[Translated article] Comparative study of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours: Malignancy risk factors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic suspicion of an atypical lipomatous tumour (ALT) is difficult. The aim of this study is to delve into the most controversial diagnostic aspects of the subject. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, longitudinal and retrospective study of a series of 96 deep adipose tumours (75 lipomas and 21 TLA) from 2006 to 2016: demographic, clinical, imaging and pathological variables were analysed and compared, as well as other variables related to treatment and oncological outcomes of the patients. A descriptive analysis of the collected variables was performed for the statistical study. To evaluate the potential predictor variables of malignancy, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, including those that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: Older age at diagnosis, lower limb location and larger size were significantly more frequent in ALTs. MRI findings showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, the same clinical variables were confirmed as predictors of malignancy. In the ROC curve, an optimal cut-off point of 134.0mm was used as a predictor of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, location in the lower limbs and larger size are risk factors for malignancy in the differential diagnosis of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours. No radiological variable on MRI reached significance as a predictor of malignancy in our series.

Comparative study of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours: Malignancy risk factors. / Estudio comparativo de lipomas profundos y tumor lipomatoso atípico. Factores pronósticos de malignidad.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic suspicion of an atypical lipomatous tumour (ALT) is difficult. The aim of this study is to delve into the most controversial diagnostic aspects of the subject. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, longitudinal, and retrospective study of a series of 96 deep adipose tumours (75 lipomas and 21 TLA) from 2006 to 2016: demographic, clinical, imaging and pathological variables were analysed and compared, as well as other variables related to treatment and oncological outcomes of the patients. A descriptive analysis of the collected variables was performed for the statistical study. To evaluate the potential predictor variables of malignancy, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, including those that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: Older age at diagnosis, lower limb location and larger size were significantly more frequent in ALTs. MRI findings showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, the same clinical variables were confirmed as predictors of malignancy. In the ROC curve, an optimal cut-off point of 134.0 mm was used as a predictor of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, location in the lower limbs and larger size are risk factors for malignancy in the differential diagnosis of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours. No radiological variable on MRI reached significance as a predictor of malignancy in our series.

Elastofibroma dorsi: diagnóstico y seguimiento en atención primaria / Elastofibroma dorsi: Diagnosis and follow-up in primary care

Objetivo Presentar una serie de pacientes con elastofibroma dorsi (ED) para recordar la patología y justificar su manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico en el ámbito de la atención primaria. Materiales y métodos Estudio retrospectivo observacional y longitudinal de 12 pacientes con 18ED. Se analizaron las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y de imagen. Los resultados del tratamiento se evaluaron atendiendo al dolor (escala EVA), la función del hombro (escala de Constant y Murley) y la calidad de vida (escala EuroQol-5 dimension [EQ-5D]). El tiempo medio de seguimiento de los casos fue de 60,5meses (5años, RIC: 1-161meses). Resultados Seis pacientes fueron hombres y seis fueron mujeres, con edad media al diagnóstico de 59años. El diagnóstico de sospecha en todos los casos fue clínico y de imagen. Solo tres precisaron intervención quirúrgica. Los resultados de todos fueron satisfactorios. Conclusiones Tanto el diagnóstico como la indicación del tratamiento de un ED puede hacerse en el ámbito de la atención primaria. En los casos típicos, que son mayoría, la historia clínica y una ecografía permiten un diagnóstico de certeza. La indicación terapéutica conservadora o quirúrgica depende de la decisión del paciente informado. Cuando existen dudas diagnósticas o el paciente desea la resección quirúrgica de la tumoración, habría que derivar al paciente al especialista hospitalario (AU)

Objective To present a series of patients with elastofibroma dorsi (ED) in order to recall the pathology and justify its diagnostic and therapeutic management in the primary care setting. Materials and methods Retrospective observational and longitudinal study of 12 patients with 18ED. Epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics were analysed. Treatment outcomes were assessed in terms of pain (VAS scale), shoulder function (Constant and Murley scale) and quality of life (EuroQol-5 dimension scale, EQ-5D). The mean follow-up of the cases was 60.5months (5years, range 1-161months). Results Six patients were male and six were female, with a mean age at diagnosis of 59years. The diagnosis of suspicion in all cases was based in clinical and imaging findings. Only three required surgery. The results of all were satisfactory. Conclusions Both the diagnosis and the indication for treatment of an ED can be made in the primary care setting. In typical cases, which are the majority, the clinical history and an ultrasound study allow a diagnosis of certainty. The indication for conservative or surgical treatment depends on the informed patient. When there are diagnostic doubts or the patient wishes surgical resection of the tumour, the patient should be referred to a hospital specialist (AU)

[Elastofibroma dorsi: Diagnosis and follow-up in primary care]. / Elastofibroma dorsi: diagnóstico y seguimiento en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To present a series of patients with elastofibroma dorsi (ED) in order to recall the pathology and justify its diagnostic and therapeutic management in the primary care setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational and longitudinal study of 12 patients with 18ED. Epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics were analysed. Treatment outcomes were assessed in terms of pain (VAS scale), shoulder function (Constant and Murley scale) and quality of life (EuroQol-5 dimension scale, EQ-5D). The mean follow-up of the cases was 60.5months (5years, range 1-161months). RESULTS: Six patients were male and six were female, with a mean age at diagnosis of 59years. The diagnosis of suspicion in all cases was based in clinical and imaging findings. Only three required surgery. The results of all were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Both the diagnosis and the indication for treatment of an ED can be made in the primary care setting. In typical cases, which are the majority, the clinical history and an ultrasound study allow a diagnosis of certainty. The indication for conservative or surgical treatment depends on the informed patient. When there are diagnostic doubts or the patient wishes surgical resection of the tumour, the patient should be referred to a hospital specialist.

Diagnosis and treatment of hindfoot osteoid osteoma: A therapeutic method for each case. / Diagnóstico y tratamiento de los osteomas osteoides del retropié: un método terapéutico para cada caso.

OBJECTIVES: 1) to set a reminder of the diagnostic approach to osteoid osteomas (OOs) of the foot; 2) to define the indications of treatment for hindfoot OOs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 5 OOs were checked (3 cases located in the talus and two cases in calcaneus). The diagnosis was established by clinical and imaging data. In all cases, a calcified nidus was identified on CT, perilesional bone oedema on MRI and focal scintigraphic uptake. Two cases were treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and 3 cases with surgical resections: two open surgeries and one arthroscopic surgery. Clinical and oncological outcomes were evaluated at the end of the follow-up. RESULTS: No complications were reported. The clinical outcome was excellent in all cases. One patient was initially treated with open surgery and then subsequently with RFA due to failure of the procedure. There were no recurrences after an average follow-up time of 4 years and 8 months (range, 1-12 years). DISCUSSION: Hindfoot OOs are uncommon and their diagnosis is based on clinical data in conjunction with characteristic imaging findings. Their treatment choices depend on the location of the nidus and relationships with nearby anatomical structures. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of an OO of the hindfoot can be ensured when the epidemiological, clinical and imaging data are compatible with this pathological entity. RFA is indicated for intracortical or cancellous cases in which the nidus is more than 1cm off the skin and significant neurovascular structures. For all other cases an open surgical resection or arthroscopic resection would be the first choice.

Osteochondromas of the Proximal Humerus. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management. / Osteocondromas del extremo proximal del húmero. Manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico.

