Aims

The aims of this retrospective study were to report the feasibility of using 3D-printing technology for patients with a pelvic tumour who underwent reconstruction.

Objectives. To assess the accuracy of patient-specific instruments (PSIs) versus standard manual technique and the precision of computer-assisted planning and PSI-guided osteotomies in pelvic tumour resection. Methods. CT scans were obtained from five female cadaveric pelvises. Five osteotomies were designed using Mimics software: sacroiliac, biplanar supra-acetabular, two parallel iliopubic and ischial. For cases of the left hemipelvis, PSIs were designed to guide standard oscillating saw osteotomies and later manufactured using 3D printing. Osteotomies were performed using the standard manual technique in cases of the right hemipelvis. Post-resection CT scans were quantitatively analysed. Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U test were used. Results. Compared with the manual technique, PSI-guided osteotomies improved accuracy by a mean 9.6 mm (p < 0.008) in the sacroiliac osteotomies, 6.2 mm (p < 0.008) and 5.8 mm (p < 0.032) in the biplanar supra-acetabular, 3 mm (p < 0.016) in the ischial and 2.2 mm (p < 0.032) and 2.6 mm (p < 0.008) in the parallel iliopubic osteotomies, with a mean linear deviation of 4.9 mm (p < 0.001) for all osteotomies. Of the manual osteotomies, 53% (n = 16) had a linear deviation > 5 mm and 27% (n = 8) were > 10 mm. In the PSI cases, deviations were 10% (n = 3) and 0 % (n = 0), respectively. For angular deviation from pre-operative plans, we observed a mean improvement of 7.06° (p < 0.001) in pitch and 2.94° (p < 0.001) in roll, comparing PSI and the standard manual technique. Conclusion. In an experimental study, computer-assisted planning and PSIs improved accuracy in pelvic tumour resections, bringing osteotomy results closer to the parameters set in pre-operative planning, as compared with standard manual techniques. Cite this article: A. Sallent, M. Vicente, M. M. Reverté, A. Lopez, A. Rodríguez-Baeza, M. Pérez-Domínguez, R. Velez. How 3D patient-specific instruments improve accuracy of pelvic bone tumour resection in a cadaveric study. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:577–583. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.610.BJR-2017-0094.R1

Aims. The sacrum is frequently invaded by a pelvic tumour. The aim of this study was to review our experience of treating this group of patients and to identify the feasibility of a new surgical classification in the management of these tumours. Patients and Methods. We reviewed 141 patients who, between 2005 and 2014, had undergone surgical excision of a pelvic tumour with invasion of the sacrum. In a new classification, pelvisacral (Ps) I, II, and III resections refer to a sagittal osteotomy through the ipsilateral wing of the sacrum, through the sacral midline, or lateral to the contralateral sacral foramina, respectively. A Ps a resection describes a pelvic osteotomy through the ilium and a Ps b resection describes a concurrent resection of the acetabulum with osteotomies performed through the pubis and ischium or the pubic symphysis. Within each type, surgical approaches were standardized to guide resection of the tumour. Results. The mean operating time was 5.2 hours (. sd. 1.7) and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 1895 ml (. sd. 1070). Adequate margins were achieved in 112 (79.4%) of 141 patients. Nonetheless, 30 patients (21.3%) had local recurrence. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS93) lower-limb function score was 68% (. sd. 19; 17 to 100). According to the proposed classification, 92 patients (65%) underwent a Ps I resection, 33 patients (23%) a Ps II resection, and 16 (11%) patients a Ps III resection. Overall, 82 (58%) patients underwent a Ps a resection and 59 (42%) patient a Ps b resections. The new classification predicted surgical outcome. Conclusion. We propose a comprehensive classification of surgical approaches for tumours of the pelvis with sacral invasion. Analysis showed that this classification helped in the surgical management of such patients and had predictive value for surgical outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:798–805

Aims

Dislocation of the hip remains a major complication after periacetabular tumour resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction. The position of the acetabular component is an important modifiable factor for surgeons in determining the risk of postoperative dislocation. We investigated the significance of horizontal, vertical, and sagittal displacement of the hip centre of rotation (COR) on postoperative dislocation using a CT-based 3D model, as well as other potential risk factors for dislocation.

Aims

Pelvic reconstruction after the resection of a tumour around the acetabulum is a challenging procedure due to the complex anatomy and biomechanics. Several pelvic endoprostheses have been introduced, but the rates of complication remain high. Our aim was to review the use of a stemmed acetabular pedestal cup in the management of these patients.

We hypothesised that the use of computer navigation-assisted surgery for pelvic and sacral tumours would reduce the risk of an intralesional margin. We reviewed 31 patients (18 men and 13 women) with a mean age of 52.9 years (13.5 to 77.2) in whom computer navigation-assisted surgery had been carried out for a bone tumour of the pelvis or sacrum. There were 23 primary malignant bone tumours, four metastatic tumours and four locally advanced primary tumours of the rectum. The registration error when using computer navigation was <  1 mm in each case. There were no complications related to the navigation, which allowed the preservation of sacral nerve roots (n = 13), resection of otherwise inoperable disease (n = 4) and the avoidance of hindquarter amputation (n = 3). The intralesional resection rate for primary tumours of the pelvis and sacrum was 8.7% (n = 2): clear bone resection margins were achieved in all cases. At a mean follow-up of 13.1 months (3 to 34) three patients (13%) had developed a local recurrence. The mean time alive from diagnosis was 16.8 months (4 to 48).

Computer navigation-assisted surgery is safe and has reduced our intralesional resection rate for primary tumours of the pelvis and sacrum. We recommend this technique as being worthy of further consideration for this group of patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1417–24.

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of patients who underwent definitive surgery for secondary chondrosarcomas arising from osteochondromas. Patients and Methods. A total of 51 patients with secondary chondrosarcomas occurring from osteochondromas were reviewed. Median age was 36 years (interquartile range (IQR) 15 to 82). Median follow-up was 6.9 years (IQR 2.8 to 10.6). The pelvis was the most commonly affected site (59%). Histological grades were grade I in 35 (69%), grade II in 13 (25%), and grade III in three patients (6%). Results. Preoperative biopsy histology correctly predicted the final histological grade in 27% of patients. The ten-year disease-specific survival (DSS) for all patients was 89.4%. Local recurrence occurred in 15 patients (29%), more commonly in pelvic tumours (37%) compared with limb tumours (19%). Four patients with pelvic tumours died from progression of local recurrence. No patient with limb tumours died of disease. Wide/radical margin was associated with improved local recurrence-free survival (p = 0.032) and local recurrence was associated with worse DSS (p = 0.005). Conclusion. We recommend that a secondary chondrosarcoma arising from osteochondroma of the pelvis is resected with wide/radical resection margins. The balance between the morbidity of surgery and risk of local recurrence needs to be considered in patients with limb secondary chondrosarcomas. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1313–1320

Aims. The aim of this study was to identify factors that determine outcomes of treatment for patients with chondroblastic osteosarcomas (COS) of the limbs and pelvis. Patients and Methods. The authors carried out a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 256 patients diagnosed between 1979 and 2015. Of the 256 patients diagnosed with COS of the pelvis and the limbs, 147 patients (57%) were male and 109 patients (43%) were female. The mean age at presentation was 20 years (0 to 90). Results. In all, 82% of the patients had a poor response to chemotherapy, which was associated with the presence of a predominantly chondroblastic component (more than 50% of tumour volume). The incidence of local recurrence was 15%. Synchronous or metachronous metastasis was diagnosed in 60% of patients. Overall survival was 51% and 42% after five and ten years, respectively. Limb localization and wide surgical margins were associated with a lower risk of local recurrence after multivariable analysis, while the response to chemotherapy was not. Local recurrence, advanced patient age, pelvic tumours, and large volume negatively influenced survival. Resection of pulmonary metastases was associated with a survival benefit in the limited number of patients in whom this was undertaken. Conclusion. COS demonstrates a poor response to chemotherapy and a high incidence of metastases. Wide resection is associated with improved local control and overall survival, while excision of pulmonary metastases is associated with improved survival in selected patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:739–744

