[Total endoprosthetic replacement of femur, humerus and tibia]. / Endoprothetischer Totalersatz von Femur, Humerus und Tibia.

Improvements in diagnostics and effectiveness of chemotherapy have resulted in most patients with primary malignant bone tumours being candidates for limb salvage surgery. Herewith, the use of modern modular tumour endoprostheses allows for the replacement of all big joints and even entire long bones such as the femur, humerus and tibia. In this article, we focus on individual prerequisites for and challenges with performing a total endoprosthetic reconstruction of the above-mentioned anatomic structures. Additionally, data from the literature with regards to functional outcome, problems and complications are presented.

[Autologous fibula transplantation for reconstruction of bone defects]. / Die autologe Fibulatransplantation zur Rekonstruktion knöcherner Defekte.

The reconstruction of large bone defects following tumor resection, trauma or infection is difficult and subject to individual preferences of each surgeon. Free autologous fibula grafts are a reliable biological treatment method, whereas both a vascularised and a non-vascularised transplantation is possible. The use of either treatment option - vascularised or non-vascularised - is accompanied by individual advantages and/or disadvantages that should be taken into consideration during the preoperative planning process. Vascularised fibula transplants should be used especially for the reconstruction of large segmental defects and in patients, in whom adjuvant chemo- and/or radiation therapy is to be administered. Non-vascularised fibula grafts - which offer the advantage of a certain regeneration potential at the donor site as well as a shorter operation time - might be beneficial for bridging hemicortical defects and segmental defects with good soft tissue coverage.

Function of the extensor mechanism of the knee after using the 'patellar-loop technique' to reconstruct the patellar tendon when replacing the proximal tibia for tumour.

The aim of this study was to analyse the gait pattern, muscle force and functional outcome of patients who had undergone replacement of the proximal tibia for tumour and alloplastic reconstruction of the extensor mechanism using the patellar-loop technique. Between February 1998 and December 2009, we carried out wide local excision of a primary sarcoma of the proximal tibia, proximal tibial replacement and reconstruction of the extensor mechanism using the patellar-loop technique in 18 patients. Of these, nine were available for evaluation after a mean of 11.6 years (0.5 to 21.6). The strength of the knee extensors was measured using an Isobex machine and gait analysis was undertaken in our gait assessment laboratory. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Knee Society (AKS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores. The gait pattern of the patients differed in ground contact time, flexion heel strike, maximal flexion loading response and total sagittal plane excursion. The mean maximum active flexion was 91° (30° to 110°). The overall mean extensor lag was 1° (0° to 5°). The mean extensor muscle strength was 25.8% (8.3% to 90.3%) of that in the non-operated leg (p < 0.001). The mean functional scores were 68.7% (43.4% to 83.3%) (MSTS) and 71.1 (30 to 90) (AKS functional score). In summary, the results show that reconstruction of the extensor mechanism using this technique gives good biomechanical and functional results. The patients' gait pattern is close to normal, except for a somewhat stiff knee gait pattern. The strength of the extensor mechanism is reduced, but sufficient for walking.

[Resection margins in bone tumors: what is adequate?]. / Tumorresektion: Wie weit ist weit genug?

BACKGROUND: In multimodal therapy concepts for bone sarcomas, tumor resection is a deciding factor. Modern imaging techniques have made preoperative resection planning much easier and precisely allow tumor boundaries to be defined. OBJECTIVES: There is recent data clearly showing that compartmental resections have no significant advantages compared to wide resections in terms of local recurrence or overall survival. But it remains unclear, how "wide" a "wide resection" should be done. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review of the last 15 years, discussion of review articles and multidisciplinary expert opinions as published in major multinational studies. RESULTS: Intralesional resection (R1) is feasible in highly differentiated (G1) chondrosarcoma (atypical cartilaginous tumor) of the extremity. In both osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma, R0 resection is mandatory. If these fails, there is evidence that in selected cases of osteosarcoma, adjuvant radiotherapy is justified if a second resection is not possible. Expecting contaminated (R1) margins in patients with Ewing's sarcoma (e.g., in critical locations such as the pelvis), radiotherapy only is better than hoping for the "cure" of insufficient resections margins with a combination of both methods. With regard to the necessary safety distances for a R0 resection, recommendations from the literature are heterogeneous. In addition to the distance measurement, the quality of the anatomic resection margins (e.g., fascia) is of great importance. A distinct recommendation of at least x millimeters or centimeters cannot be given based on the currently available data. CONCLUSION: The aim of the resection of a bone sarcoma should be a wide margin with the exception of chondrosarcoma (G1). Ultraradical resections which sacrifice vital structures in order to extend an already wide (R0) resection margin showed no significant benefits. In patients with osteosarcoma, adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered if resection or re-resection is not in sound tissue (R1). Patients with Ewing's sarcoma should not undergo resection if a contaminated margin is expected. In patients with chondrosarcoma, the available data as for example from pelvic tumors are contradictory and do not allow a clear recommendation.

