Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction Research Articles

"Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction using 3D Designed, Patient-Specific Surgical Guides and Plate during Resection of Primary Malignant Bone Tumors: Workflow and Surgical Technique"

"Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction using 3D Designed, Patient-Specific Surgical Guides and Plate during Resection of Primary Malignant Bone Tumors: Workflow and Surgical Technique"

Management of limb length discrepancy after bone sarcoma resection about the knee in the skeletally immature.

Patients with bone sarcomas increasingly choose limb salvage. This can lead to issues with limb length discrepancy (LLD) for the skeletally immature. We synthesize management options into an algorithm and report our results. Patients with bone sarcomas involving any location from the femoral diaphysis to the tibial diaphysis 12 years or younger were reviewed. Our clinical pathway prescribed patients with metadiaphyseal lesions to intercalary allograft reconstruction, epiphyseal lesions and less than 5 cm expected LLD to osteoarticular allograft and patients with more than 5 cm expected LLD to extendable prosthesis. Twenty patients met inclusion criteria: 11 with osteoarticular allografts, 5 with extendable prostheses and 4 with intercalary allografts; median age 11.5 years; median follow-up 8.2 years; and final median LLD 1.6 cm. Five patients had contralateral epiphysiodesis, two patients underwent contralateral femoral shortening and a median of 6 (range 4-8) lengthenings were performed for extendable prostheses. Four patients had residual LLD over 3 cm. There were 13 revisions in 8 patients and 2 amputations. Limb-salvage in paediatric bone sarcoma of the knee can be managed with multiple techniques producing satisfactory results in regards to LLD. Careful pre-operative planning and shared decision making is a requisite given the high rate of secondary procedures for both LLD and reconstructive failures. Level of evidence: Level III Retrospective Comparative Study.

Surgical Fixation Method in Lower Extremity Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction After Oncologic Resection: A Comparison of Plates and Nails.

Fixation in intercalary allograft reconstruction includes plates and intramedullary nails. The purpose of this study was to examine rates of nonunion, fracture, the overall need for revision surgery, and allograft survival based on the surgical fixation method in lower extremity intercalary allografts. A retrospective chart review was performed on 51 patients with intercalary allograft reconstruction in the lower extremity. Fixation methods compared were intramedullary fixation with nails (IMN) and extramedullary fixation with plates (EMP). Complications compared were nonunion, fracture, and wound complications. The alpha was set at 0.05 for statistical analysis. Nonunion incidence at all allograft-to-native bone junction sites was 21% (IMN) and 25% (EMP) ( P = 0.8). Fracture incidence was 24% (IMN) and 32% (EMP) ( P = 0.75). Median fracture-free allograft survival was 7.9 years (IMN) and 3.2 years (EMP) ( P = 0.04). Infection was seen in 18% (IMN) and 12% (EMP) ( P = 0.7). The overall need for revision surgery was 59% (IMN) and 71% (EMP) ( P = 0.53). Allograft survival at the final follow-up was 82% (IMN) and 65% (EMP) ( P = 0.33). When the EMP group was subdivided into single plate (SP) and multiple plate (MP) groups and compared with the IMN groups, fracture rates were 24% (IMN), 8% (SP), and 48% (MP) ( P = 0.04). Rates of revision surgery were 59% (IMN), 46% (SP), and 86% (MP) ( P = 0.04). Allograft survival at the final follow-up was 88% (IMN), 92% (SP), and 52% (MP) ( P = 0.05). Median fracture-free allograft survival was notably longer for the IMN group than the EMP group; otherwise, there were no notable differences between the intramedullary and extramedullary groups. When the EMP group was subdivided into the SP and MP groups, patients with MPs had higher rates of fracture, higher rates of revision surgery, and lower overall allograft survival. III, Therapeutic Study, Retrospective Comparative Study.

Reconstructive Allograft Preparation for Long Bone Intercalary Segments After Tumor Resections: Toronto Sarcoma Protocol.

