Management of malignant bone tumors in children continues to evolve, with limb-salvage surgery now offering outcomes comparable to amputation in many cases. However, success in the pediatric population depends heavily on meticulous planning and true multidisciplinary collaboration.

In our article published in Eurasian Journal of Medicine and Oncology, we discuss the critical elements that guide modern pediatric limb salvage and the team-based framework required for optimal care.

🔎 Why the Team Matters

Pediatric limb salvage is inherently complex and requires coordinated input from:

• Orthopedic oncologist

• Pediatric oncologist

• Radiologist

• Pathologist

• Physiotherapist

• Psychotherapist

This integrated approach helps balance oncologic safety with long-term functional and psychosocial outcomes.

🦴 Reconstruction Options

Limb-salvage strategies generally fall into two main categories:

Biological reconstruction

• Potential for long-term durability

• Growth-friendly in selected cases

• Technically demanding

Endoprosthetic reconstruction

• Immediate structural stability

• Predictable early function

• Concerns regarding longevity and revision in growing children

Selecting the optimal method requires individualized assessment of tumor characteristics, patient age, expected growth, and functional demands.

💡 Key Pediatric Challenges

Limb salvage in children must address issues that are less prominent in adults:

• Maintaining limb-length equality during growth

• Ensuring durable reconstruction into adulthood

• Managing higher functional expectations

• Addressing psychosocial impact

✅ Take-Home Message

With careful planning and a true multidisciplinary approach, pediatric limb salvage can achieve excellent oncologic control, functional outcomes, and quality of life comparable to amputation. Ongoing advances in biological reconstruction and endoprosthetic design continue to expand safe limb-preserving options for children with bone tumors.

📄 Limb Salvage in Pediatrics with Malignant Bone Tumors: Team Approach to Orthopedic Oncology
Eurasian Journal of Medicine and Oncology

Bahaa Zakarya Hasan MD , Mohamed Kamal Mesregah MD
DOI: 10.14744/ejmo.2020.52322
https://accscience.com/journal/EJMO/4/1/10.14744/ejmo.2020.52322