[Biopsies from bone and soft tissue sarcoma : a nationwide survey in Germany]. / Biopsie von Knochen- und Weichteilsarkomen : Eine deutschlandweite Umfrage.

AIM OF THE STUDY: A biopsy is an essential step in the diagnostic cascade of malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. The objective is always the extraction of a representative tissue specimen in line with the approach for the definitive operation. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the diagnostic approaches regarding the biopsy of tumors in orthopedic centers in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total 60 hospitals with an orthopedic focus on tumors were contacted and provided with a newly developed questionnaire with 13 items regarding biopsy technique, indication criteria, execution, supportive imaging and histopathological results. Evaluation of the responses was performed by means of binary systems and proportional consent to every answer possibility was calculated. RESULTS: The results of the questionnaire showed that open biopsies are performed in all centers and in 72 % of the hospitals percutaneous techniques are additionally applied. The most important criterion for an open or percutaneous procedure was the tumor location (80 %). The indications for either technique are assessed by a tumor orthopedic consultant in 68 % of the centers and special imaging is applied in 36 % of the institutions. The approach for the biopsy is defined by the orthopedic surgeon in 88 %. Percutanous biopsies are carried out by interventional radiologists in 60 % of the centers. Open biopsies are performed by residents under supervision by a tumor orthopedic consultant in 88 %. The histopathological results are discussed in 88 % of the hospitals in an interdisciplinary tumor board and in 64 % patients are informed about the diagnosis in an outpatient clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, biopsy of musculoskeletal tumors is performed according to the guidelines in most institutions. Only small differences were identified regarding the definition of the surgical approach and the application of imaging techniques during biopsy.

[Spastic foot deformities in children: surgical management]. / Spastische Fußdeformitäten im Kindesalter: Operatives Management.

Although the neurological defects associated with cerebral palsy are not progressive, secondary musculoskeletal disorders due to growth and gravity are variable. In the clinical analysis of spastic foot deformities different mechanisms that produce a variety of deformities have to be analyzed. The goals of surgical treatment are correction of the deformity, reestablishment of stability of the foot and preservation of functionally important ranges of motion and muscle strength. The most common spastic foot deformities are equinus, planovalgus, equinovarus and calcaneus. For treatment soft tissue surgery, such as muscle lengthening and transfer together with bone surgery, such as osteotomy or arthrodesis are used and combinations of these methods are often required. Subsequently postoperative plasters are necessary followed by dynamic orthotic management.

[Open biopsy of bone and soft tissue tumors : guidelines for precise surgical procedures]. / Offene biopsie von knochen- und weichteiltumoren : richtlinien für ein korrektes chirurgisches vorgehen.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of an open biopsy is to obtain a sufficient amount of representative tumor tissue in terms of adequate quality and quantity, without adverse effects on later therapy. INDICATIONS: Suspected malignancy after non-invasive diagnostic procedures. Histopathologic evaluation of tumor entity and grading. Planning of the definitive tumor resection and initiation of neoadjuvant therapeutic regimen. Obtaining unfixed, fresh-frozen tumor samples for molecular/genetic analyses or tumor tissue bank. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hemorrhagic diathesis. Tumor is only accessible with a surgical approach leading to a significant damage of the surrounding tissue. High probability of tumor cell contamination with incisional biopsy. Poor physical status. Poor therapeutic compliance. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The biopsy tract should be carefully planned according to oncological principles. The operation begins with a small incision in longitudinal direction to the extremity. The shortest path between skin and lesion that avoids contamination of other compartments is selected. The biopsy tract should be located within the surgical approach which is later used for definitive tumor resection. During the definitive procedure it should be possible to resect the biopsy approach with adequate surgical margins because it is considered to be contaminated with tumor cells. In principle, a wide resection of the biopsy tract should be possible. During the operation meticulous hemostasis has to be performed because any hematoma around a tumor may contaminate the entire extremity. In cases of an intraosseous tumor a cortical window should be made to obtain intramedullary tumor tissue. Drains should be located in continuity with the skin incision or in direct extension of the wound. Wound closure with intracutaneous suture technique. Excisional biopsy in terms of marginal resection should be performed only in the presence of small, epifascial lesions that are assumed to be benign after completion of basic diagnostic procedures. In cases of larger or subfascial tumors an incisional biopsy should be conducted. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Compressive dressing to prevent postoperative hematoma. In cases of tumors affecting load-bearing bones, weight-bearing should be prohibited after biopsy, if there is any fracture risk. Upon receipt of the histopathological results the definitive tumor resection is planned.

