[Osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma of the pelvis and lower extremities]

A wide tumor resection is essential in the therapy of primary malignant bone tumors to minimize the risk of local recurrence and ensure long-term survival. While chondrosarcoma is mainly treated surgically, osteosarcoma therapy consists of both chemotherapy and surgical resection of the tumor. While endoprosthetic replacement after hemipelvectomy tends to be associated with high infection rates and has been superseded by hip transposition and composite osteosynthetic replacements, the use of megaendoprosthetic tumor prostheses is the most common reconstruction technique when the extremities are affected. Biological reconstruction or ablative procedures are reserved for special indications. Overall, the reconstruction techniques presented in this article manage to ensure limb salvage in most patients. Functional outcome, however, greatly depends on the tumor size and site as well as postoperative residual soft tissue coverage.