Osteoarticular allograft reconstruction of the distal radius after bone tumour resection

Resection of the distal end of the radius is indicated in the treatment of locally aggressive primary benign and malignant bone tumours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technique of osteoarticular allograft reconstruction of this bone defect. We analysed 12 patients retrospectively with a minimum follow-up of 2 years (range 26-145 months, median 52 months). Three patients had a malignant tumour and nine had a giant cell tumour. The patients ages ranged from 13 to 65 years. The mean resected length of the radius was 6.6 (range 4-14)cm. Non-union of the osteotomy line was diagnosed 6 months after surgery in one case and needed bone grafting. Distal radio-ulnar joint instability was observed in eight cases. Subchondral bone alterations and joint narrowing were present in all cases but were painful in only one patient. The mean range of motion was 51 degrees of flexion and 37 degrees of extension.