En-bloc resection, extracorporeal irradiation, and re-implantation in limb salvage for bony malignancies.
We treated 50 patients with bony malignancy by en-bloc resection, extracorporeal irradiation with 50 Gy and re-implantation of the bone segment. The mean survivor follow-up was 38 months (12 to 92) when 42 patients were alive and without disease. There were four recurrences. The functional results were good according to the Mankin score (17 excellent, 13 good, nine fair, three failures), the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score (mean 77) and the Toronto Extremity Salvage score (mean 81). There was solid union, but bone resorption was seen in some cases. The dose of radiation was lethal to all cells and produced a dead autograft of perfect fit. Extracorporeal irradiation is a useful technique for limb salvage when there is reasonable residual bone stock. It allows effective re-attachment of tendons and produces a lasting biological reconstruction. There should be no risk of local recurrence or of radiotherapy-induced malignancy in the replanted bone.
Davidson
A W
AW
The New South Wales Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Service, The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia. alastair_davidson@hotmail.com
Hong
A
A
McCarthy
S W
SW
Stalley
P D
PD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006811:Humerus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D023821:Limb Salvage / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D012092:Replantation / Q000379:methods*; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome