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Case Reports
. 2025 Apr;15(4):74-79.
doi: 10.13107/jocr.2025.v15.i04.5450.

Comprehensive Management of Distal Femur Osteosarcoma in a 15-year-old Male: A Multidisciplinary Approach and Long-term Follow-up

Affiliations
Case Reports

Comprehensive Management of Distal Femur Osteosarcoma in a 15-year-old Male: A Multidisciplinary Approach and Long-term Follow-up

Alok Chandra Agrawal et al. J Orthop Case Rep. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

Introduction: This comprehensive case report highlights the intricate diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of distal femur osteosarcoma in a 15-year-old male. Osteosarcoma is a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer, particularly affecting adolescents and young adults. The significance of this case lies in the detailed description of the diagnostic process, treatment strategy, and successful outcome, which may contribute valuable insights to the existing literature. While numerous case reports on osteosarcoma exist, this report offers unique insights into the management approach and outcome of distal femur osteosarcoma, potentially providing guidance for clinicians facing similar cases in the future.

Case report: The patient in question is a 15-year-old male, whose ethnic background was not specified. He presented with symptoms suggestive of distal femur osteosarcoma, including localized bone pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected knee joint. Radiological investigations confirmed the presence of a tumor in the distal femur, prompting further evaluation. Pathological markers and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Pre-operative neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to optimize conditions for surgical intervention.

Conclusion: This case report underscores the importance of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach in the management of distal femur osteosarcoma. The successful outcome, marked by complete tumor excision, reconstruction using autologous fibula graft, and restoration of knee function, highlights the efficacy of the chosen treatment strategy. Furthermore, this report may serve as a valuable resource for clinicians specializing in orthopedic oncology, providing insights into optimal treatment protocols and post-operative care for similar cases. In addition, it contributes to the broader field of oncology by advancing our understanding of osteosarcoma management and emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment plans tailored to the patient's specific needs.

Keywords: Osteosarcoma; autologous fibula graft; distal femur anatomical plate; extra corporeal radiotherapy; neoadjuvant chemotherapy; swashbuckler approach.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Nil

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Clinical image (preoperative) Showing deformity at knee secondary to osteosarcoma.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging and (b) Pre-operative X-ray showing metaphyseal lesion.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Intraoperative exposure for distal femur and (b) excision of tumorous bone along with healthy margin.
Figure 4
Figure 4
(a) after tumor excision and (b) send for extracorporeal radiotherapy.
Figure 5
Figure 5
(a) after extracorporeal radiotherapy and (b) excised bone with intramedullary fibula graft.
Figure 6
Figure 6
(a) Reimplantation, (b) intraoperative C Arm image, and (c) intraoperative C Arm image.
Figure 7
Figure 7
(a) 1st follow-up X-ray (POD - 15), (b) 2nd follow-up (POD 2 month).
Figure 8
Figure 8
(a) 3rd follow-up (POD - 7 month) and (b) 1.5 year follow-up.
Figure 9
Figure 9
(a) 2-year follow-up, (b) 1-year follow-up and (c) 3-year follow-up.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Clinical image at 3-year follow-up-showing good range of motion and limb alignment.

References

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