Pencil-beam scanning proton therapy for the treatment of glomus jugulare tumours.

INTRODUCTION: Glomus jugulare tumours (GJT) are benign tumours that arise locally and destructively in the base of the skull and can be successfully treated with radiotherapy. Patients have a long-life expectancy and the late effects of radiotherapy can be serious. Proton radiotherapy reduces doses to critical organs and can reduce late side effects of radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to report feasibility and early clinical results of 12 patients treated using proton therapy. METHODS: Between December 2013 and June 2019, 12 patients (pts) with GJT (median volume 20.4 cm3 ; range 8.5-41 cm3 ) were treated with intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT). Median dose was 54 GyE (Gray Equivalents) (50-60 GyE) with daily fractions of 2 GyE. Twelve patients were analysed with a median follow-up time of 42.2 months (11.3-86.7). Feasibility, dosimetric parameters, acute and late toxicity and local effect on tumour were evaluated in this retrospective study. RESULTS: All patients finished treatment without interruption, with excellent dosimetric parameters and mild acute toxicity. Stabilisation of tumour size was detected on MRI in all patients. No changes in symptoms were observed in comparison with pre-treatment conditions. No late effects of radiotherapy were observed. CONCLUSION: Pencil-beam scanning proton radiotherapy is highly feasible in the treatment of large GJT with mild acute toxicity and promising short-term results. Longer follow-up and larger patient cohorts are required to further identify the role of pencil-beam scanning (PBS) for this indication.

Inferior glenoid fossa fractures: patho-anatomy and results of operative treatment.

INTRODUCTION: A typical feature of inferior glenoid fractures is a distal fragment separated from the glenoid fossa. In most cases, the inferior glenoid fractures are associated with a fracture of the scapular body. However, there are no detailed studies of inferior glenoid fractures, and only brief mentions can be found in the literature in this respect. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The basic group comprised 42 patients, with the mean age of 48 years, who sustained 42 fractures of the inferior glenoid. In this group, the scapular fracture anatomy was evaluated, based on 3D CT reconstructions. A total of 29 patients operated on were followed up for 12 to 128 months after injury (average, 52 months), three patients were lost to follow up. The results of the operative treatment, including complications, were assessed radiologically and functionally. RESULTS: Fracture anatomy was described from various aspects, i.e., the size of the articular surface carried by the separated glenoid fragment, the existence of multiple articular fragments, the size of the separated glenoid fragment and the extent of injury to the scapular body. All 29 operatively treated fractures radiologically healed within three months. Full and pain-free range of motion was restored in 18 patients; in eight patients it was limited by 20 degrees and in three patients by more than 40 degrees. The mean Constant score was 82. CONCLUSION: Fractures of the inferior glenoid fossa requires CT examination, including 3D CT reconstruction with subtraction of the surrounding bones. Displaced fractures are indicated for operative treatment.

Pathoanatomy and computed tomography classification of glenoid fossa fractures based on ninety patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the article is to present the pathoanatomy and a new classification of glenoid fractures developed on the basis of analysis of 3D computed tomography (CT) examinations and intra-operative findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 90 patients (69 men and 21 women) who sustained glenoid fractures. Mean patient age was 47 years (17-92). In 77 nonpolytraumatised patients, anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the affected shoulder girdle were taken, including Neer I and II views. All 90 patients underwent CT examination, combined in 73 of them with 3D CT reconstruction including subtraction of the humeral head, ribs and clavicle, from the anterior and posterolateral views. In total, 52 patients (58 %) were operated on and 38 42 %) were treated non-operatively. RESULTS: In total, five basic types of injuries to the glenoid were identified based on analysis of the separated portion of the glenoid fossa: including fractures of the superior glenoid (14 cases, 16 %), the anterior glenoid (23 cases, 23 %), the posterior rim of the glenoid (5 cases, 6 %), the inferior glenoid (38 cases, 42 %) and the entire glenoid (10 cases, 11 %). CONCLUSION: The proposed classification of glenoid fractures defines five basic types of fractures verified by 3D CT reconstructions and intra-operative findings. It respects the anatomical architecture of scapula, fracture mechanism, associated injuries to the shoulder girdle and, where appropriate, the preferred surgical approach.

Anatomy and classification of the posterior tibial fragment in ankle fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the pathoanatomy of the posterior fragment on the basis of a comprehensive CT examination, including 3D reconstructions, in a large patient cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty one consecutive individuals with an ankle fracture or fracture-dislocation of types Weber B or Weber C and evidence of a posterior tibial fragment in standard radiographs were included in the study. The mean patient age was 49 years (range 19-83 years). The exclusion criteria were patients below 18 years of age, inability to provide written consent, fractures of the tibial pilon, posttraumatic arthritis and pre-existing deformities. In all patients, post-injury radiographs were obtained in anteroposterior, mortise and lateral views. All patients underwent CT scanning in transverse, sagittal and frontal planes. 3D CT reconstruction was performed in 91 patients. RESULTS: We were able to classify 137 cases into one of the following four types with constant pathoanatomic features: type 1: extraincisural fragment with an intact fibular notch, type 2: posterolateral fragment extending into the fibular notch, type 3: posteromedial two-part fragment involving the medial malleolus, type 4: large posterolateral triangular fragment. In the 4 cases it was not possible to classify the type of the posterior tibial fragment. These were collectively termed type 5 (irregular, osteoporotic fragments). CONCLUSION: It is impossible to assess the shape and size of the posterior malleolar fragment, involvement of the fibular notch, or the medial malleolus, on the basis of plain radiographs. The system that we propose for classification of fractures of the posterior malleolus is based on CT examination and takes into account the size, shape and location of the fragment, stability of the tibio-talar joint and the integrity of the fibular notch. It may be a useful indication for surgery and defining the most useful approach to these injuries.