Luca Amendola - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Luca Amendola

Strategies in trauma and limb reconstruction (Online), 2014

Indications and techniques of locked plate fixation for the treatment of challenging fractures co... more Indications and techniques of locked plate fixation for the treatment of challenging fractures continue to evolve. As design variant of classic locked plates, the polyaxial locked plate has the ability to alter the screw angle and thereby, enhance fracture fixation. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic results in 89 patients with 90 fractures of the distal femur treated, between June 2006 and November 2011, with such a polyaxial locked plating system (Polyax™ Locked Plating System, DePuy, Warsaw, IN, USA). Seventy-seven fractures formed the report of this study. These cases were followed up until complete fracture healing or for a mean time of 77 weeks. At the time of last follow-up, 58 of 77 fractures (75.3 %) progressed to union without complication and radiographic healing occurred at a mean time of 16.3 weeks. Complications occurred in ten fractures that did not affect the healing and in nine fractures that showed delayed or non-union. Th...

Spine infections require a multidisciplinary approach to be treated and solved. A guide line to d... more Spine infections require a multidisciplinary approach to be treated and solved. A guide line to drive physicians in the deep complexity of such a disease is extremely helpful. SIMP suggests a flow-chart built up on clear concepts such as right and well managed antibiotic therapy, sound stability of the spine, correct and smart use of the standard and functional imaging techniques, such as f18 FDG PET/CT. In 16 months a total of 41 patients have been treated for spondylodiscitis, discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis by our team of physicians and 25 patients have been enrolled in a prospective study whose target is the assessment of the SIMP flow-chart and of every single aspect that characterize it.

ANZ journal of surgery, Jan 20, 2015

MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY, 2010

Malalignment causes abnormal forces that may lead to loosening after knee replacement. Whether a ... more Malalignment causes abnormal forces that may lead to loosening after knee replacement. Whether a computer-assisted technique can improve the precision of implant positioning guaranteeing good long-term results in total knee arthroplasty, this is a matter of discussion. The authors evaluate the alignment accuracy of 20 primary total knee arthroplasties, performed using an image-free computer navigation systems, with standardized CT protocol and three-dimensional digital model reconstruction. The results of this study demonstrate that the image-free navigation system is able to improve accuracy in axial limb alignment and positioning of the components in the majority of cases; moreover, the difference between the mean mechanical axis value of the navigation system (179.7°± 1.7°) and the median mean value obtained during the post-operative evaluation (180.3°± 1.9°) is not statistically significant (P = 0.28).

Injury, 2014

Multifocal humeral fractures are extremely rare. These may affect the neck and the shaft, the sha... more Multifocal humeral fractures are extremely rare. These may affect the neck and the shaft, the shaft alone, or the diaphysis and the distal humerus. There is no classification of these fractures in the literature. From 2004 to 2010, 717 patients with humeral fracture were treated surgically at our department. Thirty-five patients presented with an associated fracture of the proximal and diaphyseal humerus: synthesis was performed with plate and screws in 34 patients, and the remaining patient had an open fracture that was treated with an external fixator. Mean follow-up was 3 years and 3 months. A classification is proposed in which type A fractures are those affecting the proximal and the humeral shaft, type B the diaphysis alone, and type C the diaphysis in association with the distal humerus. Type A fractures are then divided into three subgroups: A-I, undisplaced fracture of the proximal humerus and displaced shaft fracture; A-II: displaced fracture of the proximal and humeral shaft; and A-III: multifragmentary fracture affecting the proximal humerus and extending to the diaphysis. Multifocal humeral fractures are very rare and little described in the literature, both for classification and treatment. The AO classification describes bifocal fracture of the humeral diaphysis, type B and C. The classification suggested in this article mainly concerns fractures involving the proximal and humeral shaft. A simple classification of multifocal fractures is suggested to help the surgeon choose the most suitable type of synthesis for surgical treatment.

