Induced-membrane technique for lower limb reconstruction after malignant bone tumour resection in paediatric patients: Complication and re-operation rates

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the complication and re -operation rates, evaluate the risk of non-union, and describe the functional outcomes at last follow-up in children and adolescents after lower -limb malignant tumour resection and reconstruction using the induced -membrane technique. Hypothesis: Weight -bearing resumption 6 weeks after the second stage of the induced -membrane procedure promotes bone healing. Material and methods: The study included 13 patients (9 with osteosarcoma, 3 with Ewing's sarcomas, and 1 with alveolar sarcoma) managed between 2000 and 2020 by oncological femoral or tibial resection followed, at a distance from adjuvant chemotherapy, by reconstruction using the induced -membrane technique. Non-union was the primary outcome measure and the MusculoSkeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) lower -limb functional score was the secondary outcome measure. Mean follow-up was 6.1 years (range, 2.0-12.7). At last follow-up, mean age was 18.1 years (range, 11.0-26.0) and the mean MSTS score was 66.6% (37.0-93.0%). Results: After the second reconstruction stage, 8 complications developed in 6 patients (46%). Either a complication or limb -length inequality required 12 re -operations in 8 patients (61.5%). Non-union occurred after reconstruction in 5 (38.5%) patients. Early resumption of 50% weight -bearing 6 weeks after reconstruction was associated with bone healing ( p = 0.02). Conclusion: The non-union rate was 38.5%. Partial, 50% weight -bearing with two elbow crutches and an orthosis, if allowed by construct stability, may promote bone healing. Level of evidence: IV. (c) 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.