OBJECTIVE: 1) To recall the epidemiology and signs of osteochondromas of the proximal humerus (OPH); 2) determine treatment indications; 3) and make recommendations for surgical treatment. METHODS: Retrospective, observational and longitudinal study of 20 solitary and 12 multiple osteochondromas of the proximal humerus. We analyzed the epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics and treatment results with an average time of follow-up of the operated cases of 45 months. RESULTS: Eleven (55%) males and 9(45%) females with an average age of 21 years presented solitary osteochondromas. Twelve (60%) cases were operated on at a mean age of 23 years because they were symptomatic or, in one case, malignancy was suspected. Two solitary osteochondromas could have spontaneously regressed. Multiple osteochondromas were found in 11(92%) males and one (8%) female of whom 3required surgery. There were no complications or recurrences. Functional outcome was excellent in all patients. DISCUSSION: Osteochondromas of the proximal humerus are relatively common, although most publications are case reports or short series. CONCLUSIONS: Osteochondromas of the proximal humerus do not differ from those in other locations. Symptomatic cases and those in which malignancy is suspected would be operated, the former preferably at the end of growth. The surgical treatment is summarized in planning the approach, using CT and/or MRI, extraperiosteal en bloc resection, and eventual bone reconstruction, ideally with allograft.

Periprosthetic femoral fractures after hemiarthroplasty. An analysis of 17 cases.

PURPOSE: To describe the characteristics of patients with periprosthetic femoral fractures after hemiarthroplasty and analyze their treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational, longitudinal, retrospective study was conducted on a series of 17 patients with periprosthetic femoral fractures after hip hemiarthroplasty. Fourteen fractures were treated surgically. The characteristics of patients, fractures and treatment outcomes in terms of complications, mortality and functionality were analyzed. RESULTS: The large majority (82%) of patients were women, the mean age was 86 years and with an ASA index of 3 or 4 in 15 patients. Ten fractures were type B. There were 8 general complications, one deep infection, one mobilization of a non-exchanged hemiarthroplasty, and 2 non-unions. There were 85% consolidated fractures, and only 5 patients recovered the same function prior to the injury. At the time of the study 9 patients had died (53%). DISCUSSION: Periprosthetic femoral fractures after hemiarthroplasty will increase in the coming years and their treatment is difficult. CONCLUSION: Periprosthetic femoral fractures after hemiarthroplasty are more common in women around 90 years-old, and usually occur in patients with significant morbidity. Although the Vancouver classification is reliable, simple and reproducible, it is only a guide to decide on the best treatment in a patient often fragile. The preoperative planning is essential when deciding a surgical treatment.

Radiofrequency thermal ablation of osteoid osteomas of the proximal femur. Usefulness of ultrasound guidance in selected cases.

PURPOSE: To review symptoms and imaging findings of proximal femoral osteoid osteomas (OO); to analyse the results of a thermal ablation technique for radiofrequency of the nidus in this location; and to describe usefulness of ultrasound guidance in selected cases. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive and retrospective study consisting of 8 patients with OO in the proximal epiphysis of the femur, which were treated by thermal ablation of the nidus with radiofrequency waves from 1998 to 2004. RESULTS: The mean pain period until the performance of the thermal ablation was 11.5 months (range 5-18 months). There were no complications, and all patients stated that the pain was gone by the day following the procedure, with some discomfort during the first week, except for one where it lasted more than one month due to technique difficulties. At present, with a mean follow up of 6 years and 2 months (range 6-190 months), all patients remain asymptomatic and live a rigorous normal life. DISCUSSION: Thermal ablation with CT-guided radiofrequency waves is a safe, effective and efficient procedure. CONCLUSION: Normal appearance of a proximal femoral OO does not differ significantly from other location osteomas and its diagnosis is easier with previous knowledge. Thermal ablation of the nidus with radiofrequency waves, that may be performed using ultrasound guidance, appears to be the elective treatment of choice due to its efficiency and minimum morbidity.

