Objective: To assess whether hemicortical excision and biological reconstruction instead of the conventional wide resection for selected cases of malignant surface tumors, may give adequate oncologic clearance with less morbidity and better function.

Methods: From January 2000 to June 2007 a total of 29 malignant surface tumors were managed at our institute. Fifteen of these were treated with hemicortical excision and reconstruction. They consisted of 10 parosteal osteosarcomas, 1 periosteal osteosarcoma, 1 high grade surface osteosarcoma, 1 adamantinoma and 2 surface chondrosarcomas. Nine were in the distal femur, 3 in tibia, 2 in the humerus and 1 in the radius. Four of these were residual/recurrent lesions following earlier intervention. After hemicortical excision with adequate margins the bone defect was reconstructed with allograft/autograft and suitable internal fixation where indicated.

Results: Margins were reported free in all cases. There were no infections. Three of five patients who did not have fixation with a plate at index surgery sustained a subsequent fracture which was then reduced and fixed. Follow up duration was from 24 to 90 months. Two patients had isolated soft tissue recurrences. Both underwent re excision and are currently disease free at 36 and 38 months respectively after recurrence. Eleven patients had a maximum possible score of 30 (MSTS functional scoring); other four had a score of 29. None of the cases have developed distant metastasis.

Discussion: Early results indicate that in selected cases, hemicortical excision is an oncologically sound procedure. The ability to do a biological reconstruction with bone helps avoid some of the serious complications of a megaprosthetic reconstruction while permitting full active loading of the extremity and near normal function. Internal fixation at index surgery permits early mobilization and minimises the incidence of subsequent fractures.

Objectives: To analyse functional outcome of giant cell tumor (GCT) distal radius treated with en bloc excision and reconstruction with ulnar translocation and wrist arthrodesis.

Methods: Between June 2005 and March 2008 fourteen patients of Campanacci grade 3 GCT distal radius treated with en bloc excision were reconstructed with ulnar translocation (radial transposition of ulna) and wrist arthrodesis. Seven (50%) patients had recurrent disease. Average resection length was 7.9 cm (range 5.5cm–15 cm). Twelve cases were fixed with a plate and in 2 an intramedullary nail was used. Union at both junctions was evaluated and functional assessment done using MSTS score.

Results: All 14 patients had followed up till bony union. Eleven patients were available at time of final review with an average follow up of 24.5 months (range 13–48 months). Average time for union at ulnocarpal junction was 4 months and ulnoradial junction was 5 months. No case required any additional procedure to augment union. Three cases had a soft tissue recurrence and one had pulmonary metastasis. Average range of prono supination was 80 degrees, one patient with synostosis had complete restriction of prono supination. Average MSTS Score at last follow up was 26 (86.6%).

Conclusions: Ulnar translocation provides a local vascularised bone graft to bridge the defect after excision of distal end radius tumors without the need for microvascular procedures. Unlike centralization of the ulna it retains prono supination while maintaining good hand function.