We report our early experience with the use of a new prosthesis, the Modular Hemipelvic Prosthesis II, for reconstruction of the hemipelvis after resection of a primary malignant peri-acetabular tumour involving the sacroiliac joint. . We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 17 patients who had undergone resection of a pelvic tumour and reconstruction with this prosthesis between July 2002 and July 2010. One patient had a type I+II+III+IV resection (ilium + peri-acetabulum + pubis/ischium + sacrum) and 16 had a type I+II+IV resection (ilium + acetabulum + sacrum). The outcome was assessed at a mean follow-up of 33 months (15 to 59). One patient was alive with disease, 11 were alive without disease and five had died of disease. The overall five-year survival rate was 62.4%. Six patients had a local recurrence. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score was 58% (33 to 77). Deep infection occurred in two patients, problems with wound healing in five and dislocation in one. For patients with a primary malignant peri-acetabular sarcoma involving the sacroiliac joint, we believe that this new prosthesis is a viable option for reconstruction of the bony defect left following resection of the tumour. It results in a satisfactory functional outcome with an acceptable rate of complications. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:399–405

Aims. Due to the complex anatomy of the pelvis, limb-sparing resections of pelvic tumours achieving adequate surgical margins, can often be difficult. The advent of computer navigation has improved the precision of resection of these lesions, though there is little evidence comparing resection with or without the assistance of navigation. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of navigation-assisted surgery for the resection of pelvic bone tumours involving the posterior ilium and sacrum. . Patients and Methods. Using our prospectively updated institutional database, we conducted a retrospective case control study of 21 patients who underwent resection of the posterior ilium and sacrum, for the treatment of a primary sarcoma of bone, between 1987 and 2015. The resection was performed with the assistance of navigation in nine patients and without navigation in 12. We assessed the accuracy of navigation-assisted surgery, as defined by the surgical margin and how this affects the rate of local recurrence, the disease-free survival and the effects on peri-and post-operative morbidity. . Results. The mean age of the patients was 36.4 years (15 to 66). The mean size of the tumour was 10.9 cm. In the navigation-assisted group, the margin was wide in two patients (16.7%), marginal in six (66.7%) and wide-contaminated in one (11.1%) with no intralesional margin. In the non-navigated-assisted group; the margin was wide in two patients (16.7%), marginal in five (41.7%), intralesional in three (25.0%) and wide-contaminated in two (16.7%). Local recurrence occurred in two patients in the navigation-assisted group (22.2%) and six in the non-navigation-assisted group (50.0%). The disease-free survival was significantly better when operated with navigation-assistance (p = 0.048). The blood loss and operating time were less in the navigated-assisted group, as was the risk of a foot drop post-operatively. Conclusion . The introduction of navigation-assisted surgery for the resection of tumours of the posterior ilium and sacrum has increased the safety for the patients and allows for a better oncological outcome. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:261–6

We report our experience of using a computer navigation system to aid resection of malignant musculoskeletal tumours of the pelvis and limbs and, where appropriate, their subsequent reconstruction. We also highlight circumstances in which navigation should be used with caution. We resected a musculoskeletal tumour from 18 patients (15 male, three female, mean age of 30 years (13 to 75) using commercially available computer navigation software (Orthomap 3D) and assessed its impact on the accuracy of our surgery. Of nine pelvic tumours, three had a biological reconstruction with extracorporeal irradiation, four underwent endoprosthetic replacement (EPR) and two required no bony reconstruction. There were eight tumours of the bones of the limbs. Four diaphyseal tumours underwent biological reconstruction. Two patients with a sarcoma of the proximal femur and two with a sarcoma of the proximal humerus underwent extra-articular resection and, where appropriate, EPR. One soft-tissue sarcoma of the adductor compartment which involved the femur was resected and reconstructed using an EPR. Computer navigation was used to aid reconstruction in eight patients. Histological examination of the resected specimens revealed tumour-free margins in all patients. Post-operative radiographs and CT showed that the resection and reconstruction had been carried out as planned in all patients where navigation was used. In two patients, computer navigation had to be abandoned and the operation was completed under CT and radiological control. The use of computer navigation in musculoskeletal oncology allows accurate identification of the local anatomy and can define the extent of the tumour and proposed resection margins. Furthermore, it helps in reconstruction of limb length, rotation and overall alignment after resection of an appendicular tumour. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:258–64

Aims

For rare cases when a tumour infiltrates into the hip joint, extra-articular resection is required to obtain a safe margin. Endoprosthetic reconstruction following tumour resection can effectively ensure local control and improve postoperative function. However, maximizing bone preservation without compromising surgical margin remains a challenge for surgeons due to the complexity of the procedure. The purpose of the current study was to report clinical outcomes of patients who underwent extra-articular resection of the hip joint using a custom-made osteotomy guide and 3D-printed endoprosthesis.