[The role of psycho-oncology in orthopedic tumor centers]. / Stellenwert der Psychoonkologie und ihre Versorgungslage an Zentren für Tumororthopädie.

INTRODUCTION: Psychosocial screening has not been implemented into diagnosis-related guidelines for the treatment of orthopedic tumor patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the significance of psycho-oncology in orthopedic institutions specialized in musculoskeletal tumors as well as the opinion and clinical experience of the treating physicians. METHODS: In total 60 orthopedic institutions were recruited. Data were assessed and analyzed by a newly developed, standardized questionnaire. To detect specific, demographic differences results were additionally analyzed according to gender, age and professional experience. RESULTS: A total of 118 physicians from 47 institutions participated. Significant differences between professional experience groups were obtained regarding the wish for psychosocial treatment in cases of own illness (p=0.032) and the difficulty of addressing patient feelings (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of orthopedic physicians deemed psycho-oncology important. To ensure a holistic approach to the treatment of orthopedic tumor patients, psycho-oncological aspects should be implemented in diagnosis-related guidelines.

[Joint-preserving surgery of the adult hip. Intertrochanteric femoral osteotomy]. / Gelenkerhaltende Hüftchirurgie im Erwachsenenalter. Intertrochantäre Femurosteotomie.

Due to advances in total joint replacement, intertrochanteric osteotomy (ITO) is performed more infrequently in spite of good clinical results. Nevertheless, there are several good indications for this joint-preserving procedure in adults. Detailed biomechanical knowledge and precise clinical examination are prerequisites for correct indications and planning of ITO. The main target of this surgical procedure is improvement of joint congruency and normalization of load transfer to protect damaged cartilage. Very good results can be obtained in hip dysplasia, non-union of the femoral neck and proximal femoral deformities if the therapeutic principles are followed. Higher failure rates have to be expected in femoral head necrosis and osteoarthritis, depending on the degree of pre-existing cartilage damage.

[Partial pelvic resection (internal hemipelvectomy) and endoprosthetic replacement in periacetabular tumors]. / Beckenteilresektion (innere Hemipelvektomie) und endoprothetischer Ersatz bei hüftgelenksnahen Tumoren.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of tumors of the pelvic girdle by resection of part or all of the innominate bone with preservation of the extremity. Implantation and stable fixation using a custom-made megaprosthesis to restore painless joint function and loading capacity. The surgical goal is to obtain a wide surgical margin and local tumor control. INDICATIONS: Primary bone and soft tissue sarcomas, benign or semi-malignant aggressive lesions, metastatic disease (radiation resistance and/or good prognosis). CONTRAINDICATIONS: Limited life expectancy and poor physical status, extensive metastatic disease, persistent deep infection or recalcitrant osteomyelitis, poor therapeutic compliance, local recurrence following a previous limb-sparing resection, extensive infiltration of the neurovascular structures and the intra- and extrapelvic soft tissues. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Levels of osteotomy are defined preoperatively by a CT-controlled manufactured three-dimensional 1:1 model of the pelvis. Using these data, the custom-made prosthesis and osteotomy templates are then constructed by the manufacturer. The anterior (internal, retroperitoneal) and posterior (extrapelvic, retrogluteal) aspects of the pelvis are exposed using the utilitarian incision surgical approach. The external iliac and femoral vessels are mobilized as they cross the superior pubic ramus. The adductor muscles, the rectus femoris and sartorius muscle are released from their insertions on the pelvis and the obturator vessels and nerve are transected. If the tumor extends to the hip joint, the femur is transected at a level distal to the intertrochanteric line to ensure hip joint integrity and to prevent tumor contamination. A large myocutaneous flap with the gluteus maximus muscle is retracted posteriorly. The pelvitrochanteric and small gluteal muscles are divided near their insertion in the upper border of the femur. To release the hamstrings and the attachment of the sacrotuberous ligament, the ischial tuberosity is exposed. After osteotomy using the prefabricated templates, the pelvis is released and the specimen is removed en bloc. The custom made prosthesis can either be fixed to the remaining iliac bone or to the massa lateralis of the sacrum. The released muscles are refixated on the remaining bone or the implant. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Time of mobilization and degree of weight-bearing depends on the extent of muscle resection. Usually partial loading of the operated limb with 10 kg for a period of 6-12 weeks, then increased loading with 10 kg per week. Thrombosis prophylaxis until full weight bearing. Physiotherapy and gait training. At follow-up, patients are monitored for local recurrence and metastases using history, physical examination, and radiographic studies. RESULTS: Between 1994 and 2008, 38 consecutive patients with periacetabular tumors were treated by resection and reconstruction with a custom-made pelvic megaprosthesis. The overall survival of the patients was 58% at 5 years and 30% at 10 years. One or more operative revisions were performed in 52.6% of the patients. The rate of local recurrence was 15.8%. Deep infection (21%) was the most common reason for revision. In two of these cases (5.3%), a secondary external hemipelvectomy had to be performed. There were four cases of aseptic loosening (10.5%) in which the prosthesis had to be revised. Six patients had recurrent hip dislocation (15.8%). In four of them a modification of the inserted inlay and an implantation of a trevira tube had to be performed respectively. Peroneal palsy occurred in 6 patients (15.8%) with recovery in only two. There were 4 operative interventions because of postoperative bleeding (10.5%). The mean MSTS score for 12 of the 18 living patients was 43.7%. In particular, gait was classified as poor and almost all patients were reliant on walking aids. However, most patients showed good emotional acceptance.

