Pasteurized autograft–prosthesis composite for distal femoral osteosarcoma

Abstract

BackgroundWe examined the survivorship and functional outcome of the pasteurized autograft–prosthesis composite for distal femoral osteosarcoma. We also evaluated complications including nonunion, loosening, bony resorption, infection, and fracture. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 15 distal femoral osteosarcoma patients who underwent reconstructions using pasteurized autograft–prosthesis composite between 1993 and 2003. ResultsNo patient required graft removal during a minimum follow-up of 35 months (average 56 months; range 35–78 months). The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society System (MTSS) functional score was 86%. Nonunion developed in five patients, and three of them subsequently showed loosening of the stem. No patient experienced infection or fracture. ConclusionsOur data suggest that the pasteurized autograft–prosthesis composite could be an easily accessible alternative for the reconstruction of large skeletal defects in the distal femur because of the satisfactory functional outcome with a low rate of ultimate failure and complications in this study.