Computer-assisted pelvic tumor resection: fields of application, limits, and perspectives

The treatment of malignant tumors involving the pelvic area is a challenging problem in musculoskeletal oncology due to the complex pelvic anatomy and the often large tumor size at presentation. The use of navigation systems has effectively increased surgical precision aiming at optimal preservation of pelvic structures without compromising oncologic outcome by means of improved visibility of the surgical field, and enabling intraoperative display and 3D reproduction of preoperatively determined pelvic osteotomy and resection levels. In the following sections, current developments in computer-assisted pelvic surgery are reviewed and possible fields of application, as well as limitations of navigation systems, are discussed.