Reconstructive Allograft Preparation for Long Bone Intercalary Segments After Tumor Resections: Toronto Sarcoma Protocol.

Intercalary allograft reconstruction following femoral tumour resection: mid- and long-term results and benefits of adding a vascularised fibula autograft

PurposeBone healing in femoral reconstructions using intercalary allografts can be compromised in a tumour context. There is also a high revision rate for non-union, infection, and fractures in this context. The advantages and disadvantages of an associated vascularised fibula graft (VFG) are still a matter of debate.MethodsIn a multicentre study, we retrospectively analysed 46 allograft reconstructions, operated on between 1984 and 2017, of which 18 were associated with a VFG (VFG+) and 28 without (VFG−), with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. We determined the cumulative probability of bone union as well as the mid- and long-term revision risks for both categories by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and a multivariate Cox model. We also compared the MSTS scores.ResultsSignificant differences in favour of VFG+ reconstruction were observed in the survival analyses for the probability of bone union (log-rank, p = 0.017) and in mid- and long-term revisions (log-rank, p = 0.032). No significant difference was observed for the MSTS, with a mean MSTS of 27.6 in our overall cohort (p = 0.060). The multivariate Cox model confirmed that VFG+ was the main positive factor for bone union, and it identified irradiated allografts as a major risk factor for the occurrence of mid- and long-term revisions.ConclusionBone union was achieved earlier in both survival and Cox model analyses for the VFG+ group. It also reduced the mid- and long-term revision risk, except when an irradiated allograft was used. In case of a tumour, we thus recommend using VFG+ from a fresh-frozen allograft, as it appears to be a more reliable long-term option.

How the Choice of Osteosynthesis Affects the Complication Rate of Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

There is no clear consensus on the optimal type of fixation in intercalary allograft reconstruction. In this study, we aimed to compare the rate of most common complications following the plate and nail fixation of the intercalary allograft. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Studies in which the complication rate of the single bridging plate and intramedullary nail fixation was extractable were included. Studies that used extra procedures such as cementation and fibular vascular graft augmentation were excluded. The primary outcome was the fixation-specific rate of nonunion. Secondary outcomes were the fixation-specific rate of fracture, infection, and local recurrence. In total, 13 studies with 431 reconstructions (352 reconstructions in the plate group and 79 reconstructions in the intramedullary nailing group) were included in this study. In the plate fixation, the rate of nonunion, fracture, infection and local recurrence was 12%, 11%, 11%, and 3%, respectively. In the intramedullary nail fixation, the rate of nonunion, fracture, infection, and local recurrence was 37%, 5%, 4%, and 0%, respectively. The rate of nonunion was significantly higher in the intramedullary nail group (OR = 6.34; 95% CI 2.98-13.49, P < 0.001). The rate of fracture, infection, and local recurrence was not significantly different between the two fixation methods. Intramedullary nail is associated with a significantly higher rate of nonunion. Since the rate of other complications was not significantly different between the two osteosynthesis types, plate fixation could be considered as a better type of fixation. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-021-00563-7.

Comparison of forces generated using compression plating versus a magnetic lengthening nail in a sawbones femur model

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to compare compression generated by a Precice magnetic lengthening intramedullary nail and a 5.0 mm limited contact dynamic compression plate. MethodsTransverse osteotomy sites were created in the femoral shaft of ten Sawbones fourth generation composite femurs. Antegrade 10-degree trochanteric Precice nails and 8-hole, 5.0 mm plates were used for fixation. The plates were compressed by placing a neutral screw and three eccentrically drilled compression screws on alternating sides of the osteotomy. Average compression and distribution of compression were compared, and P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. FindingsThe Precice nail generated an average of 2.38 megapascal across the osteotomy sites. The plate generated an average of 0.70 megapascal (P < 0.001) with the initial compression screw, 0.93 megapascal (P < 0.001) after the second screw, and 1.04 megapascal (p < 0.001) after the final screw. The distribution of compression was assessed utilizing a polar transformation to compare pressure values. We found that the distribution of compression was more circumferentially uniform in the Precice nail group (P = 0.046). InterpretationThis study demonstrates that an electromagnetic intramedullary device is capable of generating significantly higher compression, in a more uniform distribution, than a 5.0 mm limited contact dynamic compression plate in a Sawbones model. The results indicate that electromagnetic intramedullary nail systems may be an ideal alternative to compression plating for treatment of at-risk fractures, nonunions, delayed unions, and intercalary allograft reconstruction.