Aims

Venous tumour thrombus (VTT) is a rare finding in osteosarcoma. Despite the high rate of VTT in osteosarcoma of the pelvis, there are very few descriptions of VTT associated with extrapelvic primary osteosarcoma. We therefore sought to describe the prevalence and presenting features of VTT in osteosarcoma of both the pelvis and the limbs.

Aims

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is the only mechanical connection between the axial skeleton and lower limbs. Following iliosacral resection, there is debate on whether reconstruction of the joint is necessary. There is a paucity of data comparing the outcomes of patients undergoing reconstruction and those who are not formally reconstructed.

Aim

There is insufficient evidence to support bony reconstruction of the pubis after a type III internal hemipelvectomy (resection of all or part of the pubis). In this study, we compared surgical complications, postoperative pain, and functional outcome in a series of patients who had undergone a type III internal hemipelvectomy with or without bony reconstruction.

Aims

Iliac wing (Type I) and iliosacral (Type I/IV) pelvic resections for a primary bone tumour create a large segmental defect in the pelvic ring. The management of this defect is controversial as the surgeon may choose to reconstruct it or not. When no reconstruction is undertaken, the residual ilium collapses back onto the remaining sacrum forming an iliosacral pseudarthrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term oncological outcome, complications, and functional outcome after pelvic resection without reconstruction.

Aims

Iliosacral sarcoma resections have been shown to have high rates of local recurrence (LR) and poor overall survival. There is also no universal classification for the resection of pelvic sarcomas invading the sacrum. This study proposes a novel classification system and analyzes the survival and risk of recurrence, when using this system.

Aims

Although internal hemipelvectomy is associated with a high incidence of morbidity, especially wound complications, few studies have examined rates of wound complications in these patients or have identified factors associated with the consequences. The present study aimed to: 1) determine the rate of wound and other complications requiring surgery after internal hemipelvectomy; and 2) identify factors that affect the rate of wound complications and can be used to stratify patients by risk of wound complications.

Aims

Controversy exists as to what should be considered a safe resection margin to minimize local recurrence in high-grade pelvic chondrosarcomas (CS). The aim of this study is to quantify what is a safe margin of resection for high-grade CS of the pelvis.

Aims

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary sarcoma of bone: conventional chondrosarcoma accounts for 85% of all cases. Conventional chondrosarcoma may be central or peripheral. Most studies group central and peripheral chondrosarcomas together, although there is growing evidence that their clinical behaviour and prognosis differ. The aims of this study were to analyze any differences in characteristics between central and peripheral chondrosarcomas and to investigate the incidence and role of different syndromes.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the local recurrence rate at an extended follow-up in patients following navigated resection of primary pelvic and sacral tumours.

Aims

There is an increased risk of dislocation of the hip after the resection of a periacetabular tumour and endoprosthetic reconstruction of the defect in the hemipelvis. The aim of this study was to determine the rate and timing of dislocation and to identify its risk factors.

Aims

Our aim was to develop and validate nomograms that would predict the cumulative incidence of sarcoma-specific death (CISSD) and disease progression (CIDP) in patients with localized high-grade primary central and dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma.

Aims

Malignancy and surgery are risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We undertook a systematic review of the literature concerning the prophylactic management of VTE in orthopaedic oncology patients.

Aims

Survival rates and local control after resection of a sarcoma of the pelvis compare poorly to those of the limbs and have a high incidence of complications. The outcome for patients who need a hindquarter amputation (HQA) to treat a pelvic sarcoma is poor. Our aim was to evaluate the patient, tumour, and reconstructive factors that affect the survival of the patients who undergo HQA for primary or recurrent pelvic sarcoma.

Resection of malignant bony tumours of the pelvis creates large bone and soft-tissue defects, and is frequently associated with complications such as wound dehiscence and deep infection. We present the results of six patients in whom a rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap was used following resection of a malignant tumour of the pelvis. Bony reconstruction was performed using a constrained hip tumour prosthesis in three patients, vascularised fibular graft in two and frozen autograft in one. At a mean follow-up of 63 months (16 to 115), no patients had a problem with the wound.

Immediate reconstruction using a RAM flap may be used after resection of a malignant tumour of the pelvis to provide an adequate volume of tissue to eliminate the dead space, cover the exposed bone or implants with well-vascularised soft tissue and to reduce the risk of complications.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:270–3.

