Daniel E. Prince, MD, MPH

The bone regeneration approach is called “distraction osteogenesis” or “bone transport” and is an option for some patients with bone tumors. We remove the segment of a bone containing the tumor and stabilize the two remaining ends of the bone. A small piece of the remaining bone is slowly stretched, “tricking” the body into thinking there is a fracture, which triggers the healing process. Patients are fitted with a metal rod in the bone that can be elongated in a controlled way with a device that a parent, caregiver, or even the patient adjusts very slowly to lengthen the bone each day. The remaining bone then makes new bone which “jumps across” and bridges the gap over time. Ultimately, once the bone is fully healed, it becomes as strong as the original bone so all metal implants can be completely removed, and the patient can go back to full activity without any restrictions — unlike most standard reconstructions with metal or cadaver bone.

I find the phenomenon of bone regeneration to be fascinating, and it is one of the reasons I chose orthopedics as a field. It is amazing how the body can heal itself. The human body is so intricate and complex, with many parts working together. I am personally familiar with orthopedic oncology because I had a bone tumor myself in my upper arm when I was in college. I had the tumor removed and I wore external hardware on my arm for support while it healed.

I remember how anxious my mother was during that time, and it is something I keep in mind when I meet a new patient and his or her family. I’m a father of two sons myself, and I treat my patients as if they were my own children. I imagine what parents are going through, and my team and I try to give you answers as quickly as we can. We can’t eliminate your uncertainty, but we can give you a plan that lets you know what we can do for your child and provide you with reassurance about what to expect going forward.

The treatment process can be a lengthy one. Bone regeneration itself takes a few years, so I get to know my patients and their families closely as treatment progresses. I enjoy getting to know what they like, who are their friends in school, what games they like to play, and so forth. Whenever possible, I include even young patients in decision-making, and I help them to understand what they actually have control over, such as doing their physical therapy exercises or using the device that performs the bone lengthening. It gives them some input over a situation that they may often feel is beyond their control. I support my patients as much as needed so they can achieve the best outcomes possible.