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We designed a patella cryo-free method to protect patella from cryoinjury during recycled frozen bone-prosthesis-composite reconstruction for proximal tibial malignancy. This study aimed to use animal model to ensure safety and efficacy of this method and reported our clinical outcomes.Six swine proximal tibias along with patella and patellar tendon were harvested and dived into group A (n = 3, traditional patella freezing) and group B (n = 3, patella cryo-free). Temperature curve measurement, histological analysis, and TUNEL assay were performed in both groups. Clinically, we retrospectively reviewed 23 patients with proximal tibia malignant bone tumor (13: traditional patella freezing method; 10: patella cryo-free method). The clinical and functional outcomes were reported and compared in both groups.Temperature curve of the group B showed that ideal therapeutic temperature (-60°C) required to kill tumor cells can be achieved in the proximal tibia while the innocent patella can be kept in room temperature at all time. Histological analysis showed better preservation of the cartilage tissue in patella of group B. TUNEL assay showed significantly more apoptotic cells in the frozen tibia of both groups and frozen patella of group A. When reviewing our clinical results, less complication of the patella as well as better functional preservation were found in patients subjecting to patella cryo-free method. No local recurrence was observed in either group.Patellar cryo-free technique could protect patella from cryoinjury during freezing and therefore preserve more extensor functions for patients with proximal tibial malignant bone tumors.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety of Simultaneous, bilateral TKA (SiTKA). Furthermore, we also assessed the cost reduction of SiTKA in comparison with Staged, bilateral TKA (StTKA). We retrospectively review all patients that underwent SiTKA or StTKA due to osteoarthritis (OA) or spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK).We assessed length of stay, transfusion rate, early postoperative complications, 30-day and 90-day readmission rate, 1-year reoperation rate and the indication for reoperation. Furthermore, we analyzed the total cost of the two groups, reimbursement from the national health insurance (NHI), cost of the procedures, and net income from each case. A total of 2016 patients (1565 SiTKA and 451 StTKAs) were included in this study. There were no significant differences in terms of complication rates, 30-day and 90-day readmission, and 1-year reoperations between the two groups. The total length of stay was on average 5.0 days longer for StTKA (p

Purpose To investigate the tunnel enlargement rate and clinical function by comparing double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using different fixation devices. Methods Patients receiving primary arthroscopic double-bundle ACLR were screened and divided into 2 groups on the basis of the method of graft fixation: bioabsorbable interference screw (BS) group and cortical button (CB) group. Bone tunnel size was assessed digitally using magnetic resonance imaging, which was performed a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Clinical evaluations were performed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, and KT-1000 arthrometer 2 years postoperatively. Results Sixty patients receiving primary arthroscopic double-bundle ACLR were included. Overall, the BS group showed greater tunnel enlargement than the CB group, as well as a significantly increased rate of tunnel communication (P = .029). The average anteromedial tunnel enlargement rates for the BS and CB groups were 50% and 28%, respectively. The enlargement rate of the posterolateral (PL) femoral tunnel was similar in both groups. In the PL tibial tunnel, the CB group showed a significant increase in enlargement compared with the BS group (64% vs 45%, P = .0001). Both groups showed functional improvement in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and International Knee Documentation Committee score. No significant difference in postoperative functional outcomes was found between the 2 groups. Conclusions The BS group showed significantly greater tunnel enlargement in anteromedial tunnels and an increased tunnel communication rate compared with the CB group. On the other hand, the CB group showed greater tunnel enlargement in tibial PL tunnels. Tunnel communication was observed mostly on the tibial side in the BS patients. Equivalent clinical function outcomes were noted at 2 years after surgery in both groups of patients. Level of Evidence Level II, randomized controlled clinical trial.

This retrospective, single-centre study compares the clinical and radiographic outcomes of limb reconstruction using recycled autografts to that using allografts. Patients with histopathologically verified high-grade osteosarcoma treated with wide bone resection and limb reconstruction using allografts or recycled autografts from January 1998 through December 2012 were retrospectively screened for enrolment eligibility. The final study cohort included 255 patients (allograft, 91; recycled autograft, 164). Data regarding post-operative complications, salvage treatment, and graft survival were collected. A modified International Society of Limb Salvage classification system was used to evaluate the radiographic findings. The time to graft–host union did not differ significantly between the two graft types. Patients receiving recycled autografts had fewer complications compared than did those receiving allografts (recycled autografts vs. allograft: structural failure, 4.3 vs. 13.2%; late infection, 2.4 vs. 7.7%; all p

To evaluate the effect of intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients receiving arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).A total of 304 patients were included in this study, which was performed between August 2017 and April 2018. Single-bundle reconstructions using autologous hamstring tendon grafts were performed in all patients. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: Group 1 patients (TXA group) received the index procedure with a 10-mL intra-articular injection of TXA (100 mg/mL). Group 2 patients (control group) received the index procedure without TXA injections. An intra-articular suction drain was placed in the joint and clamped for 2 hours after the procedure. The volume of drainage was recorded 24 hours after surgery. Clinical evaluations using the International Knee Documentation Committee functional score, range of motion, and a visual analog scale pain score were performed on day 3 and at week 4 postoperatively.Twenty-four hours after surgery, a significant decrease in the amount of drainage was observed in patients receiving intra-articular injections (TXA group, 56.1 ± 34.1 mL; control group, 80.1 ± 48 mL; P.05). On day 3 and at week 4, significantly reduced pain scores were reported in the TXA group. However, at week 4, clinical function scores did not show significant differences between the 2 groups.Intra-articular injection of TXA could significantly reduce postoperative intra-articular bleeding in the first 24 hours in patients receiving arthroscopic ACLR. TXA injection may also decrease pain and the grade of hemarthrosis in the early postoperative period. No systemic side effects or need for aspiration was noted during the follow-up period. Therefore, intra-articular injection of TXA could be considered an effective and relatively safe solution to reduce postoperative bleeding and pain in ACLR patients.Level II, prospective comparative study.

