Distal Femur Megaprosthetic Reconstruction
Osteosarcoma commonly affects the distal femur, close to the knee joint. Historically, this necessitated above-knee amputations. Today, wide local excision followed by reconstruction using Modular Megaprosthetic Implants is the standard of care.
Key Case Details:
- Diagnosis: High-grade distal femur osteosarcoma.
- Surgical Plan: Wide margin resection of the distal femur, including the articular surface, followed by reconstruction.
- Prosthesis: Modular titanium distal femur megaprosthesis with rotating hinge knee mechanism.
Surgical Protocol:
- Excision: Careful isolation of the neurovascular bundle (popliteal vessels) and resection of the distal femur with a safe oncological margin.
- Reconstruction: Preparing the femoral canal, cementing the femoral stem, and preparing the tibia for the tibial component.
- Restoration: Fitting the modular components and stabilizing the rotating hinge. Muscular attachment wrapping to optimize active extension.
Clinical Outcomes:
Limb salvage was successfully achieved with excellent margin clearance. The patient resumed independent weight-bearing walking within 6 weeks post-surgery under specialized physical therapy.