Primary bone tumors and tumor like lesions of the ulna

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to discuss the diagnosis and surgical management and their results according to stage of primary bone tumors at ulna and to share our experience on this exceptional location for bone tumors.

Methods: We have retrospectively reviewed our clinics database and identified 23 cases (14 males and 9 females, mean age was 28.9 (range 4-77)) with primary bone tumors and tumor like lesion involvement of ulna. The patients were evaluated according to complaints, type and grade of tumor, treatment, recurrence and functional status.

Results: The most common first referral complaint was constrictive pain in 52.1% of the cases, benign tumors and tumor like lesions of the bone constituted 73.9% whereas malignant bone tumors were 26.1%, 39.1% of the lesions were located in distal end of ulna and the mean follow up was 33.8 months (range 8-172 months). Local recurrence has unexpectedly occurred in 3 benign lesions (13.1%).

Conclusion: Benign bone lesions tend to involve distal and proximal ends, malign bone lesions involve diaphysis mostly. Both benign and malignant diaphyseal lesions of the ulna have better postoperative results regarding the lesions at both ends of ulna. One should also take care of recurrences even after a decade from the primary surgery.

Level of evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Keywords: Ewing sarcoma; Giant cell tumor; Primary bone tumors of the ulna; Recurrence; Ulna.