Intercalary Allograft Research Articles

Palliative Limb Salvage Using a Retrograde Nail-Cement Composite after Intercalary Resection of a Distal Femoral Osteosarcoma: A Case Report

Malignant lower-limb metaphyseal and diaphyseal bone tumours that have not yet invaded the epiphysis can usually be managed with limb-sparing surgery. Reconstructions using intercalary allografts, autoclaved autografts, extracorporeally irradiated autografts, vascularised autografts, and distraction osteogenesis have all achieved favourable results. In patients with metastatic disease and a short life expectancy, reconstruction with allografts or autografts should be carefully considered because a long recovery period is needed. An intercalary endoprosthesis provides immediate stability, a short recovery period and a low implant failure rate. Nonetheless, it may be expensive when there is inadequate space for stem insertion, necessitating a custom-made endoprosthesis. We present a 12-year-old boy with stage-III osteosarcoma of the metaphysis and diaphysis of the femur who underwent knee joint salvage and reconstruction with a retrograde, locked, intramedullary nail surrounded with methylmethacrylate. At the one-month follow-up, the patient could walk unassisted. At the 2-year follow-up, his Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 83%. The patient died from lung metastases at 31 months. He had not experienced any complications with the reconstruction.

Megaprosthesis versus Condyle-sparing Intercalary Allograft: Distal Femoral Sarcoma

Although functionally appealing in preserving the native knee, the condyle-sparing intercalary allograft of the distal femur may be associated with a higher risk of tumor recurrence and endoprosthetic replacement for malignant distal femoral bone tumors. We therefore compared the risk of local tumor recurrence between patients in these two types of reconstruction groups. We retrospectively reviewed 85 patients (mean age, 22 years; range, 4-82 years), 38 (45%) of whom had a condyle-sparing allograft and 47 (55%) of whom had endoprostheses. The minimum followup for both groups was 2 years (mean, 7 years; range, 2-19 years). Local recurrences occurred in 11% (five of 47) of the patients having implants versus 18% (seven of 38) of the patients having allografts. Using time to local recurrence as an end point, the Kaplan-Meier survivorship of the implant group was similar to that of the condyle-sparing allograft group at 2, 5, and 10 years (93% versus 87% at 2 years, 87% versus 81% at 5 years, and 87% versus 81% at 10 years, respectively). The condyle-sparing allograft procedure offers the potential advantage of retaining the native knee in a young patient population while incurring no greater risk of local recurrence as those offered the endoprosthetic procedure. Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Zoledronate reduces unwanted bone resorption in intercalary bone allografts

Bone allografts are often hampered by graft incorporation and poor host bone formation. Bisphosphonates, synthetic pyrophosphate analogs, have shown promise in inhibiting bone resorption in human and animal trials. Some in vitro studies have suggested that high dose bisphosphonate may also inhibit bone formation, leading to our hypothesis that an ideal dose of bisphosphonate in allografts could protect allografts from resorption. We transplanted intercalary allografts in to the segmental defect of the rat femurs after soaking each allograft in zoledronate solution (30 microM) and then analysed bone density of the allografts six to 12 weeks after transplantation. At six and 12 weeks, the bone mineral density was higher in the experimental group compared with the control group. Qualitative radiographic and histological analysis also revealed more allograft resorption in the control group than in the zoledronate-treated group. Our data indicate that pharmacological modification of intercalary allografts with zoledronate solution can decrease osteoclast-mediated allograft resorption.

Massive Bone Loss from Fungal Infection after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Arthroscopic Reconstruction

Although there are numerous reports of septic pyogenic arthritis after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there is limited information regarding the outcomes of fungal infection. We determined the outcomes of six patients with mycotic infection after regular ACL reconstruction. There were four males and two females with a mean age of 33 years. We determined the number of procedures performed, bone loss originating to control infection, and final reconstruction in these patients. An average of five arthroscopic lavage procedures had been performed at the referring centers. Fungal infection was diagnosed based on pathologic samples; five infections were the result of mucormycosis and one was Candida. After final débridement, the mean segmental bone loss was 12.8 cm. All patients were treated with intravenous antifungal coverage and cement spacers before final reconstruction. At final followup, all patients were free of clinical infection. Three had reconstruction with an allograft-prosthesis composite, two with hemicylindrical allografts, and one with an intercalary allograft arthrodesis. Despite the extremely unusual presentation of this complication, surgeons should be aware of potential and catastrophic consequences of this severe complication after ACL reconstruction.