Oncological and Functional Outcomes in Joint-sparing Resections of the Proximal Femur for Malignant Primary Bone Tumors.

Joint-sparing resections (JSR) of the proximal femur allow for preservation of the proximal femoral growth plate and native hip joint, but whether this offers fewer complications or better function and longevity of the reconstruction remains unknown. In this study, we compared the functional outcomes of pediatric patients with bone sarcomas undergoing JSR of the proximal femur with intercalary allograft (ICA) reconstruction to those undergoing proximal femoral resections (PFR) with allograft-prosthetic composite (APC) reconstructions. We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing JSR with ICA reconstruction and PFR with APC reconstructions between 1995 and 2013 at a tertiary pediatric referral center. Primary outcomes included major and minor complications and secondary outcomes included the need for a secondary procedure, presence of local or distant relapse, survival status, and the presence of pain and ambulatory status (limp, assistive device, highest level of function). We assessed differences in outcomes using the Fisher exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Eight patients underwent a JSR and ICA reconstruction, while 7 patients underwent a PFR with APC reconstruction. Median patient follow-up was 60.4 months (interquartile range: 36.8 to 112.9) Patients undergoing JSR and ICA reconstruction were younger than patients undergoing PFR with APC reconstruction (7.7 vs. 11.7 y, P=0.043); however, we found no other statistically significant differences in patient demographics. There were no statistically significant differences in primary or secondary outcomes between the study groups; however, patients who underwent JSR with ICA had more major complications (62.5% vs. 42.9%, P=0.29) and a lower rate of minor complications (25% vs. 28.6%, P=0.22). Treatment of proximal femoral bone sarcomas in pediatric and adolescent patients remains a challenging enterprise. JSR with ICA reconstruction in the proximal femur, when feasible, may provide a similar function and risk of intermediate-term major and minor complications when compared with PFR with APC reconstruction. Further long-term studies are required to determine the impact of the native femoral head retention with respect to revision rates. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Variability in the reported surgical techniques and methods for intercalary reconstruction following tumor resection

IntroductionThere is currently no consensus regarding the best techniques or surgical strategies with which to maximize intercalary allograft reconstruction outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to assess which techniques and methods are being utilized by North American orthopaedic oncologists. MethodsMembers of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) were invited to complete an anonymous online questionnaire. The survey presented participants with two clinical scenarios and interrogated them on their preferred type of allograft, method of compression and fixation, and additional techniques used. ResultsOne hundred and twenty-six physicians completed the questionnaire. The majority studied in the United States (82%) and worked at an academic medical center (71%). Over half (54%) reported seeing over 10 primary bone tumors every year. Respondents were split between preferring a structural allograft alone or using a combined allograft-vascularized fibular graft. A majority indicated a preference for plate(s) and screw fixation but were divided between the use of two compression plates with a spanning plate, a single compression plate with a spanning plate, and two compression plates with an intramedullary nail. Screw fixation preferences were split between the use of unicortical locking only, bicortical locking only, and a combination of unicortical and bicortical locking. Almost equal percentages of respondents reported they would have used two, three, or four screws in both scenarios. Respondents were split between placing screws equidistantly and placing them peripherally within the allograft, adjacent to the allograft-host junction. DiscussionThere is no clear surgical preference for intercalary reconstruction following tumor extirpation within this sample of orthopaedic oncologists. The current survey demonstrates variability across nearly every aspect of allograft reconstruction, which may, in part, explain the wide spectrum of outcomes reported within the literature. Prospective studies are warranted to better evaluate technique-specific outcomes in an effort to maximize reconstructive longevity and minimize allograft related complications.

Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction of the Proximal Tibia With and Without a Free Fibula Flap in Pediatric Patients.

Limb salvage of the proximal tibia can be difficult due to the growth potential of and functional demands of the pediatric patients. Multiple reconstruction techniques exist, however, the ideal form of reconstruction is yet to be elucidated. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate outcomes in patients with an intercalary resection of the proximal tibia reconstructed with an allograft with or without a free vascularized fibula flap (FVF). Seventeen pediatric patients (9 males, 8 females) underwent lower extremity limb salvage with the use of intercalary cadaveric allograft at a mean age of 12±4 years. The most common diagnoses were osteosarcoma (n=6) and Ewing sarcoma (n=6). Patients were reconstructed with an allograft alone (n=6) or supplemented with an FVF (n=11). All surviving patients had at least 2 years of clinical follow-up, with the mean follow-up of 12±7 years. The mean time to union of the allograft was 11±4 months, with 6 patients requiring additional bone grafting. There was no difference in the need for an additional bone graft (odds ratio=1.14, P=1.0) between patients with an FVF and those without. Four patients underwent an amputation, all with an allograft alone, due to disease recurrence (n=2) and due to infection (n=2). As such, there was a higher 10-year overall limb-salvage rate when the allograft was combined with an FVF compared with an allograft alone (100% vs. 33%, P=0.001). At last follow-up, the mean Mankin and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society rating was 86%, with a higher mean score in patients reconstructed with an FVF (94% vs. 70%, P=0.002). Use of an intercalary allograft supplemented with an FVF to reconstruct the proximal tibia provides a durable means of reconstruction with an excellent functional outcome following oncologic proximal tibia resection in a pediatric population. Level III-therapeutic level.

Intercalary Allograft to Reconstruct Large-Segment Diaphysis Defects After Resection of Lower Extremity Malignant Bone Tumor.

AimTo evaluate the clinical effect of intercalary allograft transplantation and reconstruction in the treatment of diaphyseal defect after resection of lower extremity malignant bone tumor.MethodsClinical data of 17 patients diagnosed with malignant lower-limb bone tumors and having undergone segmental allograft reconstruction with a mean follow-up of 49.8 (26–78) months were included. Segmental allografts of average 17-cm length preserved by deep-freezing were used and fixed using intramedullary nail, double plate, and intramedullary nail and plate combination in 2, 5, and 10 patients, respectively. Host–donor junctions were perfectly and roughly matched in 5 and 12 patients, respectively. Allograft union, local recurrence, and complications were assessed using clinical and radiological tests. Allograft union was evaluated using the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) scoring system. The functional prognosis was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scoring system.ResultsIntercalary allograft reconstruction of femoral shaft, tibial shaft, and distal tibia with ankle arthrodesis was performed in eight, four, and five patients, respectively. Two patients had local recurrence and underwent amputation; one died of metastasis. Host–donor junctions in two patients showed nonunion; 12 patients achieved bone union. The average union time was 12.1 months. No allograft fracture or infection occurred. Union rates were 100% and 88.2% at metaphyseal and diaphyseal junctions, respectively. Healing time differed significantly between the precisely and roughly matched groups (p<0.01). The incidence of nonunion was higher after intramedullary nailing than after the other two methods (p<0.05). The mean MSTS score was 24.2 (14–29) at the end of follow-up.ConclusionIntercalary allograft transplantation is an effective strategy for diaphyseal defect following post-tumor resection in the lower extremity. Good bone healing after allograft reconstruction is achieved with stable internal fixation and perfectly matched host–donor interfaces.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction for Lower-Extremity Bone Tumors.

