[Extendible replacement of the distal femur in the treatment of osteosarcoma in growing individuals].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the possibility of using extendible distal femoral replacements in the treatment of osteosarcoma in growing individuals.


METHODS
From December 1999 to March 2003, 3 cases (2 were type II B, 1 was type II A) with osteosarcoma were treated by extendible distal femoral replacements. Of the 3 cases, 2 underwent prosthesis extention operation, 1 was not operated.


RESULTS
After the removal of tumor, the extremities of 2 patients were shortened by 4 to 5 cm within 2 to 3 years. After the lengthening procedure, the affected extremities were of equal length to the unaffected extremities and no drag symptoms of blood vessel and nerves were observed. Follow-up was done for 2 months to 3 years. There was no aseptic loosening. The function of joints was fairly good.


CONCLUSIONS
Extendible distal femoral replacements is an easy, convenient, and effective way to treat osteosarcoma.
Li
Dingfeng
D
Department of Bone Tumor, 307th Hospital of PLA, Beijing, 100039, P. R. China. 307yygk@sina.com
Cui
Qiu
Q
Fan
Haitao
H
D000293:Adolescent; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005266:Femoral Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D023821:Limb Salvage / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000601:surgery*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome