"Rotationplasty: A Surgical Solution for Bone Tumors through Amputation and Reorientation"

Rotationplasty is a surgical procedure that involves amputation of a part of the limb affected by bone tumors, followed by rotation and reattachment of the remaining portion of the limb. This procedure is typically performed on children with bone tumors, particularly osteosarcoma, who are not candidates for limb-salvage surgery.

Amputation is the surgical removal of a limb or body part, either completely or partially. In the case of rotationplasty, the affected bone is removed along with any surrounding tissue that may be cancerous. The healthy portion of the limb, usually the lower leg, is then rotated 180 degrees and reattached to the remaining bone.

Bone tumors are abnormal growths in bone tissue that may be cancerous or noncancerous. The most common type of bone cancer in children is osteosarcoma, which typically affects the long bones of the arms or legs. While chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often effective treatments for bone cancer, in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

The goal of rotationplasty is to remove the cancerous portion of the limb while preserving as much function as possible. By reattaching the healthy portion of the limb in a new orientation, the ankle joint can serve as a functional knee joint, allowing the patient to walk and perform other activities with greater ease.

Despite the potential benefits of rotationplasty, the procedure can be emotionally and physically challenging for patients and their families. Patients may need to undergo physical therapy to adjust to their new limb orientation and may require special prosthetics or braces to assist with walking.

In conclusion, rotationplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat bone tumors in children that involves amputation, reorientation, and reattachment of a portion of the limb. While the procedure can be effective in preserving function, it is not without its challenges and requires careful consideration by patients and their healthcare providers.