Geriatric chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) mimicking multifocal multiple myeloma: a first in an octogenarian.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), an autoinflammatory bone disorder characterized by non-bacterial osteomyelitis causing recurrent multifocal bone lesions, is a well-known, yet uncommon pediatric condition that rarely affects adults; to date, it has never been diagnosed over the age of 75. The following report will discuss the first octogenarian diagnosed with CRMO and therefore represents an exceptionally rare presentation of a rare disease. An 83-year-old woman presented with progressive right shoulder, forearm, and hip pain, with associated weight loss and global weakness, requiring a wheelchair for mobility. Imaging revealed a pathologic right ulna fracture in addition to lytic lesions of the right proximal humerus and proximal femur. The clinical picture was thus that of a patient with probable multiple myeloma versus metastatic disease. After an extensive workup, however, the lesions were not malignant; histologic findings were instead suggestive of chronic osteomyelitis with negative cultures. Given the multifocal nature of this condition, combined with a lack of clinical symptoms of infection, a diagnosis of CRMO was rendered. The patient underwent intramedullary nailing of the right femur and splinting of the ulna, with a subsequent remarkable recovery to painless ambulation, complete union of the right ulna fracture, and resolution of the lytic lesions without receiving any targeted medical treatment. This case highlights the importance of maintaining CRMO on the differential for multifocal skeletal lesions, regardless of age. Performing a thorough workup with necessary imaging, biopsy, and culture are critical to establishing this diagnosis, which can only made as a diagnosis of exclusion.

Treatment trends of benign bone lesions in a suburban New York healthcare system.

Introduction: The management of benign bone lesions is controversial as it is dependent on a multitude of factors such as age, anatomic location, comorbidities, lesion metabolic activity, surgeon preferences, and goals of care, among others. Thus far, many studies have attempted to report on these lesions; however, most are heterogeneous compilations of benign and malignant lesions with nearly all failing to report patient treatment and none of which have originated from a suburban area of the United States. The goal of this study was to establish a modern database dedicated solely to benign bone tumors to reflect current diagnosis and treatment trends in suburban New York. Materials and Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective observational study with inclusion criteria limited to benign bone lesions of all ages. Malignant lesions were excluded. Patients were drawn from both primary care provider and surgeon records, with documentation of their associated management. Results: A total of 689 patients met inclusion criteria. The overall operative rate for this cohort was 71.6%. In agreement with current literature, aneurysmal bone cysts, giant cell tumors, and osteochondromas underwent surgery more frequently than enchondromas; older patients underwent surgery less frequently; benign bone lesions were more commonly found in younger males, and the distal femur and proximal tibia were the most common locations for lesions (P < .05 for all findings). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the management of a globally representative variety of benign bone lesions in a diverse suburban population of New York and should facilitate future research on how lesion type, location, management, and other factors relate to patient outcomes.

Operative management of metastatic disease of the acetabulum: review of the literature and prevailing concepts.

Metastatic disease of the periacetabular region is a common problem in orthopaedic oncology, associated with severe pain, decreased mobility, and substantial decline of the quality of life. Conservative management includes optimisation of pain management, activity modification, and radiation therapy. However, patients with destructive lesions affecting the weight-bearing portion of the acetabulum often require reconstructive surgery to decrease pain and restore mobility. The goal of surgery is to provide an immediately stable and durable construct, allowing immediate postoperative weight-bearing and maintaining functional independence for the remaining lifetime of the patient. A variety of surgical techniques have been reported, most of which are based upon cemented total hip arthroplasty, but also include porous tantalum implants and percutaneous cementoplasty. This review discusses the various reconstructive concepts and options, including their respective indications and outcome. A reconstructive algorithm incorporating different techniques and strategies based upon location and quality of remaining bone is also presented.

3D-Printed Patient-Customized Artificial Vertebral Body for Spinal Reconstruction after Total En Bloc Spondylectomy of Complex Multi-Level Spinal Tumors.

