Resection arthrodesis with Ilizarov fixator in advanced cases of GCT around the knee - Outcome with problems, obstacles and complications

Abstract

Background: GCT’s are aggressive benign but potentially malignant lesions of bone.50% of these tumors involve knee joint. Wide resection and gap reconstruction by various methods are used for aggressive GCT’s around knee joint. In this study we tried to evaluate the outcome of resection arthrodesis of knee by primary Ilizarov procedure.Materials and Methods: 20 patients with mean age of 30.5 years with campanacci grade III GCT around knee joint treated by resection arthrodesis and primary Ilizarov techniques between 2010-2015 were evaluated in this retrospective study. There were 8 males and 12 females. Mean follow up was 36 months (30- 42 months range). Functional evaluation was done with musculoskeletal tumor society scale.Results: At the final follow up the functional score ranged from 26.4 out of 35. The average duration in fixator was 16 months and the mean regenerate achieved was 10.8 cm at final follow up Average duration to union was 6 months. All patients were ambulatory. There were no requirements for bone grafting in all 20 cases. 3 cases had nonunion at docking site one because of local recurrence and one case because of infection.Conclusion: Resection Arthrodesis with Ilizarov is a viable alternative and provides a long-lasting and cost-effective reconstruction for average patients in developing countries.