Distraction epiphysiolysis prior to resection of a malignant bone tumor (osteosarcoma)

Abstract

Bone tumors around the knee joint are successfully treated with prosthetic replacement. However, resecting the tumor with the physis leads to limb length discrepancy. Epiphyseal distraction prior to resection creates a safe bone bridge between the physeal area and the tumor, thus rendering intercalary resections possible. We present a case with distal femoral osteosarcoma. Initially, it was not possible to preserve knee joint due to the close proximity of the tumor. Therefore, we performed an epiphyseal distraction to gain a safe bone bridge and performed resection in combination with biologic reconstruction.