[The effect of limb salvage on treating osteosarcoma with pathological fracture in two cases].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of limb salvage on treating osteosarcoma with pathological fracture.


METHODS
From October 2002 to January 2003, 2 cases of osteosarcoma with pathological fracture were treated by limb salvage. Intra-arterial chemotherapy was given by subcutaneous implantable delivery system with caffeine. Replacement with prosthesis was performed after 5 times of chemotherapy.


RESULTS
Two patients were followed up for twenty-four months and 21 months respectively. No infection, aseptic loosening, local recurrence or metastasis occurred, and function recovery of joints was satisfactory.


CONCLUSIONS
Limb salvage can be considered in condition that primary osteosarcoma with pathological fracture can be treated by effective and comprehensive chemotherapy.
Li
Dingfeng
D
Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P R China. 307yygk@sina.com
Cui
Qiu
Q
Wang
Lei
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D023821:Limb Salvage; D008297:Male; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*