Functional results after reconstruction with modular tumor endoprostheses in patients with malignant bone tumors

Abstract

Introduction: The functional outcome in patients after limb salvage surgery, and in particular reconstructions with modular tumor endoprostheses, has been the subject of many international series, but only a few publications mention the functionality in a Bulgarian patient group. Aim: The aim of the present study was to analyze the functional outcome in a Bulgarian group of patients with malignant bone tumors that underwent resection and reconstruction with modular tumor endoprostheses. Materials and methods: Our series consists of 14 patients with malignant bone tumors who underwent limb salvage surgery and reconstruction with modular tumor endoprostheses between February 2012 and January 2021. Staging was done using the AJCC staging system for bone sarcoma. The MSTS score system was used to evaluate the functional results. Results: The mean follow-up time was 38.5 months (range, 8 to 96). The mean MSTS score for our series was 70%. Distant metastases were found in 4 (28%) patients. Local recurrence occurred in 3 (21%) patients. The most severe late complication was a mechanical failure of the expanding mechanism in 1 patient. Conclusions: Reconstruction with modular tumor endoprostheses offer superb functionality and improved life quality in patients with primary malignant bone tumors.