Allograft-prosthesis composites after bone tumor resection at the proximal tibia

The survival of irradiated allograft-prosthesis composites at the proximal tibia is mostly unknown. However, allograft-prosthesis composites have proved beneficial at other reconstruction sites. We presumed allograft-prosthesis composites at the proximal tibia would improve survival and facilitate reattachment of the extensor mechanism compared with that of conventional (megaprostheses) reconstructions. We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients who underwent resection of proximal tibia tumors followed by reconstruction with allograft-prosthesis composites. Patients received Guepar (R) massive custom-made fully constrained prostheses. Allografts were sterilized with gamma radiation, and the stems were cemented into the allograft and host bone. The minimum followup was 6 months (median, 128 months; range, 6-195 months). Fourteen patients had one or more components removed. The median allograft-prosthesis composite survival was 102 months (95% confidence interval, 64.2-infinity). Of the 26 allografts, seven fractured, six showed signs of partial resorption, and six had infections develop. Seven allografts showed signs of fusion with the host bone. Six extensor mechanism reconstructions failed. Allograft-prosthesis composites sterilized by gamma radiation yielded poor results for proximal tibial reconstruction as complications and failures were common. We do not recommend irradiated allograft-prosthesis composites for proximal tibia reconstruction.