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Biomedical subjects

W Winkelmann

Publications and source records attributed to W Winkelmann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Characteristics and outcome of infections associated with tumor endoprostheses.

INTRODUCTION: Infection associated with prosthesis used after tumor resection is a common and serious complication. The purpose of the current retrospective study was to describe the course of infection in patients with a tumor endoprosthesis and the determination of risk factors associated with failed limb salvage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 30 patients with an infection associated with a tumor endoprosthesis were investigated with regard to treatment strategies, number and type of revision operations, duration of hospital stay, determination of risk factors associated with failed limb salvage and final outcome. RESULTS: Limb salvage related to the complication infection was achieved in 19 patients (63.3%). Two-stage reimplantation of an endoprosthesis was successful in 14 patients but subsequently failed in one patient. Out of 11 patients where limb salvage failed, an amputation was performed in 6 patients, a rotationplasty in 4, and stump lengthening procedure in 1 patient. A poor soft tissue condition was a significant (P<0.05) risk factor for failed limb salvage. No patient receiving chemotherapy with a poor soft tissue condition had limb salvage surgery. The mean number of revision operations per patients was 2.6. The mean duration of hospital stay was 68 days. CONCLUSION: Infection associated with prosthesis is a serious complication and is involved with long hospitalization. Limb salvage failed mostly in the case of a poor soft tissue condition. In these cases repeated revision surgery should be avoided and ablative surgery recommended at an early stage. Rotationplasty is an alternative to amputation in the case of an infection of the proximal or distal part of the femur.

Adolescent↗

Pitfalls in immunohistochemical assessment of EGFR expression in soft tissue sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: New targeted cancer treatments acting against growth factor receptors such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) necessitate selecting patients for treatment with these drugs. Besides carcinomas, soft tissue sarcomas (STS) express EGFR and might thereby be a promising target for this new therapeutic strategy. OBJECTIVE: To test and compare different EGFR antibodies to determine the frequency of EGFR expression in STS. METHODS: 302 consecutive specimens of STS were examined using the tissue microarray technique. EGFR expression levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry using five different commercially available antibodies. Gene amplification status was measured by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). Immunoreactivity and amplification status were correlated with clinicopathological features and follow up data available in 163 cases. RESULTS: EGFR expression frequency ranged between 0.3% and 52.9%, depending on the antibody and scoring method used. In all, 3.5% of the tumours showed egfr gene amplification by FISH, which correlated with EGFR expression for three antibodies. Only one antibody had independent prognostic value in multivariate analysis and correlated with an unfavourable outcome; egfr gene amplification status showed no correlation with clinical features. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency of EGFR immunopositivity in STS strongly depends on the antibody used, and only one of five antibodies tested predicted an unfavourable clinical outcome. This indicates that choice of primary antibody and scoring system have a substantial impact on the determination of EGFR immunoreactivity.

Adolescent↗

[Cartilage tumours of the bone. Diagnosis and therapy].

Primary malignant bone tumours are rare. The annual incidence of these tumours is 10 per 1 million. Nearly 30% of the primary malignant bone tumours are malignant cartilage tumours. The frequency of benign cartilage tumours cannot be definitely estimated because these tumours are normally clinically inapparent and therefore often diagnosed as an incidental finding. The cartilage tumours appear as benign lesions (e.g. chondroma), as borderline tumours (proliferative chondroma vs grade I chondrosarcoma) or as highly malignant chondrosarcoma (e.g. dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma). Commensurate with the different clinical and oncological manifestations of the cartilage tumours, there are wide differences in the treatment and clinical course of the individual tumour. This article discusses the problems in the diagnosis and treatment of cartilage tumours from an orthopaedic point of view.

Bone Neoplasms↗

The effect of rotationplasty on the ankle joint: long-term results.

In patients with rotationplasty the biomechanical conditions in the ankle joint are altered dramatically. By displacement and reduction of the weight-bearing area of the joint, the stress affecting its cartilage is increased. The use of an exoprothesis results in skin and soft tissue irritation. Due to these biomechanical changes, a prearthrotic deformity or skin problems could be expected. The current study examines changes in 21 patients treated with rotationplasty (mean follow-up 13.5 years) because of a malignant bone tumour or a femoral segmental defect. Local tenderness, skin and soft tissue changes, problems with exoprostheses, and pain was assessed by clinical examination and documented. Osseous changes were evaluated by plain X-ray. A MRI-scan was also obtained in five patients. Hardened skin and blisters were located at the main loading areas of the rotated foot. These changes could be reduced by optimizing the exoprosthetic fit. Radiographically, a slight asymptomatic attenuation of the articular space was observed in four patients and a slight coexistent subchondral sclerosis with small osteophytes in one patient. No degenerative changes were observed on X-ray and no cartilaginous changes were observed on MRI. The results suggest that the foot is able to adapt to the load changes after this procedure and that rotationplasty does not cause an inevitable arthrosis in the ankle joint.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Functional results and quality of life after treatment of pelvic sarcomas involving the acetabulum.

