[Infections after massive bone allografts in surgery of bone tumors of the limbs. Incidence, contributing factors, therapeutic problems].

This study was carried out on a sample of 115 patients receiving massive allografts that were sterilized by irradiation and implanted after tumor resection, and having a remission period of 2-5 years. Among the 11 post-operative infections that occurred, 9 arose early and 2 arose late. The risk of infection was augmented when reconstruction by allograft followed tumor surgery requiring adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments. Treatment of these allograft infections was difficult due to the presence of multiple bacteria as well as the general circumstances surrounding the infection (immunosuppressed patients under chemotherapy): 5 of the 11 patients required amputation secondary to infection.