Assessment of the Viability and Union Feature of Diaphysis Reconstruction Using Pasteurized Tumor Bone and Intramedullary Free Fibular After Tumor Resection.

BACKGROUND Reconstruction using pasteurized tumor bone (PTM) and intramedullary-placed vascularized free fibular (VFG) has the combined advantages of mechanical strength and biological activity. The aims of this study were to investigate scintigraphic viability and radiographic union patterns of composite grafts after surgery, union rates, functional outcomes, and complication rates. METHODS Seventeen patients underwent intercalary composite reconstruction using PTM and VFG (12 male, 2 female, mean age: 10.9 y). Retrospective evaluation of radiography and bone scintigraphy was performed. The most common diagnosis was osteosarcoma (12/14, 85.7%). All radiography and bone scintigraphy was reviewed for bone healing and tracer uptake semiquantitatively using the ratio of the reconstructed portion to the contralateral side. Complications and oncological and functional outcomes were recorded. RESULTS At a mean follow-up of 33.1 months, primary union was achieved in all 28 host-graft junctions in all 14 patients. The respective mean times to proximal and distal junction bone union were 6.9 and 6.5 months. Metaphyseal junctions healed faster than diaphysis junctions (5.2 vs. 8.0 mo, P=0.02). Free fibular was integrated with surrounding bone after a mean of 10.1 months. The mean tracer uptake ratio was 1.1 after a mean of 4.8 months postoperatively. Half patients (50%) had higher uptake on bone scan than contralateral side. There was no significant correlation between uptake value and bone healing time. Five complications occurred in 4 patients (28.6%), and 1 patient (7.1%) contracted an infection. No fractures or breakages were observed. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93 score was 87.6%. CONCLUSIONS Reconstruction using PTM combined with VFG is associated with good short-term biological activity as indicated by bone scintigraphy, a high union rate, and an acceptable complication rate. The technique is a useful reconstruction option for large segmental bone defects after tumor resection in lower extremities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV-therapeutic study.