European Spine Journal, 2013

Our aim is to define the role of embolization in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst of the spi... more Our aim is to define the role of embolization in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst of the spine in order to include this option in the decision making process. From April 2004 to November 2009, seven patients with primary aneurysmal bone cyst of the mobile spine treated by embolization have been prospectively followed-up. All clinical presentations and imagings were recorded. There are many options of embolic agent and techniques used, but all aim to devascularize the tumor. The therapeutic protocol includes: embolization repeated every 8 weeks until the appearance of radiographic signs of healing. Complications, rate of healing and clinical outcome were analyzed. The number of embolizations varied from one to a maximum of seven without related intra- or post-operative complications. One patient, after four selective arterial embolizations, underwent direct percutaneous injection of embolic agents into the cyst. A clinical and radiographical response was achieved in all patients who were found alive and completely free of disease at mean follow-up of 46 months after last treatment and nobody crossed to surgical option. Embolization seems to be the first option for spinal aneurysmal bone cyst treatment because of the best cost-to-benefit ratio. It is indicated in intact aneurysmal bone cyst, when diagnosis is certain, when technically feasible and safe and when no pathologic fracture or neurologic involvements are found. If embolization fails, other options for treatment would still be available.

European Spine Journal, 2012

Purpose To define the role of Enneking staging system and of the consequent different treatment o... more Purpose To define the role of Enneking staging system and of the consequent different treatment options on the outcome of osteoblastoma (OBL) of the spine. Methods A retrospective review of 51 patients with OBL of the mobile spine conducted to compare the outcomes among the different types of treatments at long term follow-up (25-229 months, av.90). These 51 patients were previously staged according to Enneking staging system and treatment selected accordingly. 10 stage two (st.2) OBLs were treated with intralesional excision and 41 stage three (st.3) OBLs were treated either by intralesional excision or en bloc resection. The intralesional excision group was divided considering the use or not of radiation therapy after surgery. The recurrence rate was compared among these groups and also considering previous open

Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques, 2012

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

European Surgical Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 2014

Bone metastases are only apparently similar lesions, considering the large varieties of istotypes... more Bone metastases are only apparently similar lesions, considering the large varieties of istotypes and the spread of the primary tumour. Although these metastases develop early and are not terminal events, they have to be considered as severe complications. When possible, surgical treatment can improve the history of the patient in terms of life expectancy and quality of life. The approach to these lesions should be multidisciplinary in collaboration with oncologists and radiotherapists. In fact the average of survival of these patients has increased in recent years. The evolution of anesthesiological techniques permits surgical treatments that once were considered prohibitive. The application of new adjuvant therapies increases the effectiveness for surgical treatment. Controversy exists over the most appropriate treatment for patients with bone metastatic disease. The purpose was to determine the best sequential process to arrive at the most appropriate treatment considering the individual general conditions and the parameters of the metastases. As the number of treatment options for metastatic bone disease has grown, it has become clear that effective implementation of these treatments can only be achieved by a multidisciplinary approach.

Annals of Oncology, 2013

The aims of this analysis were to investigate features and outcome of high-grade osteosarcomas of... more The aims of this analysis were to investigate features and outcome of high-grade osteosarcomas of the mobile spine. Since 1977, 20 Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group patients had a diagnosis of high-grade osteosarcomas of the mobile spine and were included in this retrospective analysis of patient-, tumor- and treatment-related variables and outcome. The median age was 29 years (range 5-58). Most frequent tumor sites were thoracic and lumbar spine. All but three patients had nonmetastatic disease at diagnosis. Treatment included surgery and chemotherapy for all patients, 13 were also irradiated. Eight patients failed to achieve a macroscopically complete surgical remission (five local, one primary metastases, two both), six died, two are alive, both with radiotherapy. Of 12 patients with complete remission at all sites, three had a recurrence (two local, one metastases) and died. The median follow-up of the 11 survivors was 8.7 years (range 3.1-22.3), 5-year overall and event-free survival rates were 60% and 43%. Age <40 years, nonmetastatic disease at diagnosis and complete remission predicted for better overall survival (OS, P < 0.05). Osteosarcomas of the mobile spine are rare. With complete resection (and potentially radiotherapy) and chemotherapy, prognosis may be comparable with that of appendicular osteosarcomas.