Endoprosthetic replacement of the pelvis is one of the most challenging types of limb-salvage surgery, with a high rate of complications. In an attempt to reduce this and build greater versatility into the reconstruction process, a new type of pelvic endoprosthesis was developed in 2003, based on the old McKee-Farrar prosthesis. This study reviews the outcomes in 27 patients who had an ice-cream cone pelvic prosthesis inserted at two different specialist bone tumour centres in the United Kingdom over the past six years. The indications for treatment included primary bone tumours in 19 patients and metastatic disease in two, and six implants were inserted following failure of a previous pelvic reconstruction. Most of the patients had a P2+P3 resection as classified by Enneking, and most had resection of the ilium above the sciatic notch. The mean age of the patients at operation was 49 years (13 to 81). Complications occurred in ten patients (37.0%), of which dislocation was the most common, affecting four patients (14.8%). A total of three patients (11.1%) developed a deep infection around the prosthesis but all were successfully controlled by early intervention and two patients (7.4%) developed a local recurrence, at the same time as widespread metastases appeared. In one patient the prosthesis was removed for severe pain.

This method of treatment is still associated with high morbidity, but early results are promising. Complications are diminishing with increasing experience.

Internal hemipelvectomy is a standard treatment for malignant tumours of the pelvis. Reconstruction using a non-vascularised fibular graft is relatively straightforward compared to other techniques. We describe the surgical and functional outcomes for a series of ten patients who underwent an internal hemipelvectomy (type I or I/IV) with reconstruction by a non-vascularised fibular graft between 1996 and 2009. A key prerequisite for this procedure was a preserved sciatic notch, confirmed pre-operatively on MRI.

Graft-host union was achieved in all patients with a single fibular graft, and in the lower graft where two grafts had been used. The mean time to union was 7.3 months (3 to 12). The upper graft did not unite in four of six cases where two grafts had been used. Seven patients were eventually able to walk without a stick. The mean post-operative Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score was 75.4% (16.7 to 96.7). There were no cases of deep post-operative infection. The mean pelvic shortening was 0.9 cm (0.2 to 3.4). Recurrent tumour occurred in three cases, and death from tumour-related disease occured in one.

Patients who need an internal hemipelvectomy will do well if their pelvic ring is reconstructed with a non-vascularised fibular graft. The complication rate is low, and they attain a good functional outcome.

Aims

The aim of the study was to investigate the controversial issue of whether the pelvic ring should be reconstructed following resection of the sarcomas of the ilium.

We evaluated the oncological and functional outcome of 18 patients, whose malignant bone tumours were excised with the assistance of navigation, and who were followed up for more than three years. There were 11 men and seven women, with a mean age of 31.8 years (10 to 57). There were ten operations on the pelvic ring and eight joint-preserving limb salvage procedures. The resection margins were free of tumour in all specimens. The tumours, which were stage IIB in all patients, included osteosarcoma, high-grade chondrosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone, and adamantinoma. The overall three-year survival rate of the 18 patients was 88.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 75.4 to 100). The three-year survival rate of the patients with pelvic malignancy was 80.0% (95% CI 55.3 to 100), and of the patients with metaphyseal malignancy was 100%. The event-free survival was 66.7% (95% CI 44.9 to 88.5). Local recurrence occurred in two patients, both of whom had a pelvic malignancy. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 26.9 points at a mean follow-up of 48.2 months (22 to 79).

We suggest that navigation can be helpful during surgery for musculoskeletal tumours; it can maximise the accuracy of resection and minimise the unnecessary sacrifice of normal tissue by providing precise intra-operative three-dimensional radiological information.

The aim of this study was to define the treatment criteria for patients with recurrent chondrosarcoma. We reviewed the data of 77 patients to examine the influence of factors such as the intention of treatment (curative/palliative), extent of surgery, resection margins, status of disease at the time of local recurrence and the grade of the tumour. A total of 70 patients underwent surgery for recurrent chondrosarcoma. In seven patients surgery was not a viable option. Metastatic disease occurred in 41 patients, appearing synchronously with the local recurrence in 56% of cases. For patients without metastasis at the time of local recurrence, the overall survival at a mean follow-up after recurrence of 67 months (0 to 289) was 74% (5 of 27) compared with 19% (13 of 50) for patients with metastasis at or before the development of the recurrence. Neither the type/extent of surgery, site of tumour, nor the resection margins for the recurrent tumour significantly influenced the overall survival.

