Our center specializes in advanced limb preservation techniques that allow us to remove tumors while maintaining maximum limb function, cosmesis, and quality of life. We utilize a multidisciplinary approach to determine the optimal reconstruction strategy for each individual patient.
Endoprosthetic Reconstruction
We provide expert care using modern prosthetic implants for limb reconstruction:
- Modular Endoprostheses: Customizable implants that can be adjusted during surgery to achieve optimal fit and function.
- Expandable Prostheses: For growing children, these implants can be lengthened periodically to match growth of the contralateral limb.
- Megaprostheses: Large segmental replacements for extensive bone defects, particularly around joints.
- Patient-Specific Implants: Custom-designed and 3D-printed prostheses created from patient imaging for complex anatomical reconstructions.
- Porous Metal Implants: Advanced materials that allow for biological fixation and potential bone ingrowth.
Biological Reconstruction Techniques
Our comprehensive approach to biological reconstruction includes:
- Massive Allograft Reconstruction: Using donated bone to replace large segments of resected bone, which can eventually incorporate with host bone.
- Vascularized Fibular Grafts: Transferring the patient's own fibula with its blood supply to reconstruct long bone defects, particularly in the upper extremity.
- Bone Transport Techniques: Using external fixation and the body's natural healing ability to gradually regenerate bone through distraction osteogenesis.
- Allograft-Prosthetic Composites: Combining allograft bone with prosthetic implants to provide both biological and mechanical advantages.
- Recycled Autograft Reconstruction: Using extracorporeal irradiation or pasteurization of the resected tumor-bearing bone segment before reimplantation.
Soft Tissue Reconstruction
We employ specialized techniques for soft tissue coverage and functional restoration:
- Free Flap Reconstruction: Microsurgical transfer of tissue from one part of the body to another to provide coverage and restore contour.
- Rotational and Pedicled Flaps: Local tissue transfers that maintain their blood supply for wound coverage.
- Functional Muscle transfers: Reinnervation of transferred muscles to restore motor function after tumor resection.
- Nerve Reconstruction: Nerve grafts or transfers to restore sensation and motor function when nerves are involved by tumor.
Joint Preservation and Salvage Techniques
Our joint preservation strategies include:
- Epiphyseal-sparing techniques for children with open growth plates
- Custom joint-sparing implants for selected tumors
- Biological reconstruction around joints using osteoarticular allografts
- Intercalary resection techniques that preserve joints above and below the tumor
- Advanced cartilage preservation and restoration techniques
Our Comprehensive Approach
We employ a multidisciplinary team approach including orthopaedic oncologists, plastic surgeons, vascular surgeons, physical therapists, and prosthetists to develop individualized reconstruction plans. Our services include:
- Preoperative planning with advanced 3D modeling and virtual surgery simulations
- Intraoperative navigation and patient-specific instrument guidance for precision surgery
- Multimodal pain management protocols to enhance recovery
- Comprehensive rehabilitation programs tailored to each reconstruction type
- Long-term follow-up to monitor implant function, detect complications, and manage revisions
- Psychological support to help patients adapt to functional changes and body image concerns
We understand the profound impact that limb salvage surgery has on patients' lives. Our team is committed to providing not only technical excellence in reconstruction but also comprehensive support throughout the recovery process, helping patients achieve the best possible functional outcomes and quality of life.
