Treatment of advanced metastatic lesions of the acetabulum using the saddle prosthesis

Current methods of treating advanced patients with metastatic periacetabular disease are complex and result in high complication rates. The purpose of this study was to show whether the implantation of the saddle prosthesis would serve as an additional tool to help treat metastatic disease in these patients. From 1991 to 2003, 20 patients with advanced metastatic periacetabular lesions (Harrington Class III) were treated using the saddle prosthesis. Goals of surgery were a decrease in pain, functional restoration, and ambulation. The mean age was 61 years. Average length of followup was 20 months. Postoperatively, ambulation was achieved in 16 of 20 patients. There were four postoperative complications (20%) in three patients. Surgical goals were met in 18 of 20 patients. The MSTS-ISOLS emotional score was 2.9 of 5. The average total MSTS-ISOLS score was 16.6 of 30 (55%). Using the Allan scoring system consisting of analgesia, independence and ambulation, and mobility, all scores had significant improvements postoperatively. Careful surgical indications and technique should result in a stable, functional reconstruction allowing patients the ability to ambulate outside the house with a cane. Patients can expect to be emotionally satisfied with the procedure while using nonnarcotic analgesia and can expect an improved quality of life despite bone metastasis.