Intervertebral discs (IVDs) are important biomechanical components of the spine. Once degenerated, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies may aid in the repair of these discs. Although hypoxic preconditioning enhances the chondrogenic potential of MSCs, it is unknown whether bone marrow MSCs expanded under hypoxic conditions (1% O2 , here referred to as hypoxic MSCs) are better than bone marrow MSCs expanded under normoxic conditions (air, here referred to as normoxic MSCs) with regards to disc regeneration capacity. The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of hypoxic and normoxic MSCs in a rabbit needle puncture degenerated disc model after intra-disc injection. Six weeks after needle puncture, MSCs were injected into the IVD. A vehicle-treated group and an un-punctured sham-control group were included as controls. The tissues were analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical methods 6 and 12 weeks post-injection. At 6 and 12 weeks, less disc space narrowing was evident in the hypoxic MSC-treated group compared to the normoxic MSC-treated group. Significantly better histological scores were observed in the hypoxic MSC group. Discs treated with hypoxic MSCs also demonstrated significantly better extracellular matrix deposition in type II and XI collagen. Increased CD105 and BMP-7 expression were also observed upon injection of hypoxic MSCs. In conclusion, hypoxic MSC injection was more effective than normoxic MSC injection for reducing IVD degeneration progression in vivo. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1440-1450, 2019.

BACKGROUND: Immediately recycling the resected bone segment in a biologic limb salvage reconstruction is an option after wide resection of bone. Intraoperative extracorporeal irradiation and freezing are the two major tumor-killing techniques applied on the fresh tumor-bearing autografts. However, graft-derived tumor recurrence and complications are concerns affecting graft survival. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore asked: (1) Is there a difference in the proportion of patients achieving union by 18 months after surgery between the groups with extracorporeal-irradiated autografts and frozen-treated autografts? (2) Is there any difference in the frequency of graft-related complications for patients receiving either an extracorporeal-irradiated or a frozen-treated autograft? (3) Is there a difference between the techniques in terms of graft-derived recurrence? (4) Are there differences in failure-free grafts, and limb and overall survivorship between autografts treated by extracorporeal irradiation or by freezing? METHODS: During the study period we treated a total of 333 patients with high-grade osteosarcoma. One hundred sixty-nine patients were excluded. Overall, 79 of the enrolled 164 patients received recycled autografts treated with extracorporeal irradiation whereas the other 85 received frozen-treated autografts. The mean followup was 82 ± 54 months for the extracorporeal irradiation group and 70 ± 25 months for the frozen autograft group, and one patient was lost to followup. Complications and graft failure (revision required for primary graft removal) were characterized by adapting the International Society of Limb Society (ISOLS) system modified for inclusion of biologic and expandable reconstruction. The primary study endpoints were the proportion of patients in each group who achieved radiographic union, and had an ISOLS grade of fair or good host graft fusion at 6, 9, 12, and 18 months after surgery. Five-year survival data for graft failure and limb amputation were analyzed by a cumulative incidence function regression model whereas the Kaplan-Meier function was used to test the 5-year overall survival rate between the two techniques. RESULTS: With the numbers available, no differences were found in the accumulated proportion of patients achieving union between the groups at 6, 9, 12, and 18 months. Radiographic evaluation did not show differences in the average scores of compared criteria. However in the subchondral bone subcriterion, more patients receiving frozen-treated autografts had higher scores (p = 0.03). Complications leading to a second surgery were not different between extracorporeal irradiation and frozen autografts in aspects of soft tissue failure (Type 1B), nonunion (Type 2B), structural failure (Type 3A and Type 3B), or infection (Type 4A and Type 4B). No graft-originating tumor recurrence was found and there was no difference in Type 5A tumor progression originating from soft tissue in the groups (odds ratio, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.3-2.1; p = 0.7). Neither group showed a difference in the cumulative incidence for graft failure and limb amputation. Five-year overall survival rates were 83% and 84% (p = 0.69) for extracorporeal-irradiated and frozen autografts respectively. A decrease in survivorship was seen at 50 to 100 months after surgery for the extracorporeal irradiation group. CONCLUSION: We segregated the ISOLS criteria evaluating the graft-mediated tumor progression into host- or graft-derived complications (Types 5B and 5C) in this study. With the available data, there was no difference in the incidence of tumor recurrence derived from irradiation- or frozen-treated autografts. Ongoing evaluations comparing 10-year survivorship for both groups will be helpful to elucidate the possible difference found after 100 months. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE LEVEL: III, therapeutic study

Background Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is an important indication for total hip arthroplasty in Taiwan. We demonstrated the etiologies of ONFH and outcomes based on stratification of patients according to different etiologies. Methods We reviewed medical records and images from January 2000 to May 2010 in our database with the diagnosis of “osteonecrosis of the femoral head.” We categorized all patients into different etiologies, including corticosteroid, alcohol, and idiopathic. All patients received subsequent follow up for ipsilateral precollapse ONFH and contralateral disease-free femoral head status after initial diagnosis. Results Of the 1153 patients who had undergone 1674 hip surgeries including core decompression and total hip replacement, alcohol use was the most prevalent etiology in our population (45.2%). Patients with corticosteroid- and alcohol-associated ONFH were younger and more likely to have bilateral disease. Patients with alcohol- or steroid-associated ONFH were found to have a higher rate of contralateral disease and faster progression of precollapse ONFH than patients who had or had not undergone core decompression. Conclusion Alcohol use had the greatest impact on ONFH in our population. Nonidiopathic ONFH patients had the worst outcome. Understanding the nature of progression of ONFH and incidence of contralateral disease may provide great prognostic value to detect and perform early intervention.

Postoperative radiation for prevention of heterotopic ossification (HO) has been proven effective for the patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) after total hip arthroplasties (THA). This study aims to evaluate the effect of postoperative radiation in HO formation following THA in patients with AS. We retrospectively reviewed 129 hips from 91 patients with AS receiving primary THA from July 2004 to December 2012. There were total 38 patients (53 hips) did not receive postoperative prophylaxis in Group I. Moreover, 53 patients (76 hips) received postoperative single-fraction radiotherapy of 500 cGy in Group II. After a minimum 12-month follow-up, there was no significant difference in HO formation between the two groups (P=0.210). This study suggests that postoperative radiation may not be necessary in Asian patients.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign tissue proliferation characterized by its hyper-vascularity within the lesion. The true etiology and cell source of this disease entity still remain unclear. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exist in various tissues of human body. However, it has not been clarified whether MSCs could be isolated from tissue of PVNS. Here, we isolated MSCs from PVNS (PVNS-SCs), and by comparing to the MSCs from normal synovium (Syn-SCs) of the same individual, we investigated whether PVNS-SCs differed in the capacity for multi-differentiation and inducing angiogenesis. We first demonstrated that PVNS-SCs existed in the lesion of PVNS of three individuals. Moreover, we showed PVNS-SCs had better osteogenic differentiation potential than Syn-SCs, whereas Syn-SCs had better capacity for adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. By genome-wide analysis of gene expression profile using a complementary DNA microarray and comparing to Syn-SCs, we identified in PVNS-SCs a distinct gene expression profile characterized by up-regulation of genes involved in angiogenesis. In vitro and in vivo studies further confirmed that PVNS-SCs had better capacities for promoting angiogenesis. In summary, the identification of PVNS-SCs in PVNS tissue and their distinct angiogenic potential may help elucidate the underlying etiology of this disease.

