Extracorporeally frozen tumour-bearing bone combined with free vascularised fibula for the intercalary reconstruction of femoral defect after resection of bony sarcoma

SummaryBackgroundWith the improved survival for patients with bone sarcomas, there is a trend to reconstruct intercalary femur defects using biologic techniques. This study examined whether the results of a frozen femur autograft with vascularised fibula are comparable to other reconstructive options in terms of the functional outcomes and the complications.Materials and methodsBetween 2008 and 2012, eight patients with bony sarcoma of the femur were subjected to reconstruction with a recycled frozen autograft combined with a vascularised fibula flap inside. The oncologic and functional results were analysed retrospectively.ResultsThe mean follow-up was 48.7 months (37–71). The oncologic results were continuously disease free in five patients; there was no evidence of disease in one, one patient was alive with disease and another died of the disease. The average length of defect was 13.6 cm (9–21). Bone union was achieved in all cases. The mean time to bone union was 7.9 months (5–19) and to full weight bearing was 7.8 months (6–11). There was no infection or construct fracture in this series. Two complications were observed. One tumour recurrence in soft tissue was treated with reresection. One tibia fracture was successfully managed with cast immobilisation. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 95% (27–30). The construct was intact in all patients.ConclusionsVascularised fibular flap combined with frozen autografts is a dependable and durable option for the reconstruction of large bony defects after femoral sarcoma resection. It had the merits of reliable bone union and low complications, which compare well with other biological reconstructions.Evidence Rating Scale for Therapeutic Studies Level IV, therapeutic study.