Outcome of Endoprosthetic Hip Reconstruction Following Resection of Malignant Bone Tumors

Over the past few decades, tumor arthroplasty has evolved into an established therapeutic approach for addressing bone defects following tumor resection in the extremities. As the diagnosis has a significant impact on patients' lives, it is important to give clear expectations for functional recovery. Therefore, we investigated both the functional outcomes and the quality of life (QoL) after tumor arthroplasty for malignant hip tumors.

This retrospective study included patients who had undergone resections of malignant hip tumors with consecutive modular hip arthroplasty between 2010 and 2018. Demographics, tumor entity, and complications stemming from both tumors and treatments were evaluated through the analysis of medical records and perioperative records. The assessment of functional outcomes was conducted with the following patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS), and the Short Form Survey 36 (SF-36). Furthermore, we performed subgroup analysis in two groups: one divided into survivors and non-survivors, as well as younger individuals (<57 years) and older individuals (>57 years).

A total of 30 patients were included in the study. At the time of follow-up, 19 patients were deceased. The average duration of follow-up was 3.2 (±2.51) years. The average age at the time of surgery was 60.3 (±15.20) years. Notably, there were no cases of amputation reported (0%). Five cases of implant failure were identified (16.67%). Among these, one was attributed to infection (3.3%), while four resulted from aseptic loosening (13.3%). In terms of functional outcomes, MSTS indicated good results (18 ± 7; range: 7-28; 60%), and the HHS demonstrated moderate outcomes (75.3%). Younger survivors (<57 years) exhibited notably superior results in terms of both the MSTS and physical functioning in the SF-36 (p = 0.03).

In summary, this study shows declining tumor arthroplasty-related complications and satisfying functional outcomes as well as QoL. Noteworthy aspects include the relatively low rates of amputation and local tumor recurrences, which significantly favor the selection of appropriate therapeutic options. Moreover, the findings underscore the substantial impact of patients' age on overall functionality and engagement in daily activities.