Is double-approach surgery and tenodesis without a gastrocnemius flap better for dealing with proximal fibular osteosarcoma?

BACKGROUND: Resection of proximal fibular osteosarcoma involving the posteromedial aspect of the fibula is challenging. Reconstruction using a gastrocnemius flap may result in significant lateral instability and abnormal knee movement. Furthermore, postoperative gait may be disturbed by foot drop resulting from scarification of the common peroneal nerve. METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2013, five patients with proximal fibular osteosarcoma were treated via the double-approach procedure using en bloc resection without a gastrocnemius flap. Simultaneously, all patients received one-stage tenodesis of the anterior tibial and toe extensor tendons. Clinical outcomes, including local tumor recurrence, complications, and functional outcomes, were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 47.2 months (range 42–52 months). No patients experienced local recurrence. The patients’ Enneking functional scores were excellent (80%) or good (20%) at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with proximal fibular osteosarcoma, the double-approach procedure allows easier and safer en bloc tumor resection with vessel and nerve protection. One-stage tenodesis without a gastrocnemius flap is associated with good functional outcomes. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12957-018-1364-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.