Use of extendable prostheses: a limb-salvaging alternative for patients with malignant bone tumors

Children with primary bone tumors require radical surgical procedures and complex reconstructions. In addition to adequate disease control, the surgeon has to address the injured growth plate and consequent limb length inequality. Extendable prostheses constitute an alternative to other limb-salvaging techniques. Since the first description of the device three decades ago, several changes in materials, design and indications have been a matter of constant debate. The indications and results of this prosthesis will be reviewed and an expert commentary regarding the current and future trends of the device will be presented.