Long-term followup of patients with autogenous resection arthrodesis of the knee

Arthrodesis of the knee may be indicated for the reconstruction after resection of tumor around the knee. Since the introduction of this technique, resection arthrodesis using segmental autogenous grafts has been the principal method of reconstruction. From August 1967 to February 1985, 73 patients underwent resection arthrodesis using autogenous grafts. All procedures were performed for malignant or potentially malignant lesions. Ten-year followup was available on 40 patients. The reconstructive procedure was performed using an intramedullary rod and hemicortical femoral or tibial grafts with a single autogenous nonvascularized fibula or with dual nonvascularized fibulae. Despite a high surgical complication rate, the majority of patients achieved successful limb salvage. Independent ambulation was achieved by 86% of the patients. A Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional evaluation in 32 available patients at a mean of 17 years showed the majority of patients functioning satisfactorily. Long-term followup of these patients shows continued durability of the reconstruction and a persistent high level of function and patient satisfaction. Resection arthrodesis using massive autogenous grafts should continue to be in the armamentarium of the orthopaedic oncologist.