Three dimensional (3D)-printing technology facilitates complex spine surgery with unique advantages in artificial vertebral body design and manufacturing. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate how a 3D-printed spinal implant is utilized in the management of multi-level spinal tumors and integrates with comprehensive oncologic treatment. Eight spinal or paraspinal tumor patients requiring spinal reconstruction after total en bloc spondylectomy were selected as candidates for 3D-printed titanium artificial vertebral body implants. All patients underwent surgery on three or more vertebral segments or complex spinal junction segments. The clinical, oncological, and surgical characteristics of patients were collected. Of the eight candidates, seven suffered from pain and/or limb disorder. Six underwent successful 3D-printed spinal implantation, while two failed due to implant mismatching and were converted to conventional reconstruction. Of the six patients undergoing 3D-printed spinal implant surgery: (i) Five had recurrent tumors; (ii) three underwent neoadjuvant therapy; (iii) the median surgery time was 414 min; (iv) the median blood loss was 2150 ml; (v) the median blood transfusion was 2000 ml; (vi) the median length of hospital stay was 9 days; (vii) four patients received adjuvant therapy after surgery; and (viii) all patients experienced no pain, moved freely, and had no local recurrence at a median of 11.5 months post-operative follow-up. Spinal reconstruction with a 3D-printed titanium artificial vertebral body allows for total en bloc resection of complex multi-level spinal tumors. Combined with neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, these patients had excellent postoperative outcomes, long-term normal spinal function, and associated low local recurrence probability.

Periacetabular reconstruction following limb-salvage surgery for pelvic sarcomas.

Limb-salvage surgery for pelvic sarcomas remains one of the most challenging surgical procedures for musculoskeletal oncologists. In the past several decades, various surgical techniques have been developed for periacetabular reconstruction following pelvic tumor resection. These methods include endoprosthetic reconstruction, allograft or autograft reconstruction, arthrodesis, and hip transposition. Each of these procedures has its own advantages and disadvantages, and there is no consensus or gold standard for periacetabular reconstruction. Consequently, this review provides an overview of the clinical outcomes for each of these reconstructive options following pelvic tumor resections. Overall, high complication rates are associated with the use of massive implants/grafts, and deep infection is generally the most common cause of reconstruction failure. Functional outcomes decline with the occurrence of severe complications. Further efforts to avoid complications using innovative techniques, such as antibiotic-laden devices, computer navigation, custom cutting jigs, and reduced use of implants/grafts, are crucial to improve outcomes, especially in patients at a high risk of complications.

Postradiation Fractures after Combined Modality Treatment in Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcomas.

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities is typically treated with limb-sparing surgery and radiation therapy; with this treatment approach, high local control rates can be achieved. However, postradiation bone fractures, fractures occurring in the prior radiation field with minimal or no trauma, are a serious late complication that occurs in 2-22% of patients who receive surgery and radiation for STS. Multiple risk factors for sustaining a postradiation fracture exist, including high radiation dose, female sex, periosteal stripping, older age, femur location, and chemotherapy administration. The treatment of these pathological fractures can be difficult, with complications including delayed union, nonunion, and infection posing particular challenges. Here, we review the mechanisms, risk factors, and treatment challenges associated with postradiation fractures in STS patients.

Did COVID-19 related delays in surgical management lead to patient morbidity in the orthopaedic oncological population?

