Custom-made prosthesis replacement for reconstruction of elbow after tumor resection

HypothesisThe options for reconstruction after excision of a tumor around the elbow are technically difficult and limited.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 25 patients who underwent custom-made endoprosthetic reconstruction after tumor resection near the elbow between 1998 and 2007.ResultsAt final follow-up, 14 patients (56%) were alive, and 11 (44%) had died of their disease. Local recurrence was encountered in 4 patients (16%). Complications occurred in 6 patients (24%), including vascular injury, neurapraxia of the radial nerve, and aseptic loosening in 4. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93 score was 23.9 points, and the average Mayo Elbow Performance score was 82 points. Pain was relieved in all patients, although some limitations of lifting ability were reported. Ten patients had an arc of elbow motion of more than 100° after reconstruction.ConclusionsIn most patients, local tumor resection and prosthetic reconstruction of the elbow can be done with oncologic safety, and provides good function with low rates of complications.Level of evidenceLevel 4.