The reconstruction choices after resection of malignant tumor around the knee in children and adolescents

Abstract

It is a great challenge for the orthopaedic oncologist to reconstruct the defect after resection of malignant tumor around the knee of children and adolescents. Due to resection of the tumor of the distal femur and/or proximal tibia combined with the epiphysis removal, limb discrepancy and dysfunction perplexs the patients and their families. With the development of the chemotherapy and surgical skills, limb salvage becomes the main treatment for children and adolescents after resection of the malignant tumor around the knee. The reconstruction methods include re-transplantation of devitalized tumor-bearing bone, three-dimensional printed endoprosthesis for reconstruction of the defect, hemi-endoprosthesis, non-hinge endoprosthesis for children and prolongable endoprosthesis. The article reviews and summarizes the progress of the reconstruction choices after resection of a malignant tumor around the knee in children and adolescents in recent years and provides the comprehensive understanding for the orthopaedic oncologists. Key words: Bone neoplasms; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Knee joint; Child; Limb reconstruction; Limb salvage surgery