Modular prosthesis reconstruction after tumour resection, evaluation of failures and survival

To analyze a series of patients with bone tumours reconstructed with modular prostheses and to evaluate: 1) Survival of the implant. 2) Causes of failure. 3) Complication rates. 4) Limb salvage overall survival. 5) Functional results and full weight bearing.

A retrospective study from longitudinally maintained oncology databases was undertaken. All patients with bone tumours reconstructed with endoprosthesis were analysed. A toal of 106patients matched the inclusion criteria. They were divided into groups: group 1, primary bone tumours; group 2, bone metastasis; group 3, osteoarticular allograft reconstruction revisions. The type of failures were classified according to Henderson et al. (2014) and functional results assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS). Demographic analysis, survival and the differences between groups were recorded.

The mean follow-up of the patients was 68 months. Mean age was 43 years. Overall implant survival was 86.4% at 2 years (95% CI: 79-94) and 73% at 5 years (95% CI: 60-80). Nineteen patients (18%) developed a prosthetic failure. The limb salvage overall survival was 96% at 5 years (95% CI: 91-99). The mean functional results according to the MSTS was 24 and mean time to full weight bearing was 2.3 weeks.

Limb conservation surgery and endosprosthetic reconstruction is a valid option for patients with bone tumours with failure rates similar to other reconstruction methods.