LO SCALPELLO-OTODI Educational, 2012

ABSTRACT Primary tumors of the lumbar spine are very rare and can be treated by an oncologically ... more ABSTRACT Primary tumors of the lumbar spine are very rare and can be treated by an oncologically appropriate surgery if properly diagnosed and staged. Surgical treatment is greatly conditioned by generally unresectable structures that severely limit the performance of a biopsy and the oncologically most appropriate surgery. However, there are surgical techniques allowing en bloc resection of the tumor in many cases. The knowledge of the characteristics of each tumor and its natural history should guide the choice of the best treatment.

European Spine Journal, 2010

The morbidity of surgical procedures for spine tumors can be expected to be worse than for other ... more The morbidity of surgical procedures for spine tumors can be expected to be worse than for other conditions. This is particularly true of en bloc resections, the most technically demanding procedures. A retrospective review of prospective data from a large series of en bloc resections may help to identify risk factors, and therefore to reduce the rate of complications and to improve outcome. A retrospective study of 1,035 patients affected by spine tumors-treated from 1990 to 2007 by the same teamidentified 134 patients (53.0% males, age 44 ± 18 years) who had undergone en bloc resection for primary tumors (90) and bone metastases (44). All clinical, histological and radiological data were recorded from the beginning of the period in a specifically built database. The study was set up to correlate diagnosis, staging and treatment with the outcome. Oncological and functional results were recorded for all patients at periodic, diagnosis-related controls, until death or the latest follow-up examination (from 0 to 211 months, median 47 months, 25th-75th percentile 22-85 months). Forty-seven on the 134 patients (34.3%) in the event of uncertainty, referral to a specialty center must be stressed.

European Spine Journal, 2012

Purpose To define the role of Enneking staging system and of the consequent different treatment o... more Purpose To define the role of Enneking staging system and of the consequent different treatment options on the outcome of osteoblastoma (OBL) of the spine. Methods A retrospective review of 51 patients with OBL of the mobile spine conducted to compare the outcomes among the different types of treatments at long term follow-up (25-229 months, av.90). These 51 patients were previously staged according to Enneking staging system and treatment selected accordingly. 10 stage two (st.2) OBLs were treated with intralesional excision and 41 stage three (st.3) OBLs were treated either by intralesional excision or en bloc resection. The intralesional excision group was divided considering the use or not of radiation therapy after surgery. The recurrence rate was compared among these groups and also considering previous open

Spine, 2005

Objectives: To evaluate the role of enbloc resection on the oncological outcome of patients with ... more Objectives: To evaluate the role of enbloc resection on the oncological outcome of patients with Ewing's sarcoma of the mobile spine treated with systemic multiagent chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy. While the role of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is well known and accepted in the treatment of Ewing sarcoma, there is no consensus on the role of enbloc resection in those tumors occurring in the mobile spine and, therefore, it can be difficult to conclude the decision making process, particularly if to achieve a tumorfree margin resection functionally relevant structures should be sacrificed. The study design of this work was the retrospective analysis of a series of 27 cases of Ewing sarcoma of the mobile spine homogeneously treated.

Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques, 2012

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology

Spine infections require a multidisciplinary approach to be treated and solved. A guide line to d... more Spine infections require a multidisciplinary approach to be treated and solved. A guide line to drive physicians in the deep complexity of such a disease is extremely helpful. SIMP suggests a flow-chart built up on clear concepts such as right and well managed antibiotic therapy, sound stability of the spine, correct and smart use of the standard and functional imaging techniques, such as f18 FDG PET/CT. In 16 months a total of 41 patients have been treated for spondylodiscitis, discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis by our team of physicians and 25 patients have been enrolled in a prospective study whose target is the assessment of the SIMP flow-chart and of every single aspect that characterize it.