Purpose of the study Minimally invasive procedures for total hip arthroplasty (THA) provide less surgery related trauma, and perhaps a fast recovery and satisfaction. Using modified instruments, we reported clinical follow-up data for a modified anterolateral approach. Basic procedures Using specialised retractors to expose the acetabulum and femur, this single-incision technique preserved more gluteus medius tendon and provided access for soft tissue repair. The demographic data for 1003 patients undergoing THA with this technique are presented, including operative variables, complications, Harris Hip Score for clinical evaluation and cup inclination angle for radiographic evaluation. Average follow-up was 59 months (range 24-121). Main findings In 1077 primary THAs performed in 1003 patients, the median wound length was 6 cm (range 4.8-9.2), median operation time was 68 minutes (range 45-112). The mean perioperative blood loss was 422 mls (range 56-990). The median cup inclination angle was 44 degrees (range 33-54), median acetabular version angle was 17° (range 12-24) median length of hospitalisation was 4 days (range 3-8). A total of 22 (2.0%) complications were noted including 5 cases of stem subsidence, 4 cup loosening, 5 greater trochanter fractures, 4 infections, 2 intraoperative proximal femur fractures and 2 iliopsoas impingement. In total, 13 (1.2%) received additional surgery. No neurovascular injury or dislocation was noted. For the clinical results, Harris Hip Score improved from 53 (range 33-67) preoperatively to 94 postoperatively (range 87-100). Principal conclusions Minimally invasive surgery via this modified anterolateral approach is a safe and reliable method.

Background The local recurrence rate after surgical excision of intramuscular hemangioma reported is between 18% and 61%. The aim of this study was to review the clinical outcome and local recurrence rate after surgical excision of nonpalpable intramuscular hemangioma using preoperative ultrasound-guided hookwire localization. Methods We performed ultrasound-guided hookwire localization before excision surgery for nonpalpable intramuscular hemangioma in 37 cases between January 1997 and 2011. There were 20 females and 17 males, with a mean age of 30.2 years (range, 17–49 years). The mean localization procedure time was 10.6 minutes (range, 3–20 minutes). Results The average operation time was 48.6 minutes (range, 30–80 minutes). The average length of the excision wound was 5 cm (range, 4–11 cm), and the average hospital stay was 2.5 days (range, 2–4 days). The postoperative therapeutic report confirmed the diagnosis of intramuscular hemangioma. The average tumor size was 2.11 cm and all excision margins were free in all specimens. After the mean follow-up of 92.9 months (range, 14–179 months), one of the 37 patients had local recurrence (recurrence rate 2.7%). Conclusion The use of ultrasound-guided hookwire localization before excision surgery is safe and effective in treating nonpalpable intramuscular hemangioma and could provide a better cosmetic result and functional recovery.

Objective The objective of our study was to determine the incidence rates and risk factors of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using a nationwide population-based data set. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database. Patients with SLE and age-, sex- and comorbidity-matched control patients without SLE were identified. The primary endpoint was the first occurrence of aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection. The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated based on a 95% confidence interval (CI). A Cox proportional-hazards model was used to evaluate the risk factors for aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection in the SLE cohort. Results Among the 15,209 patients with SLE (89.9% women and mean age of 38.3 years), 20 developed aortic aneurysm and 13 developed aortic dissection (overall incidence rate, 4.26 per 10,000 person-years). Compared with the control patients, the overall IRR for developing aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection was 3.34 (95% CI, 1.71–6.91; p Conclusion Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection occur at higher rates in SLE patients than in people without SLE and a longer disease duration is associated with a higher risk of these rare vascular complications.

Background: Tricortical autograft has been commonly used in subtalar distraction arthrodesis (SDA) for severe calcaneal malunion. Structural allograft enriched with orthobiological agents is an alternative. This study was performed to evaluate the results of SDA using fresh-frozen allogeneic femoral head without the addition of orthobiological agents. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 15 consecutive SDA procedures (13 patients) with allogeneic femoral head augmented with local autograft for the treatment of severe calcaneal malunion. Clinical outcome was evaluated with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Short Form-12 (SF-12), range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint, and patient satisfaction rate. Radiographic assessment included the talar declination angle (TDA), calcaneal inclination angle (CIA), lateral talocalcaneal angle (LTCA), heel height, calcaneal length, and union time. Results: At a median follow-up of 36.0 months (range, 24-47 months), all 15 feet (100%) achieved union, at a median of 13.0 weeks (range, 12-18 weeks). The AOFAS score and VAS pain score improved significantly, with a satisfaction rate of 93.3%. The TDA, CIA, LTCA, and heel height improved significantly. The median increase in heel height was 8.6 mm (range, 1.9-20.1 mm). There was a significant reduction in calcaneal length. Complications included 1 varus malalignment, 1 complex regional pain syndrome, 1 hardware irritation, and 1 sural neuralgia. Conclusion: This study found that SDA using fresh-frozen femoral head allograft without an orthobiological agent was cost-effective and may have outcomes comparable to those using autograft or allograft enriched with orthobiological agents. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Osteoblastoma occurring in the region of the hip is very rare, and vague symptoms with uncharacteristic radiographic features often lead to misdiagnosis. Because of radiographic and histological similarities, it must be carefully distinguished from osteoid osteoma, aneurysmal bone cyst, giant cell tumor, and osteosarcoma. Computed tomography is the preferred imaging modality as it is able to detect the nidus and images will not exhibit the flare phenomenon caused by surrounding inflammation seen with magnetic resonance imaging. For hip joint lesions in weight-bearing areas, intralesional curettage may achieve satisfactory outcomes as compared with wide resection. We herein report two cases of osteoblastoma in the hip region in which diagnosis was delayed that were successfully treated with curettage and followed by high-speed burring.

