Distal tibial osteoarticular allografts.

Osteoarticular allografts can be used for limb reconstruction following tumor excision. Most commonly, the distal femur, proximal tibia and distal radius have been studied, while distal tibial allografts receive only sporadic mention in the literature. We evaluated the functional outcomes of distal tibial allografts used in tumor reconstruction. Following FDA guidelines and using a questionnaire, we surveyed operating surgeons on the outcomes of 29 distal tibial allografts used to reconstruct osseous defects secondary to benign and malignant tumors. Twelve patient questionnaires were returned revealing nine complications in eight patients. These included nonunions (three), fracture (two), arthrosis (two), and delayed union (two). There were no reported infections. Two patients died of their disease. The average rating using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 67.3%. The 10 living patients had an average rating of 72.4%. Distal tibial osteoarticular allografts offer acceptable functional results when used in tumor reconstruction. Difficulties achieving union (delayed or nonunion) between the host and the graft appears the most common complication of this technique.