Megaprostheses for the treatment of malignantbone tumours of the lower limbs

Lower limb salvage surgery remains a challenge in orthopaedic oncology. Both cemented and cementless, modular, endoprosthetic systems are widely used to treat defects of different sizes. The systems have changed over the years, and each major orthopaedic company offers a modular tumour and revision system for the lower extremities. All systems have worse long-term results compared to conventional total hip or total knee systems. This is due to the large defects that need to be bridged with a more difficult fixation in the diapyhsis of the femur and tibia and a more complex restoration of joint biomechanics. This article summarises the results of several clinical studies with different systems. Newer systems without clinical follow-up are described. We previously reported a prospective study of 50 consecutive patients treated with the MUTARS endoprostheses. The follow-up was 2–7 years. Clinical evaluation showed good results compared to other systems. The review of the literature and our own results do not validate the support or favouring of one specific system. The surgeon should choose a system with which he/she is familiar and that provides the modularity needed intraoperatively to bridge any defect in the lower limbs.