Are fibula strut allografts a reliable alternative for periarticular reconstruction after curettage for bone tumors?

Abstract

Bone tumors occurring in periarticular locations may cause a substantial risk of subchondral fracture and collapse. Poly-methylmethacrylate has been used for reconstruction in these instances because of its immediate structural stability. Allogeneic graft allows for biologic incorporation and remodeling, but it takes longer. Adding a fibula strut graft to the construct seems to provide structural stability during incorporation of the particulate graft. Seventeen of 22 (77.3%) patients returned to their full preoperative level of function after this procedure. We believe adding fibula strut to particulate allograft when using the buttress technique provides structural integrity and biologically active reconstruction, while maintaining a recurrence rate similar to those described for other reconstruction techniques.