Age-related Changes of Clinico-radiological Findings in Osteosarcoma

In order to investigate age-related changes in clinico-radiological findings of osteosarcoma, we divided 34 patients into the following 3 groups according to their age: Group 1; 16 patients less than 18 years, Group 2; 11 patients from 19 to 49 years and Group 3; 7 patients more than 50 years.The values of serum alkaline phosphatase in Group 1, 2 and 3 were 532±355, 740±709 and 344±198, respectively. Statistical analysis disclosed a significant decrese of the value in Group 3. The ratio of sclerotic and mixed types in radiographic appearances of the tumors was 87.5%, 63.7% and 57.2% in Group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The typical periosteal reactions like Codman's triangle and spicula were observed frequently in Group 1, 2 and 3 in that order.This study suggested that clinico-radiographic appearances of osteosarcoma in elderly patients differed from those in younger subjects in regard to their capability for tumoral and periosteal bone formation.