[Atypical amputations of bone tumors of the lower extremity (author's transl)]

The most predominant problem concerning malignant tumors in the lower extremities is the radical removal of the tumor, for this almost always involves amputation. Referring to the eventual outfitting of a prosthesis one must keep functionality in mind from the start. This includes all the planing for the preservation of a stump that can be fitted with a prosthesis. Experience has confirmed the advantages of foot-root stumps and knee disarticulation. Good functional results can be attained with tumors of the femur in individual cases through atypical operations. This involved elongation of the stump by means of a fibula transplant; replacing the femur with a bioceramic endoprosthesis; and rotation-plasty, whereby the knee joint is replaced by the ankle joint.