The Spine Journal, 2014

Many studies have demonstrated that en bloc surgical resection of primary spinal tumors with adeq... more Many studies have demonstrated that en bloc surgical resection of primary spinal tumors with adequate margins results in improved local disease control and survival compared with intralesional excision. Nevertheless, the use of this procedure is under debate because most of the current evidence is provided by small and heterogeneous series of cases. To validate the application of en bloc resection for the treatment of aggressive benign and primary malignant spinal tumors. This is a prospective cohort study. From August 1990 to March 2010, 103 consecutive patients affected by primary spinal tumors were enrolled in the study. All patients were submitted to the same clinical and imaging workup. Analysis of local recurrence (LR) and tumor-related mortality, reliability of preoperative surgical planning, and morbidity and mortality. In addition, the effects of possible predictors of these events were studied. The parameters for the effectiveness and safety of en bloc resections performed on primary spinal tumors were considered as primary end points of this study, and two research questions were formulated. The analysis of the procedure effectiveness considered the identification of possible predictors of LR and tumor-related mortality. Information about safety is collected so as to clarify the possibility to respect the preoperative planning and to identify possible predictors of morbidity and mortality. Data from clinical and imaging examination were collected in a database and were used to answer the proposed research questions. All patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months or until death. At the final assessment, 69 patients resulted with no evidence of disease with a mean follow-up of 100 months. Among the 103 patients, tumor recurred in 22 cases with a mean follow-up period of 39 months after surgery. A Cox regression multivariate analysis shows that marginal and intralesional resections are independent predictors of LR (hazard ratio [HR] 9.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-84.47 and HR 38.62, 95% CI 4.67-319.21, respectively, compared with wide resection) and tumor-related mortality (in particular, HR 17.10, 95% CI 3.80-77.04 for intralesional resection compared with the wide one). The same analysis demonstrates that en bloc resection performed in recurrent cases or patients previously submitted to open biopsy (nonintact cases) have a LR risk higher than intact cases (HR 3.45, 95% CI 1.38-8.63). The success rate of en bloc resections in achieving adequate margins is 82.4%, and Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini surgical staging can also predict the margins in a high percentage of cases (75.7%). Complications occurred in 41.7% of patients with a higher rate observed in the nonintact group and for surgery with a double-approach or multisegmental resections. The mortality rate related to surgery complications was 1.9%, whereas tumor-related mortality was 15.5%. Statistical analysis of the long-term results referred to 103 patients affected by aggressive benign and malignant primary spine tumors indicates that an en bloc resection is associated with a high rate of complications. Nevertheless, it decreases the risk of LR and tumor-related mortality. En bloc resection is a highly demanding procedure but can be performed to an acceptable degree of safety.

European Spine Journal, 2011

Vertebral compression fractures represent a frequent pathology among elderly population, with pot... more Vertebral compression fractures represent a frequent pathology among elderly population, with potentially devastating consequences. More than 20 years have passed since percutaneous vertebroplasty was initially used in the treatment of angiomas, representing nowadays a widely used treatment for osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The authors present a retrospective review of 59 consecutive patients (in total 94 fractured levels) that underwent polymethylmethacrylate percutaneous vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures due to senile or secondary osteoporosis. All fractures were free from neurologic involvement and were classified as A1 type according to Magerl classification. All of patients were initially treated conservatively, by application of orthosis that allows immediate deambulation. At control, patients who complained of pain and limitation of daily activities underwent MRI. If presence of marrow signal changes, especially hypertense signal in T2-weighted images was confirmed, percutaneous vertebroplasty procedure was performed (we could call it ''sub-acute'' procedure). A limited group of patients that did not tolerate brace and had an insufficient pain control underwent vertebroplasty ''in acute'', few days after fracture. Immediate post-operative pain reduction and follow-up clinical outcome (estimating quality of life and residual back pain) were evaluated by means of Visual Analogue Scale, SF-36 and Oswestry Disability Index. In the immediate post-operative course a significant pain relief was found in 39 patients (66.1%), moderate pain relief in 17 (28.8%), while 3 (5.1%) did not achieve relevant pain improvement. Pain intensity and life quality was maintained within satisfactory limits after a mean followup of 16 months. In conclusion, percutaneous vertebroplasty is an effective and safe procedure for treating vertebral compression fractures in the elderly. It provides immediate pain relief and allows early mobilization, thus avoiding potentially severe complications related to persistent back pain and prolonged bed rest. When performed by experienced surgeon complication rate is low, representing a safe procedure, able to provide a satisfactory outcome.

