2003 Volume 19 Issue 1 Pages 1-10
For skeletal reconstruction after resection of malignant bone tumors, hyperthermia-treated bone has been used with more favorable results by the method of pasteurization (60-65°C for 30min) over autoclaving or boiling. Experimental studies demonstrated clearly that pasteurization destroys malignant cells while preserving the bone-inducing properties. Clinical investigations reveal few recurrences related to pasteurized tumor tissues. Complications include non-union, fracture, absorption, and infection. The operation protocol, while not ideal, is superior to that of other reconstruction procedures because many fundamental complications, such as the low long-term survival of massive prosthesis, the lethal risk of transfections, such as HIV, and immunological responses of the allograft, can be avoided.
