What is limb salvage surgery?

It is a surgical procedure where the bone cancer surgeon removes the bone tumor following oncological principles while retaining adequate soft tissue, bone structures and neurovascular bundles (blood vessels and nerves) to ensure a good functional outcome.

Who performs limb salvage surgery?

A well-trained Musculo-Skeletal Oncosurgeon is the ideal specialist to perform limb salvage surgeries.

Can limb salvage surgery be done in all bone cancer patients?

Few decades ago, many bone cancer patients were treated with amputation. Today, with advanced imaging, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, we are able to save the limb in 90–95% of patients.

In which cases is limb salvage not possible?

Limb salvage may not be possible in cases where patients present late with large tumors, tumors involving major blood vessels and nerves, improperly done biopsies or those who have undergone incorrect surgical procedures.

How complicated are limb salvage surgeries?

Limb salvage is a major surgical procedure, and complications such as infection or injury to vital structures are slightly higher compared to conventional orthopaedic surgeries. It requires a team of expert doctors, an experienced anaesthesia team, a sophisticated operation theatre, high-end equipment and a supportive blood bank. With trained Musculo-Skeletal Oncosurgeons, complications have significantly reduced.

What are the options available to fill the defect after bone tumor removal?

We classify reconstruction methods into two types

1) Non-Biological Methods

Artificial metallic bones
Growing metallic bones for children
Plate / nail cement spacers

2) Biological Methods

Allograft – Bone obtained from a bone bank
Autograft – Patient’s own bone
Sterilised tumor bone – The tumor bone is sterilised (all cancer cells removed) and re-implanted in the same place

Non-Biological method

Biological Methods