RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the proximal tibiofibular joint resection on the limb salvage for osteosarcoma of the proximal tibia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between August 1995 and January 2004, 11 patients with osteosarcoma of proximal tibia and tibiofibular joint involved underwent resection and endoprosthetic proximal tibial replacement. Seven patients were male and 4 were female. The patients ranged in age from 14 to 23 years (mean 18 years). The surgical stage were IIB.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The follow-up period varied from 2 to 9 years (mean 59 months). Three patients died of pulmonary metastases, 1 patient was still alive with pulmonary metastasis, 1 patient underwent amputation for local recurrence. There was 1 early skin necrosis, 2 transient palsy of the common peroneal nerve, and 2 thrombus of lower limb vein. The mean postoperative Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of the knee joint was 70% (range 55% - 86%), the mean postoperative range of motion was 85 degrees (range 0 degrees - 120 degrees ), and the extensor lag varied from 0 degrees to 20 degrees .</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Limb salvage for osteosarcoma of the proximal tibia with proximal tibiofibular joint resection and custom-made prosthesis reconstruction has had excellent results, however, the prevention and treatment of relevant complications should be given more attention.</p>