Marginal Skin Flap Advancement: A Technique to Optimize the Skin Graft Interface Following Tumor Resections.

Split-thickness skin graft (STSG) for soft tissue defects is often required following tumor resections. There is often a step-off with subcutaneous adipose tissue along the defect margins. This review of 20 years of experience was performed to determine the success of marginal skin flap advancement, a simple surgical technique addressing this issue. Seventy-one cases were identified that underwent sarcoma resection and this technique. Marginal skin flap advancement decreased the defect size from 217 s 162 cm2 to 128 s 101 cm2 (p < .001). STSG was successfully applied in 69 cases (97%) with a mean 96% take of the skin graft. Although 29 cases (41%) had wound healing complications of any nature, only 11 (15%) required a secondary operation. Marginal skin flap advancement, in conjunction with vacuum-assisted closure therapy, decreases the defect surface area requiring STSG by 41% and provides an excellent reconstructive option for soft tissue defects following sarcoma resections. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 27(2):102-108, 2018).

Compromise of Radiology Studies From Nonstandardized Viewing Platforms.

There is no standardization of proprietary radiology viewing software platform functions allowing recorded digital radiographic imaging studies on compact discs (CDs) to be viewed in a standardized manner at subsequent institutions. Primary concerns include the following: (1) a large number of image viewing software platforms with a wide variety of features making familiarity with use difficult, (2) an inordinate amount of time required to load imaging data, (3) imaging data may not upload or be viewed with the care center's picture archiving and communication system, (4) navigation through imaging studies is inconsistent and tedious, and (5) image viewing requires additional software downloads. Additionally, images generated from "outside CDs" are frequently of low quality and resolution, eliminating the ability to render a reliable diagnosis. The authors sought to determine the frequency and extent of these functional problems by analyzing a sample of 50 consecutive radiology CDs containing imaging studies referred to a university orthopedic oncology practice. Eighteen different viewing software platforms were encountered. Only 24 (48%) of the CDs met all optimal system criteria. Mean time required to load the studies was 3.4 seconds using the picture archiving and communication system and 37.9 seconds using the proprietary viewing software (P<.001). Fifteen (30%) of the CDs did not upload to the institution's picture archiving and communication system, and 18 (36%) required additional downloads and/or license agreements. Four CDs did not contain Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine images. Physicians using radiology studies on CDs encounter numerous difficulties in evaluating patients' imaging data because of the plethora of viewing software platforms. These difficulties add time and cost and compromise patient care. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(1):e136-e141.].

Epidemiology and survivorship of soft tissue sarcomas in adults: a national cancer database report.

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) of the American College of Surgeons gather demographic and survival data on ~70% of cancers in the USA. We wanted to investigate the demographic and survivorship data on this potentially more representative cohort of patients with soft tissue sarcomas. We selected 34 of the most commonly encountered soft tissue sarcomas reported to the NCDB, provided that each entity contained a minimum of 50 cases. This report summarizes the demographic and survivorship data on 63,714 patients with these 34 histologically distinct soft tissue sarcomas reported to the NCDB from 1998 to 2010. The overall survivorships of these sarcomas were near the lower limits of many prior reports due to the all-inclusive, minimally biased inclusion criteria. The overall best prognosis was Dermatofibrosarcoma NOS (not otherwise specified). (5-year survivorship 92%). The worst prognosis was Dedifferentiated Chondrosarcoma (5-year survivorship 19%). New observations included Biphasic Synovial Sarcoma demonstrating a better 5-year survivorship (65%) compared to spindle-cell synovial sarcoma (56%, P < 0.031) and Synovial Sarcoma, NOS (52%, P < 0.001). The demographic and 2- and 5-year survivorship data for all 34 soft tissue sarcomas are presented herein. This extent of demographic and survival data in soft tissue sarcomas is unprecedented. Because of the large number of cases and the inclusive nature of the NCDB, without restriction to certain stages, categories, or treatments, it is less subject to selection bias. Therefore, these data are thought to be more reflective of the true overall prognosis given the current management of sarcoma across the NCDB contributing sites.

Glove and gown effects on intraoperative bacterial contamination.

OBJECTIVE: Experiments were performed to determine the risk of bacterial contamination associated with changing outer gloves and using disposable spunlace paper versus reusable cloth gowns. BACKGROUND: Despite decades of research, there remains a lack of consensus regarding certain aspects of optimal aseptic technique including outer glove exchange while double-gloving and surgical gown type selection. METHODS: In an initial glove study, 102 surgical team members were randomized to exchange or retain outer gloves 1 hour into clean orthopedic procedures; cultures were obtained 15 minutes later from the palm of the surgeon's dominant gloved hand and from the surgical gown sleeve. Surgical gown type selection was recorded. A laboratory strike-through study investigating bacterial transmission through cloth and paper gowns was performed with coagulase-negative staphylococci. In a follow-up glove study, 251 surgical team members, all wearing paper gowns, were randomized as in the first glove study. RESULTS: Glove study 1 revealed 4-fold higher levels of baseline bacterial contamination (31% vs 7%) on the sleeve of surgical team members wearing cloth gowns than those using paper gowns [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 4.64 (1.72-12.53); P = 0.0016]. The bacterial strike-through study revealed that 26 of 27 cloth gowns allowed bacterial transmission through the material compared with 0 of 27 paper gowns (P < 0.001). In glove study 2, surgeons retaining outer gloves 1 hour into the case had a subsequent positive glove contamination rate of 23% compared with 13% among surgeons exchanging their original outer glove [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.97 (1.02-3.80); P = 0.0419]. CONCLUSIONS: Paper gowns demonstrated less bacterial transmission in the laboratory and lower rates of contamination in the operating room. Disposable paper gowns are recommended for all surgical cases, especially those involving implants, because of the heightened risk of infection. Outer glove exchange just before handling implant materials is also recommended to minimize intraoperative contamination.

Stemmed knee replacement in a patient with an irremovable tibial nail.

A patient with a cemented centrally located intramedullary tibial nail that occluded the proximal tibial canal underwent knee reconstruction with a total knee design utilizing a custom hollow tibial stem. In this oncology case, a rotating-hinge knee design was used that incorporates an intra-articular inverted post-in-channel central rotational post design. This design allowed for a rather straightforward reconstruction that functioned well for 3 years. Although rarely encountered, utilization of a hollow-stemmed tibial total knee component may allow salvage of an extremity with central occlusion of the proximal tibial canal.

Osteosarcoma diagnostic delay associated with alendronate-induced pain relief.

A 32-year-old man with a painful osteoblastic osteosarcoma of the right hip was initially diagnosed as having Paget's disease of bone. He was treated with alendronate for presumptive Paget's disease. The patient's bone pain was dramatically reduced by the administration of alendronate for 7 months. Following discontinuation of alendronate, his pain promptly recurred, culminating in a more thorough evaluation that led to the correct diagnosis. Despite chemotherapy, the patient succumbed to metastatic osteosarcoma. The main purpose of this publication is to report the potential for pain relief when an osteosarcoma is treated with bisphosphonate medication. Clinicians are advised not to consider an alendronate-associated pain reduction in an osteoblastic lesion as an indicator of an underlying benign process of bone. The evaluation of painful sclerotic bone lesions is briefly reviewed.

Femoral stress fractures associated with long-term bisphosphonate treatment.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have described unique clinical and radiographic characteristics of femoral stress fractures or low-energy fractures associated with long-term bisphosphonate therapy. However, it is unclear whether these fractures require subsequent surgery after the initial treatment. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We performed a cohort analysis of bisphosphonate-associated femoral stress fractures to (1) confirm the unique clinical and radiographic findings compared with existing literature, (2) determine whether any patients with completed fractures had no preexisting transverse stress fracture lines, (3) assess the need for additional surgical procedures, and (4) determine whether the hospital length of stay (LOS) differed for patients with prophylactic fixation of stress fractures versus fixation of completed fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients with 24 diaphyseal and subtrochanteric femoral stress fractures (14) or low-energy fractures (10) who had been on bisphosphonates for 3 to 10 years. Data included demographics, symptoms, medication history, radiographic characteristics, treatment parameters, LOS, and outcome. Minimum followup was 9 months (average, 44.0 months; median, 31 months; range, 9-112 months). RESULTS: All patients had clinical and radiographic findings similar to those reported in the literature. Two of four patients sustained completed fractures after radiographs failed to reveal transverse lateral fracture lines. None of the 14 prophylactically treated impending fractures progressed or required additional surgery; however, in five of 10 femurs treated after fracture completion, six additional surgeries were performed. The average hospital LOS was shorter in patients who underwent prophylactic fixation (3.8 days) than in patients treated for completed fractures (5.6 days). CONCLUSIONS: Bisphosphonate-associated stress fractures and completed fractures are unique, possessing subtle characteristic radiographic features. Completed fractures may occur through the thickened bone in the absence of an appreciable transverse stress fracture line. Our observations suggest prophylactic reconstruction nail fixation may avoid fracture completion and may be associated with a shorter hospital LOS and less morbidity than treatment of completed fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, diagnostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Primary total hip replacement versus hip resurfacing - hospital considerations.

Multiple factors regarding surgical procedures and patient selection affect hospital staffing needs as well as hospital revenues. In order to better understand the potential impact on hospitals that hip arthroplasty device selection (standard total hip arthroplasty vs. resurfacing) creates, a review of all primary hip arthroplasties performed at one institution was designed to identify factors that impacted hospital staffing needs and revenue generation. All primary hip arthroplasties undertaken over three fiscal years (2008 to 2010) were reviewed, utilizing only hospital business office data and medical records data that had been previously extracted prior for billing purposes. Analysis confirmed differing demographics for two hip arthroplasty populations, with the resurfacing patients (compared to the conventional total hip arthroplasty population) consisting of younger patients (mean age, 50 vs. 61 years), who were more often male (75% vs. 45%), were more likely to have osteoarthritis as their primary diagnosis (83 vs. 67%) and were more often covered by managed care or commercial insurance (83 vs. 34%). They also had shorter hospital stays (mean length of stay, 2.3 vs. 4.1 days) and consequently provided a more favorable financial revenue stream to the hospital on a per patient basis. Several trends appeared during the study periods. There was a steady increase in all procedures in all groups except for the resurfacings, which decreased 26% in males and 53% in females between 2009 and 2010. Differences were observed in the demographics of patients presenting for resurfacing, compared to those presenting for conventional total hip arthroplasty. In addition to the revenue stream considerations, institutions undertaking a resurfacing program must commit the resources and planning in order to rehabilitate these patients more expeditiously than is usually required with conventional hip arthroplasty patients.

Hip resurfacing with retention of existing hardware - case report.

Despite operative reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), many patients who sustain proximal femur fractures develop posttraumatic arthritis. Conventional total hip arthroplasty (THA)in the setting of altered femoral morphology and retained hardware can be quite challenging. Hip resurfacing can provide a favorable option. The present report describes three patients in whom the use of resurfacing precluded the need for hardware removal and provided excellent pain relief.

Does a plastic drape reduce incidence of heterotopic ossification after hip resurfacing?

BACKGROUND: High rates of heterotopic ossification have been associated with hip resurfacing as compared to THA. Bone debris from femoral head reamings is cited as one of the risk factors linked to increased rates of heterotopic ossification. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore asked whether (1) the incidence of heterotopic ossification differed with and without the use of a plastic drape used to collect bone debris and (2) any of a number of variables (age, gender, diagnosis, previous hip surgery, operative time, and blood loss) related to the occurrence of HO. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 136 hip resurfacings performed using one of two techniques: Group 1 contained 64 hip resurfacings performed using a sterile drape around the femoral neck while reaming the femoral head to collect bone debris; Group 2 contained 72 hip resurfacings carried out with manually removing bone debris and utilizing a pulse lavage. Data were collected with respect to diagnosis, gender, previous surgery, postoperative complications, operative time, and blood loss to rule out confounding variables. The amount of heterotopic ossification was measured radiographically in hips after undergoing resurfacing arthroplasty. The minimum followup was 6 months (mean, 15 months; range, 6-27 months). RESULTS: No patient had heterotopic ossification of clinical importance and none had resection of the heterotopic ossification. Group 1 had a lower overall incidence of minor heterotopic ossification (32%) than Group 2 (58%). Risk factors linked to heterotopic ossification include male gender and operative time. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a plastic drape to collect bone debris from femoral head reamings decreased the incidence of heterotopic ossification in resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip.

Does computer-assisted surgery improve accuracy and decrease the learning curve in hip resurfacing? A radiographic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hip resurfacing is a technically demanding procedure in which accurate positioning of the femoral component is critical to the avoidance of early implant failures. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of computer-assisted placement of the femoral component and to evaluate the impact of computer-assisted surgery on the learning curve associated with this procedure. METHODS: The accuracy of positioning the femoral component was analyzed radiographically in hips undergoing resurfacing procedures performed by surgeons assigned to four different study groups: Group 1, in which the operations were performed with use of computer-assisted surgery by a fellowship-trained surgeon who was experienced in performing resurfacing arthroplasty (surgical experience, more than 250 hip resurfacings); Group 2, in which the operations were performed with use of computer-assisted surgery by senior residents who were inexperienced in performing resurfacing arthroplasty and who were closely supervised by faculty; Group 3, in which the operations were performed with use of conventional instruments by fellowship-trained faculty members; and Group 4, in which the operations were performed with use of computer-assisted surgery by a lesser experienced fellowship-trained faculty member (surgical experience, more than forty but less than seventy-five hip resurfacings) from Group 3. RESULTS: The range of error in varus or valgus angulation that was observed for navigated procedures was 6 degrees in Group 1, 7 degrees in Group 2, and 5 degrees in Group 4. Compared with the preoperative neck-shaft angle value, the mean postoperative stem-shaft angle value increased by a mean of 4.7 degrees in Group 1, 7.2 degrees in Group 2, 6.5 degrees in Group 3, and 11.6 degrees in Group 4. When compared with the use of standard instrumentation, the use of computer-assisted surgery reduced the number of outliers and facilitated valgus insertion. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, computer-assisted surgery resulted in improved accuracy and precision in positioning the femoral component. In addition, computer-assisted surgery led to a reduction in the length of the learning curve for beginners in hip resurfacing and improved the surgeon's ability to perform this procedure safely.

HLA sensitization and allograft bone graft incorporation.

UNLABELLED: Achieving union between host bone and massive structural allografts can be difficult. Donor and recipient human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches and recipient antibody response to donor HLA antigens might affect union. In a prospective multiinstitutional study, we enrolled a consecutive series of patients receiving cortex-replacing, massive structural bone allografts to determine the rate of donor-specific HLA antibody sensitization and to investigate the potential effect of such HLA alloantibody sensitization on allograft incorporation. HLA typing of patients and donors was determined by molecular typing methods. Donor-specific HLA sensitization occurred in 57% of the patients but had no demonstrable effect on graft incorporation or union. The type of host-allograft junction did have a major effect on graft incorporation. Cortical-to-cortical allograft-to-host junctions healed more slowly (mean, 542 days) than corticocancellous to corticocancellous allograft-to-host junctions (mean, 243 days). Although HLA sensitization does not appear to delay structural allograft bone incorporation, further followup is required to determine if there is an association between HLA sensitization and long-term graft survival. Based on these preliminary data, measures to further minimize or modulate HLA sensitization or response are not indicated at present for the purposes of improving structural bone allograft union. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study.

Tumors masquerading as hematomas.

Suboptimal patient management can occur when malignant soft tissue tumors with internal hemorrhage masquerade as simple hematomas. We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients with malignancies who had diagnostic delays averaging 6.7 months (range, 1.0-49.3 months). The diagnoses included soft tissue sarcomas (27), metastatic cancers (three), and lymphoma (one). History of subcutaneous ecchymosis was positive in only five patients (three of whom had trauma), negative in 18, and unknown in eight. Ecchymosis was present in two patients, absent in 20, and unknown in nine. Previous treatments included observation and reassurance (21), aspiration (11), incision and drainage (10), unplanned resections (seven), physical therapy (seven), medication administration (six), and arthroscopy (one). Interpretations of initial MRI (21) and ultrasound (four) did not raise suspicion of underlying cancers. Traumatic hemorrhage usually causes subcutaneous ecchymosis. However, intratumoral hemorrhage often is contained by a pseudocapsule, which prevents fascial plane tracking and subcutaneous ecchymosis, thus providing a diagnostic clue. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound studies may not accurately diagnose questionable lesions. Diagnostic delay or inappropriate treatment may result if patients do not receive appropriate followup, biopsy (usually open), or referral whenever the diagnosis is in doubt.

Osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing's sarcoma: National Cancer Data Base Report.

