Limb salvage reconstruction: Radiologic features of common reconstructive techniques and their complications

Abstract

Limb salvage surgery refers to orthopaedic procedures designed to resect tumors and reconstruct limbs. Improvements in managing malignant bone lesions have led to a dramatic shift in limb salvage procedures. Orthopaedic surgeons now employ four main reconstructive procedures: endoprosthesis, autograft, bulk allograft, and allograft prosthetic composite. While each approach has its advantages, each technique is associated with complications. Furthermore, knowledge of procedure specific imaging findings can lead to earlier complication diagnosis and improved clinical outcomes. The aim of this article is to review leading reconstructive options available for limb salvage surgery and present a case series illustrating the associated complications.

Keywords: Allograft; Autograft; Endoprosthesis; Limb salvage.