Introduction and aims. After internal hemipelvectomy for malignant pelvic tumors, pelvic reconstruction is necessary for eventual weight bearing and ambulation. Non-vascularised, fibular grafts (NVFG) offer fast, and stable reconstruction, post- modified Enneking's type I and I/IV resection. This study aimed to evaluate the success of graft union and patient function after NVFG reconstruction. Methods. From 1996 to 2009, 10 NVFG pelvic reconstructions were performed after internal hemipelvectomy in four cases of chondrosarcoma, three of Ewing's sarcoma, and single cases of osteosarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour, and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. A key indication for internal hemipelvectomy was sciatic notch preservation confirmed by preoperative MRI. Operation time and complications were recorded. The mean follow-up was 31.1 months (range: 5 to 56), and lower limb function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society scoring system. Plain radiographs and/or computer tomography were used to determine the presence or absence of NVFG union. Results. The mean operation time was four hours and 56 mins, with no major intraoperative complications and partial wound break-down in only one patient. The NVFG united successfully in all patients, with a mean union time of 7.3 months. Post-operative deep infection did not occur in any case. Seven patients were eventually able to ambulate without a cane, and overall, the average function rating percentage was 75.4%. Recurrent tumour occurred in two cases following primary resection. Death from tumour-related disease occurred in one of the ten cases. Conclusions. NVFG is a stable and reliable pelvic reconstruction method after type I and type I/IV hemipelvectomy. Reliability may be linked to preservation of graft periosteum, and careful patient selection, limited to those with an intact sciatic notch. Furthermore, the relatively short operative time required should help minimise deep infection

Purpose. Curative treatment of malignancies in the sacrum and lumbar spine frequently requires en-bloc spinopelvic resection. There is no standard classification of these procedures. We present a classification of these resections based on analysis of 45 consecutive cases of oncologic spinopelvic resections. This classification implies a surgical approach, staging algorithm, bony and soft tissue reconstruction, and functional outcomes following surgery. Method. We reviewed oncologic staging, surgical resections, and reconstructions of 45 consecutive patients undergoing spinopelvic resection with curative intent. Mean follow-up of surviving patients was 38 months. Common themes in these cases were identified to formulate the surgical classification. Results. Tumors included chondrosarcoma (n=11), other sarcomas (n=11), osteosarcoma (n=9), chordoma (n=6), locally invasive carcinoma (n=5), and others (n=3). Resections could be divided into 5 types based on the exent of the lumbosacral resection and the need for an associated external hemipelvectomy. Type 1 resections included a total sacrectomy +/− lumbar spine resection. Type 2 resections included hemisacrectomy +/− partial lumbar excision, and iliac wing resection. Type 3 resections encompassed external hemipelvectomy with hemisacrectomy +/− partial lumbar excision. Type 4 resections encompassed external hemipelvectomy with total sacrectomy +/− lumbar excision. Type 5 excisions involved hemicorporectomy type procedures. For each type of resection we have developed guidelines for trans- vs retroperitoneal surgical approaches, staging of the resections, bony and soft tissue reconstructive procedures to re-establish spinopelvic continuity, and predicted functional outcomes for patients. At mean 38 month follow-up on surviving patients, 28 are living and 17 are deceased. Twenty-two of 28 surviving patients are disease free. Nineteen of 26 surviving patients are independent in their activities of daily living. Conclusion. En bloc spinopelvic resections may be classified into five types based on the extent of lumbosacral excision and the need for concurrent hemipelvectomy. Using this classification system, we have formulated treatment strategies to guide surgical approach, procedural staging, bony and soft tissue reconstructive procedures, and expected functional outcomes. Long term survival and independent function can be achieved in this challenging patient population

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumour and accounts for approximately 20% of bone sarcomas. The pelvis is one of the commonest sites. Chondrosarcoma of the pelvis lends itself to surgical excision and is relatively resistant to irradiation and chemotherapy. A long term survival analysis of this challenging condition is rarely reported in literature. We review and evaluate the oncological and functional results of all the patients operated at our centre and we analyse the survival analysis of these patients with special focus on the prognostic factors. Fifty-four consecutive patients with chondrosarcoma of the pelvis who were treated at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK between 1987 and 2001 were included in the study. Demographic data, case notes, histopathological results and follow-up data were obtained and statistically analysed. There were 38 males and 16 females with a mean age of 48.4 years [18-77]. The chondrosarcomas were primary [n=38], secondary [n-7] or recurrences [n=9]. The anatomical sites in the pelvis were in the epicentre I [n=24], II [n=20] and III [n=10]. The surgical procedures performed were local resection [n=28], local resection and hip arthroplasty [n=6], hemipelvectomy (+endoprothesis) [n=16], hemipelvectomy [+fibular strut graf] [n=2] and hinquarter amputation [n=2]. The histological grade was Gr [n=27], Gr 2[n=20] and Gr 3 [n=7]. The complication rate was 24%:wound revision [9%], dislocation [8%] and infection [7%]. There was a 5, 10 and 15 year cumulative survival rate of 74%, 65% and 40%. The overall recurrence rate was 24%. The factors associated with a worse prognosis were high histologic tumour grade, increasing patient age, anatomical location in site I and III, primary surgery outside of tumour centre, inadequate surgical margins, and those treated by local extension. Aggressive surgical approach significantly improves the prognosis of the patients with chondrosarcoma of the pelvis

Ten to 15% of the pelvic girdle tumors are primary malignant bone tumors, while about 80% are osseous metastases. Due to improved function, enhanced quality of life, and acceptable local recurrence rates, limb salvage surgery has replaced external hemipelvectomies in many cases of primary malignancies. However, large segmental bony defects and poor bone quality due to the disease process itself and subsequent treatment (i.e. chemotherapy and radiation) can make stable implant fixation difficult when performing a total hip arthroplasty (THA) for oncologic periacetabular lesions with concurrent fractures. Various methods are available to reconstruct the hemipelvis, and include large structural allografts, allograft-prosthetic composites (APCs), custom-made endoprostheses, modular saddle prostheses, and modular hemipelvis endoprostheses. However, short- and mid-term results from our institution indicate that tantalum reconstructions with adjuvant screw fixation and supplemental reinforcement cages provide reasonable improvement in clinical outcomes and stable fixation in situations with massive bone loss and compromised bone quality. On the femoral side, cemented fixation remains a viable option (including proximal femoral replacements), but uncemented distal fixation with extensively-porous coated cylindrical stems or modular fluted tapered stems can be considered if the disease process (or subsequent treatment) primarily affects the proximal femur. In addition to long-term fixation, post-operative dislocations remain a significant concern given the often compromised abductor mechanism