Surgical options for reconstruction of the extensor mechanism of the knee after limb-sparing sarcoma surgery: an evidence-based review

摘要

Background Limb-salvage surgery remains current best practice for management of soft tissue and bony sarcomas about the knee, with the range of reconstructive options all providing reassuring levels of long-term survival and function. There is no current consensus as to the best method of reconstruction of the extensor mechanism of the knee (quadriceps–patellar complex), with a wide variety of options proposed. The techniques described in the literature include prosthetic reconstruction, soft tissue reconstruction (comprising reconstruction with pedicled muscle flaps or autogenous tendon grafts), and bony reconstructions (including vascularised fibula flaps). An evidence-based literature review assessing the available reconstructive options has not been undertaken.