Three-dimensional-printed customized prosthesis for pubic defect: Clinical outcomes in 5 cases at a mean follow-up of 17 months

Abstract

Background This study is to present and evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes and associated complications of 3D-printed customized prostheses for pubic defect reconstruction. Methods 5 patients receiving type III hemipelvectomy and three-dimensional-printed customized prosthesis reconstruction at our institution between 2017 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. The operation time and blood loss during operation were recorded. The local and functional recovery was assessed by the physical examination and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. The prosthetic position and Osseointegration were evaluated by imaging examination. Oncology result and complications were recorded. Functional comparisons with MSTS score of patients grouped by resection extent were done. Results Of 5 cases, the prosthese consist of the type with stem (3, 60%) and the type without stem (2, 40%). Mean follow-up period was 17.6 months (range, 10–26 months). All 5 patients were alive with no evidence of disease. No deep infection and local recurrence occurred. The mean blood loss and mean intraoperative time was 1680 ml (range, 300 to 3700 ml) and 294 min (range, 180 to 430 min). The mean functional MSTS score at the final follow-up was 29.8 (range, 29–31). 1 male patient complained erectile dysfunction. Fretting wear around prosthetic stem was found in 3 patients while bone wear on the normal side pubis was found in 2 patients. Osseointegration was observed in all patients. Conclusion 3D-printed customized prostheses could be a feasible option to reconstruct the pubic bone defects after type III hemipelvectomy. The good outcomes are inseparable from precision prostheses design and strict surgical procedures.