Acetabular Reconstruction in a Case of Chondrosarcoma

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Oncology
• Surgical Innovation
• 3D Medical Modeling

Background:

• Pelvic chondrosarcomas necessitate surgical resection, posing reconstruction challenges due to complex anatomy and high complication rates with existing implants.
• Malignant chondroid tumors exhibit resistance to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, making surgery the primary treatment modality.

Observation:

• A novel pelvic reconstruction technique utilizing a patient-specific 3D printed model for surgical planning in acetabular region resection (Enneking type II) was employed.
• A grade 2 central chondrosarcoma in a 39-year-old patient was treated with 3D model-guided resection and acetabular reconstruction using conventional implants and threaded Schanz wires for fixation.

Findings:

• The cost-effective technique achieved functional hip reconstruction, despite a minor fracture and hemipelvis elevation at six months post-surgery, without impacting ambulation with a cane.
• This approach, utilizing standard implants guided by 3D models, offers a more accessible and cost-effective alternative to customized 3D-printed implants, especially in resource-limited settings.

Implications:

• This 3D model-assisted technique provides a functional and cost-effective solution for pelvic reconstruction after tumor resection, particularly for Enneking type II resections.
• The method's adaptability to resource-constrained environments makes it a valuable option for improving outcomes in complex orthopedic oncology cases.