With the developing of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, it is widely used in the treatment of bone tumors in the clinical orthopedics. Because of the great individual differences in the location of bone tumor, resection and reconstruction are difficult. Based on 3D printing technology, the 3D models can be prepared to show the anatomical part of the disease, so that the surgeons can create a patient-specific operational plans based on better understand the local conditions. At the same time, preoperative simulation can also be carried out for complex operations and patient-specific prostheses can be further designed and prepared according to the location and size of tumor, which may have more advantages in adaptability. In this paper, the domestic and international research progress of 3D printing technology in the treatment of limb bone tumors in recent years were reviewed and summarized.
Objective To evaluate the feasibility and short-term effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) printed titanium-alloy prosthesis reconstruction after the distal tibia tumor segment resection. Methods The clinical data of 6 patients with bone defect after distal tibia tumor segment resection treated with 3D printed titanium-alloy prosthesis reconstruction and tibiotalar joint fusion between January 2020 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 2 males and 4 females; the age ranged from 12 to 35 years, with an average of 18.5 years. Among them, 4 cases were osteosarcoma, 1 case was Ewing sarcoma, and 1 case was giant cell tumor of bone. The Enneking staging was stage ⅡA in 3 cases, stage ⅡB in 2 cases, and stage Ⅲ in 1 case. The disease duration was 2-5 months (mean, 3.2 months). All patients received preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, and patients with osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma started chemotherapy at3 weeks after operation. The systemic and local tumor conditions and prosthesis conditions were evaluated regularly after operation. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score were used to evaluate the lower extremity and ankle function. Results All patients were followed up 8-26 months, with an average of 15.6 months. There was no local recurrence and distant metastasis during the follow-up. The ankle joints of 5 cases were all in 90° functional position at last follow-up, and there was no complication such as prosthesis loosening and fracture; the ankle joint fusion was stable, the local bone ingrowth was good, and the daily activities could be completed, but the ankle range of motion was limited and the ankle joint was stiff. The MSTS score ranged from 22 to 26, with an average of 24, and 3 cases were evaluated as excellent and 2 cases were good; the AOFAS score ranged from 71 to 86, with an average of 80.6, and 4 cases were evaluated as good and 1 case was fair. One patient had severe periprosthetic infection at 2 months after operation, resulting in failure of prosthesis implantation, pain in limb movement, and poor ankle function; MSTS score was 12, AOFAS score was 50, and both were evaluated as poor; distraction osteogenesis was performed after removal of prosthesis and infection control, at present, it was still in the process of distraction osteogenesis, and local osteogenesis was acceptable. Conclusion Using 3D printed titanium-alloy prosthesis and tibiotalar joint fusion to reconstruct the bone defect after distal tibia tumor segment resection has satisfactory mechanical stability and function, and is one of the effective distal tibial limb salvage methods.
Objective To explore the clinical methods of resection of elbow tumor and total elbow replacement with custom personalized prosthesis based on three dimensional (3-D) printing navigation template. Methods In August 2016, a 63-year-old male patient with left elbow joint tumor was treated, with the discovery of the left distal humerus huge mass over 3 months, with elbow pain, activity limitation of admission. Computer-assisted reduction technique combined with 3-D printing was used to simulate preoperative tumor resection, a customized personal prosthesis was developed; tumor was accurately excised during operation, and the clinical result was evaluated after operation. Results The time was 46 minutes for tumor resection, and was 95 minutes for personalized implant and allograft bone without fluoroscopy. X-ray and CT examination at 1 week after operation showed good position of artificial elbow joint; the anteversion of ulna prosthesis was 30° and the elbow carrying angle was 15°, which were consistent with the simulated results before surgery. The finger flexion was normal at 1 month after operation; the range of motion was 0-130° for elbow flexion and extension, 80° for forearm pronation, and 80° for forearm supination. The elbow function was able to meet the needs of daily life at 7 months after operation, and no recurrence and metastasis of tumor were observed. Conclusion For limb salvage of elbow joint, computer aided design can make preoperative surgical simulation; the navigation template can improve surgical precision; and the function of elbow joint can be reconstructed with customized and personlized prosthesis for total elbow replacement.
Objective To discuss the effect of three-dimensional (3D) printing individualized model and guide plate in bone tumor surgery. Methods Between October 2015 and December 2016, 3D printing individualized model and guide plate for making preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative treatment were used in 5 patients of bone tumor. All the patients were male, with a median age of 32 years (range, 9-58 years). There were 1 case of cystic echinococcosis at left pelvis and pathological fracture of the proximal femur; 1 case of left iliac bone osteoblastoma associated with aneurysmal bone cyst; 1 case of fibrous dysplasia of the left femur (sheep horn deformity) with pathological fracture; 1 case of metastatic carcinoma of right calcaneus (tumor staging was T2N0M0); and 1 case of Ewing sarcoma of left femur (tumor staging was T2N0M0). The disease duration ranged from 1 month to 10 years (mean, 2.25 years). Results The operation was completed successfully. The operation time was 2.6-7.5 hours (mean, 4.9 hours). The intraoperative blood loss was 200-2 500 mL (mean, 1 380 mL). The intraoperative fluoroscopy times was 1-6 times (mean, 3.8 times). There was no infection after operation, and the blood supply and nerve function were good. All the patients were followed up 3-16 months (mean, 5.4 months). No loosening or breaking of the internal fixator occurred. According to Enneking scoring system, the limb function score was 15-26 (mean, 21); and the results were excellent in 2 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case. Conclusion 3D printing technology can make the implementation of the better preoperative planning and evaluation in bone tumor surgery, and it provides a new reference for individualized treatment in patients with bone tumor.
Objective To compare the healing process and clinical results of bioactive glass and allogenic bone in the repair of bone defects after benign bone tumor curettage. Methods Between November 2011 and December 2012, 20 patients with benign bone tumor received bioactive glass and allogenic bone for repair of bone defects after benign bone tumor curettage. There were 17 males and 3 females, aged 9-68 years (median, 18.5 years). The mean course of disease was 3.3 months (range, 1-9 months). Pathological examination revealed that there were 7 cases of chondroblastoma, 5 cases of bone cyst, 2 cases of non-ossifying fibroma, 2 cases of enchondroma, 1 case of vascular tumor of bone, 1 case of lipoma of bone, 1 case of osteoid osteoma, and 1 case of chondromyxoid fibroma. The lesion located at the femur in 5 cases, at the tibia in 11 cases, at the humerus in 1 case, at the calcaneus in 2 cases, and at the talus in 1 case. The bioactive glass and allogenic cancellous bone were implanted in the cavity at the same time. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) function evaluation score was used for evaluation of postoperative limb function. According to the imaging and clinical benefit, the healing processes of two kinds of implants were evaluated. The healing rate and healing time were compared. The distribution of the bioactive glass was divided into two layers: the layer close to host bone and the layer close to allogenic bone. The bone ingrowth time and bone resorption time in different layers were evaluated and compared. Results All cases were followed up 12-42 months (mean, 34.5 months). All incisions healed by first intention. There were no complications of wound infection or deep infection, rejection, nonunion of bone, fracture at bone graft site, and collapsing of articular surface. There was no tumor recurrence during follow-up. The mean MSTS functional score was 29.5 (range, 28-30) at last follow-up. Complete healing was observed in 11 cases and healing in 9 cases. The healing rates of two kinds of implants were both 100%. The healing time of bioactive glass and allogenic bone was (4.7±1.3) months and (5.2±1.6) months, respectively, showing no significant difference (t=-1.240, P=0.244). The bone ingrowth time and the bone absorption time were (3.6±0.9) months and (3.7±1.0) months in the layer close to host bone and were (4.2±1.3) months and (4.2±1.3) months in the layer close to allogenic bone, all showing no significant difference (t=1.785, P=0.097; t=1.476, P=0.172). Conclusion For the repair of bone defects after benign bone tumor curettage, bioactive glass can achieve satisfactory healing result and has good safety.