Circuito de asistencia a pacientes con sarcomas de partes blandas de las extremidades: un tortuoso y lento camino hasta las unidades de referencia / Health care circuit for patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities. A tortuous and slow road to referral units

Objetivo: Analizar los tiempos de espera transcurridos desde que los sarcomas de partes blandas (SPB) se hacen sintomáticos hasta su tratamiento específico en nuestra Unidad de Tumores Músculo-Esqueléticos (UTME) para proponer estrategias de mejora en los circuitos de derivación. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, longitudinal y ambispectivo de una cohorte de 61 pacientes con SPB vírgenes obtenidos e identificados de forma continúa del registro de pacientes de la UTME. Se analizó la relación entre diferentes tiempos transcurridos desde que la enfermedad se hizo sintomática hasta la primera consulta en la UTME, y diversas variables ligadas a la persona, tumor y circuito asistencial. Se usó un nivel de significación _ = 0,05. Resultados: El tamaño medio de los sarcomas fue de 11,3 cm. Treinta y seis pacientes (59%) siguieron el circuito habitual del Sistema Nacional de Salud en nuestro país. El tiempo medio transcurrido desde que la enfermedad se hizo sintomática hasta la primera consulta médica fue superior a 9,5 meses; y el que transcurrió desde esta hasta la primera en nuestra UTME fue de casi 8,5 meses. Algunas variables independientes mostraron relación estadísticamente significativa con las variables dependientes analizadas. Discusión: El estudio muestra que la asistencia a los pacientes con SPB de las extremidades en nuestro medio está muy lejos de los tiempos que transcurren en los países de nuestro entorno. Conclusiones: Parece fundamental la necesidad de concienciar a la población sobre la enfermedad y recordarla entre los profesionales sanitarios, al igual que la existencia de un circuito de derivación que es necesario utilizar (AU)

Objective: To analyse the waiting periods elapsed since soft tissue sarcomas become symptomatic until their specific treatment in our unit, and to determine new strategies for the improvement of referral circuits. Material and methods: This is an ambispective observational study of a cohort of 61 patients, with previously untreated soft tissue sarcomas, obtained from our Musculoskeletal Tumors Database. Several variables related to the patient, tumour, and health care circuit were analysed, as well as the different periods between the initial symptoms of the disease and the first consultation in our unit. The significance level was _=0.05. Results: The mean size of the sarcomas was 11.3 cm. Thirty-six patients (59%) followed the usual circuit of the National Health System in Spain. The time elapsed since the disease became symptomatic until the first medical consultation was greater than 9.5 months, and nearly another 8.5 months to the consultation in our specific unit. Statistically significant relationships were found between the independent and dependent variables. Discussion: The study shows that the care of patients with soft tissue sarcomas in our environment is far away from the times of care in our neighbouring countries. Conclusions: It is essential to make the population and health professionals aware of this disease, as well as to remember that there is a referral circuit that must be used (AU)

[Health care circuit for patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities. A tortuous and slow road to referral units]. / Circuito de asistencia a pacientes con sarcomas de partes blandas de las extremidades: un tortuoso y lento camino hasta las unidades de referencia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the waiting periods elapsed since soft tissue sarcomas become symptomatic until their specific treatment in our unit, and to determine new strategies for the improvement of referral circuits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an ambispective observational study of a cohort of 61 patients, with previously untreated soft tissue sarcomas, obtained from our Musculoskeletal Tumors Database. Several variables related to the patient, tumour, and health care circuit were analysed, as well as the different periods between the initial symptoms of the disease and the first consultation in our unit. The significance level was α=0.05. RESULTS: The mean size of the sarcomas was 11.3 cm. Thirty-six patients (59%) followed the usual circuit of the National Health System in Spain. The time elapsed since the disease became symptomatic until the first medical consultation was greater than 9.5 months, and nearly another 8.5 months to the consultation in our specific unit. Statistically significant relationships were found between the independent and dependent variables. DISCUSSION: The study shows that the care of patients with soft tissue sarcomas in our environment is far away from the times of care in our neighbouring countries. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to make the population and health professionals aware of this disease, as well as to remember that there is a referral circuit that must be used.

[Intramuscular lipomas: Large and deep benign lumps not to underestimated. Review of a series of 51 cases]. / Lipomas intramusculares: bultos benignos grandes y profundos. Revisión de una serie de 51 casos.

