Periosteal osteosarcoma: a review of 17 cases with mean follow-up of 52 months.

Purpose: Periosteal osteosarcomas are rare cartilage-rich bone tumours characterized by a juxtacortical eccentric position and are normally regarded oncologically as of intermediate to high grade. Their low incidence is mirrored by a small number of reported cases in the world literature. While there is general agreement that wide surgical excision is required, there is a paucity of evidence regarding adjuvant therapy. Previous reports have not indicated any consistent approach to this to allow appraisal. Patients and methods: We report 17 cases treated at our centre over 16 years. Our policy was to use chemotherapy when the tumour showed any features of high grade. Results: To date, no deaths have resulted from recurrence or metastasis of the tumour although there have been two deaths from other causes. Discussion: Comparison of survival with existing studies is made to draw conclusions regarding future treatment of this condition in terms of surgical and adjuvant approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]