EAR method: an alternative method of bone grafting following bone tumor resection (a preliminary report).

The EAR (Excision, Alcoholization, Replantation) method consists of a proper tumor resection, removal of tumor tissue extracorporally, soaking the residual bone shell in 95% alcohol for half an hour, and replantation in situ, the cavity being filled with bone graft or bone cement. Eighty-three cases were treated in this manner, of which 95% were followed for 2 years or more, with complete success in cases with IA lesions and no recurrence in two-thirds of those with IB-IIB lesions. Experimentally, it is proved that alcohol can kill tumor cells completely without interfering with osteogenesis. The joint cartilage, although degenerated, is replaced by newly formed fibrocartilage, thus preserving joint function.