We summarize descriptive epidemiologic and survival data from the National Cancer Data Base of the American College of Surgeons for 26,437 cases of osteosarcoma (n = 11,961), chondrosarcoma (n = 9606), and Ewing's sarcoma (n = 4870) from 1985 to 2003. Survival data are reported on cases with a minimum 5-year followup from 1985 to 1998 (8,104 osteosarcomas, 6,476 chondrosarcomas, and 3,225 Ewing's sarcomas). The relative 5-year survival rate was 53.9% for osteosarcoma, 75.2% for chondrosarcoma, and 50.6% for Ewing's sarcoma. Survival rates did not change notably over the collection period. Within osteosarcomas, the relative 5-year survival rates were 52.6% for high grade, 85.9% for parosteal, and 17.8% for Paget's subtypes. For osteosarcoma patients, the relative 5-year survival rate was 60% for those younger than 30 years, 50% for those aged 30 to 49 years, and 30% for those aged 50 years or older. Within chondrosarcomas, the relative 5-year survival rate was 76% for conventional, 71% for myxoid, 87% for juxtacortical, and 52% for mesenchymal. While the National Cancer Data Base has limitations, the survival data and demographics for bone sarcomas are unprecedented in numbers and duration. Our report supports continued efforts to refine data collection and stimulate further data analysis.

Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis: preliminary results with intralesional resection and p32 synoviorthesis.

Because of the high local recurrence rate associated with surgical resection alone, patients with diffuse intraarticular pigmented villonodular synovitis were treated with surgical resection followed by colloidal chromic P32 synoviorthesis. The medical records of nine consecutive patients treated in this manner were reviewed retrospectively to determine the recurrence rate of pigmented villonodular synovitis. All patients had either one or two surgical resections (arthroscopy in one patient, open resection in seven, arthroscopy and open resection in one). The involved joints included six knees and one each, ankle, elbow, and hip. Eight of the nine patients remained recurrence free at a mean followup of 38 months (range, 19-60 months) after surgery. One patient had a suspected asymptomatic recurrence documented by magnetic resonance imaging 29 months after surgery. Seven patients reported their normal activities as unrestricted. Five reported improved activity levels, one reported the activity level remained the same, and one reported activity as the same or better. None reported reduced activity levels. In these patients synoviorthesis with colloidal chromic P32 following gross resection of all obvious pigmented villonodular synovitis provided local disease control in all but one.

Diagnostic pitfalls associated with fine-needle aspiration biopsy in a patient with the myxoid variant of monophasic fibrous synovial sarcoma.

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is one of the most common soft tissue tumors that typically presents in the extremities of young adults, but may occur at any site and affect children during the first decade. Herein we discuss a 12-yr-old male who complained of left foot pain and plantar mass. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy of an 8 cm subcutaneous mass was performed revealing a myxoid spindle cell neoplasm. The cytologic differential diagnosis included a myxoid neurofibroma, neurothekeoma, and a myxoid sarcoma. Subsequent excision of the mass revealed a monophasic fibrous SS with myxoid features. Examination of the tissue by fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed the presence of characteristic SS SYT gene rearrangement at chromosome 18q11.2. This case underscores that the cytologic distinction of mxyoid spindle cell tumors may be challenging. We report the cytologic features of a myxoid monophasic fibrous SS, and discuss its distinction from other benign and malignant myxoid soft tissue neoplasms.

Potential sampling error in fine needle aspiration biopsy of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma: a report of 4 cases.

BACKGROUND: Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma is a rare, poorly understood and often fatal sarcoma that usually manifests as a high grade, non-cartilage-producing sarcoma juxtaposed against a low grade chondrosarcoma. A correct diagnosis requires recognition of both components. In the absence of complete resection, rendering a specific diagnosis on small biopsy specimens, such as fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), may be extraordinarily difficult. CASES: We retrospectively reviewed 4 cytology samples (3 primary, 1 metastatic) from 3 patients with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma, initially analyzed by FNAB, emphasizing the potential for sampling error. Two women, aged 78 and 57 years, both of whom had prior histories of carcinoma, presented with lesions involving the right and left femur, respectively. One 27-year-old man with multiple osteochondromatosis developed a dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma of the left pelvis. Two primary cytologic specimens consisted of moderately cellular smears containing a spindled to polygonal, nonspecific, pleomorphic sarcoma unaccompanied by definite matrix material; 1 of these had a concomitant core needle biopsy (CNB), also demonstrating pleomorphic sarcoma. The third primary cytologic specimen revealed low grade chondrosarcoma, but a concomitant CNB showed only a high grade, non-matrix-producing sarcoma. The last patient developed a metastasis to the opposite femur; FNAB revealed a high grade spindle cell sarcoma. In none of the FNAB or CNB specimens were both low and high grade components of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma recognized. However, the diagnosis was strongly suspected based on the clinical and radiographic findings. CONCLUSION: Due to sampling error, the diagnosis of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma may be difficult to establish by cytologic examination alone. Clinical and radiographic correlation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.