Limb salvage surgery for osteosarcoma of the distal femur in a skeletally immature child preferably uses which reconstructive option to preserve limb length equality?
- A Allograft arthrodesis
- B Rotationplasty (Van Nes)
- C Expandable (growing) prosthesis ✓
- D Conventional modular megaprosthesis
Correct answer: C. Expandable (growing) prosthesis
Explanation
In skeletally immature patients with osteosarcoma of the distal femur, conventional fixed-length megaprostheses create progressive limb length discrepancy as the contralateral limb grows. Expandable prostheses allow non-invasive (magnetic) or minimally invasive lengthening procedures to match limb length during growth. Rotationplasty is an alternative providing excellent function but is cosmetically disfiguring. Allograft arthrodesis limits function without addressing leg length.
Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.