Inactivation and replantation of the knee joint: an infeasible surgical method

Background The inactivation and replantation of autologous tumor bones are important surgical methods for limb salvage in patients with malignancies. Currently, there are few reports on the inactivation and replantation of the knee joint. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of our surgical approach. Methods This is a retrospective case series study. We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients with sarcoma treated with knee joint inactivation and replantation and analyzed the efficacy of this surgical method. The bone healing and complications in these patients after inactivated autograft replantation were assessed. Results This study included 16 patients. Fifteen patients had osteosarcoma, and one had Ewing's sarcoma. The average length of the inactivated bone is 20.2 cm (range 13.5–25.3 cm). All the patients underwent internal plate fixation. The average follow-up duration was 30 months (range 8–60 months). Before the data deadline of this study, eight (50%) patients were still alive, and eight (50%) died of sarcoma metastasis. Eight (50%) patients achieved bone healing at the diaphysis site of the inactivated tumor bone, with an average bone healing time of 21.9 months (range, 12–36 months). Five (31%) patients died due to metastases and did not achieve bone healing. Two (12.5%) patients did not achieve bone healing because of infection, and one (6.3%) patient underwent amputation due to tumor recurrence. Ten (62.5%) patients experienced fractures around the joint ends of the inactivated replanted bone, and eight of these ten patients were combined with joint dislocation. Conclusion The incidence of joint deformities after the knee-joint inactivation and replantation is extremely high and is not recommended for use.