Influence of chemotherapy on perioperative complications in limb-salvage surgery for bone tumors

Advances in surgical planning and surgical techniques, as well as improvements in adjuvant treatment regimens, have allowed more patients with neoplasms of the extremities to be treated with limb-sparing surgery. With appropriate oncologic margins, local tumor control can generally be achieved, resulting in a functional result superior to amputation. Yet a major resection of a joint or portion of a long bone results in an increased potential for complications, which in themselves can lead to amputation. Factors potentially influencing the risk of complications include the anatomic site and extent of resection, the method of reconstruction, and the use of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.