Rotationplasty is a surgical procedure primarily used for children with tumors in or near the knee joint. It involves removing the middle part of the leg, including the tumor, and rotating the lower section of the leg 180 degrees to reattach it to the thigh bone. This procedure is typically performed for bone cancer near the knee, such as osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma, and is more common in children and teenagers due to their bones still growing, allowing for adaptation to the procedure and continued growth of the reattached leg.
Key points about rotationplasty include:
- Procedure: The affected bone is resected, and the tibia is rotated 180 degrees to form a functional knee joint. The lower leg is then reattached to the thigh bone with screws and plates to hold it in a reduced position until healing occurs.
- Benefits: Rotationplasty allows the patient to keep much more of the affected leg than amputation, and it generally provides greater function than a standard above-the-knee amputation or limb salvage surgery. Patients are able to walk, run, jump, and participate in sports and other activities.
- Recovery: It takes 3-6 months for the leg to heal after rotationplasty. Physical therapy is a vital part of the recovery process, helping with regaining strength and flexibility and teaching the patient how to use the new knee joint.
Rotationplasty is considered when there is a need for limb salvage surgery, and it is performed to improve the quality of life, establish high functional performance, and optimal participation by the individuals involved.
