Amputation and limb-sparing surgery in childhood sarcoma: Post-operative imaging appearances and complications.

Abstract

Limb-sparing surgery and amputation are common surgical techniques used to achieve local tumour control in childhood primary bone and soft tissue malignancy of the limbs. The interpretation of post-operative limb imaging in these frequently complex cases is assisted by knowledge of the surgical techniques employed. This review discusses the rationale underpinning the most common surgical techniques used for these patients as well as their expected post-operative imaging appearance and complications. Amputation, long bone resection, endoprosthetic reconstruction, allograft reconstruction, the use of fibular autografts, allograft-prosthetic composite reconstruction and arthrodesis are discussed.