Strategies in trauma and limb reconstruction (Online), 2014

Indications and techniques of locked plate fixation for the treatment of challenging fractures co... more Indications and techniques of locked plate fixation for the treatment of challenging fractures continue to evolve. As design variant of classic locked plates, the polyaxial locked plate has the ability to alter the screw angle and thereby, enhance fracture fixation. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic results in 89 patients with 90 fractures of the distal femur treated, between June 2006 and November 2011, with such a polyaxial locked plating system (Polyax™ Locked Plating System, DePuy, Warsaw, IN, USA). Seventy-seven fractures formed the report of this study. These cases were followed up until complete fracture healing or for a mean time of 77 weeks. At the time of last follow-up, 58 of 77 fractures (75.3 %) progressed to union without complication and radiographic healing occurred at a mean time of 16.3 weeks. Complications occurred in ten fractures that did not affect the healing and in nine fractures that showed delayed or non-union. Th...

Spine infections require a multidisciplinary approach to be treated and solved. A guide line to d... more Spine infections require a multidisciplinary approach to be treated and solved. A guide line to drive physicians in the deep complexity of such a disease is extremely helpful. SIMP suggests a flow-chart built up on clear concepts such as right and well managed antibiotic therapy, sound stability of the spine, correct and smart use of the standard and functional imaging techniques, such as f18 FDG PET/CT. In 16 months a total of 41 patients have been treated for spondylodiscitis, discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis by our team of physicians and 25 patients have been enrolled in a prospective study whose target is the assessment of the SIMP flow-chart and of every single aspect that characterize it.

ANZ journal of surgery, Jan 20, 2015

MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY, 2010

Malalignment causes abnormal forces that may lead to loosening after knee replacement. Whether a ... more Malalignment causes abnormal forces that may lead to loosening after knee replacement. Whether a computer-assisted technique can improve the precision of implant positioning guaranteeing good long-term results in total knee arthroplasty, this is a matter of discussion. The authors evaluate the alignment accuracy of 20 primary total knee arthroplasties, performed using an image-free computer navigation systems, with standardized CT protocol and three-dimensional digital model reconstruction. The results of this study demonstrate that the image-free navigation system is able to improve accuracy in axial limb alignment and positioning of the components in the majority of cases; moreover, the difference between the mean mechanical axis value of the navigation system (179.7°± 1.7°) and the median mean value obtained during the post-operative evaluation (180.3°± 1.9°) is not statistically significant (P = 0.28).

Injury, 2014

Multifocal humeral fractures are extremely rare. These may affect the neck and the shaft, the sha... more Multifocal humeral fractures are extremely rare. These may affect the neck and the shaft, the shaft alone, or the diaphysis and the distal humerus. There is no classification of these fractures in the literature. From 2004 to 2010, 717 patients with humeral fracture were treated surgically at our department. Thirty-five patients presented with an associated fracture of the proximal and diaphyseal humerus: synthesis was performed with plate and screws in 34 patients, and the remaining patient had an open fracture that was treated with an external fixator. Mean follow-up was 3 years and 3 months. A classification is proposed in which type A fractures are those affecting the proximal and the humeral shaft, type B the diaphysis alone, and type C the diaphysis in association with the distal humerus. Type A fractures are then divided into three subgroups: A-I, undisplaced fracture of the proximal humerus and displaced shaft fracture; A-II: displaced fracture of the proximal and humeral shaft; and A-III: multifragmentary fracture affecting the proximal humerus and extending to the diaphysis. Multifocal humeral fractures are very rare and little described in the literature, both for classification and treatment. The AO classification describes bifocal fracture of the humeral diaphysis, type B and C. The classification suggested in this article mainly concerns fractures involving the proximal and humeral shaft. A simple classification of multifocal fractures is suggested to help the surgeon choose the most suitable type of synthesis for surgical treatment.

