BackgroundMetastatic lesions to the proximal femur occur frequently (about 10% of patients with cancer) and require surgical treatment. There are many surgical methods of treatment, however, use of the tumor modular endoprostheses seems to be particularly promising. The aim of study was to evaluate oncological and functional results of treatment in patients with proximal femur metastases. Oncological results were evaluated considering the survival of patients and the number of local recurrences. Functional results were assessed as pain intensity in VAS score and performance in Karnofsky and MSTS score.MethodsBetween 2010 and 2016, 122 patients with metastatic tumour to the proximal femur were treated in our hospital. Majority of the patients were women − 77 patients. The mean age was 67 years for women and 72 years for men. Pathological fracture was diagnosed in 98 cases. Metastatic bone tumors commonly develop from breast cancer – 48 and myeloma – 24. One hundred one patients underwent tumor resection and in 21 cases metastatic tumors was not resected. In 75 patients wide tumour resection and modular endoprosthetic replacement were prefomed. Twenty-one patients underwent standard or long stem hip endoprosthetic replacement. Intramedullary gamma nails were implanted in 20 cases and DHS plate in 6 cases. In 92 cases 3-4 weeks after surgery patients undergo external beam radiotherapy (8Gy).Functional results were assessed as pain intensity in VAS score and performance in Karnofsky and MSTS score. Oncological results were evaluated considering the survival of patients and the number of local recurrences.ResultsThe mean follow-up of patients was 27 months (min 4, max 51). Forty-five patients died before last visit in hospital. The mean survival after modular endoprosthetic replacement was 860 days and after bone fixations 360 days. We noticed 9 cases of local recurrences or progressions, 6 in patients who had no radiotherapy. Three patients after modular endoprosthesis replacement and 6 after bone fixations.After surgery, all patients experienced improvement in the comfort of life resulting from reduction in pain. Mean VAS score before modular endoprosthetic replacement was 6.8 and after 3.4; before standard prothesoplasty 4.9 and after 2.8; and before and after bone fixation 6.9 -5.1. Mean MSTS score was respectively 6.4-19.8; 8.8-22.4 and 10.8-18.2.In 6 patients after modular endoprosthesis replacement, delayed wound healing were observed. Infectious complications were not observed after fixation with nails and plates. In 3 cases, the fixation was failed. The systemic complications affected 12 patients.ConclusionsResults of surgical treatment for metastases to the proximal femur are particularly good in patients after standard or modular endoprostheses replacement. The author considers this treatment method to be optimal in patients with good prognosis.

Modular arthroplasty performed in patients after metastatic tumour resection allows for early rehabi-li-ta-tion and ambulation which significantly improves their quality of life.

BackgroundIn nearly 30% of patients with myeloma, pathological fractures are found to occur in the spine. If the patients are not treated promptly and satisfactorily, the quality of their lives diminishes. Currently, the standard treatment for metastatic lesions of the spine is radiotherapy, but surgical intervention is becoming more frequent. It is very important to quickly identify metastases and implement surgical treatment before any fracture/s occur.MethodsOver the period of 2010–2014 in our department, a total of 129 patients were treated for metastatic spinal myeloma. 73 patients underwent vertebroplasty and 56 patients were operated on through various methods. Indications for the surgery, its course, technique and outcome were subsequently evaluated. The majority of patients (76%) admitted for treatment, exhibited vertebral fractures. Most lesions were multiplace and involved the vertebral bodies. In 42% of the patients, radiological examinations showed symptoms of compression of the nervous structures, while clinical signs were observed in only 16% of the patients. The functional status of the patients was assessed using the Karnofsky scale, while pain intensity was measured in a VAS score, before and after the surgery. The oncological results were assessed as a survival rate and local recurrence rate.ResultsThe average follow-up was conducted within 31 months (min 18, max 48). The patients after vertebroplasty survived 42 months, and the patients after surgery 23 months. Local recurrence of the disease was observed in 12 patients. In 10 patients, among a group of 21 with paresis, their neurological conditions improved. The average results of both their VAS score and Karnofsky performance score in patients after surgery was seen to have improved. Only sporadic postoperative complications after vertebroplasty and surgery were reported.ConclusionsEarly diagnosis of myeloma spine metastasis is essential to achieve the desired results of treatment. Vertebroplasty, as advised, should be performed as early as possible. Both the functional and oncological results after vertebroplasty are beneficial and the complication rates are low. Three relevant factors were found in our study: patient’s age over 65 years, initial diagnosis over 3 years and stage III of disease were related, significantly and statistically to survival.

BackgroundSurgical treatment of long-bone metastases requires a comprehensive approach. The indications for surgery are based on the patient’s general condition, type and stage of cancer, and survival time expectancy. Tumor modular endoprostheses have been increasingly used. Surgery should provide pain relief and improve the quality of life.MethodsBetween 2010 and 2013, 67 patients with malignant metastases were surgically treated with resection prostheses. We performed a retrospective analysis of the indications for the surgery, its course, the type of the prostheses used, and the implantation techniques applied. We evaluated the most important clinical parameters influencing the postoperative quality of life of the patients.ResultsBreast, prostate, and lung cancers are the most common primary tumors that metastasize to bones. The most common site of the lesions is the proximal femur; sporadically, they do occur in bones distal to the knee and elbow. After the surgery, all the patients could walk, most of them without crutches. The pain, rated on a VAS scale, decreased significantly, and the Karnofsky score improved. We observed that joint mobility and the strength of the muscles in the limbs allowed for normal functioning. Postoperative complications including infections and local tumor recurrences were rarely observed.ConclusionsThe use of modular prostheses is an adequate method of treatment in patients with bone metastases. A radical resection of the tumor, which prevents local recurrences and loosening of implants, gives good outcomes. Reduced joint mobility resulting from muscle attachment cutting is well tolerated and concerns mainly patients that underwent operations on the humerus.

The Tomita system allows for easy and clear classification of the morphology of malignant metastases. 66% of patients treated at our department had multisite T6 or T7 metastases.