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

Arthrodesis of the knee may be indicated for the reconstruction after resec tion of tumor around the knee. Since the introduction of this technique, re section arthrodesis using segmental autogenous grafts has been the principa l method of reconstruction. From August 1967 to February 1985, 73 patients underwent resection arthrodesis using autogenous grafts. All procedures wer e performed for malignant or potentially malignant lesions, Ten-year follow up 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 fi bulae. 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 patient s functioning satisfactorily. Long term followup of these patients shows co ntinued durability of the reconstruction and a persistent high level of fun ction and patient satisfaction. Resection arthrodesis using massive autogen ous grafts should continue to be in the armamentarium of the orthopaedic on cologist.