Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 1953;35:211-214.
© 1953 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
CHONDROMYXOSARCOMA OF THE CALCANEUS
Report of a Case of Total Replacement of Involved Bone with a Homogenous Refrigerated Calcaneus
Carlos E. Ottolenghi M.D.1 and
Luis J. Petracchi M.D.1
1 Orthopaedic and Fracture Department, Italian Hospital, Buenos Aires
Several conclusions may be drawn from this case and its course:
1. In view of the diagnosis of chondromyxosarcoma, either resection of the affected bone or amputation of the limb had to be decided upon.
2. Total resection of the calcaneus was preferred. Since absence of the calcaneus results in serious functional disability, we decided to replace the calcaneus by another which had been kept in the deep freezer.
3. It was possible to obtain a calcaneus removed two hours after death from a woman of forty-three, who had died of a disease of the nervous system.
4. The transplanted bone was perfectly tolerated. Avascular necrosis appeared laterally, increasing reabsorption of the transplanted bone.
5. Notwithstanding the partial reabsorption of the bone, the functional result was very good.
6. Deficiency of the blood supply may explain the process of reabsorption of the bone.
7. Reabsorption may also have been the consequence of trophic disturbances caused by the denervation.
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8. Absence of pain can be explained by the denervation of the transplant.
9. The patient must be kept under further observation.
10. We consider this type of operation as an important step which may constitute a new trend in reconstructive bone surgery.