Improved survival rates for patients with primary bone tumors of the extremities have increased the demand for reliable and durable reconstruction techniques. Some authors have stated that, after successful ingrowth, allografts are a durable long-term solution. This hypothesis is largely based on small studies with short-to-midterm follow-up. In order to determine the durability of intercalary allograft reconstructions in the lower extremities, we evaluated the long-term clinical outcomes at a minimum of 10 years. All patients who received an intercalary allograft reconstruction in a lower extremity between 1980 and 2006 were included in this retrospective multicenter cohort study. One hundred and thirty-one patients with a median age of 19 years were included. Eighty-nine (68%) had a femoral reconstruction, and 42 (32%) had a tibial reconstruction. The most prevalent diagnoses were osteosarcoma (55%), Ewing sarcoma (17%), and chondrosarcoma (12%). The median follow-up was 14 years. A competing risk model was employed to estimate the cumulative incidences of mechanical failure and infection. Patient mortality or progression of the disease was used as a competing event. Nonunion occurred in 21 reconstructions (16%), after a median of 16 months, and was associated with intramedullary nail-only fixation (p < 0.01) and fixation with nonbridging plate(s) (p = 0.03). Allograft fracture occurred in 25 reconstructions (19%) after a median of 42 months (range, 4 days to 21.9 years). Thirteen (52%) of the allograft fractures occurred within 5 years; 8 (32%), between 5 and 10 years; and 4 (16%), at >10 years. With failure for mechanical reasons as the end point, the cumulative incidences of reconstruction failure at 5, 10, and 15 years were 9%, 14%, and 21%, respectively. Intercalary allograft reconstruction is an acceptable reconstructive option, mainly because of the absence of superior alternatives with a known track record. However, a considerable and continuing risk of mechanical complications should be taken into account. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Intercalary allograft reconstruction in a patient with large tibial defect: Case report

A fit 26 year-old-man presented to our Department with an open fracture of the left tibial shaft (AO 42-C3). The fracture was initially treated with an External Fixator, which was replaced by an intramedullary Grosse Kempf nail after 4 months. In the following year he developed an atrophic non-union and we witnessed the increasing bone resorption at the fracture site which led to the nail breakage. An accurate CT pre-operative planning was made and a revision surgery was successfully performed: the broken nail was removed and intercalary allograft reconstruction was made, using a compressible intramedullary nail. Whereas in literature it is well described how intercalary allografts can be used to fill the massive diaphyseal defects after tumor resections, we assumed it could also be an adequate technique to treat a large bone defect at a non-union site.

Use of Magnetic Growing Intramedullary Nails in Compression During Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction.

Traditionally, intercalary allograft reconstruction after tumor resection has had a high rate of complications, particularly nonunion. Plate and intramedullary nail fixation have been used alone and in combination to improve union rates. This study sought to evaluate a new technique that uses a magnetic growing intramedullary nail to compress the osteotomy sites to aid in healing and to answer 2 questions: (1) What is the union rate and the time to union when using magnetic growing intramedullary nails? (2) What complications occur with this technique? Eight patients with 15 osteotomy sites with a minimum follow-up of 14 months were retrospectively reviewed. Seven of the 8 patients underwent initial reconstruction with the magnetic nail, whereas 1 patient underwent treatment of a nonunion that occurred with prior carbon fiber nail fixation. Twelve of the 15 osteotomy sites had healed by an average of 9 months. Nonunions occurred in 2 patients with an associated failure of the hardware. One of these patients healed after revision surgery. Of the patients who healed at both sites, 1 had a fracture through the allograft, 1 had backing out of a locking screw that required removal, and 1 required a manipulation under anesthesia of the knee. Two patients underwent successful limb lengthening needed because of an expected limb-length discrepancy after healing occurred. Use of growing intramedullary nails in compression mode led to an 87% union rate at final follow-up with acceptable complications. This technique provides a viable alternative to standard nail and plate fixation when intercalary allografts are used. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(6):330-335.].

Comparison of Pediatric Intercalary Allograft Reconstructions with and without a Free Vascularized Fibula.

