Transplantation of Massive Bone Allografts

Abstract

The attempt to preserve a functional limb in treating low-grade malignant bone tumor presents a surgical challenge to anyone who must deal with such tumors. Surgeons have, after local resection, used prosthetic implants, massive autogenous transplants, with or without arthrodesis, or massive allografts. Elsewhere in this issue of the Journal Mankin et al. report on 15 patients followed for an average of almost two years after receiving massive allografts. They quite correctly state clearly and positively that the report is a preliminary one and the procedure is experimental because of the many problems. The reports of Parrish,¹ Ottolenghi² and Volkov . . .