With limited survival for patients with metastatic disease at the time of local recurrence (0% for patients with grade III and de-differentiated chondrosarcoma), palliative treatment, including local radiation therapy and debulking procedures, should be discussed with the patients to avoid long hospitalisation and functional deficits. For patients without metastasis at the time of local recurrence, the overall survival of 74% justifies an aggressive approach including wide resection margins and extensive reconstruction.

Peri-acetabular tumour resections and their subsequent reconstruction are among the most challenging procedures in orthopaedic oncology. Despite the fact that a number of different pelvic endoprostheses have been introduced, rates of complication remain high and long-term results are mostly lacking.

In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the outcome of reconstructing a peri-acetabular defect with a pedestal cup endoprosthesis after a type 2 or type 2/3 internal hemipelvectomy.

A total of 19 patients (11M:8F) with a mean age of 48 years (14 to 72) were included, most of whom had been treated for a primary bone tumour (n = 16) between 2003 and 2009. After a mean follow-up of 39 months (28 days to 8.7 years) seven patients had died. After a mean follow-up of 7.9 years (4.3 to 10.5), 12 patients were alive, of whom 11 were disease-free. Complications occurred in 15 patients. Three had recurrent dislocations and three experienced aseptic loosening. There were no mechanical failures. Infection occurred in nine patients, six of whom required removal of the prosthesis. Two patients underwent hindquarter amputation for local recurrence.

The implant survival rate at five years was 50% for all reasons, and 61% for non-oncological reasons. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at final follow-up was 49% (13 to 87).

Based on these poor results, we advise caution if using the pedestal cup for reconstruction of a peri-acetabular tumour resection.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1706–12.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and oncological outcome of extracorporeally irradiated autografts used to reconstruct the pelvis after a P1/2 internal hemipelvectomy.

The study included 18 patients with a primary malignant bone tumour of the pelvis. There were 13 males and five females with a mean age of 24.8 years (8 to 62). Of these, seven had an osteogenic sarcoma, six a Ewing’s sarcoma, and five a chondrosarcoma. At a mean follow-up of 51.6 months (4 to 185), nine patients had died with metastatic disease while nine were free from disease. Local recurrence occurred in three patients all of whom eventually died of their disease. Deep infection occurred in three patients and required removal of their graft in two while the third underwent a hindquarter amputation for extensive flap necrosis.

The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score of the 16 patients who could be followed-up for at least 12 months was 77% (50 to 90). Those 15 patients who completed the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score questionnaire had a mean score of 71% (53 to 85).

Extracorporeal irradiation and re-implantation of bone is a valid method of reconstruction after an internal hemipelvectomy. It has an acceptable morbidity and a functional outcome that compares favourably with other available reconstructive techniques.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1404–10

We treated 98 patients with peri-acetabular tumours by resection and reconstruction with a custom-made pelvic endoprosthesis. The overall survival of the patients was 67% at five years, 54% at ten years and 51% at 30 years. One or more complications occurred in 58.1% of patients (54), of which infection was the most common, affecting 30% (28 patients). The rate of local recurrence was 31% (29 patients) after a mean follow-up of 71 months (11 to 147). Dislocation occurred in 20% of patients (19). Before 1996 the rate was 40.5% (17 patients) but this was reduced to 3.9% (two patients) with the introduction of a larger femoral head. There were six cases of palsy of the femoral nerve with recovery in only two. Revision or excision arthroplasty was performed in 23.7% of patients (22), principally for uncontrolled infection or aseptic loosening. Higher rates of death, infection and revision occurred in men.

This method of treatment is still associated with high morbidity. Patients should be carefully selected and informed of this pre-operatively.

We reviewed the outcome of patients who had been treated operatively for symptomatic peri-acetabular metastases and present an algorithm to guide treatment.

The records of 81 patients who had been treated operatively for symptomatic peri-acetabular metastases between 1987 and 2010 were identified. There were 27 men and 54 women with a mean age of 61 years (15 to 87). The diagnosis, size of lesion, degree of pelvic continuity, type of reconstruction, World Health Organization performance status, survival time, pain, mobility and complications including implant failure were recorded in each case.