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess orthopaedic oncologic patient morbidity resulting from COVID-19 related institutional delays and surgical shutdowns during the first wave of the pandemic in New York, USA. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective observational study was conducted of all orthopaedic oncologic patients undergoing surgical evaluation from March to June 2020. Patients were prioritized as level 0-IV, 0 being elective and IV being emergent. Only priority levels 0 to III were included. Delay duration was measured in days and resulting morbidities were categorized into seven groups: prolonged pain/disability; unplanned preoperative radiation and/or chemotherapy; local tumour progression; increased systemic disease; missed opportunity for surgery due to progression of disease/lost to follow up; delay in diagnosis; and no morbidity. RESULTS: Overall, 25 patients met inclusion criteria. There were eight benign tumours, seven metastatic, seven primary sarcomas, one multiple myeloma, and two patients without a biopsy proven diagnosis. There was no priority level 0, two priority level I, six priority level II, and 17 priority level III cases. The mean duration of delay for priority level I was 114 days (84 to 143), priority level II was 88 days (63 to 133), and priority level III was 77 days (35 to 269). Prolonged pain/disability and delay in diagnosis, affecting 52% and 40%,respectively, represented the two most frequent morbidities. Local tumour progression and increased systemic disease affected 32% and 24% respectively. No patients tested positive for COVID-19. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 related delays in surgical management led to major morbidity in this studied orthopaedic oncologic patient population. By understanding these morbidities through clearer hindsight, a thoughtful approach can be developed to balance the risk of COVID-19 exposure versus delay in treatment, ensuring optimal care for orthopedic oncologic patients as the pandemic continues with intermittent calls for halting surgery. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(4):236-242.

Outcomes of press-fit uncemented versus cemented hip arthroplasty in the oncologic patient.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cemented hip arthroplasty is considered the standard of care for treating both osteoporotic femoral neck fractures and pathologic disease of the proximal femur due to the ability to achieve strong fixation in poor quality bone. There is minimal literature evaluating uncemented arthroplasty for pathologic disease of the proximal femur. This objective of this study is to compare outcomes of patients undergoing cemented and uncemented arthroplasty of the proximal femur for an oncologic indication. METHODS: Patients who underwent hip arthroplasty procedures in one health system for an oncologic indication were identified. Demographics, cancer history, operative history, and complications were collected retrospectively. Harris Hip Scores (HHS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Scores (MSTS) were prospectively collected via telephone. RESULTS: 41 patients met criteria for review. 18 underwent cemented and 23 underwent uncemented arthroplasty. There were no significant differences in age, demographics, complications, 30-day mortality, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion requirements, average HHS, or average MSTS. CONCLUSION: No significant differences were found for patients undergoing hip arthroplasty for an oncologic indication regardless of whether or not the femoral component was cemented. Our results suggest that cemented and uncemented techniques are both safe and effective methods to be used at the oncologic surgeon's discretion.

5-Aminolevulinic acid tumor paint and photodynamic therapy for myxofibrosarcoma: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), a fluorescent contrast agent, has been used for tumor paint and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for various tumors, but its use with soft tissue sarcomas is not well documented. Myxofibrosarcoma, a subtype of soft tissue sarcoma with a high local recurrence rate, may benefit from similar types of treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of 5-ALA tumor paint and PDT on a myxofibrosarcoma cell line. METHODS: Tumor paint was assessed by exposing micromass pellets of human adipose-derived stromal (ADS) cells or myxofibrosarcoma (MUG-Myx1) cells to 5-ALA. Cell pellets were then visualized using a microscope at established excitation and emission wavelengths. Corrected total cell fluorescence was calculated per accepted protocols. Photodynamic therapy was similarly assessed by exposing ADS and MUG-Myx1 cells to 5-ALA, with subsequent analysis via flow cytometry and real-time confocal microscopy. RESULTS: The use of 5-ALA tumor paint led to a selective fluorescence in MUG-Myx1 cells. Findings were confirmed by flow cytometry. Interestingly, flow cytometry results showed progressive selective cell death with increasing 5-ALA exposure as a result of the PDT effect. PDT was further confirmed using confocal microscopy, which revealed progressive cellular bubble formation consistent with advancing stages of cell death-a finding that was not seen in control ADS cells. CONCLUSIONS: 5-ALA tumor paint and PDT were successfully used on a human myxofibrosarcoma cell line (MUG-Myx1). Results from this study showed both selective fluorescent tagging and selective cytotoxicity of 5-ALA toward malignant myxofibrosarcoma cells, while sparing benign adipose control cells. This finding was further confirmed in a dramatic time-lapse video, visually confirming active, targeted cell death. 5-ALA's two-pronged application of selective tumor identification and cytotoxicity may transform surgical and medical approaches for treating soft tissue sarcomas.

