Clinical Factors Determining Limb-salvage Rate of Osteosarcoma Patients

Abstract

We reviewed cases with osteosarcoma in our institution and analyzed the factors affecting limb-salvage rate of osteosarcoma patients. Out of a total of 27 cases, five cases underwent amputation at initial surgery, resulting in 82% limb-salvage rate. The reasons for amputation were pathological fracture (two cases), neuro-vascular involvement (two cases) and poor general condition. An additional two cases underwent amputation because of local recurrence, which reduced the final limb-sparing rate to 74%. Five-year survival were 57% and 64% in the amputation group and limb-salvage group respectively, indicating no statistically difference between the two groups (p=0.54). The limb-salvage rate in our study was similar with recent reports. However, more effective chemotherapy would improve the limb-salvage rate in the future.