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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis with Total Ankle Replacement Through a Lateral Transfibular Approach
Published on: January 24, 2018
Clinical outcomes of total femoral replacement. First Latin American experience
Jorge Cabrolier1, Oscar Ceballos2, Fabiola Rieloff3
1Instituto Traumatológico Dr. Teodoro Gebauer, San Martin 771, 8340220, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile; Clinica Alemana - Universidad Del Desarrollo, Av Vitacura 5951, 7640745, Vitacura, Region Metropolitana, Chile.
Introduction:
The femur is frequently affected by primary and metastatic bone tumors. In cases with substantial bone loss, Total Femur Replacement (TFR) remains the only viable limb preservation option. This study investigates the clinical outcomes of TFR patients in a Latin American setting, with a minimum 3-year follow-up.
Methods:
Retrospective review identifying cases of TFR at a single center from 2009 to 2020. Patients who had TFR either due to oncological indications or complications arising from oncology-related surgeries were included. Data on the indications for surgery and post-operative complications were recorded. To assess functional status, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) were used.
Results:
Fourteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Diagnoses included eight osteosarcomas, four chondrosarcomas, one Ewing sarcoma, and one giant cell tumor. Ten patients had undergone prior surgeries. Indication for TFR was a complication of a previous surgery in 78.6 % of cases. Post-TFR complications were experienced by 35.7 % of patients, requiring further surgeries. At the 3-year mark, average MSTS and TESS scores were 67.4 % and 70.8 %, respectively.
Conclusion:
Total femur replacement serves as a valuable limb salvage solution for patients with significant femoral defects in oncological scenarios, however, there is a significant risk of complications. Given its potential benefits, it is essential for developing countries to consider incorporating TFR into their healthcare systems.
