Introduction: Evidence on the use of brachytherapy in soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) is sparse. Therapy regimens are determined more by local interdisciplinary tumor conferences than by standardized protocols. Patient-specific factors complicate the standardized application of therapy protocols. The individuality of the treatment makes it difficult to compare results. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted, whereby the literature from a period of almost 44 years (1977–2021) was graded and included in this systematic review. For this purpose, PubMed was used as the primary database. Search string included “soft-tissue sarcoma”, “brachytherapy”, and “extremity.” Four independent researchers reviewed the literature. Only full-text articles written in English or German were included. Results: Of the 175 identified studies, 70 were eligible for analysis based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The key points to compare were local complications, recurrence rate and correlation with margins of resection, and the use of brachytherapy regarding tumor grading. Conclusion: Brachytherapy represents an important subset of radiotherapy techniques used in STSs, whose indications and applications are constantly evolving, and for which a local control rate of 50% to 96% has been reported as monotherapy, depending on risk factors. However, the best benefit is seen in the combination of further resection and brachytherapy, and most authors at many other centers agree with this treatment strategy.
Background: Aseptic loosening is one of the most-common causes of the failure of cementless stems. Einzel Bild Röntgen Analyse-Femoral Component Analysis (EBRA-FCA) allows the diagnosis of stem migration, which can be considered a factor in predicting implant survival. The current study aimed to present the migration behavior of a tapered proximally anchored straight stem. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed all consecutive patients who received a cementless CBC straight stem (Mathys AG, Bettlach, Switzerland) between 2005 and 2019. We analyzed the migration pattern using the EBRA-FCA software and reviewed their medical histories. In addition, periprosthetic radiolucency was rated according to the Gruen zones and femoral configuration according to Dorr. Results: A total of 333 stems in 332 patients (female 191; male 141) met our inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery was 63 (range 21–87) years. Migration analysis by EBRA-FCA showed a mean subsidence of 1.6 mm at final follow-up at 96 months with a maximum noted mean subsidence of 2.0 mm at 72 and 84 months. Dorr Type A showed a tendency of less subsidence than did Dorr Type B and was statistically significant at 6 (p = 0.0396) and 72 months (p = 0.0127). The body mass index (BMI) and increased subsidence were not found to correlate (p > 0.05). For this cohort, the overall femoral revision-free rate was 95.2% and the revision-free rate for aseptic loosening was 99.1%. Conclusions: The results showed migration behavior in cementless stems with initial increased migration and subsequent secondary stabilization, suggesting an excellent long-term outcome. Stem migration of this tapered proximally anchored stem might be lower in Dorr Type A than in Dorr Type B femurs without being statistically significant at all time points.
A. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between femoral component positioning and the incidence of periprosthetic fractures in Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), as well as the effects of component size and preoperative coronal lower limb alignment on fracture risk. B. A retrospective single-center study was conducted, including 1,642 cases of medial UKA performed between July 2015 and December 2022. Patients with symptomatic isolated medial knee osteoarthritis meeting specific selection criteria underwent surgery using either press-fit or cemented fixation based on individual bone quality. Radiographic evaluations were performed preoperatively and postoperatively to assess component positioning and alignment. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, and Pearson's chi-squared test to compare fracture and non-fracture groups. C. Out of 1,642 cases, 15 (0.9%) experienced a tibial periprosthetic fracture. These fractures were significantly associated with medial positioning of the femoral component and smaller component sizes. The fracture group had a higher mean age (74.3 ± 6.2 years) and a higher percentage of females (80%) compared to the non-fracture group. No significant differences were observed in Body Mass Index (BMI) or preoperative coronal alignment between the groups. D. Medial positioning of the femoral component and smaller component sizes in Oxford UKA are associated with an increased risk of tibial periprosthetic fractures. Accurate implant positioning is crucial to minimize fracture risk and improve clinical outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of precise surgical techniques and may inform future guidelines for UKA procedures. This study was retrospectively registered and ethical approval was waived by the local ethical committee (No. 22-0990KB).