Background Studies reported contradictory results for the prognostic significance of a pathological fracture in osteosarcoma patients. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes for a cohort of patients with osteosarcoma who presented with and without pathological fractures and to identify the prognostic importance of pathological fracture in predicting outcomes and influences on survival. Methods Data of patients with osteosarcoma were retrospectively reviewed. Between March 1992 and June 2014, a total of 268 patients with osteosarcoma were included in this analysis, of whom 34 (12.7%) with fractures at diagnosis or sustained after chemotherapy and 234 (87.3%) without fracture. All patients were treated with approaches that integrated chemotherapy and surgical resections to maximal extent of all sites whenever feasible. The association between potential prognostic factors and survival for these patients were analyzed and compared. Results No significant difference was observed in overall survival, progression free survival, and disease free survival between osteosarcoma patients with pathological fractures and without fracture. The patients without fracture had a 5-year survival of 50% and 10-year survival of 21%, in contrast to 37% (5-year) and 22% (10-year) in patients with fractures. Lung metastasis was the significant predictor for the presence of fractures. Advanced stage (III) of tumor, lung metastasis, poor response to chemotherapy, and local recurrence were associated increased risk for death in all osteosarcoma patients. Conclusion Pathological fracture is not a predictor of worse survival in this study. Further studies with matched cases are needed to confirm our observations.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies may aid in the repair of articular cartilage defects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of intraarticular injection of allogeneic MSCs in an in vivo anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model of osteoarthritis in rabbits. Allogeneic bone marrow-derived MSCs were isolated and cultured under hypoxia (1% O2). After 8 weeks following ACLT, MSCs suspended in hyaluronic acid (HA) were injected into the knees, and the contralateral knees were injected with HA alone. Additional controls consisted of a sham operation group as well as an untreated osteoarthritis group. The tissues were analyzed by macroscopic examination as well as histologic and immunohistochemical methods at 6 and 12 weeks post-transplantation. At 6 and 12 weeks, the joint surface showed less cartilage loss and surface abrasion after MSC injection as compared to the tissues receiving HA injection alone. Significantly better histological scores and cartilage content were observed with the MSC transplantation. Furthermore, engraftment of allogenic MSCs were evident in surface cartilage. Thus, injection of the allogeneic MSCs reduced the progression of osteoarthritis in vivo.

Some studies have reported the presence of audible squeaking in ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty (THA), and several factors such as implant malposition or poor soft tissue recovery have been described as the cause. Our purpose was to determine the squeaking rate in the Asian population with a consecutive series of ceramic-on-ceramic THA. From 2003 to 2009, 413 THAs were performed by a single surgeon using a minimally invasive modified anterior-lateral approach. Using both questionnaire and physical examination, no squeaking was identified in any cases with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Complications occurred in 4 patients. The results of this study suggested squeaking phenomenon after ceramic-on-ceramic THA may be eliminated.

Background Treatment options for nonunion of the femoral shaft fracture after intramedullary nail fixation are controversial. The methods of exchanging an existing nail with a larger-sized nail, dynamization, removal of the nail followed by plating, and bone grafting have all been reported. From those options, exchange nailing seems to be the most popular choice. In our study, we used plate augmentation and bone grafting with retention of the nail. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this method in treating femoral shaft nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation with intramedullary nail fixation. Methods Between January 2003 and December 2009, 22 patients who had nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation with intramedullary nail for femoral shaft fracture were included in our study. There were 13 men and nine women participants, with a mean age of 34.3 years (range, 17–77 years). The mean period of nonunion after surgery was 20.0 months (range, 7–63 months). The patients were classified into three groups, atrophic, oligotrophic, and hypertrophic. We retained the nail and performed plate augmentation for all patients, with simultaneous autologous bone grafting as indicated. We followed up on all patients with plain film examination, and to assess functional recovery status to determine osseous union condition. Results All 22 of the patients achieved postoperative bony union uneventfully at a mean time of 22.1 weeks (range, 12–40 weeks). The mean operative time was 105 minutes (range, 60–150 minutes), and the mean blood loss was 340 ml (range, 150–700 ml). All of the patients could walk bearing full weight without pain within 3 months. There were no significant complications such as broken hardware, implant back-out, axial or rotational malalignment, or deep infections. Conclusion Plate augmentation with retention of the nail with autologous bone grafting may be an effective and reliable alternative in treating nonunion of the femoral shaft fracture after open reduction and internal fixation with intramedullary nail.

Background/Purpose Revision total hip arthroplasty has become more and more challenging in recent years due to the lengthened lifespan of the patients and greater number of revision total hip surgeries. The hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated cup was reported to reduce the radiolucent line after total hip arthroplasty. However, it was also reported that HA particles increased the risk of polyethylene (PE) liner wear, resulting in osteolysis. Therefore, we wanted to know which cup coating would result in a lower loosening rate and better longevity after revision total hip surgery. Methods We reviewed a series of revision total hip arthroplasties in our department from 2000 to 2009. A total of 321 patients underwent 374 revision hip arthroplasties with cup replacement. Cases of revision total hip arthroplasty with cup revision caused by aseptic loosening were included in our study. In all, 148 cases fulfilled our criteria and were enrolled into our study. Revision due to aseptic loosening after prior revision surgery was defined as [[lifespan of revision implant??]] Compuscript: This appears to be a comment left from Elsevier. . We checked the revision rate and implant longevity of HA-coated TRIDENT (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ, USA), porous-coated DURALOC (Depuy, Warsaw, IN, USA) and fiber-metal–coated TRILOGY (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN, USA) cups after revision hip arthroplasty. Results Of the 148 cases, 73 were revised with HA-coated, 32 with porous-coated and 43 with fiber-metal–coated cups. Fiber-metal coating, to a significant extent, had the highest incidence rate and shortest implant survival of the three groups. In terms of high degrees of pre-operative acetabular defects, HA-coating and porous coating preserved more bone stock than fiber-metal coating. Conclusion HA-coated implants were regarded as beneficial to bone ingrowth after hip arthroplasty, especially with regard to the cup and stem components. Porous-coated cups had similar results. Fiber-metal–coated cups had a significantly higher loosening rate and lower implant survival, especially with large pre-operative acetabular bone defects with Paprosky classifications IIIA and IIIB. Revision total hip arthroplasty with HA-coated or porous-coated cup components revealed better results, greater longevity, and a low incidence of repeated revision, especially in cases with large bone defects.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) has been reported to increase morbidity after kidney transplantation and pose a therapeutic challenge. However, population-based research, specifically focused on the association between kidney transplantation and subsequent pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB, is lacking. Methods A nationwide population-based study was conducted using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, which provided claims data belonging to kidney transplant recipients during 1997–2006. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for TB after kidney transplantation. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the outcome of patients with TB. Results Among 4554 kidney transplant recipients over the 10-year period, 109 (2.4%) patients with newly diagnosed TB were identified: 75 patients with only pulmonary involvement, and 34 with extrapulmonary spread. The incidence of kidney transplant recipients developing TB was 638 per 100,000 person-years. The independent risk factors for post-transplant TB included cyclosporine-based immunosuppressant agents during the first year after kidney transplantation (odds ratio [OR]: 1.98, P = 0.001), hepatitis C infection (OR: 1.79, P = 0.024), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 1.50, P = 0.041). Kidney transplant recipients who developed TB had a lower 5-year survival rate than those who did not (78.6% vs. 93.4%, P = 0.001). Conclusions Kidney transplant recipients in Taiwan did have a high risk of TB infection, with high proportion of extrapulmonary spread. Physicians need to be vigilant in surveying for TB in kidney transplantation, especially in high-risk patients.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare clinical parameters in preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative categories between valgus and varus deformities in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) following midvastus approach. We compared 83 patients (83 TKAs in valgus) with 949 patients (1084 TKAs in varus), with a mean follow-up of 72 months. In valgus deformity, mean age and body mass index at TKA were younger and smaller with more percentage of patellar subluxation. Cutting thickness from distal femur, tibial plateau, and lateral aspect of posterior femur were significantly different. The incidence of lateral release was 10.8% in valgus and 2.1% in varus. Although several significant differences were observed in preoperative and perioperative categories, the postoperative functional results were similarly evaluated by Knee Society knee and function scores.

