Comparison of Reconstruction Techniques Following Sacroiliac Tumor Resection: A Systematic Review

Although internal hemipelvectomies with sacroiliac resections are not traditionally reconstructed, surgeons are increasingly pursuing pelvic ring reconstruction to theoretically improve stability, function, and early ambulation. This study aims to systematically compare complications and functional and oncologic outcomes of sacroiliac resection with and without reconstruction.

PubMed and MEDLINE were queried for studies published between January 1990 and October 2020 pertaining to sacroiliac neoplasm resection with subsequent reconstruction. Patient demographics, histopathologic diagnoses, reconstruction techniques, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional scores, and oncologic outcomes were pooled.

Twenty-three studies (201 patients) were included for analysis. Reconstruction was performed in 79.1% of patients, most commonly with nonvascularized autografts (45.8%). The overall complication rate was 54.8%; however, resection followed by reconstruction demonstrated significantly higher complication (62.3% versus 25.7%, p < 0.001) and infection rates (13.7% versus 0%, p = 0.020). Mean MSTS functional score trended higher in nonreconstructed patients (82% versus 71.6%).

Reconstruction after sacroiliac resection produced higher complication rates and poorer physical recovery when compared with nonreconstructed resection. This systematic review suggests that patients without spinopelvic junction instability may experience superior outcomes without reconstruction. Ultimately, the need to reconstruct the pelvic girdle depends on tumor size, prognosis, and functional goals.