What should you know about osteosarcoma rotationplasty?
Short answer
Rotationplasty is a reconstructive operation that removes a tumour near the knee and turns the lower leg to create a functional joint for a prosthesis.
This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.
At a glance
- Purpose
- Tumour removal with functional reconstruction
- New joint
- The ankle can function within a prosthesis
- Planning
- Surgery, oncology, and rehabilitation input
How rotationplasty works
During rotationplasty, the surgeon removes the diseased part of the thigh bone, knee, and nearby lower-leg bone as needed. The lower leg is rotated so the ankle can work as a new knee inside a prosthetic limb. This approach can provide a stable limb for walking, but the visible shape of the leg changes.
Suitability depends on tumour location, nearby nerves and blood vessels, growth considerations, and the person's goals. Imaging and biopsy findings help the team compare rotationplasty with limb-sparing reconstruction or another operation.
Preparing for a decision
Ask the orthopaedic oncology and rehabilitation teams to explain the planned bone removal, expected ankle function, prosthesis pathway, and rehabilitation stages. Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery when recommended for the cancer. Explore [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/) and [Chemotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/chemotherapy/) for background.
When to seek care
Contact the care team promptly for increasing pain, wound redness, drainage, fever, or a sudden change in limb function after surgery. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe swelling, a cold or pale foot, or new loss of sensation.
Questions for your doctor
Why is rotationplasty being considered for this tumour? Which nerves and blood vessels are involved? What will rehabilitation involve, and how will the prosthesis be fitted and adjusted as needs change?
Questions people ask
Is rotationplasty the same as an amputation?
It removes part of the limb but preserves the lower leg and foot, which can operate as a joint for a prosthesis.
Will chemotherapy be needed?
The oncology team decides this from the diagnosis, biopsy, scans, and treatment plan; surgery alone is not assumed.
Related
Related reading
Keep reading
Cancer care in the UAE
Hospitals & Medical Centers in Abu Dhabi
Most UAE cancer care is delivered inside hospital services rather than by standalone oncology clinics, so these are licensed hospitals & medical centers listed in Abu Dhabi. Confirm the specific cancer service exists before you travel, and know that asking for a second opinion is routine.
Ahalia Hospital Musaffah Building - Musaffah - Musaffah Industrial - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +26 more
Al Ruwais Industrial City - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +30 more
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +30 more
Second opinions are routine in cancer care and asking for one does not affect your treatment. How to arrange a second opinion in the UAE.
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.