Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of osteoarticular allografts operated during the years 1973–1992. Materials: 33 osteoarticular allograft operations were performed because of malignant (14) and benign tumors (19). The mean follow-up time was 15 years. Eight patients were excluded because of death (5) and amputation (3). Results: 25 (76%) of the grafts survived more than 10 years. 18 were whole-joint grafts and 7 hemi-joint grafts. 13 grafts situated in proximal tibia, 11 in distal femur and one in distal tibia. So far three cases have been converted to arthroplasty and two to arthrodesis. 20 grafts are still functioning. 19 of them are excellent or good according to Mankin score. Whole-joint and hemi-joint allografts were clinically equally good. Clear degeneration is seen in every joint and during the time the range of motion tends to decrease because of osteoarthrosis but clinically the patients were surprising painless. Conclusions: The operation is demanding and may cause a large variety of complications, for instance infection, non-union, fatigue fracture, nerve palsy and joint instability. On the other hand, the graft may provide weight-bearing bone that will incorporate biologically into the host skeleton and function almost as a normal joint for years. As prosthesis solutions have also problems and tend to fail with time, osteoarticular allografts should be taken to serious consideration when the first operation method is chosen.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
