Correlation between MRI template and tumor resection for safety margin: a retrospective study

Bone tumor surgery necessitates precise assessment of resection margins to optimize patient outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities offer valuable preoperative insights, but their correlation with anatomopathological findings remains largely underexplored.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 47 patients with long bone sarcomas eligible for resection surgery. Preoperative MRI scans, including T1, T2, and contrast sequences, were analyzed, and corresponding histopathological evaluations were performed postoperatively. Data analysis was conducted on SAS 9.4 using summary statistics and t-tests for comparison.

Mean differences in tumor measurements between preoperative MRI and histopathological assessment were measured. The observed disparities were 2.04 cm for T1, 1.92 cm for T2, and 1.55 cm for contrast sequences, with no significant variations detected between MRI modalities. Similarly, when MRI modalities were compared among themselves for tumor measurements, no significant difference was found. Most of the observed differences between MRI modalities and histopathology were < = 2 cm.

The present study highlighted the importance of optimizing MRI utilization and surgical planning protocols to enhance the accuracy of bone tumor surgery. By addressing the challenges associated with margin analysis and integrating MRI findings with histopathological evaluations, it is possible to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of orthopedic oncology.