Abstract
We have treated 50 patients with bony malignancy by en bloc resection, extracorporeal irradiation (ECI) with 50Gy and re-implantation of the bone segment as a method of limb salvage. Mean survivor follow-up is 38 months (12–92). 42 patients remain alive without disease. 4 recurrences occurred. Functional results were generally good: Mankin grades 17 excellent, 13 good, 9 fair, 3 failures; MSTS mean 77 (20–100); TESS mean 81 (40–100). Solid bony union was the norm, however bone resorption was seen in some cases. The dose of radiation is theoretically lethal to all cells and produces a dead autogenous bone graft of perfect fit. ECI is a useful technique of limb salvage where there is a reasonable residual bone stock. It allows effective re-attachment of muscle tendons, and produces a lasting biological reconstruction. The risk from the re-implanted bone of both local recurrence and of late radiotherapy induced malignancy should be nil.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
