Homeochronous Usage of Structural Bone Allografts with Vascularized Fibular Autografts for Biological Repair of Massive Bone Defects in the Lower Extremities after Bone Tumor Excision

Abstract

We report the clinical outcomes of homeochronous usage of massive bone allografts with vascularized fibular autografts for the biological repair of lower-extremity bone defects secondary to bone tumor excision. Large bone defects in the lower extremities of 17 patients (10 men and seven women; age range, 6 to 34 years) who underwent bone tumor excision were repaired using massive bone allografts along with vascularized fibular autografts. After 6 to 48 months (mean, 20.2 months) of follow-up, the wounds at the donor and recipient sites healed in one stage, the monitoring flaps remained viable, the immune response to the massive bone allografts was minimal, and there were no complications in the donor limbs. Of the 17 patients, 13 and 3 cases showed radiographic union in 6 months and 8 months after surgery, respectively; one case of malignant synovioma showed recurrence, and therefore, leg amputation was performed 2.5 months after surgery. None of the massive bone allografts were absorbed or fractured at the last follow-up. The Mankin evaluation rating was excellent in eight cases, good in five cases, fair in two cases, and poor in two cases; the total rate of excellent and good cases was 76.47%. Homeochronous usage of massive bone allografts with vascularized fibular autografts is a satisfactory method for the biological repair of massive bone defects in the lower limbs after bone tumor excision.