Background and Objectives We explored the impact of frequency of surveillance imaging on disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Methods Locoregional imaging (LRI) and chest imaging (CI) were used to detect local recurrence (LR) and distant metastasis (DM), respectively. Relapsing patients were retrospectively assigned to more frequent surveillance (MFS) or less frequent surveillance (LFS) groups, according to the median interval for each follow-up modality. Outcome measures included overall DSS (O-DSS), post-LR DSS, and post-DM DSS. Results We assigned 165 patients to three distinct risk groups according to tumor size (≤5 vs. >5 cm), depth (superficial- vs. deep-seated), grade (I vs. II or III), and surgical margin (≥10 vs.

Background and purpose: The relationship between myasthenia gravis (MG) and extrathymic malignancies has not been determined. This study aimed to explore the risk of extrathymic malignancy in patients with MG based on a nationwide population-based dataset. Methods: We identified 2614 patients with MG from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database between 1997 and 2005 and compared the incidence rates of extrathymic malignancies with 15 684 randomly selected age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched subjects without MG. Both cohorts were followed until the end of 2009. Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the predictors of extrathymic malignancy in the MG cohort, including age, sex, comorbidities, and prescription drugs. Results: After an average follow-up of 8 years, the MG cohort had a higher risk of extrathymic cancers with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 1.38 (95% CI 1.12–1.68, P = 0.002) than the control cohort. Although breast cancer was the most common cancer found, no statistically significant relationship between MG and any specific malignancy was observed. Cox multivariate proportional hazards analysis showed that only age (HR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.04–1.06, P

Background Ewing sarcoma is extremely rare in people from East and Southeast Asia. Methods The records of 12 patients diagnosed with primary Ewing sarcoma and treated at our institution from 1997 to 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Results There were seven male and five female patients and their mean age at diagnosis was 22 years (range, 12–48 years). Two patients (16.7%) had distant metastasis at diagnosis. The primary tumor sites were the trunk in seven patients (58.3%) and the extremities in five patients (41.7%). Eleven patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by wide excision surgery, and then adjuvant chemotherapy. One patient received only chemotherapy without surgical intervention due to poor cardiac and pulmonary function. At a mean follow-up of 33 months, the 2-year overall survival rate (OS) was 45.5%. Distant metastasis was the only statistically significant prognostic factor of OS in our study. The 2-year OS rates of patients with lung metastasis and without lung metastasis were 0% and 42.9%, respectively ( p = 0.021). The t(11;22)(q24:q12) translocation was present in all patients in our series. Conclusion We confirmed that distant metastases is highly predictive of a poor outcome, and that the t(11;22)(q24:q12) translocation was present in all patients in our series.

Background and Objectives Wide excision with a 2–3 cm safe margin is widely-accepted in treating high-grade osteosarcoma. However, a wider margin sacrifices more healthy bone and may jeopardize joint function. We hypothesize that our innovative hemicortical resection for such tumors leads to better joint function without higher recurrence rate. Methods Between August 2002 and April 2007, six patients of high-grade osteosarcoma were treated with hemicortical resection and biological reconstruction. Results Five tumors were located around the knee and one was located in the distal tibia. The mean tumor size was 20.5 cm3. The bone defects were reconstructed using recycled autograft in four cases (one by extracorporeal irradiation; three by liquid nitrogen) and structural allograft in two. In an average follow-up of 52 months (24–96), all patients survived without local recurrence or metastasis. All bone grafts incorporated well without mechanical failure or infection. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 97.7%. Conclusions Hemicortical resection for high-grade osteosarcomas located eccentrically in the long bones may be a reliable technique leading to good joint function by preserving surrounding healthy tissues. The functional outcome was encouraging, although long-term follow-up is mandatory to validate. With the advancement of chemotherapy and radiographic three-dimensional imaging, the safe margin in wide excision of high-grade osteosarcoma may be narrowed down in light of joint surface preservation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:825–829. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The use of hamstring tendon autografts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery has become more and more common. The purposes of this study were to determine whether anthropomorphic measurement correlated with tendon sizes in Chinese patient group and whether tendon sizes in Chinese and Caucasian patient groups differed. From 2008 to 2009, 100 patients that received double-bundle ACL reconstruction with autologous hamstring tendons were prospectively enrolled. The original lengths and triple-folded graft diameters of the individual semitendinosus (ST) and gracilis (Gr) tendons were recorded and correlated with the anthropometric data (height, weight, body mass index, gender, thigh length, shank length, leg length and bilateral thigh circumference) of the patients. Later, using height for predictions, the original heights of patients were added to the equations previously used for regression models to compare the tendon lengths in different ethnic groups. After stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, the height and leg lengths showed greatest correlation with the lengths of both tendons. The lengths of both the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons in Caucasian patients were significantly longer than in the Chinese patients. The results of this study showed that anthropomorphic measurements (height and leg length) correlated with tendon lengths. In addition, Caucasians had significantly longer hamstring tendons than the Chinese patients. Prospective cohort study (prevalence), Level I.