To Bundle or Not to Bundle? The Financial Impact of Pathologic Hip Disease on Hip Arthroplasty Episodes of Care.

BACKGROUND: The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model aims to support more efficient care for patients. We examined the impact of patient and surgical characteristics, post-acute care, and clinical outcomes on episode of care (EOC) costs in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty for all diagnoses. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from a large database of patients undergoing hip arthroplasty for oncologic and nononcologic diagnoses between 2014 and 2017. We compared EOC costs and outcomes between the 2 groups using Student's t-tests. We estimated the association between an oncologic-associated procedure and EOC costs from a multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 2122 total patients included: 1993 in the nononcologic group and 129 in the oncologic group. The length of stay was significantly greater in the oncologic group (7.2 vs 4.2 days, P = .00). In the post-acute period, a greater proportion of oncologic patients was readmitted (29% vs 14%, P = .05) and discharged to skilled nursing (93% vs 51%, P = .00). Index hospitalization costs (mean difference [MD] $1561, P = .05), skilled nursing costs (MD $5932, P = .001), and total EOC costs (MD $20,012, P = .00) were all greater in the oncologic group. Along with increasing age and fracture diagnosis, an oncologic diagnosis is independently associated with greater EOC costs from a multivariate analysis (ß = 16,163 ± 2258, P = .00, r2 = 29%). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement should incorporate risk adjustment for oncologic disease because hip arthroplasty for an oncologic diagnosis is associated with worse outcomes and greater costs than in the general population.

Iatrogenic Obturator Hip Dislocation with Intrapelvic Migration.

Obturator hip dislocations are rare, typically resulting from high-energy trauma in native hips. These types of dislocations are treated with closed reduction under sedation. Open reduction and internal fixation may be performed in the presence of associated fractures. Still rarer are obturator hip dislocations that penetrate through the obturator foramen itself. These types of dislocations have only been reported three other times in the literature, all within native hips. To date, there have been no reports of foraminal obturator dislocations after total hip arthroplasty. We report of the first periprosthetic foraminal obturator hip dislocation, which was caused iatrogenically during attempts at closed reduction of a posterior hip dislocation in the setting of a chronic greater trochanter fracture. Altered joint biomechanics stemming from a weak hip abductor mechanism rendered the patient vulnerable to this specific dislocation subtype, which ultimately required open surgical intervention. An early assessment and identification of this dislocation prevented excessive closed reduction maneuvers, which otherwise could have had detrimental consequences including damage to vital intrapelvic structures. This case report raises awareness to this very rare, yet potential complication after total hip arthroplasty.

Epiphyseal Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of Bone.

Primary lymphoma of bone (PLB) confined to the epiphysis has only been described in four other patients. Due to the rarity of this entity, diagnosis has often been delayed, leading to mismanagement with adverse clinical consequences. We report a fifth case of primary epiphyseal lymphoma of bone located in the left distal medial femoral epiphysis of a 13-year-old boy. Radiographic and histologic features of PLB are discussed, along with a review of the literature and pitfalls of misdiagnosis. The patient initially presented with six months of progressive left knee pain with an associated loss of passive range of motion. Imaging revealed a mixed radiolucent lesion within the left distal medial femoral epiphysis with cortical breakthrough. A core biopsy was performed revealing a blue round cell tumor. Thanks to modern immunohistochemistry techniques, a diagnosis of primary lymphoma of bone was quickly made. The patient thus avoided further surgical intervention and received the appropriate treatment of chemotherapy, with subsequent rapid resolution of the lesion. This case highlights the necessity of including primary lymphoma of bone in all epiphyseal lesion differential diagnoses, especially in the pediatric patient population when aggressive radiographic features are present.

