Large segment allograft implantation for defects after bone tumor resection

Objective To report the results of large segment allografts in the treatment for bone tumor. Methods A retrospective analysis of 79 consecutive cases of large segment allograft implantations after resection of bone tumors from september 1991 to october 1998 was conducted. The allogeneic bone healing were observed. Fifty five of the 79 cases had an average age of 28.8 years (ranged 9－ 70 years). There were 38 osteosarcomas, 12 aggressive giant cell tumor of bone, 29 other bone tumors. Inter segmental allograft was performed in 24 cases, osteoarticular allograft 50 cases, allograft and prosthesis 5 cases. The mean length of allograft was 13.5 cm (ranged 8－ 22 cm). The types of fixation included common intramedullary nailing in 16 cases, interlocking intramedullary nailing in 53 cases, plate in 5 cases, prosthesis 5 cases. Results Followed up period ranged from 5 months to 7 years (average, 2.8 years) in 67 cases. 62 cases had union and 5 non unions. There was significant difference between the rate of union after fixation with common intramedullary and that after interlocking intramedullary fixation (P0.05).The major complications were reccurrence in 8 cases, nonunion 5 cases had excellent results,23 cases good, 11 cases fair and 8 cases poor. Conclusion The allograft bones implantation is a most desirable graft material for repair of bone defected in course of limb salvage following resection of bone tumors. Satisfactory union were obtained with a stable interlocking intramedullary nail fixation.