Bone tumor reconstruction with the Ilizarov method.
OBJECTIVE
Patients with musculoskeletal tumors can face large bone deficiency, deformity, and nonunion. Distraction osteogenesis via the Ilizarov method may be useful for reconstruction of these deficiencies allowing limb preservation and optimizing function.


METHODS
We reviewed 20 patients with a range of musculoskeletal tumors necessitating surgical treatment. The group included 9 females and 11 males with a mean age of 22.6 (8-58) years at a mean follow up of 81.7 (26-131) months. The mean bone deficiency was 7.9 (1.2-18.0) cm.


RESULTS
The mean lengthening achieved was 7.1 (3.5-18.0) cm over an EFI of 33.5 (range, 9.5-58.3) days/cm. This treatment resulted in 10 excellent and 3 good ASAMI bone scores, 10 excellent and 3 good ASAMI function scores, a mean lower extremity MSTS score of 93% and a mean upper extremity MSTS score of 87%. Treatment resulted in 2 complications, 18 obstacles, and 6 problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The Ilizarov method is an effective technique for limb reconstruction of bone tumors, although extended time in external fixation is required. Since no one in this group received simultaneous chemotherapy or radiotherapy, we cannot comment on use of the Ilizarov method with these treatments. Further use and clinical follow-up is warranted.
Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
Thomas H
TH
McCoy
Han Jo
HJ
Kim
Michael B
MB
Cross
Austin T
AT
Fragomen
John H
JH
Healey
Edward A
EA
Athanasian
S Robert
SR
Rozbruch
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D007866:Leg / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D023821:Limb Salvage / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000009:adverse effects; D010027:Osteotomy; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome