Simon Vandergugten

MRI evaluation of resection margins in bone tumour surgery.

In 12 patients operated on for bone sarcoma resection, a postoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the resection specimens was obtained in order to assess the surgical margins. Margins were classified according to MRI in R0, R1, and R2 by three independent observers: a radiologist and two orthopaedic surgeons. Final margin evaluation (R0, R1, and R2) was assessed by a confirmed pathologist. Agreement for margin evaluation between the pathologist and the radiologist was perfect (κ = 1). Agreement between the pathologist and an experienced orthopaedic surgeon was very good while it was fair between the pathologist and a junior orthopaedic surgeon. MRI should be considered as a tool to give quick information about the adequacy of margins and to help the pathologist to focus on doubtful areas and to spare time in specimen analysis. But it may not replace the pathological evaluation that gives additional information about tumor necrosis. This study shows that MRI extemporaneous analysis of a resection specimen may be efficient in bone tumor oncologic surgery, if made by an experienced radiologist with perfect agreement with the pathologist.

Orthodontic loading of titanium miniplates in dogs: microradiographic and histological evaluation

OBJECTIVES The objectives of this animal study were to evaluate if orthodontic loading has an impact on osseointegration of screws supporting miniplates, and to describe the histological components of the bone-screw interface. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty orthodontic miniplates were placed in the jaws of 10 dogs. After 2 weeks, a 125 g force was applied between the miniplates of one upper quadrant of each dog and between those of the controlateral lower quadrant. The others, nonloaded miniplates, were considered as controls. Five dogs were sacrificed 7 weeks after implantation and the remaining five dogs after 29 weeks [Short Term (ST) and Long Term (LT) groups, respectively]. Fluorochromes were injected at implantation and at sacrifice. Jaw quadrants were dissected, embedded, cut into undecalcified transverse sections through the screws and finally submitted to microradiographic analysis to allow assessment of bone-implant contact (BIC) and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV). The sections were observed under UV light and stained in order to examine them under ordinary light. RESULTS Osseointegration occurred around 90/160 screws and consisted mainly in limited repair and remodelling processes of lamellar bone, without inflammation. Wide variations were observed in BIC and BV/TV, but without any significant difference, neither between the loaded and the nonloaded screws, nor according to the direction of load, whereas they were significantly higher in the LT than in the ST group. Nonosseointegrated screws were surrounded by fibrous tissue. Osteoblastic activity, when present in front of these screws, was not sufficient to achieve stability. CONCLUSIONS Osseointegration underlying orthodontic anchorage was not affected by loading. BIC increased with time and varied according to implantation site. Particularly the tight-fitting screw insertion appeared crucial in determining the appropriate bone healing response.

Microradiographic and histological evaluation of the bone-screw and bone-plate interface of orthodontic miniplates in patients

OBJECTIVES To describe the tissue reactions at the bone-titanium interface of orthodontic miniplates in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-two samples, consisting of tissue fragments attached or not to miniplates or their fixation screws, were collected from 24 orthodontic patients treated with miniplate anchorage, at the time of removal of their miniplates. The samples were embedded in methylmethacrylate and cut into undecalcified sections which were submitted to microradiographic analysis. The sections were also stained and examined under ordinary light. RESULTS Three types of reactions were observed both on the histological sections and on the microradiographs. 1. The majority of the stable miniplates were easy to remove (34/42). The tissue samples collected consisted mainly in mature lamellar bone with some medullary spaces containing blood vessels, 2. two screws were highly osseointegrated and required the surgeon to remove them by trephining (2/42). They were surrounded by bone tissue which extended to the miniplate. The histological features were similar to the previous group, though the bone-screw contact was higher, and 3. in six samples obtained after unstable miniplate removal during the treatment, we observed either some woven bone trabeculae or loose connective tissue, without any histological sign of inflammation. LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSION For evident ethical reasons, our data were limited by the size of the tissue fragments and the limited number of patients and variety of clinical presentations. The healing reactions consisted mainly in mature lamellar bone tissue sparsely in contact with the screw or the miniplate, with signs of a moderate remodelling activity.

Late Onset of a Congenital Pseudarthrosis of Both the Forearm Bones in an8-Year-Old Girl

Introduction: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the radius or ulna is rare and less common than congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. It may lead to deformity, pain and functional impairment. Objectives: Remind that conventional fracture treatment as non-surgical treatment or open reduction and internal fixation is not successful in congenital pseudarthrosis. Case: A missed diagnosis of an 8-year-old girl with late onset pseudarthrosis of both radius and ulna associated with neurofibromatosis is presented. In this case, inadequate initial treatment led to poor results. The use of free vascularized fibular grafts is known to be effective to treat this condition but has some local and lower limb morbidity. Final success was obtained with large resection and bone transport. Conclusion: It is important to recognize the entity to avoid failure of treatment.