Background and Objective Brain metastasis is a rare but dismal event in sarcomas. However, the pattern of occurrence and the prognostic factors associated with post-brain metastasis survival (PBMS) are not yet well-characterized. Methods Sarcoma patients treated at one institute within 10-year period were retrospectively reviewed and those with brain metastasis were identified. The incidence of brain metastasis was demonstrated by case per person-years and cumulative incidence curves. Univariate factors associated with PBMS were analyzed. Results Among 611 sarcoma patients, 20 (3.3%) developed brain metastasis. Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) and osteosarcoma were the most common subtypes. Overall, the cumulative incidence was 3.9% at 5 years and 8.4% at 10 years. However, the incidence in STS patients continued to rise up to 10 years after primary diagnosis, whereas it reached a plateau in bone sarcoma patients at 3 years. Median PBMS was 1.67 months. Univariate factors associated with better PBMS included ASPS histology, initial surgical treatment, and brain irradiation for non-surgically treated patients. Conclusion Our study revealed a discrepancy in the timing of occurrence of brain metastasis between STS and bone sarcoma. However, patients with brain metastasis had a poor prognosis, implicating the brain as the last fortress of sarcoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:765–770. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Palmar fibromatosis is a benign fibroproliferative tumor of unknown etiology, with a high rate of recurrence after excision. The offending cells of palmar fibromatosis are myofibroblasts and the cellular origin of other myofibroblasts has previously been reported to be the bone marrow. However, further clarification of the relationship between bone marrow precursors and palmar fibromatosis is required. Stem cells (SCs) are known to exist in various tissues, but whether SCs can be isolated from fibromatosis tissue is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify stem cells from human palmar fibromatosis, and to evaluate the differences in the differentiation and fibrogenic capacities of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) and fibromatosis-derived stem cells (FSCs). We found that FSCs had better fibrogenic differentiation potential than BMSCs, whereas BMSCs had better adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation capacities. Treatment with transforming growth factor-β1 increased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin, and types III and I collagen significantly more in FSCs than in BMSCs. An in vivo study further confirmed the results of fibrogenesis and suggested that FSCs can recapitulate the fibromatosis nodule. In summary, their myofibroblastic differentiation both in vivo and in vitro makes FSCs a potential cell source for future applications in murine models of fibromatosis or fibrogenesis.

Trichostatin A (TSA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) known to modulate differentiation of many cells. However, its effect on chondrogenesis remains elusive. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of TSA on in vitro transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The pellet cultures of hMSCs in a chondrogenic medium were exposed to TGF-β1 and TSA. Quantitative reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, Alcian blue staining, and immunohistochemistry staining were used to confirm and compare the differences in chondrogenesis by analyzing the mRNA of chondrogenic genes (Sox9, Aggrecan, and Col2A1), synthesis of chondrogenic proteins and type II collagen, respectively. TGF-β1 signaling and its downstream targets were determined by western blot analysis. TGF-β1 led to significant increases in chondrogenic gene expression and the synthesis of chondrogenic proteins. However, TSA significantly decreased chondrogenic gene expression and the synthesis of chondrogenic proteins in a dose-dependent manner. TGF-β1 increased phosphorylation of Smad 2/3 and Sp1 expression around half an hour after induction. The increase of Sp1, but not Smad 2/3 activation was almost completely blocked by the addition of TSA. The chondrogenic effect of TGF-β1 was also suppressed by the Sp1-binding inhibitor mithramycin A. Finally, overexpression of Sp1 abolished TSA-mediated inhibition of TGF-β1-induced chondrogenesis. Our study showed that TSA inhibited chondrogenesis through inhibition of TGF-β1-induced Sp1 expression. Furthermore, Sp1 could be a useful tool in future studies looking into biological mechanisms by which chondrogenesis of hMSCs can be augmented, especially in the area of clinical application.

Shoulder joint laxity over anteroinferior and posteroinferior labral–capsular structure inpatients with traumatic anterior glenohumeral instability was reported in the previous literature. The purpose of this study was to report our experience in arthroscopic treatment of traumatic anterior–inferior shoulder instability by Bankart lesion stabilisation with rotator interval closure and posteroinferior capsular plication.From August 2000 to November 2004, 45 patients with traumatic anterior–inferior shoulder instability were retrospectively enrolled. Each shoulder was treated with absorbable suture for rotator interval closure and posteroinferior capsular plication after anteroinferior stabilisation. The assessments were performed using the Rowe score, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score) and shoulder range of motion (ROM).With the average follow-up time of 77.1 months, all shoulder scores improved after surgery(P0.001). The average ROM deficit of the operated shoulders was not significant (P0.05) as compared with the healthy side. A total of 42 shoulders remained stable (93.3%) and there were three recurrences (6.6%). All patients without recurrence returned to their pre-injury levels of athletic activity.In patients with anterior glenohumeral instability, arthroscopic stabilisation of anteroinferior capsulolabral structure with rotator interval closure and posteroinferior capsular plication provided a reasonable result without significant loss of ROM at a minimum follow-up of 5 years.

Background Managing refractory osteomyelitis around the ankle joint has been challenging. Destruction of both the ankle and the subtalar joints was common in cases of open fracture. For those who already had multiple surgeries, it would be tough to salvage the limb. Our goal was to set up a staged surgical protocol aiming in treating the aforementioned clinical issue. Methods Twelve male patients underwent our protocol since year 2000. All patients presented refractory osteomyelitis, ankle and subtalar joint destruction, and poor soft tissue condition. All cases had internal fixation for open fractures followed by multiple debridement surgery before. The mean age was 50.8 years (range, 37-71 years), and the median follow-up time was 61 months (range, 48-96 months). The surgical protocol consisted of radical debridement, distraction osteogenesis for segmental bone transport, and tibia lengthening to avoid leg length discrepancy followed by intramedullary nailing for tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis. Results The external fixation period averaged 24.7 weeks (range, 12-36 weeks). The mean duration to solid union of the arthrodesis and the bridging callus was 18.3 weeks (range, 16-20 weeks). Mild surgical site infection occurred in four cases but all subsided after removal of the nail and oral antibiotics use. At latest follow-up, all patients were infection free and could walk with plantigrade feet. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score rising from 21.5 points (range 20-24 points) preoperatively to 65.5 points (range, 60-72). Conclusions This study has shown our staged surgical protocol may be effective in solving complicated osteomyelitis around the ankle, although salvaging the limb with successful ankle arthrodesis and minimized limb length inequality, yet improving the patients' ambulation level.

