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Total femur and total knee replacement. A preliminary report
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|July 1, 1977
Summary
Total femur replacement surgery saves limbs affected by osteogenic sarcoma. This procedure removes the entire femur, replacing it with metal components, resulting in a functional, albeit weaker, limb. Patients can walk independently, though assistive devices improve gait.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic oncology
- Surgical oncology
- Bone tumor treatment
Background:
- Osteogenic sarcoma is a malignant bone tumor often requiring amputation.
- The femur is a common site with a historically low cure rate.
- Skip metastases can complicate surgical margins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report outcomes of total femur replacement in 19 patients with osteogenic sarcoma.
- To evaluate limb salvage as an alternative to amputation.
- To assess functional recovery after extensive femoral resection.
Main Methods:
- Surgical excision of the entire femur, including surrounding tissue and the knee joint.
- Isolation of the neurovascular bundle.
- Reconstruction using a total femur and knee prosthesis made of metal.
Main Results:
- Limb salvage was achieved in all 19 cases.
- Patients retained functional lower extremities.
- While patients could ambulate without support, gait was improved with assistive devices like canes or braces.
Conclusions:
- Total femur replacement is a viable limb-salvage option for osteogenic sarcoma.
- The procedure allows for functional recovery, though gait may be impaired.
- Metal prostheses provide a reconstructive solution for extensive femoral bone loss.