Distal femoral tumours treated by resection and custom mega-prosthetic replacement

We have analysed the results of 246 cases of distal femoral tumours treated by resection and prosthetic replacement between 1988 and 2002. Patient ages ranged from 6-67 years averaging 24 years; 133 were males. The most common tumour was osteosarcoma (67% of patients). The follow-up ranged from 2 to 14 years. Stage II tumours were seen in 72% of patients. The technique of sleeve resection of the quadriceps musculature was followed to achieve local clearance of the tumour. The prosthesis used was a rotating hinge custom mega-prosthesis manufactured locally. The functional result achieved was excellent or good in 87%; 86% of the patients had no evidence of disease, and 13% had died. The 10-year patient survival was 76.9%. Periprosthetic fracture and infection were the most common complications.