What factors define limb salvage or amputation surgery in osteosarcoma of the upper extremities?

Background/Aim: Controversy exists between performing limb salvage or amputation to treat osteosarcoma of the upper extremities. Our aim was to review the characteristics associated with limb amputation due to osteosarcoma of the upper extremities. Patients and Methods: A descriptive study was performed by querying the National Cancer Database from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2015. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared test and a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 777 patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the upper extremities who underwent surgery met the inclusion criteria. Patients between 61 and 80 years were less likely to undergo limb amputation. Moreover, facilities located in the South Atlantic region, and stage IV of the disease were factors independently positively associated with amputation. Conclusion: Patients in facilities located in the South Atlantic region and those with stage IV disease were more likely to undergo amputation.