Massive bone allografts in large skeletal defects after tumor surgery: a clinical and microradiographic evaluation

Massive deep-frozen bone allografts were implanted in 13 patients after en bloc tumor resection. Patients were followed up for 14 months to 17 years. Most of the reconstructive procedures included a segmental bone allograft with knee or ankle fusion. Graft infections were the most critical complications in regard to the end results, finally requiring amputation in two cases. There were three stress fractures; two of which were successfully treated without further complication. Graft incorporation was assessed by bone scintimetry in four cases. Isotope uptake by the center of the graft was found to be superior to control bone segments at only 15 years after surgery. Two recovered allograft specimens were available for a microradiographic study. Creeping substitution was a very slow process, initiated at the outer surface of the graft and characterized at 2-3 years after implantation by large, incompletely filled osteons. The present investigation demonstrates that massive bone allografts are very slowly revascularized and are intimately anchored by the host bone. Provided that tumor control is effective and graft infection is avoided, reconstructive surgery with massive bone allografts represents a successful alternative to prosthetic implants in young adult with a long life expectancy.