Use of vascularized periosteum or bone to improve healing of segmental allografts after tumor resection: an ovine rib model.

Despite technical advances, nonunion or delayed union remains an important clinical problem when segmental allografts are used to repair diaphyseal defects after bone tumor resection. Using an ovine rib model, the authors studied whether the addition of a vascularized periosteum or bone flap improved healing compared with a segmental allograft alone. A 4-cm segment of rib was resected from four consecutive ribs of 15 sheep. Three different reconstructions were compared within the same sheep: allograft alone, allograft and vascularized periosteum, and allograft and vascularized bone. One defect was not reconstructed and served as a control. Five sheep were humanely killed at each of the following time points: 9, 12, and 15 weeks. The host-allograft junctions were analyzed using plain radiographs, micro-computed tomography, and histologic examination. Micro-computed tomographic analysis showed significant improvement with each reconstruction technique over time. Plain radiographs and histologic analyses demonstrated earlier bridging of the host-allograft junction when either vascularized periosteum or vascularized bone was used compared with allograft alone. Use of vascularized periosteum or bone may facilitate healing of the host-allograft junction after intercalary allograft reconstruction.

Adamantinoma: an unusual bone tumour

Adamantinoma is a rare tumour, which most often affects the tibia and produces lytic and sometimes destructive lesions, which can cause fractures. The lesions occur principally in adults and are more common in males. A small percentage of the patients develop metastases, sometimes quite late in the course. Our institution has treated 42 patients with adamantinomas since 1972 and has evaluated them by imaging studies and histology. The majority of the patients were treated by resection of the lesion and insertion of an intercalary allograft. Only three of the patients died of disease with the time until death ranging from 10 to 17 years. Recurrence occurred in only three patients and the allograft success rate in terms of function was 71% at a mean time of 10 years.

Effects of a New Allograft Processing Procedure on Graft Healing in a Canine Model: A Preliminary Study

Graft healing in vivo can be affected by allograft processing. We asked whether a new processing technique influenced graft-host healing compared with autograft and a standard processing technique in a canine ulna model. We used bilateral intercalary allografts or autografts in the ulna of 13 skeletally mature male coonhounds. Each animal received two allografts, either one autograft and one allograft, or two autografts. At term (90 days), the graft sites were harvested. We assessed union with high-resolution xray imaging. Each specimen was processed for nondecalcified histologic analysis to assess the graft-host interface. Quantitative histomorphometric analysis was performed to determine spatial location and area of bone. Radiographic analysis, histologic analysis, and histomorphometric measures revealed no differences in union, mean total bone area, or total endosteal/intramedullary bone for the new process, standard process, and autografts. Our preliminary data suggest the new processing techniques may increase the safety of allograft transplantation without adversely affecting union when compared with standard processing techniques and autograft in a canine model.

IN-VIVO ANALYSIS OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND DENSITOMETRIC TIBIAL REMODELLING AFTER FIBULA HARVESTING

Vascularised fibular grafts (VFGs) are widely used for primary reconstruction of long bones after bone tumour resections. The biological properties of VFGs are such that they can be a useful option even in failed intercalary reconstructions. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the results and the morbidity of VFGs as a salvage procedure in failed previous reconstructions after intercalary bone tumour resection of the femur. Our series included 12 patients, treated from April 1989 to March 2005, with an average age of 23 years (range 10–43 years) at presentation. The initial diagnosis was osteosarcoma in 10 cases and Ewing's sarcoma in two cases. All patients received chemotherapy and none received radiation therapy. Seven patients received VFG as biologic augmentation in intercalary allograft non-union and in the other five patients, a combination of allograft and VFG was used to replace a cement spacer with hardware failure (four patients) and a failed intercalary prosthesis (one patient). Three patients died during follow-up, in all cases because of metastatic disease. At an average follow-up of 147 months (range 11–260 months), the remaining nine patients were continuously disease-free. Complete healing of the osteotomy of both allograft and VFG was observed in 10 patients at final follow-up. Two major complications were observed that required surgical revision, eventually healing in one case and leading to a poor functional outcome in one case. Significant hypertrophy of the VFG was detected in seven of nine evaluable patients. At final follow-up the mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS)’93 functional score of the nine evaluable patients was 90% (range 66–100%). These results indicate that VFG is a valid salvage procedure in failed intercalary reconstructions of the femur after bone resection.

Allograft Reconstruction After Sarcoma Resection in Children Younger Than 10 Years Old

Preservation of limb function in pediatric oncology patients is challenging with the ongoing growth of limbs contralateral to reconstructed limbs. We analyzed 22 patients younger than 10 years old who received an allograft after resection of a bone sarcoma with a minimum followup of 2 years (mean, 4 years; range, 2-14 years). The mean age was 7 years (range, 2-10 years). There were 16 boys and six girls with 17 osteosarcomas and five Ewing's sarcomas. Thirteen reconstructions were performed with an intercalary allograft and nine with an osteoarticular allograft. Physes were uninvolved in five patients and one physis in 17. We documented outcomes using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional and the International Society of Limb Salvage radiographic scoring systems. At last followup, three of the 22 patients died of their tumor, one was alive but with an amputation, and 18 retained their limbs. These 18 patients had an average functional score of 27 points and a mean radiographic score of 94%. Eight complications required a second surgery; in four, the allograft was removed (one infection, one local recurrence, two fractures) and in four, the allograft was preserved (two local recurrences, one fracture, one nonunion). We consider biologic reconstruction with allografts after sarcoma resection an appropriate reconstructive procedure in young children. Level IV, therapeutic study.

Effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound with and without increased cortical porosity on structural bone allograft incorporation

BackgroundThough used for over a century, structural bone allografts suffer from a high rate of mechanical failure due to limited graft revitalization even after extended periods in vivo. Novel strategies that aim to improve graft incorporation are lacking but necessary to improve the long-term clinical outcome of patients receiving bone allografts. The current study evaluated the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), a potent exogenous biophysical stimulus used clinically to accelerate the course of fresh fracture healing, and longitudinal allograft perforations (LAP) as non-invasive therapies to improve revitalization of intercalary allografts in a sheep model.MethodsFifteen skeletally-mature ewes were assigned to five experimental groups based on allograft type and treatment: +CTL, -CTL, LIPUS, LAP, LIPUS+LAP. The +CTL animals (n = 3) received a tibial ostectomy with immediate replacement of the resected autologous graft. The -CTL group (n = 3) received fresh frozen ovine tibial allografts. The +CTL and -CTL groups did not receive LAP or LIPUS treatments. The LIPUS treatment group (n = 3), following grafting with fresh frozen ovine tibial allografts, received ultrasound stimulation for 20 minutes/day, 5 days/week, for the duration of the healing period. The LAP treatment group (n = 3) received fresh frozen ovine allografts with 500 μm longitudinal perforations that extended 10 mm into the graft. The LIPUS+LAP treatment group (n = 3) received both LIPUS and LAP interventions. All animals were humanely euthanized four months following graft transplantation for biomechanical and histological analysis.ResultsAfter four months of healing, daily LIPUS stimulation of the host-allograft junctions, alone or in combination with LAP, resulted in 30% increases in reconstruction stiffness, paralleled by significant increases (p < 0.001) in callus maturity and periosteal bridging across the host/allograft interfaces. Longitudinal perforations extending 10 mm into the proximal and distal endplates filled to varying degrees with new appositional bone and significantly accelerated revitalization of the allografts compared to controls.ConclusionThe current study has demonstrated in a large animal model the potential of both LIPUS and LAP therapy to improve the degree of allograft incorporation. LAP may provide an option for increasing porosity, and thus potential in vivo osseous apposition and revitalization, without adversely affecting the structural integrity of the graft.

The Treatment of Recurrent Chronic Infected Knee Arthroplasty With a 2-Stage Procedure

We report the case of a patient with recurrent periprosthetic infections after total knee arthroplasty associated with bone destruction and massive bone loss that was successfully treated with a 2-stage procedure—resection arthroplasty with insertion of an antibiotic-impregnated cement rod-spacer and systemic antibiotics and then a resection arthrodesis of the knee with the use of an intercalary allograft fixed with a long intramedullary nail. This technique is a viable option for the treatment of recurrent periprosthetic infections after total knee arthroplasty associated with bone destruction, massive bone loss, and severe instability.