We have previously isolated and identified stem cells from human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation abilities between bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) and ACL-derived stem cells (LSCs) from the same donors when cultured with different growth factors, including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1). Ligament tissues and bone marrow aspirate were obtained from patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and ACL reconstruction surgeries. Proliferation, colony formation, and population doubling capacity as well as multilineage differentiation potentials of LSCs and BMSCs were compared. Gene expression and ECM production for ligament engineering were also evaluated. It was found that BMSCs possessed better osteogenic differentiation potential than LSCs, while similar adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation abilities were observed. Proliferation rates of both LSCs and BMSCs were enhanced by bFGF and TGF-beta1. TGF-beta1 treatment significantly increased the expression of type I collagen, type III collagen, fibronectin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin in LSCs, but TGF-beta1 only upregulated type I collagen and tenascin-c in BMSCs. Protein quantification further confirmed the results of differential gene expression and suggested that LSCs and BMSCs increase ECM production upon TGF-beta1 treatment. In summary, in comparison with BMSCs, LSCs proliferate faster and maintain an undifferentiated state with bFGF treatment, whereas under TGF-beta1 treatment, LSCs upregulate major tendinous gene expression and produce a robust amount of ligament ECM protein, making LSCs a potential cell source in future applications of ACL tissue engineering.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the outcomes of cementation of cross-linked polyethylene (PE) liner in a well-fixed metal shell in 23 hips with an average follow-up period of 6 years. The mean Harris hip score was 69.6 ± 12 (range, 46-83) points preoperatively. The average postoperative follow-up was 72.3 months (range, 56-100 months). At the final follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was 95.5 ± 3 (84-100) points. There was no change in the bone-shell interface. No new osteolytic lesions were identified. The lesions impacted with bone graft had united completely. The remaining osteolytic lesions had decreased in size. There was no recurrent osteolysis, hip dislocation, component migration, and failure at the cement-metal interface. The results of the current study revealed that cementation of cross-linked PE liner into a well-fixed shell provided good midterm durability. Keywords: cement, well-fixed acetabular shell, cross-linked polyethylene liner, revision total hip arthroplasty.

Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) has been used to speed up recovery. However, the outcome of frozen shoulder after MUA in patients with diabetes has not been well documented in the past. A higher prevalence of frozen shoulder has been reported in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. In this study, we revealed the short- and long-term outcomes for treatment of frozen shoulders by MUA and compared these results in patients with and without non-insulin dependent DM by adjusted Constant score. The scores showed no significant differences between the two groups at both early and late follow-ups. Our results revealed that MUA for frozen shoulders is a simple and noninvasive procedure to improve symptoms and shoulder function within a short period of time. Even though DM is a predisposing factor to frozen shoulder, non-insulin dependent DM alone does not influence both the short- and long-term outcomes of frozen shoulder.

We evaluated the effect of revision with dynamic compression plate (DCP) and cancellous bone graft for aseptic nonunion after surgical treatments of humeral shaft fracture.Eighty-six patients with aseptic nonunion of humeral shaft fracture after various surgical treatments were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively between January 1982 and August 2006. There were 59 men and 27 women with the average age of 42 years (range, 19-81 years). Thirty-one fractures were defined as atrophic nonunion, 45 fractures were hypertrophic nonunion, and 10 fractures could not be defined clearly. All the fractures were managed with removal of previous implants, open reduction and internal fixation with DCP, supplemented by cancellous bone graft. The follow-up period was 38 months in average (range, 12-288 months). Functional evaluations were done by Mayo Elbow Performance Index and the modified scale of Constant and Murley.All the nonunions united with the average union time of 18 weeks (range, 14-26 weeks). Complications included five temporary radial nerve palsies and two wound infections. In final follow-up, the shoulder and elbow functions of the operated limbs were all noted to be good or excellent.DCP with cancellous bone graft is a reliable and an effective treatment for revision of aseptic nonunion of humeral shaft fracture after surgical treatment.

Objective The purpose of this study was to introduce a minimally invasive surgery using mosquito forceps for achieving the reduction of severely displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children and evaluate the clinical outcome. Materials and methods Gartland type III supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children under the age of 12 were analysed from January 2000 to January 2007 at our institute. The control group cases were selected by successful reduction using the standard technique described by Rockwood and Wilkins (2001). The others composed the study group. This study included chart reviews, radiographic images of both the antero-posterior and the lateral views, physical examination, and Mayo elbow performance index scores preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up. Results Evaluations were completed for 42 cases. The mean age was 6.9 years and the group consisted of 23 boys and 19 girls. The mean follow-up time was 34.5 months. Twenty-six cases were of injuries to the left side, and 16 were of injuries to the right. The Mayo elbow performance index score was excellent in both groups. Operation time in the control and study groups was 46 and 79 min, respectively. There was one case of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury each in the study and control group. One case of loss of reduction and another with a combination of ulnar nerve injury and loss of reduction were noted in the control group. All four cases had an excellent final outcome. No mosquito-forceps-related complication was found, and in the final follow-up, no cubitus varus was found. Conclusion Minimally invasive surgery with the assistance of mosquito forceps for the reduction of severely displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children was shown to be a safe and effective alternative method. The final functional outcome was the same as that of the standard technique.

Objective: Reconstruction for osteosarcoma around the knee after wide resection faces the challenge of great bone defect and future limb length discrepancy in the skeletally immature patients. Modern prosthetic reconstruction may provide good results, but the longevity may be of concern and may not be affordable in certain communities. Allograft knee arthrodesis still has its role in light of bone stock preservation and cost-effectiveness. Methods: We developed the innovative trident fixation technique utilizing three Steinmann pins to minimize limb length inequality without jeopardizing knee fusion stability. Twelve patients were enrolled. The mean age was 11.5 (10‐13) years. Two had high-grade osteosarcoma in proximal tibia and others in distal femur. Results: Two patients died of oncological disease. The median follow-up of the disease-free 10 patients was 47 (41‐60) months. All allograft-host bone junctions healed uneventfully without major complications except one allograft fracture. The average limb length discrepancy was 1.45 (1.0‐2.1) cm at latest follow-up. Conclusions: This straightforward technique was successful in knee arthrodesis with minimized limb length inequality. Accordingly, in light of bone stock preservation and longevity for the young children, it may be a surgical alternative for malignant bone tumors around the knee.