BACKGROUND: Limb salvage after resection of a pelvic sarcoma that involves the acetabulum represents a surgical challenge. The ideal method of reconstruction after acetabular resection remains a subject of controversy, and the outcome in terms of the impact of therapy is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of surgery on health-related quality of life and function after acetabular resection. METHODS: Eighty-one patients with a pelvic sarcoma underwent acetabular resection at a single institution. Functional evaluation and quality-of-life examination were performed in forty-five patients, and these patients comprised the study group. Quality of life was assessed with use of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core quality-of-life questionnaire. Function was assessed with use of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society system. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 30.4 years at the time of the acetabular resection and 35.7 years at the time of follow-up. The median time interval from the index operation to the latest follow-up was sixty-nine months. At the latest follow-up evaluation, the mean functional status score was 14.5 points of a maximum of 30 points. In a comparison of endoprosthetic replacement and hip transposition following resection, significantly better functional results (p = 0.017) and a lower number of complications were found in patients who had a hip transposition. Quality-of-life assessment results were also better in patients with a hip transposition, especially in role functioning (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the low complication rate and the good functional and quality-of-life results, hip transposition after acetabular resection seems to be the optimal technique for treating patients with a pelvic sarcoma involving the acetabulum.

Acetabulum↗

Treatment of primary malignant bone tumours of the distal tibia.

We treated 15 patients with primary malignant bone tumours of the distal tibia of which 14 were treated by limb salvage surgery. Reconstructions were done by allografts with or without microvascular fibula transfer, by bone transport, by fibula transfer alone or by endoprosthetic replacement. The most successful methods were bone transport and endoprosthetic replacement. However, serious complications with deep infections leading to secondary amputation occurred in four patients and in all reconstruction groups. After a mean follow up of 7 years, no local recurrence occurred, and all patients were alive and free of disease. After radical resection, bone transport in defects less than 15 cm is a viable option. In larger defects in children, allograft with vascularised fibula is an acceptable alternative, but amputation still has a role in this group. In adults, endoprosthetic replacement with proper soft tissue coverage is a viable option in cases with large bony defects.

Adolescent↗

[Corrective osteotomy of the humerus using perivascular axillary anesthesia according to Weber in a patient suffering from McCune-Albright syndrome].

We report on a 20-year-old patient with McCune-Albright syndrome suffering from global respiratory insufficiency who required continuous mask ventilation and where intubation had to be avoided. Perivascular axillary anesthesia according to Weber was performed for a double corrective osteotomy of the humerus. During plexus anesthesia the patient was positioned on the non-anesthesized side in a 15 degrees Trendelenburg position. An extension of analgesia was observed up to the complete upper arm region. Using the modified positioning an extension of brachial plexus anesthesia is possible.

Adult↗

Rotationplasty type BI versus type BIIIa in children under the age of ten years. Should the knee be preserved?

Type BI rotationplasty is currently indicated for children with tumours of the proximal femur whereas type BIIIa rotationplasty is reserved for those in which the entire femur has to be removed. Our aim was to compare these two types of rotationplasty and determine whether the knee should be preserved in children with tumours of the proximal femur. We compared the post-operative complications, oncological outcome, range of movement, Enneking score and radiographs of six children, who had undergone type BI rotationplasty with those of 12 who had undergone type BIIIa rotationplasty. Patients with type BI rotationplasty had a mean Enneking score of 21.6 compared with 24.4 in those with type BIIIa rotationplasty, and worse mean results in all of the parameters investigated. We conclude that type BI rotationplasty has a worse functional outcome and more complications than type BIIIa rotationplasty in children under the age of ten years.

Child↗

Primary multifocal osseous Hodgkin disease: a case report and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Hodgkin disease (HD) typically involves the lymphatic system at one or more sites. Rarely, Hodgkin disease presents as an osseous lesion without involvement of lymph nodes. Therefore, the histologic diagnosis of osseous HD can be problematic. We present a rare case of multifocal osseous HD and a review the literature with special emphasis on treatment and prognosis. METHODS: Osteomyelitis and lymphoma are the main differential diagnoses and can only be excluded histologically by the presence of Sternberg Reed cells or by immunohistochemical examinations. This case reports a 21-year old man with a Hodgkin lymphoma located at the proximal femur and the proximal tibia. RESULTS: Staging studies revealed no other tumor manifestations. Regarding the Ann Arbor classification, the presented case should be a stage IV disease. The patient is without evidence of disease 4 years after curettage, local radiation therapy, and systemic chemotherapy despite the poor prognosis considering the Ann Arbor classification. CONCLUSION: Reviewing the few reported cases, osseous HD must be distinguished from systemic HD with diffuse bone marrow involvement and from osseous metastases in advanced stage of disease because it seems to have a better prognosis.

