This study was undertaken to evaluate methods of reconstruction and their functional outcomes for segmental resections of the long bones of the lower extremity.

Eighteen cases were eligible for this study. There were 11 femoral lesions and there were 7 tibial. Lesions that had a good bone stock were reconstructed by means of a combination of rigid fixation and heat treated autogenous bone (Group1: in which there were 11 cases). Osteolytic lesions and those that necessitate a pathologic analysis underwent a temporary fixation procedure using intramedullary nail and bone cement (Group 2:7 cases). The average follow-up period was 49 (12-160) months.

At the final follow-up examination, 15 patients were disease free, 2 had died of disease and remaining one was alive with disease. There were a total of 10 complications, 7 occurred in Group 1 and 3 in Group 2. Four cases of nonunion in Group 1 had a solid union after augumentation bone graft and a change of fixation device. Average union time for the recycled bone was 15 (9-35) months and their average functional score was 25.8.

Although reconstruction by heat treated bone is a feasible, inexpensive method that has a low infection rate, the union process is not always successful. A rigid initial fixation is essential for a primary union. Temporal fixation using an IM nail and cement is a relatively sound method both functionally and technically and it might be useful in cases where the prognosis is unpredictable.