ARTHRODESIS AFTER RESECTION OF BONE-TUMORS

Advances in chemotherapy and radiographic imaging have allowed resecti on and limb-salvage surgery to be performed on the majority of patient s with bone tumors. Extensive soft tissue resection, extra-articular r esection, and social factors often contraindicate a mobile reconstruct ion of the involved or adjacent joint. In these cases, an arthrodesis often can maintain a functional extremity. Current soft tissue techniq ues and advances in orthopedic hardware have minimized complications a nd allowed successful outcomes for the majority of patients. This arti cle reviews resection arthrodeses about the knee, shoulder, wrist, and ankle. The surgical technique, complications, and functional outcomes of these procedures are presented. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.