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Segmental limb reconstruction after tumor resection.
H T Temple1, T R Kuklo, R A Lehman
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.
American Journal of Orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.)
|August 5, 2000
Summary
Limb salvage surgery for bone tumors offers a high success rate (91%) and good functional outcomes, comparable to amputation. While complications occur, prosthetic reconstruction provides patients with independence and improved mobility.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Limb salvage surgery is the standard of care for musculoskeletal tumors, offering survival rates similar to amputation.
- Reconstruction of large bone defects after tumor resection presents significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of limb salvage reconstruction using custom or modular metal implants for large segmental bone defects.
- To assess local recurrence, complications, and functional outcomes in patients with primary and metastatic bone tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 32 patients who underwent limb salvage reconstruction with metal implants between 1985 and 1995.
- Data collection included tumor type, location, recurrence, complications, functional status, and survival.
Main Results:
- A high limb salvage rate of 91% was achieved.
- Complications occurred in 28% of patients, but prosthetic failure requiring amputation was rare (3 patients).
- Most surviving patients achieved independence with or without assistive devices, with no aseptic loosening or implant breakage in long-term follow-up (≥2 years).
Conclusions:
- Limb salvage reconstruction with metal implants provides favorable functional outcomes and an acceptable complication rate for large segmental bone defects.
- This approach offers patients a better functional result and more energy-efficient gait compared to amputation.