OBJECTIVETo evaluate the proximal tibiofibular joint resection on the limb salvage for osteosarcoma of the proximal tibia.

METHODSBetween August 1995 and January 2004, 11 patients with osteosarcoma of proximal tibia and tibiofibular joint involved underwent resection and endoprosthetic proximal tibial replacement. Seven patients were male and 4 were female. The patients ranged in age from 14 to 23 years (mean 18 years). The surgical stage were IIB.

RESULTSThe follow-up period varied from 2 to 9 years (mean 59 months). Three patients died of pulmonary metastases, 1 patient was still alive with pulmonary metastasis, 1 patient underwent amputation for local recurrence. There was 1 early skin necrosis, 2 transient palsy of the common peroneal nerve, and 2 thrombus of lower limb vein. The mean postoperative Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of the knee joint was 70% (range 55% - 86%), the mean postoperative range of motion was 85 degrees (range 0 degrees - 120 degrees ), and the extensor lag varied from 0 degrees to 20 degrees .

CONCLUSIONSLimb salvage for osteosarcoma of the proximal tibia with proximal tibiofibular joint resection and custom-made prosthesis reconstruction has had excellent results, however, the prevention and treatment of relevant complications should be given more attention.