[Massive allograft replacement in management of bone tumors]

To evaluate the functional outcome and the complications of allograft replacement in management of bone tumors.

Between March 1992 and September 2002 164 patients underwent bone tumor resection and massive allograft reconstruction of bone defects. The length of the resected part ranged from 5 - 35 cm. The resections were classified as marginal or wide resections of the tumor on the basis of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society staging system. Fresh-frozen allografts were employed as osteoarticular grafts (n = 95), hemi-condylar (n = 15), massive (n = 23), allograft-prosthesis composite (n = 12), intercalary grafts (n = 15) or hemi-pelvic grafts (n = 4). Most of the lesions were osteosarcoma and giant cell tumor of bone and located in proximal and distal femur, proximal tibia and humerus.

At a median follow-up of 47 months (range, 12 to 168 months) after the operation, 154 of the patients in the study were free of disease and 10 died of disease. Twenty-one (12.8%) patients had local recurrence and 38 (23.2%) nonunion. Late complications included 11 (6.7%) fractures of the allograft and 18 (11.0%) infections of the graft. Instability of the joint in the form of subluxation was noted in 13 (7.9%) patients. Ten extremities were amputated due to local recurrence or severe infection.

Allografts can be used for reconstruction of bony defects after tumor resection. Allograft has nearly similar shape, strength, osteo-conduction and osteo-induction with host bone. Allograft implantation is a high complication reconstruction method, and the risk of recurrence increases when less surgical margin achieves.