Arthrodesis after resection of bone tumors

Advances in chemotherapy and radiographic imaging have allowed resection and limb-salvage surgery to be performed on the majority of patients with bone tumors. Extensive soft tissue resection, extra-articular resection, and social factors often contraindicate a mobile reconstruction of the involved or adjacent joint. In these cases, an arthrodesis often can maintain a functional extremity. Current soft tissue techniques and advances in orthopedic hardware have minimized complications and allowed successful outcomes for the majority of patients. This article reviews resection arthrodeses about the knee, shoulder, wrist, and ankle. The surgical technique, complications, and functional outcomes of these procedures are presented.