Bifocal and trifocal bone transport for failed limb reconstruction after tumour resection.

The aim of the present study is to assess the results of bifocal and trifocal bone transport for elimination of bone defects due to failed limb reconstruction after tumour resection. Thirteen patients, nine with giant-cell tumour and four with osteosarcoma, with bone defects resulting from wide tumour resection were managed by bone transport with an Ilizarov frame. The ages ranged from 12 to 46 years. Bone transport was used as a second line of management after failure of other modalities for reconstruction. According to the Enneking system for the functional evaluation after surgical treatment of musculoskeletal tumours, the percentage rating of function was 47% in one case, 70% in 2 cases and more than 85% in 10 cases. Most of the complications were treated successfully during the course of treatment. Bone transport with two or three osteotomies is a reliable method for eliminating bone defects as a limb salvage procedure after failure of other modalities for reconstruction.