Modular endoprosthetic reconstruction in malignant bone tumors: indications and limits

Modular tumor prostheses are well established today for the reconstruction of osseous defects after resection of malignant bone tumors. Almost every joint and even total bones (e.g., total femur or humerus) can be replaced with promising functional results, dramatically reducing the need for ablative procedures. Although the complication rate with the use of modern modular endoprostheses is constantly decreasing, the need for revision surgery is still significantly higher than in primary joint arthroplasty. In this review we present the modular endoprosthesis system developed in our institution, summarize the postoperative management, and discuss the indications, limits, and complications as well as the functional results.