The use of massive allograft in reconstruction following resection of bone tumors of the extremities

Reported are indications, techniques and clinical outcome of 45 patients with resection of a primary malignant or aggressive benign tumor of the extremities, reconstructed with an allograft. The goal of this procedure is to achieve a wide resection of the tumor and to reconstruct the defect saving the limb. Bridging the osseous defect, we used an osteochondral allograft (14), intercalary allograft (16), allograft arthrodesis (14) and composite reconstruction (1). There were 3 deep infections, 3 superficial infections, 2 pseudarthrosis and 1 rejection found as complications. After local revision of the infections by allograft explantation and temporary implantation of antibiotic-loaded chains, another allograft could be implanted with success. Using different, individual adapted operative methods and allografts, a broad spectrum of bone defects after resection of bone tumors and, if necessary revisions, can be treated.

Free Vascularized Fibular Graft Salvage of Complications of Long-Bone Allograft After Tumor Reconstruction

Long-bone allograft reconstruction following tumor extirpation can be complicated by problems such as nonunion at the host-allograft junction, allograft fracture, or allograft infection. Free vascularized bone grafts can be used to address these complications. The purpose of the current study was to examine retrospectively the outcomes and complications following allograft reconstruction salvage with onlay vascularized fibular grafts. A tumor registry review was conducted to identify all patients who underwent a reconstruction with a vascularized fibular graft for allograft reconstruction complications following tumor resection (host-graft nonunion, allograft fracture, or allograft nonunion) in the last nineteen years. The records of these patients were analyzed for details regarding the neoplasms and the treatment thereof, details of the free vascularized fibular graft reconstruction, time to osseous union, functional outcome, and clinical outcome. Thirty-three patients satisfied the criteria for this study. The involved bones were the femur (eighteen patients), tibia (eight), and humerus (seven). Osseous union was achieved in all patients at a mean of 7.7 months. The average duration of follow-up was seventy-three months. Twenty-three patients achieved a good or excellent functional outcome. Ultimately, seven patients had a failure of the allograft reconstruction, which resulted in limb loss in five of them. Postoperative complications were relatively common in this series. Free vascularized fibular grafting is a useful adjunctive surgical treatment for nonunion, fracture, and infection of an intercalary allograft reconstruction in limb salvage surgery. It has, however, a high rate of associated complications often resulting in failure.

Hemicortical Excision for Low-grade Selected Surface Sarcomas of Bone

In malignant surface tumors, hemicortical excision in select cases may allow adequate margins with better function. We treated 10 of 22 malignant surface tumors with hemicortical excision and reconstruction from January 2000 to June 2003. There were eight conventional parosteal osteosarcomas, one high-grade surface osteosarcoma, and one surface chondrosarcoma. Six tumors occurred in the femur, two in the tibia and one each in the humerus and radius. Defects were reconstructed with allograft (five), fibula autograft (three), or autogenous iliac crest (two). Internal fixation as suitable was used. Margins were reported uninvolved in all cases. At followup ranging from 40 months to 61 months we observed no local recurrence. Using the MSTS scoring system, six patients had a maximum possible score of 30; the other four had a score of 29. None developed distant metastasis. Though a longer followup is ideal, in selected cases hemicortical excision appears a reasonable procedure that obviates joint replacement. Biological reconstruction with bone could help reduce the incidence of subsequent revision surgery that would likely occur in cases treated initially with conventional excision and replacement with megaprostheses or circumferential intercalary allografts.

Reconstructive procedures for segmental resection of bone in giant cell tumors around the knee

Background:Segmental resection of bone in Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) around the knee, in indicated cases, leaves a gap which requires a complex reconstructive procedure. The present study analyzes various reconstructive procedures in terms of morbidity and various complications encountered.Materials and Methods:Thirteen cases (M-six and F-seven; lower end femur-six and upper end tibia -seven) of GCT around the knee, radiologically either Campanacci Grade II, Grade II with pathological fracture or Grade III were included. Mean age was 25.6 years (range 19-30 years).Resection arthrodesis with telescoping (shortening) over intramedullary nail (n=5), resection arthrodesis with an intercalary allograft threaded over a long intramedullary nail (n=3) and resection arthrodesis with intercalary fibular autograft and simultaneous limb lengthening (n=5) were the procedure performed.Results:Shortening was the major problem following resection arthrodesis with telescoping (shortening) over intramedullary nail. Only two patients agreed for subsequent limb lengthening. The rest continued to walk with shortening. Infection was the major problem in all cases of resection arthrodesis with an intercalary allograft threaded over a long intramedullary nail and required multiple drainage procedures. Fusion was achieved after two years in two patients. In the third patient the allograft sequestrated. The patient underwent sequestrectomy, telescoping of fragments and ilizarov fixator application with subsequent limb lengthening. The patient was finally given an ischial weight relieving orthosis, 54 months after the index procedure.After resection arthrodesis with intercalary autograft and simultaneous lengthening the resultant gap (∼15cm) was partially bridged by intercalary nonvascularized dual fibular strut graft (6-7cm) and additional corticocancellous bone graft from ipsilateral patella. Simultaneous limb lengthening with a distal tibial corticotomy was performed on an ilizarov fixator. The complications were superficial infection (n=5), stress fracture of fibula (n=2). The stress fracture fibula required DCP fixation and bone grafting. The usual time taken for union and limb length equalization was approximately one year.Conclusion:Resection arthrodesis with intercalary dual fibular autograft and cortico-cancellous bone grafting with simultaneous limb lengthening achieved limb length equalization with relatively short morbidity.

