Orthopaedic management using new devices and prostheses.

Abstract

The goals of treatment for patients with metastatic disease are control of pain and maintenance of function. Prosthetic arthroplasty is a useful technique for selected indications. Specific indications include (1) reconstruction of large destructive areas that are not amenable to internal fixation, (2) salvage of failed internal fixation devices, and (3) salvage of lesions in which there are no radiotherapy options to prevent disease progression. Custom modular devices allow resection of varying segments of the skeleton. Immediate rigid fixation is achieved with cemented intramedullary stems. Patients are allowed to bear full weight as tolerated immediately postoperatively. A custom modular diaphyseal segmental replacement system allows resection of large diaphyseal lesions and immediate fixation. The complication rate is low after arthroplasty.