Reconstruction of Bone Defects

Today, thanks to more precise histological classifications and more detailed surgical staging, conservative operations of bone tumors are ever more frequent. Consequently, there is a growing need to reconstruct longer and larger portions of skeletal segments. Resected bone tissue can be restored by various techniques: 1. Through the use of prostheses which, however, are contraindicated for benign tumors or in young patients 2. Through the use of donor transplants which, however, can create problems of histocompatibility, delays in consolidation, infection, and serious fractures 3. Through the use of autografts (the most frequently used method), which, however, produce a weakening in the limb at the donor site, increase the risk of infection at the reconstruction site, lengthen surgical times, and, by their very nature limit bone stock availability.