European Spine Journal, 2013

Our aim is to define the role of embolization in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst of the spi... more Our aim is to define the role of embolization in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst of the spine in order to include this option in the decision making process. From April 2004 to November 2009, seven patients with primary aneurysmal bone cyst of the mobile spine treated by embolization have been prospectively followed-up. All clinical presentations and imagings were recorded. There are many options of embolic agent and techniques used, but all aim to devascularize the tumor. The therapeutic protocol includes: embolization repeated every 8 weeks until the appearance of radiographic signs of healing. Complications, rate of healing and clinical outcome were analyzed. The number of embolizations varied from one to a maximum of seven without related intra- or post-operative complications. One patient, after four selective arterial embolizations, underwent direct percutaneous injection of embolic agents into the cyst. A clinical and radiographical response was achieved in all patients who were found alive and completely free of disease at mean follow-up of 46 months after last treatment and nobody crossed to surgical option. Embolization seems to be the first option for spinal aneurysmal bone cyst treatment because of the best cost-to-benefit ratio. It is indicated in intact aneurysmal bone cyst, when diagnosis is certain, when technically feasible and safe and when no pathologic fracture or neurologic involvements are found. If embolization fails, other options for treatment would still be available.

European Spine Journal, 2012

Purpose To define the role of Enneking staging system and of the consequent different treatment o... more Purpose To define the role of Enneking staging system and of the consequent different treatment options on the outcome of osteoblastoma (OBL) of the spine. Methods A retrospective review of 51 patients with OBL of the mobile spine conducted to compare the outcomes among the different types of treatments at long term follow-up (25-229 months, av.90). These 51 patients were previously staged according to Enneking staging system and treatment selected accordingly. 10 stage two (st.2) OBLs were treated with intralesional excision and 41 stage three (st.3) OBLs were treated either by intralesional excision or en bloc resection. The intralesional excision group was divided considering the use or not of radiation therapy after surgery. The recurrence rate was compared among these groups and also considering previous open

Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques, 2012

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

European Surgical Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 2014

Bone metastases are only apparently similar lesions, considering the large varieties of istotypes... more Bone metastases are only apparently similar lesions, considering the large varieties of istotypes and the spread of the primary tumour. Although these metastases develop early and are not terminal events, they have to be considered as severe complications. When possible, surgical treatment can improve the history of the patient in terms of life expectancy and quality of life. The approach to these lesions should be multidisciplinary in collaboration with oncologists and radiotherapists. In fact the average of survival of these patients has increased in recent years. The evolution of anesthesiological techniques permits surgical treatments that once were considered prohibitive. The application of new adjuvant therapies increases the effectiveness for surgical treatment. Controversy exists over the most appropriate treatment for patients with bone metastatic disease. The purpose was to determine the best sequential process to arrive at the most appropriate treatment considering the individual general conditions and the parameters of the metastases. As the number of treatment options for metastatic bone disease has grown, it has become clear that effective implementation of these treatments can only be achieved by a multidisciplinary approach.

Annals of Oncology, 2013

The aims of this analysis were to investigate features and outcome of high-grade osteosarcomas of... more The aims of this analysis were to investigate features and outcome of high-grade osteosarcomas of the mobile spine. Since 1977, 20 Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group patients had a diagnosis of high-grade osteosarcomas of the mobile spine and were included in this retrospective analysis of patient-, tumor- and treatment-related variables and outcome. The median age was 29 years (range 5-58). Most frequent tumor sites were thoracic and lumbar spine. All but three patients had nonmetastatic disease at diagnosis. Treatment included surgery and chemotherapy for all patients, 13 were also irradiated. Eight patients failed to achieve a macroscopically complete surgical remission (five local, one primary metastases, two both), six died, two are alive, both with radiotherapy. Of 12 patients with complete remission at all sites, three had a recurrence (two local, one metastases) and died. The median follow-up of the 11 survivors was 8.7 years (range 3.1-22.3), 5-year overall and event-free survival rates were 60% and 43%. Age <40 years, nonmetastatic disease at diagnosis and complete remission predicted for better overall survival (OS, P < 0.05). Osteosarcomas of the mobile spine are rare. With complete resection (and potentially radiotherapy) and chemotherapy, prognosis may be comparable with that of appendicular osteosarcomas.