Lower extremity intercalary allograft reconstruction has traditionally been used to facilitate limb salvage. Combining the allograft with a free vascularized fibula graft has been described; however, there is a paucity of data comparing the outcome of these reconstructions. Twenty-nine pediatric patients (15 boys and 14 girls) underwent lower extremity limb salvage with the use of intercalary cadaveric allograft at a mean age of 12 years. The most common diagnosis was osteosarcoma (n = 18). Patients underwent reconstruction with an allograft alone (n = 11) or supplemented with a free vascularized fibula graft (n = 18). The mean time to union of the allograft was 11 months, with 10 patients requiring additional bone grafting. There was no difference in the need for an additional bone graft (OR, 0.87; p = 1.0) between patients with a free vascularized fibula graft and those without. The allograft was revised in three patients because of fracture (n = 2) and fracture and infection (n = 1). In all of these patients, the allograft was not supplemented with a free vascularized fibula graft (p < 0.001). Five patients underwent an amputation, most commonly for disease recurrence. At last follow-up, the mean Mankin and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society rating was 90 percent, with 19 patients (66 percent) who achieved a "good" or "excellent" outcome according to the Mankin score. Use of an intercalary allograft to reconstruct a lower extremity provides a durable means of reconstruction; however, supplementation with a free vascularized fibula graft reduces the risk of allograft revision. Therapeutic, III.

Uncemented three-dimensional-printed prosthetic reconstruction for massive bone defects of the proximal tibia

BackgroundCurrently, it is challenging to treat massive bone defects of proximal tibia. Although numerous methods are available for reconstruction with epiphysis preservation, limitations in knee function and complications are noted with these methods. Our paper describes our attempt to reconstruct a marked defect in the proximal tibia with an uncemented three-dimensional (3D)-printed prosthesis and to evaluate the prosthesis design and short-term outcomes.Case presentationA 15-year-old boy with metaphyseal osteosarcoma of the tibia underwent intercalary allograft reconstruction following wide tumour resection with epiphysis preservation. However, chronic allograft rejection and/or infection occurred after the surgery and a sinus tract was formed. The rejection and/or infection process was successfully stopped by the removal of the graft and implantation of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer; however, the limb function was poor. Because of the irregular shape of the defect and the excessively short length of the residual proximal tibia, we used the 3D printing technology to design and fabricate a personalised prosthesis to reconstruct the defect, with the preservation of the knee joint. At the last follow-up at 26 months, the patient had satisfactory limb function.ConclusionsThe 3D-printed prosthesis may be a feasible option in the reconstruction of tibial metaphyseal defects with the preservation of the knee joint. Moreover, it can result in good postoperative function and low complication rates. However, a long-term follow-up is required to clarify its long-term outcomes.

Desmoplastic fibroma versus soft-tissue desmoid tumour of forearm: a case series of diagnosis, surgical approach, and outcome

IV.

Allograft Reconstruction of Chronic Tibialis Anterior Tendon Ruptures.

Chronic ruptures of the tibialis anterior tendon are often associated with tendon retraction and poor-quality tissue, resulting in large segmental defects that make end-to-end repair impossible. Interpositional allograft reconstruction has previously been described as an operative option in these cases; however, there are no reports of the clinical outcomes of this technique in the literature. Eleven patients with chronic tibialis anterior tendon ruptures underwent intercalary allograft recon-struction between 2006 and 2013. Patient demographics, injury presentation, and details of surgery were reviewed. Postoperative outcomes at a mean follow-up of 43.8 (range, 6-105) months included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score, Short Form-12 (SF-12) physical health score, Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), visual analog scale (VAS) pain rating, dorsiflexion strength, gait analysis, and complications. The average postoperative dorsiflexion strength, as categorized by the Medical Council grading scale, was 4.8 ± 0.45. The average postoperative VAS score was 0.8 ± 1.1. The average LEFS was 66.9 ± 17.2, SF-12 physical health score was 40.1 ± 14.4, and AOFAS score was 84.3 ± 7.7. One complication occurred, consisting of transient neuritic pain in the superficial peroneal nerve distribution. There were no postoperative infections, tendon reruptures, reoperations, or allograft-associated complications. Allograft reconstruction of chronic irreparable tibialis anterior tendon ruptures yielded satisfactory strength, pain, and patient-reported functional outcomes. This technique offers a safe and reliable alternative, without the donor site morbidity associated with tendon transfer or autograft harvest. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Intercalary Allograft Reconstructions Following Resection of Primary Bone Tumors

