Osteosarcoma of the proximal tibia: limb-sparing resection and reconstruction with a modular segmental proximal tibia tumor prosthesis.

A limb-sparing resection was performed for osteosarcoma of the proximal tibia in a young patient. A special modular segmental proximal tibial endoprosthesis that includes a hinged total knee component was used for reconstruction. A medial gastrocnemius rotational flap was utilized to reconstruct the extensor mechanism of the knee. The muscle flap aids in covering the prosthesis and helps to protect against infection. Limb-sparing resection for tumors arising from the proximal tibia, and reconstruction with a modular segmental proximal tibia tumor prosthesis and gastrocnemius muscle flap, is a safe and reliable method for treating tumors involving this area.

Limb-sparing resection of the scapula and reconstruction with a constrained total scapula prosthesis: a case of multicentric epithelioid hemangioendothelioma involving the scapula and surrounding soft tissues.

INTRODUCTION: The scapula is a relatively uncommon site for primary bone sarcomas. Tumors arising from the scapula are often initially contained by the rotator cuff muscles that protect pertinent adjacent muscles as well as the brachial plexus and axillary blood vessels. Limb-sparing resection of a scapula sarcoma is technically complex and requires meticulous dissection and mobilization of the brachial plexus and axillary blood vessels. Several muscles must be capable of being preserved in order to reconstruct the scapula and shoulder girdle with a special customized total scapula replacement. The goal of reconstruction is to restore a stable shoulder girdle to preserve elbow and hand function. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the procedure demonstrated in this video, limb-sparing scapula resection and reconstruction was performed for a patient with a multicentric epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. The steps of the procedure are detailed along with accommodations made for the multicentric nature of the tumor. To allow for optimal postoperative function and maximum soft tissue coverage, a small constrained scapular prosthesis was utilized. The glenohumeral ligaments were reconstructed with a Gore-Tex aortic graft. Multiple muscle rotation flaps were performed to cover and protect the prosthesis as well as restore shoulder girdle stability. CONCLUSION: Limb-sparing surgery for scapula sarcomas and anatomic reconstruction with a constrained total scapula prosthesis is a reliable and safe technique for resecting selected sarcomas and reconstructing the shoulder girdle. A stable shoulder girdle can be restored for optimal hand and elbow function. A total scapula prosthetic reconstruction is the authors' procedure of choice when the deltoid, trapezius, rhomboid, latissimus, and serratus anterior muscles are capable of being preserved. The functional outcome is superior to a forequarter amputation and a flail (nonreconstructed) shoulder in which the extremity is left hanging by soft tissues (nonanatomic method).

The mandibular advancement device and patient selection in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of the mandibular advancement device (MAD) in Korean patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in terms of severity and to evaluate prognostic factors deciding the success of MAD application. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Academic tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Of 142 patients who underwent MAD application for OSA management, 50 (46 men and 4 women; mean [SD] age, 50.2 [9.8] years) were included from March 2005 through August 2007. INTERVENTION: Full-overnight polysomnography was performed before and at least 3 months after intraoral MAD application in 50 patients. Questionnaires for sleep quality, Epworth sleepiness scale, and cephalometry were also studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Treatment results were evaluated and prognostic factors deciding success of MAD application were assessed. RESULTS: The mean (SD) apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) decreased significantly (P < .001) from 36.6 (18.9) to 12.3 (11.4). The success rate, defined by an AHI of lower than 20 and a 50% decrease in AHI, were 74% (37 of 50 patients). Even patients who were not categorized into the success group had a decreased AHI. The success rates of patients with mild, moderate, and severe OSA were 43% (3 of 7), 82% (22 of 27), and 75% (12 of 16), respectively, and a higher success rate in patients with severe OSA showed that MAD could be applied even in patients with severe OSA. The duration of apnea and hypopnea, percentage of patients with snoring, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were improved significantly after treatment. Epworth sleepiness scale scores and lowest oxygen saturation did not change significantly. An analysis of prognostic factors did not reveal any significant difference between the success and nonsuccess groups. CONCLUSIONS: The application of MAD significantly improved nocturnal respiratory function and sleep quality in patients with OSA, even in patients with severe OSA. In patients with OSA, MAD can be used as a good alternative treatment modality regardless of severity because it is noninvasive, easy to manufacture, and has good treatment results.