Use of a Vascularized Fibula Bone Flap and Intercalary Allograft for Diaphyseal Reconstruction after Resection of Primary Extremity Bone Sarcomas

The standard treatment for primary bone sarcomas of the extremities has become chemotherapy and limb salvage surgery. However, the difficulties in achieving reliable long-term healing with allograft reconstruction have led us to use vascularized fibula transfer to enhance healing. From 1992 to 2003, 14 vascularized fibula transfers were performed at our institution for bone reconstruction in 12 patients with bone sarcoma. Free vascularized fibula transfers were performed in 13 cases, and a pedicled vascularized fibula transfer in one case. The mean age was 25 years (range, 6 to 71 years). Locations included the femur (n = 10), humerus (n = 1), and tibia (n = 3). The mean length of the vascularized fibula transfer was 17.4 cm (range, 10 to 24 cm). Indications for use of a vascularized fibula transfer included allograft nonunion (n = 8), and primary diaphyseal bone defect reconstruction combined with an intercalary allograft (n = 6). For all allograft nonunions, a vascularized fibula transfer was used with an onlay technique. For segmental bone defects, an intramedullary technique was used in three cases and an onlay technique in two cases. The overall mean time for bone union after a vascularized fibula transfer was 8.6 months (range, 3 to 24 months): 10 months (range, 5 to 24 months) for patients with allograft nonunions, and 6 months (range, 3 to 8 months) for patients who underwent immediate segmental bone reconstruction. All but one patient had successful bone union. One patient with persistent nonunion required a second vascularized fibula transfer. The mean time from initial limb salvage surgery to full use of the reconstructed limb without restrictions was 28 months (range, 13 to 45 months) for patients treated with a delayed vascularized fibula transfer for an allograft nonunion and 6 months (range, 3 to 8 months) for patients who underwent immediate reconstruction with a vascularized fibula transfer combined with an allograft. The use of a vascularized fibula transfer combined with an intercalary allograft to reconstruct bone defects after tumor resection can prevent allograft nonunion and result in decreased time to bone healing, leading to earlier patient recovery and return of function.

Articular surface sparing procedures in the treatment of bone sarcomas

Purpose of review: Most surgical techniques presently used to treat high-grade metaphyseal bone sarcomas around the knee include resection of one or both epiphyses, causing a gross distortion of the normal anatomy and questionable durability of the reconstruction. Recently, efforts to preserve the involved epiphysis have been made, followed by an intercalary allograft reconstruction. If a safe surgical oncologic margin is obtained and if the articular surface of the affected joint is preserved, potentially better long-term functional results can be expected. Recent findings: Several publications have established the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting epiphyseal extension of bone sarcomas showing a high sensitivity with no false negative results. Those studies indicate that magnetic resonance imaging is a sensitive indicator of epiphyseal involvement by sarcoma. Recent reports indicate that after accurate preoperative assessment of tumor extension to the epiphysis in patients with high-grade sarcomas, a transepiphyseal tumor resection with preservation of the involved epiphysis can be achieved. Summary: Oncologic orthopedic surgeons face a difficult decision when treating a patient with a bone sarcoma around the knee after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: whether to decrease the resection margins to obtain the best possible functional result, but with potential questionable margins and severe oncologic consequences, or to overtreat the tumor by creating excessive margins but having a much less functional result and the potential need for a succession of reconstructive procedures with questionable durability. With present imaging techniques, a significant number of patients with bone sarcoma around the knee can be safely treated with preservation of the epiphysis.

