Abstract
Chondrosarcoma is the second most frequent primary malignant tumour of bone, representing approximately 25% of all primary osseous neoplasms. Chondrosarcomas are a group of tumours with highly diverse features and behavior patterns, ranging from slow-growing non-metastasizing lesions to highly aggressive metastasizing sarcomas. As radio and quimio-resistant tumours, the surgery constitutes the unique chance of cure. Nowadays, besides the curative intention, the reconstructive surgery is also a priority in order to save the limb and optimize the function.
This case report is about a young woman, of 24 years old, with hip-related pain and a large mass in the left pelvis. The imagiologic study showed a large mass of about 8 cm of large diameter, starting at the anterior wall of the acetabulum, involving the pubic arcs and with matrix calcification. The core needle biopsy confirmed the presence of a chondrosarcoma, staged as a IIB of Enneking.
Because of its size and localization the limb salvage surgery has been a challenge. The surgery included a broad approach of the left hemipelvis, with wide excision of the tumour, reconstruction of the abdominal wall with a propylene prothesis and reconstruction of the hemipelvis with a “custom-made” prothesis with preservation of the femoral neurovascular bundle. The patient started to walk with total bearing after three months and had a normal gait and a nearly normal life during eleven months. Fifteen months after the surgery lung metastasis and local recurrence were diagnosed and she died six months after.
Conclusion: The surgery is our unique weapon in the “combat” against the chondrosarcoma. The reconstructive surgery must be a concern to give to our patients the best functional result and quality of life.
Correspondence should be addressed to Professor Stefan Bielack, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Bismarkstrasse 8, D-70176 Stuttgart, Germany. Email: s.bielack@klinikum_stuttgart.de