LO SCALPELLO-OTODI Educational, 2012

ABSTRACT Primary tumors of the lumbar spine are very rare and can be treated by an oncologically ... more ABSTRACT Primary tumors of the lumbar spine are very rare and can be treated by an oncologically appropriate surgery if properly diagnosed and staged. Surgical treatment is greatly conditioned by generally unresectable structures that severely limit the performance of a biopsy and the oncologically most appropriate surgery. However, there are surgical techniques allowing en bloc resection of the tumor in many cases. The knowledge of the characteristics of each tumor and its natural history should guide the choice of the best treatment.

European Spine Journal, 2010

The morbidity of surgical procedures for spine tumors can be expected to be worse than for other ... more The morbidity of surgical procedures for spine tumors can be expected to be worse than for other conditions. This is particularly true of en bloc resections, the most technically demanding procedures. A retrospective review of prospective data from a large series of en bloc resections may help to identify risk factors, and therefore to reduce the rate of complications and to improve outcome. A retrospective study of 1,035 patients affected by spine tumors-treated from 1990 to 2007 by the same teamidentified 134 patients (53.0% males, age 44 ± 18 years) who had undergone en bloc resection for primary tumors (90) and bone metastases (44). All clinical, histological and radiological data were recorded from the beginning of the period in a specifically built database. The study was set up to correlate diagnosis, staging and treatment with the outcome. Oncological and functional results were recorded for all patients at periodic, diagnosis-related controls, until death or the latest follow-up examination (from 0 to 211 months, median 47 months, 25th-75th percentile 22-85 months). Forty-seven on the 134 patients (34.3%) in the event of uncertainty, referral to a specialty center must be stressed.

European Spine Journal, 2012

Purpose To define the role of Enneking staging system and of the consequent different treatment o... more Purpose To define the role of Enneking staging system and of the consequent different treatment options on the outcome of osteoblastoma (OBL) of the spine. Methods A retrospective review of 51 patients with OBL of the mobile spine conducted to compare the outcomes among the different types of treatments at long term follow-up (25-229 months, av.90). These 51 patients were previously staged according to Enneking staging system and treatment selected accordingly. 10 stage two (st.2) OBLs were treated with intralesional excision and 41 stage three (st.3) OBLs were treated either by intralesional excision or en bloc resection. The intralesional excision group was divided considering the use or not of radiation therapy after surgery. The recurrence rate was compared among these groups and also considering previous open

Spine, 2005

Objectives: To evaluate the role of enbloc resection on the oncological outcome of patients with ... more Objectives: To evaluate the role of enbloc resection on the oncological outcome of patients with Ewing's sarcoma of the mobile spine treated with systemic multiagent chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy. While the role of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is well known and accepted in the treatment of Ewing sarcoma, there is no consensus on the role of enbloc resection in those tumors occurring in the mobile spine and, therefore, it can be difficult to conclude the decision making process, particularly if to achieve a tumorfree margin resection functionally relevant structures should be sacrificed. The study design of this work was the retrospective analysis of a series of 27 cases of Ewing sarcoma of the mobile spine homogeneously treated.

Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques, 2012

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology

Spine infections require a multidisciplinary approach to be treated and solved. A guide line to d... more Spine infections require a multidisciplinary approach to be treated and solved. A guide line to drive physicians in the deep complexity of such a disease is extremely helpful. SIMP suggests a flow-chart built up on clear concepts such as right and well managed antibiotic therapy, sound stability of the spine, correct and smart use of the standard and functional imaging techniques, such as f18 FDG PET/CT. In 16 months a total of 41 patients have been treated for spondylodiscitis, discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis by our team of physicians and 25 patients have been enrolled in a prospective study whose target is the assessment of the SIMP flow-chart and of every single aspect that characterize it.

