ABSTRACT
Introduction: Malignant transformation of pelvic osteochondroma is a rare entity. Large size and late presentation impose threat to life as well as limb. We report a case of limb salvage surgery in an enormously large secondary chondrosarcoma arising from pelvic bone. Case Report: A 60-year-old male presented with a colossal swelling at groin reaching up to distal thigh. He was walking with a wide-based gait due to pain and discomfort. 30 year back, the patient first reported this swelling of pea size, for which he was advised surgery but due to fear of surgery and economic reason he refused. Swelling gradually increased in size and reached up to distal thigh in the past 30 years. It was hard and non-tender up to 6 months back, when suddenly a change in consistency from hard to soft in distal area was noticed. On examination, a large soft cystic swelling was hanging from his pubic area. Tumor was fixed at base on proximal end. On magnetic resonance imaging, size of tumor was 281 mm in length, 263 mm in width, and 250 mm in anteroposterior diameter. Tumor was arising from superior and ischiopubic rami. However, no intra-articular extension was seen. A radiographic skeletal survey and bone scan did not reveal any other lesion. On biopsy, chondrogenic tumor composed of lobules of chondroid material with no cellular atypia or evidence of malignancy was reported. Considering the age of patient, rapid progression in recent months, size and duration of tumor, and type 3 pelvic resection was planned. Using utilitarian pelvic incision with perineal extension, separating long adductor muscles and deep femoral artery tumor, tumor excised with osteotomy at pubic symphysis, and on superior and inferior pubic rami. With minor wound complications, wound healed in 3 weeks. Post-operative biopsy reported as Grade 1 chondrosarcoma. At 3-year follow-up, the patient has no complains and no sign of recurrence noticed. Conclusion: Limb salvage surgery is a suitable option even in enormously large musculoskeletal malignancy. Proper counseling and tracking of patients are must to avoid future complications.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The management of nonunion has remained a constant challenge. The associated bone defect, shortening, deformity and infection complicate the management. A mono-lateral external fixator may minimise some of the problems frequently encountered in these patients. We report our results of prospectively evaluated 37 consecutive patients regarding nonunion of lower-extremity long bones managed using a mono-lateral external fixator. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 37 patients (7 femurs and 30 tibias), mean age 36 years, were stabilised using a mono-lateral fixator for nonunion of long bones. The mean time since injury was 8 months. Fifteen cases were infected and they received debridement and antibiotic treatment as per culture and sensitivity reports. In cases where the bone gap or shortening was >3 cm in the tibia and >5 cm in the femur, corticotomy and bone transport (bifocal procedure) was done and in the remaining cases, only compression-distraction (monofocal procedure) was done. The bone and functional results were assessed at the end of treatment according to the criteria described by Paley et al. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 34 cases (91.9%). The average time for union was 5 months. Five cases were treated with the bifocal method and 32 cases were treated with the monofocal method. The average length gain in the bifocal method was 5.7 cm, mean duration of treatment was 8.2 months and bone healing index (BHI) was 1.44 months cm(-1). In six cases, the monofocal treatment was used for limb lengthening. The average length gain was 1.9 cm, mean duration of treatment was 4.83 months and BHI was 2.5 months cm(-1). Bone grafting was required in two cases at the docking site. The bone results were excellent in 24 cases, good in nine cases, fair in one case and poor in three cases. The functional results were excellent in 27 cases, good in six cases, fair in one case and poor in three cases. The most common complication in this series was pin-tract infection (11.5%). CONCLUSIONS: A mono-lateral external fixator is an effective method for treating nonunion in the lower extremity with or without bone loss. The nonunion site can be carefully controlled with simultaneous correction of angulation and length.
