Use of Tantalum Trabecular Metal Cones for Management of Nonunion of the Distal Femur with Segmental Bone Defects: Technique and Case Series

INTRODUCTION: Segmental bone loss in the distal femur presents a challenge for reconstruction regardless of etiology. Use of tantalum trabecular metal cones with intramedullary fixation and autologous bone graft may be used as a salvage technique in difficult situations where other options have either been exhausted or are unavailable. CASE REPORT: Surgical planning and technique for this approach to reconstruction are described. A retrospective review of five cases with >1 year of follow-up was performed to provide radiographic and clinical outcomes. All five patients had satisfactory outcomes with clinical union and retention of implants at final follow-up (average >4 years). CONCLUSIONS: Use of tantalum metal cones for reconstruction of distal femur nonunion with segmental bone defects can be a successful technique in a complex group of patients.