Favorable reports on the use of massive allografts to reconstruct intercalary defects underline their place in limb-salvage surgery. However, little is known about optimal indications as reports on failure and complication rates in larger populations remain scarce. We evaluated the incidence of and risk factors for failure and complications, time to full weight-bearing, and optimal fixation methods for intercalary allografts after tumor resection. A retrospective study was performed in all four centers of orthopaedic oncology in the Netherlands. All consecutive patients reconstructed with intercalary (whole-circumference) allografts after tumor resection in the long bones during 1989 to 2009 were evaluated. The minimum follow-up was twenty-four months. Eighty-seven patients with a median age of seventeen years (range, 1.5 to 77.5 years) matched inclusion criteria. The most common diagnoses were osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, adamantinoma, and chondrosarcoma. The median follow-up period was eighty-four months (range, twenty-five to 262 months). Ninety percent of tumors were localized in the femur or the tibia. Fifteen percent of our patients experienced a graft-related failure. The major complications were nonunion (40%), fracture (29%), and infection (14%). Complications occurred in 76% of patients and reoperations were necessary in 70% of patients. The median time to the latest complication was thirty-two months (range, zero to 200 months). The median time to full weight-bearing was nine months (range, one to eighty months). Fifteen grafts failed, twelve of which failed in the first four years. None of the thirty-four tibial reconstructions failed. Reconstruction site, patient age, allograft length, nail-only fixation, and non-bridging osteosynthesis were the most important risk factors for complications. Adjuvant chemotherapy and irradiation had no effects on complication rates. We report high complication rates and considerable failure rates for the use of intercalary allografts; complications primarily occurred in the first years after surgery, but some occurred much later after surgery. To reduce the number of failures, we recommend reconsidering the use of allografts for reconstructions of defects that are ≥15 cm, especially in older patients, and applying bridging osteosynthesis with use of plate fixation.

Allograft Reconstruction of Peroneal Tendons

Irreparable peroneal tendon tears are uncommon and require complex surgical decision making. Intercalary segment allograft reconstruction has been previously described as a treatment option; however, there are no reports of the outcomes of this technique in the literature. We describe our technique and present our results using this method. A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify all patients who underwent intercalary allograft reconstruction of the peroneal tendons. Mechanism of injury, concomitant operative procedures, pertinent radiographic findings, pre- and postoperative physical examination, intercalary graft length, medical history, visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, Short Form-12 (SF-12) physical health survey, Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), and complications were reviewed. Fourteen patients with peroneal tendon ruptures requiring reconstruction were identified. Mean follow-up was 17 months (range, 7-47 months; median, 12 months). The average length of the intercalary segment reconstructed was 10.8 ± 3.8 cm (range, 6-20 cm). The average postoperative VAS score decreased to 1.0 ± 1.4 (P = .0005). No patient had a higher postoperative pain score than preoperative pain score. Average postoperative eversion strength as categorized by the Medical Research Council grading scale improved to 4.8 ± 0.5 (P = .001). The average SF-12 score improved to 48.8 ± 7.8 (P = .02). The average LEFS improved to 86.4. ± 14.9 (P = .00001). Four patients experienced sensory numbness in the sural nerve distribution, and 2 of these were transient. There were no postoperative wound healing complications, infections, tendon reruptures, or reoperations. No allograft associated complications were encountered. All patients returned to their preinjury activity levels. Allograft reconstruction of the peroneal tendons can improve strength, decrease pain, and yield satisfactory patient-reported outcomes. It can be performed without incurring the deleterious effects associated with tendon transfer procedures. We believe that allograft reconstruction is a safe and useful alternative in the treatment of irreparable peroneal tendon ruptures. Level IV, retrospective case series.