Massive allograft replacement in management of bone tumors

Objective: To evaluate the functional outcome and the complications of allograft replacement in management of bone tumors.

Methods: Between March 1992 and September 2002 164 patients underwent bone tumor resection and massive allograft reconstruction of bone defects. The length of the resected part ranged from 5 - 35 cm. The resections were classified as marginal or wide resections of the tumor on the basis of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society staging system. Fresh-frozen allografts were employed as osteoarticular grafts (n = 95), hemi-condylar (n = 15), massive (n = 23), allograft-prosthesis composite (n = 12), intercalary grafts (n = 15) or hemi-pelvic grafts (n = 4). Most of the lesions were osteosarcoma and giant cell tumor of bone and located in proximal and distal femur, proximal tibia and humerus.

Results: At a median follow-up of 47 months (range, 12 to 168 months) after the operation, 154 of the patients in the study were free of disease and 10 died of disease. Twenty-one (12.8%) patients had local recurrence and 38 (23.2%) nonunion. Late complications included 11 (6.7%) fractures of the allograft and 18 (11.0%) infections of the graft. Instability of the joint in the form of subluxation was noted in 13 (7.9%) patients. Ten extremities were amputated due to local recurrence or severe infection.

Conclusions: Allografts can be used for reconstruction of bony defects after tumor resection. Allograft has nearly similar shape, strength, osteo-conduction and osteo-induction with host bone. Allograft implantation is a high complication reconstruction method, and the risk of recurrence increases when less surgical margin achieves.