The functions of the preserved limbs were evaluated in 15 patients with malignant bone tumors about the knee by Enneking's criteria. The skeletal defects, after the resection of the tumors, were reconstructed with endoprosthetic replacement in 8 patients and with arthrodesis using free vascularized fibular graft in 4 patients. Remaining 3 patients underwent wide resection alone, knee rotation plasty and intraoperative radiotherapy, respectively.
Functional evaluation showed excellent in one, good in 7, fair in 5, and poor in 2, with the mean follow-up period of 33 months. The patient treated with intraoperative radiotherapy showed an excellent function.
It suggests that intraoperative radiotherapy would be of use in securing the best possible function of the affected limbs.