[Proximal tibial replacement and alloplastic reconstruction of the extensor mechanism after bone tumor resection]. / Proximaler Tibiaersatz und alloplastische Rekonstruktion des Streckapparats nach Resektion kniegelenksnaher Tumoren.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the operation is limb-sparing resection of tumors arising from the proximal tibia with adequate surgical margins and local tumor control. Implantation of a constrained tumor prosthesis with an alloplastic reconstruction of the extensor mechanism to restore painless joint function and loading capacity of the extremity. INDICATIONS: Primary bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Benign or semimalignant aggressive lesions. Metastatic disease (radiation resistance and/or good prognosis). CONTRAINDICATIONS: Poor physical status. Extensive metastatic disease with life expectancy <6 months. Tumor penetration through the skin. Local infection or recalcitrant osteomyelitis. Poor therapeutic compliance. Large popliteal extraosseous tumor masses with infiltration of neurovascular structures. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A single incision is made from the anteromedial aspect of the distal femur to the distal one third of the medial lower leg. Preparation of large medial and lateral fasciocutaneous flaps. The popliteal vessels are explored through a medial approach by releasing the pes anserinus and semimembranosus tendon, mobilizing the medial gastrocnemius muscle and detaching the soleus muscle from the tibial margo medialis. The anterior tibial artery and vein are ligated. If the knee joint is free of tumor, circumferential dissection of the knee capsule is performed and the patellar ligament is dissected. An osteotomy of the tibia shaft is performed with safety margins according to preoperative planning. In order to obtain adequate surgical margins, in some cases an en bloc resection of the tibiofibular joint becomes necessary. Therefore, the peroneal nerve is exposed. Parts of the M. tibialis anterior, a portion of the M. soleus and the entire M. popliteus are left on the resected tibial bone. After implantation of the prosthesis and coupling of the femoral and tibial component, the extensor mechanism is reconstructed using an alloplastic cord. It is passed transversely through the distal end of the quadriceps tendon looping the proximal margin of the patella. Both ends are passed distally through a subsynovial tunnel and are fixed under adequate pretension in a metal block of the tibial component. The detached hamstrings and remaining ligaments can be fixed on preformed eyes of the prosthesis. A medial gastrocnemius muscle flap is used to provide soft tissue coverage of the tibial component. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immobilization and elevation of the extremity for 5 days, then flap conditioning. Mobilization in a hinged knee brace locked in extension for 6 weeks without weight bearing. During this time active flexion with a stepwise progress, isometric quadriceps training. Then beginning of straight leg raising exercises, stepwise unlocking of the brace with 30° every 2 weeks. Weight-bearing is increased by 10 kg/week. Thrombosis prophylaxis until full weight-bearing. At follow-up, patients are monitored for local recurrence and metastases using history, physical examination and radiographic studies. RESULTS: Between 1988 and 2009, endoprosthetic replacement and alloplastic reconstruction of the extensor mechanism after resection of tibial bone tumors was performed in 17 consecutive patients (9 females and 8 males) with a mean age of 31.1 years (range 11-65 years). There were no local recurrences. Until now, 5 patients have died of tumor disease. One or more operative revisions were necessary in 53.9% of the patients. According to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the implant survival at 5 years was 53.6% and 35.7% at 10 years, respectively. In 2 cases, a distal transfemoral amputation had to be performed due to deep infection. There were 3 cases of tibial stem revision due to implant failure and aseptic loosening, respectively. In 3 patients, the hinge of the prosthesis had to be revised. Impaired wound healing occurred in 2 cases. Peroneal nerve palsy was observed in 3 patients with recovery in only one. The mean Oxford knee score for 9 of the 12 living patients was 30.7 ± 7.5 (24-36). No patient had a clinically relevant extension lag. The mean range of motion at the last follow-up was 90.2° ± 26.7 (range 35-130°). All patients were well satisfied with their postoperative outcomes.

