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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Modeling Primary Bone Tumors and Bone Metastasis with Solid Tumor Graft Implantation into Bone
Published on: September 9, 2020
Total elbow arthroplasty for primary and metastatic tumor
R Casadei1, M De Paolis1, G Drago1
1Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Pupilli 1, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
Background:
Prostheses can be used in elbow reconstruction in both primary and metastatic lesions. Several authors have reported their experience with different types of implant, but not with modular prostheses.
Hypothesis:
Limb salvage using an elbow prosthesis is effective in obtaining good functional results and reliable local tumor control.
Material And Methods:
Forty-seven patients treated at the Rizzoli Institute for elbow neoplasm from 1990 to 2012 were evaluated. There were 30 primary tumors (64%), 24 bone tumors and 6 soft tissue sarcomas, and 17 bone metastases. Elbow reconstruction used a modular prosthesis in 25 patients and a standard prosthesis in 22. Reconstruction was primary in 30 patients and secondary in 17.
Results:
At last control, 15 (32%) were dead of disease (DOD) at a mean follow-up of 35 months, 12 (25%) were alive with disease (AWD) at a mean follow-up of 29 months, 19 (40%) showed no evidence of disease (NED) at a mean follow-up of 80 months. Early complications were related to unexpected neurological damage, observed in 12 patients (25%): in 5 cases the deficit resolved in a mean 6 months; in the others, no or only partial recovery was observed. Two implants (4%) developed infection: 1 was treated with antibiotic therapy, and the other required implant revision. One implant showing cement extrusion was revised. In 3 patients (6%) radiography showed a radiolucent halo around the stem (2 humeral, 1 ulnar); no measures were taken, as the patients were completely asymptomatic at every follow-up. In 3 patients (6%) partial resorption of the allograft was observed on X-ray, but remained unchanged at last follow-up, without pain or functional impairment. Seven local recurrences (15%) were observed, at a mean of 16 months after surgery; 5 were treated by resection and/or radiotherapy, and 2 by amputation. Mean functional scores on MEPS and MSTS were respectively 84% and 22/30 (73%).
Conclusions:
Elbow prostheses provided better function in primary than in metastatic tumor. Elbow prosthesis reconstruction after tumor resection is a viable option both for primary and secondary bone neoplasms.
Type Of Study:
Therapeutic.
Level Of Evidence:
IV, retrospective study.