Background: Massive osteolysis of the proximal femur makes stem revision a challenging procedure. EBRA-FCA provides the opportunity to determine stem migration, which is considered a predictive factor for implant survival. In this study, we aimed to analyze the migration behavior of a modular, distally fixed reconstruction prosthesis. Methods: Applying a retrospective study design, we reviewed all consecutive patients who received a cementless MP reconstruction prosthesis (Waldemar Link GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg, Germany) at our Department between 2005 and 2019. We reviewed medical histories and performed radiological measurements using EBRA-FCA software. Results: A total of 67 stems in 62 patients (female 26; male 36) fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Mean age at surgery was 68.0 (range 38.7–88.44) years. EBRA migration analysis showed a median subsidence of 1.6 mm (range 0.0–20.6) at 24 months. The angle between stem and femur axis was 0.3° (range 0.0°–2.9°) at final follow-up. No correlation between body mass index and increased subsidence was found (p > 0.05). Overall revision-free rate amounted to 92.5% and revision-free rate for aseptic loosening to 98.5%. Furthermore, no case of material breakage was detected. Conclusions: In summary, the MP reconstruction prosthesis showed low subsidence and reduction in the migration rate over the investigated follow-up. Based on this, the modular stem can be considered as a good therapy option in challenging stem revisions offering various options to address the individual anatomical situation.
Background: Aseptic loosening is one of the leading causes of stem revision. Einzel Bild Röntgen Analyse–Femoral Component Analysis allows for the detection of distal stem migration, which is used as a predictive factor for implant longevity. This study aims to demonstrate the migration behavior of a cemented collared anatomical stem. Methods: This study retrospectively examined all patients who received a cemented Lubinus SP II stem (Waldemar Link, Hamburg, Germany) between 2003 and 2019. We used the EBRA-FCA software (University of Innsbruck, Austria) to determine the migration patterns and thoroughly examined the patients’ medical histories. In addition, the potential influence of femoral configuration and BMI on the migration behavior was assessed. Results: This study included 61 patients (48 females and 13 males) with a total of 61 stems that met our inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery was 76 years (ranging from 30 to 93 years). According to EBRA-FCA migration analysis, a median subsidence of 0.7 mm was observed at 24 months and at the final follow-up (median 78 months). Distal stem migration was significantly higher at the 6-month time point in patients with Dorr type A femurs compared to Dorr type B femurs (p = 0.016). Body mass index (BMI) had no significant effect on stem migration. Conclusions: The measured subsidence of the Lubinus SP 2 stem using EBRA-FCA was below established thresholds, indicating excellent long-term outcomes. Although there was significantly increased subsidence in Dorr type A femurs during the initial 6 months, thereafter, no statistically significant difference was observed compared to Dorr type B femurs.
28 August 2025 in Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
Background: Traumatic hip dislocations are rare but serious injuries, potentially affecting patients’ quality of life and mobility. Given the limited understanding of prognostic factors, this study aimed to identify predictors of long-term clinical outcomes. Materials and methods: Injury characteristics and computed tomography (CT) of patients following traumatic hip dislocation from two level I trauma centers from 2009 to 2015 were analyzed. At follow-up, patients were evaluated for avascular necrosis (AVN), post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), secondary surgery, complications, and return to sports. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), were evaluated. Results: 38 patients with traumatic hip dislocation were finally included. Concomitant posterior acetabular wall fractures and femoral head fractures (Pipkin type I to IV) were observed in 34 cases (87%). 18 patients (mean age 38.3 ± 17.2 years) completed the follow-up (mean follow-up 12.25 ± 1.03 years). 6 patients (33%) developed PTOA, 2 patients (11%) AVN, and 3 patients (17%) required total hip arthroplasty. Decreased TAS was associated with concomitant fractures ( p = 0.02). 10 patients (56%) did not return to their pre-injury sports level and 7 patients (39%) reported sexual dysfunction. PROMs and return to sports were significantly worse in patients with PTOA or residual sciatic nerve injury ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients after traumatic hip dislocation are at high risk for PTOA or AVN, especially with concomitant acetabular or femoral head fractures, resulting in significant long-term limitations in daily activities, sports, and sexual function. Recognition of concomitant fractures is a critical prognostic factor in assessing long-term outcomes.