[Tumors of the foot: diagnostics and therapy]. / Fußtumoren: Diagnostik und Therapie.

Despite the compact anatomy with thin soft tissue coverage, diagnosis of both benign and malignant tumors of the foot is often delayed. Diagnostic errors are more common than in other body regions, as neoplasias are rarely considered. Barring a few exceptions the foot is not a typical predilection site for malignant musculoskeletal tumors, although, basically any tumor entity of the musculoskeletal system can affect the foot. Delays in specific diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of these lesions can entail serious consequences for patients as tumor size is a major prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival. In cases of an indistinct persistent swelling or bone lesion a tumorous process should always be considered to ensure early diagnosis and therapy of foot tumors.

Irreversible muscle damage in bodybuilding due to long-term intramuscular oil injection.

Intramuscular oil injections generating slowly degrading oil-based depots represent a controversial subject in bodybuilding and fitness. However they seem to be commonly reported in a large number of non-medical reports, movies and application protocols for 'site-injections'. Surprisingly the impact of long-term (ab)use on the musculature as well as potential side-effects compromising health and sports ability are lacking in the medical literature. We present the case of a 40 year old male semi-professional bodybuilder with systemic infection and painful reddened swellings of the right upper arm forcing him to discontinue weightlifting. Over the last 8 years he daily self-injected sterilized sesame seed oil at numerous intramuscular locations for the purpose of massive muscle building. Whole body MRI showed more than 100 intramuscular rather than subcutaneous oil cysts and loss of normal muscle anatomy. 2-step septic surgery of the right upper arm revealed pus-filled cystic scar tissue with the near-complete absence of normal muscle. MRI 1 year later revealed the absence of relevant muscle regeneration. Persistent pain and inability to perform normal weight training were evident for at least 3 years post-surgery. This alarming finding indicating irreversible muscle mutilation may hopefully discourage people interested in bodybuilding and fitness from oil-injections. The impact of such chronic tissue stress on other diseases like malignancy remains to be determined.

[Primary malignant bone tumors]. / Primär maligne Knochentumoren.

Among human neoplasms, primary malignant bone tumors are fairly rare. They present an incidence rate of roughly 10 cases per 1 million inhabitants per year. During childhood (<15 years), the percentage of malignant bone tumors amounts to 6% of all infantile malignancies. Only leukemia and lymphoma show a higher incidence in adolescence. Of all primary malignant bone tumors, 60% affect patients younger than 45 years and the peak incidence of all bone tumors occurs between 15 and 19 years. The most common primary malignant bone tumors are osteosarcoma (35%), chondrosarcoma (25%), and Ewing's sarcoma (16%). Less frequently (≤ 5%) occurring tumors are chordoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone, and fibrosarcoma of bone. Vascular primary malignant tumors of bone and adamantinoma are very rare. Staging of the lesion is essential for systemic therapeutic decision-making and includes complete imaging and histo-pathological confirmation of the suspected entity. In most cases, this is established by open- or image-guided biopsy. Based on this information, an interdisciplinary tumor board will determine the individual therapeutic approach. Endoprosthetic or biological reconstruction following wide tumor resection is the most common surgical therapy for primary malignant bone tumors. There is vital importance in a thorough postoperative follow-up and continous after-care by a competent tumor center which is permanentely in charge of therapy.

