Rotationplasty as a reconstructive operation after tumor resection

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Merkel-KD; Gebhardt-M; Springfield-DS Orthopaedic Oncology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114. Clin-Orthop. 1991 Sep(270): 231-6 Reconstruction in the skeletally immature patient following resection of osteosarcoma about the knee is a challenging problem. Salvaging of the limb with allogeneic or prosthetic replacement results in a shortened limb with functional limitations. Arthrodesis yields a stiff and shortened limb. The so-called growing prosthesis has a high complication rate and is still unproven. However, rotationplasty has been successfully used as a reconstructive technique following resection of these types of tumors in the skeletally immature patient. A limb with normal sensation and proprioceptions, adequate range of motion, and without leg-length discrepancies, functional limitations, or painful neuroma is to be expected. Although a prosthesis must be worn, these patients are active and participate in unrestricted physical activity. Cosmetic acceptance has not been a problem and complications are minimal. Thus, rotationplasty requires only a single operation and results in a highly functional limb.