Endoprosthetic replacement of the pelvis is one of the most challenging types of limb salvage surgery with a high rate of complications. In order to try and decrease the high risk of complications and to allow greater versatility in the reconstruction options, a new concept of pelvic endoprosthesis was developed in 2003. Since then 20 of these ice cream cone pelvic prostheses have been inserted at our centre incorporating antibiotic laden cement around the prosthesis to minimize infection risk.

Aim: To review the outcomes of the ice cream cone prostheses and to learn lessons from this.

Method: retrospective review of records and Xrays of patients having an ice cream cone type prosthesis at our centre.

Results: 20 ice cream cone prostheses were inserted in the past 5 years. Six of the implants were inserted following failure of a previous pelvic reconstruction (one for hydatid disease, one following a excision arthroplasty for chondrosarcoma, three following failed pelvic EPRs). Of the primary tumours, there were 9 chondrosarcomas, 2 Ewings, one each of osteosarcoma, epithelioid sarcoma and GCT. All of the patients had at the least had a P2+P3 resection with most having resection of the ilium above the sciatic notch. The average age of patients at operation was 50.5yrs [range 13–81yrs]. Ten patients (50%) had one or more complication following surgery, of which dislocation was the most common, affecting 5 patients (25%), of whom two have permanent dislocations. Four patients (20%) developed a deep infection of the prosthesis but all had this controlled with early intervention. Two patients (15%) developed a local recurrence, both at the time of widespread metastases. Only one patient has had the prosthesis removed, for severe pain. There were six deaths, four due to metastatic disease and two from cardiovascular complications. The complication was significantly lower for Surgeon A (who did 15 of the 20 procedures).

Conclusion: This method of treatment is still associated with high morbidity but early results are promising. Complications are much lower with increasing experience.