Massive autoclaved allografts and autografts for limb salvage surgery. A 1-8 year follow-up of 23 patients.

We performed 23 reconstructions with bone grafts autoclaved at 135 degrees C for 10 minutes for extensive bone defects after tumor resection. In 15 cases, the resected specimens were autoclaved and used as autografts. In 7 cases, allografts obtained from amputated extremities or cadavers were autoclaved and immediately stored at -80 degrees C prior to their use. A combination of the two was used in 1 case. The grafts were used in combination with prostheses or other forms of internal fixation. The mean follow-up was 49 (14-98) months. Incorporation of the hostgraft junction was observed radiographically after a mean of 11 (6-17) months in all cases. No recurrence due to the autoclaved bone was observed. However, 10 patients suffered complications, including infection, bone resorption, fracture and loosening of the prosthesis. In terms of Mankin's evaluation of bone grafts, 12 patients were evaluated as good or excellent. We conclude that despite the complications, autoclaved autografts and allografts are viable options for reconstruction in many countries because of the difficulty of obtaining large quantities of fresh frozen allografts.