[Reconstruction of large segmental defects of the lower extremities following resection of malignant and locally aggressive bone tumors].

The chances to be cured from a primary malignant musculoskeletal tumor have improved dramatically during the last two decades with the introduction of adjuvant chemotherapy. The cure rate e.g. for osteosarcomas and Ewing sarcomas has improved in this period from about 20% to 75%. Furthermore instead of amputations for local tumor control local resections have become possible in most cases when the rules of oncologic surgery for such tumors beginning with the biopsy are strictly followed. With the improved long term survival of patients afflicted by musculoskeletal malignancies the demands upon reconstructions after large resections have significantly increased. Techniques actually available for different localizations of tumors of the femur and tibia with trends for 'more biologic' procedures with arthrodeses and massive allografts are demonstrated besides new endoprosthetic material.