Scintigraphy of lower extremity cadaveric bone allografts in osteosarcoma patients

Purpose: To describe scintigraphic characteristics of bone allografts used in limb salvage reconstruction after resection of lower extremity osteosarcoma. Materials and Methods: The authors reviewed 85 skeletal scintigrams of 20 pediatric patients followed up for 0.5-5.7 years after resection of lower extremity osteosarcoma and allograft reconstruction. Uptake in the allograft and adjacent host tissues was assessed visually. Results: Lack of tracer uptake in the allografts was seen in 99% of the studies and a faint rim of tracer localization outlining the allograft's periphery was seen in 95% of the studies. increased uptake was noted at the allograft-host bane junction ire 78% of the studies. Uptake was increased in the joint surfaces of native bones articulating with allografts (91% of studies), including the patella (93% of studies) when the knee was involved. These findings were stabilized as time passed. Conclusion: Cadaveric bone allografts have a characteristic scintigraphic appearance in this selected patient group that reflects the physiology of their incorporation process.