The Spine Journal, 2014

Many studies have demonstrated that en bloc surgical resection of primary spinal tumors with adeq... more Many studies have demonstrated that en bloc surgical resection of primary spinal tumors with adequate margins results in improved local disease control and survival compared with intralesional excision. Nevertheless, the use of this procedure is under debate because most of the current evidence is provided by small and heterogeneous series of cases. To validate the application of en bloc resection for the treatment of aggressive benign and primary malignant spinal tumors. This is a prospective cohort study. From August 1990 to March 2010, 103 consecutive patients affected by primary spinal tumors were enrolled in the study. All patients were submitted to the same clinical and imaging workup. Analysis of local recurrence (LR) and tumor-related mortality, reliability of preoperative surgical planning, and morbidity and mortality. In addition, the effects of possible predictors of these events were studied. The parameters for the effectiveness and safety of en bloc resections performed on primary spinal tumors were considered as primary end points of this study, and two research questions were formulated. The analysis of the procedure effectiveness considered the identification of possible predictors of LR and tumor-related mortality. Information about safety is collected so as to clarify the possibility to respect the preoperative planning and to identify possible predictors of morbidity and mortality. Data from clinical and imaging examination were collected in a database and were used to answer the proposed research questions. All patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months or until death. At the final assessment, 69 patients resulted with no evidence of disease with a mean follow-up of 100 months. Among the 103 patients, tumor recurred in 22 cases with a mean follow-up period of 39 months after surgery. A Cox regression multivariate analysis shows that marginal and intralesional resections are independent predictors of LR (hazard ratio [HR] 9.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-84.47 and HR 38.62, 95% CI 4.67-319.21, respectively, compared with wide resection) and tumor-related mortality (in particular, HR 17.10, 95% CI 3.80-77.04 for intralesional resection compared with the wide one). The same analysis demonstrates that en bloc resection performed in recurrent cases or patients previously submitted to open biopsy (nonintact cases) have a LR risk higher than intact cases (HR 3.45, 95% CI 1.38-8.63). The success rate of en bloc resections in achieving adequate margins is 82.4%, and Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini surgical staging can also predict the margins in a high percentage of cases (75.7%). Complications occurred in 41.7% of patients with a higher rate observed in the nonintact group and for surgery with a double-approach or multisegmental resections. The mortality rate related to surgery complications was 1.9%, whereas tumor-related mortality was 15.5%. Statistical analysis of the long-term results referred to 103 patients affected by aggressive benign and malignant primary spine tumors indicates that an en bloc resection is associated with a high rate of complications. Nevertheless, it decreases the risk of LR and tumor-related mortality. En bloc resection is a highly demanding procedure but can be performed to an acceptable degree of safety.

European Spine Journal, 2011

Vertebral compression fractures represent a frequent pathology among elderly population, with pot... more Vertebral compression fractures represent a frequent pathology among elderly population, with potentially devastating consequences. More than 20 years have passed since percutaneous vertebroplasty was initially used in the treatment of angiomas, representing nowadays a widely used treatment for osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The authors present a retrospective review of 59 consecutive patients (in total 94 fractured levels) that underwent polymethylmethacrylate percutaneous vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures due to senile or secondary osteoporosis. All fractures were free from neurologic involvement and were classified as A1 type according to Magerl classification. All of patients were initially treated conservatively, by application of orthosis that allows immediate deambulation. At control, patients who complained of pain and limitation of daily activities underwent MRI. If presence of marrow signal changes, especially hypertense signal in T2-weighted images was confirmed, percutaneous vertebroplasty procedure was performed (we could call it ''sub-acute'' procedure). A limited group of patients that did not tolerate brace and had an insufficient pain control underwent vertebroplasty ''in acute'', few days after fracture. Immediate post-operative pain reduction and follow-up clinical outcome (estimating quality of life and residual back pain) were evaluated by means of Visual Analogue Scale, SF-36 and Oswestry Disability Index. In the immediate post-operative course a significant pain relief was found in 39 patients (66.1%), moderate pain relief in 17 (28.8%), while 3 (5.1%) did not achieve relevant pain improvement. Pain intensity and life quality was maintained within satisfactory limits after a mean followup of 16 months. In conclusion, percutaneous vertebroplasty is an effective and safe procedure for treating vertebral compression fractures in the elderly. It provides immediate pain relief and allows early mobilization, thus avoiding potentially severe complications related to persistent back pain and prolonged bed rest. When performed by experienced surgeon complication rate is low, representing a safe procedure, able to provide a satisfactory outcome.