[Diagnosis of malignant bone and soft tissue tumors]. / Diagnostik von malignen Knochen- und Weichteiltumoren.

Primary sarcoma of bone is a rare entity but nevertheless a significant cause of mortality in children and adolescents. The focus of the preoperative evaluation is to set up a histological diagnosis, define local tumor extent and develop a therapy regimen. In addition to patient history and clinical findings a radiograph in two orthogonal planes is still of great importance. MRI plays a major role in the further clarification of the diagnosis, while CT is valuable in the diagnosis of tumors of the axial skeleton as well as in systemic staging. A PET-CT can be performed to obtain an overview of further tumor sites. Open bone biopsy is the final diagnostic step and should be carried out at the institution where the definitive treatment will be performed. Complications such as fracture, neural lesions and spread of tumor cells are relatively rare if the biopsy is performed appropriately; however, patients should be instructed to strictly avoid weight-bearing on the affected extremity.

[Diagnostics and therapy of spinal metastases]. / Diagnostik und Therapie von Wirbelsäulenmetastasen.

Out of all skeletal metastases 30% are located in the spine as are 10% of primary bone tumors, whereby 52% of metastases occur in the lumbar region, 36% in the thoracic spine and 12% in the cervical spine. Patients suffer from local pain caused by irritation of the periosteum due to rapid growth of the tumor or subsequent pathologic fractures which may lead to compression and neurological impairment with paresthesia, paresis and paraplegia. If the diagnosis cannot be confirmed exactly by radiological imaging and laboratory tests, a biopsy should be performed. A precise diagnosis of the tumor entity as well as an estimation of the prognosis provides an important basis for further decision-making. The aim of therapy is pain relief and stabilization by operative and non-operative measures. Therapy is palliative with the aim of pain relief and preservation of mobility. In cases of solitary metastasis a curative operative treatment should be performed.

Ganglia of the tarsal sinus: MR imaging features and clinical findings.

PURPOSE: To analyze MR imaging and clinical findings associated with ganglia of the tarsal sinus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a record search, ganglia of the tarsal sinus were retrospectively identified in 26 patients (mean age 48±16 years), who underwent MR imaging for chronic ankle pain. Images were reviewed by two radiologists in consensus for size and location of ganglia, lesions of ligaments of the ankle and the tarsal sinus, tendon abnormalities, osteoarthritis, osseous erosions and bone marrow abnormalities. Medical records were reviewed for patient history and clinical findings. RESULTS: Ganglia were associated with the interosseus ligament in 81%, the cervical ligament in 31% and the retinacula in 46% of cases. Signal alterations suggesting degeneration were found in 85%, 50% and 63% in case of the interosseus ligament, the cervical ligament and the retinacula, respectively. Scarring of the anterior talofibular ligament and the fibulocalcaneal ligament was found in 68% and 72% of the patients, respectively, while only 27% of the patients recalled ankle sprains. Ganglia at the retinacula were highly associated with synovitis and tendinosis of the posterior tibial tendon (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: All patients with ganglia in the tarsal sinus presented with another pathology at the ankle, suggesting that degeneration of the tarsal sinus may be a secondary phenomenon, due to pathologic biomechanics at another site of the hind foot. Thus, in patients with degenerative changes of the tarsal sinus, one should be alerted and search for underlying pathology, which may be injury of the lateral collateral ligaments in up to 70%.

[Mega cups and partial pelvic replacement]. / Megapfannen und Beckenteilersatz.

Extensive bone loss, as encountered in both revision arthroplasty of the hip and after resection of malignant tumors of the pelvis, is a major challenge for the surgeon as well as for the revision implant. The aims are, despite extensive acetabular defects, to achieve a primary and load-stable fixation of the revision prosthesis in the pelvic bone as well as restoring the physiological joint biomechanics. At present, a large number of different alloarthroplastic revision implants and complex techniques are available for reconstruction of acetabular deficiencies. According to D'Antonio's classification of acetabular defects, particularly high-grade defects with loss of the posterior column or a pelvic discontinuity require special attention regarding implant selection and surgical planning. The object of this paper is to highlight the most important tools and techniques of endoprosthetic reconstruction for grade III and IV defects (D'Antonio) of the acetabulum by means of a classification-oriented therapeutic concept and to discuss the pros and cons of the particular implant.