Rotationplasty, is a type of autograft wherein a portion of a limb is removed, while the remaining limb below the involved portion is rotated and reattached.
This procedure is used when a portion of an extremity is injured or involved with a disease, such as cancer.
The procedure is most commonly utilized to transfer the ankle joint to the knee joint following removal of a distal femoral bone tumor, such as osteosarcoma.
As a result the limb is rotated because the ankle flexes in the opposite direction compared to the knee.
The benefit of this procedure is the patient has a functioning knee joint to which a prosthetic can be fitted, so that they can run and jump.
Originally, rotationplasty was performed to treat infections and tumors around the knee.
It is also a common treatment for osteosarcoma..
It is is also used to treat growing children who have been diagnosed with tumors around the knee.
Rotationplasty is also performed on children with congenital femoral deficiencies.
Congenital femoral deficiencies hips cause the hip to be unstable and cause and a femur that is 50% shorter than the contralateral, normal femur: rotationplasty patients the ability to have the use of both feet and allows them to continue living an active lifestyle.
With tumor around the knee, the bone affected by the tumor is resected, as well as a small part of the healthy femoral and occasionally tibia bone, is removed.
The ankle joint is then turned 180 degrees and is reattached to the thigh.
The attachment is held together by plates and screws until they have healed naturally.
The leg is kept in a cast for 6 to 12 weeks.
After the leg has sufficiently healed, the leg can be fitted for a prosthetic.
The procedure allows the use of the knee joint, whereas amputation would result in loss of that joint.
Rotationplasty provides a better attachment point and range of motion for a prosthetic limb.
Children who have had rotationplasty can partake in activities that are more than would be possible with a jointless prosthetic.
The procedure is durable; patients do not typically have to undergo additional surgeries.
Rotationplasty complication can result in poor circulation throughout the leg, infection, nerve injuries, bone healing complications, and fracture of the leg.