Computer aided tumor resection in the pelvis

Surgical treatment of malignant tumors within the pelvis is a complex problem due to the anatomy and biomechanics. There are standardized preoperative diagnostic tools like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that provide multidimensional information. However, this information cannot be transferred intraoperatively. Computer aided orthopedic surgery (CAOS) may be a solution for precise intraoperative accuracy for these indications. We report on two patients with tumors within the pelvis. In one patient, an infiltrating recurrent chordoma within the sacrum was resected with CAOS. The other patient presented with a periacetabular chondrosarcoma. Resection was done with navigation so precise that a custom-made hemipelvis prosthesis with a special coating fit. In both patients, a complete resection was achieved with tumor-free resection margins. Navigation may be helpful in tumor surgery within the pelvis.