Background:
Reconstruction with an endoprosthesis following pelvic tumor resection has increased over the years. However, the long-term results reflect a disappointing frequency of mechanical complications and failures. In an attempt to enhance implant fixation, an electron beam melting (EBM)-based modular hemipelvic endoprosthesis was introduced. Our aim was to explore the preliminary clinical outcomes for patients who have been managed with this prosthesis.
Methods:
We reviewed the records of 80 consecutive patients who had been managed at a single center between June 2015 and September 2017. Chondrosarcoma was the predominant diagnosis (31.3%). Osseous metastases were diagnosed in 16 patients (20.0%). The position of the reconstructed metallic acetabulum was measured on an anteroposterior pelvic radiograph. Bone ingrowth was evaluated in 2 samples harvested from patients with tumor recurrence.
Results:
After a median duration of follow-up of 32.5 months (range, 9 to 52 months), no acetabular component instability was detected on radiographs. Histological sectioning of specimens harvested from 2 patients with tumor recurrence showed bone trabeculae extending toward the implant and bone ingrowth within the porous network. At the time of the latest follow-up, 59 patients (73.8%) were alive with no evidence of disease, 5 patients (6.3%) were alive with disease, and 16 patients (20.0%) had died of disease. Local recurrence occurred in 9 patients (11.3%). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at the time of the latest follow-up was 83.9% (range, 43% to 100%). Complications occurred in 16 patients (20%), with wound dehiscence being the most common complication (8 patients; 10%). No aseptic loosening was found. Five patients (6.3%) had deep infection, and 2 patients (2.5%) had dislocation.
Conclusions:
The use of a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed modular hemipelvic endoprosthesis with a highly porous metal interface represents a potential choice as a pelvic endoprosthesis after internal hemipelvectomy for the treatment of a primary or metastatic tumor. These preliminary results demonstrate stable fixation with acceptable early functional and radiographic outcomes.
Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Favorable oncological and functional outcome can be achieved in selected patients with periacetabular chondrosarcomas. The complication rates were still high; however, facing the goal of limb salvage, a certain number of complications is acceptable.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.