Bone allografts after segmental resection of tumours

Massive cryo-preserved bone allografts were implanted in 17 patients after segmental resection, 10 for malignant and 7 for benign bone tumours. A segmental graft alone was used in 6 cases, a bone graft with an arthrodesis in 8, and a combination of graft and prosthesis in 1. The tumours were resected widely; the average length of graft was 6.4 cm in benign tumours and 11 cm in malignant tumours. Chemotherapy was given for one year after operation. There were 2 local recurrences, one severe infection, sloughing of the wound in 2, graft absorption in 3 and breakage of metal in 2. Follow up was from 14 months to 12 years. Bone healing was assessed by radiography in 13 cases. All grafted bone in patients receiving chemotherapy failed to heal primarily, as did 3 of the grafts for benign tumours. Secondary rigid fixation and an additional autogenous graft resulted in healing of the bone junction within a year.