Allograft Ankle Arthrodesis

Allograft ankle arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary tibial nail is a new strategy in limb salvage for treatment of distal intraarticular tibial tumors. After tumor resection, the ankle is reconstructed using an intercalary allograft and retrograde intramedullary fixation. We retrospectively reviewed nine consecutive patients with intraarticular resection of distal tibial tumors who had allograft ankle arthrodesis reconstruction between April 1994 and August 2000. Patient charts were reviewed for: (1) local recurrence, new metastases, and survival; (2) Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score; and (3) complications or reoperations or both. Only one of nine patients had a local recurrence. Eight of nine patients achieved independent ambulation. Eight of nine patients had a Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score greater than 73%. Six of nine patients required nine additional operations. No patients required flap coverage. There were no superficial or deep infections. Allograft ankle arthrodesis is a new alternative in limb salvage for distal tibial tumors. It has oncologic outcomes (rate of local recurrence, new metastases, and survival from time of diagnosis) and functional outcomes (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score and rates of reoperation) comparable to previously reported and accepted methods of limb salvage. Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Epidiaphyseal versus Other Intercalary Allografts for Tumors of the Lower Limb

Epidiaphyseal intercalary reconstruction has become possible for bone tumors that extend into the epiphysis because advances in magnetic resonance imaging and chemotherapy allow close resection while sparing the juxtaarticular bone and joint. In a retrospective study, we questioned whether epidiaphyseal reconstructions around the knee had a clinical outcome (measured as long-term survival, complication rate, and functional score) comparable with metadiaphyseal and diaphyseal reconstructions. Between 1988 and 1999, 14 epidiaphyseal, nine metaphyseal, and 12 diaphyseal reconstructions were done, and the median followup was 7.2 years. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a 10-year survival rate of 79% for epidiaphyseal reconstructions, which did not differ from an 89% rate for metadiaphyseal and a 75% rate for diaphyseal reconstructions. Epidiaphyseal complications included two infections, five fractures, and three nonunion treatments. Complications for all 35 grafts included three infections, 12 fractures, and nine nonunion treatments. Ultimately, six grafts failed, with infection and length of resection as predisposing factors. All epiphyseal osteotomies had tumor-free margins and no local recurrences. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score for each type of intercalary reconstruction was between 23 and 24. Because the epidiaphyseal reconstruction avoids complications associated with joint reconstruction and the results are comparable with those of other types of intercalary grafts, these reconstructions should be considered if at least 1 cm of tumor-free juxtaarticular bone can be maintained.

Partial Epiphyseal Preservation and Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction in High-Grade Metaphyseal Osteosarcoma of the Knee

The purpose of this study was to analyze a series of patients with a high-grade metaphyseal osteosarcoma of the knee who had been treated with a transepiphyseal resection, with preservation of the distal femoral and the proximal tibial (articular) portions of the epiphysis, and an intercalary allograft reconstruction. The cases of thirteen patients with a high-grade metaphyseal osteosarcoma around the knee who had transepiphyseal resection and reconstruction with an intercalary allograft were retrospectively reviewed at a mean of sixty-three months. Complications, disease-free survival of the patient, final preservation of the limb and epiphysis, and functional results according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring system were documented at the time of the latest follow-up. At the final follow-up examination, eleven of the thirteen patients continued to be disease-free. One patient died of bone and pulmonary metastases with no evidence of local recurrence, and the remaining patient had no evidence of disease after resection of a local recurrence of the tumor in the soft tissues. No patient had a local recurrence in the remaining epiphysis. Seven patients had complications that included a fracture (three patients), diaphyseal nonunion (two), deep infection (one), and a local recurrence in the soft tissues (one). The allograft was removed in only four of these patients. At the latest follow-up examination, twelve patients were alive with preserved limbs. In one patient, the epiphysis, which originally had been preserved, was resected because of a metaphyseal fracture, and the limb was reconstructed with an osteoarticular allograft. The patients with a preserved epiphysis had an average functional score of 27 points (maximum, 30 points). Preservation of the epiphysis in high-grade metaphyseal osteosarcoma at the knee is an alternative in carefully selected patients. Crucial factors needed to obtain local tumor control and achieve an acceptable functional result are a positive response to chemotherapy, accurate preoperative assessment of tumor extension to the epiphysis, and appropriate fixation techniques for intercalary allografts.