-up time was 2.7 years (range, 0.5-5.5 years). Functional and aesthetic results were all graded as excellent or good. There were no cases of osteomyelitis or deep infection. Three patients sustained neuropraxias that subsequently resolved completely. There were seven fractures in six patients following removal of the apparatus. Five were treated with casts and two with replication of the apparatus. All healed uneventfully. Humeral lengthening can be safely performed with excellent clinical results using the Ilizarov technique.     

The policy of surgery for small carcinoid tumors of the rectum

In this report, we discuss the current policy of surgery for small carcinoid tumors of the rectum, with reference to our own cases and also to those reported in the literature. Ten cases of rectal carcinoid tumors were surgically treated at the National Kyushu Cancer Center over a period of sixteen years and three months. The tumors ranged in size from 0.2 to 1.0 cm, with an average of 0.5 cm, and all were confined to the submucosa. The lesions were treated by local excision in eight patients and by low anterior resection in the other two cases, where transanal or transsacral excision was considered difficult. No lymph node involvement was found in these two cases. All patients are alive and well without recurrence, after a average follow-up time of three years and six months. According to the literature, the incidence of metastasis from rectal carcinoid tumors smaller than 1 cm is very low, ranging between 1.7 to 3.4 per cent, and it therefore seems that most such lesions can be treated by local excision alone. If, however, any muscle invasion or lymphatic vessel invasion is demonstrated, then radical surgery is recommended.     

The policy of surgery for small carcinoid tumors of the rectum

In this report, we discuss the current policy of surgery for small carcinoid tumors of the rectum, with reference to our own cases and also to those reported in the literature. Ten cases of rectal carcinoid tumors were surgically treated at the National Kyushu Cancer Center over a period of sixteen years and three months. The tumors ranged in size from 0.2 to 1.0 cm, with an average of 0.5 cm, and all were confined to the submucosa. The lesions were treated by local excision in eight patients and by low anterior resection in the other two cases, where transanal or transsacral excision was considered difficult. No lymph node involvement was found in these two cases. All patients are alive and well without recurrence, after an average follow-up time of three years and six months. According to the literature, the incidence of metastasis from rectal carcinoid tumors smaller than 1 cm is very low, ranging between 1.7 to 3.4 per cent, and it therefore seems that most such lesions can be treated by local excision alone. If, however, any muscle invasion or lymphatic vessel invasion is demonstrated, then radical surgery is recommended.