Allograft bone replacement is another surgery option for bone cancer patients. An allograft (from allo- meaning "other" and graft meaning "living tissue") is a bone transplanted from the body of one person to the body of another person.  In this procedure, the patient receives a frozen, sterilized bone segment from a donor.  The graft, which has been properly shaped, is inserted into the affected area and fastened with pins, plates, or screws. Usually the patient will wear a cast after surgery, both to protect and restrict the limb.

An allograft is "dead bone" - it has very few donor cells or proteins to encourage bone growth.  Allografts are rarely rejected because there aren't usually enough donor cells in the bone to cause a reaction in the patient's body.  Immunosuppressive drugs can be used to stop a rejection if one begins. 

When a patient receives an allograft, his or her own bones heal to it. However, as many as 50% of patients may have complications, including non-union, fracture, or infection.  Most of these patients will need additional surgery. Infections account for approximately 12% of complications, and in one study the majority (82%) of infected cases required amputation or the removal of the allograft.  In 15% of patients, osteoarthritis becomes apparent in 5-10 years. This is best treated with a resurfacing arthroplasty.

Source:
DiCaprio, Matthew R., M.D. and Gary E. Friedlaender, M.D.  (2003, January/February.)  Malignant Bone Tumors: Limb Sparing Versus Amputation. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 11(1), 25 - 37.

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