MASSIVE RESECTION AND ALLOGRAFT TRANSPLANTATION IN TREATMENT OF MALIGNANT BONE TUMORS

Nineteen massive resections and allograft transplantations were performed for malignant or aggressive bone tumors. Allograft procurement technique uses freezing of the segment to decrease immunogenicity of the bony portion and glycinerization of the cartilage to maintain chondrocyte viability during freezing and thawing. Fifteen patients were followed for an average of almost 2 yr and were evaluated for early results by serial follow-up studies, including clinical, laboratory, X-ray and scan data. Despite numerous complications (related to tumor and operation) none have metastases, local recurrence or major functional impairment except for 2 whose grafts became infected. Although still experimental, allograft replacement may in the future serve as an important approach to certain neoplastic conditions of bones and joints.