To observe the clinical effect and safety of the nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) composite in repairing the bone defects due to benign bone tumors. Methods From January 2003 to May 2005, 38 patients (21 males, 16 females; age, 19-58 years, averaged 38.5 years) with the bone defects due to benign bone tumors were treated with the n-HA/PA66 grains. Among the 37 patients, 11 had fibrous dysplasia, 14 had bone cyst, 10 had giant cell tumor of the bone (Grade Ⅰ), and 2 had enchondroma. The tumors ranged in size from 1.0 cm×0.7 cm×0.4 cm to 10.0 cm×4.0 cm×3.0 cm, with the location of the proximal femur in 12 patients, the distal femur in 7, the proximal tibia in 9, the proximal humerus in 5, the phalanges of the finger in 2, the metacarpal bone in 1,and the calcaneus in 1. Allthe benign bone tumors underwent the curettage treatment, and then the tumor cavities were filled up with the n-HA/PA66 grains. The incision healing, local inflammatory reaction, rejection, toxic reaction, tumor cavity healing, and function recovery of the limbs were all observed after operation. Results All the patients were followed up for 5-33 months, and all the incisions healed by the first intention except 1 incision, which developed infection. The inflammatory reaction was mild, with no reection or general toxic reaction. At 3 to 5.5 months(mean 4 months) after operation, osteogenesis wasfound in the space filled with the n-HA/PA66 grains. Eight months after operation, the patients’ lower limbs could bear weights; 5 months after operation, the upper limbs could complete daily work. Conclusion The n-HA/PA66 grains have great biological safety, good biocompatibility, and good bone conduction, which aregood materials for the bone repair and reconstruction, and can be safely, andeffectively used for repairing the bone defects due to benign bone tumors．
Objective To investigate the long-term effectiveness of uncemented allograft-prosthesis composite (APC) for reconstruction of bone defects after proximal femur tumor resection. Methods Between June 2007 and March 2014, 21 patients who underwent uncemented APC reconstruction of proximal femur after tumor resection were retrospectively evaluated. There were 9 males and 12 females with an average age of 33.2 years (range, 19-54 years). There were 9 cases of giant cell tumor of bone, 5 cases of osteosarcoma, 4 cases of osteoblastic osteosarcoma, 2 cases of chondrosarcoma, and 1 case of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Thirteen cases of benign bone tumors were all classified as stage 3 by Enneking staging; and 8 cases of malignant bone tumors were classified as grade ⅡB in 7 cases and grade ⅡA in 1 case according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. Among them, 7 patients underwent reoperation after recurrence, and the rest were primary operations; 8 patients presented with pathological fractures. The preoperative Harris hip score (HHS) and American Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 40 (30, 49) and 9.1±3.5, respectively. The length of osteotomy was 80-154 mm, with an average of 110 mm. At 1 year after operation and last follow-up, HHS and MSTS scores were utilized to evaluate the function of hip joint; the gluteus medius strength score was used to evaluation of the hip abduction function. Image examinations were taken at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after operation and every year thereafter to assess the union of allograft-host bone interfaces. Intra- and post-operative complications were also recorded. Results All patients were followed up 84-163 months (mean, 123.5 months). At 1 year after operation and last follow-up, the HHS and MSTS scores significantly improved when compared with the preoperative scores (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the HHS score, MSTS score, and gluteus medius strength score between the two time points after operation (P>0.05). Image examination showed that all allograft-host bone interfaces achieved union after 5-10 months (mean, 7.6 months). At last follow-up, all patients had bone resorption, including 11 severe cases, 4 moderate cases, and 6 mild cases; the bone resorption sites included Gruen 1, 2, and 7 regions. Complications included 10 fractures and 1 prosthetic fracture. Local recurrence occurred in 3 patients and pulmonary metastasis in 3 patients. Conclusion Uncemented APC is a reliable method for the reconstruction of bone defects after proximal femur tumor resection. It has the good long-term effectiveness and possesses obvious advantages in the union at the bone-bone surface.
Objective To analyze the effectiveness of free vascularized fibula grafts (FVFG) for extensive bone defects after resection of lower limb malignant bone tumors. Methods Between November 2015 and July 2018, 15 cases of lower limb malignant bone tumors were treated. There were 12 males and 3 females with an average age of 12.3 years (range, 9-21 years). There were 11 cases of osteosarcoma and 4 cases of Ewing’s sarcoma. The tumor located at middle femur in 8 cases, lower femur in 4 cases, and middle tibia in 3 cases. The disease duration was 2-6 months (mean, 3.2 months). The tumor was completely removed, and the length of the bone defect was 8-23 cm (mean, 17.7 cm). The bone defect was repaired by FVFG, and combined inactivated tumor bone was used in 8 cases of femoral bone defect. Results The average operation time was 280 minutes (range, 180-390 minutes). The average blood loss was 310 mL (range, 200-480 mL). All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 2-24 months with an average of 14.5 months. Bone healing achieved in all patients at 9-18 months (mean, 12.3 months) after operation except 1 patient which was followed up only 2 months. The fibula grafts had active metabolism and the average bone metabolism score was 184 (range, 111-257) in effected side and 193 (range, 127-259) in contralateral side. There was no difference between bilateral sides. The average Enneking score was 24.6 (range, 20-30) at last follow-up. No ankle instability or paralysis of common peroneal nerve occurred. Conclusion FVFG appeared very efficient in repair of extensive bone defect after resection of lower limb malignant bone tumor.
Objective To investigate the effect of the semi-joint prosthesis replacement in treating malignant tumors around the children’s knees. Methods Five children (aged 8-12 years) with malignant tumors around the proximal end ofthe tibia underwent the semi-joint prostheses replacement from March 2000 to June 2005. All the children had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, which was graded as ⅡB by the Enneking staging system. The pathologic changes involved the upper segment of the tibia 9-11 cm in length. Before operation all the patients underwent puncture biopsy and standard chemotherapy. The lesion extent was determined by X-ray, CT and MRI, and then the size of the prosthesis was determined. The length of the prosthesis was 1-2 cm longer than that of the excised bone. After operation the patients were given neoadjuvant chemotherapy for 2 courses and they could walk with the help of a special brace 4 weeks postoperatively. Results All the 5 patients had a successful semi-joint prosthesis replacement exceptone patient who had a skin flap necrosis, and the wound healed after a flap grafting. The remaining patients had their wounds healed by first intention. The12-36 months’ follow-up revealed that all the patients had no metastasis or recurrence of the tumor and they were living and well except one patient who died oflung metastasis 8 months after operation. Conclusion The semi-joint prosthesis replacement in the limb salvage surgery for maligant tumors around the children’s knees has advantages of avoiding a damage to the normal osteoepiphysis, stabilizing the knee joint, and facilitating elongation of the limb in future. Italso creates the condition for total knee replacement in adults.
It is extremely necessary to find an ideal filling material for the treatment of benign bone defect, particularly those benign osteolytic defect in children with a comparatively large cavity. From July, 1995 to December, 1996, 10 cases of benign osteolytic bone defects were treated, in which 5 cases of benign osteolytic defects, 3 cases of bone cysts, 1 case of fibrous dysplasia of bone and 1 case of non-ossifying fibroma. After through curettage of the cavity, the natural non-organic bone in cube-shaped was used to fill the prepared cavity. The results showed that the activities of the patients resumed normal in 3 to 6 months after operation. The roentgenographic examination after operation showed that the lucent spaces between NNB cubes disappeared with obvious new bone formation and the bony cavity was obliterated with newly-formed bone. There was no recurrence of the lesion during a follow-up of 7 to 24 months. It was concluded that to treat the osteolytic defect of bone with NNB was a method of choice. The new bone formation appeared early in large amount and increased rapidly.