The overall patient survivorship at five years was 5%. The longest lived patient survived 16 years from the date of diagnosis. The mean survival was 23 months (< 1 to 16 years) and the median was 15 months. At follow-up 14 patients remained alive. Two cementoplasties failed because of local disease progression. Three Harrington rods broke: one patient needed a subsequent Girdlestone procedure. One ‘ice-cream cone’ prosthesis dislocated and was subsequently revised without further problems. We recommend the ‘ice-cream cone’ for pelvic discontinuity and Harrington rod reconstruction for severe bone loss. Smaller defects can be safely managed using standard revision hip techniques.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:132–6.

A total of 157 hindquarter amputations were carried out in our institution during the last 30 years. We have investigated the reasons why this procedure is still required and the outcome. This operation was used as treatment for 13% of all pelvic bone sarcomas. It was curative in 140 and palliative in 17, usually to relieve pain. There were 90 primary procedures (57%) with the remaining 67 following the failure of previous operations to control the disease locally. The indication for amputation in primary disease was for large tumours for which limb-salvage surgery was no longer feasible. The peri-operative mortality was 1.3% (n = 2) and major complications of wound healing or infection arose in 71 (45%) patients. The survival at five years after hindquarter amputation with the intent to cure was 45%, and at ten years 38%. Local recurrence occurred in 23 patients (15%). Phantom pain was a significant problem, and only 20% used their prosthesis regularly. Functional scores were a mean of 57%. With careful patient selection the oncological results and functional outcomes of hindquarter amputation justify its continued use.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:127–31.

We aimed to identify the incidence, outcome and prognostic factors associated with spindle cell sarcomas of bone (SCSB). We studied 196 patients with a primary non-metastatic tumour treated with the intent to cure. The results were compared with those of osteosarcoma patients treated at our hospital during the same period. The overall incidence of SCSB was 7.8% of all patients with a primary bone sarcoma. The five- and ten-year survival rates were 67.0% and 60.0%, respectively, which were better than those of patients with osteosarcoma treated over the same period. All histological subtypes had similar outcomes. On univariate analysis, factors that were significantly associated with decreased survival were age > 40 years, size > 8 cm, the presence of a pathological fracture, amputation, involved margins and a poor response to pre-operative chemotherapy. Multivariate analyses showed that age > 65 years, amputation and involved margins were all statistically significant prognostic factors. Involved margins and poor response to pre-operative chemotherapy were associated with an increased risk of local recurrence. SCSB has a better prognosis than osteosarcoma when matched for age. Most prognostic factors for osteosarcoma also seem to apply to SCSB. Patients with SCSB should be treated in the same way as patients of the same age with osteosarcoma.

We reviewed 124 patients with a conventional pelvic chondrosarcoma who had been treated over a period of 20 years. We recorded the type of tumour (central or peripheral), type of operation (limb salvage surgery or hemipelvectomy), the grade of tumour, local recurrence and/or metastases, in order to identify the factors which might influence survival.

More satisfactory surgical margins were achieved for central tumours or in those patients treated by hemipelvectomy. However, grade 1 tumours, whatever the course, did not develope metastases or cause death, while grade 3 tumours had the worst outcome and prognosis.

Central, high-grade tumours require aggressive surgical treatment in order to achieve adequate surgical margins, particularly in those lesions located close to the sacroiliac joint. By contrast, grade 1 peripheral chondrosarcomas may be treated with contaminated margins in order to reduce operative morbidity, but without reducing survival.

We describe a method of reconstruction using tumour-bearing autograft treated by liquid nitrogen in 28 patients. The operative technique consisted of en bloc excision of the tumour, removal of soft tissue, curettage of the tumour, drilling and preparation for internal fixation or prosthetic replacement before incubation for 20 minutes in liquid nitrogen, thawing at room temperature for 15 minutes, thawing in distilled water for ten minutes, and internal fixation with an intramedullary nail, plate or composite use of prosthetic replacement. Bone graft or cement was used to augment bone strength when necessary.

The limb function was rated as excellent in 20 patients (71.4%), good in three (10.7%), fair in three (10.7%), and poor in two (7.1%). At the final follow-up six patients had died at a mean of 19.8 months after the operation, while 21 remained free from disease with a mean follow-up of 28.1 months (10 to 54). One patient is alive with disease. Bony union was seen at a mean of 6.7 months after the operation in 26 patients. Complications were encountered in seven patients, including three deep infections, two fractures, and two local recurrences. All were managed successfully. Our results suggest that this is a simple and effective method of biological reconstruction.