A Clinical Study of Leg Length Discrepancy after a Limb-Sparing Operation in a Skeletally-Immature Osteosarcoma Patient

골 연령이 미성숙한 골육종 환자에서 사지 보존술 후의 하지부동에 대한 고찰

A limb-sparing operation has a definitive role in the treatment of osteosarcoma in the lower extremity of skeletally-immature patients. After a limb-sparing operation, leg length discrepancy remains as a major disability that should be corrected. This study was designed to suggest methods of tumor resection and proper timing of leg length equalization in skeletally immature osteosarcoma patients. From September 1990 to January 1998, we reviewed eight osteosarcoma patients in an immature skeletal age. There were 4 males and 4 females, and their mean duration of follow-up was 50.37 months (range : 25 to 88 months). Mean skeletal age was 8 years (range : 8 months to 11 years). The patients were classified according to the methods of tumor resection ; intercalary resection in 1 case, transepiphyseal resection in 1, intra-articular resection in 5, and extra-articular resection in 1. The results were as follows ; 1. The leg lengthening was begun when a patient's leg length discrepancy reached 4-5cm. 2. The age of final lengthening with permanent reconstruction was 14 years in males and 12 years in females (about 2 years before skeletal maturity). 3. When reconstruction was performed with a temporary spacer, the site of lengthening Was in the soft tissue, not in bone, and then a permanant reconstruction was done. 4. Reconstruction with a biologic spacer to preserve the joint function was a reasonable method for equalization of leg length. In conclusion, the appropriate choice of reconstructive method and the age at which to correct the leg length discrepancy in a skeletally-immature osteosarcoma patients are important factors for maintaining leg length at full maturity.