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Introduction Malignant osseous foot tumours are uncommon. Their oncological outcomes have been poorly documented in the literature so far. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence and to evaluate the oncological outcomes of such patients. Methods Our large orthopaedic oncology database was used to review 70 malignant osseous foot tumour patients. Results The age at diagnosis of malignant osseous foot tumours demonstrated a bimodal distribution peaking in the second and eighth decades of life. Overall, 55 primary malignant bone tumours of the foot (79%) were identified. The median duration from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 52 weeks (interquartile range [IQR]: 17-104). Eight primary tumours (15%) underwent an accidental excision (ie intralesional excision of a malignant bone tumour where some of the tumour has been left behind, also known as a 'whoops procedure') prior to referral to our unit. Forty-six patients (84%) underwent surgery overall and thirteen of these developed recurrence or metastases. Seven of eight patients with a previous accidental excision underwent amputation. Fifteen osseous metastatic foot lesions were identified. The median length of foot symptoms to diagnosis was 24 weeks (IQR: 20-36 weeks). The median time to death following diagnosis of osseous foot metastases was 20.1 months (IQR: 11.3-27.8 months). Conclusions A high index of suspicion and awareness of clinical features of malignant osseous foot tumours are both essential to avoid diagnostic delays. Amputation is associated with a respectable outcome for patients who have undergone previous accidental excisions.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of varying knee flexion and quadriceps activity on patellofemoral indices measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Materials and MethodsMRI of the knee was performed in 20 patients for indications other than patellar or patellofemoral pathology. Axial and sagittal sequences were performed in full extension of the knee with the quadriceps relaxed, full extension of the knee with the quadriceps contracted, 30° flexion of the knee with the quadriceps relaxed, and 30° flexion with the quadriceps contracted. Bisect offset, patella tilt angle, Insall-Salvati ratio and Caton-Deschamps index were measured.ResultsWith the knee flexed to 30° and quadriceps relaxed, the mean values of patellar tilt angle, bisect offset, Insall-Salvati ratio and Caton-Deschamps index were all within normal limits. With the knee extended and quadriceps contracted, the mean patellar tilt angle (normal value, <15°) was 14.6° and the bisect offset (normal value, <65%) was 65%, while the Caton-Deschamps index was 1.34 (normal range, 0.6 to 1.3). With the knee extended and quadriceps relaxed, the mean Caton-Deschamps index was 1.31.ConclusionsMRI scanning of the knee in extension with the quadriceps contracted leads to elevated patellofemoral indices. MRI taken with the knee in 30° of flexion allows more reliable assessment of the patellofemoral joint and minimises the confounding effect of quadriceps contraction.

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Intraosseous needles provide an important alternative to intravenous access for administration of drugs, fluids and blood products in the emergency management of trauma patients. This case report highlights one potential complication of the use of one brand of IO needle.