Skeletal reconstruction with allograft segments following bone tumor resection.

The successful treatment of malignant neoplasms of bone requires surgical removal of the primary tumor. Limb salvage as an alternative to amputation requires surgical resection of the neoplasm with a wide margin and reconstruction of the segmental defect that is created. Transplantation of an allograft bone segment, with or without articular cartilage, is one option for reconstruction. The types of defects created and the types of reconstruction using segmental allografts are classified. Specific technical details involved in allograft reconstruction are discussed.