OBJECTIVE: To review a poorly studied pathology in the scientific literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, longitudinal and ambispective study of a series of 51 intramuscular lipomas in 50 patients. The frequency distribution of qualitative variables, and the median and the interquartile range (IQR) for continuous variables were calculated. The relationship between the size of the lipomas (recoded into two values) and the study variables were analyzed using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Men made up 62% of the series, and the median age was 61 years, with 55% of the total being overweight. About half of the patients were diagnosed in the upper limb. More than three-quarters (78%) were strictly intramuscular lipomas. Location, clinical and image presentation, treatment and results are described. DISCUSSION: Intramuscular lipomas have their own particular characteristics. Nevertheless, MRI is sometimes unable to distinguish them from well differentiated liposarcomas. Using size as the only criterion for referring a patient with a soft tissue injury to a reference center is still debatable. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with intramuscular lipomas, although they may be typical in their presentation, especially when they are large and show findings that can be confused with a well-differentiated low grade liposarcoma, should be treated in experienced centers.

Síndrome de Pellegrini-Stieda como causa de gonalgia / Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome as a cause of knee pain

La calcificación de las partes blandas, adyacentes al cóndilo femoral medial, después de una historia de traumatismo en la rodilla, se denomina signo radiológico de Pellegrini-Stieda (PS), cuando se asocia a dolor y a disminución del rango de movilidad de la rodilla se conoce como síndrome de PS. Describimos dos casos de síndrome de PS, tratados mediante tratamiento conservador -reposo y fisioterapia-, los hallazgos radiológicos y ecográficos, y algunas teorías propuestas para explicar la patogénesis de la enfermedad de PS (AU)

Calcification in the soft tissue next to the medial femoral condyle after a history of trauma around the knee is a recognized radiographic finding-PS (Pellegrini-Stieda) sign. When this is associated with pain and a restricted range of motion it is known as the PS syndrome. We describe two cases of PS syndrome, treated conservatively with rest and physiotherapy, as well as the radiographic and ultrasound findings, and the many theories proposed in attempts to explain the pathogenesis of PS disease (AU)

[Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome as a cause of knee pain]. / Síndrome de Pellegrini-Stieda como causa de gonalgia.

Calcification in the soft tissue next to the medial femoral condyle after a history of trauma around the knee is a recognized radiographic finding-PS (Pellegrini-Stieda) sign. When this is associated with pain and a restricted range of motion it is known as the PS syndrome. We describe two cases of PS syndrome, treated conservatively with rest and physiotherapy, as well as the radiographic and ultrasound findings, and the many theories proposed in attempts to explain the pathogenesis of PS disease.

[Solitary proximal end of femur osteochondroma. An indication and result of the en bloc resection without hip luxation]. / Osteocondromas solitarios del extremo proximal del fémur. Indicación y resultados de la resección en bloque sin luxación de la cadera.

OBJECTIVE: To review the indication of surgical treatment of solitary proximal end of femur osteochondromas, and present our experience as regards the approach for a complete and safe resection. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study of a series of 6 symptomatic solitary proximal end of femur osteochondromas treated by en bloc resection by means of a single anterior or posterior-lateral approach. The patients were followed up routinely, as well as contacted by telephone to find out their current status. The functional assessment was made using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scale. The main limitation of the study was the its low level of recommendation. RESULTS: There were no post-operative complications and, after a mean follow of 8 years (rang:2-21 years), the clinical result was excellent or good in all cases, and there were no recurrences of the tumour. DISCUSSION: Although some authors have proposed femur head subluxation or luxation to expose the whole of the femur neck and head to facilitate the resection of the osteochondroma and the joint exploration, in our experience, this can be avoided in the majority of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of solitary proximal end of femur osteochondromas is mandatory, as is the detailed pre-operative study of each case. Depending on their implantation and extension, en bloc resection can be performed by a single wide approach without the need for hip luxation.