Osteogenic melanoma: report of a case mimicking osteosarcoma and review of the literature.

A 32-year-old male presented with a right thumb lesion of 11-month duration. A clinical diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma was entertained but the lesion failed to respond to conservative therapy and eventually necessitated amputation of his thumb. MRI of the right thumb showed an ill-defined, heterogeneously enhancing, infiltrating mass within the dorsal soft tissues abutting the distal phalanx and measuring 4.2 × 2.4 × 0.7 cm. Histologically, the tumor was composed of a high-grade osteosarcoma with a chondrosarcomatous component localized within the underlying bone and a more superficial spindle cell component in the overlying soft tissue. The epidermis was focally ulcerated overlying the lesion. The key to the diagnosis was provided by intense staining of the spindle cell component for S100 protein indicative of a spindle cell melanoma. The presence of an associated osteogenic sarcomatous component established a final diagnosis of osteogenic melanoma. The localization of this element to phalangeal bone is distinctly unusual and resulted in the close resemblance to a primary osteogenic sarcoma.

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma arising in myositis ossificans: a case report and review of the literature.

We report a case of a 23-year-old female with pain and fullness in the right popliteal fossa. An MRI scan demonstrated an ossified enhancing soft tissue mass. Evaluation of the resected specimen showed a high-grade extraskeletal osteosarcoma juxtaposed to the three zones of myositis ossificans. At 1-year follow-up the patient is alive and disease free. A review of the literature purporting to document such an association failed to demonstrate a single case in which an osteosarcoma and MO with its zonal architecture co-existed.

A rare case of pseudotumor formation associated with methyl methacrylate hypersensitivity in a patient following cemented total knee arthroplasty.

Hypersensitivity to orthopedic implant materials has been well documented with potential catastrophic consequences if not addressed pre-operatively. The spectrum of reactions is wide, from mild non-specific pain with localized erythema to severe periprosthetic inflammatory destruction and pseudotumor formation. It is therefore essential to identify patients who have or are at risk for implant-associated hypersensitivity. Although metal sensitivity is commonly cited as the cause of these reactions, methyl methacrylate (MMA) has rarely been implicated. To the best of our knowledge, methyl methacrylate-associated pseudotumor formation has not yet been described. The following is a case report of a 68-year-old female who, after undergoing a routine cemented right total knee arthroplasty, developed a painless, enlarging mass during a 13-year period. This mass was found to be a pseudotumor in association with methyl methacrylate hypersensitivity. A review of pseudotumor pathogenesis, methyl methacrylate hypersensitivity, and preoperative preventative care is discussed.

Long-Term Outcomes Following Reduction and Fixation of Displaced Subcapital Hip Fractures in the Young Elderly.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of hip fractures remains controversial especially when considering age. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term functional outcomes of displaced subcapital hip fractures that were reduced and surgically fixed using parallel cannulated screws in patients aged 60 years and younger. METHODS: During the period 1996-2005, 27 patients under age 60 with displaced subcapital hip fractures classified as Garden III or IV were treated with fracture reduction and surgical internal fixation using cannulated screws. Patient outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and physical examination. RESULTS: During a follow-up period of 8-17 years 4 of the 27 patients (14.8%) developed non-union/femoral head avascular necrosis and had undergone hip arthroplasty. All reoperations were performed within the first year after fracture fixation, all in the 50-60 year old age group. The revision rate among patients 50-60 years old was significantly higher than that of patients 50 years and younger (40% vs. 0%, P = 0.037). Mean HHS was higher for patients not requiring revision surgery (85.4) than for patients with revision surgery (75.5), but this difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Internal fixation using fracture reduction and cannulated screw fixation is a successful treatment modality for displaced subcapital hip fractures in patients under 50 years old. Patients aged 50-60 may have a higher risk of avascular necrosis or non-union and require arthroplasty, often within the first year after fracture fixation. The long-term outcome following these fractures is good when excluding patients who had early complications.