Extracorporeal Liquid Nitrogen-Treated Autografts in Limb-Salvage Surgery : A Review of Biological and Mechanical Outcomes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.4016Keywords:
Liquid nitrogen-treated autograft, Bone tumors, Limb-Salvage SurgeryAbstract
Objective: This narrative literature review aims to evaluate liquid nitrogen treated autografts (-196°C) as a biological limb salvage alternative to metallic endoprosthesis and allografts in bone tumour management.
Methods: This review consists of clinical literature from 1994-2026 and compiled data on local recurrence, biomechanical integrity, bone union rates, and MSTS functional scores.
Results: Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy demonstrated high rates of local oncological control for the studied cohorts (8.7% cumulative rate of local recurrence within four years) and preservation of the extracellular matrix, but incomplete penetration proved to be a challenge for some specific subtypes (e.g. chondrosarcoma). Pooled data from the studies also demonstrated 75% to 92% bone union by creeping substitution and MSTS functional scores of 75% to 85%
Conclusion: Liquid nitrogen treated autografts provide a durable and cost effective biologically integrated reconstruction option especially in resource limited settings.
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