Replantation of an autoclaved autogenous segment of bone for treatment of chondrosarcoma. Long-term follow up.

Seven patients who had a low-grade chondrosarcoma of the proximal part of the humerus or femur were treated by resection, autoclaving of the excised segment, and reinsertion of that segment with supplementary fresh autogenous grafts. The length of follow-up ranged from fourteen to twenty-four years, and sequential roentgenograms were made during the follow-up period. A biopsy of the autoclaved segments was done in one patient eleven years after the operation, and examination of the specimen showed predominantly live bone; there were very few spicules of dead bone. Although the principal roentgenographic changes were demonstrated by the end of the first year, serial roentgenograms showed a continuing process of remodeling for two decades. No secondary procedures were required for treatment of fracture, resorption, infection, or loss of function.