Endoprosthetic reconstruction of the distal tibia and ankle joint after resection of primary bone tumours

J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2009 Oct;91(10):1378-82. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.91B10.22643.

Abstract

Endoprosthetic replacement of the distal tibia and ankle joint for a primary bone tumour is a rarely attempted and technically challenging procedure. We report the outcome of six patients treated between 1981 and 2007. There were four males and two females, with a mean age of 43.5 years (15 to 75), and a mean follow-up of 9.6 years (1 to 27). No patient developed a local recurrence or metastasis. Two of the six went on to have a below-knee amputation for persistent infection after a mean 16 months (1 to 31). The four patients who retained their endoprosthesis had a mean musculoskeletal tumour society score of 70% and a mean Toronto extremity salvage score of 71%. All were pain free and able to perform most activities of daily living in comfort. A custom-made endoprosthetic replacement of the distal tibia and ankle joint is a viable treatment option for carefully selected patients with a primary bone tumour. Patients should, however, be informed of the risk of infection and the potential need for amputation if this cannot be controlled.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amputation, Surgical
  • Ankle Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Ankle Joint / physiopathology
  • Ankle Joint / surgery*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement / methods
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteosarcoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteosarcoma / physiopathology
  • Osteosarcoma / surgery*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tibia / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibia / physiopathology
  • Tibia / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult