Abstract
Aim: To clinically and radiologically review our first 50 cases of treatment of malignant bone tumours by extra-corporeal irradiation (ECI) and re-implantation and review the world literature’s other 100 such cases.
Methods: We have treated 50 patients with bony malignancy by en bloc resection, ECI with 50Gy and reimplantation of the bone segment as a method of limb salvage. Mean survivor follow-up is 38 months (12–92).
Results: 42 patients remain alive without disease. 4 recurrences occurred. Functional results were generally good: Mankin grades 17 excellent, 13 good, 9 fair, 3 failures; MSTS mean 77 (20–100); TESS mean 81 (40–100). Solid bony union was the norm, however bone resorption was seen in some cases.
Discussion: The dose of radiation is theoretically lethal to all cells and produces a dead autogenous bone graft of perfect fit. ECI is a useful technique of limb salvage where there is a reasonable residual bone stock. It allows effective re-attachment of muscle tendons, and produces a lasting biological reconstruction. The risk from the re-implanted bone of both local recurrence and of late radiotherapy induced malignancy should be nil.
Correspondence should be addressed to BOOS at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35 - 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