Adult↗

Endoprosthetic replacement of the humerus combined with trapezius and latissimus dorsi transfer: a report of three patients.

INTRODUCTION: To improve the functional outcome after proximal and/or total humerus replacement, we combined the surgical procedures described by Bateman and Gerber. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In three patients after wide tumor resection, endoprosthetic replacement with a modular tumor endoprosthesis (MUTARS System) was performed. In addition to a capsular and muscular reconstruction using the Trevira tube, a trapezius transfer onto the Trevira tube in combination with a latissimus dorsi transfer onto the Trevira tube was performed. The patients were immobilized for 6 weeks after surgery with an abductor cast. RESULTS: After a follow-up of 1 year, there was no significant improvement of the shoulder function in comparison with patients who did not undergo the combined muscle transfer (control group n=16: mean abduction 37.5 degrees ; mean anteversion 35.0 degrees ; mean internal rotation 15.2 degrees ; mean external rotation 25.2 degrees ). CONCLUSION: In our patients, the combination of the Gerber and the Bateman procedures did not improve the shoulder function in patients with proximal and/or total humerus replacements. Therefore, the functional results do not justify two separate approaches and a prolonged operation time.

Adolescent↗

High level of beta-hCG simulating pregnancy in recurrent osteosarcoma: case report and review of literature.

PURPOSE: A high serum level of beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) normally indicates pregnancy in healthy women. We were confused by this finding in one of our patients. This 18-year-old girl presented with amenorrhoea of 1-month duration, a positive pregnancy test and a high beta-hCG serum level although taking contraceptives. Pregnancy was excluded by ultrasound. Three years previously, she had had an osteosarcoma of the humerus. The tumour initially had been wide resected and had shown a good response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with COSS-96-protocol. METHODS: We reviewed the original histological result and the literature about possible similar findings. We analysed therapeutic options and the value of beta-hCG levels as a therapy monitor. RESULTS: During examination we detected a recurrent osteosarcoma of the left humerus. The local relapse evidently expressed beta-hCG which, retrospectively, could only sparsely be shown in the primary resectate. After intralesional surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy levels of beta-hCG normalised. CONCLUSION: Osteosarcoma very rarely is able to produce a paraneoplastic syndrome by high levels of beta-hCG. This may well be of diagnostic value and offer an additional monitoring tool. It can indicate tumour recurrence and dedifferentiation.

Adolescent↗

Titanium cages in the surgical treatment of severe vertebral osteomyelitis.

The role of spinal implants in the presence of infection is critically discussed. In this study 20 patients with destructive vertebral osteomyelitis were surgically treated with one-stage posterior instrumentation and fusion and anterior debridement, decompression and anterior column reconstruction using an expandable titanium cage filled with morsellised autologous bone graft. The patients' records and radiographs were retrospectively analysed and follow-up clinical and radiographic data obtained. At a mean follow-up of 23 months (range 12-56 months) all cages were radiographically fused and all infections eradicated. There were no cases of cage dislocation, migration or subsidence. Local kyphosis was corrected from 9.2 degrees (range -20 degrees to 64 degrees ) by 9.4 degrees to -0.2 degrees (range -32 degrees to 40 degrees ) postoperatively and lost 0.9 degrees during follow-up. All five patients with preoperative neurological deficits improved to Frankel score D or E. Patient-perceived disability caused by back pain averaged 7.9 (range 0-22) in the Roland-Morris score at follow-up. In cases of vertebral osteomyelitis with severe anterior column destruction the use of titanium cages in combination with posterior instrumentation is effective and safe and offers a good alternative to structural bone grafts. Further follow-up is necessary to confirm these early results.

Aged↗

Tumors of the pelvis: complications after reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Complications after pelvic sarcoma surgery are frequent; however, the reports on complications are limited. Results of the authors' experience with 110 primary pelvic tumor resections and methods to achieve low complication rates for pelvic reconstruction are reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1982 to 1996, 110 patients with pelvic sarcoma (42 Ewing sarcomas, 40 chondrosarcomas, 21 osteosarcomas, and 7 other malignant tumors) underwent surgery. Sixteen patients underwent implantation of a hemipelvic megaprosthesis, 13 patients had implantation of an allograft for sacroiliac arthrodesis, 12 patients had implantation of an autograft for sacroiliac arthrodesis, and 17 patients underwent hip transposition. There were 9 hindquarter amputations, 6 implantations of allograft and total hip endoprosthesis, 1 implantation of prosthesis with autograft, and 1 implantation of allograft and autograft. No skeletal reconstruction was done in 35 patients. RESULTS: Postoperative function was as follows: 37% in patients with prosthesis, 60% in allograft, 66% in autograft, 66% in hip transposition, 37% in amputation, and 79% without reconstruction. In total, 10/16 patients with prosthetic replacement, 9/13 with allograft implantation, 4/12 with autograft implantation, 7/17 with hip transposition, 5/9 with amputation, 6/6 with prosthesis and allograft, and 12/35 without skeletal reconstruction had complications. Frequent complications depending on the reconstruction were infection in 6/10 prostheses and in 5/13 allografts, leg length discrepancy in 2/12 autografts and 4/17 hip transpositions, hematoma in 3/9 amputations, and infection (6) and skin problems (5) in 6 prostheses with allograft. CONCLUSION: Because of the small number of complications and good function, autograft implantation after iliac resection and hip transposition after acetabular resection are advisable.

Acetabulum↗

[Rotationplasty in the surgical treatment plan of primary malignant bone tumors. Possibilities and limits].

Long-term survival of patients with a malignant bone tumor increased with a combined therapeutic approach using chemotherapy and possibly radiation therapy. Today up to 80% of patients with an osteosarcoma or Ewing's sarcoma survive. Therefore, it is important that the functional outcome and the quality of life are good after resection of the tumor. Before the era of endoprosthetic devices, rotationplasty, which was introduced in 1974 by Salzer for surgery of malignant bone tumors and modified by Winkelmann, protected many patients from an amputation. Although many authors favor limb-saving procedures today, rotationplasty obtained excellent functional and psychosocial results. Rotationplasty can be recommended in tumors with a large soft tissue component, in tumors located in the proximal femur and proximal tibia, and in children under 10 years of age. Furthermore, rotationplasty can be used in patients in whom a limb-salvage procedure failed because of infection or repeated changes of the endoprosthesis.

Adolescent↗

Revision hip arthroplasty in a patient with a hip rotationplasty (type B III b).

We report for the first time a patient who underwent a revision hip arthroplasty after a hip rotationplasty (Winkelmann type B III b) because of a chondrosarcoma in 1988. The clinical symptoms and radiographic findings (X-ray, bone scintigraphy, arthrography) of the aseptic loosening of the acetabular component are presented in detail. Furthermore, we present the functional results after hip revision.

Adult↗

[Options for surgical treatment of malignant bone tumors].

Beside the susceptibility to a (neo-) adjuvant therapy, the surgical margin is the most important prognostic factor in the treatment of primary malignant bone tumors. If adjuvant therapy is not possible, the outcome of the disease depends on the selected surgical treatment. Limb salvage has proven to be a safe procedure for local tumor control and provides good functional results. The surgeon has to consider the best surgical option depending on the site and size of the tumor but also depending on the patient's age and the overall prognosis. Surgical techniques and possible complications of the most common procedures in tumor surgery are described.

Adult↗

Population-based genetic alterations in Ewing's tumors from Japanese and European Caucasian patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Ewing's tumors (ETs) is lower in Asians or African-Americans than in Caucasians. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Japanese ETs were available for analysis of chromosomal aberrations by comparative genomic hybridization (n = 16) and for expression of chimeric EWS transcripts by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (n = 11). These results in Japanese patients were compared with those of 62 ETs in European Caucasian patients registered in the European Intergroup Cooperative Ewing's Sarcoma Study. RESULTS: Japanese patients with ET had lower overall survival (P = 0.0446) and relapse-free survival (P = 0.0371) compared with European Caucasian patients. Ten of 11 Japanese ETs and 31 of 62 European Caucasian ETs had type I (EWS exon 7 to FLI1 exon 6) fusion transcripts. In Japanese ETs, the median numbers of chromosomal aberrations were 2.0 and 6.0 in 11 primary tumors and five relapsed tumors, respectively. In European Caucasian ETs, the median number of changes were 2.5 and 5.0 in 52 primary and 10 relapsed tumors, respectively. Frequent gains were 8q (38%), 8p (31%) and 12q (25%) in Japanese ETs and 8q (52%), 8p (48%) and 12q (19%) in European Caucasian ETs. Frequent losses were 19q (44%), 19p (38%) and 17p (25%) in Japanese ETs and 16q (21%), 19q (18%) and 17p (15%) in European Caucasian ETs. The incidence of losses of 19p (P = 0.0215) and 19q (P = 0.0277) were significantly higher in Japanese ETs than in European Caucasian ETs. An amplification (1p33-p34) was observed in only one Japanese ET. CONCLUSIONS: Japanese patients with ET in this study had a worse prognosis than European Caucasian patients. In molecular genetic analyses, Japanese ETs had a higher frequency of loss of chromosome 19 than European Caucasian ETs. Different genetic aberrations may explain the different incidences and prognoses of ET between Caucasian and Japanese patients.

Adolescent↗