Background and Objectives Allograft-prosthetic composite for reconstruction of the proximal femur after tumor excision is widely used as an alternative to megaprosthesis. To achieve greater biological fixation, we employed a long-stem prosthesis that is cemented proximally into the extracorporeally irradiated autograft and press-fit distally into the host femur without any supplementary plate fixation of the junction instead of the standard all-cemented technique. Methods From 1997 to 2002, 14 patients underwent proximal femur reconstruction with extracorporeally irradiated autograft-prosthetic composite using an AML® extensively porous-coated long stem for reconstruction of the bone defect of tumor excisions. Results At the mean follow-up period of 65.7 months, only one patient (8.1%) developed non-union and another died of disease before union of the junction. The remaining 12 patients (85%) achieved union at a mean of 20.3 weeks (range, 14–40 weeks) without major complication. The mean functional Enneking score was 72.1% (range, 53–93%). Conclusions These clinical results show that this reliable and satisfactory technique promotes union through compression at the host-graft junction with weight-bearing by leaving the distal portion of the femoral stem uncemented into the host bone. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:418–422. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Atomic bomb survivors outside of Japan are few and often hard to follow-up. Spinal malignant lymphoma among these survivors is rare in established studies from Japan or the United States. Here, we report an 81-year-old woman, who experienced the atomic bomb explosion in Nagasaki when she was 19 years old, who presented with papillary thyroid carcinoma when she was 70 years old. Both follicular lymphoma over the right elbow region and vertebral malignant lymphoma were found when she turned 81 years old. Bone scan did not show any increased uptake of isotope. However, thoracolumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple infiltrative soft tissue masses involving vertebral bodies at the T10–11 level. Computed tomography-guided biopsy further showed lymphocyte infiltration. Fortunately, the neurological deficit was improved after chemotherapy. The diagnosis of malignant lymphoma in atomic bomb survivors should be more careful and aggressive, even when their bone scan results show negative findings. In addition, the authors suggest that atomic bomb survivors should be followed-up carefully throughout their entire life.

Background: It is generally agreed that a period of observation is appropriate for primary radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures. There is no consensus, however, with regard to secondary radial nerve palsy, particularly when it is iatrogenic. Most texts state that surgical exploration is indicated for nerve palsy that occurs after fracture manipulation, but our experience suggests that it is not necessary for radial nerve palsy developing after operative management of humeral shaft fractures. Methods: A total of 707 humerus shaft fractures were treated operatively at our two hospitals over a 10-year period. Of these, 30 patients sustained iatrogenic radial nerve palsy. Another 16 cases were referred to us with adequate documentation from other institutions. No recognized intraoperative injuries to the radial nerve were recorded in any case. Results: Of the 46 patients, 21 were female and 25 were male. The median age was 40 years (range, 19–75 years). A total of 39 patients had been treated with dynamic compression plates, 3 with a rigid interlocking intramedullary nail, and 4 with Ender nails. All fractures were diaphyseal, at the middle or distal third level. At the discretion of the surgeon, five cases were surgically explored. In all five cases the radial nerve was in continuity and no macroscopic lesions were noted. All cases eventually recovered grade 4 of 5 muscle strength or better. The median time to the beginning of clinical recovery was 16 weeks (range, 5–30 weeks). Conclusions: The timing and pattern of radial nerve recovery in this situation was similar to that seen in primary radial nerve palsy. There appears to be no advantage to early exploration of the radial nerve. In the absence of obviously misplaced instrumentation or fracture displacement, we treat it like a primary palsy and recommend observation for a minimum of 4 months before exploration.

A retrospective study to evaluate the clinical results of patients with osteoporosis and various spinal diseases treated surgically with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmented pedicle screw.To report a novel technique using PMMA for pedicle screw augmentation in osteoporotic spinal surgery.Many studies have proved that the stiffness and strength of pedicle screw fixation can be significantly increased when the pedicle screw is augmented with various cements. However, most of those studies were experimental. Clinical reports using those materials for pedicle screw augmentation are rare and a practical and reliable technique for primary pedicle screw augmentation with cement has not yet been established.Forty-one patients [23 female, 18 male, mean age 75.1 (50-90) years] with osteoporosis and various spinal diseases underwent spinal decompression and instrumentation with PMMA augmentation of pedicle screw. Pre-and postoperative scores for visual analogue scale for pain and Oswestry disability index questionnaire were analyzed. The screw migration, which is the distance from the screw tip to the anterior cortex and upper endplate of vertebra, was also evaluated immediately after the operation and at the mean 22.3 months final follow-up. RESULTS.: Totally 291 of 300 screws were augmented with PMMA. There was neither neurologic deterioration nor symptomatic cement leakage after surgery. The mean visual analogue scale pain score of these patients improved from 9.2 to 1.5 (P0.01) and the functional Oswestry disability index score improved from 77.5% to 44.2% (P0.01). Kyphotic deformity was improved from average 23.2 degrees to 11.9 degrees after surgery, and to 14.9 degrees at final follow-up (P0.01). The average loss of kyphosis correction was 3 degrees. There was no significant screw migration when the screws distances just after operation and at the final follow-up were compared (P0.01).The presented technique of PMMA for augmentation of pedicle screw is a safe, reliable, and practical technique for osteoporotic patients who also had various spinal diseases and need spinal instrumentation.

To report a rare case of retroperitoneal schwannoma from lumbar nerve root with difficult surgery and potential vascular complication.We report a rare case of giant schwannoma which arises from fifth lumbar root with L5 vertebral body destruction. Retroperitoneal schwannomas are rare, and those with bony involvement are even rarer and may be mimicking malignant tumors.Retroperitoneal removal of the tumor with partial killing of right L5 nerve root and allograft of L5 vertebral body defect were performed. Incidental injury of common iliac vein was encountered due to adhesion of the vein to tumor capsule. The laceration was repaired by cardiovascular surgeon.At final follow-up, the patient had mild weakness of dorsi-flexion of right ankle and mild right L5 dermatome numbness. No walking difficulty and no sign of local recurrence in the image studies.Retroperitoneal schwannomas are rare, and they can become very large when diagnosed. Major vessels impingement and adhesion can occur which make the surgery difficult. Careful pre-operative evaluation and explanation is very important.

We report 1 patient with a supracondylar periprosthetic fracture 1 month after computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty. The fracture line extended from previous anchoring pinholes into the supracondyle area. Intramedullary nailing of the left femur was performed under close reduction. The possible complication of pinhole fracture to total knee arthroplasty with navigation system should be kept in mind.